Fabulous Fair Isle

Lucky Brand - Topanga Fair Isle Sweater Dress - $50 

(30% off sale items and free upgrade to express shipping until 12/20/10)

Slouchy Fair Isle Sweater Dress - $88

D&G Fair Isle Front Zip Sweater Vest - $859

James Perse Fair Isle cashmere sweater dress - $395

The Fur Effect

Filatura Di Crosa came out with this beautiful chinchilla like yarn called "Cincilla". It knits up to create beautiful fur like garments, and accessories. It comes in eight luxurious colors to choose from. Try this instead, if you cannot come to terms with buying a real chinchilla fur coat.

Filatura Di Crosa Cincilla Knitting Yarn in Lilac - $12.85 each - YarnMarket.com

Cincilla yarn in White $12.95 each - Yarn.com

This jacket is featured in the Filatura Di Crosa Cincilla pattern booklet. It is knitted with two types of yarns, Cincilla being one of them.

Summer Crochet

Chimai Swim Retro One Piece crocheted bikini - $169

One shoulder crocheted cover up - $74

Show off your curves, and keep your goals in check with these cute crocheted pieces for this coming Spring and Summer.

Love Your Sleepwear Even More

Compression sleepwear is known to improve circulation, and can even help your muscles repair faster. They are usually priced fairly high, due to the material and construction. You do get what you pay for when buying this type of garment, so choose wisely.

Cass Luxury Sleepwear Tank - $72, Shaper Leggings - $54

The form fitting pieces can be worn under clothing too, or as nice layers under blouses, jackets, and skirts.

Women's Amp Pro2 Recovery Suit - $200

I discovered this modern suit while reading Shape Magazine, the August 2010 issue (page131). I knew I had to share it with you because of the interesting fiber content and because it is a great addition to your wardrobe. "AMP PRO2 improves oxygenated blood flow up to 32% more, versus regular compression fabrics." This means faster recovery time for your tired and aching muscles after that hard workout. You can wear this incredible design to sleep or on your daily run. Another great aspect is the fact that the suit will work as long as the life of it because washing does not effect its performance.

Visit the Saucony website (click on the technology link on the top navigation bar) and www.Celliant.com for more information.

Special Olympics Georgia 40th Anniversary Celebration

"Special Olympics Georgia is looking for volunteers to knit or crochet scarves for our 40th Anniversary Celebration during State Indoor Winter Games to be held Jan. 21-23, 2011. The pattern is up to you and the size we would like is 6" by 4-5", red or red/white. Our goal is to be able to provide each of the 1,400 Athletes with a scarf during Opening Ceremonies for them to then wear throughout the weekend."

The organization is looking to receive the majority by Dec. 17 so they will know how many to expect. The scarves must reach the Atlanta location by January 14th, the latest deadline.  Also there are places they can be dropped off: Needle Nook on Briarcliff, Whole Nine Yarns in Woodstock and The Café at Barnes Noble in Forum in Norcross (ask for Michelle). In addition, they can be mailed to the address below.

Jennifer Daniell, Grants & Events Mgr

SOGA

4000 Dekalb Technology Parkway

Suite 400 Bld. 400

Atlanta, GA  30340

If you can help please call Jennifer at Special Olympics Georgia

 770-414-9390 ext.110
Fax: 770 216-8339

For more details, or you can email Jennifer

jennifer.daniell@specialolympicsga.org
www.specialolympicsga.org

Here are some lovely examples:

Yarn Projects From the Heart - Special Olympics Scarves

Knitting Today! Magazine Pattern: Heart Hat and Double Knit Scarf

Hand Knitted Red and White Scarf from Kiosk

Peppermint Swirl Special Olympics Scarf

Festive Yarns

Moonlight  Mohair by Lion Brand Yarns - 57% Acrylic, 28% Mohair, 9% cotton, 6% metallic polyester - Bulky/Chunky

Lazer FX by Berroco - 100% polyester - various weight

Beaded Ensemble and Sequins Yarn by Artyarns - Silk blend - worsted

Knitting Kits at Free People

If you're a beginner knitter, these project packs from Free People are just right and quick to knit. They also make great gifts for crafty folk. Right now Free People is offering free shipping on all orders placed online. Happy Knitting!

New Savings and Freebies

Lion Brand Yarn - Free Shipping until October 22nd - Use code fall4yarn at checkout.

Berroco - Free Pattern - Truman Hooded Vest

Craftzine.com Blog - Free Pattern - Knit Bow Headband

Vampire Knits by Genevieve Miller - Free Pattern - Tournaquit Scarf (Unisex)

Alpaca Direct - $5 off $50 or more until October 20th - Use code LD5786 at checkout (free ship for $75 and over)

Aftershock London - 20% off until October 24th - use code midseason at checkout (free ship UK orders for 150 GBP and over)

Ultimate Fall Luxury

Agami Flamestitch Knit Cowl Neck Dress

$1,500.00 - Intermix

Stunning and eye catching stitching, made of a rayon blend.

Roberto Cavalli Cardigan

$1,049.00 - YOOX

This beautiful and long cardigan is a mohair blend.

Acne "Miriam" fine knit top with assymetrical sleeves

170.00 GBP - Browns Fashion



This modern and sleek top is made of rayon.

Braza Bra Accessories

Have you ever asked yourself, "...and what kind of bra would I wear with that?!?" or "How would I wear that, and still have support from a bra?" Ask no more and worry less with Braza!

This ingenious design is perfect to wear under tank tops. I am always tugging at my bra straps to try to keep them hidden under tanks, but with Braza Happy Straps, it is not a problem any more. They cost $5.95 which includes a white, black, nude, and my pack included a bonus clear strap. The clear one is adjustable! I'm not sure if they still sell the packs with the bonus. Contact Braza for more information. As you can see in the image, you can purchase in either small-medium, or large-extra extra large sizes.

These small bow shaped tabs keep your bra straps out of sight as well. Braza Strap Keepers stick under your tops and dresses, without damaging your clothing. They cost $5.00 and include 7 pairs, and they come in the color beige.

Braza Upsie Dasie adhesives are a sexy strapless top's best friend. They hold your top up to prevent you from tackily pulling up your top over and over. The zig-zag design supports in all directions, leaving you free to move as you please.

Log in to Braza, register to see the prices of the products, and discover more exciting and helpful bra accessories and enhancers such as these. They even have a Secret Stash pouch you can wear on your bra, panties, or bathing suit, for all of your necessities without worrying about a purse, and several modesty products to choose from.

Book Review: Knitting on the Edge by Nicky Epstein

Nicky Epstein's most recent addition to her popular edging series, Knitting on the Edge, contains instruction for decorative cuffs, feather lace ruffles, garter stitch weaves, sea scallop edges, sugar drops, and more for your daring design desires. With 350 border options there is no limit to what you can do, with Epstein's creative approach to edges. In addition to all of that, there are a few sections in the back dedicated to stitches, abbreviations, techniques, and the most desired pattern section featuring each pattern pictured in the book. My favorite section is the part on "Flora" with special plant like stitch patterns, reminiscent of nature.

In addition, discover more of the series by the author:
Knitting Over the Edge
Knitting Beyond the Edge
Crocheting On the Edge

Victoria's Secret Fall Preview Knitwear

When I get a catalog in the mail, I usually consider it junk mail, so yes, I'll quickly scan through it, of course if it is fashion. I'll then toss it in the garbage with the rest of the annoying articles of useless information. The only thing is sometimes I miss the best designs when I do that. I've listed a few of the latest knitted pieces here from the Victoria's Secret Fall Preview 2010 catalog.

Fall preview Lambswool cable knit corset top - $68 at Victoria's Secret

Acrylic and nylon knotted tunic cover up - on clearance for $49.99. This one isn't a part of the fall preview, but I thought it was cool.

Crocheted cotton zip cardigan - $58

Vogue Knitting iPhone Application

This is a very cool application with many useful tools and features.

"The Vogue Knitting iPhone app is a complete digital organizing, tracking and planning app for the active knitter. Keep all of your project notes, multiple row counters, needle and crochet hook inventories, yarn stash and swatch info with you when you're out knitting or buying supplies at the local yarn store. Never buy an extra row counter or duplicate needles again!"

It costs $3.99 to download, but that is well worth it and will pay for itself with the amount of time an energy you will save when you use it. Don't forget to scan over the customer reviews for extra important information about this app.

ideeli | lola Knitted Dresses

These beautiful dresses, by lola, are on sale for $39.00 each. This sale ends in one day. Join ideeli now here: http://www.ideeli.com/invite/accessfashion

Maria Ficalora Knitwear

Maria Ficalora has designed knitwear for the annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show for the past 4 years and she is in the midst of creating this year’s fabulous pieces. She also spent the last few months channelling the 60’s as she created the knits for Promises Promises on Broadway and was featured in this month’s V magazine with a great Fiorucci inspired monokini.

http://www.mariaficalora.com/

I will be updating you on the latest designs from Maria Ficalora Knitwear.

Book Review: Closet Confidential by Vinona Dimeo-Ediger

Closet Confidential, Style Secrets Learned the Hard Way, written by the author of Daddy Likey, is a melting pot full of information about how to dress, specifically catering to women. Included are fun and helpful tips with quirky yet delightful illustrations, sparking your own insightful outfit combinations for practially every occasion. Closet Confidential is the "do's and don'ts" bible of fashion, in a smart and easy to read, very portable volume. You are sure to laugh and smirk while you learn about everything from jeans to shoes, and bags to shape wear. One of my favorite parts is about dressing for events. Every woman stresses over those! There are also fun anecdotes and side notes that will surely keep your interest. Pick up a copy and enjoy stress free style with a little help from Ms. Dimeo-Ediger.

Society of Dyers and Colourists Winner

Fabric design and dying techniques have always intrigued me, such as how manufacturers get those patterns to form so nicely on the luxury fabric we like to wear. It all starts with an artist a wonderful eye for color, and

passion.

The winner of the Society of Dyers and Colourists’ (SDC) International Design Competition’s UK heat is Kelly Taylor, a 23-year old textile design student studying at De Montfort University in Leicester.

This year, the students had been asked to demonstrate socially responsible thinking in their approach to their original design or written statement which accompanies the submission and explains the designer’s inspiration or theme behind their piece. Kelly Taylor’s winning piece entitled ‘Chain mail and floral filigrees’ was inspired by the ornate embroidered material worn beneath ancient oriental armour. The collection was deemed by the judges the most innovative and creative of all the entries, showing Kelly’s understanding of social responsibility and the issues which surround the fashion and textiles industry today.

She will now go on to compete against winners from Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Pakistan, Singapore and South Africa at the grand final which will be held in London on October 5, 2010 at the Historical Clothworkers’ Hall. The global winner will be presented with their award by leading retail investor, entrepreneur and chair of the British Fashion Council, Harold Tillman.

“I was influenced by the pattern, texture and colour of worn ancient oriental armour and combined a variety of fabric weights, textures and techniques to create the collection. Bold pink and reds accent the soft light greys and peaches creating a sophisticated colour palette throughout the textile design work. I used digital printing on the fabrics as it is a much more eco-friendly way of printing, unlike screen-printing which uses harsh chemicals that can lead to air and water pollution. This method of transfer printing is fast becoming a popular technique for the textile and fashion industry. As well as printing I used hand embroidery and knitted fabrics which were then laser cut and foiled to produce samples inspired by metallic textures which represented the chain mail material of the original armour. Although the collection was originally designed for the contemporary fashion market – the project has now evolved and the subtle colour palette would work well in interior design fabrics as well.” - Kelly Taylor

" I am very thankful to the SDC and the judges for giving me the opportunity to move forward to the grand final of the competition.” - Kelly Taylor

Further information:

Clothworkers' Company

The Worshipful Company of Dyers

Fine Knit Sweater Dresses

Perfect for your latest Summer looks.

See more of my Desirable Dresses list at ThisNext.

Book Review: Vogue Knitting Stichionary 5

If you are a knitter, you probably already know about the Vogue Knitting Stitchionary series. The latest edition, Stitchionary 5, Volume Five Lace Knitting by Carla Scott, will be published in June 2010. It is wisely divided up into seven categories as follows: Easy/Mesh, Allover, Panels, Edgings, Motifs, Combos, and Chevrons. I personally love edgings, because they give added interest to something that is minimal, or to some, boring. The book also features huge images in which you can see great detail, which is much needed for knitting. There are no garment patterns in this book, only the stitch patterns for creating that beautiful and fashionable piece for you to wear for years to come.

Also, don't forget to check out the other series of this collection:
Stitchionary Volume One Knit and Purl
Stitchionary Volume Two Cables
Stitchionary Volume Three Color Knitting
Stitchionary Volume Four Crochet

Knitwear at Warm Pixie

Zebra Crop Jumper

This lightweight sweater is wearable even in the Summer, but does indeed provide warmth for Fall and would be perfect for layering in the Winter. The quality and construction is excellent, featuring a woven in zebra design, not just stitched or appliqued on. The size Large is big enough even if you wear an Extra Large top. I like wearing it over tank tops.

"Warm Pixie offers a boutique collection of kooky alternatives to high street brands with cute n’ kitsch designs and an eye for detail. The ultimate in casual cool, the knitwear collection combines a mix of fine gauge knit and 100% cotton. Adorned with animal, heart or fairground motifs Warm Pixie knitwear keeps things fun and flirty with figure hugging, cropped and ruffled styles."

"New for SS10 Warm Pixie introduces a range of body con jersey wear with delicate mesh paneling and frill shoulders to deliver the ultimate in sports luxe. The collection includes a selection of long and cap sleeved dresses, crop tops and bodies."

"Warm Pixie is designed by Vicky Shelser who trained as a fashion designer at the Royal College of Art before going on to design for Sportmax and several UK high street brands."

"The SS10 collection is available at www.warmpixie.com and in selected Topshop stores now. Prices start from £29."

Verena Knitting Magazine Summer 2010

Click over to view the current issue highlights for Verena Knitting Summer 2010 issue. There are 75 summery and tropical patterns to choose from. You can also buy them individially in the pattern shop. Just click on the "new arrivals" button on the left side bar.