220 Superwash Aran Splatter, by Cascade
The Aran Splatter is a recent addition to Cascade's famous 220 Superwash line. This distictive look (call it blotches, speckles, mottled, or splattered) has rapidly grown in popularity with small-batch hand dyers like Hedgehog and Madelinetosh. The process of doing it by hand is painstaking and as a result each skein can be a bit more costly as a result. Cascade seems to have found a way to capture the feel and look of these highly prized hand dyes, but by using a method that lets their skeins be priced at about half the cost. This lively style of pattern lends itself to projects with a simple stitch; let the yarn do the work for you! |
The word "Aran" always needs a little explanation. The Aran Islands are off the western coast of Ireland, and though they are home to only 1,200 people they have made world famous their distinctive style of knitted fisherman's sweater (or "jumper.") The traditional pattern of an Aran sweater involves a raised cable stitch and large diamond designs. Since the undyed sheep's wool they use is an off white, the word "aran" has also come to mean that ivory color (also called "ecru.")
But here we're using the word "aran" in its third meaning, a weight (or thickness) of yarn. The middle weight of yarn is called "worsted," or a category 4 in the numeric system. The next full jump up in thickness from worsted is called "chunky," a category 5 (though you will also sometimes see it called "bulky.") But there's an in-between size, a category 4.5 if you will, and this size that's thicker than worsted but thinner than chunky is called "aran" weight. While knitters with worsted weight usually use a US size 7 or 8 and chunky uses a 10, aran weight yarn often uses a size US 9.
Here is a toddler's sweater that Kate just finished out of 220 Superwash Aran Splatter in the color Primary. The pattern is the aptly named A Simple Baby Pullover, with sizes ranging from newborn up to age three, and it's a free download. We always feel that a baby sweater is a great project for a first time sweater knitter because it incorporates all of the skills and techniques you'll need for a grown-up sweater, but you finish the project in a fraction of the time. |
Below we have a few patterns from Cascade's own team designed specifically with Aran Splatter in mind.
From left is the 3-D Cowl in the relatively subdued color Violet Quartz. This stitch pattern is just a couple of ticks away from being an ordinary garter rib, but what a difference they make.
Also in Violet Quartz is the Diamond Splatters pullover. This classic pullover uses simple knit and purl stitches combined with beautiful yarn colors to create the look of an etching.
Next is the adorable Baby On Board Bonnet in the color Hydrangea, tied with a simple I-cord and tassels at the chin.
A lastly, great minds think alike as the designer has also paired the eye-catching color Primary with a classic pullover. One difference is this Splatter Kids pattern has a crew neck with the buttons on the shoulder as an accent.
From left is the 3-D Cowl in the relatively subdued color Violet Quartz. This stitch pattern is just a couple of ticks away from being an ordinary garter rib, but what a difference they make.
Also in Violet Quartz is the Diamond Splatters pullover. This classic pullover uses simple knit and purl stitches combined with beautiful yarn colors to create the look of an etching.
Next is the adorable Baby On Board Bonnet in the color Hydrangea, tied with a simple I-cord and tassels at the chin.
A lastly, great minds think alike as the designer has also paired the eye-catching color Primary with a classic pullover. One difference is this Splatter Kids pattern has a crew neck with the buttons on the shoulder as an accent.
Happily, all of these are free patterns. Check out all the patterns designed with Aran Splatter in mind right here.
The Stats:
220 Superwash Aran Splatter, by Cascade
100% Superwash merino wool
Aran weight
100g/150yd
16-18 sts = 4" (10cm)
Machine wash cool. Tumble dry cool.
The Stats:
220 Superwash Aran Splatter, by Cascade
100% Superwash merino wool
Aran weight
100g/150yd
16-18 sts = 4" (10cm)
Machine wash cool. Tumble dry cool.