Who doesn't love a fun, beautiful skein of variegated yarn (otherwise known as any yarn with a multicolor schematic—whether with multiple colored streaks, in a heathered pattern, ombre shades, or gradient shades)? 

If you're like the ASM team and cannot help but pick up a skein (or 2...okay let's be real...even a whole sweater quantity!) of variegated yarn, but are at a loss for what to make, we're here for you. If you don't have any variegated yarn in your project stash, have no fear! We'll also share some of our favorite in-stock shop yarns from a number of wonderful independent yarn dyers as recommended yarns for the patterns outlined in this blog.

In the first in a two part series highlighting projects best suited for variegated yarns, we have selected four fun knitting patterns ranging from a quick pair of mittens to hand-knit socks (!!) for the colder weather (perfect for those in the Northern Hemisphere as the temperature drops).

Without further ado, let's jump into the patterns! 

Clara's Playtime Mittens

We LOVE these mittens, and the ASM team have all knit quite a few pairs over the years.

Now with two versions in DK and fingering, Clara's Playtime Mittens / Clara's Playtime Mittens Light is an easy, speedy knitting pattern with a convertible flap for using your fingers! Available in sizes Toddler to Adult Large, this is a straightforward pattern with two views, and truly a perfect project for that special variegated DK or fingering weight yarn you've been saving in stash (or eyeing)!

Skill level: Advanced Beginner

Yarn recommendation:

• DK weight: We have some on sale La Bien Aimée in the Merino Super Sock base in shop, and the Winter Garden colorway seems like a great choice for some winter gift knitting!
• Fingering/sport weight: The recommended yarn for this pattern is this lovely Wandering Flock Moonstone colorway in their Baby Paca base, which is a  30% baby alpaca to add amazing softness and warmth and 50% non-superwash merino (remaining 20% is nylon for longevity). 

Wisteria Bloom Socks

If you have been following us for a long time, the Wisteria Bloom sock pattern is one of our long-time go-to sock patterns. We recently released the lace sock pattern for free on our blog, or available with purchase in our pattern shop if you would like a PDF version. This sock pattern has an engaging contrast floral lace texture is easy to memorize and soothing to knit, while the ribbed leg and foot sections give a beautiful and cozy fit.

Skill level: Intermediate

Yarn recommendation: Of course, we actually have the recommended yarn in stock from Big Little Yarn Co! You can check out Wisteria in the Trusty Sock base, along with all of the other colorway options. 

Serenity Mitts

We've included a free knitting pattern for making a simple fingerless mitten with a thumb gusset from Lauren over at A Bee in A Bonnet. This is a quick knit that comes in three sizes (S, M, L) and a perfect one skein variegated yarn project.

Image courtesy of Lauren Rad,  www.abeeinthebonnet.com

Skill level: Advanced Beginner

Yarn recommendation: Lauren's pattern has the option to use a sock set for an interesting, contrasted finished mitten—and we have the perfect colorways from Coast to Coast Co. in shop for you! The Usual + the Currants will fit the vibe of the Serenity Mitts, but let's be honest, any of the colors would be amazing.

Lovely Ribbed Leg Warmers

We love a good ol' Purl Soho pattern and these warm ribbed leg warmers with options for both adults and children in various lengths (knit up to your ankle, calf, or thigh) are no different!

Skill level: Beginner

Yarn recommendation: The pattern calls for holding two strands together of a sport weight yarn + a mohair yarn. The Wandering Flock's Baby Paca (maybe in Rose Gold?) is perfect for the Yarn A option with the budget-friendly option of Knitting for Olive's Soft Silk Mohair in Soft Rose to match. 

If you're curious about what other patterns we have in our shop, check out all of them here. Happy knitting!