A yarn dyer shares 5 things to avoid with variegated yarn.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Hi everyone! Glad to be back with today's video for y'all. Now I mention it a lot here, but it bears repeating: these are all guidelines for making the most of your hand-dyed, variegated yarns. Opinions will vary (my own opinions vary and can shift on a case by case basis), so take from this what works, leave behind what doesn't apply and know that no one (especially not me) is judging your color choices or preferences in yarn. Also, I left a lot of space here for discussing the practice of alternating skeins. If you'd like to know more about that, check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGWxp5eDmbx-l6s Okay! Enjoy and check back here as I may add notes or thoughts that come to me later. ❤

[@bethn9219]

Hello, I’m looking for the video link you mentioned about making the cowl you showed. Something about a knitting machine. That sounded interesting as well. 🙂

[@Vmurph]

Taylor, Variegated is pronounced var-EE-UH-gay-ted, not var-i-gay-ted. Five syllables, not four. Your pronunciation is like saying varible instead of variable.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

@@Vmurpheh, tomAYto tomAHto. Let’s just call the whole thing off, to quote the lovely Ella Fitzgerald. But yes. I know it’s a five syllable word. However I use this word SO often that I’ve just sort of started dropping that one syllable in casual company. 😉

[@Vmurph]

@@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS Fair enough 😉✌🏻

[@VeretenoVids]

I wear mostly black, but I have a perverse love for socks knitted from "clown barf" yarn. That's mostly why I collect odd skeins of variegated yarns.

[@pampreviti2704]

YES! Hand dyed variegated yarn looks gorgeous in the skein, but knitting it can be very tricky. I find it helpful to see a pre-knitted swatch… otherwise, how in the world can you predict how it’s going to knit up? YOU CAN’T. I think yarn providers and hand dyers should always include a sample item or swatch. I know I would be more inclined to purchase this kind of yarn if I had an idea about how an FO was going to look.

[@rushiaj1222]

I try to order from buyers with swatches as well. I’ve been highly disappointed too many times 😂

[@teddybear5788]

The thing is, even a swatch doesn’t always tell you. It really depends on how you knit (in the round/flat) and how large the project is. In a flat swatch you might only get those single row stripes from the variegation without a noticeable patter, but the actual sock will have clean stripes, similar to the hat she shows at 6:32. It’s really almost impossible to predict, lol

[@iyawakarehen]

@@teddybear5788 i feel like the majority of people looking to buy hand dyed/variegated yarn already know that there's little chances of whatever you will knit with it will look like the swatch tbh but at least having a picture of what the yarn looks once knit gives you some idea of things like how long each colour sections are and how they're distributed that are almost impossible to know from seeing just a skein so you can guess a little about how the projects you have in mind may look.

[@beckyjohnson9917]

Thank you so much for all you do this information is so thorough for someone who is getting back into Knitting -

[@viktoriaschmied6627]

Typically I found that big selections and very few splatters with the same base throughout tend to work up on average the most reliably good. The latter is a bit like a flat tweed!

[@Chicken_Mama_85]

I wish online yarn shops would show a swatch picture with the yarn. Sometimes you see it, but not often enough.

[@KairiIsWeird]

My favorite thing to use variegated yarn for is actually a crochet stitch. These yarns looks fantastic when you are crocheting the dragon scale or crocodile stitch (same stitch, different name). The changes in color create a fantastic look with this stitch.

[@angelika9396]

That is true, my sister mainly uses granny stitch for variegated yarns and all projects come out great. It seems to be much easier to get a nice outcome than with knitting.

[@ninchen84]

I definitely have to try that. I always use moss stitch with variegated yarn. It almost looks like every single (visible) stitch is a new color.

[@LDaw_96]

Variegated yarn makes a beautiful granny square. It color changes without ends;)

[@EmilysTeaCup]

The way I am a slave to variegated and color changing yarn tho 😆 Its so beautiful I can never resist! I just LOVE color, solids never feed my color love the same, watching color change as Im knitting just makes me happy. That being said even I have to agree a lot of projects I want to knit just do not look good in variegated yarn 😢

[@catblues8645]

Same! ALL THE DOPAMINE ❤ but it's not the right yarn for every project!

[@north40lady98]

I am so right there with you! I have come across the most beautiful mulberry silk variegated yarn that knits beautifully in a lace. I got so addicted to it the first time, I ordered more, had to look for it. It's also sparked new adventures with learning to dye. It is Malabrigio Mora.

[@lananeimeth2232]

I like the variegated swatch just by itself. I would wear it just as it is.

[@janaminerva]

Your tip about mixing different variegated yarns is genius! After watching the video I started a swatch holding two sock yarns in colours that I would never ever have put together (one is oranges/browns/greens and one is purple/pink/red) and they look so nice marled together! I'm actually shocked 😂 In my case I think they look best with a third strand in a dark solid colour added into the mix, but even just the two variegated ones are very pretty together (just a bit bright for me for anything other than socks). This actually makes me want to knit a larger garment out of all of my sock yarn scraps 😃

[@susansmith7415]

Thank you for this podcast . . one of the best I've heard on the pros and cons of variegated yarns. They are so fun to knit with, but don't always end up pleasing to the eye and won't be worn enough to justify the work and material put into it. I often break up variegated yarn on small projects like socks and mittens with plain, neutral coloured yarn on the cuffs, heels, toes, etc.

[@commodorezelda]

I love the look of variegated yarn used with solid black in mosaic knitting. It's so fun and graphic.

[@chadscreationstation9364]

I just got into hand dying over the last few months and have been running into the issue of loving the skein hating the project with a lot of the things I make with my own variegated yarns. I’m gonna try out some of the tips you listed here as I make things, thanks a bunch

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

My pleasure Chad! Thank you for watching and have fun on your dyeing journey. It’s quite the adventure. ☺️❤️

[@ildonoa3928]

I am keeping 6 people in hand knit socks. They all have to select from my EXISTING single skeins of sock yarn for each sock I knit. So far this has handled all of my variegated colorways, and the color changes keep me sane when knitting thousands of stockinette stitches. My son actually really likes the flashing and pooling. Those are his favorite socks. I have used some variegated yarns in shawls and I can confirm, you lose a lot of the pattern. I did the Impressionist Shawl (Helen Stewart) MKAL using two variegated colorways (out of 3, which to be clear was NOT what was recommended), and there is a section of lace knit with those two colorways. You really can't see the lace, the shawl just looks striped. I'm fine with it, I still wear it, because I loved the colors. I would not use variegated yarn on an MKAL again though (unless I snag the yarn the design was created with, then I would feel safe).

[@smersci]

The thing about the last comment is that variegated yarn can be put to a few categories regarding its colorway and softness of color transition. As a person who wears mostly solid base colors, the sweaters that I knit with variegated yarn (ie Moby sweater, which relates to the first comment of not choosing variegated yarn for heavily textured patterns) bring life to the whole outfit and make me smile. For me it's mostly trial and error with these yarns and they teach me not to be afraid to try something daunting and not bash myself if something doesn't work out

[@libbysneden]

Not appropriate BUT if someone did a drinking game for the word variegated …. Um. LMAO! Toast!

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Oh for sure! Actually each episode seems to have a good “shot word”. Good for a good time. 😉

[@effieboo9275]

You would get so drunk lol

[@UnsolicitedThoughtsOfARose]

Something I personally do when using hand dyed skeins, specifically variegated, is do helical knitting! This works for me since I mainly knit in the round and its a simple way to avoid color pooling or odd striping.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Absolutely! This is a fantastic option!

[@plummyplummy]

Bless this video 🙏 You said it best, variegated FO's can be beautiful but I find them hardly ever wearable because I get so turned off by the flashing. I'll definitely try holding together with a solid color lace weight to soften the effect!! This is probably coming up next, but I'd love to also see a video on what you can expect from a variegated yarn based on what it looks like in the skein! (speckled vs. dip dyed vs. tonal)

[@laurelrobbins8673]

When I saw your subject, my first thought was when I was teaching a new student to knit, she wanted to knit a textured blanket and had chosen a variegated yarn. I advised her that the yarn wouldn’t pair well with the project, but she persisted. I absolutely agree with you about choosing the right yarn for a project.

[@lorim5235]

I'm guilty of buying lots of beautiful hand dyed skeins and then having trouble finding a suitable pattern. So I really appreciate your tips. Brilliant!

[@wycohibito]

Very interesting. Can you demonstrate making marled fabric?

[@tristanarnold9616]

First time I've seen anything about crafting with variegated yarn, THANK YOU. Variegated yarn has always bugged me. I crochet, and many times variegated yarn can look too "grandma"-y. Sometimes it can be beautiful, but ya really gotta plan your work.

[@amandakarlsson4343]

I love variegated skeins! Anything from a very subtle almost solid variegation (the feel more lively to me) to a crazy color combo. I’ve always thought that solids are boring unless used in a cable or lace project. Your videos are a great inspiration for things to try 😊

[@HyperCactus72]

❤ Me too! ❤

[@ifetayodavidson-cade5613]

Same! I tend to wear solids and accessorize with multicolored scarves, so variegated yarn it is! I tried stranded work and didn't enjoy it as much as cables or lace.

[@PiklizTafia]

Thanks for the detailed information. I always stayed away from variegated yarn because i knitted small pieces and wasn’t happy with the finished product. But now i MIGHT try again but with a wider piece.

[@RetroMinnie87]

Thank you!!!!! The skeins always look so pretty but I jut never know what to do with them.

[@TheMaddestHatter234]

I use variegated yarns for crocheting kippot, the small size and circular nature of the project is quite nice in variegated

[@mrscarlier]

You are a lot of fun and a big help. You seem to love these busy yarns and realize others love to work with them too.

[@Shaktipaj]

I drooled over, but stayed away from those gorgeous varigates for years because of nearly everything you mentioned. But last year, I bucked up and started blending several kinds of 'furry' yarn with my staid, but luxurious solids. It started with varigated mohair marled with solid alpaca, and has now progressed to breaking every 'rule' you mentioned. 😂😂😂 Shaking things up by taking a risk is the best thing that ever happened in my fiber life....but I really appreciate you validating and then offering solutions to my initial apprehensions. ❤

[@joanspiller1553]

I totally agree with you. I thought a skein of special (and expensive) yarn would make fun socks, but spiraled down in an unpleasant way. I am much more careful now. Thanks for a great podcast.

[@yogawithval]

Excellent advice….thank you so much

[@kclm]

Yes!! Thank you so much for sharing. I have so far avoided variegated yarns for these exact reasons. Thanks for showing how to turn them into something wearable

[@HarmonyInspired]

I really look forward to your series. I love variegated yarns, but I usually am disappointed with the outcomes. So I'm sure you will be a great help. Thanks!

[@janicelowe3838]

Thanks for your clear explanation about how to use variegated skeins of yarn to achieve the fabric you want.😊

[@melaniew4354]

Thanks for this video! I'm not a fan of wavy gravy but found out too late that a pretty skein does not necessarily mean a pretty product. I am much more discerning when purchasing yarn nowadays.

[@ccpperrett7522]

Wow! 97°F ! Yowzers! We in Alaska are struggling to get past 40°F. ❤ Thank you, Taylor, this talk has given me some great ideas.

[@fleeperification]

I 100% agreee! I am such a sucker for a gorgeous hand dyed yarn but have come to realize that solid colors are really the work horse yarns. I really enjoyed this. I'd love to see how pairing a variegated base yarn with the same variegated mohair/suri would look...kind of like that marling effect. Thanks for another fabulous episode, they always leave me thinking.

[@catnapper3923]

Thanks for this - it’s so timely and for me very coincidental. Long story short, I have SO MANY variegated skeins from a former subscription that I recently took a deep dive into what can be done with them. The voyage was interesting and consisted of discussions of self striping, color pooling/planned pooling and other things. Couple of things I’ve been considering was holding mohair with it and doubling the strands (being careful not to duplicate the color repeats). You have validated me on both - thanks! I have more courage now. The coincidence is startling because it’s like learning that new word and suddenly seeing it all over the place - ever been there? All of a sudden just this past week, you and one other knitter I follow have both had thoughts on variegated yarns. Again, thanks. Love your energy and articulation.

[@betsybrowning8350]

I love variegated yarn but you are correct for a heavily stitched pattern… worked beautifully for a plain beanie… just knitted…❤️

[@JustWriter]

Hi Missus Earl, the first hat I ever knitted for myself, I paired a variegated yarn (a commercial acrylic) in various blue hues with a light blue yarn that matched one of those hues. I marled them together and it ended up being a good pairing; the spiraling blocks of color were gentled by the other yarn. At the time, I was trying out a drawstring cast-on and a baseball cap visor. It turned out beautifully, and I still wear it to this day, several years later. Let me know if you want some pics of it, and I'll e-mail them to you. Post Script: 😄 Your bloopers were funny. Please share more often. PPS: I adore that you featured Kutovakika's Arctic Light Sweater, and I am really interested in checking out that gem sweater you featured.

[@vadec5909]

Very interesting! I do like variegated yarns. Mixing something with them is great

[@dorisenderle5857]

Love your podcast. Ramble away, I think you’re great and very knowledgeable.

[@holoinfinity4691]

I haven't been on the videos lately but very glad to catch this episode. In the process of deciding on knitting or crocheting a friend a sweater. Leaning towards crocheting it since it's a lot faster in my experience.

[@lindsayjackson258]

Love the video - I agree that variegated yarn can be tricky to work with but really beautiful in the right project. Here are a couple of my favourite ways to use it. One way to tone down a very busy yarn is to use it as the background for brioche with a solid colour in front. An option that highlights the beauty of the individual colours is to do a small circumference project (hat, socks, wrist warmers etc.) using helical stripes with a neutral colour.

[@wynjones2877]

I bought some variegated yarn years ago and tried to make a shawl out of it. The flashing and pooling were awful. I paired it with a light grey and it resulted in a shawl that looked like a Monet water lilies painting. Toning with a second strand is magic!

[@toniess658]

Thank you, this is exactly the video I‘ve been waiting for after many trials and errors with heavy variegated yarn. Love your videos in general! Great work! Greetings from Berlin, Germany

[@karenboehlert7862]

I really appreciate all the effort you put into your podcasts. I am learning so much and its very helpful. 😊

[@jubbins64]

I’ve been away from a lot of my usual go to channels for a while. Glad I caught this one!

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Thank you for watching!

[@acmx72]

this is extremely helpful!! i've never been one to buy this type of yarn but my grandma had a lot of variegated yarn she loved but didn't use so she gave it to me and i was so lost on what i could crochet that wouldn't look bad

[@liamware8167]

For whatever reason i never thought about holding together a variegated yarn with a solid colour and it makes so much sense. I'm a digital artist and it reminds me of when i use a solid colour overlay to make the overall colour scheme of the image a little bit more complimentary. It makes so much sense. I have to try it. Thank you :)

[@joeyshouse3233]

Helical, or one row stripes can be great to break up a crazy variegation. Use a variegated yarn striped with a solid colour for a toned down effect, or stripe two variegated yearns together to get a colourful item but with minimal flashing or pooling.

[@blairdestro]

Thank you for helping us find an application for all of the pretty skeins we can't stop buying! You're a fantastic teacher, great energy!

[@heatheryarbrough5255]

Thanks for the good info.. I have done this for years to tone down brighter colors like using a great gray color paired with a brighter green. The final project is so much more wearable

[@alyssashulman7239]

Le Pouf by Beata Jekez of Hedgehog Fibers is designed to show off variegated yarns in a marled fade! She has a sweater and a cardigan, both free.

[@luannehovey1546]

Yes…. We all have those hand dyed lovelies….part of the collection. I agree some are hard to put into projects other than socks. Thanks for the mohair and marled tips.

[@birthdaytaco]

This is one my favorite videos you have ever done. So much incredible information and so many ideas! Thank you so much!

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Gosh, thank you Rachel. That means a lot. ❤️

[@WildeBookGarden]

I wear a lot of color in my clothes and makeup so I definitely like to use variegated yarn more often than the average knitter! I agree about the most important part being intention - knowing what effect you'll get and if that's what you're going for! When I buy hand-dyed yarn I almost exclusively buy variegated because it's not only beautiful, but it's something I can't get anywhere else I also never alternate skeins lol - the variation for me is the point, and so far it's always looked cohesive enough for my purposes

[@rachelchudley1527]

So helpful !!!!! Thank you 😘

[@rachelmitchell2144]

Well, I’ve come full circle! I found you last year when I stumbled across your about pairing mohair with variegated yarn! So glad you took the break you needed, because man, your videos are just… I’d miss them… it’s like going to knitting class for me, but I mean that in the best way! I am a librarian and LOVE all the info you impart, as well as the aesthetic you create. Thank you for making us better knitters, crocheters, etc., in such a fun way! 💚🧶

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Thank you for this Rachel! ❤️❤️❤️

[@waltons-crochet]

Thank you! I'm having trouble putting yarns together. This is wonderful.

[@oldke078]

Perfect timing Tayler!! I've been eyeing up some beautiful skeins from a local dyer, and I'm not sure what to do with them, except I just know that my Shiny Magpie Self needs them....

[@angeh9995]

Thanks for this, so helpful! I’ve just been trying to work out how to use all those skeins of variegated yarn that I impulse bought when I started knitting again. It turns out I can only make so many scarves or wraps. Plain, lace weight suri/alpaca is turning out to be my friend in this.

[@phoenixfreefall]

I knit a baby cardigan (in a lace pattern, no less!) in a variegated yarn and it came out beautifully, the color changes are fairly subtle... Except for when I had to split for the arm holes. Then I ended up with a huge flash of solid lavender for the entire left breast section. I wish I'd thought/known to alternate skeins!

[@deniseyoung3738]

I've not done much experimenting with variegated yarn with other balancing yarns. It always surprises me when you show two skeins and then another completely different garment!

[@RhondaLorch]

One of my all time favourite knits is also my least favourite wear because of variegated yarn. I was careful to alternate skeins for the body but got lazy with the sleeves. And of course the smaller circumference made the yarn ‘pool’ making one of the sleeves almost an entirely different colour. Lesson learned. Thanks for videos with really valuable content. I appreciate it!❤🇨🇦

[@beanewman3829]

I do a lot of variegated yarn from joanns and walmart especially red heart. Etc. Take camo for example. Combine with different greens or different browns or different beige or black. So many hats from camo all looking just a bit different. Each skeins makes 2 adult hats mix and match. Same with baby variegated with Match of diff combinations each of a color featured in the variegated. Sophisticated stripes of 3 rows of different matches is very subtle and fascinating. I love variegated yarns!!!

[@catblues8645]

I'm really looking forward to seeing more videos like this! 😍 I fell into the hand-dyed-yarn-rabbithole and have loads of beautiful skeins, and I love playing around with them but I agree that they are not every day workhorses. I make socks and enjoy both the micro-striping and the wild pooling effects, I'm fine with whichever outcome! But for bigger garments it's a bit more tricky. If the variegation is not too strong, it can be great for sweaters and cardigans, and I agree that they should otherwise be minimalistic in that case. I made a cardigan inspired by birds' eggs out of a light minty teal variegated yarn with brown speckles paired with a golden brown mohair, and it turned out absolutely gorgeous (also I found the perfect enamel coconut buttons for it in my stash). But I'm hoping for a few fresh ideas of what I can do with more colourful yarns with stronger variegation ❤

[@diwin83]

When you got to #5, I thought to myself "I bought FFTP suri in Cider and merino in Sable to do just that", and BAM, you showed my Cozy Classic Raglan! Truly honored! Love your videos and your yarn!

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

It’s my pleasure Dianne! It’s a gorgeous sweater!

[@marysheridan7104]

Thank you for this week’s ramble! So appropriate in my case as I have quite a few hand painted singles and am always wondering what to do with them!! Looking forward to your exploration of this topic!!

[@marie-francepoulaert8939]

Thanks Tayler! Very informative video, I have been thinking about this and find that heavy variegated yarns are a bit too much if you are not careful and the effect varies on the arms and the body of a sweater. I want to explore them further and this really helps! Happy knitting!

[@clairez6586]

Wish I could give this 20 likes. So much valuable information, and the example pieces were super helpful AND gorgeous.

[@sylviamaxwell504]

I love bright colors with black background, and variegated yarns, I only gift crochet items, as they are quicker to make and will save my lacy knits for me...learned that hard lesson years ago...

[@CodexPotter]

I also like using 2 variegated yarns slightly off so the fades are more gentle

[@heatherlynnewest]

What a great video. I’m always intimidated by the variegated hand-dyed yarn.

[@yolo12345zz]

Would you please do a video on understanding different types of yarns … thank you …

[@laurienowland8584]

Great video and tips! Thanks for all the research and examples!

[@HummingbirdSister]

I have actually used a variegated yarn to do the final round of a granny square and to join the squares to make afghans. When I do that I pick 2 or 3 of the colors in the variegated yarn to use in making my squares.

[@Ally_bigsistertoalastor]

Hi there. Just wanted to mention that I've been using heavily variegated yarns on my Addi King knitting machine and they've been turning out beautifully. Not really any color pooling at all. The colors are spread out evenly. If you would be interested in seeing pictures let me know. Love your podcast ❤❤❤

[@velvetplans5396]

This is so interesting, I've always wondered about some of these unintended features when working up variegated yarns. I have never heard of these terms so thank you so much! Now I will actually know how to talk about some of these issues. I'm more of a crocheter but these tips are super helpful for me too. I just subscribed!

[@jacquicardillo4537]

Love your video! When you say using the varigated yarn "over the top of" another yarn, do you mean running two yarns together as one or alternating rows of 2 skeins? Thanks!

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Thank you! And yes. I just mean holding them together. ❤️

[@jenniferjohnson9335]

Thanks for this lesson on variegated yarns! Looking forward to more. Your Firepit Mitts look great in your yarn. IL have to try the flavored Perrier.

[@efenwick8608]

Taylor, I have made every single mistake you mentioned on your podcast about variegated yarns! I would joke that I would never learn my lesson because I’d see a beautiful skein & fall in love with it - but when I went to knit or crochet something with it I would always be disappointed with the end results. I hate the look of “flashing” / big color chunks - and the zebra effect drives me crazy! But, I do love the ideas you suggested and might have to try it - but I’ve gone a long time now without buying that type of yarn because I know better! LOL Thanks for another great episode!

[@helenlayley]

Colourwork - l really like a plain silhouette colour in the details over a varigated background. I fell in love with this, somewhere, and have bought the Santa Baby pattern (pine trees yoke) and a beautiful 'winter skies' pair of sock skeins. Just waiting to find a deep forest green for the body and the colourwork.

[@susanbossung9098]

Good podcast! Gave me a better perspective of variegated yarn and inspired me to try things with my singles that I didn’t know how to use.

[@julielandy9162]

This was sooooo good. Thank you. I would love a video talk about using different fibers in different weights to meet the gauge of a pattern.

[@irishbelle34]

This was really helpful! I have a gorgeous skein from a retreat swag bag that I started using in a hat, but when the colors started to "swirl," I stopped. I think I'm going to rip back and pair it with a solid mohair and see how that goes!

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

I’m glad this helps! I know that feeling when you see the swirling and begin doubting the whole thing. Best of luck. Keep me posted!

[@marymack1]

Yep! I'm currently working on a scarf with a gradient mohair paired with a solid fingering weight. So fun!

[@pattihuke2992]

I thought your podcast was informative and made a lot of good points. Lots to keep in mind the next time I’m selecting yarn for a project. 😀

[@debmidas7736]

I watched one of your videos where you said to use the variegated mohair with a solid. I did that with my long sleeved tee and I absolutely love how it's coming out.(solid bright orchid cotton with FFTP mohair Jasper)

[@theastewart6721]

Hi Taylor. Fairly new subscriber here. I’m loving your channel. I love the length of your podcasts. They are so doable! I don’t have 1 to 2 hours in one sitting to listen to any podcast, even my own were I to attempt it, lol. This podcast is full of very useful and helpful information. I will be watching it again definitely. I have been knitting off and on for over 50 years, the longest streak has been the last 10-12 years. I learned as a child but found other more interesting things to pursue as a child as we all do. I also love to crochet and someday soon hope to retire and learn to quilt like my mom and sister. My sister can help even though she is 1500 miles away. One can dream, lol. I won’t go to your tip line to suggest a topic because you’d think I’m crazy. You have the absolute best glasses ever!! I just commented on your new? glasses on your recent video. Then I come back and watch this one, and wow! These eyeglasses are awesome too! I recently got new ones and they are ok looking, but you’ve got a gift in addition to all of your other gifts! So no suggesting a video on how to pick out the perfect glasses but kudos to you. Well done. Ok, back to knitting. Your work is stunning and your knowledge exceptional. I look forward to binge watching your channel. I’m have found that, no matter how much I know or I think I know, there is always more to learn. Many thanks and enjoy your strawberry Perrier!😊

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

This comment made my night. Thank you. ❤️

[@claretrevor8111]

This video came out at the perfect time. I’m going to be knitting up my second So Faded, but in a solid neutral warm beigey yarn….held together with some mohair I’ll be dyeing up.. it’s giving me all the ideas! Thanks! And Spring has Sprung in the Southwest, hasn’t it! It’s getting warm here in ABQ, too. Not 97, yet, but we are right behind y’all!

[@topstitchgirl]

I have avoided variegated yarns for the reasons you've mentioned. The skeins look gorgeous, but I've seen so many sweaters with pooling or flashing that I've been weary. I say in spite of having a sweater's quantity of variegated yarn in my stash that I intend to combine with mohair and I'd like to make a colourwork sweater using variegated yarn, Fiber Tales made one and it's been on my bucket list for a long time.

[@TheKnittedRaven]

If using variegated yarn in larger projects, you also need to consider construction as this will impact the size of the stripes. (Ask me how I know - lol!) Avoid top-down, circular knits as the stripes on the body will be different than the sleeves. Avoid bottom-up circular knitting that then switches to back and forth at the armpits. Pieced knitting (i.e. front, back, sleeves) that creates flat pieces, knitted back and forth will let you maintain a rhythm and ensure more even color distribution. Yes, seaming is a pain, but well worth it to bring balance to a colorful garment.

[@valeriehowden471]

So looking forward to the rest of this series. Great insight as I am planning future makes. To date, I have kept my flashy yarn for socks!

[@marina_m11]

This post is so informative and helpful, thanks! I look forward to more conversation on these topics. I’m a crocheter and don’t know how to knit, but have subscribed to your channel.

[@lainieepstein7753]

Thanks for this timely video! I have skeins of pale yellow mohair and have been searching for lightly variegated yarns to pair with it. The issue is mostly what the color will be after marling so finding a colorway that will work has been tricky as most variegated yarns are more heavily dyed and I don't want to end up with muddy colors. I welcome your thoughts (or anyone out there) about this.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

I’m glad this was helpful Lainie! In regards to your pale yellow Mohair, think of it as a glow. Choose variegated yarns that would pleasing with a yellow glow. Keep me posted. 💛

[@norelleholgate8930]

Elegant, informative presentation.

[@wcwright44]

I’m so drawn to HD Variegated yarn but you are SO right, Tayler, one needs to put thought into what intends to make and the look they want to achieve. I do a lot of kid and cancer hat knitting so I want a happy, vibrant end product, usually. Great video!

[@Sandy-lq9xe]

These are excellent words of wisdom. How I wish you offered sweater quantities of your gorgeous hand dyed yarn so we all could create a WNH sweater. :-)

[@KnittingbyChance]

This was such a helpful video and I’m looking forward to you continuing this topic in more depth. I thought I had my yarn and pattern ready for some variegated yarn, but I see I need to make a swatch in the stitch pattern called for to see if the end result will be what I anticipated. Thank you for always doing the research and providing great content in a straightforward format.

[@carb101]

A great topic! I know people might enjoy it, but I feel sorry for knitters who end up with crazy pooling across the bust.

[@LottaSocks]

I’ve been drooling over your variegated mohair for years! When I saw that video way back when, I knew I NEEDED a sweater just. like. yours. Love the hat w swirling stripes! I have wayyyyy too many variegated yarns in stash…the colors called to me, doncha know (!!)… Most are fingering weight, I love cowls & mitts, but I think I need a “neutral” -ish color/s to make a tee, or sweater, or… I enjoy large/er garter shawls, so a “plain/solid/semi-solid” skein demands to be added to my stash. Ahem. Hmmm, I can justify adding to stash, amiright?? lol😊😊