The response to my squares last week was interesting. I was intrigued that anyone liked (even, more intriguing to me was that a couple of people preferred) the square I disliked the most.
In the end, though, while I appreciated the kind comments and suggestions, and though I liked a couple of the color combinations I had worked up last week, I knew I wouldn't be satisfied working with those sweet colors for a year's worth of blocks. So I went back to Ravelry and looked at more examples of finished blankets made with various types of blocks. I concluded that what excites me most is not the carefully selected and perfectly tended color schemes (as beautiful as they are to behold), but rather, my heart always does a little flippity-flip over the really colorful blankets -- blankets that are crafted with bright, often riotous, sometimes dissonant colors. They don't just make my heart happy, they fascinate me. I need to study these blankets some more (to understand better how and why the really spectacular ones work), but I've decided this kind of colorful blanket is what I truly want to create in my first BAM CAL (that's Block-A-Month Crochet-A-Long, in case I haven't mentioned it before). Even if mine doesn't turn out spectacular, I want to try my hand at making one.
I think, in my heart of hearts, what I really want is to make a true "scrapghan", but I don't have enough scraps to actually do that so back to my stash I went.
In my previous searching through finished blankets, it occurred to me (or maybe I actually saw) that Lion Brand Heartland yarn would make a nice looking blanket - with its slightly heathered look in a good number of different colorways. I had some skeins of Heartland in my stash and with a sale at Jo-Ann's (plus another discount coupon =^) I pulled together some colors that I thought might work:
Hmmm... Well, that's a start to some interesting color combinations, but honestly... I don't think I care for the construction and design of this square much. It's flimsy and floppier than I think I'd like to have in this blanket, but I'll keep it in case it comes in handy.
Then I made this:
First off, I love the design of this square (it's called Floral Dimension). While I was going for something of a fall mum effect with these colors, I'm hopeful that some other (non-autumn) colors will work alongside this square (in a "scrappy" sort of way). If I end up with a year's worth of autumny colored squares I can't imagine being unhappy, but I'm holding out hope here at the beginning that I can work in more colors - colors that aren't (at first glance) natural companions of the colors above.
So! Rather than an actual color scheme, I guess I have a yarn theme for my blocks. Using the Heartland yarns as my inspiration, I will plan to use various colors of heathered worsted weight acrylic yarn to make my BAM CAL squares this year. And we'll just see how varied the different squares actually get - and we'll see if they actually go together. I definitely feel like I can play with these (and more) colors for the next 12 months.
In the end, though, while I appreciated the kind comments and suggestions, and though I liked a couple of the color combinations I had worked up last week, I knew I wouldn't be satisfied working with those sweet colors for a year's worth of blocks. So I went back to Ravelry and looked at more examples of finished blankets made with various types of blocks. I concluded that what excites me most is not the carefully selected and perfectly tended color schemes (as beautiful as they are to behold), but rather, my heart always does a little flippity-flip over the really colorful blankets -- blankets that are crafted with bright, often riotous, sometimes dissonant colors. They don't just make my heart happy, they fascinate me. I need to study these blankets some more (to understand better how and why the really spectacular ones work), but I've decided this kind of colorful blanket is what I truly want to create in my first BAM CAL (that's Block-A-Month Crochet-A-Long, in case I haven't mentioned it before). Even if mine doesn't turn out spectacular, I want to try my hand at making one.
I think, in my heart of hearts, what I really want is to make a true "scrapghan", but I don't have enough scraps to actually do that so back to my stash I went.
In my previous searching through finished blankets, it occurred to me (or maybe I actually saw) that Lion Brand Heartland yarn would make a nice looking blanket - with its slightly heathered look in a good number of different colorways. I had some skeins of Heartland in my stash and with a sale at Jo-Ann's (plus another discount coupon =^) I pulled together some colors that I thought might work:
Then I made this:
Oooh... Oooh yeah.
First off, I love the design of this square (it's called Floral Dimension). While I was going for something of a fall mum effect with these colors, I'm hopeful that some other (non-autumn) colors will work alongside this square (in a "scrappy" sort of way). If I end up with a year's worth of autumny colored squares I can't imagine being unhappy, but I'm holding out hope here at the beginning that I can work in more colors - colors that aren't (at first glance) natural companions of the colors above.
So! Rather than an actual color scheme, I guess I have a yarn theme for my blocks. Using the Heartland yarns as my inspiration, I will plan to use various colors of heathered worsted weight acrylic yarn to make my BAM CAL squares this year. And we'll just see how varied the different squares actually get - and we'll see if they actually go together. I definitely feel like I can play with these (and more) colors for the next 12 months.
~~~~~~
And for some instant gratification, yesterday I decided to whip up these little Crocheted Stars:
Mine are made with Paton's Grace 100% cotton and a size F crochet hook, so they turned out really small (2 1/5 inches from point to point). The pattern was offered up in Our Happy CAL Place for last week's CAL Challenge and what a happy, easy challenge it was. :)
To see what other Yoppers are up to, visit our group on Ravelry.
I love your creative process of trying different colour combinations and patterns. Very inspiring.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteYour color combos are great. I believe your heart is the most important thing to listen to. On such a large project you truly have to LOVE the colors and the patterns.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Marsha. It took me a week of experimenting to listen to what I believe my heart was telling me. I feel both excited and peaceful about the whole thing now.
DeleteI love your distinctive choice of colours and patterns. Strangely, I like the first one. Though I can see why you would think it is a bit floppy. As you say, it might come in useful one day.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Una.
DeleteI agree I prefer the floral dimension square too but they are both lovely and how exciting. And the stars are pretty xx
ReplyDeleteThank you, Faith. :)
DeleteWhile I always love a good color scheme, sometimes the haphazardness of all the colors can work really well, too.
ReplyDeleteYes! I'm hoping my blanket ends up being a happy mix of somewhat haphazard colors and designs!
DeleteOoh they are lovely too! I love all your trials, are you going to put them together in a big blanket? I love watching your deliberations.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lucy. I will only put together into one blanket squares that work together. I don't see last week's squares working with what I created this week (and the yarns I plan to use from here on out).
DeleteI like how you did what made your heart happy.
ReplyDeleteHi there. No, I'm not new to sock knitting :O). I am new to the afterthought heel technique. I usually knit cuff down with a standard slipped stitch heel. I've tried in the past the Eye of Partridge heel and a garter/slipped stitch one. I've knit toe up once. I learned Magic Loop a long time ago but that close knitting of switching to the other side cramps my hands too much. I'm a DPN's girl at heart, having learned it from my first month of knitting.
DeleteAhhh... I kind of wondered after I posted that comment on your blog. That explains your perfect, beautiful stitches! I haven't even been tempted to try sock knitting, but I will say, DPN's look wicked-confusing to me. ;^)
DeleteI know what you mean...color is the hardest part for me so that's why I copy color schemes I see that I like (like yours...lol!) You have a winner in those colors and I must admit I am a solid person....not too much open work or lacy look for me. Those are both beautiful and your little stars are so cute!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sam. I'm actually thankful that this month had a couple of open designs because it helped me determine the same thing - not real crazy about them in a blanket (unless the whole thing is open, maybe...).
DeleteIt is great to see your colour design work in progress. It will be a good reference point for you in the future too. You have certainly made a great start on your blanket, and I love your use of white and yellow in the Floral Dimensions block.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cyra! What shows up as white is really more of a creamy color. I feel like my greatest uncertainty at the moment is how/if my off-white, grays and blues will work with the warm nature tones of this square. I suspect that I will end up eliminating some colors (especially neutrals) as I go. I'm so excited to see how this all works! Or doesn't work, I suppose. ;^)
DeletePerfect colours for a fall Mum pattern block. I'll be interested to see what's next. Some deep indigo blues and emerald greens might contrast nicely :)
ReplyDeleteI was thinking similarly! I have two or three shades each of greens and blue. I'm really looking forward to using them. I wonder how much the blocks' designs will serve as inspiration for colors. I'm really looking forward to experiencing the whole process this year.
DeleteI would just pick what you love. Once they are all together they will work, though you likely won't see it during the process. Will each block pattern be different, or will you use the same block stitched in different colours?
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about not being able to see how the blocks will work together until more are made (or until they're actually laid out together. It's been helpful to read how more seasoned BAMCAL-ers experience exactly what you describe and I am seeing that trusting in this will be a learning experience in this CAL, too. This blanket will be made of different blocks (blocks that are revealed each month in the BAMCAL group, or blocks of my choosing).
DeleteI like both squares a lot, so I am of no help at all here :) Colors are absolutely amazing, they remind me of a spice market for some reason... It will definitely make a gorgeous blanket! This little monthly challenge is such a great idea, love that the goal is pretty doable and allows you to work on other projects as well!
ReplyDeleteOh!!! I do so love both color combinations and the Flower square truly does look like a beautiful Mum in the center!
ReplyDelete(And Heartland is one of my favorite yarns!)