FROST FLOWERS

Stitch of the Month - January 2015

Frost Flowers is a beautiful lace pattern that can be found in numerous stitch dictionaries under an assortment of names including Spanish Lace and Shooting Star. According to Barbara Walker, Frost flowers is ...an old pattern, dating from at least the early nineteenth century. 

The lace looks quite intricate when worked as an all-over stitch pattern but looks equally stunning when featured as inset panel. The pattern looks complicated but is rather quite easy. It's worked over a four-row pattern repeated twice and then a second four-row pattern repeated twice.

I have a special fondness for this stitch pattern. When I was about 16 years old, I bought some beautiful turquoise yarn and I designed a knee-length pullover working Frost Flowers as an all-over lace pattern with a ribbed turtle-neck collar. That was the first time that I was commissioned to knit a garment for someone else after they had seen my sweater. I loved it and wore it constantly.

Frost Flowers Stitch Pattern

(Multiples of 34 stitches + 2)
Row 1 (RS)  K1, *k3, k2tog, k4, yo, p2, [k2, yo, skp] 3 times, p2, yo, k4, skp, k3; rep to last st; k1
Row 2 K1, *p2, p2tog-b, p4, yo, p1, k2 [p2, yo, p2tog] 3 times, k2, p1, yo, p4, p2tog, p2; rep from * to last st; k1
Row 3 K1, *k1, k2tog, k4, yo, k2, p2, [k2, yo, skp] 3 times, p2, k2, yo, k4, skp, k1; rep from * to last st; k1
Row 4 K1, *p2tog-b, p4, yo, p3, k2, [p2, yo, p2tog] 3 times, k2, p3, yo, p4, p2tog; rep from * to last st; k1
Rows 5 thru 12 Repeat row 1 to 4 twice more
Row 13 K1, *yo, skp, k2, yo, skp, p2, yo, k4, skp, k6, k2tog, k4, yo, p2, k2, yo, skp, k2; rep from  * to last st; k1
Row 14 K1, *yo, p2tog, p2, yo, p2tog, k2, p1, yo, p4, p2tog, p4, p2tog-b, p4, yo, p1, k2, p2, yo, p2tog, p2; rep from to last st; k1
Row 15 K1, *yo, skp, k2, yo, skp, p2, k2, yo, k4, skp, k2, k2tog, k4, yo, k2, p2, k2, yo, skp, k2; rep from * to last st; k1
Row 16 K1, *yo, p2tog, p2, yo, p2tog, k2, p3, yo, p4, p2tog, p2tog-b, p4, yo, p3, k2, p2, yo, p2tog, p2; rep from * to last st; k1
Row 17 thru 24 Repeat rows 13 to 16 twice more.
These 24 rows form the Frost Flowers stitch pattern.

Abbreviations

k2tog - knit 2 stitches together
p2tog - purl 2 stitches together

p2tog-b - purl 2 together through back loops
RS - right side
skp - slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over
yo - yarn over

Pantone has named MARSALA as the Colour of the Year for 2015!

Pantone^® named MARSALA 18-1438 as the Colour of the Year for 2015 
December 4^th, 2014

Marsala is described as "a naturally robust and earthy wine red" that will translate easily to fashion, beauty, home fashions and interiors.

This universally appealing colour is a rich red-brown with blue undertones which embodies both warmth and sophistication. Marsala is a natural, earthy colour that is sultry and seductive.

"It's a colour that you can mix with what you already own," said Leatrice Eisman, the executive director of the Pantone Institute. "You can add just a touch of it. That's the intent and purpose. It is not the colour that swallows the world." As an accent it pairs well with warmer taupes and grays, golden yellows, turquoise and teal as well as a vibrant range of blues.

FASHION

Designers such as Daniel Silverstain, Dennis Basso and Hervé Léger by Max Azria featured Marsala during the Spring 2015 runway shows. Blake Lively was stunning when she wore it on the red carpet during the Cannes Film Festival in May 2014. Expect to see this hue paired together with other colours in floral prints, plaids and stripes. Fashion accessories such as sunglasses, purses, sunglasses and shoes will also feature Marsala.

Blake Lively

BEAUTY

Marsala is a flattering colour for many skin tones. This deep wine is an elegant hue for lipstick and nail polish but is also flattering as an eyeshadow. Sephora will launch its Marsala Layering Lip Collection and Shimmering Marsala Cheek Trio in December 2014. 

Sephora's Marsala Collection

HOME FASHIONS/ACCESSORIES
This rich colour will add elegance to any room. It adds warmth and elegance when used as a home fashion accent paired with warm taupes and grays and vibrant blues.

Home Fashions

Marsala is a fortified Italian wine that is produced in the sunny region of Marsala on the coast of Sicily. 

ST. JOHN'S WORT LACE

STITCH OF THE MONTH - December 2014

St. John's Wort is an all-over slipped-stitch lace pattern that resembles small flowers. The pattern is worked over a four-row repeat. Slipped stitches are worked over two stitches on the right side which decreases the number of stitches on the row. These stitches are increased with a yarn over on the purl (wrong side) rows. Therefore, the stitches should only be counted once a purl row has been completed.

St. John's Wort is an herbal plant known for its anti-depressant properties and studies have shown that knitting can be a natural anti-depressant. How perfect there would be a lovely knitting stitch named after this medicinal plant.

St. John's Wort Lace Stitch
(Multiples of 6 stitches plus 2)
Row 1 (RS)  k1, *sl1, k2, psso, k3; repeat from * to last st, k1
Row 2  P5, *yo, p5; repeat from * to last 2 sts, yo, p2
Row 3  k1, *K3, sl1, k2, psso; repeat from * to end, k1
Row 4  P2, *yo, p5; repeat from * to end
These 4 rows form the St. John's Wort Lace Stitch Pattern

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 Céline, 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!

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.

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

RIBBING WITH MOCK CABLE

STITCH OF THE MONTH - October 2014
Ribbing with Mock Cable is a wide rib pattern that features a slanted mock ribbing pattern in vertical columns. The ribbing creates elasticity through the width of the fabric and the mock cable creates slanted mock cables that are knit by crossing 2 stitches rather than using a cable needle to move the 1 stitch to the back. 

It can be used on edgings such as cuffs and hems, or in a pattern where shaping is necessary such as at the waist.

Ribbing with Mock Cable
(Multiples of 7 + 2 stitches)
Row 1 (RS)   P2, *C2B, k3, p2; repeat from * to end
Row 2 (and every WS row)  K2, *p5, k2; repeat from * to end
Row 3           P2, *k1, C2B, k2, p2; repeat from * to end
Row 5           P2, *k2, C2B, k1, p2; repeat from * to end
Row 7           P2, *k3, C2B, p2; repeat from * to end
Row 8           K2, *p5, k2; repeat from * to end
These 8 rows form the Ribbing with Mock Cable.

Abbreviations
C2B   Cross 2 Back - Knit 2nd stitch on needle through back loop and then knit the first stitch slipping both stitches off the needles at the same time.
RS     Right side
WS    Wrong side

PANTONE FASHION COLOR REPORT SPRING 2015

Top Ten Women's Colors: En Plein Air
Pantone released its list of the top 10 women’s color for Spring 2015 this week which coincided with the first day of New York Fashion Week. Spring 2015 will move towards a softer and cooler color palette that will feature pale pastels, neutrals and understated brights. 

“Many feel compelled to be connected around the clock because we are afraid we’ll miss something important. There is a growing movement to step out and create ‘quiet zones’ to disconnect from technology and unwind, giving ourselves time to stop and be still”, said Leatice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. Color choices follow the same minimalistic, ‘en plein air’ theme, taking a cue from nature rather than being reinvented or mechanically manipulated. Soft, cool hues blend with subtle warm tones to create a soothing escape from the everyday hustle and bustle.”

En plein air is a French expression which means "in the open air". It is used to describe the act of painting outdoors and can also be used to describe other activities where a person partakes in an outdoor environment.

Aquamarine An airy, ethereal blue with a cool, dreamy feel. Invokes thoughts of soothing, tropical waters.

Scuba Blue This cool turquoise shade adds excitement to the pallet restoring our sense of carefree playfulness, while invigorating the body and mind.

Lucite Green A soft, serene green with a minty glow offers a fresh sense of clarity.

Classic Blue A strong and reliable anchor to the color palette that inspires calm, confidence and harmony.

Toasted Almond A sun-tanned neutral, offers timeless, comforting warmth. 

Strawberry Ice A light, nurturing coral tone that evokes a feeling of being “in the pink,” emitting a flattering and healthy glow.

Tangerine An energizing, non-jarring take on orange that adds a bold pop of color for spring.

Custard An all-encompassing yellow emanating warmth and happiness.

Marsala This compelling and cordial hue that is much like the fortified wine that lends its name. The color is inviting and exudes confidence and stability.

Glacier Gray A timeless and unobtrusive gray that adds a sense of graceful relaxation as another practical neutral. 

Bibhu Mohapatra     |     Barbara Tfank     |     Alice & Trixie

Click here for the full Pantone Fashion Color Report Spring 2015

BRAMBLE STITCH

STITCH OF THE MONTH – September 2014

The Bramble stitch is also known as the Raspberry, Cluster or Trinity stitch. The right side is richly textured with raised diagonally staggered clusters while the back side has a flat but interesting texture.

It has great history in Aran knits where it is rich in symbolism. The stitch is used in combination with other stitches and cables to produce beautiful sweaters and afghans.

The Bramble stitch adds great texture to knitted projects. The texture ensures that the fabric doesn’t curl making it a great choice for edgings and borders.

Bramble Stitch
(Multiples of 4 + 2 stitches)
Row 1 (RS) Purl.
Row 2         K1, *(k1, p1, k1), p3tog; repeat from * to last stitch, k1.
Row 3         K1, *p3tog, (k1, p1, k1); repeat from * to last stitch, k1.

Row 4         Purl.
These 4 rows form the Bramble Stitch.

AN EVENING TO REMEMBER SHAWL

An Evening to Remember Shawl is knit in a luxurious blend of merino wool, silk and cashmere in a textured lace pattern. Japanese glass seed beads add a touch of elegance and sparkle. The beads are pre-strung onto the yarn and worked into the lace while knitting the shawl.

I wanted to design a shawl that showcased the subtle variance of colour in the sports-weight yarn and add texture with knitted lace and glass seed beads.

A video has been uploaded to YouTube to provide a tutorial on how to do the Purl with Bead abbreviated as pb in the pattern.

http://www.nadinemcleoddesigns.com/#!an-evening-to-remember-shawl/c3n8

BRIOCHE STITCH

STITCH OF THE MONTH – August 2014

The Brioche stitch is a reversible ribbed stitch pattern that creates a warm and rich fabric. It originally became popular in Europe in the 1800s and is also known as English Ribbing. The brioche stitch resembles a 1 x 1 rib but has a lot more loftiness and stretch. The natural stretch of the stitch is great for loose-fitting items that require ease.

The brioche stitch uses more yarn than usual to make an item. Every other stitch is a double stitch on every row, and working two rows is equivalent to one row because every other stitch is slipped on every row.

Avoid using yarn is slippery such as alpaca, silk or bamboo as the tendency to 'grow' in length is pronounced. Opt for a yarn that has a more grip such as 100% wool (not a super-wash).

If you choose to have selvedge stitches, it important that the first stitch at the start of the row is slipped or a ripple will appear along the edges.

Brioche Stitch 
(Even number of stitches)
Foundation Row       *yo-sl1, k1; repeat from * to end

Pattern Row              *yo-sl1, k2tog; repeat from * to end

Repeat the Pattern Row to form the Brioche stitch.

Casting On                Use a cast on method that has a lot of give to accommodate for the stretchiness of the brioche stitch pattern. The long-tail cast-on method works well for the brioche stitch.

Foundation Row       To work the yo-sl1, bring the yarn forward and slip the next stitch purlwise. Knit the next stitch. A ‘yarn over’ stitch will be created as you take the yarn from the front to work the knit stitch.

Pattern Row              Work the yo-sl1 as worked in the foundation row. Knit the next 2 stitches together (this will be the slip stitch and yarn over of the previous row).

Binding Off                When binding off, do not create the yarn over. You can slip 1 stitch (or purl the stitch to keep the ribbing pattern) and then k2tog. Bind off very loosely to maintain the stretchiness of the fabric. A conventional bind off will require using a needle a couple sizes larger. The Italian bind off works well with this stitch pattern or Elizabeth Zimmerman’s sewn bind off.

Counting Stitches    Do not count the yarn overs when counting stitches.

K2tog                         Some patterns reference the K2tog as brk (brioche knit).

CAT'S EYE STITCH

STITCH OF THE MONTH - July 2014
The Cat's Eye Stitch is a reversible openwork pattern. The beauty of the stitch is the textured mesh that is created produced through a simple three row pattern repeat. 

The stitch pattern creates a durable mesh that has a lot of lengthwise stretch.  It would work well for shawls, scarves, afghans, baby blankets or beach bags. It can also be worked as a complimentary openwork design together with an intricate lace pattern.

Cat's Eye Stitch
(Multiples of 4 stitches)
Row 1   P2, *yo, p4tog; repeat from * to last 2 sts, p2
Row 2   K2, *k1, (k1, p1, k1) into the yo of the previous row; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2
Row 3   Knit
These 3 rows form the Cat's Eye Stitch.