Knitting with Variegated Laceweight Mohair Yarn Swatch Lab

[@tracyvision]

What a fascinating swatch lab! “Can you knit it with #1 needles? Of course you can…have fun” 🤣

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

I gotta say I don't knit anything with #1 needles LOL.

[@KittenWAW]

What I like most is that you reinforce the credo that there is "No Wrong Way." While others have said "Don't do this or that," you message is "Do what makes you happy." So, okay cables or texture in lace mohair may not be obvious from a distance, but they may be the look you want for up close. And Barbara says that's ok. Thank You!! That is so freeing for new knitters and even advanced, experimental folks. Another great look is the variegated mohair held with either a slow subtle gradient or a long repeat self striping yarn.

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

I just don't see the point of telling people that they can't do something that they love. There are some choices that I think can be more successful than others, but the most successful choice is the one that achieves your desired end results.

[@judyfick2967]

Really enjoy all you swatch labs videos

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

Thank you!

[@lainieepstein7753]

This was a great way to show up how yarns knit up. I hope this will be a regular feature. Contrasting the mohair alone and then marled with a solid, game changer.

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

I have a whole playlist of swatch labs and have more planned!

[@laurelstieg9375]

The color of the mohair is so gorgeous..❣ thank you teacher..🤗

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

Don't you just love it?

[@ZackRekeSkjell]

This really shows the potential of variegated laceweight mohair. I had only really thought of using it with a solid yarn in for example a fingering weight to make a more subdued variegated fabric. I am currently knitting a jumper with sleeves knit in mohair on 4 min needles. I am knitting in a slightly speckled golden colour that is absolutely gorgeous, but I can imagine it would look amazing with a speckled yarn as well. The mohair gives the most drapery and voluminous sleeves. Mohair is so much fun as it gives a lot of possibilities, both knit alone and knit with another yarn.

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

I am just tuning in to its possibilities.

[@sybillindsey4718]

That was just the best, most comprehensive, well-done yarn diagnostic I have ever seen. Thank you so very much.

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

Glad it was helpful! You can find other Swatch Labs on my channel.

[@thecatmont]

I love pointer duck. Beautiful explanations and samples per usual xx

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

He's the best! Glad you liked the video.

[@rachele4593]

Wow, that was very educational! Such a great overview about small gauge yarn. Thank you!

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

You are so welcome!

[@heyokay1718]

I throughly enjoyed this video. I love 'chaotic' colored yarns, but struggle to visualize how they will look in a project. Thank you for taking that gorgeous chaotic mohair baby for a spin here- I've already pulled some favorites from my stash and am tinkering with them now. 🥰

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

Honestly, I never know until I swatch them.

[@katedavy6272]

With the fingerings weight it would make a lovely sweater. The swatch with the mohair/silk would make a lovely dress shawl that would have to be handled so carefully. You have answered my question. I would make the sweater!

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

And I am sure it would be a gorgeous sweater!

[@Xalord7]

So excited to start a new fiber. Thanks for your enthusiasm.

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

Thank you!

[@carblarson8868]

Can’t stop thinking about this video! This is the most eye-opening knitting video on KZbin. And yes, I have watched probably thousands of videos, but this one is so memorable. I loved all the stitches done in this swatch, also. I just want to chose from a few patterns to incorporate some of these stitches.

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed it!

[@mb7a4fmlg]

Wow that's Beautiful! I Love this! Your videos are amazing! Thank you Thank you so much.

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

Thank you!

[@debracisneroshhp2827]

Barbara, I'm fairly new to your channel and just want to say how much I appreciate your "swatch lab" videos__you are very detailed in your descriptions, encouraging me to swatch, something I never really utilized. 💖🙌🙌🙌😺

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

I love swatching. It lets me get to know the yarn on a much deeper level!

[@JeMy569]

Thank you for such a wonderful informative tutorial! I’ve been wanting to knit with mohair & lace knitting… it’s so delicate! I thought the variegated color yarn would lose the stitch pattern, but that is beautiful! You inspire me & give me courage to try this! ( mohair &/or lace knitting)

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

Sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn't (get lost) that is why I'm addicted to swatching.

[@carblarson8868]

Great video. I love mohair and ty to incorporate it into most projects.

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

It is so fun and fuzzy.

[@73lmargaret]

I really really really love looking at other people's swatches. I hate reinventing the wheel and love to look at what actually exists and what works. And this was absolutely fantastic!! Thank you for doing this!!

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

But you have to make your own when size matters!

[@saberwolf156]

Pointer duck is so cute/wholesome. Great vid Barbara! ❤ New knitter here, I've learned a great deal from your channel and I can't wait to learn more!

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

LOL. I am glad you like him and welcome!

[@KellyPole]

Thank you for this Swatch Lab video! It was illuminating, I was surprised by the mohair cables too. I find variegated yarn challenging but you have opened my eyes. It was great seeing the swatch of lace on its own but then when you produced the second swatch, I just gasped. It was gorgeous. Really appreciate you knitting, showing and comparing both. Now I am torn what to do with my mohair, work it alone or with another yarn 🤔🤣

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

So it was helpful but not helpful LOL! So many options and only two hands to knit with LOL.

[@vickyleather1147]

Excellent video. I always learn more than I expect when watching your videos.

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

I learned more than I expected with this one!

[@anh-thurunez1259]

very well done! I'm starting to combine variegated mohair yarn with semisolid, so this video was extremely helpful! thank you!

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

Yay! That's awesome to hear.

[@valzahnzahn]

This was entertaining as well as educational. You’re really funny!

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

Aww, thanks! I'm glad I could bring some smiles into your day.

[@neamhai]

I have done quite a bit of work with laceweight silk/mohair yarn. In fact, one of my very first shawls used Kidsilk Haze back when it was about the only silk/mohair available. I adore the stuff. But given that it was some time ago, it was well before the variegated / indie options started coming out. So, I'd LOVE to see something you designed with a variegated silk/mohair, either alone or held double with something else. I'm having a hard time with what, though, as there are so many shawls - but you really want to be able to see this yarn! And not have it squinched or tied or otherwise concealed.

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

It is definitely on my list of things to do.

[@thomas351]

...you certainly were wrong ...but humble so all is forgiven ...you were also very timely as I have a variegated stocking weight and several different shades of complimentary lace weight and was thinking of knitting them together as a fade with the laceweight changing and the variegated staying the same but being toned by the lace weight ...all systems are now on go ...thanks to your inspiration ...t.

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

I hope you have fun with your project!

[@MorganaDevina80]

So helpful. I couldn't help myself and had to get variegated mohair but didn't know what to do with it. Thank u!

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

I know what you mean. I am working on a new pattern with variegated mohair right now.

[@gabriellespanke]

This was very educational. I have some interesting ideas now for spinning up some variegated-ish mohair yarns.

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

Oooh, very cool!

[@dr.evelynsharp2351]

Fantastic! Loved this demonstration. Answered many questions for me. Love it love it. Thank you!!

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

I'm so glad you liked it!

[@janelr5854]

This has certainly given me something to think about. I just bought 10 skeins of variegated lace weight mohair a week before I saw this video 😆

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

Have you figured out what to make yet?

[@angelinacrafts5385]

Thank you! Arrived just as I found I had miss-crossed a cable twice. So I watched and learned about mohair while dropping down and fixing my cotton cable. Tried out the half the cable drop down and think it worked easier then dropping the full cable. Thanks for the mohair swatches. I vote lace work on its own and held together for color pop and stockinet and textured patterns.

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

They are both great in different ways! And rock on for fixing your cable!

[@jennifermassello8670]

Wow! I’m amazed at the difference between the two! 🤔

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

It is huge isn't it?

[@joanneyoung1081]

Very instructive and helpful to visualize .

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jackieoneil779]

Fantastic video Barbara, you have inspired me

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

I'm so glad!

[@annegraheck5713]

Tysvm for sharing your trial and errors. I’ve always wondered about including lace weight held with a fine weight yarn 🧶

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

It's super fun!

[@jeaninegunn4118]

Barbara! this was an excellent explanation and I especially appreciate the close up details. A suggestion for some other swatch labs - comparing linen and linen cotton blends for example raw and then blocked etc.

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

Hmm, I think I could probably manage that.

[@atrinka1]

perfect timing! I'm going to make a Fall 2021 Knitty pullover called Cleary using variegated mohair and DK yarn. It looks fantastic because it combines brioche and plain stockinette. Your two swatches are amazing🤩 and I agree with you: the only mohair lace looks dreamy!

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

Sounds like a great project!

[@Icy.847]

Thank you for swatching the mohair. It was my first choice. And boy oh boy, did it come out great! Great job, Barbara, as always.

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

You are so welcome!

[@嫚菁吳]

Always feeling cheerful watching your video:) beautiful and delicate at the same time! SO inspired! thank you Barbara

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

You are so welcome!

[@katedavy6272]

That is so very beautiful. I saw Limon Crochet on a live with Fiber Floozie on the 24th with something very similar. My first thought was 'I wonder what that would look like knitted?' It was mohair and silk variegated. So lovely!

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

Yay for answering questions!

[@jvaughton]

This was a great video, thank you! I've subscribed now based on this one video.

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

Thank you so much! I hope you stick around to have some fun.

[@sandygrogg1203]

Wow… That K2tog Yon is amazing. My vision won’t allow me to even consider such delicate yarn, but I have to say that it knits up sooo beautifully. There is a podcaster I watch who routinely adds the mohair to her sweater yarn.. It really does make a difference. Thanks do much for doing this one… It allowed people like me, to really see what all the fuss is about. The mohair alone was a winner, even though I couid see the double stranded a little better. ‘BTW… I don’t know how you couid even spot “ mistakes:🙃

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

I am totally in love with the true lace and I also would have never thought of using it on its own. Learn something new every day!

[@Serenity-fu8xz]

OMG thank you thank you thank you I have two skeins of beautiful burgundy with darker hues of burgundy mohair and I have not known what to do with them I would so so be grateful if you designed a shawl that would be so pretty I can’t wait please please please thank you so much for all you do love your podcast and I would hope for some lace in the shawl of course it looks so so good thank you seriously thank you

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

It is still on the list but I need to let you know my pattern development process is very long LOL.

[@professorr5956]

I received some mohair as a gift some time ago. After years of just looking at the skein, it is time to get going. This video helped so much in thinking about how to use it. I think I've settled on an infinity scarf. Hope the vision in my head translates well in reality. Thanks Barbara. 🙂

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

Glad to be inspirational! Have fun!

[@valoriec]

haha! "Can you knit it with size 1 needles? Of course you can! Have fun." :D

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

YOU can ... am I gonna? LOLOLOLOL no.

[@HillbillyKnitter]

So beautiful! Love them both!

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

Yes! Impossible to choose.

[@heathergriffith36]

Thanks for that. I want some Kidsilk Haze now!

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

Not if I get it all first.

[@karenc.3689]

Really learned a lot, great swatch lab. Thank You!

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

Yay! Thanks!

[@Rosie952]

Great Swatch lab, so interesting! I'd like to see the difference when the variegated mohair is held double or triple. How do the colors play, and do the textures get lost with multiple strands of variegated yarn as opposed to a single color. Thank you Barbara.

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

That would be a lot of swatching LOL! But great ideas.

[@lindawalsh9502]

Loved this video. what about super bulky swatches?

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

I have one super bulky swatch lab, it's an early one so it is a different format: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJKto3avf9CCf8k

[@estefanamanrique1843]

Wow! How interesting... but I am wondering if you do block mohair?

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

Yes, both of these swatches were wet blocked.

[@heidicook2395]

Those are beautiful! I definitely like the mohair by itself, the colors are richer. I have a question; on the mohair only swatch it looked like the edge closest to you had two large crescents, one on each side of the chevron pattern, am I seeing that correctly? If yes what is causing it to contract in those two areas? It looks like a squashed "m" to me.

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

That is lace. It isn't contracted but you might be seeing contrast of there/not there. The pattern in the mohair only is identical to the one with held together.

[@janedaniel7288]

Oh the colors in the open lace workers just perfect. Thank you for taking the time to do this experiment. How many strands of the mohair would you have to hold together to get a decent fingering weight? I think it would look amazing. I've never had the chance to own a HHF yarn but their dying is always so lovely. You really do have to get designing. Lol Take care and keep safe. xxJane

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

Ooooh, I would think you'd have to hold at least 4 strands to get up to fingering. It would be a hassle and a half.

[@elizabethscott3218]

I swatched with a lace weight mohair held double with sport weight. In that case, it looked like the color sat on top of my sport yarn background. Unfortunately it didn't play nice with the pattern.

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

Well, that's frustrating but it's why we swatch!

[@shahilagh]

these colors are nice. do you know other brands' mohair with these colors? (deep end)

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

Any hand dyer who is doing mohair should have lovely options.

[@toby1640]

I'm planning to knit a sweater which has a small section near the neck where laceweight mohair is called for. All the rest of the sweater is fingering weight, Rauma Finull norwegian wool. I just started, and was wondering, since the sweater calls for a fingering weight Sandnes Tove in nearly the same color as the Lang laceweight mohair with silk, 75% to 25% silk. I was thinking that perhaps instead of two strands of the Lang mohair yarn, maybe it would work better to have a strand of the Sandnes Tove with a strand of the Lang. I'm now feeling more confident that this might be a good decision. I'd have more confidence that the sweater will be durable, and since all of the rest of the sweater would be with the Rauma Finull and the Sandnes Tove, it might make more sense to have the section with the Lang to appear more opaque. This has been very educational. The sweater is being knit with Lykke wooden needles, 2.5mm. Any additonal suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I feel that the two strands of Lang looks flimsy, but silk is extremely strong . . .

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

I do my best to trust designers so hopefully it will be just fine. Sounds like you're having a ton of fun!

[@toby1640]

@@WatchBarbaraKnit There have been a lot of mistakes in the instructions for the sweater that I'm making. After watching your youtube instructions, I decided to unravel the one row that I had knitted according to instructions, with two strands of the Lang mohair, as this was going to cause a lace section of more than 12 rows in a wool sweater. I then knitted 3 or 4 rows with one strand of the Sandnes Tove wool and two strands of the Lang mohair. It looked nice, with a slight mottled effect because the solid Sandnes is slightly lighter than the Lang mohair. Then I switched to one strand of the Sandnes wool with one strand of the Lang mohair and the effect became very slightly more mottled. Since this is knitted from top down, it looks great, somewhat like slight abrash in a Persian rug. There have been additional mistakes in the design including two instances of the wrong color! It's obviously wrong, because I can check the photos of a model wearing the finished sweater. There was an additional mistake in the diagram, where, had I followed the designer's instructions, then the stranded design wouldn't line up properly. The mistake indicated an increase in the wrong part of a row. I'm going to be making notes in my copy of the designer's book, correcting the mistakes for this particular sweater. The help from your youtube video and others as well has been an enormous help. I am knitting a top down rounded yoke design for the first time. This is also my first time knitting with mohair The Norwegian designer appears to have had good friends knit her designs, which her two daughters helped with, one, a professional photographer took the photos, and the other, a model, modeled the sweaters for the photos. The knitters made improvements in the designs, but their improvements aren't in the instructions! The book was translated from Norwegian to English, and some information may have been lost in translation! Still, my knitted sweater is looking nice, I'm nearly finished with the stranded yoke, after which the rest of the sweater will be entirely in one color, a light, heathered gray Rauma Finull yarn.

[@carblarson8868]

So when are you going to write a shawl pattern using variegated mohair? Crescents are my fav, but rectangles are also good.

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

I like both of those shapes too!

[@norabarry4258]

Would the yarn size change, like maybe be a sport weight, or would it still be fingering, since the laceweight doesnt have much to it?

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

It won't quite get up to a sport, but it will make the fingering heavier. Like if it was a light fingering you'd go up to regular fingering. Regular fingering becomes heavy fingering. And theoretically, if you have an already heavy fingering it would inch towards sport?

[@lynettewykes9923]

Excellent. Thank you. X

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@trinity8816]

Can you do a video knitting just stockinette or moss stitch with mohair? 🥲

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

I will see what I can do!

[@yettaoshea8869]

Going by the color I’m getting on my ipad that Malabrigo Mechita color looks like Three Little Pigs or Sand Bank.

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

It's grayer than Sand Bank and I've had it too long for it to be Three Little Pigs. I think it is Polar Morn but can't swear to it.

[@debbiewelch2733]

I would knit a shawl with mohair

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

Good to know!

[@katiem2639]

learned a lot!!

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

Yay!

[@gfitz6001]

If only that were a longer swatch, it would make a gorgeous scarf.

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

To get the really pretty end like you have here you would have to cast on one end, knit about half the scarf and transfer to waste yarn. Cast on the other end and do the same ... then graft in the middle.

[@mariagaldamez2564]

😄👌👍🏼👍🏽

[@joieashley1951]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍❤️❤️💕💕💕💕💕

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

Thanks!

[@janelr5854]

This has certainly given me something to think about. I just bought 10 skeins of variegated lace weight mohair a week before I saw this video 😆

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

That is a whole lotta lace!

[@mariagaldamez2564]

😄👌👍🏼👍🏽

[@mariagaldamez2564]

😄👌👍🏼👍🏽

[@WatchBarbaraKnit]

Thank you!