Crochet and lace trends

The latest trend report from Urban Outfitters features a selection of crochet and lace styles for this coming spring.  Many of these pieces incorporate lace and see-thru elements to pair with a bright camisole or bandeau underneath.  I especially love the crochet bikini to keep in mind for summer (check out our previous blog to knit one of your own!), and the asymmetrical and loose-fitting designs that are perfect for any body type!





  

Photos courtesy of urbanoutfitters.com

Rodarte-inspired knitting

Appearing on the runways not too long ago, we've finally decided that these beautiful Rodarte sweaters are a must-have (or must-KNIT) item for fall!  The sweater and tights are made by crocheting mohair yarn to achieve this beautiful open-knit look.  We love these beautiful and unique pieces, truly a one-of-a-kind project to take on this season. Plus we've found this great blog with DIY instructions, so you can create your own luxury sweater at a fraction of the price. 
http://styledecoded.com/sd/2009/08/11/my-new-plan-knit-like-rodarte/

Knit Simple new December issue features designer, Marcia Cleary

 

December 14, the Winter issue of Knit Simple hits the newstand! Knittingbag designer, Marcia Cleary has a featured item - a soft red angora Tied Wrap knit in Angora Bamboo by Patons.  This wonderful winter cover-up requires 14 balls of yarn in #90532 flamenco, available for order through Knit Simple.  Check out a preview of this upcoming issue on their website!



Knit Simple Winter 2010, photo by Rose Callahan

Blogs to blog about!

As we search for ideas to write about we can't help but visit other blogs or inspiration--and some of these sites were so interesting that we just couldn't help just blogging about them!
Access Fashion 
This blog features trendy designs in knitwear for the season, and some of these pieces are really over the top--the perfect source for inspiration!  She also includes short book reviews, deals on yarn, and plenty of ideas to keep you knitting.  Especially love the blog on new items from Victoria's Secret, some of their knitwear is just stunning.


The Dark Knit
The Dark Knit, another fashion blog, tends to base their posts around very funky knit images, truly giving some style to the page.  It makes it so fun to look through even if you're just looking at the pictures!  Love the post on Knit-a-Turban, these knit headbands are super cute and perfect for those messy hair days.  These are very in this season as well, we've seen them on the runway and in stores so maybe Knittingbag will design one next!

Cats and Dogs
We love how this blogger features her favorite pieces in fashion with numerous photos to give us inspiration.  Especially love those over-the-knee boots paired with a fur-trimmed collar--a great way to stay warm as we delve into the winter season.  Be sure to keep up with this blog for the latest styles from season to season!

Trend Report for Fall 2010

Knittingbag's fashion trend report for
fall/winter 2010


CHANEL

Color

Designers are going back to the basics this season with classic wintry colors like dark, warm browns and yellows mixed with bright blues and greens for a "cool" feel.  Touches of reds and pinks spice up these simple hues on the runways as we begin to prepare for Fall.  Gray and eggplant purple replace black.

Endive and Golden Glow

 

Chocolate truffle

Purple orchid

Woodbine

 Lipstick red

Shapes and Details

This season, if ever there was a time to mix and match colors, fabrics, and patterns, this is it!  Designers are using every idea they can think up and combining them into single pieces.  Oversized, chunky sweaters are the rage, so you can forget knitting to size. Knit these wonderful chunky sweaters in neutrals or a rainbow of colors, and you can't go wrong.  Big floppy necklines are back, this time sporting furry collars and mink accents to dress up simple sweaters and accessories.  Also note the little cropped sweater and lots of Fair Isle are making a big comeback. And importantly, capes (sophisticated ponchos) and knitted tunics and dresses covered in cables are strong this season. Fur-trimmed sweaters and faux fur coats and accessories will be part of this winter's wardrobe.

Mixing Colors and Fabrics

Oversized Chunky Knits

Big Floppy Necklines

The Little Cropped Sweater

 




















Knittingbag's cropped sweater

Cropped, interesting details, sleeves, back

     

Love the empire belt!

Coats and Capes

Fur, fur-trims





Artful Beautiful Knitting

 

 

Accessories

Easy Knitting!

 

On the Knittingbag needles now
(will update as projects change)

Classic Elite's Blue Topaz Stole in La Gran Mohair. Knit on US 15 needles. 4 balls.

Free downloadable pattern here.  Pattern calls for rib stitch.  I'm making a few for holiday gifts using the rice stitch.  

Rice Stitch: RS rows: P1, *K1 through back loop, P1; repeat from * to end.  WS rows: knit.

Knitting for Baby

The Bambino Taffy Baby Hat from Be Sweet knits up with one skein of self-striping cotton BAMBINO TAFFY yarn! Adorable hat, great gift idea. US 6 - 16" circular, 70% organic cotton, 30% bamboo. Wonderful colors. Easy to knit.

Books on Knitting ...... coming soon!

Knitting Block by Block by Nicky Epstein:

150 blocks for Afghans, Scarves, Sweaters, Bags and More (hardcover)

$19.79 on Amazon. Available Nov 9, 2010.

Inside you will find:

• 150 original block patterns, from simple textures to embossed pictorials, intricate lace to cables, colorwork, double knit, and more, all with Nicky’s signature wit, verve, and style.
• More than ten exclusive project designs that will make you say “I can’t believe that is made out of blocks!”
• Detailed guidance for creating exciting pieces out of block knitting, without using increases or decreases.
• Exclusive cut-and-paste project design pages. Simply cut out the printed blocks and arrange them to help create your own masterpieces.

Blocks are quick to knit, portable pieces perfect for group and charity projects, and now not limited to just afghans! Knitting Block by Block gives you the tools to unlock a world of creative possibilities and confidently build your own design “blockbusters,” one block at a time.  

Knit the Season by Kate Jacobs:

A Friday Night Knitting Club Novel (paperback)

$10.08 on Amazon. Available Nov 2, 2010.

The ladies of the #1 New York Times bestselling The Friday Night Knitting Club celebrate special times with family and friends.

Not only are the holidays are just around the corner, the women who knit at Manhattan's Walker & Daughter have an extra reason to celebrate: there's a wedding planned for New Year's Day. In the meantime, college-age Dakota Walker is working to finish a sweater her mother started before Dakota was born. As she takes on her mother's pattern, she learns from her family and friends that there was much more history in these stitches than she had anticipated, and that to build on her mother's legacy, Dakota must allow herself to become the woman she truly desires to be... :

Fresh Fashion Knits by Rowan:

More than 20 Must-Have Designs from Rowan's Studio (paperback)

$15.51 on Amazon. Available Oct 26, 2010.

Rowans produces great yarns you love to cast on and design the patterns you can’t wait to put on. Their worldwide reputation for style, quality, and value makes them the only name you need to know in knitting. Fresh Fashion Knits features the best of Rowan’s Studio Collection, bringing runway trends into knitwear. These designs by Sarah Hatton offer a fashion-conscious knitter a wide range of garment choices and yarn weights to make something for every season and every occasion.
 
Layer a luxurious chunky cardigan over your favorite jeans. Pair a soft, delicate cardigan over a flowing dress for the perfect summer look. With stylish tops and casually chic sweaters and dresses, this collection will inspire you to make an entire wardrobe of fabulous knit fashions.
 
Plus, Rowan makes it easy! Not only are these patterns clear and easy to use, but Fresh Fashion Knits gives you the tips and techniques for the best results, no matter what your skill level. The 21 patterns included in this book will have haute couture at your fingertips. 

Be sure this book is in your knitting book collection!


365 Knitting Stitches a Year Perpetual Calendar

You can access hundreds of knitting stitches in a perpetual-calendar format! With a different stitch for every day of the year, this clever calendar design makes a valuable addition to every knitter's pattern collection.

• Instructions for 365 easy to advanced knitting stitches mean you can refer to your calendar year after year

• Each day spotlights a beautiful swatch in a full-color, close-up photograph

• Stitches range from simple knit and purl to ribs, cables, laces, and dozens of textured patterns

Contact Marcia Cleary at mcleary@knittingbag.com for special orders, questions and comments.