Hand-dyed, kettle-dyed, hand-spun, and commercial yarns from different dye lots present us with a uniquely frustrating challenge: How do we make the transition within a project when yarns are close but not exactly the same? In this class we'll explore solutions for working with these yarns and see how these same techniques apply beautifully to purposeful fades and gradients.

We'll explore different ways to balance, obscure, fade, or hide transitions between yarns that don't match. We'll discuss how different types of not-quite-matching yarns benefit from different techniques, and how to plan for the least obvious and most attractive placement of your transitions. We'll practice micro-swatching to help us evaluate various transition options, and talk about the important steps that happen before we pick up the needles.

Technique Requirements: knit/purl, cast on/bind off, working in the round, have knit a few accessories

At least two balls or cakes of a not-quite-matching yarn, wound and ready to use. This can be hand-dyed, kettle-dyed, or solid yarn of the same color but different dye lots. Bring anything that is giving you headaches in this regard. Circular needles (any length, though 16-24" is easiest) or dpns in the size you usually use for this yarn (single-point needles will not work for our exercises), scissors.

Reminder: Please print any handout(s) prior to class and bring it with you.