Knitting Pattern Essentials

As everyone knows we have different body shape and that a size or a shape of a garment would fit all is impossible.

When I knit from published patterns there is always something that I need to change. To change the lenght of the back and front pieces is rather easy and often also the length of the sleeves. To change the shape of a garment by the placing of increases and decreases of stitches and rows, usually works well, as well. But, what I find rather difficult is to change the shape of the armhole and the sleeve cap.

  

Now it's here, the book that explains how to do it!

 

The book is about adapting and drafting knitting patterns.
It's dedicated only to garments that hang from the shoulders.

One reason to that is that a garment with seams holds its shape better.

In this book you find all the tools, the techniques and the math you need to create or modify a pattern so the finished garment gets the fit that you want.

 

When I look through the book I realise that a
 knitting designer has a great advantage in having
knowledge about pattern construction and sewing.

 

 

Knitting Pattern Essentials by Sally Melville

 

 

This books is the perfect guide to sweater construction whether you want to adjust a pattern or create your own design.

A poem from the book.

'You did the best you could until you knew better, and when you knew better you did better.' (Maya Angelou)

Now there is hope for better fitting garments!

 



Slip Stitch Cowl

Another cowl!

This cool spring invites to knit something warm.

Here in the North even summer evenings can be cool so scarfs and shawls in a lot of colors and shapes are indeed good to have.

  

The pattern is from madelinetosh and is available for

free download. 

 

 

The yarn 'Pashmina' is gorgeous.

Merino, silk and cashmere.  

The simple slip stitch pattern creates a dense texture 

with a supple drape.

  

 

 

The shade is 'ink'.

I thought for a while before a chose the color.

Blue is coming back into my life.

 

A Shimmering Shawl

This shawl is so useful.
An accessory for both everyday use or special occasions.

Nice, warm and very wearable.

 

 

A plain design becomes elegant in this shimmering yarn from Sublime.

 

 

The closure is clever.

A knitted leaf is drawn through a hole .

Simple and ingenious!

 



An Embracing Scent

If a perfume is universal in the sense of 'suits all anytime and anywhere', then it is this.

A fantastic fragrance that is both sensual, playful, mystic, innocent, elegant, alluring and pleasant.

A so called masterpiece.

 

 

Tocade from Rochas, created 1994

 

The bottle has a playful design that perfectly completes this multifaceted oriental floral fragrance.

 

The refreshing opening with green notes, bergamot and geranium turns into a refined and elegant bouquet

of jasmine, orris, magnolia, orchids and roses.

When the sweatness from the flowers slowly eases, a lingering warm soft and powdery scent of vanilla with a touch of fresch cedar and rich and deep amber unfolds.

 

Calm and embracing. 

 

 

 Precious drops.

A gift to me.

 

 



Design Your Own Knitwear

One would think that I barely have been knitting at all lately.

But a couple of friends have had their wishes fulfilled.

The absence of new and inspiring projects depends on that I've knitted things that I've shared with you before.

 

Now I dream about creating something own.

Here is book that brings you all you need to know to get started.

 

 

Knit Notes, Nadine Curtis

 

This book will encourage you and enhance the creative process. Everything, from inspiration to the realisation of the garment and the pattern, is a challenge in organization.

Whether your are a beginner or a more experienced designer, it facilitates your work to keep track of all the details.

In this book you gather all information about your project.

 

 

This page shows four pages from the book.

I like the layout. The only thing that I do differently is
that I keep the swatches in a box.

 

 

You find all the essential that you need to know
to design your own knitwear.
Information on garment shapes, measuring, sizing, yarn
and a pattern for a sample sweater is at the end of the book.

This workbook is for both knitwear designers as for those who wants to change an already existing pattern to give it your own unique touch. 

 

This empty template is waiting...

To knit something for the summer feels good.

I have suitable yarns, now I'm waiting for inspiration and

 ideas and thoughts to take shape.

Meanwhile I'll continue to work on some WIP's.

They were supposed to be ready to wear this winter. 

I'll lock forward to next!

 

 



Cosy Neck Warmer

It is everything that I wanted.

Warm, soft, light and stylish.

 

Also easy to knit.

 

 

Comet

Design Kim Hargreaves.

   



Snood

I both want and need a snood

that is warm, soft and light, has an elegant touch

 and that is quick and easy to knit!

 

 

This design is from the knitting book Cherished by Kim Hargreaves.



 

The yarn used in the pattern is Kidsilk Aura from Rowan.

I knit it in Kidsilk Haze using two strands.

The shade is no.633.