Archive for July, 2012

Seven Shades of Greige

Saturday, July 28th, 2012

Its a colour like no other, a hybrid shade capturing the look of vintage Belgian linen washed and aged to a lovely patina.  Greige combines the cool grey undertones of an overcast sky with subtle beige highlights.  This nouveau shade has become the darling of the design world, charging through fashion’s revolving door with an air of sophistication and old world elegance.  Where white was once the hands down winner for summer, greige is now creating plenty of buzz, becoming the essential neutral with chameleon-like qualities that give it a slightly different cast in the changing light.

Cool down with some of this summer’s sensational knits in Seven Shades of Greige-

 

 

Isla by Louisa Harding

From the Louisa Harding Marguerite Collection, Isla plays up Provencal panache with muted hues and summery scallops sitting side by side with fishtail cables.  Knit in Ondine, a mottled pure cotton yarn in a dk weight.  ‘Driftwood’ and ‘bark’ (shown above).

 

Brisa Cardigan by Katia

Shimmer and shine set the stage for this dressy lace panel cardigan. Knit in Brisa by Katia, a fingering weight cotton/viscose combo ideal for summer evenings in an array of sizzling brights and understated neutrals.  ‘Pearl’ (shown above).

 

Eleanor by Louisa Harding

Always on the cutting edge of fashion, British designer Louisa Harding goes to greater lengths with Eleanor, an eye-catching tunic style dress in a simple rib lace combination.  Knit in Delphine, a trendy cotton tape highlighted by oh-so-subtle shading.  ‘Natural’ and ‘charcoal’ (shown above).

 

Sirdar # 9545

From Sirdar this season, comfort and style go hand in hand with this airy vest.  Knit in Calico DK, a lightweight easy care blend of cotton and acrylic.  ‘Washed gingham’ (shown above).

 

Matilda by Louisa Harding

Parisian flair is evident in this vintage style sleeveless top designed by Louisa Harding.  Knit in Delphine by Louisa Harding, and available in ten exquisite shades.  ‘Natural’ and ‘ecru’ (shown above).

 

Sirdar # 9274

Looking for something with a little drape?  This easy breezy cap sleeve pullover might just grab your attention, with the added option of longer sleeves for cooler weather.  Knit in Flirt DK from Sirdar, silky smooth bamboo blended with wool, in a range of sixteen shades.  ‘Slinky silver’ (shown above).

 

Katia Book # 70

Top your list of knitting projects this summer with a dazzling duet of texture and sheen in this slipover shell by Katia.  Knit in Acuario, a viscose yarn with a glossy finish, trimmed with Azahar, this summer’s chic new ruffle yarn for much more than just scarves.  ‘Oyster’ and ‘white’ (shown above).

 

Miniature Olympics

Saturday, July 21st, 2012

With less than one week to go to until the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games, one very industrious knitter has come up with a creative way to enjoy her favorite sporting events right in her own front yard.  Using recycled wool unravelled from thrift shop sweaters, Suzanne Haggerty, began her imaginative project six months ago, and has since completed over thirty miniature athletes.

Her uniquely themed displays celebrating Halloween, Christmas, and quite recently the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee have been well-received by her London neighbours in Howard Road, who enjoy the surprise reactions and comments of passersby.  “I’m planning to get a life now,” Suzanne joked.  “I have always been a big fan of the Olympics, and am very, very proud of London,” she said.  “I’ve been looking forward to them for a long time.”

 

Each figure took a day and a half to knit, stuff and put the finishing touches on.  Seb Coe, Steve Ovett, and triple-jumper Phillips Idowu are a few of Suzanne’s favorites.  Her plans include a few more well-known figures, Daley Thompson, and long-distance runner, Haile Gebrselassie, and a gymnast on the high beam all in time for the opening ceremony.

 

Unfortunately the world’s fastest runner, Usain Bolt has mysteriously disappeared from the garden display, but apparently it was just a case of having misplaced him.  “Incredibly, we have always been very lucky with every display we do,” said Suzanne, “I think all the neighbours keep an eye on it for us.”

 

Himalayan Hats For Hope

Saturday, July 14th, 2012

In November, popular British designer, Louisa Harding will lace up her hiking boots and stuff a backpack full of yarn as she heads for Nepal to join a team of hikers for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure pushing their limits with up to nine hours a day of rough trekking.  Her mission is to raise awareness and funds for the Macmillan Cancer Support, a team of health professionals who provide care for cancer patients and their families.  Last year, Louisa’s husband and fave photographer, Stephen, was diagnosed with Lymphoma.  While he was undergoing extensive chemo treatments, the Macmillan staff and nurses became a ‘lifeline’ helping Louisa and her family through a very difficult time.

To give back to this wonderful organization, Louisa has designed a collection of Himalayan Hiking Hats, the first three are pictured below, followed by three more in September.  On each day of her week long trek, Louisa will be photographed wearing one of the hats, saving the seventh design for the final day, that is of course if she has it knit up in time.  Her goal is to knit the last one along the way!

Louisa encourages knitters to join in this challenge, sponsoring her by knitting one of her hats or by just giving.  Patterns are available here to download with all contributions going to Macmillan Cancer Support.

 

 

Sardi by Louisa Harding

Hearts of hope gracefully branch out of cables, encircling this toque with a pompom as the finishing touch.  Join fellow knitters on Ravelry for the Himalayan Hiking Hats knit-a-long.

 

Annapurna by Louisa Harding

A girly twist on the classic argyle tam, Louisa embellishes heart motifs with pink diamonds and a simple cabled rib.

 

Karuwa by Louisa Harding

A striking combo, stripes and ribs for the guys and a two-tone floral accent for the girls.  Louisa’s husband, Stephen models his Karuwa hat on the bottom left.  A year after completing chemo treatments, Stephen is back at work as Louisa’s photographer and is cheering her on to Nepal.

Follow Louisa’s trek here in November.

Making Waves

Saturday, July 7th, 2012

One of the most powerful forces in nature is the sound of waves crashing against the shore with enough impressive strength to contour a coastline over time.  Caused by friction from the wind, rubbing against the surface of the water, a wave begins to pick up momentum sometimes thousands of miles away from shore.  Travelling in a group, or a wave train, the difference between two crests (the peak) and two troughs (lowest point) determines the wavelength horizontally.  The vertical size is measured by the straight up distance between a crest and a trough.

Surprisingly, Canada has its share of wave action, most notably in Tofino, on the west coast of Vancouver Island, where surfers flock to Long Beach waiting for waves that swell from two to five feet during the summer months and a massive seven feet in the fall.

 

Tofino, BC

 

Get ready to make waves this summer with these refreshing designs from the Marguerite Collection by Louisa Harding-

 

Ava by Louisa Harding

Catch the wave…….in a captivating scalloped tunic knit in Ondine from the Louisa Harding Collection, a pure cotton dk yarn with eighteen slightly marled shades.  ‘Sail’ (shown above). 

 

Striped Ava by Louisa Harding

Tidal wave…….take it to the deep blue sea for knitting inspiration, with contrasting stripes accenting the wavy pattern in this nautical design from the Marguerite pattern book.  Knit in Ianthe, luscious cotton and merino spun together in a full selection of colour choices.  ‘Azure’ and ‘navy’ (shown above).   

 

Evie by Louisa Harding

On the crest of a wave………. a special occasion cardigan is highlighted with subtle details in the edging and sleeve cuffs.  Knit in Ianthe by Louisa Harding, in two complimentary shades of summer, ‘azure’ and ‘sky’ (shown above). 

 

Rae Summer Scarf by Louisa Harding

Surf’s up………..with this wispy fringed scarf all set to add a little flash to a summer outfit.  Knit with Louisa Harding’s Ondine, a weekend project requiring just one ball of ‘denim’ and one ball of ‘faded’ (shown above).

 

Ella by Louisa Harding

Shoreline ripples………play up the delicate border effect on this cable yoked capelet, knit in Ondine ’Faded’ (shown above).   

 

Rae Shawl by Louisa Harding

Ride the wave………..in an eye-catching cover up from the Marguerite Design Collection.  Knit in Ianthe by Louisa Harding, a creamy soft merino and cotton blend showcasing twenty shades this season.  ‘Herb’ and ‘bud’ (shown above).