Pattern Spotlight: A Few Colorwork Designs to Tempt You!

I have been going through my stash, re-organizing and looking at patterns on Ravelry to see what type of projects I could make with what I have on hand, including my fiber for spinning.  I’ve really been wanting to do some type of colorwork and found a few patterns that I had to share with you, the best part, a few of them are even  ”free”!

Last week I purchased Jagged Ridge Mittens designed by Kiyomi Burgin.  I love the pattern for these mitts as the have a bit of “Southwestern” flair to them.  This design is worked flat and then seamed on the side, but I think it could easily be adapted to the round.  I love the stitch pattern so much, I might even have to create a hat to go with the mitts!

Courtesy of Oliver James Brooks

For my stash of handspun that is growing by leaps and bounds, I have decided that I should try the Ballycastle Tam by Anne Podlesak.  This project only requires four colors, and I’m thinking I have just the right amount of handspun for the yardage that will be needed.

Courtesy of Anne Podlesak

I’ve always liked the Freyja Sweater designed by Courtney Kelley that was in the Interweave Knits, Fall 2009 issue.    This is a classic style yoke sweater with just enough color at the top for interest.  I currently own this magazine, but wanted to let you know that it is a free download, along with a matching hat pattern, online at Knitting Daily.

Courtesy of Interweave Press

For those of you who enjoy crochet, I found a design similar to the Freyja Sweater by Julia Vaconsin.   Northern Dreams is another simple, yet classic design that offers the look of knitted Fair Isle.

The designer’s inspiration for this casual pullover was traditional Icelandic sweaters. The lower body and sleeves are worked in the round to the armholes, then are joined together to form the yoke, just as a traditional knitted Lopi would be. Simple stitch patterns form the colorwork yoke, showing off a unique effect that only crochet can achieve. Worked in sport weight alpaca, this sweater is lightweight, close-fitting, and very warm.

Courtesy of Interweave Press

I found a hat pattern I thought would be great to knit for my Mom via a post by Rebecca of  Socks for Mom.   Rebecca’s design, the Guernsey Potato Peel Hat, is a great way to use up small skeins of  fingering weight yarn that sometimes lingers in your stash.  Be sure to check out Rebecca’s other colorwork design, Bauer Hat, as well.

Courtesy of Socks For Mum

I have been thinking that I might also want to try Hickory Mittens by Adrian Bizilia, which is another great project for stash busting.  I love that these mittens are knitted with worsted weight yarn, and only four colors are needed.  Adrian has also written a blog post on color values to help in the aid of yarn selection and choosing the right colors to go together.  Be sure to check out her most popular design,  Fiddlehead Mittens.

Courtesy of Adrian Bizilia

One design that has been in my Ravelry queue for ages, is the Inspira Cowl by celerystalk.  I love the simplicity and the use of colors in this design, and again, another great stash busting project.

Do you enjoy colorwork?  If so, what is your favorite pattern or design?

Until next time, happy knitting, crocheting, spinning and crafting!