Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Yarn Along...

Second linen stitch scarf finished:


And a third one begun:


I think I may need an intervention.  This crochet stitch is so satisfyingly easy and intricate looking.  And every combination of yarns and colors is different from all the others.  I just can't seem to stop making these scarves!

In this third one I'm using Red Heart Unforgettable yarn in the colors, Echo and Petunia.  My thoughts about this yarn are mixed. The self-striping colors in both yarns work together in this pattern to make a pretty, almost mosaic-like pattern that is fascinating to watch grow.  Unforgettable is an acrylic yarn - and I love that it should be easy care.  While it doesn't feel scratchy at all, it is a bit less soft than some other acrylics, but it's certainly soft enough for a pretty (or handsome) scarf.  ;^)    

The spin is where it loses some points with me.  It is spun very haphazardly - in an intentional manner, I'm sure.  Its thickness ranges from tightly plied fingering weight to almost unspun slubs. I've had to cut out more than a few knots and slubby stretches of yarn and I can't say I like that.  I've seen pictures of some beautiful things created with this yarn, but after working with it, I'm re-thinking crocheting some lacy (or even larger) things I originally envisioned using it for. 

My overall thoughts are:  For scarves (and I imagine hats), it's terrific, and pretty reasonably priced.  I feels fine and, well...it is beautiful.   Some might say, unforgettable.  It comes in a variety of great colorways and two or more can be combined to make some amazing creations.  Again, everything I've seen made from this yarn looks great, but the way it is spun limits what I'd be willing to use it for.  When all is said and done, while I love it for these scarves, I'll probably think twice before using this yarn for other projects.  Two-week-later update:  I bought some more of this yarn. In two different colors.  The colors really are beautiful.  And I really am a bit insane over this linen stitch pattern.

A note on the scarves - in case it helps anyone else.  The beginning chain and row, for some reason, was more stretched out than the rest of the scarf in the first scarf I made, so I corrected this by, first of all, crocheting my chain and first row with a size smaller crochet hook than I used on the rest of the scarf, and then later (at any point in the crocheting) I go back (with the larger hook) and do a row of the linen stitch down the opposite side of the that beginning row.  It blends in perfectly - but I do recommend doing this before working the fringe. Now that I know to do this, I need to plan the color of that row as I'm starting out, but it's a very easy "correction" for what felt like a bit of a sloppy first row otherwise. 


This week I started reading The Last Runaway by Tracy Chevalier.  I haven't gotten far, but I'm all in after reading about the harrowing trip Honor Bright and her sister make to America on their sea-sickening voyage from England.

If you get this far, and are so inclined, I'd appreciate feedback on my font size.  I, personally, prefer a larger font - my eyes struggle to read smaller print.  But I have no idea how it appears to others. Any and all feedback regarding it is welcome this week since I'm experimenting a bit. 

Visit Jenny's Small Things' Yarn A-long to see what other yarn enthusiasts are working on this week..

16 comments:

  1. Both scarves look great!!

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  2. Love the scarves, they are such beautiful colours. Love the font size, makes it readable.

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    1. Thank you. When I was having trouble reading my own blog I knew something had to change. ;^) I do wonder how it looks on a variety of devices.

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  3. Oh, I love these scarves. The color combinations are amazing.

    Another vote for your font size - I like it. I struggle with blogs that have too small of a font or that do a white text on a black background. This is nice and crisp and easy on the eyes.

    Thank you for stopping by my blog today and for taking the time to comment!

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    1. Thank you, Melonie. That is exactly what I'm going for. Crisp and easy on the eyes. And thanks for commenting on the scarves. I do love making these.

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  4. They look really good, I love the colour combinations you've used.

    The font size is clear and readable for me but doesn't stand out as being unusually big either :)

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  5. oh I adore the colours of your scarves. As I am a beginner knitter and cannot crochet, this is beyond my skill set at the moment.

    Gill in Southern Ontario

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    1. Thank you, Gill. You have me beat on the knitting. I'm still trying to summon up the motivation to dive in to some knitted projected, so for now I'm hooking along enjoying my crocheting...

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  6. I love that 'Linen Stitch', I am going to have to try that. Thanks for the tip on the foundation row. And the font is just perfect.

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    1. Just be aware...you probably can't make just one. Once you see the variations that can be created you'll probably be hooked (pun totally intended) and will want to try different yarn combinations. I'm on my fourth one now!

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  7. The scarves look stunning. As for font size, I can't comment, I read them on my Kindle and enlarge!!

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    1. Thank you, Lucy. For both comments. I've been wondering how blogs (mine in particular) read on smaller devices. It didn't occur to me 'till reading your comment that I could at least see what it looks like on my Nook Color. Thanks for giving me the idea.

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  8. That's a wonderful stitch - woven looking. It looks thick and warm.

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    1. The scarves aren't thick like they would be if made with bulky yarns, but they are squishy soft. :^)

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