Knit Jersey Alpaca Throw/Shawl

(Knit jersey alpaca throw/shawl, 30 x 86", $100 CAD. 100% baby alpaca. Colors available in natural white, sweet pink, sea foam, lavender, peachy, ethereal blue and black (other colors shown are available in limited supply. Made to order only.)

New addition to the blanket line. I've added a new size to fill the requests of some customers. This extra length makes it long enough to wrap around your shoulders and cover you knees when seated. I always hated getting comfortably covered but then having to get up to answer the phone, this lets you just take it with you. As well this would be perfect for those long flights, no more trying to stay huddled in a tiny airplane blanket.

Contact to order.

Cold Weather Alert... you need a hat

(left: Wool knit cap, Missoni, $120, via. Right: Kristen Bell wearing a lovely cap, via)

The Missoni cap is simply gorgeous. I love the zig zag stripes in the navy in combination with the blush taupe color. I wonder how the zig zag is done? Also loving Kristen Bell's outfit and sweet looking cap.

p/s For the most perfect, fluffy pom-pom you've ever seen, you need to make it in Fable baby alpaca. The yarn's natural sheen gives it a velour-like effect. Wool will not give you the results I'm talking about. It's unbelievable how much of a difference it makes when you use fine yarns for the pom-pom. I'll have to show you some time.

The Stripes

(Both via The Sartorialist)

I loooove the color combinations on these striped scarves (especially the yellow). They're bold, a little unexpected, and adds such character. The one on the right, I'm sure I saw Hamish Bowles wearing the exact same one. Anyone have idea where it's from?

Crochet Dressing

(Left: Nicole Miller SS06, Right: Diane Von Furstenberg SS07. via)

I love the look of crochet used as an appliqué or trim. And I love crochet used as lace. Did you know crochet was once disclaimed by the rich as a "cheap imitation" of lace? Interesting how things turn astound.

Chanel Paris-Monte Carlo

(Pre-Fall 2007 ad campaign image for Chanel, via)

I just spent two hours looking up more info on this Chanel Paris-Monte Carlo collection. There are two gorgeous knit dresses (including the one above). I also love this sweater. And you can also see the whole show and backstage video here.

A sweater can also be a coat...

(Left: McQ, £490. Right: French Connection, £95, via)

I love these cardigan coats that were featured in the Telegraph. It's so cold here in Toronto, I need to hurry up and finish my own!

DIY Q&A: Ideas for Spring

(Left: Crochet brooch by Marni, set of 5 $195, via. Right: Knit tote bag by DKNY Pure, $145, via)

Dear Andrea.

I have a small store on etsy.com and I am currently thinking about spring. I like making bags and purses but I am wondering if you have any ideas about what would be hot knitted accessories for spring...what do you think?

Thank you for listening and keep up the great work!

Jmacc


Dear Janace,

Accessory projects area great way to keep knitting in the summer. Here are some ideas:

1. Knit bags (some ideas from The SAK may inspire)
2. Crochet jewelry
3. Knit summer hats
4. Knit or crochet covered hair bands or hair accessories
5. Open mesh scarves

Happy Knitting!

Andrea

DIY Q&A: Big Mesh

(Let's mesh. Open mesh knits were a trend spotted at Spring 2007 shows. Left: Marc Jacobs. Right Michael Kors. via)


Dear Andrea,

I have been stumped trying to find a particular mesh pattern that would be similar. I found this shawl picture and fell in love, however all the different mesh stitches I've tried don't quite give the desired effect. I'm trying to find a criss-cross mesh pattern.. Or really any pattern with nice large holes. Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks so much!

Erica

P/S Your blog is amazing knitting inspiration.


Dear Erica,

I'm a big fan of mesh knitting and I spent a lot of time experimenting with mesh designs. While most mesh patterns follow more of a lace-knit approach (using knit 2 together, yarn over), the approach I am suggesting has nothing to do with that. If you knit with needles 2 to 3 times larger than the size recommended for regular knitting, you will get a mesh like design.

For a criss-cross mesh pattern, follow this plaited basket stitch pattern, using very large needles with relatedly thin yarn. For example, use 7 or 8 mm needles with a DK weight yarn. If you want really big holes like the one in the picture of the shawl, try double wrapping for each stitch on the right needle as you knit and releasing them on the next row. Experiment until you get something you like!

Plaited Basket Stitch (source)

Cast on any odd number of stitches.

Row 1 (RS): k2, *insert needle in back loop of second st on left needle, k and leave on needle. Then knit the first st, then slip both sts from needle together; rep from *, end k1.

Row 2: p2, * skip next st and purl the second st, then purl the skipped st, then sl both sts from needle together; rep from *, end p1.

Bes sure to knit a swatch and block it to get the gauge. When you block, stretch out the stitches.

If you're still not getting what you want, Consider picking up a crochet hook and pattern books from Rowan; Magazine 35, Cotton Blend Collection, and It's a Tape Thing all have something along the lines of big mesh.

Best of luck and hope this helps. Thank you to everyone for sending in their questions. Do you have a question? Send it in!

Happy Knitting!

Andrea

Sexy Back

(Illustrations by Andrea Tung. Drawn from reference photos from advertising by Donna Karan and Chloe.)

Just thought I'd share some illustrations from 2005. I used to train as an illustrator, but I don't really have time for it anymore. As much as I love it, it doesn't pay the bills!

Hope everyone is having a nice weekend!

DIY Q&A: Stella Knit Coat

(Stella McCartney knit coat. Availible at Bergdorf Goodman, photo via)

Dear Andrea,

I happened upon your site and thought you may be able to help me. I recently saw a photo of Cameron Diaz wearing an amazing Stella McCartney knit sweater coat. I have fallen in love and want to make one. But, my question is...how do I find a pattern for this? Is it even possible?? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Best,
Christiana

Dear Christiana,

I first spotted this coat in the New York Times and I absolutely love it too. It's from Stella McCartney's current resort collection. While there are no actual "designer" knitting patterns, or any to match exactly the one that Cameron is wearing. There are some similar styles that might interest you.



(Left: from Rowan Studio. Left: from Phildar)

This style from Rowan Studio no. 1 is similar in that it has the gathered empire waist, though much higher than the Stella version. The swing jacket from Phildar has gained popularity with its own knit-a-long. Both styles are shorter and have cropped sleeves and collar, while the Stella version has a built-up bateau neck. If you were so inclined, you could try to find a sweater of cardigan pattern that features a built-up bateau neck and alter it a bit to get one similar to Stella's. Or you could alter the pattern from Rowan, lengthen both the top and bottom halves, an change the neckline a bit. The stitch used in Stella's is a reverse stockinette and is rendered in cotton yarn. The photo and description from Bergdorf should help you figure out the details.

I hope this has been helpful to you. BTW, I recently started writing customized patterns for knitters with specific demands. Contact me to inquire about getting a designer consultation or a full pattern write-up.

Happy Knitting!


Andrea

The Cashmere Story

(Cashmere, via)

I've been following the "Cheap Cashmere" story for the past year and this one (be sure to watch the video) reveals much more then the ones I've found. I think everyone should have a read and use it to make buying decisions as I believe in the power of consumer demand to change the economic landscape.

I love cashmere as much as the next person, but when its over-demand causes environmental damage such as this, I really have to object. I've seen how hot a commodity cashmere has become and have considered adding it to the Fable Handknit line. But so much of it is already available, and I could never get it at a reasonable cost. On the other hand, fine baby alpaca has just as much allure as cashmere, a natural, renewable resource. One alpaca can yield up to 6 kilograms of fibers as opposed to only 50 grams from a cashmere goat!

Notes for the New Year

(Andy Warhol Cats 2007 Mini Wall Calendar, via)

Oh, what a month it's going to be. Have already started the first week of 2007 as busy as ever.

First off, if you happen to be a yarn shop owner and attending TNNA in San Diego this weekend, please check out the Fable yarn line through my lovely rep, Donna's booth listed under the name, Jumbuk. Speaking of reps, I have yet to find a rep on the east coast of US (particularly New York- Boston area). Interested? Just send me an email. As well, I am still looking for reps in Canada.

The line of blankets have kept me busy and really helps keep to make ends meet for this small business. Plans to expend into other products are looming.

Do keep emailing me your questions and comments! I really do appreciate them.

Happy New Year!

The New Bangles

(Left: wool bangles by Elizabeth Yarborough, via. Right: Crochet bangle by Lee Angel from SS06, via Net -a-Porter)

Just discovered these gorgeous wool bangles by Elizabeth Yarborough. Her sense of aesthetic makes it modern and wearable, like soft, tactile wearable sculpture. I discovered Lee Angel last year and I love the variety of her crochet pieces. I regret not picking up some cheap wooden bangles the last time I was in the US to try this myself!

There is a free pattern here, from Rebecca for a knit-covered bracelet here that will give you an idea of how to go about it, although the bright multi-colored stripes is not my taste.