“Can I use more than one color?”
This is one of Christmas at Sea’s most frequently asked question, and I appreciate why.
Let’s take a look at the math:
A hat uses 3 ounces of yarn, a skein weighs 3.5 ounces, leaving a balll of leftover yarn weighing .5 ounces.
A scarf uses 5 ounces of wool, 2 skeins make up 7 ounces, which leaves 2 ounces of left over yarn.
A frugal knitter will want to use up those leftover bits of yarn, so what’s she to do?
STRIPES! Stripes are a great way to use up leftover balls of yarn, while adding a little design interest to your finished garment. Knitter Mary Evans Downs from South Dennis, Massachusetts, knits up the most charming vests, and incorporates all of her leftovers.
In years past, Christmas at Sea has asked that knitters use only one color in each garment.
Here is an example illustrating why this request has been made:
This scarf is knit neatly and evenly, but it is clearly made out of leftover scraps of yarn. As nicely as this item is knit, it will not be used. Our volunteers here will rip back and attempt to finish the scarf in all one color, or incorporating the beige and the red as stripes throughout the entire garment.
A little planninng can help you turn your leftover balls of yarn into attractive stripes and beautiful, dignified and personalized seafarer’s garments.
