So, remember I told you about the sale at Little Knits last week? My Silk Garden arrived, but while it was in transit I began having second thoughts about the color. I had seen 82 at some point, and started thinking that would be a better choice because of the smoother, subtler color transitions, than 217, which, when it arrived, was super unique. So I broke down and ordered a bag from Yarnbow, an eBay seller whose regular prices are $80/bag, and the 82 arrived, and now I'm in a pickle. I have to return one bag, but I don't know which one. I'm leaning slightly one way, but I'm keeping mum as to which because I want to get your opinion. Which of these would make a better Lady Eleanor?
82: grey / moss green / purple / russet / berry
+ smoother, subtler color transitions
- kinda expected hues, not so much "pop"
0 very similar to the colorway on the model
217: black / charcoal / purple / red / yellow
+ unique, lovely color combo
- potential for "court jester" effect / may not be as wearable?
Oh, and feel free to comment, too!
Posted by jess at October 29, 2005 4:56 PMI voted for 82 - I'm ordinarily all for high contrast, but I think it's the yellow that makes we wary about the other colorway.
My $.02, for what it's worth...
Posted by: Michelle at October 29, 2005 6:46 PMI voted for 82 also, and it seems to be "winning" by quite a margin! Go with your gut instinct...subtle is better on a large item. I haven't gotten my LN parcel yet, but I bet it will be here Monday.
Posted by: jillian at October 29, 2005 7:13 PMI think 82 is so pretty! Both are nice, but 82 is more of a colorway that I would choose for myself. Lucky you to be able to choose...I can't make myself buy enough Silk Garden for a sweater. I'd love to make Klaralund, but I just can't afford the yarn. Curse of the one-income family/SAHM. =)
Posted by: katie at October 29, 2005 7:46 PMI personally like knitting shawls and wraps in bright colors that catch the eye I since I tend to wear blah colored clothes. I vote 217!
Posted by: Sandra at October 29, 2005 7:55 PMI also voted for 217, cuz I like the bright colors... especially in a big shawl... but go with your gut... all your other projects were perfectly matched... so no need to second guess now.
Posted by: patricia at October 29, 2005 8:32 PMI'd say go for 82. It is quite similar to the photo in the book, but I think that's a good thing. The pattern is interesting enough, so I don't think you need colors that pop. Good Luck!
Posted by: Rebecca at October 29, 2005 10:16 PMI agree with the pro-217'ers: Wraps and shawls are the perfect thing for a little "pow pow" color to perk up the perfectly sensible outfits we wear everyday--I say no-return the 82! Save it for a lovely, simple sweater (not unlike the Hourglass) that you can wear all the time.
Posted by: Darsana at October 30, 2005 12:12 AMi voted 82- I love the subtlety of the eleanor shown in the picture. I think you were spot-on with your feeling about the 217 being "court jester-y", while the 217 has lovely colors with pop, squaring them off will put them into too much opposition with each other and it'll look fragmented. Sorry that sounded like a freakin' thesis! This is how my over-analytical mind works. This will be such a fun project to knit whichever way you go!
Posted by: Julia at October 30, 2005 2:15 AMIgnore my flickr comment. Yes, 82 all the way! 217 with the diamonds probably would have a court jester effect.. not quite the look you'd probably go for.
Posted by: Angela at October 30, 2005 2:38 AMI voted for 217 though I'm not usually a 'colorful' person. I think that it wouldn't be too much color in the end. It's really a beautiful color, but they both are lovely. I can't wait to see you get started on Eleanor -she's on my wish list but not until next year. :-)
Posted by: Jaime at October 30, 2005 6:11 AMI have to vote for the 82, although I love the other color way - but it is the Noro yellow that does it. I bought the Silk Garden several years ago in a pink colorway that is no longer avail, and the small amount of yellow that was in there overwhelmed - and I stranded it with other yarns to tone down the striping effect. I'm happy with it now, on its second incarnation, but I broke the yellows and placed them where I could deal with them. See the pics here http://www.flickr.com/photos/38923480@N00/sets/1028752/
Posted by: Marji at October 30, 2005 7:48 AMI don't know which colorway would work better, because they're both great. Usually Silk Garden has one color in the mix that throws the whole thing off. Not so with these! Good picks
Posted by: Colleen at October 30, 2005 9:11 AMI voted for 82 as well, good point about it looking more like the one in the photo. You are going to love this knit, I am half way through my fifth ball ( 2 week progress, on and off ) and it is getting quite large and very cozy on my lap. I am so excited to wear this around the hoidays, it is so beautiful !!! Have fun, I can't wait to see some pictures - when will you be casting on ??? Hurry !!!
Posted by: strawberryfever at October 30, 2005 10:55 AMi've been meaning to get a bag of noro silk garden for a clapotis for myself! :)
i vote 82 for a garment, though they're both lovely.
Posted by: gleek at October 30, 2005 11:35 AMI'm working on lady elanor in the silk garden, colourway 34(greens,browns,purples). IMHO this project doesn't need colours that *POP* . The elegance of the pattern works well with subtle color changes. Go for #84 :)
oops- 82!
Posted by: emily Thompson at October 31, 2005 1:39 AMslow and subtle (color transitions) wins the race!
Posted by: j a r e d at October 31, 2005 10:38 AMI think either colorway will be lovely. Lady Eleanor is just a perfect pattern; you can't go wrong. I'm usually one who is much more inclined to subdued colors, but this time I voted for 217. There's just something about its color combinations that is captivating to me.
Posted by: julia at October 31, 2005 12:37 PMMan, this discussion is great...I loved reading everyone's thoughts!
I voted for 82 - my rationale: you know Coco Chanel's advice about looking in the mirror before leaving the house and removing one thing? I like deep texture, and I like vivid color, but I don't think they always go well together (witness my burning hatred for lace made of varigated yarn). The entrelac is the showstopper here...best to go subtle with color.
I do think, though, that this is going to be *so* beautiful, no matter what.
Posted by: eunny at October 31, 2005 7:42 PM