Anatomy of a Skein
It's tricky to buy yarn on the Internet. Rarely am I disappointed with what I receive, but often, especially when it comes to sock yarn, what I receive is not exactly what I envisioned as I stared at my monitor, heart racing and wallet yawning, and clicked the buy-it button. So today I thought, in return for the favor you all did me last post with your lovely, lovely words of encouragement (I see more stranding in my future, definitely!), I would dissect a sock yarn skein for you. This skein is my most recent acquisition, and a skein I think embodies Pure Color Perfection. Seriously. I've been turning this thing of beauty over and over in my hands, on and off, for hours. I've gently pulled back outer layers to attempt to divine its inner workings. I simply can't believe that all of these colors exist so harmoniously in a single skein, but I'm here to tell you- and to prove that- they do. Let's start at the top.
My attempts to describe each of these colors will (snort) pale in comparison to their actual values, but bear with me. That yellow there is a true gold that blends to a gentle leaf green and then, unexpectedly but oh-so naturally into a robin's egg blue. The blue then takes on a bit of red and becomes the most glorious, sophisticated deep lavender, and as it twists and turns out of view here, it morphs into...wait for it...terracotta. How is this done? Beats me. Now for another angle:
You didn't need the label to know where such coloro saturation came from, did you? But there it is. This is the other side of the same end of the skein, where you can see the gold and leaf and more of the terracotta. Don't you just love the way this photo suggests that the skein is stretched out in the sun by a pool overlooking the Mediterranean? Don't you wish you were? Sigh.
Whoa! What have we here? Could this possibly be the the same skein? No way. Where did that pink come from? I know it's hard to believe, friends, but I'm here to testify that indeed this is the same skein of yarn. What you see there is the most glorious red- a deep cabernet red with purples and browns playing leapfrog over the base color, and then a splash of fuschia wrapped around a burnished gold finish mottled with notes of peach, brown, and wine. (Go ahead and gulp it down. This isn't one of those hoity-toity tastings where you have to spit.) Want one more?
And now for my latest trick. Yes, we had quite a photo session this morning.
People, I haven't even begun to do this yarn justice. And plus, there's that certain unphotographable quality to it- that every hank sold raises money for the fight against skin cancer. I'm about to cast on, for the first time, for some simple stockinette socks, because with these short color repeats there's hardly a chance of pooling, and any pattern would just be gilding the lily. Heck, I may just order enough heavyweight for another spiral baby blanket.
If you like what you see, go get you some.
PS- The cutest thing ever was watching Timmy read the comments you all left about his hat and his smile. Thanks again for those.
Wow, gorgeous!
Posted by: brooke | January 20, 2007 at 01:10 PM
Simply beautiful! The ladies at Blue Moon sure know a thing or two about color.
And so happy to hear that proceeds are going to help the fight against skin cancer. Luscious yarn for a good cause - amazing stuff!
Posted by: Maritza | January 20, 2007 at 01:18 PM
Looks like you and your camera are getting along very nicely these days...
Posted by: Kelly | January 20, 2007 at 01:54 PM
It's fascinating how different their 'sample' looks from your skein - yet you can plainly see that it is what it's supposed to be. 'Fire on the Mountain' is on its way and I can't wait. Lordy, I'm becoming a yarn snob!
Posted by: LaDonna | January 20, 2007 at 01:57 PM
Wicked temptress.
Posted by: nikki | January 20, 2007 at 02:11 PM
I am suprised at how different that looks from the preview photo. I have a couple of skeins from Blue Moon on order, and I can't wait to see what they actually look like!
Posted by: Kristy | January 20, 2007 at 02:49 PM
Evil . . . you're pure evil! So much for the "I'll only knit from the stash" vow. I guess I already caved with the induction of the Rockin' Sock club, one or two more skeins won't kill me. UGH!
Posted by: Ava | January 20, 2007 at 02:49 PM
gorgeous. such a great yarn for a great cause. i love it!
Posted by: margaux | January 20, 2007 at 03:18 PM
Back from the dusty desert just in time to partake of new BMFA colorways...my wallet is yawning, indeed, as I frantically click buy now! get into my shopping basket, you many, many skeins of awesome, fantastic, beautiful yarn!
Posted by: knittingphilistine | January 20, 2007 at 03:39 PM
You know I just finally got enough will power to stop drooling over at BMFA and walk away from the computer. But I was too weak for this, excuse me while I go help fight some cancer. And besides sock yarn doesn't count right?
Posted by: Ronikins | January 20, 2007 at 04:19 PM
Mm, yarn p0rn! thanks!!
Posted by: Valerie in San Diego | January 20, 2007 at 05:33 PM
Wow, that really looks amazing. I saw that on their website earlier today and thought the color was lovely, but you've really showed it off in all its glory. I don't think I can resist!
Posted by: femiknitter | January 20, 2007 at 06:01 PM
Mmmmhm. I've been thinking a lot about the hat, and the perfection, and so on. Not that any of it's clear enough in my head to be clear about in a comment though.
I really like variegated yarns. Maybe it's time to try some STR.
Posted by: Daphne | January 20, 2007 at 08:38 PM
well now. i'm a sock virgin, and after your endorsement, i may need to change that status! i'm going on a sunny vacation in a few weeks and need some beach knitting, so now may be the time. thanks!
Posted by: brenda in toronto | January 20, 2007 at 08:57 PM
That IS gorgeous yarn! I want some!!! And I didn't get a chance to comment, but yes, that's also a pretty nice looking guy (the one in the hat with the great smile!
Posted by: miss ewe | January 20, 2007 at 09:25 PM
So tempting, but I've blown my knitting budget on a set of Knitpicks Options needles! We'll just bookmark that for later :) Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: reluctantmango | January 21, 2007 at 04:12 AM
you're skein actually does it more justice than the one on the site.
Posted by: maryse | January 21, 2007 at 05:21 AM
I still don't have STR. I have got to get some. I see you got the new G Rocks! I'm waiting on Lucy to become available.
Posted by: Carol | January 21, 2007 at 05:24 AM
yum. just yum.
Posted by: Mandy | January 21, 2007 at 07:06 AM
i love this post, and the wonderful step-by-step through the colors... gorgeous!
Posted by: amisha | January 21, 2007 at 07:11 AM
What did you expect? It was inspired by my gorgeous husband! G most definitely ROCKS!
Posted by: Cara | January 21, 2007 at 07:38 AM
Got me some Lucy! Thanks!
Posted by: Carol | January 21, 2007 at 11:13 AM
Wow, that's beautiful. Can't wait to see how it looks when you start knitting with it!
Posted by: Leslie | January 21, 2007 at 04:41 PM
i know it's different...but i'm still coming to grips with that ol' $30 pair of socks idea...it's a tough one to accept.
the skein you got is BEAUTIFUL....i'm sure my wallet will be yawning too once i see your F.O.
Posted by: cristina | January 21, 2007 at 09:14 PM
Crap! That might be the post that makes me break my self imposed "Knit from my stash" thingey.
Posted by: Donni | January 21, 2007 at 11:50 PM