Recently I answered some interview questions for Robin Hunter’s blog (it just posted, so… … go forth and read it!) To do so, I had to find words to describe my design process and style. It was hard work to put words to something that is mostly intuitive for me, but it was a good exercise. I gained a better understanding of how I design, and now I have better words to describe it. If you are interested… … read on.
To illustrate how I design, I will take you on a quick tour of my Latticework Jacket. For those of you interested, the is a KAL for Latticework just starting in the VERSACIKNITS knitters group on ravelry). This jacket uses a mix of pattern stitches to create visual interest, texture, line, and drape, and it’s a good example of my style.
Designing the Latticework Jacket
The Latticework Jacket was inspired initially by a particular yarn, a bulky, bubble-gum pink cashmere that screamed out to be used for my girly-girl daughter, Rebecca. I wanted to design something for the pink cashmere that would have feminine detail and be both figure-flattering and slimming. Was that even possible with bulky yarn?
I love design challenges, and I was determined to make this idea work. I turned to my knitting library for inspiration and found it, as I often do, in one of Barbara Walker’s books on pattern stitches. I sat down with the pink yarn and Barbara’s book opened on my lap (yes, this makes it very hard to knit and read a pattern at the same time), and I began to knit.
Using the lattice stitch, I created a textured, open pattern of small diamonds for the front and sleeves of the jacket. Then I worked out a lace edging to align perfectly with the latticework.
For the back and sides of the jacket, I combined lattice and rib stitches to create a deep V pattern to elongate the line and slim the waist. To make it work, I had to change the direction of the twist at the waist. I added a bold and bulky cable to contrast with the airy latticework. Last of all, I made a collar to tie it all together.
The final garment does what I wanted it to – it slims the body, accentuates the waist, and flatters the figure. It looks great on most women, and it is incredibly forgiving for those of us who move regularly between sizes.
Below are comments I have received from knitters who have made it:
- “A very special design and an outstanding colour. The mixture of lacy parts combined with aran elements is wonderful. Your yarn choice: a luxurious softly draping cashmere is perfect for that princess style :o).”
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- “What a great design! I can tell you gave a lot of thought to all the details – smartly done!”
- “interesting use of heavy aran…who would put a lace edging on an aran knit? “
Latticework Jacket KAL (and yarn sale — see the previous post!)
The Latticework Jacket is a fun knit if you have the skills. If you are an admirer of this pattern, you’re invited to join the Latticework Jacket Knit-along beginning “officially” on the 15th — but already in discussion and we hold very relaxed KAL’s so you can join at your leisure — in the VERSACIKNITS knitters group on Ravelry. The Knit-along is a great opportunity to stretch and develop new knitting skills with the support of a group. You can find more information here….
I hope to see you on VERSACIKNIT knitters soon!