fair-isle technique + scarf pattern

[wrabbit]

ETA: This is a scarf so geeky that I might actually find the patience for it: Emission Spectra scarves. You can browse the emission/absorbtion spectra of the elements using this (Java).

Does anyone have any favorite colorwork/fair-isle techniques or hints? For my first colorwork project I used Philosopher's Wool's Two-Handed Fair Isle technique for weaving the floats into the back of the work. Someone at my knitting circle linked it to me. I'm a Continental knitter and it requires you to able to knit English with the dominant color, but it was invaluable on the longer carries.

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Comments

[beachlass]

I hold my yarn in my left hand, and I while I rarely do two stranded knitting, I was taught to do it by the woman from Philosopher's Wool, and its been a comfortable technique for me.

[malka]

I like my two-yarns widget that goes on my left index finger. (Schoolhouse Press has one here under "knitting thimble".) It's cheap, sturdy, and allows me to throw both yarns with my left finger. (Also, it impresses bystanders.) I have heard that the all-plastic ones are not as sturdy as the coiled wire ones, but have only used the wire sort.

As for the spectrum scarves (nifty!), you shouldn't need to do any complicated colorwork at all. They're straight-up striping.

[yvi]

Oh my, that scarf! *wants*

[pensnest]

I've always held the yarn in my right hand—possibly I'm as thoroughly British in my knitting as in everything else—but this looks quite fascinating. I'm going to have to give it a try.

[laughingrat]

Ooo, this post is full of many useful links! Also, those scarves are awesome, and I may have to make one.