Flannel - A Perfectly Soft Layer

What the hell is flannel and why would anyone ever want to wear it? When I hear the word "flannel," the first thing that comes to mind is a plaid flannel button down shirt from the 90s. However it is so much more than that, and is so comfortable.

"Flannel is a soft woven fabric, of various fineness. It usually doesn't have a nap, and instead gains its softness through the loosely spun yarn it is woven from. It is commonly used to make clothing, bed sheets, and sleepwear." (source)

Hermes Fall 2009 Ready to Wear collection.

The pants in this image are made of flannel. Check out this entire collection on Style.com (see the link above, under the image). There are some glorious knitted sweaters and stunning leather skirts and dresses. The colors of the leather (of course Hermes is a well known name for luxurious leather goods) are divinely earthy and look soft, supple, and flowing on the body.

Cute Neck Accessories

feminine @ shopeileen.com

Super sweet necklaces with crochet details.

zigzag scarf @ shopeileen.com

Similar to a Missoni, but only $15!

Layered Knitwear via VogueTV

All three of these looks layer knitwear under an outerwear piece such as a blazer or jacket. In reality you are hiding your knitted garment, but it does make people more inclined to want you to take off that jacket, and show them your cardigan.

A Few New Things at Lion Brand and Berroco

Great tip from my Lion Brand e-newsletter today:

• Works for knitting or crochet: I like to use bobby pins (the straight kind) to mark my rows, my stitches, and also to put articles together. To keep track of a lot of stitches, I count out 10 stitches and place a pin and continue. Then I only have to count by 10s. - Anonymous

New free pattern @ Berroco - Mayer

• "A cozy fall jacket with an exaggerated collar, Mayer features the same waffle textured stitch used in Faber, from Norah Gaughan vol 5."

Get Started on your own High Fashion Knitwear for Fall 2009

Tyra Top knit in Rittratto yarn, by Tahki Stacy Charles, Inc.

The Modern Living Collection
"This collection of 17 distinctive styles features jackets, shrugs, coats and the ultimate in sweater dressing."

Samina Peplum Jacket

"Gedifra brings you 30 stylish projects direct from the runways of Europe. This collection is actually two collections in one. The first is called "Glam Factor" and features cozy structured pieces for fall. The second is titled "Abstract", and here you will find colorful and trendy pieces with tons of eye interest and the latest in shapes. There is certainly something here for everyone, from trendy to sophisticated; from unstructured to sleek and stylish; from bright and colorful to chic and refined."

When you think of new pieces to add to your wardrobe for Autumn, knitted garments are usually a must have, even if you can only buy one or two. This makes it even better because you can create your own, if you are into that sort of thing. The two I featured here are designed with beautiful new shaping and fiber blends to satisfy your fashion needs. Style yourself right, and learn a new technique with these sumptuous patterns.

Lace Sweater Dress by Berroco

This is a really cute dress to knit. It is from a new Berroco pattern book, #288. The dress featured here is knitted with a yarn called Blackstone Tweed. Blackstone Tweed comes in 12 beautiful colors (one of my favorites is "Patriot Blue"). It is a yarn made up of wool, mohair, and angora.

Dark and Sexy Knits at Mark Fast

Mark Fast's Fall 2009 collection showcased some almost unfinished dresses that are very interesting. I really like how they used nude heels with black dresses. It makes the idea of knitted dresses much more modern. Another unique technique used in this collection is knitting garments with velvet. NOTE: See the Mark Fast website link on the right side bar.