Ilga's Knitting World

Less is More: Minimalism in Fashion

2012-05-04T11:18:00Z

Mimimalism has always appealed to me. So it was no wonder that I was attracted to this new book by Harriet Walker: Less is More: Minimalism in Fashion.

I love clean lines, uncluttered surfaces, a simple aesthetic. Where the fabric and its cut are all that are needed to portray the designer's intention.

Take this simple shirt by Geoffrey Beene (1985) for example:

The fabric in its vibrant shade of yellow make this piece. It doesn't need further embellishment.

In her book, Walker explores the history of minimalism in fashion from the beginning of the twentieth century. She relates it to the rise of feminism and the new demands on women as they took on larger roles in society.

Designers like Coco Chanel and Poiret began to design garments that were more practical for day-to-day wear.

That didn't mean that women stopped being feminine. Minimalism creates its own brand of elegance and style. Just look at Christian Dior's evening gown (1946):

In my own designs, I often opt for a minimalist aesthetic, allowing the yarn itself to create the fabric. Stitches and shaping are used to enhance the yarn's own features rather than compete with them. There is also an architectural quality to the construction.

Patterns of mine that could wear the "minimalist" label are:

Manon

Summer in the City:

Afternoon Breezes:

And from my current collection, Suite for Short Rows, Counterpoint:

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Arpeggios in Harmony

2012-04-30T20:05:00Z

Take a look at this "harmony of Arpeggios" created by the knitters who are regulars at the Tinsmith's Wife in Comfort, Texas.

See how each one is different, worked in different colours, reflecting the different personalities of each knitter. All of them are beauiful!

Some of you may remember my featuring the Tinsmith's Wife last October when they were celebrating their third anniversary.

I had designed a shawl they had commissioned for this special occasion: Squash Blossom.

Although the orginal kits have long been sold out, the Tinsmith's Wife continues to be the exclusive source for this design. Contact them here and they will supply you with the pattern and a kit of your own choosing, too!

Photo credit for group photo--with permission: darcytx (on Ravelry.com) {extended}

Cadenza Cowl and Shrug

2012-04-25T16:08:00Z

My new pattern, Cadenza, the fourth in the Suite for Short Rows Collection is now available.

This versatile design uses one of my current favourite yarns: Handmaiden Fine Yarn's Maiden Hair. It is like knitting with whipped cream: light, luscious, rich, and delicious.

No wonder. It has 67% silk, 23% kid mohair, and 10% nylon with a yardage of 300 m./328 yds. per 100 g. skein. The kid mohair gives it a light halo and the silk makes it drape and swish. The effect is similar to knitting with Rowan's Kidsilk Haze.

The proportions are different, though. The extra silk content makes Maiden Hair a particularly elegant yarn.

Cadenza is meant to reflect the cadenza in music. There it decorates the main theme of a concerto. Here it decorates you.

It uses an easy-to-remember lace pattern and the ruffle along one side is shaped with short rows.

Wear it with the ruffle along the lower edge. Or turn it around and wear it closer to the face.

Here is the back view when it is worn as a shrug:

This adaptable piece can suit your many moods.

And when you want a really cosy feel, just wrap it around your neck twice.

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Port of Stitches Knitting Retreat

2012-04-19T20:55:01Z

I have been busy this week with preparations for the knitting retreat that Jane Thornley and I will be hosting here in Halifax this summer.

It is getting especially exciting as registrations start rolling in. Or should I say "sailing in"?

It is going to be fun. Jane and I are planning a collaborative project for the week-end, one that you will be able to adapt and modify for your own. It will be one of those projects that has infinite possibilities while, at the same time, giving you a chance to learn a few techniques.

And inspiration is all around us, here in this busy port. The Courtyard Marriott Hotel, where we will be based, is on the Halifax Waterfront, close to the bustling life of this port city.

The Courtyard Marriott is perfect for a retreat. Lots of relaxing spaces, including balconies overlooking the harbour. Perfect for some quiet knitting time on your own or a chance to socialize with others. Your choice.

Take a look at the photo gallery to get an idea of the space there.

The location is perfect, too, just next to the Halifax Waterfront where you can walk for several kilometres (or miles) in either direction and take in all sights and sounds of the city.

If you are coming with a spouse or partner, there is a lot to see and do in Halifax, including the Titanic Exhibit and other Titanic-related events. To get an idea of some of the attractions, take a look here. You'll want to stay more than three days.

On Monday, 30 July, we will be taking a group to the beautiful South Shore of Nova Scotia. Mahone Bay has one of the loveliest yarn shops in Nova Scotia and is defintiely worth the visit as is the town of Mahone Bay itself.

We will also be visiting the town of Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

I can't wait to show you Nova Scotia and its unique beauties.

For more details and to register, go here: Port of Stitches 2012

Local knitters take note:
If you don't want to sign up for the whole week-end, you can come along for the Friday evening "Meet and Greet". Spend some social time with other knitters from far and near, see our presentation, and get to sample our knitted garments at the Fashion Show, too.

It'll be a fun evening. The Market Place will be open and you can come along anytime over the week-end to shop there.

Sign up for the Friday evening event here.

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Mystery Sculpture Garden

2012-04-14T20:38:00Z

We discovered this sculpture garden in Martin's River and it continues to remain a mystery.

My daughter Hannah knew of its existence and recommended it as a possible site for a photo shoot. One afternoon, after a few wrong turns and getting directions from some of the locals, we found it and I was amazed at what I saw.

In what appears to be an open, abandoned field,

Sit these amazing structures, placed all around the perimeter. There is no other structure, no signage, no explanation. Just these huge, imposing sculptures.

They are all in metal. Some have been painted and some have been left to weather and rust.

Some are geometrial in shape and appear to be balanced precariously on a single point.

Others are more fanciful and playful in design.

I have asked a few people about the origin of these sculptures. Who made them? Who owns the property? So far no one seems to know. Some say that the property has changed hands and that the owner of these pieces has left them on the site.

Whatever the explanation, here in the middle of the country in Nova Scotia sits this beautiful sculpture garden. A surprise and a delight!

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“Blossoms” and Prayer Shawl Ministry

2012-04-06T21:52:00Z

I was delighted to receive an e-mail recently from the Burnside City Uniting Church Prayer Shawl Ministry. They were requesting permission to make my Blossoms by the Brook shawl for earthquake victims in New Zealand.

Burnside City is a suburb of Adelaide in South Australia. Ainslie, who is coordinating this effort, said that they had already made over 100 shawls to send to victims of the massive earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand, last year. There continue to be more earthquakes in the area and the Burnside City Uniting Church Prayer Shawl Ministry knitters are continuing to make more shawls.

I am happy to say that among them now will be some made with my pattern.

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Earth Art Cashmere Farm Fund-Raiser

2012-04-03T13:59:00Z

Join the Helping Herd

an online benefit auction

for Chris and Christina Silver

On Thursday, March 22nd, a fire destroyed much of Earth Art Cashmere, a farm belonging to Chris and Christina Silver, near River John, Nova Scotia. More than 40 of the Silvers' cashmere goats were killed. The century-old farm, which was in the course of being brought up to code, was not yet insured.

In addition to this hardship, Chris has been battling leukemia.

Please join us in raising funds to help see the Silvers though this challenge. Participate in the Helping Herd auction, organized by The Bobbin Tree and The Loop .

Here's how you can help:

Join the Helping Herd on Facebook, then:

donate and item or service to the auction beginning April 6th
bid on donated items between April 13th and April 27th
honour your bid securely via PayPal -- 100% of the proceeds will go to the Silver Trust, a fund set up by friends and family of the Silvers.
Or donate directly to the Silver Trust at any Scotiabank Branch, or to helpingherd@gmail.com using PayPal

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Thanks to Lori!

2012-04-01T21:06:00Z

Not only did I get to meet some amazing knitters at Lori Cleary's Open House on Friday, I also had the chance to drive along the beautiful LaHave River in southern Nova Scotia.

After arriving in Bridgewater, a lovely port town and worth a visit for its own sake,

I crossed the La Have River, turned the car south and headed to Lori's place in Pentz.

On a bright, sunny,spring day, the drive to Lori's, with the LaHave River always to my left, was pure pleasure.

And the Open House itself did not disappoint.

A good number of knitters turned up, had tea and cakes, while they browsed our wares. It was a relaxing and fun time.

I meanwhile sold out of some of my most popular patterns:

Bermuda (shown here in Kauni ):

And, in time for summer, Afternoon Breezes in Flaxen:

And before I had a chance to put it on to wear myself, Lori confiscated my sample of Among the Birches and wore it for the rest of the day. To stunning effect, I might add. With her green skirt and high boots, she looked very Montreal.

To top it off, I got to meet Lori's family, including her four lovely daughters, each one her very own person. Even had an exploratory walk around the grounds with her youngest.

Thanks, Lori, for a great day! We all enjoyed it.

Photocredits for photos of LaHave River and Bridgewater: H. Holm, Nova Scotia Photo Album

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KAL for Blossoms by the Brook

2012-03-29T18:19:00Z

There is a KAL going on right now in Ravelry with the Blossoms by the Brook pattern in the current issue of Knitty.com.

It's not too late to join in. Check out the group's progress here.

I will be providing pattern support for anyone who has questions along the way.

This pattern is a great way to use up a single skein (250 m./273 yds. plus) of a luxury yarn. Especially a handpainted one.

Any worsted weight will do. You can also use a lighter weight yarn than the Handmaiden's Great Big Sea that I used. Just be sure that you have extra yarn to compensate for the lighter weight.

Enjoy!

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Lori Cleary’s Open House

2012-03-26T16:49:00Z

On Friday, 30 March 2012, I will be at the Open House hosted by Lori Cleary in Pentz, Nova Scotia.

Lori is the Eastern Canada representative for a number of yarn companies. And, I am happy to say, a faithful suppoprter of my knitting designs, too. She has invited me to come along with some of my original samples as well as my patterns and a selection of yarn kits as well.

Susan Hannah will be there to represent Lucy Neatby and Tradewind Knitwear Designs. She will have Lucy's excellent DVD's, patterns, books, and yarns with her.

Janet Dawson of the Bobbin Tree will also be there with her weaving and spinning tools as well as a supply of coned yarns from Brown Sheep Company.

Lori's Open House is also a pre-retreat event for the the Maritime Fibre Arts Retreat which is being held next week-end, 30 March to 01 April, at the Oak Island Atlantica Hotel and Marina. Yes, that Oak Island! The one with the yet-to-be-discovered pirates' treasure!

Participants at the retreat are invited to come along to Lori's before the retreat. Everyone else is invited, too.

The Open House is from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Friday, 30 March. Pentz is driving distance away from Oak Island. Here is the address:
2805 Hwy 331
Pentz, Nova Scotia

It'll be a fun day. Hope to see you there!

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Counterpoint

2012-03-22T16:54:00Z

The third pattern in the Suite for Short Rows is a dramatic shawl: Counterpoint.

For this piece I chose a self-striping yarn, Kauni Effektgarn, with high contrasts. The "Salt and Pepper" colourway had just the right amount of elegance and drama.

This rectangular shawl is constructed entirely with short rows, working first one way, then the other. Forming triangles that stack one upon the other.

I chose to work from two separate balls. In this way, the colour changes are more marked and help to emphasize the triangular shaping within the piece.

The result is a large, cosy, wrap-around-yourself-and-feel-good wrap. One to keep near your favourite chair as you curl up on it of an evening.

The pattern includes a scarf version as well. I worked this one from a single ball of Wisdom Yarns Poem Socks.

With this one, I didn't bother with changing to a different ball for each triangular section. I just worked it from one end to the other and allowed the yarn to "do its thing".

Another one-skein project and a satisfying knit for a self-striping yarn that moves the colours in different directions.

Yarn kits are available for both versions of Counterpoint here.

The full-size shawl sample was knit by Julie Leclerc. Thanks for the great job, Julie!

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Blossoms by the Brook

2012-03-15T20:46:00Z

The Spring/Summer 2012 issue of Knitty.com includes a new pattern: Blossoms by the Brook.

This delicate shawlette is worked from the bottom up by building one row of motifs upon the next while increasing the coloumn of motifs along the sides. The rapid side increases result in a shawl with long tapered ends.

These can be draped over the shoulders or even wrapped around to the back and tied to form a shrug.

This is a relatively quick knit and can be worked in almost any weight yarn. Choose a heavier yarn, perhaps a double knitting or worsted weight for a warmer, cool-weather scarf.

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Icelandic Inserts

2012-03-12T10:40:00Z

After reading Helene Magnusson's book, Icelandic Color Knitting, I just had to try my hand at making a pair of those insole inserts.

It didn't take long to come up with a design that would suit the shaping.

I chose not to come to a point at each end--as seems to be the taditional way--but to make a more oval shape.

The yarn I used was Veronik Avery's Nordique in three colours: "Butterscotch" for the background and "Balsam" and "Red" for the pattern motif.

They were the colours that matched well with my well-worn moccasins.

I can tell you that they really work.

Now my feet are toasty and warm!

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Marble Mountain Skiing

2012-03-08T19:53:00Z

This is where I will be for the next few days: skiing on fabulous Marble Mountain, Newfoundland.

I am taking some time off to join my daughters for a ski week-end, something I haven't done for many years.

I actually grew up near Marble Mountain and spent most of my young years skiing on Marble. I am hoping that skiing is like riding a bicycle and that I'll find my ski legs fairly quickly.

The views from the top of the mountain are stunning. If nothing else, I hope to get some great shots of the Humber Valley.

Then, no doubt, I'll make my way gingerly down the mountain.

I'll let you know how it all went when I get back next week.

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Ravelry In-Store Pattern Sales

2012-03-05T08:31:00Z

I am pleased to announce that all my patterns are now available to yarn shops for purchase through the Ravelry In-Store Pattern Sales Program.

If you have a yarn shop and would like to feature my patterns, now it couldn't be easier. By registering with the Ravelry In-Store Pattern Sales Program, you can purchase my patterns at a wholesale price for your customers as they are needed.

There are several options: purchase the pattern and print a copy on-site in your shop or arrange to have the pattern e-mailed directly to your customer and have it added to their Ravelry Library at the same time.

Through this program, there is no need for you to house an inventory of paper patterns that get handled and damaged in your shop. You can choose to display just one copy for promotion purposes and sell any copies as they are requested. And there are no shipping costs!

The Ravelry In-Store Pattern Sales Program is a win-win-win solution for everyone: the yarn shop, the customer, and the designer.

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