Read Knittingbag’s recommended yarns, books and blogs at the end of this report.
No. 1 Color for 2010: Turquoise
Inspired by oceans and tropical islands
Flattering to everyone, men and women
Pairs well with any color in the rainbow (try warm Amparo blue)
Electrifies basic neutrals
Elegant and versatile
More Summer 2010 Colors:
Chic and cheerful, slightly softened
Green: grass and dried herbs
Blue: brighter than navy, energetic Amparo blue
Tomato puree
Violet
Yellow sunrise, slightly shimmery
Pale, dusty pink
Fusion coral, peach
Tuscany, warm beige
Fabrics
Soft, supple, light and airy, layer with muslins, voiles, gauze
Cotton and cotton blends with silk, rayon, bamboo
Linen and linen blends with silk, bamboo; soft and drapey like pieces from Eileen Fisher and Theory
Style and shapes
Jackie O, fitted high-waisted, slim-bust tops, embellished
Longer length tops and mid-knee pencil skirts
Capri pants
Blouson shapes and drawstring waists
Gathered empire flowy tops, short in front and long in back
Toga inspired layered cover ups (think tunics for Fall!)
Uneven hems on loose-fitting cropped tops
Patterns: stripes, Fair Isle or graphic
Details: ruching, knots and braids, fullness with belting and pleats
Photos courtesy of www.style.com from Spring 2010 fashion designer collections
We are designing a summer sleeveless cardi/scarf in Celery #6 (available soon).
Knittingbag has knit the “Baby Surprise Jacket” by Elizabeth Zimmerman using 2 skeins. This yarn is very “Koigu-like”, but not as expensive:
180 yds, pretty and unique colorways!
US 3 needle, gauge 6.5-7 sts
Santa Fe can be special ordered from Knittingbag.com at $8.95 per skein. Email us at info@knittingbag.com. The Baby Surprise Jacket can be purchased at Schoolhouse Press. It includes 12 patterns! Also visit this web site for lots of information about this #1 baby sweater of all time.
Blue Heron Yarns Rayon Metallic Yarn
We love this yarn for its low key shimmer and wonderful drape. The color choice is broad and beautiful.We have remade the Fleece Artist Wavy Stole in denim blue rayon metallic and will be available soon at Knittingbag.com
Pattern available at Patternfish.com
550 yds
US 5-6, gauge 5.75 sts
Rayon Metallic can be special ordered from Knittingbag.com at $44 per skein. Email us at info@knittingbag.com.
Jade Sapphire's Maju 100% Silk
100% silk worsted – 85 yds
US 8-10 needle, gauge 4 sts
Available in over 50 colorways
We will be adding this kit to Knittingbag.com shortly!
Louet North America
Louet has it all for summer! Try their Euroflax yarn (make a swatch, but wash in shampoo and dry to feel its softness). Knittingbag’s favorite is MerLin, a blend of 70% merino and 30% linen. Wonderful all-season fabric. Knittingbag is designing a stole with arms and will be uploaded shortly to the Knittingbag.com website. All Louet yarns and patterns can be special ordered from Knittingbag.com. Email us for stock and prices at info@knittingbag.com.
All Tahki Stacy Charles yarns and patterns can be special ordered from Knittingbag.com. Email us for stock and prices at info@knittingbag.com
SKIF Designs
Knittingbag recommends viewing the SKIF designs. We are talking to Skif in St. Louis to see if we can carry their patterns and yarns. Stay tuned for more information.
Skif reminds us of Habu designs – unstructured, loose assymetrical and easy designs! Knittingbag (me) loves their casual unfinished look. I own two of their ready-made designs and wear them layered all summer over sleeveless tees (to cover up chubby arms! Who, me?) and take them on trips to warm climes. Their designs derive from Indian cultures, “the upstream people”… to be gentle. Skif uses natural fiber blends including linen, cotton, bamboo and merino. Sizes change by using different yarn combos and tension. Body length can be altered.
Skif’s ready-made designs are carried in 30 stores nationwide.
Knittingbag recommends books
Knitwear Design Workshop
By Shirley Paden-Bernstein
From the initial spark of inspiration to the sewing of the last seam, this advanced manual to knitwear design provides knitters with the foundation to take their projects to the next level. The five exceptional projects demonstrate the level of uniqueness and beauty that can be achieved with these expert techniques and how to achieve the elusive “perfect fit” that defines a successful end product. Knitters will gain a clearer understanding of commercial pattern instructions, improve their attention to detail with a meaningful test swatch, and acquire a stronger knowledge of proper body and garment measurements.
Pure Knits
: Sophisticated Designs in Shade of White (Paperback)
By Yahair Ferreira
Whether creamy and warm or wintry cool, white evokes a sense of classic purity. Celebrate its astonishing variety with a collection of 25 stunning all-white projects for intermediate to advanced knitters, all made from the most luxurious yarns ever. From sensuous sweaters for women to adorable baby and children’s outfits to rugged masculine attire, these garments take white to new levels of excitement and opulence. (amazon.com editorial review)
1,000 Fabulous Knit Hats
By Annie Modesitt
This fun collection of knit hats, curated and presented by well-known knitter and author Annie Modesitt, is sure to delight and inspire. The book includes both original designs and well-knit examples of hats of all styles; for men, women, and children alike. The top 10 original designs submissions received prizes, and those 10 award-winning hat patterns are included in the book.
The Complete Photo Guide to Knitting
By Margaret Hubert
This volume is a comprehensive how-to book about all aspects of knitting. This book is a reference for all knitting techniques, beginning with the basics of how to knit. A large section of the book is devoted to showing different stitch patterns, arranged in style categories for easy reference. Special knitting topics will be explored in depth: cables, intarsia, entrelac, Fair Isle knitting, and lace knitting. A section will discuss yarns: fibers, how they are spun, gauge, and how to choose.
Modern Baby and Children’s Knitting Patterns
In this book you will find something for all levels of knitters frombeginners to the more experienced looking for a challenging project. It contains designs ranging in size from a newborn baby through to toddlers and young children. Featuring patterns for dresses, jumpers, cardigans, outwear, accessories, and blankets.
Knittingbag recommends blogs
Cool Hunting: http://www.coolhunting.com/style/
Erika Knight: http://knightkraft.blogspot.com/
Knit Rowan: http://www.knitrowan.com/
Amy Butler Design: http://amybutlerdesign.com/
Debbie Abraham: http://www.debbieabraham.com/
Sandra Backlund: http://www.sandrabacklund.com/
WARMI: Handmade knits: http://www.parisbao.com/fashion/warmi-handmade-knits-from-the-homeland/
Jane Marvel (Great bags!!): http://janemarvel.com/
Kate Schelter: http://www.kateschelter.com/blog/
Ed Bing Lee: http://www.edbinglee.com/index.php?/root/delectables/
Hope you have a wonderful summer with lots of sun, sand and surf -- and knitting!
See you in the Fall with a new 2010/11 Winter Trend Report to inspire you.
Marcia Cleary
Designer
Knittingbag.com
, she includes patterns for dozens of flowers to add to virtually any piece of clothing, accessory, or even as a decorative element in your home. We suggest pinning these flowers to the neckline of a t-shirt or tank top in the summer, so you can keep cool while you keep knitting!
Knittingbag recommends downloading free patterns
