The Knitting Sommelier

Dark Streak...

2011-10-12T17:01:00.000-07:00

My dear followers, I am sorry for not posting for such a long time. We have been going through a rough patch...Our neighbor had a fire and our house was seriously affected. It is now 2 months since we are not living in our home, and we have been dealing with insurance, etc., etc....and it will be at least until January or February before we can move back into our home.

I have been trying to continue designing, but...my mood is not where it should be, so it's very difficult to concentrate...

Above are some pictures of a new design I started (before the fire), but I am finding solace in reading a little, and very slowly moving forward with designing.

New favorite link: Tenplussix

2011-08-16T12:33:00.000-07:00

Simple and elegant, casual yet sophisticated seed bead necklaces with sterling silver or gold filled center bead and clasp.
Many color combinations available. You can wear them with anything and everything.
Mine is Black and White with gold filled center bead. I love it and wear it all the time.

Go to Tenplussix or Etsy to order.

Haiku Knits in Russian Translation

2011-07-10T10:12:00.000-07:00

Here is my book, Haiku Knits, in Russian translation. I am not sure when exactly it came out, but here it is...

Sandra Backlund - Stunning New Collection

2011-05-11T18:25:00.000-07:00

Cepage Vest

2011-03-21T08:04:00.000-07:00

For those of you that have been asking me this pattern, I finally posted it for sale on ravelry.com. It is simple and fun to knit. Enjoy!

Get inspired and start knitting...

2011-02-18T20:20:00.000-08:00

This is Nanette Lepore's New York fashion week showing, and like so many others influenced by the city around them she has pieced together a collection largely of the urban casual vibe, that style for the 21st century woman who wants something chic for Monday to Friday that will take her from morning to evening.

The light weight of the fabric illuminates the model's shilouette as the lights behind her slowly rise. That hint of her statuesque frame quickly brightens as the catwalk is wholly illuminated, and walking towards us is a Fall 2011 vision of winter whites and delicate, feminine pieces.

Wonderful New Yarn

2011-02-05T09:30:00.000-08:00

This fun hat on the cover of the book made with the wonderful thin and thick Soft Wool.

I just received this wool yarn at Knitting by the Beach a few days ago. The yarn is thin and thick, luxuriously soft, and colors are beautiful.

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-20T19:14:00.000-08:00

I'd like to share this wonderful poem written by Geri Minott:

This gift is truly fitting
To those seen often sitting
At Knitting by the Beach, that wondrous store
All fiber that surrounds us
Is enough to quite astound us,
Yet in our stash there's always room for more.

With our rainbow shades of Noro
We have filled up all the bureaus.
More silken skeins are stacked upon the floor.
There are fifteen bags of bamboo
Fitted high up in the flue,
And alpaca is well packed in the armoire.

All the wool that's waiting
Has replaced our insulating,
And a splendid cache of cashmere's by the door
Four and twenty pounds of Lana
Have now silenced the piano,
But we've still kitchen cupboards to explore.

We've had to give up rowing
For the boat is filled with Rowan,
And we've fashioned d.p. needles from the oar.
Now at Knitting by the Beach
We sit purling, each to each
And creating splendid marvels from our store.

Happy Holidays to all!

New Sweater Design

2010-11-27T23:19:00.000-08:00

I love how the sweater looks, simple and wearable...

Ideas for Holidays

2010-11-08T09:24:00.000-08:00

Knit your own holiday gifts this year. It's fun and easy, and it's filled with more love than anything you can buy! You can make scarves, fingerless gloves, hats or little knitted toys. It's all very easy and quick.

I put together this baby blanket kit for a quick gift, and then, I couldn't resist to make a little mouse from the left-over yarn. It's adorable!

Diagonal scarf-wrap

2010-09-18T19:42:00.000-07:00

I love ArtYarns silk mohair. Beautiful colors with soft, luxurious feel...
Here is my new, very simple design using ArtYarns mohair and Habu Textiles Stainless. I made up kits, so stop by the store to check it out. It takes only one skein of each.

Trend Report for Fall/Winter 2011-12

2010-08-22T14:45:00.000-07:00

F/W 2011-12 is a season of re-invention, rejuvenation an exploration. Value the concept of time... moving forward with new ideas, a need to play, escape, explore and shine. It is time to leave the past behind. This makes it a season of contrasts and alternatives, a time to lead not follow. . .

Passages of Time

TIME TO PLAY
The exploration of "self" through playfulness, and activity. Making time to have fun, experiment and be ever changing. Sport is re-invented through a new sense of color making it merge seamlessly with everyday life. Looking at culture for the techno age generation who are easily bored and in need of constant stimulation.

Color and Details
An energizing palette of clear whitened winter greens, dusted with modern brights and a dark purple.

• Natural and synthetic of equal importance
• Drape, fluidity and movement
• Compact, dense and peached.
• Polished sheen achieved by fibre choice or mercerising.
• Yarns and fabrics that can perform and energise
• Technical finishes and new innovations
• Stretch and movement
• Graphic plays of color and pattern
• Fresh stripes
• Simple micro textures
• Iridescent glow and rich lustre

ESCAPE
A sense of protection is swathed in discreet luxury, enhanced by subtle beauty searching for a new perfection. A time to luxuriate in our own space, relaxation time, making time to improve, beautify and rejuvenate. A rough, raw dimension that hints at femininity with natural charm, rustic yet delicate, wild yet precious.

Color and Details
A powdered level of colors using pinkish taupes, warm copper and soft browns, enriched by deep rose and blue grey.

• Powdery finishes
• Soft shimmer and lustre
• Diffused surfaces through hair and brushing
• Feathery, twisted and ruffled
• Smooth luxurious shine
• B urnished metallics
• W arm soft textures
• B roken surfaces with a natural patina
• Delicate sheer textures and transparent looks
• Layering from fine to very chunky
• Extreme exaggerated stitches
• Blurred and subtlety broken plays on color

EXPLORE
Making time to explore our own creativity and explore new ideas, looking at art activities such as painting, printing and crafts, but reinventing them in a futuristic way. Expressing our own individuality by making good use of our hands and enjoying embellishing, enhancing and creating new looks in a modern way. Finding time to create our own identity through freedom of spirit.

Color and Details
Rich, saturated levels of color in warm tones of russet orange, strong reds, golds and bronzes contrasted by vibrant teal and pinks, all merged together to give a moody, painterly dimension.

• Appearances are deceptive with handmade or rough looks, but with a soft to the touch feel
• Lots of surface interest
• Novelty textures and novelty fibre blends.
• Volume and rounded looks
• Hairy and raised surfaces
• Rich vibrant gold and metallic
• Velvety looks and touch
• Multi colour effects in neps and marls
• Printing and hand painting
• Chunky but weightless
• Irregular textures
• Boiled and compact
• Rich bold use of pattern and color

SHINE
A time to visit an era when things were special, cherished and refined, yet reconstruct it into the future to make it relevant to modern life. Combining a decorative legacy of the past with a streamlined futuristic vision enhanced by technology. A time to find exquisite beauty and perfection by looking at decorative form and modern adornment. Creating drama and intrigue, desire and satisfaction. Regaining our status to face the modern world.

Color and Details
Mysteriously deep and intense shades of inky blues, greys and blacks through to futuristic purples from dark to light. Shimmering yet burnished highlights of silver and gold offer decorative relief.

• Fine, threadlike counts, highly twisted
• Polished surfaces from bright shine to subtle sheens
• Sparkle of all kinds
• Burnished and aged metallics
• Fur and plush looks
• Feathery effects
• Rich velvety finishes
• Lace and ruffles
• Aged appearances
• Silky drape and fluid looks
• Subtle crinkle surfaces and delicate textures
• Extreme softness and lustre
• Exquisite embellishment and jewels used with finesse

Let's Knit White Sweaters

2010-07-31T10:18:00.000-07:00

Pringle of Scotland's new trends for the fall are showing loose fitting white sweaters with cables.

The British actress stars in Pringle's Spring/Summer 2010 campaign as photographed by Ryan McGinley. Beautifully captured in the rugged terrain of Scotland's highlands, McGinley also shot the Academy Award winner for a short film.

Blue Bolero

2010-06-10T20:50:00.001-07:00

I have finally finished my new design, Blue Bolero. I am planning to make another one in a different color with long sleeves, and perhaps the body too. I love the yarn, and this stitch pattern. I carry this yarn, Lana Grossa Bolero (70% cotton, 30% polyamide), in my store, Knitting by the Beach. The color palette is beautiful!
Right now I am working on the pattern, and it's almost done. Please keep checking in...I will post it as a kit on my new site: TanyaAlpert and possibly on TheKnittingSommelier site as well.

Working on my new design

2010-06-01T21:11:00.000-07:00

I am working on my new design using new Lana Grossa yarn, "Bolero". It comes in a variety of beautiful colors with Matt/ glisten effect. This yarn truly makes you want to knit your own fashion garment.

Lana Grossa "Bolero" (70% cotton, 30% polyamide, RL=approx 80m/50g),
knitting needles size 4,5-5

The Fine Line by Grace Anna Farrow

2010-05-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

We have just received new yarns from Isager Alpaca1 collection, and this beautiful pattern book by Grace Anna Farrow. She is featuring six gorgeous shawls, called: Volt, Shale, Dusk, Dawn, Horizon and Smolder.

I will be making kits for Volt shawl, it is my favorite!

Volt: the line between energy and charge.

Shale: the line between rock and sea.

Dusk: the line between day and night.

Dawn: the line between night and day.

Horizon: the line between earth and sky.

Smolder: The line between heat and flame.

Come to Knitting by the Beach to check it out!

From Russia with Felt...

2010-04-28T11:54:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Nuno felt from Russian artist Julia Romanova.

This one in color...

2010-04-13T08:53:00.000-07:00

Here is one more knitted necklace...

I used my left overs, and it turned out to be a choker...

It works perfect for my daughter!

If you don't like to weave in the ends...

2010-03-31T09:14:00.000-07:00

SOTIRIS GEORGIOU, Athens born fashion designer, might have the answer for you.

The modern SOTIRIS GEORGIOU designs is a an eclectic taste of clothes combining the old formulas with the new bringing a new air of simple, practical but mostly feminine clothes.

He is inspired by the urban sounds and scenes of a big city like Athens where he lives and breathes in.

These photos are from his latest collection.

Designing a knitted necklace

2010-03-23T09:24:00.001-07:00

I am having fun with this...

What do you think? I hope it doesn't look like a "bib"... I'll make another one in a different color and keep you posted...

Meet Bora Aksu, London-based Turkish designer

2010-03-09T21:22:00.000-08:00

Born in Turkey, Bora moved to London 14 years ago. He completed his BA and MA at Central Saint Martins under the direction of Louise Wilson. He founded his own label straight after graduation thanks to a sponsorship award.

Quoted as "the star of the show" by broadsheets such as The Independent, The Daily Telegraph and The Guardian, Aksu’s collection attracted not just the press but Domenico Dolce and Stephano Gabbana who purchased pieces as inspirational items for themselves. This same collection also caught the attention of the ARG equation group where he won a sponsorship award from them, giving him the opportunity to make his debut off-schedule catwalk show at London Fashion Week, 2003.

Autumn/Winter 2010 Knitwear trends

2010-02-28T10:25:00.001-08:00

My new design.

2010-02-14T14:59:00.000-08:00

Here is my new design. There have been some suggestions on the name for this top: "Claret", or simply "Rose" (we are thinking wines...). What do you think? Any other suggestions?

I used Habu Textiles Nerimaki Ito, 100% Silk and Filatura Di Crosa Yarn called "Superior".
Superior yarn is a luscious blend of 70% Cashmere and 30% Schappe Silk - this yarn is irresistible when touched!
There's magic in Habu Textiles Nerimaki Ito. Slubby, soft silk that feels like cotton has a nifty way of coiling out and creating its own pattern as you knit.

"Grey Garments" brought to you by Mason-Dixon Knitting

2010-02-09T08:38:00.000-08:00

For those of you who watched the movie "Grey Gardens" this clip will be a real treat. Enjoy!
http://www.masondixonknitting.com/

Finally, a good use for my leftovers...

2010-02-03T20:09:00.000-08:00

Free Lace —"a combination of method and texture" — was developed by Kazuko Araki of Japan. It is easy and fun — and sets your creativity free.
To create a scarf, stole, jacket or other Free Lace project, simply lay ribbons and fibers in your own desired pattern on the sticky surface.

When finished, spread the thin cover film over sticky surface covered with ribbons, and it will stick in place. Next, go to the sewing machine and, using a beautiful thread, sew in a 1-inch grid pattern covering the entire piece.

Last step! Go to the sink and dip the entire piece in cold water and watch the stabilizer magically disappear leaving a web of fiber! To finish, square up the damp scarf and carefully press with a cool iron. Voila.

Another version of Clear Water

2010-01-27T19:37:00.000-08:00

Helen Haskell had recently made the Haiku Knits Clear Water lacy scarf using Tahki S. Charles yarn Rio in color 006, Flint. This yarn is a blend of alpaca, merino wool and silk. It combines a soft feel with elegant look. The subtle thick-and-thin texture enhances the heathered natural shades. Beautiful!

Kits for my Sauvignon Blanc Coat

2010-01-18T10:46:00.000-08:00

I have finally put together kits for my Sauvignon Blanc coat. We have 4 color combinations available; each one consists of Habu Textiles A-60 Linen and two colors of silk mohair yarn.
Kits are available at the Knitting by the Beach store in Solana Beach, CA, and on my new site, also called The Knitting Sommelier.

Nature is so beautiful and so inspiring...

2010-01-09T21:24:00.000-08:00

Haiku anyone...?

It's a fabric, it's a collage, it's a textile Lego, or it's a wearable art...

2009-12-31T08:58:00.000-08:00

Eunsuk Hur, who recently received her MA in Design for Textile Futures at Central Saint Martin School for Art and Design, aims to demonstrate how effortlessly a textile can be draped on a couch or wall, and then transformed into an interesting shawl.
She uses laser cutting, acid printing and etching fabric, to create an ethereal, multi-layered look.
Intrigued by the way plants and animals respond to their environments as they grow, Hur's designs themselves adapt and change depending on how they're worn.

Eunsuk Hur pushes the boundaries of fashion and interior design. Her goal is to "changing ordinary materials from the ordinary into the extraordinary..."

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-22T22:23:00.000-08:00

Lois has done it again! Here is her Father Frost, aka Russian Santa Claus, or St Nicholas...

He can also be: Hagios Nikolaos in Greece, Babbo Natale in Italy, Black Peter in Morocco, Jultomten in Sweden, Shengdan Laoren in China, Father Christmas in England, Pere Noel in France, Christindl in Germany, Kerstman in the Netherlands, Joulupukki in Finland, and many more...

Happy Holiday Season to all!

"Handmade" Becomes the Design Mantra of the Time

2009-12-08T19:42:00.001-08:00

Crochet sea creatures by artist Arline Fisch at the San Diego's Mingei Museum

Artist Michael Schmidt created a macrame installation at the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs

"May be it's a sign of the bleak economic times, but these days design is all about doing it yourself. ..." says Audrey Davidow in the article in Riviera magazine. "...the crafting craze isn't just about the cost savings for cash-strapped hipsters. It's about a return to the handmade and a love of traditional craftsmanship. Lately that idea is trickling upward, luring higher-end consumers, designers and retailers, too."

In Love with Everlasting Sprout

2009-11-30T16:44:00.001-08:00

These unbelievably talented Japanese designers Keiichi Muramatsu and Noriko Seki of Tokyo-based Everlasting Sprout took knitwear to the whole new realm of possibilities with their enchanting, fairy tale like designs.

These designs bridge the gap between craft and art and broaden our horizons.

"Knitwear has a lot of fascinating aspects. The biggest point is that you can create knit fabrics, colors, textures and silhouettes - whatever you want; just like painting a picture."

Wonderful Message Regarding Haiku Knits

2009-11-24T09:16:00.001-08:00

Ripened Wheat

Chrysanthemum

I have been receiving wonderful reviews and messages regarding my book, but this particular one really warmed my heart.

Haiku Knitting

Sent at 9:58 PM Yesterday

Tanya, I received your beautiful book today posted all the way to Sydney, Australia and just want to let you know that I’m in love!
There’s no-one else offering such fabulous Japanese inspired designs - not even Habu themselves!
Your shaping, structure, patterning and colours should appeal to many.
I can not wait to start on Ripened Wheat and Chrysanthemum.
Again, thank you for the serenity, beauty and light you’ve provided. I hope I can do you some justice…
Kind regards
Nora

We can do Chanel too!

2009-11-09T13:17:00.001-08:00

Geri's knitted green boater hat, homage to Chanel.

Chanel classics like the georgette blouse, perfect tailoring and the timeless suit met with updated innovations from designer Karl Lagerfeld. For the fall 2009 ready-to-wear line, Largerfeld infused youthful knits and edgy touches to Coco Chanel's original masterpieces

Projects from the book

2009-10-30T09:02:00.000-07:00

Cocoon Sweater

As I continue designing new pieces, my Friday Club ladies began their projects from the Haiku Knits book. There are several who have knitted already one or two garments, which have turned out beautiful.

Valery has finished the Cocoon sweater in Charcoal Grey, and Elonne had just finished her San Dollar summer tank (it looks fantastic!) Too bad that summer is over, but I am sure she'll find the way to wear it a couple of times.

Several others began their work on the Snowflake, lacy long-sleeve wrap.

San Dollar Tank

My new design

Blogging

2009-10-21T09:01:00.000-07:00

Blogging is a difficult thing for me. May be because English is not my native language, or may be because I am not used to writing diaries and record events, or may be because I don't think that events of my daily life are extraordinary enough to record...

However today feels different... My very first book, Haiku Knits, is officially released... It took approximately a year and a half from start to finish, and now the book is finally here.

There are several nice reviews already...one is in Vogue Knitting, a few on various blogs and here is another one in The Detroit News

I hope that everyone will enjoy the book.

Pinot Noir Top

2009-10-11T20:51:00.001-07:00

My new design is very simple... I took one skein of Fino yarn (Alpaca with a Twist) and added 1 cone of Silk Stainless Steel (Habu Textiles) for the trim, and voila!
I think it turned out really nice, if I don't say so myself...
Simplicity is the key!
This pattern is available for purchase at Knitting by the Beach store or on ravelry.com

Sometimes It's O.K. to Substitute Yarns...

2009-10-07T09:21:00.001-07:00

I think it's great when knitters are not afraid to substitute yarns, and/or change the pattern slightly to work better for them. If you have enough experience, and, of course, if that particular pattern you like is fairly easy to change, it's a great ability to have. Here is an example.

One of the patterns in my book, Haiku Knits, is the summer tank, also called the "Sand Dollar", was originally designed and made in linen yarn, but if some of you are "creative knitters", it can be worked in many different textures, as long as the gauge works, and the general idea (it is a summer tank, so don't make it in a wool yarn) is followed.
You can see above two versions of the same pattern with little changes and different yarns. I think they both look great.

It's October already...

2009-10-03T10:05:00.000-07:00

It's October already, and the Haiku Knits book release is getting closer and closer... We've scheduled our book signing event at Knitting by the Beach on Saturday, November 7th. Since it's my first book, I am not even sure what to expect. Will I have a few people, or a lot, will I have enough books in the store...
I guess I'll have to figure it out.
Any suggestions on how to deal with all this?

New Teva Durham's Collection

2009-09-27T10:40:00.000-07:00

I like Teva's latest collection, especially lace-knit shrug designed in a superbulky yarn. You'll also find jackets and cardigans, pullovers and vests in Granite, Tundra, Moss and her other yarns.
I carry her books and yarns at my store, Knitting by The Beach.
Teva Durham is a great designer of handknit and crochet fashions. She has developed a signature range of yarns with modern appeal, distributed by Tahki Stacy Charles, and specifically suited to her sculptural designs.I admire her simple, sometimes edgy yet elegant approach in designing hand knits using bulky yarns.

Rodarte: Spring 2010 "Death Valley, Vultures, Goth Tribal Tats."

2009-09-21T10:59:00.000-07:00

Laura and Kate Mulleavy -- this year's CFDA winners -- certainly did not disappoint their fans this season. The ladies of Rodarte staged the most theatrical runway show thus far, complete with fog, green lighting, tattooed warrior-looking models, and some truly fierce fashion.

Rodarte show — inspired by the singed Death Valley and "mangled and tattered" black vultures. The room was packed for Mulleavys' sisters Spring 2010 collection debut; crunchy black sand was on the floor, dry ice smoke filled the room, and a musky scent wafted through the room as part of a collaboration with fragrance company Firmenich.
The first look emerged from the silver cave opening-like set, all plaid and burnt cheesecloth. Following behind was lots of black, some feathers . . . deconstructed looks with tie dye and raw hems and patchwork. Every model had her arms painted with makeup to appear like tribal tattoes, goth lips, and their hair wrapped in webbed wool.

Palestinian women knit Jewish skullcaps

2009-09-19T09:59:00.001-07:00

I found this interesting article in Fashion Magazine and wanted to share it with you. I found it uplifting. Let me know what you think.

Palestinian women knit Jewish skullcaps
DEIR ABU MESHAL, West Bank (Reuters) - Of all the cottage industries you might expect to find in the Israeli- occupied West Bank, the crocheting of Jewish skullcaps by Palestinian hands seems one of the oddest.
But creating the colourful cap, known in Hebrew as a "kippah", keeps hundreds of women busy in villages like Deir Abu Meshal, which have been making the religious headgear for their Jewish neighbours for some 40 years.
Almost every house in the village of 3,000 west of Ramallah makes the little caps. It's a social event as well as a helpful cash-earner. Women bring their wool and needles to each other's home to crochet and chat.
"We make qors (the Arab name for kippah translates as 'disc') while having a gossip," said Umm Ali. "We meet each other and we make money at the same time," added the mother of three, whose husband is unemployed.
The women make around five caps a day, worth about 12 shekels ($3) each.
"Women here can't sit down without knitting. We've gotten used to it," jokes Ruqaya Barghouthi.
Six Palestinian skullcap dealers distribute the wool, needles and the models to women in this village and 10 neighbouring villages.
The finished articles are collected each week and shipped to Israeli retailers. The skullcaps are also exported to the United States.
"The kippah business is what makes my shop busy. Women buy stuff from the kippah money they earn," said Riyad Ata, whose grocery store serves as a collection point for finished caps from some 100 women.
Observant Jews wear a kippah, which means dome in Hebrew, to cover the head in acknowledgement of the supreme God.
The women of Deir Abu Meshal, known for its traditional dress embroidery, say that to them it's merely a business.
They say they have no qualms about furnishing skullcaps for the people of the occupying power or the Jewish settler, who may be living on Palestinian land.
They say the work is convenient: they don't have to travel.
"Without this knitting business, people here would be very poor," said Nema Khamis, 50, who passed on her skills to her five daughters and daughter-in-law.
Palestinian weavers used to make the traditional keffiyeh, the chequered Arab headscarf that late leader Yasser Arafat made a national Palestinian symbol. But much of that business has now gone to China, where costs are lower.

By Mohammed Assadi

Sandra Backlund's Heavy Wool Collage Knitting

2009-09-11T08:38:00.000-07:00

Here is one of my favorites, Sandra Backlund a Swedish knitwear designer whose designs are truly "works of art".
Swedish fashion designer and knitwear specialist Sandra Backlund's work contrasts the softness of wool with structured, architectural shapes, and traditional knitwear forms with tailored styles. She has collaborated with designers such as Louis Vuitton.
All Backlund's designs are hand knitted, and therefore fall into the category of "slow fashion". Backlund is one of a wave of young Scandinavians working in avant garde fashion design.
Sandra studied at the Beckmans College of Design, Stockholm, in 2004, and formed her own company directly after graduation.
I admire her talent, her creativity and originality. Her 3D sculptural forms and shapes are so bold and dramatic.

Looking for a friend - Make one!

2009-09-04T21:45:00.000-07:00

Lois and I have finally figured out the dates and time for our upcoming workshop to make these fun "doll-friends". We are going to have lots of fun learning how to weave, stuff, wrap and design using left-over yarns plus some new ones....

Join us on Saturdays, October 3rd, 10th and 17th from 11-1pm for the doll making workshop.

Cost: $59 for all three classes.

Basic supplies: $16

New Trends for Autumn-Winter 2009/10

2009-08-28T21:13:00.001-07:00

Experts say this coming fall and winter will be all about strong silhouettes and sophisticated glamour. Decadent features are present in many Fall/Winter 2009-10 key looks and reflect the current economic situation. As for knits, they’ll keep you warm and trendy during cold months. Make sure your knitted clothes are bold, big and shoulder-padded.
"Boutique Nicole" presented many knitted pieces in Tokyo at the Autumn-Winter 2009/10 fashion show. All of them are feminine and very wearable.

All you can knit

2009-08-24T11:35:00.000-07:00

Cardigan is the vision of Kate Jenkins and was set up in 2003 to fulfil her philosophy that anything can be created from yarn as long as it is made with love. Based in Brighton, Cardigan is the vision of Kate Jenkins, a former fashion designer who has designed for Donna Karan and Sonia Rykiel. In 2003, she turned her attention to skillfully crocheting everyday objects with a wit, humor and skill that is quite impressive. Her collections include "Fishes and Stitches," "Soft Smokes" and "Comfort Food." She also crochets functional pieces like cardigans and wraps. It's hard to imagine how long all these pieces take to execute; obsessiveness is amazing.

The Knitting Avant-Garde

2009-08-21T21:50:00.000-07:00

I’ve come across some amazing knitwear designers in my constant search for inspirations. I realize that the possibilities in knitting and knitwear fashion are endless.

Here is an example of the most incredible and unusual piece of knitwear! The designer is Irina Shaposhnikova. This Russian fashion designer and recent graduate from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, Belgium is taking the fashion world by storm This jumper made up of wool sewn on to almost transparent nylon mesh, giving the illusion that the knit had been cut out to leave only the cable details. This creates a very unique avant-garde look.

Shaposhnikova’s graduate collection named ‘Crystallographica’ has the fashion industry buzzing with major artist Kanye West blogging about the collection among others.

Follow our blog to find out more about this incredible young designer.

The Knitting Avant-Garde

2009-08-21T21:40:00.000-07:00

Meet “Loe”, “Brenda”, “Ramsey” and “Betsy”.

2009-08-17T15:54:00.000-07:00

“Loe” is a little doll made by Lois Schwartz. It never ceases to amaze me how little bits and pieces of yarn can come to life in so many different ways. Sometimes even your “useless” leftovers can find their way to becoming a beautiful thing. One just has to be creative and see the potential.

I met Lois for the first time about two years ago when she walked into my store, Knitting by the Beach in Solana Beach, CA. Lois was looking for the perfect yarn that combined personality and excitement. It’s important to have a stash, like an artist’s palette, but sometimes you still need a specific yarn with personality to make it all work together and come to life. Lois was looking for that perfect one… Fortunately, I had plenty of those to choose from.

We started to talk and soon realized that our own personalities, tastes and interests matched quite well. I asked Lois to show me her finished project, and when she brought back these incredible woven dolls, I was blown away by her creativity and workmanship. I asked her permission to take a few pictures to share with you.

I am going to ask Lois to teach a class on making these dolls some time in the Fall, so keep in touch if you are interested.

Pitti Filati

2009-08-15T09:29:00.001-07:00

Every year I promise to attend the Pitti Filati trade show in Florence, Italy. For the last three years I haven’t done it due to various excuses…Next summer I am going there, for sure!

If one wants to be on the cutting edge of knitwear fashion, this is the place to attend.

Here are a few photos from the latest show in July 2009.

Pitti Filati

2009-08-15T09:23:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer
I am not the original owner of any pictures shown in this post. All images are property of their respective owners and no content may be used without the expressed permission of its owners. Whole articles cannot be reproduced from The Knitting Sommelier, the Copyright Act defines that short quotations for the purpose of criticism, commentary or news reporting are considered “fair use".

Castello di Amorosa

2009-08-12T20:56:00.000-07:00

www.castellodiamorosa.com

Where are my needles...?

2009-08-12T20:49:00.001-07:00

Castello di Amorosa

2009-08-12T20:30:00.000-07:00

When in Napa...you must visit this castle. It's tucked away on a hilltop off Highway 29. It has 107 rooms on seven levels. But it's not just big. It's monumentally eccentric and like Hearst Castle, it cost a king's ransom. Mr. Sattui, a self-confessed medieval architecture fanatic who also owns a former monastery and a Medici palace in Italy, figures his current project will eat up $30 million.

Castello di Amorosa is a meticulous, if not always authentic, vision of a Tuscan castle. It sports a dry moat, drawbridge, iron-gated entrance, five towers with battlements, a church, a great hall, gargoyles and wrought-iron sconces.

A dungeon is outfitted with torture equipment, from Pienza, Italy. A labyrinth of cellars, housing thousands of wine bottles and barrels, showcases centuries of architectural elements. The most impressive room above is the great hall, 72 by 30 feet, with a 22-foot-high coffered ceiling. Frescoes — decorative but perhaps not museum-worthy — cover the walls, inspired by such classics as Ambrogio Lorenzetti's "Good and Bad Government," at the Palazzo Pubblico in Siena, Italy.

Crisp Summer Varietals

2009-08-11T19:46:00.000-07:00

Knittingbythebeach.com

More pictures for the Crisp Summer Varietals

2009-08-11T09:24:00.001-07:00

Crisp Summer Varietals

2009-08-10T18:08:00.000-07:00

Let’s talk about summer. Linen yarns come to mind. What would be the best project to take with you on a trip, and/or something you can actually wear during the summer? Any suggestions?

My Latest Gulp

Habu Textiles paper linen and silk, voila! (I also love Louet's Euroflax! It's a beautiful summer yarn.) I was working on this project during our trip to Napa. More about it in my next post.

Welcome!

2009-08-10T13:13:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my blog! On my recent family trip to Napa, I’ve realized that wine and yarn have lots in common. We all know that the right wine can bring out the best qualities of the food, and I believe that the right project will bring out the best qualities of the yarn. So join me here in my endless pursuit for bringing to life the finest textures of yarn by choosing the right project for the occasion.

Let’s share interesting experiences and ideas, news, sales, etc. Join this blog and write your thought on this subject, post pictures and let’s begin.

Wecome to The Knitting Sommelier

2009-08-09T15:47:00.000-07:00