For most of us, there is usually a choice between color and texture when creating a piece. I was with Shoshana from Wool Is Not Enough the other day when I saw something that allows for both. Sho is working on a blanket for a friend’s wedding. The blanket consists of a collection of 12″ squares that are sewn together to form the blanket. One square in particular caught my eye … here is a picture of it.
This is a square from the book The Great American Afghan, and it is done using the Ultra Alpaca by Borocco. The first thing that struck me about the square was the color! As you all know, blue is my favorite color. I also love the yarn choice and was surprised that I had not seen these colors before. Upon closer examination however, I realized that I had seen them! I just had never seen them together like this. Also, by having the lighter blue done in reverse stocking stitch (the purl side showing) and the darker blue in stocking stitch (the knit side showing), natural “peaks” and “valleys” are formed. This helps to give the lighter blue a “pop” that you wouldn’t get by just alternating in stocking stitch. Hence a way you can use BOTH color and texture together and not have a busy piece. There’s also another great side effect to this. The work is reversible, and has an equally stunning effect on the reverse. Check this out …
Now the lighter blue is a little more subdued in the background and the darker, brighter blue really pops! You can play with this alternation of colors and textures depending on your particular needs and desires. The colors don’t have to be complementary either – fully contrasting (i.e. black and white) would create equally stunning effects. I can imagine a reversible sweater designed using this combination of color and texture!
Hugzzz 😎