My *one a day in May* project is right on track. I've had a lot of comments and questions about the yarn I'm using so I'll answer some of them today. The yarn is Rowan pure wool DK and exactly the weight and look I was hoping for when I chose it. I did a little Ravelry research on it first and found a few complaints that it was *splitty* (it is, a little) and that several colors run (not a big problem for an afghan, for me anyhow). The soft hand, desired weight and beautiful color range clinched it for me and I ordered it online...not too many yarn shops seem to carry it. As a result, my color choices were based on computer screen selection, not the best way to choose a palette. However, the range seemed so lovely, I picked what I thought was a nice selection for a somewhat traditional granny square afghan and hit *order*.
The order arrived, minus three backordered colors, and I promptly dumped them into the basket by my chair to start churning out squares. But first I edited out two of my chosen colors. If you've been visiting here for any period of time you probably know two things about me...I love color and I love *scrappy*. Let me edit that...you know three things. I love scrappy but I am, sadly, a perfectionist. I can't leave well enough alone and just go with the flow. Although I often start a project with a jumble of colors and the intention of seeing what happens, I'm a control freak. I am constantly editing things out, no matter the handcraft. That's why I love a bountiful stash...the gift that keeps on giving!
As soon as they arrived with the others, I was pretty sure these two weren't making the cut. Sugar Pink was sidelined immediately, while Gilt made it as far as the start of one square. No go. And that's how my blocks, so far, have developed into that bluey-purpley color scheme. Tangerine was iffy at the start, but I like the punch it provides and I think it will work well with the three back-ordered colors...Kiss, a deep red, Pier, a light green/blue, and Ultramarine, a deep blue. I think the project really needs the deep red. (Doesn't every project?) I'm hoping Kiss turns out to be the shade that I'm envisioning.
l. to r. Spice, Platinum Yellow, Indigo, Damson
Tired of waiting for the missing three, last week I did an internet search for another supplier. No one had all three in stock so I decided to wait it out, though I did find a shop that had four colors I hadn't previously considered, on sale. Yesterday they arrived and though none of them packs a punch, I'm hoping that they'll audition well. We'll see next week!
***The colors I am using in my squares so far (above) are Parsley, Cypress, Lavender, Marine, Dahlia, Avocado, Pomegranate, Glacier, Tangerine and Hydrangea.
The colors are wonderful! Your afghan is going to be so pretty! Can't wait to see all the little squares put together.
Posted by: Magnolia Bay Quilts | May 19, 2009 at 08:01 PM
the colors are beautiful and the elimination was a good call. Nothing wrong with a little control. The proof is in your results which are always wonderful!
Posted by: Cindra | May 19, 2009 at 09:12 PM
Coincidentally, I have the same yarn in four springey colours at home, waiting to be turned into granny squares as well. Now I wish I understood the instructions the shop sent with the yarn. And I would like to know the yield from one skein. What do you think? How many four-row-squares per skein?
Posted by: Dorothee | May 20, 2009 at 03:47 AM
Yup, i've also been bitten with the crocheting bug in the last couple of weeks too!!!
Posted by: blossy | May 20, 2009 at 04:23 AM
I'm biting the crochet bug too,yours look so fantastic, I love those colors.Any special pattern for them, it looks like 8? chains in the center? Is there a site with the info? My local shop doesn't carry the yarn but I can order it from Colorful Stitches in Lenox MA it's a beautiful shop we stop at when we go to Tanglewood, I have to save so I can have some fun there! Did you decide on the border color yet? Did you order the Indigo? That sounded beautiful,different from the old Granny I have here made in primary colors & black border.I have a brown bordered one with aquas and greens, and a pastel all from grannys sqs. The other two are sort of granny, a different pattern for sqs. I love you colors you have a great eye for color!
Posted by: Wendy | May 20, 2009 at 06:15 AM
that's the same yarn (i think) that melanie used in the ripple afghan she made me and it's really wearing well.
Posted by: carolyn | May 20, 2009 at 07:33 AM
Jan, I knew there was something else I liked about you (although I had a sneaking suspicion you were a perfectionist well before you 'fessed up). I suffer from the same affliction and have put projects on hold for years while searching for the "perfect" fabric to round out a grouping. Sometimes it's been worth the wait. Other times, it's just been a waste of time. I admire people who can jump, head first, into a project without the paralyzing preplanning I put myself through. That being said, however, I am continually drawn to your work. Whatever editing you do in the process is based not only on your artistic training, but also on your extraordinary instinct for color, texture and pattern. Keep the control ~ it's workin' for ya!
Posted by: diane | May 20, 2009 at 07:55 AM
I think the colors you have working are fabulous and I'm so glad you left in the tangerine...perfect pop! Now to be honest, of the new colors I love the blue and purple and the yellow might work...but I think the spice is gonna take you into a whole other iffy area. I'll be happy to be pleasantly surprised!
Posted by: JudyC | May 20, 2009 at 09:10 AM
Glad you kept the Tangerine -- I love it in that mix.
Posted by: Julie | May 20, 2009 at 11:21 AM
Being a perfectionist is a curse! Believe me, I know. But even a non perfectionist could see that the pink and yellow were a no go for this project.
Posted by: Kathy | May 20, 2009 at 04:42 PM
Yes about the red. And that orange sure is zippy! I think it's just what the doctor ordered.
Posted by: Kristin | May 20, 2009 at 05:31 PM
Color is such a subjective thing--I find myself adding and subtracting on projects too, for very nebulous reasons. Make that--for reasons I don't even fully understand. Seeing squares like yours and like some of the others I've seen online REALLY makes me want to give crochet a go. My grandma would be pleased--she tried to teach me when I was a kid but it just didn't take at that point.
Posted by: KathieB | May 21, 2009 at 07:27 AM
Beautiful colors Jan! I think they all go very pretty together. I would definitely have pulled the yellow too. ;-)
Posted by: Thimbleanna | May 21, 2009 at 04:14 PM
You have inspired me to get out my granny squares and start again. I'm not sure if I'll get one a day done, but you never know.
Posted by: Crafty Gardener | May 22, 2009 at 09:08 AM
Hello,
I just stumbled across your blog, and had enjoyed the visit. You have a very nice blog!
Posted by: Ivory Spring | May 24, 2009 at 10:14 AM
You bad, bad girl!
I just gave away ALL my yarns - simplifying my life!
And now, this!
Your colorway is divine! Must make it myself!
Good thing the yarn store is closed today....
Posted by: Loretta | May 25, 2009 at 06:58 AM
Ooooh, love your squares. I've been on a crochet kick (no, obsession) lately myself. It's so darn addictive. Your yarn colors are absolutely yummy. Can't wait to see the afghan all done-done!!!
Posted by: Vera | May 27, 2009 at 07:45 AM
lovely, lovely
Posted by: Cris | May 27, 2009 at 04:33 PM
hey, I like all the colors. My squares are quite bright and I'm not sure that I was thinking through how I'm going to edge them -- and I don't want to buy any more yarn. But I don't think I'm going to whip stitch them together ... I have a 30+ year old hexagon afghan that did not make the "get rid of pile" -- I had underestimated the family comfort level on it! It is at the dry cleaners right now -- it is huge, has stuff sticking out the back, but was well loved (and in storage for 15 years and survived!)
Posted by: Maryjo | June 02, 2009 at 06:39 PM