The Project I Loved: Alpine Bloom Faded with My Gradient Sets (Step-by-Step Guide)
📌 Edit Note: (Oct 15, 2025) Apologies! This page was previously offline due to a technical error.
Hi everyone! I'm so excited to share the creative modification I made to the iconic "Alpine Bloom" pattern by Boyland Knitworks. If you, like me, love unconventional color fades and evolving color narratives, this project is for you - made, of course, with the yarns I dye right here in my home-studio!
I took the magnificent yoke construction of the Alpine Bloom and transformed it into a work of chromatic transitions, using my beloved 5-Skein Gradient Sets instead of the two main colors (MC and CC).
My secret? I reversed the gradient order in places to maximize contrast and the movement of color, especially for the body.
-
MC (Main Color): My beautiful Senape (Brownish/Yellow). For the body, I used two sets to create an effect that goes from dark to light (in the upper part) and then from light to dark (in the lower part):
DARK
> LIGHT >
DARK.
- CC (Contrast Color): My intense Viola (Purple). Worked only in the yoke, from light to dark to make the pattern pop.
Take a look at the photos: the fading effect is dynamic and truly stunning!
📐 My Version: Size 2 (40" / 101.5 cm Bust)
For reference, my garment was knit in Size 2 (40" / 101.5 cm bust circumference).
- For this size, the kit includes 2 sets for MC and 1 set for CC.
- If you are knitting a larger size (e.g., Size 4 and up), you might require 3 MC sets. Always check the original pattern's yardage requirements before ordering.
🧶 The Kit and Detailed Instructions for the Unique Fade
To allow you to replicate this one-of-a-kind look, I've put together a specific yarn kit that includes the exact sets I used.
[KIT LINK: snailyarn.com/products/alpine-bloom-tee-yarn-kit-boylandknitworks]
But let's get to the crucial point: how did I manage the color changes to achieve these reverse and double transitions?
My Color-by-Color Guide (Pattern Modifications for Size 2):
Remember that, for each Gradient Set, the skeins are numbered from 1 (the lightest) to 5 (the darkest/most intense).
| Section of the Work | MC Yarn (Mustard) - Two Sets Required | CC Yarn (Purple) - One Set Required | My Changeover Instructions (Size 2) |
| A. Neck Ribbing & Cast-On (MC 1st Set) | MC Skein No. 5 (the darkest of the 1st set) | Not used | I cast on with the darkest color of my Mustard to give immediate depth. |
| B. Colorwork Motif (Yoke) | Using 1st MC Set, No. 5 to No. 2 | Using the single CC Set, No. 1 to No. 5 |
MC: I continued with Mustard, changing to the next shade (5 |
| C. Body (Upper Part - MC 1st Set/2nd Set) |
MC 1st Set: finish No. 2 |
Not used | I finished Skein No. 2, then worked through No. 1 (the lightest color of the first set). |
| D. Body (Lower Part - MC 2nd Set) | MC 2nd Set, No. 2 to No. 5 | Not used | Note: When I finished MC No. 1 (1st Set), I switched directly to MC No. 2 of the 2nd Set (I saved No. 1 of the 2nd Set for the sleeves). I measured the remaining length and divided it evenly among Skeins No. 2, No. 3, No. 4, and No. 5 for my LIGHT to DARK fade. |
| E. Short Sleeves | MC 2nd Set, Skein No. 1 | Not used | I used Skein No. 1 of the 2nd Set (the one I skipped on the body) to work the short sleeve stockinette border, as per the pattern. |
✨ The Body Trick: The Seamless Stripe Transition
Since the body section is entirely stockinette, to ensure a smooth fade and avoid harsh breaks between shades, I used a short 4-row transition sequence.
When you need to change from an Old Color (OC) to a New Color (NC):
- Row 1 (NC): Knit one round with the New Color.
- Row 2 (OC): Knit one round with the Old Color.
- Row 3 (NC): Knit one round with the New Color.
- Row 4 (OC): Knit one round with the Old Color.
- Continue: Resume knitting only with the New Color until the next planned change.
✨ Adapting the MC Fade for 3 Sets (Larger Sizes):
If you're knitting a size that requires 3 MC sets, you might run out of the 1st set halfway through the yoke or immediately after. Remember that my sweater has a fade with two reversals (Dark Light
Dark).
-
Option 1: Long Three-Reversal Fade (Dark
Light
Dark
Light)
- Yoke/Upper Body: Work the 1st Set from No. 5 to No. 1 (switch exactly when the yarn runs out).
- Mid-Body: Attach the 2nd Set and work it from No. 1 to No. 5 (switch exactly when the yarn runs out).
- Lower Body/Hem: Attach the 3rd Set and work it from No. 5 to No. 1 by measurement (calculating the remaining length to distribute the 5 skeins).
- This option is the simplest to execute.
-
Option 2: Maintain the Two-Reversal Aesthetic (Dark
Light
Dark)
- This option is technically more complex but maintains the final look of my sweater.
- Yoke/Upper Body: Work the 1st Set from No. 5 to No. 1 (switch exactly when the yarn runs out).
-
Lower Body/Hem (Light
Dark Fade): You need to work this final fade (approx. 25 cm / 10 inches) using skeins No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. To cover the required yardage, you will combine corresponding skeins from the 2nd and 3rd Sets:
- Calculate your final fade length and divide it by 5 (e.g., 5 cm per color).
- Start with No. 1: Attach No. 1 of the 2nd Set and continue with No. 1 of the 3rd Set until you reach the calculated length, blending with the Seamless Stripe Transition.
- Continue with No. 2, 3, 4, 5: Repeat the process for each shade, combining the corresponding yarns from the 2nd and 3rd Sets to meet the measured length, finishing with the darkest No. 5 shades.
- Sleeves: Use the reserved No. 1 yarn from the 2nd or 3rd Set for the short sleeves.
- Tip: If you're a beginner, follow Option 1, which avoids complex yarn-per-centimeter calculations.
✨ Additional Note for Longer Yokes (CC Purple):
The "Alpine Bloom" pattern includes yokes up to 66 rows for larger sizes. If you are knitting one of these sizes:
- CC Distribution: Add 1-2 rows for each of the 5 CC colors to evenly distribute the fade over the extra rows. For example, you might change CC at rows: 17, 30, 42, 55 (adjusting your 59-row intervals).
- MC Management: Continue to switch the MC skein exactly when the previous yarn runs out to maintain the organic transition, until you need to attach Color 2 before the body separation.
Ready to create your truly unique "Alpine Bloom"?
Grab your yarn kit now and let's start knitting together!
[KIT LINK: snailyarn.com/products/alpine-bloom-tee-yarn-kit-boylandknitworks]
Happy Knitting!
Valentina