WORLD OF THREADS EXHIBITION 2016

The World of Threads Festival is showcasing local, national and international contemporary and textile artists.The festival is in full swing and I had the chance to see the exhibition at the Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre in Oakville, Ontario and found a couple of amazing knitted pieces that are true works of art.

Brigitte Amarget | Seine-Port, France

WOMEN IN WAR FOR PEACE

Along the Cat Walk & Kimono Road corridor were amazing displays of fibre/textile clothing. Here I found a beautiful piece that was created from x-rays, reflective materials, threads and nylon thread. The techniques included knitting, numerical treatment of Tsubas for laser engraving and cutting on x-rays, as well as hand and machine sewing.

Chris Motley | San Francisco, California

BROWN IS THE NEW GREEN  
The Quiet Zone 2 Corridor featured artwork that was meant to give "visitors the opportunity to pause, to breathe, and to relax amidst muted colours, receptive forms and an imperturbable stillness". Chris has used wool yarn, wire and thread to create this beautiful piece through the use of hand knitting, fulling, sewing and assemblage.

There is a tremendous world of possibilities to transcend yarn into amazing works of art. 

VINE LACE

Stitch of the Month - November 2016

The vine lace is a lovely stitch that is worked over a four-row pattern repeat. There is only one nine-stitch pattern repeat to memorize and which is staggered over two rows of lace pattern.

The edging also has a scalloped edge. I found that the edge still curled slightly but not as dramatically as stockinette stitch and laid flat after blocking.

Vine Lace
(Multiples of 9 stitches + 4)
Row 1  Purl
Row 2 - (RS) - K3, *yo, k2, ssk, k2tog, k2, yo, k1; repeat from * to last st, k1.
Row 3 - Purl
Row 4 - K2, *yo, k2, ssk, k2tog, k2, yo, k1; repeat from * to last 2 sts, k2.
(These 4 rows form the Vine Lace stitch pattern)

CANDLE FLAMES

Stitch of the Month - October 2016

The Candle Flame stitch pattern is worked against a reverse stockinette background where the candle flames seems to be raised from the fabric much like a cable stitch. The pattern is worked over a multiple of 12 stitches that are increased and decreased over 24 rows; only count stitches on 12th and 24th rows.

This is an absolutely beautiful stitch pattern that looks wonderful in a scarf or shawl.

Candle Flames
(Multiples of 12 stitches + 2)
Row 1 - *P2, yo, k1, yo, p2, k2, k2tog, k3; end p2.
Row 2 - *K2, p6, k2, p3; end k2.
Row 3 - *P2, k1, (yo, k1) twice, p2, k2, k2tog, k2; end p2.
Row 4 - *(K2, p5) twice; k2.
Row 5 - *p2, k2, yo, k1, yo, k2, p2, k2, k2tog, k1; end p2.
Row 6 - *K2, p4, k2, p7; end k2.
Row 7 - *P2, k3, yo, k1, yo, k3, p2, k2, k2tog; end p2.
Row 8 - *k2, p3, k2, p9; end k2.
Row 9 - *P2, k2, k2tog, k5, p2, k1, k2tog; end p2.
Row 10 -*K2, p2, k2, p8; end k2.
Row 11 - *P2, k2, k2tog, k4, p2, k2tog; end p2.
Row 12 - *k2, p1, k2, p7; end k2.
Row 13 - *P2, k2, k2tog, k3, p2, yo, k1, yo; end p2.
Row 14 - *K2, p3, k2 p6; end k2.
Row 15 - *P2, k2, k2tog, k2, p2, (k1, yo) twice, k1; end p2.
Row 16 - *(K2, p5) twice, end k2.
Row 17 - *P2, k2, k2tog, k1, p2, k2, yo, k1, yo, k2; end p2.
Row 18 - *K2, p7, k2, p4; end k2 .
Row 19 - *P2, k2, k2tog, p2, k3, yo, k1, yo, k3; end p2.
Row 20 - *K2, p9, k2, p3; end k2.
Row 21 - *P2, k1, k2tog, p2, k2, k2tog, k5; end p2.
Row 22 - *K2, p8, k2, p2; end k2.
Row 23 - *P2, k2tog, p2, k2, k2tog, k4; end p2.
Row 24 - *K2, p7, k2, p1; end k2.
(These 24 rows form the Candle Flames Stitch Pattern)

GRANDMOTHER'S EDGING

STITCH OF THE MONTH – September 2016
Grandmother’s Edging stitch pattern is a lovely lace edging pattern stitch that features a slight waving curve at the edge best added to straight edges.

The pattern was published in 1891 in a book entitled Home Work: A Choice Collection of Useful Designs for the Crochet and Knitting Needle.

Grandmother’s Edging

CO 15sts
Row 1 – K2, yo, p2tog, k7, yo, k2tog, k2.
Row 2 – P11, yo, p2tog, k2.
Row 3 – K2, yo, p2tog, k3, k2tog, k2, (yo, k2tog) twice.
Row 4 – P10, yo, p2tog, k2.
Row 5 – K2, yo, p2tog, k2, k2tog, k2, yo, k2tog, k2.
Row 6 – P9, yo, p2tog, k2.
Row 7 – K2, yo, p2tog, k1, k2tog, k2, (yo, k2tog) twice.
Row 8 – P8, yo, p2tog, k2.
Row 9 – K2, yo, p2tog, k2tog, k2, yo, k1, yo, k3.
Row 10 – P9, yo, p2tog, k2.
Row 11 – K2, yo, p2tog, k2tog, k1, yo, k3, yo, k1, yo, k2tog.
Row 12 – P10, yo, p2tog, k2.
Row 13 – k2, yo, p2tog, k2tog, yo, k5, yo, k3.
Row 14 – P11, yo, p2tog, k2.
These 14 rows form the Grandmother's Edging stitch pattern.

INDIAN CROSS STITCH

STITCH OF THE MONTH - August 2016

The Indian Cross Stitch features elongated stitches that are then crossed creating a unique, open and airy stitch pattern. The garter stitch between the crossed stitches makes this a reversible stitch.

The elongated stitches can be a bit awkward to knit. Slip the stitches purlwise so that the stitches are on the needle sitting in the correct position to knit the stitch. Give a little tug once you've slipped the stitches when dropping the yarn over just to make sure that all the stitches are in the right order.

While this stitch works well for scarves and blankets, I would avoid using it for baby garments or baby blankets because their little fingers or toes can get caught in the strands of yarn.

Indian Cross Stitch

(Multiples of 8 stitches)

Rows 1 thru 4  Knit

Row 5  K1, *insert needle into next st wrapping yarn around needle 4 times, then knit that stitch drawing the 4 wraps through the st; rep from * to last st, k1. 

Row 6  *Cross 8 sts; repeat from * to end.

Rows 7 thru 10  Knit

Row 11  K1, *insert needle into next st wrapping yarn around needle 4 times, then knit that stitch drawing the 4 wraps through the st; rep from * to last st, k1. 

Row 12  Cross 4 sts, *Cross 8 sts; repeat from * to last for sts; end Cross 4 sts

These 12 rows form the Indian Cross Stitch Pattern

Abbreviations

Cross 4 sts - Slip 4 sts wyib, dropping all extra wraps creating 4 long sts on RH needle. Insert LH needle into the first 2 of these long sts and pass them over the second 2 long sts. 

Cross 8 sts - Slip 8 sts wyib, dropping all extra wraps creating 8 long sts on right-hand needle. Insert left-hand needle into the first 4 of these long sts and pass them over the second 4 long sts. Return all sts to left-hand needle and knit the sts in the new order (knit the second 4 long sts first and then the original 4 sts).

wyib - with yarn in back

ZIGZAG EYELETS

STITCH OF THE MONTH - July 2016

A pretty zigzag of left-slanting and right-slanting eyelets make up this stitch pattern created with a combination of yarn overs and decreases.

This stitch is produced on a background of stockinette so the knit fabric will naturally curl at the edges. This can be avoided by creating a garter stitch, stitch stitch or ribbed border or edging.

Zigzag Eyelet Stitch

(Multiples of 9 stitches)

Row 1 (RS) - K4, *yo, skp, k7; repeat from * to last 5 sts, yo, skp, k3.

Row 2 and every even row - Purl

Row 3 - K5, *yo, skp, k7; repeat from * to last 4 sts, yo, skp, k2.

Row 5 - K6, *yo, skp, k7; repeat from * to last 3 sts, yo, skp, k1.

Row 7 - K7, *yo, skp, k7; repeat from * to last 2 sts, yo, skp.

Row 9 - K3, *k2tog, yo, k7; repeat from * to last 6 sts, k2tog, yo, k4.

Row 11 - K2, *K2tog, yo, k7; repeat from * to last 7 sts, k2tog, yo, k5.

Row 13 - K1, *K2tog, yo, k7; repeat from * to last 8 sts, k2tog, yo, k6.

Row 15 - *K2tog, yo, k7; repeat from * to end.

Row 16 - Purl

These 16 rows make up the Zizag Eyelet stitch pattern.

Abbreviations

k2tog - knit 2 stitches together

RS - right side

skp - slip 1, knit 1, passed slipped stitch over

BASKET CABLE

Stitch of the Month – June 2016

The Basket Cable stitch is an all-over cable pattern that produces a thick and highly-textured fabric. It resembles an intricate basket weave and looks more complicated than it actually is to knit.

The dense texture of this stitch pattern will:

1. significantly narrow the gauge because the stitches are twisting throughout the row so it will be really important to check the gauge (and critical when combining the Basket Cable pattern with another stitch pattern)
2. will use more yarn vs a knit/purl stitch pattern
3. require additional ease in garments because of the thickness of the fabric

This dense fabric is best knit with a yarn that has elasticity so that the weight of the cables doesn't cause the garment to 'grow' in length so avoid using yarns such as cotton, silk or linen that are inelastic.

Basket Cable

(Multiples of 8 sts + 4)

Row 1, 3 (RS) - Knit

Row 2 and all even rows - Purl

Row 5 - K4, *C8B; repeat from * to end of row

Row 7, 9 - Knit

Row 11 - *C8F; repeat from * to last 4 stitches, k4

Row 12 - Purl

These 12 rows form the Basket Cable Pattern.

Abbreviations
C8B - Cable 8 back. This is worked by sliding 4 stitches from the left needle onto a cable needle. Move the cable needle to behind the left needle. Knit the next 4 stitches from the left needle and then knit the 4 stitches from the cable needle.

C8F - Cable 8 front. This is worked by sliding 4 stitches from the left needle onto a cable needle. Move the cable needle in front of the left needle. Knit the next 4 stitches from the left needle and then knit the 4 stitches from the cable needle.

HUGS & KISSES CABLE STITCH

STITCH OF THE MONTH - May 2016

The Hugs and Kisses Cable Stitch is a pretty cable pattern that features columns of 'x's and 'o's representing hugs and kisses. The cable pattern is worked over 8 stitches with a 16 row repeat.

The stitch creates a dense pattern that is great for sweaters, blankets and pillows. It's particularly lovely when worked with larger or more complicated cable patterns. How cute to include hugs and kisses into a child's garment!

Cable stitches are worked over a background of reverse stockinette stitches so that the cables "pop" and show well against the background. 

Hugs & Kisses Cable Stitch
(Multiples of 8 stitches)
Row 1 - Knit
Row 2 - Purl
Row 3 - C4F, C4B
Row 4 - Purl
Row 5 - Knit
Row 6 - Purl
Row 7 - C4F, C4B
Rows 8 - 10 -  Repeat rows 4 thru 6
Row 11 - C4B, C4F
Rows 12 - 14 - Repeat rows 4 thru 6
Row 15 - C4B, C4F
Row 16 - Purl
(These 16 rows form the Hugs and Kisses Cable stitch)

Abbreviations

C4B  Cable 4 Back  

C4F  Cable 4 Front

Abbreviations
C4B - Cable over 4 stitches to the back. This is worked by sliding 2 stitches from the left needle onto a cable needle. Move the cable needle to behind the left needle. Knit the next 2 stitches from the left needle and then knit the 2 stitches from the cable needle.
C4F - Cable over 4 stitches to the front. This is worked by sliding 2 stitches from the left needle onto a cable needle. Move the cable needle in front of the left needle. Knit the next 2 stitches from the left needle and then knit the 2 stitches from the cable needle.

GOOSEBERRY STITCH

Stitch of the Month – April 2016

The Gooseberry Stitch is a bobble stitch that is formed by working increases in one stitch which is then decreased back to one stitch over four rows. The resulting effect is a heavily textured, three-dimensional design resembling gooseberries.

It is good to note that you will need more yarn than you typically would when knitting straight stockinette stitch. 

Gooseberry Stitch

(Uneven number of stitches)

Row 1 (RS)  Knit

Row 2  K1, *(p1, yo, p1, yo, p1) in next st, k1; repeat from * to end.

Row 3  Purl

Row 4  K1, *sl2 wyif, p3tog, p2sso, k1; repeat from * to end.

Row 5  Knit

Row 6  k2, *(p1, yo, p1, yo, p1) in next st, k1; repeat from * to last st, k1.

Row 7  Purl

Row 8  K2, *sl2 wyif, p3tog, p2sso, k1; repeat from * to last st, k1.

These 8 rows form the Gooseberry Stitch Pattern

Abbreviations

sl2 - slip 2 stitches 

p3tog - purl 3 stitches together

p2sso - pass 2 slipped stitches over

wyif - with yarn in front

ELONGATED DROP STITCH

STITCH OF THE MONTH - March 2016

The Elongated Drop Stitch is a light and airy stitch pattern that is produced by wrapping the yarn around the needle a few times and then dropping the extra wraps from the needle on the following row. The more times the yarn is wrapped around the needle the longer the elongated stitches.

I found that by gently pulling the fabric lengthwise after knitting the row dropping the wraps will take up the slack and even the stitches. Avoid having a single edge stitch because it will cause the edges to become distorted since there will be less length in the edge stitch than the others in the row. Careful blocking is recommended to even the stitches.

A textured or variegated yarn would create added drama and interest. Also experiment with additional wraps around the needle creating longer dropped stitches but as you increase the number of wraps you may want to increase the number of garter stitch rows to maintain the stability of the fabric.

This is a reversible and decorative stitch that also drapes well making it a good choice for scarves and shawls.

Elongated Drop Stitch
(Any number of stitches)
Row 1 through 5  Knit
Row 6  *K1 wrapping yarn around needle 3 times; repeat from * to end of row.
Note: When working the next "knit" row, knit each stitch allowing the wraps to drop off the needle.
These 6 rows form the Elongated Drop Stitch

PANTONE COLOR REPORT FALL 2016

Pantone® released its Top Ten list of colors for Fall 2016 this past week during New York's Fashion Week. The theme for the Spring season is: A Unity of Strength, Confidence and Complexity.

The desire for tranquility, strength, and optimism have inspired a Fall 2016 color palette that is led by the Blue family. Along with anchoring earth tones, exuberant pops of vibrant colors also appear throughout the collections. 

Transcending gender, these unexpectedly vivacious colors in our Fall 2016 palette act as playful but structured departures from your more typical fall shades. Blue skies represent constancy as they are always above us. Grays give a feeling of stability, Red tones invite confidence and warmth, while the hot Pinkish Purples and Spicy Mustard Yellows suggest a touch of the exotic.                 ~ Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute™

Pantone has introduced six new colors for fall: Riverside, Airy Blue, Sharkskin, Lush Meadow, Spicy Mustard and Bodacious. The pallet features Airy Blue and Dusty Cedar that gives a nod to the two shades named as the Pantone Color of the Year for 2016 – Serenity and Rose Quartz.

Riverside - Sophisticated sky blue that was well represented on the runways

Airy Blue - Light and airy blue 
Sharkskin - Bold gray that pairs well with the other colors in the pallet

Aurora Red - Bold and sensual
Warm Taupe - Neutral taupe that grounds the pallet
Dusty Rose - Warm dusty rose
Lush Meadow - Rich and vibrant green
Spicy Mustard - Warm yellow with a touch of citrus
Potter's Clay - Neutral russet orange earth tone
Bodacious - Vibrant pinkish purple