So what did I finally decide on for my laceweight single?
I actually experimented with a couple of different patterns, including the seafoam pattern which had a drop stitch and a tilting block pattern that had alternating bias lines that I thought might get me my zig-zagging. No pictures because neither of them really got me to where I wanted to go.
Then I thought I might try the Pearl Barred Scallop pattern (from Barbara Walker's first treasury) along with a 4.0 mm needle. And I got exactly what I was looking for.
Curious about what it might look like close up?
These two photos are of almost the same reason. Makes it pretty clear why blocking is a good thing -- or at least why it can make a significant difference.
It may not be the most complicated or sophisticated pattern (there is really only one pattern row, alternated with a simple purl row) but that actually makes it a more user-friendly project for me right now. And given how far I've gotten on only a couple of color cycles, it's clear to me that this scarf will be quite long when completed. It's 20" in the "blocked" state and I've got well over 2/3rds of the single left to go. Ahhhhh... 6 feet of rainbow zig-zaggy stripeyness. My wardrobe will never be the same!
I can understand now why you wanted it to 'move' rather than have horizontal stripes. It's really quite lovely, the way the stripes are wavy.
Celia
It looks great. You are really cooking with that little spindle of yours.
Who cares if it's complicated or terribly sophisticated. It's *gorgeous*! Fantastic way to showcase your homespun. Congrats! I have very much enjoyed this journey as it's been revealed in your blog. I hope I can find something similar in my own handspun soon. :)
Gorgeous!!! The undulations of the stripes is really pretty.
Ah, that's much better - shows the pattern and the colours without either competing. It should be fabulous. On top of the great look, the singles aren't biasing either (or maybe I should ask, did it bias at all before the blocking?). Now I'll have to try knitting up singles, too. Well done!
Ooohh!!!! :)
It's gorgeous!
Perfect pattern for what you were after - and the colors look great in it!
Very cool! I really have to summon up the courage to try knitting with my singles one of these days . . . or with my plyed-yarn, for that matter!
I think I used that scallop on a scarf I made my mother from Lorna's Laces. That scallop loves hand dyed yarns. Yours is lovely!
That's so beautiful! I agree with the others-- who cares if it's simple. It's still simply gorgeous!
Most impressive choice. Looking good!
Tanya
Awesome - the difference between the old swatch and the current scarf is stunning.
That is stunning! I love it.
Undulation nation.
;-)
I love it! It's so great when you find the perfect pattern.
Nice! I covet your zig zaggy stripey rainbow goodness. It is going to be worthy of display when you are done.
Beautiful! Excellent choice. :-)
I think it is just gorgeous...just the ticket and sooooo pretty and happy looking. I love the colors. Take care.
that is beautiful! you really knew what you wanted! looks like the pattern was made for that yarn.
Gorgeous! Great choice on the pattern, and kudos to you for not giving up until you found the right pattern.
Good for you for continuing to experiment until you got what you wanted. It looks really good.
I think you should call it "classy who" when it's done. It's so pretty, but the stripes and how long it will be makes me think of a doctor who scarf!
Love the pattern!!! Definitely worth the many redos and all the froggin. Can't wait to see the finished product.
The perfect marriage of yarn and pattern! That scarf is just lovely Theresa and the fact that you spun it yourself must have you bursting with pride!! And rightfullly so!! Well done!