All the Pretty Colors

March 31, 2025

In this issue: Featured Article Upcoming Classes and Events Shop News The Tip Jar Contact info

Tech Talk: Stranded Colorwork

Join us on an adventure in color! Colorwork, that is. There are multiple ways to knit or crochet in multiple colors on a single row; the term colorwork is generally used for this stitching style. Colorwork can include stranded, Fair Isle, Intarsia, mosaic, & double knitting. Today, we’re going to cover stranded colorwork.

Stranded colorwork uses 2 or more colors in a single row. Named for the way the strand of nonworking color is carried on the back of the work, the colors are switched frequently to create short pattern repeats along the row. Fair Isle, one type of stranded colorwork, originated from the Shetland Islands of Scotland.

Things to know about stranded colorwork:

It’s typically worked in the round, with the wrong side showing the strands (aka floats).
Also, it can dramatically change your gauge, typically tightening your work. Controlling the tension, particularly that of the floats, is critical to a pucker-free fabric.
Choose high contrast colors for maximum impact. Gradients can add flair, but make sure the contrast color(s) provide enough contrast.
Although we typically hear stranded colorwork in knitting conversations, crocheted stranded colorwork is a thing! (Check out the American Crochet Association’s post on crochet colorwork.)
Charts are ideal for showing when to change colors. The beauty of charted colorwork is that it can be used for knit or crochet! Plus, charts are a universal language, meaning you can use a pattern not written in your language.
When knitted, it’s usually worked in stockinette, meaning all knit stitches when worked in the round. (Yay!)
When crocheted, it’s usually worked in single crochet, because the denser fabric shows off the design better.

Want to try stranded colorwork? Choose a pattern that has short floats like Kaia Mei by Jamie Hoffman (knit, free in-store/Rav) or Quinlan Bag by Sarah Korth (crochet, $4 in-store/Rav). Or pick up any of the Doodle knit decks, base patterns or book.

Stitch on!

-Caryn & the Yarnivore Crew

Coming Attractions!

Friday Night Cravings: Friday, 4/11
Twenty 8 North Trunk Show: Saturday, April 12 11a-4p
Spinner Saturday: Saturday, 4/19
Local Yarn Shop Day: Saturday, April 26 11a-5p

Classes
Click the title to learn more and to register.
Space is limited & sign-ups close a week before class begins, so sign up now! Class fees due at time of registration. You can find all available classes on our Calendar.

Knitting Workshop with Suzy
Bring your projects and questions; Suzy will answer your questions and will break down the principles involved so that everyone can learn! Each class is one 2-hour session.

Tuesday April 8, 12 pm - 3 seats available (See class description for more dates.)

Hooker Helpdesk with Moses - Masks Appreciated, but not required
Come pick Moses' brain in this workshop-style class. Get some helpful tips to make your hook happy and your project beautiful! Each class is one 2-hour session.
Saturday April 12, 1 pm - 4 seats available

Stitching Workshop with Nancy
Bring your needlepoint or cross stitch projects for support, problem-solving, & camaraderie! Each class is one 2-hour session.

Sunday April 13, 1pm - no seats available
Sunday April 13, 3pm - 1 seat available (See class description for more dates.)

Knitting Workshop with Wendy - Masks Required -
Come knit with Wendy! This is for knitters of any skill level with any kind of project! Learn with others in a friendly, supportive environment! Each class is one 2-hour session.

Knitting Workshop with Wendy - Mondays - Masks Required -
Monday April 14, 2pm - 6 seats available (See class description for more dates.)

Beginning Tunisian Crochet - Masks Required

Is it knit? Is it crochet? Yes! Well, it’s crochet, but with the look of knitting! Learn Tunisian Simple, Knit, & Purl stitches! Class is two 2-hour sessions.
Thursday April 17 & 24, 5:30pm - 3 seats available

Beginning Crochet
Get started crocheting with Moses! You'll learn the four basic crochet stitches (chain, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet) and the skills to do them well. Class is two 2-hour sessions.
Saturday April 26 & May 3, 1pm - 4 seats available

Shop News - Gusto Core restock!

We just restocked Gusto Core, in 12 gorgeous colors! This mid-range priced yarn is an excellent value because it’s made from 80% Extrafine Superwash Merino & 20% Nylon. Use in socks, garments or accessories. Its bright, solid colors would be perfect for colorwork!

Fingering (#1) weight, 440 yards in 100g hank. Machine wash, lay flat to dry.

Private Lessons
Learn 1x1 or in small groups with your choice of project or technique! One-on-one (one student, one teacher) Personal lessons are $25/hour & group private lessons are $15/person per hour. Visit us in-store or call 210-979-8255 to schedule. Fees due at time of scheduling.

The Tip Jar

Short floats are more forgiving of tension issues than long floats. Also, per Wendy, if you’re knitting, make sure to spread your worked stitches out on the RH needle! This will help lengthen your floats. You can do something similar in crochet by frequently stretching your work a bit.

Moses recommends that you turn your work inside out, meaning you have the wrong side showing as you work. This will add a little distance between stitches, which also stretches your floats.

Do you have a tip idea? We're happy to share it, just reply to this newsletter!

To keep up with our activities & real time announcements, please follow us on social media, @YarnivoreSA on Facebook & Insta.

If you have a question for one of our teachers, you can email us at yarnivoresa@gmail.com.