Knititude

Ferrovia series: another sneak peek

Here is a sneak preview of the Quotidiana hat, the next design in the Ferrovia series, inspired by wrought iron architectural accents. The large-scale stranded border was patterned after a wrought iron grille from the Exposition of the Decorative Arts in Paris in 1925. I added garter stitch earflaps, spiraled tassels, and a contrast rolled edge-- but these can also be easily omitted for a simpler cap. Pattern coming soon!

Sneak preview: Ferrovia

I am trying to finish up a project that I've been repeatedly placing on the back burner for months now (as other, more urgent deadlines have come and gone). I rather ambitiously pictured this collection of three patterns as the first in a series, inspired by wrought iron architectural accents, especially Art Deco. The patterns are for a pullover, a hat, and a cardigan, all incorporating stranded motifs inspired by wrought iron designs from the Exposition des Arts Decoratifs in Paris in 1925 (the exhibition which gave rise to the term "Art Deco"). I plan to offer the patterns for sale both together and individually, and hopefully they will be finished within the next month or so. (And as for future installments in the series-- who knows?!)

So here is a sneak preview of the Renee pullover, the first pattern in the Ferrovia series. An Italian word, "ferrovia" is a combination of "ferro"-- iron, and "via"-- way or route; although "ferrovia" is used to mean "railroad" in Italian, for my purposes I have chosen to interpret it in a more literal way.

 

 

Errata for Bunny Yoke Pullover for Babies and Children

For patterns purchased before March 8, 2012: Chart rows are numbered incorrectly: #16 appears twice. So charts in fact have 21 rows, not 20.  Patterns purchased after 3/8/2012 have been corrected.

Book review: Textured Stitches by Connie Chang Chinchio

Textured Stitches is the lovely new book of patterns by Connie Chang Chinchio (all photos copyright Interweave Press).

These patterns exemplify Connie's talent for combining classic, wearable silhouettes with original, carefully placed details. Most of the designs combine various textured accents with smooth stockinette-- a great combination both while knitting (to stave off boredom while still allowing speedy progress), and while wearing (to elevate the finished project above the ordinary, and to call attention to areas such as neck, shoulders and wrists).

The majority of the patterns are sweaters, but there are also a number of accessories. Some of my favorites are pictured, including the two I test-knitted: the Professoressa Cardigan (above) and the AnnaMaria Cardigan (below). I found the directions for these two patterns clear, logical, and easy to follow. 

I also thought the photography was done very well, and with the knitter in mind: not only were the photos nicely composed and well-lighted, there are photos of almost every project from both front and back, AND photos of important small details such as collars, cuffs, side seams, and textured stitch patterns. Below, the Honeycomb Tunic.

By the way, if you are already familiar with Connie's designs, you may be aware of her preference for finer gauge yarns-- but there are also several patterns using worsted weight yarns in this book. Below, the Cecily Pullover.

Altogether a great addition to anyone's pattern book library! 

(Above, detail of the Olivia Shawl).