FAQs
Are floating rings the same as magic rings?
Definitely not! With magic rings (or magic circles) you must start with a new length of yarn, which defeats the whole idea of crocheting your motifs continuously. The technique for making each type of ring is also entirely different. Another difference is that with magic rings you can pull the yarn to cinch in the centre of the motif, but with Floating rings you start with the size you want from the beginning.
I’m having trouble making Floating Rings.
Floating Rings are a new concept and it can take some practice before they become easy to make. Additionally, for some, they can be difficult because of how the yarn is held. There is another way of making Floating Rings which I will demonstrate in an upcoming video, please check back soon.
What is the best yarn to use?
Basically just about any kind of yarn can be used, from fine crochet thread to chunky acrylic. It’s really more important to match the type of yarn that suits the project. With that said, some novelty yarns may give you a headache. My best advice is if you have trouble working with a particular yarn in general, it won’t be any easier with a Breakaway project!
Is it ok to use variegated, ombré, or color changing yarns?
This depends on the project. Variegated yarns can often be too “busy” if there is already a lot of visual texture (such as in the Nosegay Shawl), but can look alright with something simpler such as a Training Wheels project.
I generally wouldn’t recommend ombré yarns because of the path you travel in a piece. For example, since you are splitting the motifs between rows, one half of a motif will be in one color, and by the time you work the other half on the return row, you will have progressed to a vastly different color. This means you get an unattractive line that distracts from the texture of the motifs. You will also get an even worse unexpected line between the main piece and the final edge.
For color changing yarns, this really depends on the project, so do a test run before you commit.
Can any motif work?
For the most part, yes. I have been able to convert most of the traditional motifs I have wanted to work with, but there are some that don’t quite work so well.
For example, very large motifs can often be more trouble than they’re worth, and there are a handful of other multi-row motifs that are proving a challenge because of the stitch pattern. Fortunately these are few and far between…but my mind still ticks over on ways of making them work!
Can I sell the items I make from your patterns?
Absolutely.
Can you free form?
Sure, why not? I have had thoughts on this and hope to have at least a few blog posts that explore this idea.