Some time late last fall I was working on some handspun yarn in vibrant green and another one in deep purples. At that time, I had considered combining the two colors together; but, I ended up keeping them as individual colors and using them to weave my first checkered scarf. There was a lot of learning in then in both the spinning of the yarn, and later in the weaving of the scarf.
Ever since then, though, that color combination has been stuck in my head. I set out to recreate it using similar colors. Eight ounces of merino wool were dyed for both colors. Then, those eight ounces of hand dyed fiber were split into four two-ounce sections and spun up on individual bobbins.
First was the Cerulean Tide in varying shades of blues and purples:
The other color was Yucatan, reminiscent of the turquoise and green waters in the early morning.
Upon doing some experimental plying of the two colors together, I changed my mind. I had to keep the colors "pure", and can combine the colors in the weaving.
So, here is the finished Cerulean Tide handspun yarn:
Yarn Details-
Color: Cerulean Tide
Fiber Source: My own hand painted Merino wool
Fiber Content: 100% merino wool, fiber imported from Australia
Spun on: Schacht Matchless Spinning Wheel
Yardage: 760 yds
Finished Weight: 7 1/8 oz
WPI: 18
Ply: 2
And, the Yucatan handspun.
Yarn Details-
Color: Yucatan
Fiber Source: My own hand painted Merino wool
Fiber Content: 100% merino wool, fiber imported from Australia
Spun on: Schacht Matchless Spinning Wheel
Yardage: 850 yds
Finished Weight: 8 oz
WPI: 20
Ply: 2
Here are the three yarns together, with the combo. Having the two colors together was ok, but just didn’t feel right. This is just for the record in case I decide to ever try it again, I have this as a color reference.
Lee Cockrum
I actually like the yarn with them plied together, but I understand that wasn’t the look that you had in mind!
Jun 19, 2009 @ 5:46 am
Benita
I agree with Lee. I do like the two plied together, but I can also see a 2/2 twill plaid from the purer colors – that way you get the solids AND the combination in one fabric.
Jun 19, 2009 @ 6:07 am
Cindy
I do like the colors blended but I really like it best as a transitional color between the two pure ones……..isn’t it neat to experiment with color?!
Jun 19, 2009 @ 6:38 am
Leslie
I look at things from a knitters view and really like all three — can’t you just see a striped (insert sweater, scarf, shawl) using the blend as the main color? Or a necktie knit on the bias? That would be one great rep tie!
Jun 19, 2009 @ 7:25 am
Roxie
Wonderful how the green makes the pink “pop.” I could wallow in the cerulean tide! Yummmmmo! Float me away to relaxationville.
Jun 19, 2009 @ 9:38 am
Peg in South Carolina
Ahh, too bad you have to destroy the effect and weave it up…..(grin!). Have you ever done braiding? Kumihimo? I haven’t the foggiest notion what to do with the braids, but some of your yarns just seem to be designed for braiding.
Jun 19, 2009 @ 12:04 pm
Michelle
I’ve spun roving in those colors before and combined a strand of each to see what it would look like and I made a note to never do it again.
Jun 19, 2009 @ 8:24 pm
Ginger
Yeah, what Cindy said. The two together are a good bridge, kinda like a watercolor quilt.
Jun 19, 2009 @ 9:46 pm
Saffron
Love the Cerulean Tide
(you knew that was comin’, right? 
)
Jun 19, 2009 @ 10:45 pm
Judi
And now I am wondering what all three yarns would look like in some sort of weaving project.
Jun 27, 2009 @ 5:55 pm