A celebration of linen yarn: in the cool, grey days of spring, I look forward to summer knitting and linen yarn - what is it, where to buy, tips for knitting and ideas for patterns.
Category: Knitting inspiration
Spotlight: Rainbow Bright
Rainbows are that magical, unlikely ray of colour that comes with a patch of sunshine in a rain storm. They are the reminder that there can be something positive even in the midst of a negative situation; of the promise of better, sunnier times ahead; of the colour in life that can sometimes feel all… Continue reading Spotlight: Rainbow Bright
Sweaters of the Season: Penguono
What is the Penguono?: A pattern by the fantastically colourful and innovative designer Stephen West, the Penguono is a kimono style, short sleeved jacket that you can also flip upside down and wear as a long coat. Why is it a sweater of the season? Penguono was published by westknits in 2014 but embodies many… Continue reading Sweaters of the Season: Penguono
Trending: picture knitting
Intarsia, also known as picture knitting, was a big trend on the catwalks for Autumn/Winter 2017. This technique allows designers to precisely apply and play with colour. Unlike stranded colourwork, intarsia can be used to place blocks of colour anywhere and in any shape within a knitted fabric, using as many colours… Continue reading Trending: picture knitting
Trending: more is more
There were embellishments galore on the catwalk for autumn/winter 2017- many of them appearing at Gucci, which embraced the sentiment of more is more with some abandon. Tassels, fringing, pompoms, lace and feathers were all left hanging at hems and cuffs- see more at my article Spotlight: Dangly Bits (here). The fabric of garments… Continue reading Trending: more is more
Trending: designer socks
Knitted socks are hugely popular amongst knitters, but rarely feature much in mainstream fashion. But this autumn/winter season, the knitted sock has been elevated to the catwalk. Or at least they were at British fashion brand Mulberry (here.) Mulberry's A/W 2017 collection featured an array of fuzzy mohair socks - some above the knee, others… Continue reading Trending: designer socks
Spotlight: dangly bits
There were a lot of things left hanging on the catwalks this autumn/winter 2017. Opulent feathers, playful pompoms, dramatic fringe and pretty lace were all added to the bottoms of cardigans/jumpers or the underside of sleeves, adding a touch of quirkiness to otherwise simple pieces or bringing another element to already flamboyant garments. … Continue reading Spotlight: dangly bits
Trending: sometimes sleeves
When is a top both sleeved and sleeveless? When it is part of the knitwear collection by Raf Simons for Calvin Klein this winter. Several tops in the 205W9NYC collection featured these distinctive detachable sleeves, a couple in bright contrast colours and another continuing in a single, streamlined black. How to wear? This concept offers… Continue reading Trending: sometimes sleeves
Trending: cable texture
Cables were a big trend on the catwalks for autumn/winter 2017. At Temperley and Lanvin, they formed classic, crisp, symmetrical designs. Sonia Rykiel and Ulla Johnson created more richly decorated pieces by combining multiple cabled strands with lace, ruffles and textured popcorn stitch, respectively. There was a more relaxed look at Joseph, with soft, slouchy… Continue reading Trending: cable texture
knitting through the back loop 