Just because it is hand painted yarn does not make it pretty. I tried a lot of different things to the swatches that I knitted trying to get something pleasing out of this yarn, but it was not going to happen. I did not want to discard this yarn because it is 100% alpaca and is just so, so soft. What to do?
Enter a beautiful color. By adding a beautiful color to the ugly color it spread out the ugly which ended up in a pleasing blend.
This happens in scrap quilts too. Use those "what was I thinking" and ugly fabrics in your quilt tops. This owl fabric is a good example. Taken individually, it stands up and shouts "look at me!".
But look what happens when you add it to a lot of other fabrics.
Those unfortunate fabrics will work, I promise.
Hmmm..wonder if this would work for me...surround myself with beauty and I will look better? LOL! I love the picture on the previous post of the frost. Nature is so incredible.
ReplyDeleteOf course those blocks work! Hoo will even notice them once the quilt is done *s*
ReplyDeleteActually that knitted cap is probably even more lovely for the addition of the other yarn!
ReplyDeleteNo yarn or fabric, whether ugly, used, or whatever, is ever going to stump you. You rock. I love the hat!
ReplyDeleteamazing how bright can enliven a project!
ReplyDeleteThat is a beau-ti-ful save, Paula! It was just meant to be. Like the saying goes: "I don't make mistakes...just opportunities." ;)
ReplyDeletethanks for the advice! love the hat!
ReplyDeleteGreat examples!
ReplyDeleteGreat yarn solution!
ReplyDeletethat's a great tip for ugly yarn. I've got some and like you don't want to waste it. will give that a try. nice hat!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Cheri and I love that owl fabric.
ReplyDeleteI must be brave and try as I have so much "what was I thinking" fabric.
ReplyDeleteGreat save for the yarn. You're right - I think that in a crowd the ugly fabric adds interest and makes the quilt richer, but by itself it just looks ugly.
ReplyDeleteGreat lesson - maybe this is why some of our projects end up as UFOs - just have not found the right 'friends'. 8-))
ReplyDeleteThe hat turned out very beautiful. Genius you are, my friend!
ReplyDeleteHmmmm, fabric is OK when you cut is small enough, I have heard...but what to do with yarn, LOL!!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of combining yarns! I was given some "interesting" yarn this winter, but yes - I can see it mixed with a 2nd yarn! I love that Paton's Classic wool and am currently knitting a cable scarf with it - the pattern shows up really well! (I finished those socks I was having trouble on the toes with - yes, I ended up ripping it back and then since I did that I ripped to the heel and ribbed the foot while I was at it - much better!) And scrap quilts - I generally will use anything and everything as long as it "reads" the way I want it too - usually I think in terms of seasons - summer, winter, fall, winter and that owl fabric fits right in to my fall catagory. Cheers! Evelyn
ReplyDeleteYou have an excellent eye for color! Everything turned out lovely!
ReplyDeleteVicki