Friday, August 19, 2011

finished object Friday


When I saw a Braided Ball on another blog I was intrigued. And then when I saw Bernat Mosaic on sale it all clicked. Let's try it!

First, the yarn: it's an inexpensive acrylic fabricated as a cheap and easy care alternative to Noro. They've succeeded in my books from a colour standpoint - the colours are beautiful, the repeats are long and the transitions are very attractive. Nicer than Noro, in fact, which I find gets very muddy in transitions. I don't think this pattern shows the colours to full advantage; instead, something like this would be stunning (and machine washable)!

It feels like a brushed cotton on my hands, and like cotton, has little stretch. The knitted fabric is very soft and feels slightly felted. Many Ravelers complain that the yarn shreds and falls apart with handling, and they're right, it won't take much stress. I had no trouble knitting it, but seaming or frogging would be an entirely different story. In that regard, it reminded me of Rowan Felted Tweed.

As for the pattern, it's really simple until you hit the assembly stages. The ball is constructed from six bands of stockinette fabric (12-13 grams of worsted weight each) which are woven through each other and then stitched into closed bands. Weaving strips three and four through the first two isn't hard. But when you get to strips five and six, it's awkward. I could have used a couple of extra hands to help hold the other bands in place.

Finished, it's about the size of a softball. Although hollow in the middle - I might put in a bell - the bands are sturdy enough to give the ball a pleasant firmness. Looks like my braided ball is going to live on my desk as a stress ball, at least for the time being. As much as I enjoyed making the ball, I can't see myself making more. After all, what would you do with them?

It's worth taking a look at Tami's Amis to see more finished objects, but I warn you, looking does seem to have the unfortunate effect of adding to my own project list. Many fun and interesting things!

23 comments:

WildflowerWool said...

That is so cute! I would agree with your review of Mosaic. I just finished a vest. We will see how it holds up.

Sam Findlay said...

I love these balls, great yarn too!

pinkundine said...

I saw the braided balls somewhere this week and they look so cool. Love yours, the colours look fab. Might have to make one myself... ;)

Anonymous said...

Interesting. I might have to give one of these a try sometime.

Wool Diaries said...

I love the ball. I have it on my to do list. WOW you whipped that up quickly so it seems it's a fabulous quick project.

Calophi said...

That's a really interesting project! I dig it.

You aren't the first to say that mosaic has no stretch. I hadn't heard about it falling apart though. The colors are lovely but I am not sure I'd want to make something with it if it was going to break easily later.

Sandy said...

Love the colors, but the whole time I reading your post I'm trying to figure out what one does with a ball....stress........hadn't thought of that.

Holly said...

That looks so cool! What an awesome idea!

wrchili said...

I love the braided ball and the yarn choice. I think it would make a fun pet toy, but I don't know if I could handle the assembly.

Sarah ~ Crafts from the Cwtch said...

That is lovely! And a great tip about that yarn - i've never heard of it but have found a few UK stockists so plan to try it out!

Ellie said...

That's the second time in as many weeks that those braided balls are popping up... yours are really lovely, the colors are great!

Stacey said...

Love it!!!

Karen said...

I love your ball! It is beautiful. Also thanks for the yarn review. I'm going to look for it when I go to the store.

stephanni :] said...

that ball is all kinds of AWESOME!!! i'm so jealous of all the knitters on tami's ami's. knitting is so beautiful. i love crocheting but knitting is so much more... i guess uniform, not for sure what to call it exactly. ::sigh:: i will learn to knit one day :)

thanks for the lovely comment!

Anonymous said...

this is so cool - i think i need a stress-ball that is as pretty and colourful as this!

Unknown said...

How did you know I need another baby blanket and had been thinking about that particular 10 stitch one??? And then you give me the perfect alternative to Noro, considering it's for a baby!!! I love the ball, I think it would be great for babies. I would make one for my dogs, but they would have it shredded in no time.

Wanderingcatstudio said...

Cute! You could fill it with cat nip!

Frieda said...

The ball looks so cool ! Thanks for the review of the yarn and the pattern , both are very helpful . I haven't seen the yarn anywhere here locally , but will keep an eye out in my travels .

autumngeisha said...

What a cool pattern. The colors are beautifully vivid. I think a few of these nestled in a wooden bowl would look lovely as a centerpiece. This one is going in my faves!

Marie/Underground Crafter said...

I had seen the ball on another blog too and am glad you explained the construction and feel of it. Maybe pet toys, if made with a sturdier yarn? (But a lot of work for a pet toy it sounds like!)

Anonymous said...

That's pretty cool. If you squish it, does it bounce back into shape.

I think if it bounces back, it would make a good baby toy.

Unknown said...

That is really cool looking!! I love Noro too but it can be pricey - good to know there is an alternative!

Srividya said...

This is absolutely stunning!