July’s quickie: Dancing Galaxies
It almost seems that it is impossible that July is coming to a close in the next couple of days. That just means that the Brrrrrr months are on their way to me, I don’t know about you, but there is nothing like a reminder that the “-ber” months are on the horizon to make me ready to reach for my cozy, warm knits (and if you are in the opposite hemisphere as I am, then the good news is that the sun is one its way to you and it is time to start putting the heavy knits away!)
July’s Quickie pattern is a wonderful option for that in between type of weather we are all destined to experience here soon: Dancing Galaxies, https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dancing-galaxies, designed by Paola Albergamo.
Paola is a knitwear designer that lives in Rome, featuring patterns that experiment with new techniques and constructions. Dancing Galaxies is a stunning infinity scarf worked in a beautiful mosaic stitch. This piece is worked flat and then grated together to create the infinity construction. This design features Susurro in Whales Road and Polar Morn. There is a special introductory code: "dance" will get you 20% off the pattern price until the end of July, 2021.
I had the opportunity to ask Paolo a little bit about this new design:
What is your favorite part of your Quickies design and why?
I love that the spiral shapes look like galaxies in the night sky. That was only partially intended, but when I noticed it, I increased that resemblance randomizing all the CC spots on the dark background, making them more like scattered stars around the galaxy center
What should knitters pay attention to when working this pattern? Do you have any tips or tricks that will make knitting this pattern easier?
While this project is absolutely easy to work (you will need only knit and slipped sts, no purls in sight, no increases or decreases), the spiral shape is very big and it’s almost impossible to memorize, you’ll have to follow the instructions (or the charts) row-by-row.
What do you think knitters will enjoy the most about this project?
Looking the galaxy shape emerge from your knitting is almost exhilarating and so interesting! At least, this was my experience, and the same was reported by my testers as well.
What does your design process look like?
I love to draw charts of my designs, to see how the motif will look when knitted. After that, I swatch to find a suitable yarn for what I have in mind and verify that the final result matches with my idea. Sometimes everything works, sometimes I need to start again from scratch.
What impact does the color of this project have on you? Did you make design choices
based on the color way name?
I really loved the color of the yarn! The deep blu-violet of Whales Road makes a perfect space sky, don’t you agree? My design choices were based on the yarn colors, more that on the colorway name.
What is your favorite color in Malabrigo’s catalog?
Oh, that’s a difficult answer! Can I choose more than one? But anyway, it’s so difficult to choose, I love them ALL!
What is the one thing you wish people knew about you as a designer?
I love contemporary art and it’s my primary source of inspiration.
Be sure to check out more of Paola’s work here:
IG:@paolaknits
Facebook Group: Knitting Paola Group
Ravelry ID: paolalber
Website:
