Styling Guide: Shana for Fall

Wearing a knitted skirt can be not only flattering, but so comfortable too.

The softness and drape of a knit skirt looks great on most figures, and the warmth is always welcome when temperatures drop.

When planning a skirt, do not forget to choose a springy yarn like Cascade 220 to guard against a baggy booty.

In cooler weather, I also like to wear opaque support hose under my knitted skirts for a smooth line from hips to toe. They eliminate lumps and bumps and make me feel more secure and well…supported, as if I’m not jiggling like jello under my knit skirt.

Shana is a perfect example of how great looking a knitted skirt can be. The trumpet shape visually balances out larger hips and the pretty lace detailing adds interest to a flat stockinette knit. I also love the sophisticated pairing of Old Rose and Black.

Styling Guide- Burlesque Beauty

I love that Burlesque has re-emerged in popularity (thanks Dita!) and have put together a Styling Guide to celebrate it’s return. Knit up our sexy Trish Corselette and Madeline wrap, then accessorize with items from around the web. (The huge ostrich feather fan is so awesome!!)

The Shapely Tank

With the hot weather going on in much of the US right now, I’m sure the idea of having warm wool knitting in ones’ lap isn’t terribly inspiring.

So why not try something more seasonally appropriate and learn a new technique as well?

The free Shapely Tank pattern on my website fits the bill. It comes in an enormous range of sizes, teaches the use of short rows to fit a full bust and as a design element, and even comes with an optional short sleeve pattern to make a Shapely Tee out of your Shapely Tank.

That’s a lot of *bang* for free.

Knitting is sexy; proof positive.

How is it that I see lingerie where others see turtlenecks and heavy jackets?

Maybe it has something to do with living in a part of California that rarely allows the wearing of heavy wools and outerwear. Seriously, I didn’t even own a raincoat until just this season.

Sooooo, when designing, my mind turns to more body-conscious ways to use the same old yarn and needles.

Welcome the Kimber Bustier and Panty set.

Wear this sexy set for intimate evenings, or just the bustier under a jacket for an unusual top. Either way, you’re cable ready!

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Won’t You Be Mine, Valentine?

My husband is one of the few men I know that looks forward to Valentine’s Day.  The notion of having a special day every year to celebrate being in love puts a spring in his step and a twinkle in his eye for the whole event, whether we do something special or just spend the day being together. He is truly a romantic soul and I’m lucky to have him.

His wonderful attitude inspired this little goodie. I knitted it for me, but you and I both know it’s really for him.

And now you can make it for you and yours, or a friend or daughter. The pattern is available for download right now on my Ravelry shop  and the yarn (which can be a little hard to find) is here.  Have a lovely Valentine’s Day!!!

Brave New Knits!: 26 Projects and Personalities from the Knitting Blogosphere

There are a lot of knitting books out there that seem to be gone as soon as they arrive, but this, my knitting friends, will not be one of them. Author Julie Turjoman has carefully culled twenty six of the very  best designers from the blogging world and written excellent, in-depth interviews with all .

I am so pleased to be included (she made me sound far more fascinating than I am, the sign of a really good writer!) among such luminaries as Shannon Okey, Nora Gaughan, Ysolda ,Wendy Bernard and Jared Flood who also took the gorgeous photos.

Shown here is my Kimberley cardigan; a glam little short-sleeved lovely just waiting for some pinup-princess to slip her on with a grey pencil skirt and wow everyone at the office.

Get your copy at Amazon.com .

Clarissa

When designing a new style, I try to visualize who will be wearing it and forsee any problems. I also try to address any comments I’ve received about similar styles I’ve done in the past.

Some of the things I’ve heard about Zelda were very positive, but also found that after a certain age women felt she might be a bit sweet with all the bows and the sleeves might be a tad too short. I can totally relate to the fear of being seen as mutton dressed as lamb as well as baring the upper arms.  And yet Zelda has a lot of great things going for her (that great curvy shaping and interesting lace stitch), so I felt the need to revisit some of her styling details.

So without further ado, I’m pleased to introduce Clarissa. 

Even all covered up with her Victorian-steampunk air and office appropriate proportions, she is still stone sexy.  Lose the brooch,  unbutton a bit and wear her to a casual party this holiday season. You. Look. Marvelous!

Knitted in Codex , hand dyed by the Sanguine Gryphon, a lovely blend of silk and Bluefaced Leicester wool.

WLD Styling Guide: Julianne for Day

I love the idea of a two-piece knitted dress or suit.  Wearing the pieces together is one of the dressiest ways one can wear their knits for a daytime event, yet there is a comfort factor there that is inherent by virtue of the knit itself.

Julianne is a perfect outfit for a wedding, brunch or family occasion that requires one to look dressed but may also require movement such as bending, stretching, dancing or even extended periods of sitting .

WLD Styling Guide: Shelley’s Lace Cardi for Day

I took a quick trip over to our local community college the other day and was pleasantly surprised by the outfits I saw several of the female students wearing.  One was dressed in a jeans/velveteen blazer combo with a lovely colorful scarf to finish it off and the other wore a long sweater dress with flat boots under a well cut jean jacket. Both were lovely, appropriate outfits that made me think that these girls were serious about whatever it was they were studying.

Others that I saw….not so much.  Pajama pants, bedroom slippers , oversized hoodies , floppy men’s t-shirts, exposed tattoos above the butt all say  I DON’T CARE.  If you’re a young person  educating yourself  for your career, practicing dressing yourself  for that future is time well invested. 

Appropriate doesn’t have to equal stuffy, expensive (any of the pieces shown can be found in a wide range of price points) or boring. Shelley’s Lace Cardi  is a pretty way to get there.

WLD Styling Guide: Zelda for Evening

I know we as Americans love our casual, comfy clothes and for many of us the sweaters  we knit fall into that category.

A pretty sweater like Zelda however, can and should do double duty as a dressed-up top to wear out in the evening, to dinner or to a dressy occasion such as a wedding.

Pair up Zelda with the right accessories and bring the comfort of a sweater to evening attire.