There are few things I like more than putting together shade combinations, and I have far too many innovative designs using colour to share with you in a single post, I’m back with a second installment.
We have linked to designers’ own websites where possible (because of ongoing accessibility issues with Ravelry), links to Ravelry pattern pages are marked with an asterisk (*).
As before, we’ve used out Favourite Sock merino 4 ply for all of these shade combos because it’s not only our most popular yarn, but also a versatile canvas for our full range of dye techniques.
Heat and cold
From left: Depth Charge, , Aquaphobia
The rich reds of ‘High Summer’ are amplified by the cool tones, adding a pop to this sumptuousness combination.
For an eye-catching fade project, we’d make a Blend In, Stand Out shawl by Brixton Purl.
© Brixton Purl
This shawl has an easily memorable lace stitch and can be worked in either three or five shades – wrap yourself in vibrant colour!
Work of art
From left: Brixton Purple, Ore, Spirulina, Bracken
The jewel tones of these semi-solids pick out Ore’s subtle speckles.
Why not paint a picture with Ann Weaver’s Rothko Sweater?
© Astrid Albert
The sweater is sized up to 152cm/60″ bust circumference. Its unusual, modular construction and colour block panels create a playground for the painterly effects of hand-dyed yarn.
Zingy colourwork palette
From left: Dancing in the Dark, Silver, Traffic Cone
A little dash of neon adds a modern twist to the traditional art of stranded colourwork. The Tremblant Toque by Dianna Walla has a graphic motif perfect for this bold combination.
© Dianna Walla
This brilliant free pattern would make a stylish gift knit, and also a manageable project for a colourwork novice. The design uses only a small amount of the contrast colours, so is ideal for scraps or mini-skeins (and we just happen to have Favourite Sock 20g Minis in Dancing in the Dark and Traffic Cone).
Enchanted forest
Left: Space Race, right: Flourish
These mottled greens play with light, shade and texture. I’ve got two leafy pattern suggestions for this combination, which you choose is down to how adventurous you’re feeling!
The Susurrate Shawl by Cara Davis Conomos is a brioche lace extravaganza. It’s definitely one for the experienced knitter, but wow! What a stunner.
© Gale Zucker
The two-tone relief effect is incredibly beautiful and reminiscent of leaf skeletons. It would be just perfect in this combination of mottled tonals.
If the idea of brioche lace makes your brain melt, what about the Algae Hat by Marie Amelie Designs?
© Marie Amelie Designs
The hat’s elegant motif is inspired by seaweed! It’s bold enough to work with colourways that have a bit of variation. The fold-over brim is such a nice thing to have on chilly winter days.
A big thank you to all the featured designers for granting permission for their images to be published here.
I hope this post and part 1 have helped you discover some new designers while inspiring you to think about colour in new ways.
We’d love to see your colourwork projects of all kinds, don’t forget to tag us if you’re sharing on Instagram.
