I am an absolute sucker for sparkly yarns. If it has sequins, glitter, or just an overall metallic look, I want it. Perhaps it’s because I went to high school in the early 2000s, when glitter was all the rage, or maybe it can be traced even farther back—to my childhood love of David Bowie in Labyrinth. Whatever the reason, I love projects woven from spectacular, shiny yarns. And Amy Gunderson’s fabulous Sparkle Nation Scarf, from Handwoven Loom Theory: Rigid-Heddle Scarf Collection, is no exception. It sparkles and shines, and because it’s woven using hand-manipulated lace techniques, it’s also not overwhelming or gaudy—it has just the right amount of shine. It’s the sort of thing you can wear as a statement piece with pretty much anything because, after all, glitter goes with everything. Here’s what Amy had to say about her design.
Amy Gunderson’s Sparkle Nation Scarf is equal parts lacy and sparkly. PHOTO BY CALEB YOUNG (GOOD FOLK PHOTOGRAPHY)
Designer Amy Gunderson’s Statement
I am a sucker for an interesting yarn blend. Universe is a kind of magical yarn that brings the best of the plant world together with shiny metallic into a kind of “techno-wonderland” yarn. I used openwork patterning in this scarf to subdue what is a very glittery yarn and to soften the overall look of the shawl.
Happy Weaving!
Christina
Project at a Glance
PROJECT TYPE: Rigid-heddle.
STRUCTURE: Plain weave with Brooks bouquet, ladder hemstitching, pick-up, and locking soumak.
EQUIPMENT: Rigid-heddle loom, 15" weaving width; 12-dent heddle; 2 shuttles.
YARNS: Universe (42% linen/41% cotton/9% glitter/8% polyamide; 246 yd/50 g; 2,231 yd/lb; Universal Yarns).
OTHER SUPPLIES: Cardboard strip ½" x 16"; tapestry needle; netting shuttle (optional); mindfulness and stillness for areas of soumak and ladder hemstitching. Recommend a vigorous yoga flow prior to beginning.
FINISHED SIZE (after washing): 13" x 81" with 6 ½" fringe.