Ashes

I just ran across this new pattern on Ravelry, Ashes, and knew that it’s simple, easy to wear look would appeal. I mean, can’t you see yourself wearing this just about everywhere and every day? It’s the kind of sweater you can make several versions of, one for each season in a different type of yarn. One thought that came immediately to mind was that this sweater would look amazing knitted up as a marled colour (see all about that below).

Size

NOTE: this pattern is designed to be quite oversized. Before you choose a size to make you should check the finished dimensions below, you may want to make a smaller size than normal.

• XS (S, M1, M2, L, XL, XXL)
• finished bust circumference:  46.5 (48.5, 51, 53, 55, 57, 58.5)” or 116.5 (121.5, 127, 132, 137.5, 142.5, 146) cm
• Sample is size XS worn with 14.5” (36.5 cm) positive ease at bust

Materials

• Malabrigo Lace Baby Merino: 3(3, 3, 4, 4, 4) skeins in each of TWO colours [a total of 6(6, 6, 8, 8, 8) skeins]
• 3.25mm/US3, 24” (60 cm) AND 32” (80 cm) circular needles, AND Double pointed needles
• 3.5 mm/US4, 24” (60 cm) AND 32” (80 cm) circular needle, AND Double pointed needles
• Stitch holders or waste yarn
• stitch markers
• tapestry needle
• Pattern

Knit Hack: Making Marls

A marled colorway is usually created by holding two strands of different colours together at the same time. Above is a great example of a marled knit, Forester by Brooklyn Tweed.

You can also buy yarn that creates a marled effect (see above), it will be an equal combination of at least two colours, by sometimes there are more.

Fibre Texture

One important thing to consider when knitting up your own mark is the texture of the fibre. A marled textile works best if the fibres stick together and ‘blend’ a bit. The fuzzier the yarn, the better the marl effect. Yarns with a smooth surface don’t blend well. I think Ashes it would be awesome worked up with a single ply laceweight yarn like Malabrigo Lace Baby Merino. It has a halo to it that will make the two strands blend together almost seamlessly.

Colour Combinations

High Contrast

Most people think of a marled colour as a high contrast and obvious look, like a black & cream (195 Black & 64 Natural) or black & light grey  (195 Black & 9 Polar). You can also experiment with something a bit more edgy, like a tan & muted pink (like 18 Applewood & 60 Dusty).

Low Contrast

Another option is a lower contrast, which creates a more subtle effect. Putting two reds together would create a subtle depth of colour (like 44 Geranio and 94 Bergamota), or a bright red & pink would be a vibrant combination (like 94 Bergamota & 184 Shocking Pink). Blues look great combined together (like 186 Buscando Azul and 26 Continental, or 27 Bobby Blue & 98 Tuareg). If you’re a purple person try 34 Orchid & 97 Cuarzo for a subtle, pretty purple.

Variegated

If you want something variegated, but the original colourway is a bit too much, try pairing it with one of the dominant colours in the colourway (like 242 Intenso & 44 Geranio, 157 Amoroso & 24 Vermillion, 228 Snowbird & 94 Bergamota, or 9 Polar Morn & 622 SFO Sky).