machine knitting midgauge standard bulky machknit knit machine-knit patterns

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

More silk scarves...a few triumphs, a lot of blunders


I'm trying out some new (to me) techniques. The first is done using Pebeo black and bronze (which you can't see very well) water soluble gutta. Not too happy with the black, because I think I snipped off the tip too far down, making the hole too large, causing the lines to be too thick. Always something with being a newbie. The butterflies are a little overwhelming, even though I adore the colors.

On the second scarf, I had a lot of fun because it wasn't so taxing. Just blobs of color, let them spread, put a teaspoon of salt in the centers. Easily entertained, I was fascinated by the salt as it both repelled and attracted the color, ending up looking like real flower centers and adding texture. Then I painted the whole thing with Jaquard no flow, I think it's called, so that I could outline the flowers with black and not have the ink spread. Then finally I ironed it to set the dyes and washed it in Synthrapol.

Just like when you photograph knits, the items look lots better in person.

Here is a closeup of the salt effect.

I think you also need that touchability to appreciate.


Still having fun, but I REALLY need to get back to my knitting machines.