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by Jenny K on January 21, 2015
When you first start to explore color theory, chances are that you'll run across a lot of new terms (and they might seem at first to all refer to the same thing - color)! However, once you dive into this fascinating topic - you'll learn the subtle differences between things like hue, value, tint, shade and tone. To start, let's go over the broadest term in this group of color theory words: hue. In painting, hue actually refers to a pure color - red, yellow, blue - without any white or black added to it. But in a broader sense, hue is just a fancy word for color! Another term you'll come across is value - this word is synonymous to what we describe a color as light or dark. You can also think about value in terms of how bright a color is. Tint, shade and tone are three other terms you might see when reading through color theory. Let's explore these qualities a bit more in depth. |
Category Archives: Inspiration
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by Holly K on January 16, 2015
Have you ever heard of idyes? Me, neither! Alison, our fearless Knit Picks Director, tells me that they're acid dyes (like the kind Kim uses) but have a combination of cellulosic dye (for plant fibers such as cotton) and protein fiber dye (for animal fibers like silk), allowing you to use them on a large range of natural fiber projects. Inside each envelope is a little water-soluble packet (kind of like those dishwasher detergent nuggets) which you just pop into your washing machine and Vwalaa! You've dyed your own yarn. I asked her to describe her process and take some photos. Here we go! From Alison: "IDye packets can be a nice option for folks who |
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by Holly K on January 15, 2015
Have you ever dyed fiber with Jaquard Acid Dyes? Neither have I! Kim here at Knit Picks is a pro, though. So I asked her to do some dyeing and take some photos, and she made it looks so easy! She has two methods: one uses a crockpot and takes about 3 hours (including cooling time) and one uses a microwave and takes about (wait for it) 4 minutes! Can you believe it? It's totally clean and easy, too. Here's Kim's description of each method: From Kim: "I love to dye fiber! The bolder the better! Here I’m showing you two techniques that I used with wool fiber. |
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by Holly K on January 13, 2015
This week we're celebrating the dyeing process. Do you know anything about dyeing yarn? I know nothing. Hannah here at Knit Picks does, though! She even took a class on natural dyeing. So I asked her to show me how to dye yarn from a few blossoms she found in her garden and it was so easy I couldn't believe it. She wrote up the details and I made a video. Click through if you'd like to see! Harvesting: "I picked both Hollyhock (left) and Marigold (right) flowers from my garden in August. |
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by Jenny K on January 12, 2015
Whether you're wanting to create a custom Fair Isle palette or are looking to experiment with dyeing one of our special reserve Bare yarns, it all starts with color. Which is why this week we'll be exploring more about color theory! Color is all around us - it has the ability to affect our mood, it can make us feel energized, it can make us sleepy, it can make us hungry. And yes, it can even affect our knitting and crocheting! Although the study of color is quite complex, getting a good foundation of the basics is all you need to expand the possibilities of your craft. |
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by Holly K on January 10, 2015
Are you a relatively new knitter, or have you been knitting for a while? Our next podcast is devoted to new knitters and we want to know, “What is the biggest mistake you made in your early days?”. From gauge issues to pattern disasters, we want to know your biggest mess-ups. We also want to know what you wish you knew when you were starting out. Is there some small wisdom you could impart to those just starting to knit? If you have a contribution, email podcast@knitpicks.com. If we use your entry, you’ll receive a “charm pack” or our our favorite Knit Picks yarn in the mail. Email us, today! |
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by Holly K on January 9, 2015
We are definitely lovers of fair isle knitting around here, and whether it's the patterns from our new collection or elsewhere, we love marveling at the stranded knitting of crafters far and wide. Here's a round up of some of our favorite Ravelry fair isle projects (in a variety of yarn weights!), as well as a sneak peak behind the scenes of the photo shoot for the 2015 Knit Picks Fair Isle Collection. |
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by Jenny K on January 6, 2015
The middle of winter is often a stark landscape of whites and greys. We'd like to think of this as simply the perfect blank canvas for loads of color in all forms like fresh pops of color on garments and bright accessories. Nothing lends itself to the expression of color and mesmerizing patterns quite like Fair Isle. Preview our new collection and get a hefty dose of style inspiration, because we've got 8 ways to wear our new Fair Isle collection for you! BLUE SKIES OF WINTER by Gillian Grimm WEEKEND WHIMSY: You've got a date with a good book, a large mug of chai and your knitting project (obviously). Pair this cool mint cardigan with accent with rich shades like goldenrod and plum for a relaxed, yet striking color combo. |
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by Holly K on January 5, 2015
We had some amazing entries to our Knit Picks Handmade Holiday Contest, and we can now announce the winners! Yes, that's right, there are 2 winners. We had such great entries that we couldn't choose just one. The first winner is... |
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by Holly K on December 23, 2014
Have you finished your handmade gifts yet, or are you still working away, hoping to weave in those ends in time for Santa's visit? We're holding a contest to see your loved ones receiving your gifts made with Knit Picks yarn. Just take a photo of the recipient and their gift, upload it to Instagram, and tag it with #knitpicksholiday. If you aren't on Instagram, email your photo to podcast@knitpicks.com (yes, we know it's not part of a podcast). After the holidays have wrapped up, we'll pick a winner who will receive a fabulous "charm pack" of Knit Picks yarns. In the meantime, let's have a look at the handmade gifts of some Staffers here at Knit Picks! |
