Brightness and Contrast

At some point in our knitting journeys, most of us encounter That Skein. You know the one: it’s hand-dyed, richly multi-hued, and a perfect masterpiece in its own right. That Skein is something we covet, something we can’t resist purchasing. We find ourselves petting and stroking it, admiring its beauty... yet it often languishes in stashdom, waiting for the right project. The challenge with That Skein is that we struggle to match the brilliance of its dyework to a pattern that does justice to its magnificent colors. Sometimes, That Skein turns muddy when knit up, while at other times, it pools or flashes in ways we didn’t anticipate. Occasionally, it seems to hold itself hostage, refusing to be knit into anything until we can truly do full justice to the dyer’s art.

Enter Brightness and Contrast, a thoughtfully designed shawl that is perfect for letting That Skein shine. By pairing it with a solid or tonal helper yarn, this pattern allows the unique hues of your beloved yarn to take center stage. This approachable shawl features clever-but-easily-worked single-row stripes that prevent the shades in That Skein from muddying each other, creating a seamless aesthetic. To elevate its beauty further, there is a contrasting band of a textural stitch that not only looks complex but is also incredibly easy to memorize. This combination of stripes and texture makes Brightness and Contrast the ideal project to unlock the hidden potential of That Skein, ensuring your knitting masterpiece truly celebrates the artistry of its dye. Get ready to transform your stash with this innovative and rewarding shawl pattern!