In one week, my kiddos will be let loose for the summer and I already find myself daydreaming about cherry-red popsicles on the front steps, bright purple pops of summer Salvia flowers lining the driveways, and the creamy taste of homemade vanilla ice cream after grilling out for dinner. There are just some things, some colours, that lend themselves perfectly to the summer lifestyle, don’t you think? The explosion of hues and bold tones outside invigorate my own plans, ideas, and excitement for the warm months to come. And it has definitely inspired my swatching for this Colourful, Playful Stitches series post!
I picked up Passionfruit and Gelato in Superwash Sport (the colourway names alone make me feel all giddy for summer break) to experiment with a slipped-stitch shadow-effect fabric. Garter stitch keeps things even simpler, adding an interesting texture to the interchange of colour. Diagonal stripes change colours, creating a shadow. You can easily increase the contrast with solid colours, but I love the muted tone the variegated gives.
Care to give it a whirl? For this play, I used size US 4 needles and cast on 38 sts.
Diagonal Shadows (mult of 5 sts + 3)
CO with MC.
Setup Row (WS): With MC, Knit.
Row 1 (RS): With CC, k1, *k2, s1, k2; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.
Row 2 (WS): K2, *k2, s1 wyif, k2; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 3: With MC, k1, *k3, s1, k1; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.
Row 4: K2, *k1, s1 wyif, k3; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 5: With CC, k1, *k1, s1, k3; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.
Row 6: K2, *k3, s1 wyif, k1; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 7: With MC, k1, *k2, s1, k2; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.
Row 8: K2, *k2, s1 wyif, k2; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 9: With CC, k1, *s1, k4; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.
Row 10: K1, s1 wyif, *k4, s1 wyif; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 11: With MC, k1, *k1, s1, k3; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.
Row 12: K2, *k3, s1 wyif, k1; rep from * to last st, k1.
Rows 13 – 14: With CC, knit.
Row 15 With MC, k1, *k2, s1, k2; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.
Row 16: K2, *k2, s1 wyif, k2; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 17: With CC, k1, *k3, s1, k1; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.
Row 18: K2, *k1, s1 wyif, k3; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 19: With MC, k1, *k1, s1, k3; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.
Row 20: K2, *k3, s1 wyif, k1; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 21: With CC, k1, *k2, s1, k2; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.
Row 22: K2, *k2, s1 wyif, k2; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 23: With MC, k1, *s1, k4; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.
Row 24: K1, s1 wyif, *k4, s1 wyif; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 25: With CC, k1, *k1, s1, k3; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.
Row 26: K2, *k3, s1 wyif, k1; rep from * to last st, k1.
Rows 27 – 28: With MC, knit.
Repeat Rows 1 – 28 for pattern.
s1: With the working yarn in back, insert the right needle into the next stitch as if to purl and transfer the stitch from the left needle to the right.
s1 wyif: With the working yarn in front, insert the right needle into the next stitch as if to purl and transfer the stitch from the left needle to the right.
The resulting fabric is so much fun, bright, and a great option for a cowl, scarf, or simple tank. Our Superwash Sport stands out, particularly, as the stitches seem to emphasize the yarn’s natural bounce and spring. The merino content makes our colours practically sing while also ensuring a very strong, sturdy twist. Amazingly lightweight and soft to the skin, with just the barest hint of crispness, you’ll love this yarn for any project you can dream up. Oh, perhaps, something like Reiland shawl or Ceylon cowl?
What do you think of the stitch pattern? What colours can you envision it in?
