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What would you do?
Perhaps I should save this for the "Weird Things About Me" meme, but I've just got to say it: I'm stubborn. Horribly stubborn. Like 'I will always win at chicken' stubborn, despite what injuries may occur. (I don't believe that I'm stubborn when it comes to reasoning and logic and getting along with other people, but I could be fooling myself.)
I am stubborn about my knitting, though. Like when I should just stop knitting and look for a solution or a different project, instead I carry on.
Which is just what happened with my latest project. There I was knitting away and making fabulous progress. And then I added a new ball of yarn. [doom]
Sure, I noticed when I was winding the skein into a yarncake -- this one was more variegated in hues than the last. And I saw it right away as I was knitting; the stripes, the tonal changes from pale tomato to a dark crimson. But I just kept knitting.
Now I have a finished scarf (ends woven in, washed, and blocked - all of it), and its just not working. One side of the scarf is nearly completely solid tomato, the slight variations only noticeable to the knitter. The other side is boldly and beautifully striped! (This was the effect from the yarn that I wanted when I purchased it -- the more solid skein being the heartbreaker.)
So... what do I do? This scarf is meant as a donation to the Red Scarf Project. As I see it, there are a few options for me to play with:
- Work the split personality angle. Call it the Jekyll-Hyde scarf and let the recipient decide how flashy or tame he/she wants to be.
- Make up a batch of red Kool-Aid (black cherry, perhaps) and try to even up the colors some what.
- Split and separate the two versions and find the yarn to complete both. (ha ha ha -- this really isn't an option!)
- Hide it in the closet and never speak of this again.
So... which should I try?
Despite the issues with the coloring, this was a quick and fun scarf for me to work on. I learned a new technique (entrelac) and figured out a design element all by myself. (Yes, I'll take that cookie if you're offering.)
Specs:
- Pattern: modified Danica from Knitty to be ribbed around the neck like a seaman's scarf
- Yarn: Araucania Nature Wool Chunky in color 101
- Needles: size US#10.5 (6.5mm) Lantern Moon Ebony needles gifted to my by my MIL a few years ago (they're luxurious to knit with)
- Notes: Check your yarn before you purchase it. When you find the "perfect" colorway and go to grab for a second skein, verify that its truly the same not matter what the label says. Ah, but the yarn is so soft, cozy, and cuddley after its had it's bath.
Perhaps I'll go with option #4 and keep it all for myself - defying anyone to question what they see?!
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read comments
Hi, this blog has been upgraded, but I'm leaving the old pages online until the search engines catch up. If you want to join the discussion, this may be the page you're looking for on the new site.
It's a guy's scarf, right? Ask yourself, "Would a guy notice that there is a slight color difference?"
We generally don't pay much attention to that stuff. Good luck with your conundrum.
I like the two tone aspect of the scarf. I say go with option #1. It's very pretty.
I say Go With It and work the jekyll and hyde angle! I think the scarf is lovely, and look at you doing entrelac!
I think it looks fine! I can see the difference in variegation, but the base color is the same on both sides, right?
Send it!
I think it's a lovely scarf. :) sometimes you feel like a varigated scarf...sometimes you don't. :)
i thought the two color thing was a clever design feature that you added to the pattern. so i think you should keep it and call it a clever design feature that you added to the pattern because it is really pretty.
I'm with Matty and Jenn! A boy won't notice it, and a girl will think it's fun to have options!
I just have to ask ... which yarn is it? I wonder because I have some Four Play that is misbehaving and doing the exact same thing. I caught it pretty fast though and I had more yarn to work with (it is a sweater), so I am alternating my balls now.
I like option #1 - they can be bold or not. Their choice.
I don't have any advice on the color. Of course, I am a novice knitter, who hasn't even been checking the dye lots! I think it is beautiful, and I LOVE the pattern.
-Rachel