Unique Cardigans

Here are a few of the most unique cardigans I've ever seen.

Givenchy Cable Knit Cardigan - 100% Wool - One Button Closure - $1,266

Textile Elizabeth and James Eleanor Cocoon Cardigan 

Batwing Sleeves - Laddered panels with cables - $595

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

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.

High Performance Clothing for 50% Off at Nau

Nau is having a 50% off sale (women's and men's styles)! Discover modern, utilitarian designs, with luxurious fibers such as merino wool and cashmere. This is a really great sale for cold weather clothing that will last. The look is minimal, but very wearable all year round. The options are endless with Nau, because you can create so many looks just using these basic pieces.

Amazing Handmade Knitwear at Etsy

It never fails...do a little searching on Etsy, and you will always find something GORGEOUS!The High North's "Feather and fan knitted skirt", made with norwegien wool. Intricatly stitched, long sleeved hand knit jacket by Peg Plunkett can be purchased for an utterly amazing $55
Beautifully formed crocheted black cropped cardigan by Fashion Knitwear. This cardigan is crocheted using two yarns simutanously, for added thickness and wamrth. I strongly suggest for you to look at the other designs by Fashion Knitwear, on Etsy because they are exquisite. The designs are perfect for very picky women.

Izzy Lane 30% Off Christmas Sale!

Izzy Lane produces knitwear, skirts, jackets, coats and vegetarian shoes. Everything is made in Britain.

Enter xmas08 at check out for a 30% discount. This is a sale you do not want to miss!

Handmade Cotton and Wool Bangles

stuff(s): mariegrace designs are unique and all hand made. This bangle is made of cotton and wool thread, wound around a plastic bangle. Mariegrace is a budding designer, specializing in one of a kind items, at reasonable prices.

Autumnal Knits for Men

Masculine off white cable knit sweater, Banana Republic's Monogram collection.

Personally, I like the red detail at the collar and cuffs. This sweater is made of merino wool and needs to be washed by hand. This is available in regular sizes as well as tall sizes.

Juicy Couture Cable Knit Sweater

This all over cabled pattern is perfect to use for various outfits. You can dress it up or down easily. This one is available at Neiman Marcus.

More knits to explore:

Alexander McQueen Bubble Cardigan - This one is very unique, so wear it to be different and stand out in a crowd. Don't be alarmed, the "bubbles" are not huge stand out bubbles, but are more of a textural fabric effect.

Maison Martin Margiela Happy Tweed Cardigan - This sumptuous wool/cashmere blend sweater is classic and minimalistic in style. It is perfect for anyone.

Y-3 Wide Collar Sweater Jacket - This one is extremely textural, with a high collar for windy days. It is on sale right now but only available in XL on this website.

Interviw with designer Fernando Perez of Aldo Fernando

Gorgeous lace knit tank from the Aldo Fernando label.

Aldo Fernando is a new label, based in Atlanta, Georgia, on the rise of something fabulous. Unique Baby Alpaca fibers crafted in Peru for the ultimate experience in cultural luxury. I had the fantastic opportunity to interview designer Fernando Perez:



What are your three favorite fibers or textiles to work with?
Alpaca, alpaca-silk and cottons (modal, Pima and organic)

What is your fashion philosophy (what are your strongest feelings about fashion)? I love incorporating vintage pieces into an everyday look.

What are some of the first things you think of when you start to create a design?
To come up with the right piece that works for any and every boutique clientele.

Do you believe that any woman of any size can look sexy?
Yes

Do you have a favorite piece from your own collections?
I like the capes because they flatter any age, size and shape.

What fashion designer or label do you admire?
Christian Dior

Speaking of your fashion designs, are you working on or thinking of anything new and innovative for the future?
Always.

What is your favorite type of dress to create?
A-line

What kind of woman wears your designs?
Women of any age, with a young spirit.

Contact information:

fernando@aldofernando.com

404-944-2702

Soft, Smooth and Soothing Yarn

Image source: IgnorantBliss on Flickr

"The yarn aficionados at Austermann certainly took a huge step forward when they developed their "Step" family of yarns. Not only is the original "Step" yarn a fabulous self-striper that's available in color combos both women & men will enjoy, but it has the added benefit of being infused with aloe vera & jojoba oil. These two enhancements guard against skin dryness & inflammation through at least 40 washings. So both your hands as you knit & your feet as you wear the finished socks will benefit, all without any greasy film or residue. Spectacularly crafted of 75% wool & 25% nylon."source

"They were very soft, after washing, they got even softer." Paula, on her experience with Austermann "Step" yarn.

"Wool, C'est Cool"

Oscar de la Renta

Who will be the winner of the next Wool Secretariats Award (the Woolmark Prize)? Amoung the competitors are: Tom Scott and Louise Goldin, to name a few. The winner will be announced June 3rd.

Cable and Rib Halter via Tahki Stacy Charles

Beautiful free pattern designed by Irina Poludnenko. Visit Tahki Stacy Charles to open the free PDF file. The pattern suggests you knit this in a new stunning yarn called Siam by S. Charles Collezione. Siam is "a soft crepe yarn, blending silk, wool and viscose..." "It creates lightweight garments and accessories for year-round use. The classic color palette shows off an elegant hint of tonal-contrast and sheen." This unique yarn comes in five different colors. For more patterns to knit with this exact yarn, visit Tahki Stacy Charles to view the S. Charles Collezione Spring/Summer 2008 collection. source