Monday, November 17, 2014

KNITWEAR TRENDS | FALL/WINTER 2014-2015

Knitwear was well represented on the runways this season. There are a few emerging trends for the fall/winter season.

ALL-OVER KNITS
Wearing knits from head-to-toe is a prominent trend this season with designers such as CĂ©line, Michael Kors, Stella McCartney and Calvin Klein all showing all-over knits on the runways. The look features wearing scarves with elongated sweaters, knit dresses, and pairing sweaters with knitted trousers. The overall look is feminine, relaxed, slightly over-sized and comfy. 
Stella McCartney
Michael Kors
PONCHOS
Ponchos have a cozy, relaxed and warm feel - like being wrapped in a warm blanket or throw. Strong influences of forklore and cables are featured for both pattern and colors.
Barbara Bui
Tommy Hilfiger
MODERN SILHOUETTES
There is a trend towards modern silhouettes in unconventional shapes that are seen as statement pieces. 
Next Generation
Balmain
A great year to be a knitter with such wonderful inspiration!

Sunday, November 02, 2014

VAN DYKE STAGGERED EYELETS

STITCH OF THE MONTH - November 2014
The Van Dyke stitch is essentially a lace chevron design. This variation staggers the v-shaped eyelets that are prominently featured in the Van Dyke stitch for an interesting overall effect. There are numerous variations of the Van Dyke stitch which include edgings and insert panels. 

This stitch would work well for baby, shawls and socks.

Stitch of the Month - November 2014

Staggered Van Dyke Stitch
(Multiples of 10 stitches + 2)
Row 1 (RS)  K1 *yo, skp, k8; repeat from * to last st, k1
Row 2 and all WS rows  Purl       
Row 3  K1, * K1, yo, skp, k5, k2tog, yo* to last st, k1
Row 5  K1, *k2, yo, skp, k3, k2tog, yo, k1; repeat from * to last st, k1
Row 7  K1, *k5, yo, skp, k3; rep from * to last st, k1
Row 9  K1, *k3, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, skp, k2; rep from * to last st, k1
Row 11  K1, *k2, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, skp, k1; rep from * to last st, k1
Row 12  Purl
These 12 rows form the Staggered Van Dyke Eyelet stitch.

Abbreviations
yo         yarn over
skp       slip, knit, pass slip stitch over
k2tog    knit 2 together