Archive for May, 2010

Captivated By Katia

Monday, May 31st, 2010

In Barcelona, a city richly flavored in culture and fashion, well-known for its impressive vistas from hilltops sloping gently towards the Mediterranean Sea, one yarn company has stood the test of time.  For close to sixty years, Katia has spun out innovative yarns, reviving the industry with trend-setting styles based upon European design.  The Katia team has built a solid reputation with quality products that grace the shelves of yarn stores in more than forty countries from Austria to Costa Rica, Guadelope to Hong Kong, and all points in between.  

Katia publishes ten design catalogues a year, focusing on handknitting patterns for babies, children, teens and adults.  A company remaining true to its name, Katia (translates as ‘pure’ in English) sticks with a proven formula that works, covering the gamut from posh elegance to relaxed sportswear as effortlessly as winding yarn around a needle.

For the coming season, Katia pumps up the volume with polar weight yarns  in solid and multi coloured shades, and reaches to deeper depths with smoky hues in self-striping wool blends.  Metallics glisten and gleam in the evening light in shades of silver, black and indigo.  Novelty yarns are puffed up with eye-catching texture displaying remarkable ingenuity from a company that doesn’t hold back when it comes to raising the bar.  Have a glimpse at some of the highlights from Katia’s Collection for Autumn/Winter 2010-2011 and see what catches your eye.

Fabula by Katia

Fabuliscious Fabula!  A polar weight yarn in pure superwash wool, this cowl neck pullover from Katia Book #63 will look great in a range of self-shading colours- red, magenta, teal, charcoal, or denim blue.  Don’t worry about the length of time it takes to knit on 9 mm needles, with nine shades to choose from, it will take much longer just deciding on which colour.

Memory by Katia

The warmth of Autumn is spun into Memory, a supersoft chunky wool blend that balances somewhere between a tweed and a self-striping yarn blending brights and darks together.   No need to sort these colours out before washing, its all in the mix.  This pullover stands out in Katia Book #63 with its unusual ribbed waistband ruched into a front cable panel.   

Alhambra by Katia

A little bit of shimmer goes a long way with Alhambra, an elegant new yarn combining ribbon and just a sliver of mohair for a subtle hazy effect.   This one knits as a chunky weight on 7 mm needles in seven fanciful shades for all out glamour- teal, charcoal, taupe, pearl grey, navy, burgundy and black.

Alhambra by Katia

Alhambra by Katia

Another two alluring styles from Katia Book #63 in Alhambra, a classic cap sleeve with a shawl collar in deep and mysterious teal blue warms up nicely with matching arm warmers.  Cool evenings are all wrapped up in a butterfly stitch shawl in charcoal black. 

Azteca by Katia

Azteca is back again with twenty-one inspiring colourways, the magic of stripes appearing in every ball of this popular aran weight yarn.  In a comfortable blend of wool and acrylic, this simple to knit cardigan with deep pockets from Katia Book #64 shows off the rustic shades of Autumn in the country.    

Azteca by Katia

If you prefer more slimming lines, knit vertically from side to side and add the ribbed border afterwards.  Its a super easy slipover vest that highlights the amazing colourways of Azteca. 

Illusion by Katia

Make this Illusion a reality in a fiery shade of red.  Its a headturner, a classic swing coat, lightweight and warm enough for gusty Autumn days in a delicate blend of superkid mohair, merino wool and a touch of nylon for durability.  With eighteen shades to choose from, in lively brights and subtle neutrals, why limit yourself to just being a lady in red.

Posted in Knitter's Table | 7 Comments »

Nautical Knits

Saturday, May 22nd, 2010

Its Victoria Day Weekend, the official kick off to summer with lots of long lazy days stretched out before us.  Slip on a pair of comfortable flip flops, put on a layer of sunscreen, the weather is just right for sitting on the dock, daydreaming and watching the clouds roll by……………..

On The Dock

Relaxing, knitting, and inspired by the water and sky in shades of nautical blue-

Sublime #634

For blue eyed babies, and toddlers that dream of big boats, here is a sporty cardigan to knit with open cablework and wide ribs in Sublime Cashmere Merino Silk Dk.  

Sublime #634

This little sailor girl is dreaming of lakeside picnics under the shade of a big umbrella in her pretty denim cardigan trimmed with white stripes.  Its a touch of luxury in Sublime Cashmere Merino Silk Dk.

Sirdar #2284

Every fisherman has his favorite sweater, and this crew neck or hoodie fits a range of sizes from toddlers to teens.  A quick knit in an easy care yarn from Sirdar- Supersoft Aran  

Louisa Harding #101

When the sun goes down, this pullover will chase away the chill.  Casual and charming in a bright shade of blue to wear with jeans or khakis, its a simple cable design knit in Albero, a cotton and lenpur yarn from Louisa Harding’s  collection.

Sirdar #9260

For father and son, choose one of two styles- the classic V Neck pullover or the casual roll neck version.  Sirdar Click Aran is soft and lightweight, making it a comfortable choice for every season. 

Sirdar #9253

A classic shawl collar cardigan easily stands out in the crowd, with seed stitch detail and cable panels just in the front.  Its knit in Sirdar Click Aran, an easy care acrylic and wool blend.

Sirdar #9261

On a cool afternoon by the water, Sirdar Click Chunky will add just the right amount of warmth and a bit of celtic style in a chunky cable design set off by wide borders in seed stitch.

Posted in New & Knitworthy | 3 Comments »

Designer Chat With Debbie Bliss

Thursday, May 13th, 2010

A fair-haired icon in the world of knitting, Debbie Bliss continues to impress us with her down-to-earth signature style.  Living a busy life in London, with her husband, two children and a bouncy beagle named Monty, Debbie works mainly in her home-based studio designing classic knitwear with a modern edge, patterns which has been published in more than fifty books.  Twice a year, she visits Italy to source out new fibres for her own line of exclusive yarns, and regularly travels to North America to teach workshops and seminars.  Just last year, she added Editor in Chief to her long list of accomplishments.

Debbie Bliss

Debbie takes time out from writing and designing for the next issue of her magazine to fill us in on her design background and inspiration.

MM:  Hi Debbie, thanks for taking a break from your work to chat.  Would you like a cup of tea or coffee?

DB:  Tea please!

MM:  What a phenomenal journey your career has taken you on, did it all begin right after college with a knitted collection of plants and flowers?

DB:  Yes, it really did.  I was on a fine art based Fashion and Textiles course, which meant I had great fun making cardboard coats and hats from crisp packets, but when I left art school, I was virtually unemployable!  At the time there was a trend for making everyday objects such as a cake or a plate of bacon and eggs out of fabric, rather like the funky knitted pieces you see today.  I started to make knitted plants which I was able to sell to stores such as Liberty of London.

Lacy Shawl in Eco Baby

 MM:  From the start, your baby and children’s patterns have been a breath of fresh air.  Did you draw inspiration from your own two children, and as they grew your designs grew along with them?

DB:  Thank you!  I think the practical element became important after my first child, Billy.  Before then, I would definitely have been just interested in style over comfort but he was a very colicky baby who did not like to be dressed or undressed so I soon learnt that wide necks, button shoulder fastenings and cardigans rather than sweaters were easier to get off and on.  As my second child Nell grew older, and I mean three years rather than thirteen, she had very definite ideas about what she wanted to wear and my designs didn’t get a look at anymore.

Sleeveless Smock Dress

MM:  Looking back on that very first published design, what do you remember about it?

DB:  As far as I can remember, my first published designs were in a book called Wild Knitting, in which I contributed a knitted garden- a child’s raincoat knitted out of cling film (saran wrap) wrapped around beads, mad ties, and knitted insects.

MM:  Wow, that would be quite a feat, knitting with plastic wrap, but a brilliant idea.  The launch of a knitting magazine was also a brilliant idea.  Not only does it open doors to a brand new generation of knitters, it also presents a fabulous lifestyle.  How did this project come about?

DB:  I am a magazine junkie so was very thrilled when Soho Publishing (Vogue Knitting) approached me with the idea of collaborating on one. 

Boat Neck Top

MM:  In the Spring/Summer issue, you describe being a part of the Vogue Knitting Cruise to Mexico and Belize.  What did you enjoy most about your time at sea with a group of knitters?

DB:  It was a really enjoyable experience, my husband and daughter came along too, and it was wonderful to catch up with Nicky Epstein and Carla Scott, the other teachers and their families.  It was a great chance to meet up with all the knitters and share their enthusiasm for the craft.

MM:  Are there any design moments that you look back on now with a smile, and say, “what was I thinking?”

DB:  There are so many, its difficult to pinpoint just one!  I think proportion is so essential to a style, so it might be that when something comes back from a knitter, I wish I had made it longer, narrower, etc.  The knitted fabric can sometimes have a life of its own, and the completed garment can look rather different from the one I had in my head.

MM:  Your upcoming Fall/Winter Collection looks especially enticing, with the striking contrast in texture between Glen- a merino/alpaca tweed and Andes- a mulberry silk blended with baby alpaca.  Where did the inspiration come from in choosing these new yarns?

DB:  Andes, the mulberry silk is just so beautiful that as soon as I saw it I knew I wanted it in my collection.  I have always loved this particular blend with the softness of the alpaca combining with the sheen of the silk.  I do prefer smooth yarns that show off the stitch as a lot of my work includes stitch texture.  I have intended to avoid fancy or multi coloured yarns as they are not compatible with my style of designing.  Glen, however, is the perfect compromise, a tweedy style that has subtle tonal shadings in each ball to make the garment shade from dark to light and back again.  It makes a really unique fabric.  Although its a chunky weight yarn, it is soft and surprisingly lightweight, to make even the most generous jackets and coats really wearable.

MM:  What is your idea of a ‘blissful’ Sunday?

DB:  Aha, this is an easy one!  Sunday morning reading the papers, then a huge traditional Sunday roast with my family and friends around the table, the more the merrier, followed by a light snooze on the sofa with the beagle, waking up in time to watch the original version of Pride and Prejudice on TV.

A Line Cardigan in Amalfi

(images courtesy of Debbie Bliss)

Posted in Designer Chat | 24 Comments »

Fall/Winter 2010 Collection

Wednesday, May 5th, 2010

Its early afternoon, the first weekend of May and the weather could not be more ideal.  Inside the Toronto headquarters, a buzz of anticipation is spinning its way through the building as yarn-minded individuals gather with just one task- to preview the Fall/Winter 2010 Collection at the Diamond and Nova Open House. 

The newest yarns, swatches and shade cards are displayed in brightly lit cupboards and cubbyholes, accompanied by the latest selection of patterns, neatly grouped on centre tables.  Hand painted skeins hang untwisted, almost carefully arranged art installations on wooden dowels, jutting forward like branches of a tree.  Samplings of designer garments, show the up and coming fashion trends, each one exquisitely knit by hand over the past month or two.  The showroom is jam-packed with a myriad of colour and texture, sparking keen interest from yarn shop owners as they tour through displays, scribbling notes, getting a first look at what will be filling the shelves in months to come.

Tweeds are topping the trend list for Fall, muddy colours have faded away and vibrant colour is making a bold statement.  Sustainable yarns are leading the way.  Silk is reigning supreme as the ‘queen of fibre’, mixing in nicely with merino, llama, alpaca, and bamboo, adding a hint of softness and sheen to all that it touches.

Here is an inside look at some of the highlights of the Fall/Winter Collection-

Sirdar

Sirdar goes the extra mile for playful texture.  On the heels of last winter’s sensation- Snowball, a plush pod-like yarn that kept us all warm and toasty, Baby Snowball emerges with irresistible designs for tiny tots.  Look for the highly raved about baby blanket in your LYS very soon!  Squiggle is a sweet and sugary yarn that gives the illusion of miniature pompoms.  Its a super chunky weight, perfect for a grandchild’s winter wardrobe.  Indie is a great introduction yarn for teens, knitting up with pizazz on larger needles, a riot of colours in every ball.  Last but not least, Connemara sets the tone for Fall, a subtle tweed in a washable blend of wool and acrylic.  Think equestrian style, chunky sweaters and vests!

Diamond Luxury Collection

Diamond Luxury Merino Bamboo

Diamond Luxury Llama Silk

Diamond Luxury Collection adds a splash of youthful energy to its line with- Llama Silk, a natural blend of llama, wool, and silk in a chunky weight tweed.  Merino Bamboo is softly stunning as a dk weight, oozing with vibrancy in crisp, clear shades.

Noro Kirameki and King

Noro always draws a crowd with its colourful sample boards.  King is the new kid on the block, in a lightweight twist of kid mohair, silk and wool.  Kirameki will be an instant hit with crocheters and the fast growing population of lace knitters.  A super slim twist of rayon and wool, this one covers new territory for Noro with a whopping 450 metres per ball!  Kogarashi sets its sights on a generation of chunky knitters with a rich mixture of silk and wool.

Araucania

Araucania

Araucania charms its way into the hearts of knitters with a bright and cheery range of colour in handpainted blends of natural fibres.  This small family owned company from Chile have all the bases covered with weights ranging from lace fingering to knitting worsted. 

Pear Tree Yarns

Pear Tree Yarns

A breath of fresh air from the land of wallabys and kookaburras, Pear Tree Yarn is an exciting addition to the Diamond line up with supersoft sustainable wools in three weights ranging from 4ply to worsted.  Picture a ’boutique’ style yarn for a casual lifestyle.  A wide range of pattern designs with catchy names such as ‘bunyip’, ‘cassowary’, ‘bunbury’ and ‘emu’  will have a knitter humming a familiar tune, ‘I come from a land down under…….’

Katia

Katia continues to represents true European quality and a flair for luxury with a touch of ‘bling’ in new metallics and a self-ruffling novelty yarn.  This innovative company hails from Spain and has a solid following of knitters year after year.

Viewing the Diamond Luxury Collection

On a beautiful spring day, its a welcome place to spend the afternoon.

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