Where has the time gone?

I can't believe that I haven't posted since September. No real reason other than laziness. Since it is January, I'll will do my annual knit tally.

Sweaters - 15
Baby Sweaters - 1
Purse - 1
Slippers - 3 pairs
Halloween masks - 2

Hopefully I'll get back in the blogging drivers seat now that I've broken my silence. I do have some cool things to talk about, just not today.

Stitch Diva Love

As I mentioned a few posts back, I wanted to take the time to spotlight some knitware designers out there who, in my humble opinion, are the cream of the crop. Designers who not only can write a technically well done pattern, but also have a flair for fashion. Jennifer Hansen of Stitch Diva Studios is one of those rare people.

I have knit several of her patterns. Jennifer designs most of them, but she also has a group of friends who do some design work for her as well. She uses crochet, knitting, tunisian crochet, & hairpin lace, so all crafting bases are covered

I encourge you to go check out her website, definitely worth your time.

You can go to my other blog to see two recent Stitch Diva Designs I knit, Bullseye and Endless Knitted Cardi Shawl.

Copy Cat Glam

Marie Claire - September 2009 Issue

Haute Knitter's Version

....and I actually like my version better!

Yves Saint Laurent's version - $225. My version - $19.

Vogue Knitting - Fall 2009

I have a love/hate relationship with Vogue Knitting. I love the featured articles, especially when they feature trends from Fashion Week.

I am often disappointed in the patterns, though. You would think that a publisher like Vogue would have designs straight off the runways. Not so.

My other observation about the magazine is that it is filled with "show-off" knits. Knits that the majority of knitters would never attempt to tackle. Out of all of the knitters that I know, and that is a considerable amount, I only know of one person who has knit a sweater out of the magazine.

Don't think I'm hatin' on Vogue. Quite the contrary! I just wish they would tune up the fashion and tone down the difficulty. That being said, let's look at the most recent issue.

Going Seamless: Part One in this month's issue is worth the the $6.99. It shows you how to take a garment that is knitted flat and turn it into a seamless garment. Brilliant!

The editors definitely hit the nail on the head as far as trendy colors for fall: orange, gold, beige, grey.

I like both of the berets on the bottom. The slouchy beret seems to be the "it" hat for fall and winter.

That's about it! There are a lot of beautiful sweaters in this issue, just none that are calling to me.

Spotlight: Fall '09 Interweave Knits

This is a better than usual issue. Really happy to see that.

As I mentioned in my June post, cardigans are going to be big this fall. As a cardigan fan, I'm thrilled! Here in the sweltering heat of Houston, TX, all we need for the cool/cold days is a cardi. Here are some that caught my eye:

Mary Gehling's Berry and Bramble Cardigan is hits the fall fashion mark with the shawl collar. Another bonus: it's virtually seamless! I think it would look adorable knit in a solid yarn with a long sleeved striped tee underneath.

Cecily Glowik MacDonald's Maple Street Cardigan is a great example of a cropped cardi. It's easily dressed up or down. I can see it paired with an above-the-knee full skirt and knee high boots. Seamless too!

There are a couple of beautiful examples of the super trendy Fair Isle as well. Courtney Kelley's Freyja Sweater is very flattering. You can sass it up or tone it down depending one which colors you chose to use. Make it funky with some unusual color choices. I love the idea of a punk Fair Isle! Wear it with skinny jeans (or leggings if you are daring) and ankle boots. Seamless too, ladies!! (see a trend here?)

I LOVE the concept of Okmin Park's Every Way Wrap!!! To make a sweater out of a rectangle is genius. Perfect for a beginning knitter. Love the shawl collar and the back when buttoned.

Now for may favorite sweater in this issue. Drum roll please.....

Cecily Glowik MacDonald's Big Montana Tunic is super "haute". Love the chunky yarn and the very now cowl neck. The lace detail that runs vertically down the front and the back of the vest gives it some interest and is slimming. Little seaming....hello!

Some of y'all may know that I was in a serious knitting funk. I finished knitting Callide (see the NYC Knit pairing post). Not in time to wear on my trip, but that's cool. You can see my version here.

Do you want to know what broke me free of the bad knitting mojo chains? You can take a little peak here (the long sleeve version). I am in love.

Dude....what were you thinking?!?!?

I meant to write this post right when I got back from TNNA on the 14th, but life got in the way. Maybe it is just as well, because it gave me time to collect my thoughts.

TNNA hosts a fashion on Friday evening during the convention. It is meant as a platform for yarn companies and independent designers to showcase their designs for the upcoming season.

Now, let me just say, this is my OPINION. I'm sure there are people out there who thought everything was magnificent, and that is fine. Everyone has different likes and dislikes. But I gotta tell ya, I was very disappointed.

There are a lot of designers out there who I really respect. They are putting out garments that are stylish and current. In future posts, I'll give more specific examples of what I mean. But for right now, let me show you what I'm so down about.



The Masai Vest.....that is just.....I don't even have words. Who on EARTH would actually knit and wear that? The Berroco and Classic Elite stuff is pretty good at least. I've seen the upcoming Classic Elite designs, and the ones they put in the show aren't their strongest.

I encourage y'all to look at the other videos from the show. There are some that aren't bad, but I feel like they are overshadowed by the awful ones.

I suppose I'm frustrated with the "powers that be" in my industry. I think that they don't realize that they need more fashionable designs to lure in new knitters. If not, our industry will die.

As I mentioned earlier, in future posts I'll talk about designers I respect in the knitwear industry. I don't want fashionistas out there to loose hope!

Thoughts turning to Fall

I know, I know. It's only June, but I can't help thinking about what I want to knit for Fall. Maybe it is because I'm burned out on knitting miles and miles of stockinette (see the sweater from the previous post). Not to mention the fact that my friend Sheryl and I are about to head to TNNA, which is the yarn industry's trade show. One of the highlights (and quite often low lights) of the event is the fashion show which shows designs the yarn companies and independent designers having coming out for fall.

Because I haven't seen all of the goodies yet, I can't give you specific examples of what will be seen on the knitting industry's runway. But I've been perusing articles from New York's Fall 2009 Fashion Week, and I've found a few trends that will translate well for us knitters (and crocheters).

Cardigans: all lengths - from elongated boyfriend to waist skimming
Colorwork: Fair Isle, Argyle, bold stripes - not to mention space-dyes and ombres
Head-to-toe knitwear outfits
Interesting necklines: LOTS of cowls, shawl collars, turtlenecks

Now, as far as hot colors are concerned, think bluish-purple, deep pink, warm olive, beige, gold, and my favorite gray.

More specifics next week!