I first tackled this colourway under the name Winter Creek, and while the result was pretty, it wasn't exactly what I was going for. While I recognize the perils of overcontrolling an artistic process, I am increasingly feeling a kinship with painters in the drive to master real-life effects of light and shadow and layering.
What I really wanted to convey was the smooth dark mystery of the green-black water roiling and tumbling over the river rocks below. River rocks that hint at gold and pink, rust and mauve, colours that would glow wet and cheerful at the bottom of a friendlier summer creekbed but are only glimmers under this winter-dark river, condensed and constrained by the encroaching ice. And here and there, where the swirls and eddies favor it, moments of turquoise, momentarily suspended like the pristine lakes the river both feeds and drains.
It took some thinking and planning, multiple steps and techniques, but I am well pleased with the results:
The BFL - first in worsted weight (I love this yarn SO much):
then sport:
and finally fingering:
Superwash merino in fingering:
and worsted:
And sock yarn:
(There are some fraternal socks, too.)
The Glowing Hearts has already been snatched up, but this mohair boucle (new to the line-up) shows a magnificent sheen (it fascinates me how much mohair looks like silk at times):
There was a Cruiser sweater pack - I haven't stopped doing those - but it was nabbed by a local knitter who plans to make her DH a Cobblestone. I don't seem to do many man-friendly colourways (though I guess that definition depends on the man!), but this one definitely fits the bill.
Your colorways are always so full of depth. Dark Water is stunningly complex and beautiful.
Posted by: margene | 09/03/2009 at 06:52 AM
I ordered a skein of the worsted BFL yesterday within 60 seconds of seeing the colorway -- it's *GORGEOUS*. :)
Posted by: Katinka | 09/03/2009 at 08:31 AM
Stunning, all of them!
Posted by: Lynn in Tucson | 09/03/2009 at 08:42 AM
These are absolutely freakin' gorgeous. The only subscription service I have for yarn is coming to a close, and I will likely not re-up for another year. Which will leave me free to perhaps come and pick up more of your beautiful and amazing yarns in the coming months. I think this is one of the very best yet...I think I'm partial to your greens. :) Just amazing.
Posted by: moiraeknittoo | 09/03/2009 at 09:27 AM
Gosh, that one is so pretty! You really are tempting me!!
Posted by: --Deb | 09/03/2009 at 03:00 PM
you GOT IT with the bfl. one of the most accurate i've ever seen. amazing and inspirational!
Posted by: madison | 09/03/2009 at 03:03 PM
Well the name reminds me of a cartoon that used to be on televison years ago. But when I look at it, well it is absolutely beautiful I really love the color and the depth that you've brought to the different yarns. Bravo!!!
Posted by: Leeniebeenie | 10/03/2009 at 01:34 AM
Your eye for color is amazing! I hope you don't mind but I've given you an award because you're photos and colors always make my day!
Posted by: Lani | 10/03/2009 at 05:03 PM
Amazing, I love your dark colors, they are so worth the effort you put into them. I can't wait to see this one in person. The Blackberry yarn arrived (speaking of dark colors) and it is gorgeous. I love the shawl pin you included. Thank you so much.
I really understand moiraeknittoo's idea in her comment of considering you as my subscription yarn club, only I get to pick whether I want the color of the week or not.. her idea is great justification for multiple purchases :-)
Posted by: Linda M. | 11/03/2009 at 09:40 AM