This December calls for strong measures. Fresh scents of evergreen and strong coffee. I brightened the greens in this to make the overall effect a little more cheerful, and dubbed the two greens ‘Blue Spruce’ since I used some of every blue dye color I have to make them. Our ‘Java’ (or chocolate?) got some cream and sugar, and I was ready for some dyeing.
Our wool is what led me to look for a brown something inspiration. This Finn Humbug is natural white and natural tan wool that is then combed together only once or twice to leave strong streaks of each color. You can see the natural colors at one point in the variegated pattern. Finn sheep are not real large, and tend to have ‘litters’ of lambs, often 3-4 rather than the more normal singles and twins of other sheep. You can learn more about the breed from the FinnSheep Breeders Association. The wool is medium, so best for outerwear, or are great in felting projects. If you’d like to keep the marl throughout, I’d suggest pulling off sections and spinning semi-woolen from the fold. You can also spin worsted from the end, as you spin across you’ll get areas of the overdyed white and overdyed brown, which will also be interesting. And of course, if you don’t like the way I’ve put the colors on the fiber….rearrange it!
I had a lot of fun coming up with this striping pattern, and I really love how it turned out….bold areas of the two greens of the Blue Spruce, and an equally bold section of Java, cream, and sugar. The yarn is Safari, a sturdy blend of 75% Superwash Corriedale Wool and 25% Nylon. Most of my personal socks are made of this base, and I’ve yet to wear a pair out. Once knit up and washed, the yarn plumps up nicely and lends a great cush to the foot, and soft warmth. The sample above is a 64 stitch tube, at about 8 stitches per inch. The kettle dyed variations in the breen and tan sections really lend movement to the pattern, and are nice and random to keep your interest through the knitting to see how the next section will turn out.
December’s Tiger Club will be closing early on December 10, I have one sock spot left open. I’m planning to dye and ship early so I can enjoy some days off with my family, then dive into everything in my studio to take inventory. I hope you will find creative ways to make your season as merry and bright as possible this year.
