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.

Express Yourself with Inkwear

Inkwear temporary tattoos are stylish and follow today's trends. Want to try that tattoo style, but afraid of commitment? Try Inkwear first, and then if you love it, get the real thing. These fun tattoos are for sale for such a great price, you might not need to get that real, permanent tattoo. Inkwear offers more services such as custom tattoos that you design yourself and custom colors for tattoos already available. Just imagine, wearing that special tattoo that you drew, without the worry and fear of a real tattoo. Be as different as you want to be with custom colors too. These photo realistic-designs with three dimensional shading and bright colors will "wow" everyone that sees them. You can apply two or three bracelet tattoos for a quirky look, that can be worn with your metal or leather bangles and bracelets for ultra dimension. Get as colorful or as elegant as you wish, at a fraction of the price of other temporary tattoos.

Inkwear tattoos should last for at least two to five days in good condition and they are FDA approved.

Shorts n' Boots

Shorts n' Boots by accessfashion featuring Roxy tops

Items in this set:

White Embroidered Summer Top, 24 GBP

Roxy Tees - Womens - To The Beach Scoop T-Shirt, $23

RVCA x ERIN WASSON Short, 270 EUR

Metropark / Fashion / Women / Bottoms / Denim, $155

Vigoss 'Brooklyn' Distressed Denim Bermuda Shorts, $44

Upcoming Knitting Event

The Great South American Knitting Adventure with Nicky Epstein: November 8th-15th, 2010

"Price is $1450 per person (based on double occupancy; airfare is booked separately) and includes all hotels, breakfast each day, Nicky's classes, transportation to and from Uruguay, Tango Night and a Steakhouse dinner."

Email corp.gboy@hotmail.com for more information

Need Yarn?

Custom Yarns by Linda

ALL BERROCO YARNS 50% OFF!
TWO DAYS ONLY - APRIL 29th & 30th.

Berroco Idol yarn
Image source: by pballantyne3930
Shop from an assortment of styles and colors with prices ranging from $1.75 to $4.75 each ball/skein. Some of the yarns featured on the Custom Yarns website are discontinued, so get them while you can!

Book Review - 60 Quick Knits

Gorgeous and easy knits, all at your fingertips! 60 Quick Knits features 20 bright and colorful patterns to work up, all created with a very popular yarn, Cascade 220. Cascade 220 is made of 100% Peruvian Highland wool. It is worsted weight and is perfect even for felting. It is available in a variety of colors including heathers and tweeds.

To learn more about this book, and to see a preview of the inside pages, check out Sixth & Spring Books.

Kymaro Curve Control Jeans

The Kymaro Curve Control Jeans are made with all denim that is 72% cotton, 26% polyester, and 2% spandex. They cost $39.95 and come in a range of sizes from 5-26. The regular length is 33 inches (perfect if you love to wear high heels), and petite is 29 inches. If you buy the jeans you get a Kymaro bottoms body shaper free. You just have to pay $9.99 for handling costs. If you order a second pair of jeans, you get them for $29.99. See the website for more details.

The jeans are smooth to the touch, and give you a longer, more lean look. They have a wider waist with more give, so that the jeans to not dig into the sides of your abdomen. The back of the jeans are cut nicely, and the pockets are placed in a perfect position for a sexy rear view. These jeans are worth it, especially if you are trying to hide flaws.

Summer Snow by John Brinegar

This intermediate pattern is free, offered by Tahki St. Charles, and is from the Garden Variety pattern collection. Start knitting Summer Snow, today.

GAUGE

15 sts and 30 rows = 4”/10 cm in Diamond
Lace Pattern, after blocking

Note: This link opens a PDF file.

Book Review: The Little Guide to Vintage Shopping by Melody Fortier

The Little Guide to Vintage Shopping is a great resource for those wanting to know more about vintage fashion in general, and for those interested in shopping for designer vintage clothing, shoes, and accessories. It also includes expert advice, and shopping links for you to explore online.

What I love most about this book is how it shows you how you can reinvent old, worn out, or what you might think is unstylish designs, into something brand new and unexpected. For example, you can turn a long skirt into a dress or a knee length skirt into a cute top to wear with denim jeans.

Have you ever wondered how old that dress is? Now you can figure it out easier with tips on how to identify and date your new buy.

There's also an interesting short history of styles of different eras, featured in chapter 3. This is perfect for that school project or essay you are working on.

When you are buying, especially online, you need to know some important abbreviations, featured in this book, on page 13!

Did you find that perfect hat at the thrift store only to discover that it terribly needs some tender loving care?This book has some great tips on that specific subject, starting on page 154.

Get more information and purchase your copy from Quirk Books.

Andrea's Beau Sale

Andrea's Beau had a new blog! To celebrate their new blog, they are offering a 20% discount on all items now through April 21st.

Check out Beau Monde for more details.

The Kymaro New Body Shaper

The Kymaro slimming shaper for the upper body is a very useful product for all women that desire a smooth figure underneath form fitting clothing. It works perfectly with any bra and lies smoothly under slacks, and denim jeans. You could even wear it under your workout clothing. It does not ride up or bunch up. The back of the top is reinforced for extra support. You choose your correct size based on your current bra size. Measure yourself carefully if you are not sure. The upper body shaper that I used was actually a little bit loose based on my bra size. If you have smaller breasts, you might be able to wear one size smaller for the Kymaro upper body shaper.

The lower body shaper is just as nice and slimming, and feels like a thick supportive panty hose. You can choose to either wear it pulled up to your natural waist, or wear them lower at the hip. I suggest wearing it higher if you have loose skin in that area. My correct size works great for me, but if you have a bigger lower body than your top, you may want to buy one size larger. It is best to try to take correct measurements of your body and then select your size based on that. If you like very tight body shapers, stick to your size or a size smaller.

My first set was the black version. I noticed that the black material had a lot of dye, because it was rubbing off on my hands, so I washed them before I used them. Washing them in the machine was fine, but I did let them air dry. After an initial wash, they dye no longer transferred to my hands as I was pulling them on or off.

Overall these products are great for that smooth figure you desire. The top is made of polyester and spandex, and the bottom is made of nylon and spandex. They work under casual, semi formal and formal clothing.