Designing in the Desert: Color, Light & Yarn Pairings

Lately, I've been working on a pair of socks. Tiny needles and stranded colorwork aren’t ideal for vacation knitting, though—so I packed up some yarn for a design I’ve been wanting to work on for months, and we hit the road.

Our destination? Moab, Utah—home to two breathtaking national parks: Arches and Canyonlands.

In some areas of the park, the colors are bright and crystalline (don’t forget your sunglasses!) In others, and at different times of day, the hues soften and blur, mirroring the gentle transitions in the new design I brought with me. It’s a simple slip-stitch motif worked into a moebius cowl, one I’ll share in more detail once it’s ready. 

I’m always struck by how the quality of light shifts and transforms color in each new place we travel.

For any project that wraps around my neck, softness is non-negotiable. I chose Transitions + Amble for their blend of comfort, subtle texture, and luminous color.

Here’s a peek at the first sample: its cool pastels remind me of the hush of early morning in the high desert. This version combines Transitions in Auroral Flux with Amble in Blencathra. Transitions, a soft single ply with a gentle halo, brings visual depth and a bit of airiness. Amble, with its slight sheen, adds polish and body. Together, they make for a road trip worthy knit with a relaxing slip stitch pattern that's easy to memorize.

More Color Inspiration

For a warmer take, I plan to pair Transitions in Stratum Shift with Amble in St. Bees Beech. The earthy tones echo the stone and minty green water of the Canyonlands, and I think they’ll make a beautiful duo. This design could also be a fun stash buster. Try combining a hand-dyed or variegated yarn with a grounded, solid contrast for striking results.