Stranded Knitting - working a design into the knitting using a contrasting color. Ski sweaters with a snow flake design is an example. Another familiar term is Fair Isle; however in some cases it seems Stranded knitting and Fair Isle aren't always interchangeable. I'm new to these different terms so I'm no authority on them.
Stranded knitting is another of my latest challenges, learning how to work a design into a project using different colored yarns. I'm following a snow flake design using pink against a white background to create the design; for now just using some leftover yarn to work on the design.When this sample is done I'll have a nice hot pad for the kitchen, and a record of my work.
I had done Stranded knitting for a simple Christmas project many years ago but never did it again, due to the complex nature of the work. Now I'm back to see if I can improve my skills and make knitting more interesting at the same time. Taking on a challenge keeps my interest going in a craft.
Here is the pattern, from Knitty.com: Corazon mittens
So far it is going okay, however because I knit somewhat differently than most, (knitting through the back of the loop instead of thru the front-left), the yarn that is coming off of the balls of yarn are getting quite twisted after a couple of rows working the pattern. I'm sure there must be a better way. I cannot imagine knitting a complicated sweater design and having to un-wind tangled yarn every few rows. If I get good at this I plan on making these mittens, and then moving on to other stranded knitting projects, possibly a pair of socks or a new Christmas stocking.
Edey
