I have a few posts' worth of thoughts to share with you on Takoma (collar technique and source material) but first, I think color has so much to do with why we are drawn to knit, and this one is no exception.
So far, people who have cast on have played it pretty close to my original colors, and I am so happy about that. But I don't want anyone to feel like the burgundy/brown/cream trio is the only attractive way to go.
We all know the kinds of earthy colors Cowichans are usually knit in -- and these colors are important since the Salish knitters traditionally consider the natural wool to be a sacred gift. Meanwhile, my email this week had a Pendleton design from -- of all places -- Anthro that reminded me why I love the original colorways.
It isn't hard to transpose this arrangement into Takoma. I'd try the black as the main color, and keep the cream where it is, leaving the grey to fill in where I have the brown. Or reverse those last two, or start with the grey. Or not.
Cambria is knitting a Takoma taking her color cue from stash yarn she already had and loved:
It also looks like she is steeking it (tell tale stitch line there on the right) Rock that!
I also stumbled across this trio in my stash photos that I think would make a beautiful sweater.
That blue reminded me of a sweater I saw on Crystal's blog about a year ago that combined cream, a good blue, and a burnt pumpkin kind of orange that I really admired (and there's that green too). Nice, eh?
Of course, there's no reason to keep to just three colors (as you can tell from that great pop of green). You could use a whole colorbox, drawing your inspiration from anywhere.
I am obsessed with this knit! I've worked my way through to the section where I divide for the arms, and having a blast! I can't wait to wear it out!
Posted by: CambriaW | October 13, 2011 at 08:54 PM
I pretty much stayed with your colors as Dad loves red but now I'm sorta sorry I rushed into this. I Love your Debbie Bliss trio!!! I'm knitting this right under his nose for Christmas and so far he hasn't asked me what I'm knitting. Is there an elephant in the room? LOL.
Posted by: Mom | October 15, 2011 at 06:34 PM
Funny, I am planning on using the same colors as Cambria, but switching the turquoise and brown colors. I am planning on casting mine on in December or January, after my Christmas knitting is complete.
Posted by: picadrienne | October 16, 2011 at 10:27 PM
Bring your mom to SPA, she is one of us! LOL.
Posted by: Shelagh in Vermont | October 18, 2011 at 06:41 AM
This article immediately made me think of your sweater - http://youlookfab.com/2011/10/19/the-tribal-trend/
You're spot on for trendy! :D
Posted by: June | October 19, 2011 at 11:29 AM