Lace Smocking - Fresh and Feminine

Flower trim tank featured in Vogue Knitting Spring/Summer 2008

If you purchased this issue of Vogue Knitting, you will want to view the smocking workshop that was not included in the issue, at the link above. This beautiful, feminine, and frilly tank is perfect for Spring. I could see this on a bridesmaid in a fresh Spring wedding.

Fashion Solitare

Do you love Solitare, but are so tired of the boring suits and a repetitive objective? Well, I found something just for you. It is a new and innovative game called "Fashion Solitare" where blouses and boots take the place of queens and hearts.

The game combines a traditional solitaire card game with fashion design and dressing models. One of the most interesting features is the Design Studio where you can create your own clothing, add it into your solitaire deck and then dress models with it in the game. It's an interesting twist which we're hoping will really catch on with women (and perhaps even men) of all ages.

Check out the concept/sample video on YouTube. Download the free demo version of the game here. To learn more go to http://www.largeanimal.com/

Fiber Technology in Fashion on Trendinista

Check out Trendinista's article about fashion technology. Fabrics, fibers, and fashion all go hand in hand. Be inspired!

India Inspired: Exotic Textiles

(Click on image to enlarge)

Find these exotically fabulous textiles, and more designs, at Exotic India and The Textile Museum.

Explore beautiful antique Indian textile images at TextileAsArt. See Indian textile history here.

Pink, Pouffy and Wild Bag

Fuzzy fiber handbag by Sonia Rykiel. It certainly looks squeezable. Find it here, and at http://www.soniarykiel.com/

Rowan's Latest - My suggestions to Knit

Here are a few patterns I like from Rowan's latest pattern collection:

This one is called "Trench" and it is knitted in a yarn called Cotton Glace.

This top is called "Granite" knitted in Bamboo Tape. It could be worn with or without a tank or bandeau underneath. If you wear nothing underneath this, I suggest you use Nippies fashion tape, because they work and are awesome.

These two luxurious tops were designed by Erika Knight.

Irish Inspired: Lovely Lace

Crocheted necklace at Urban Outfitters.
Donna Karan lace cardigan
Milly crochet halter dress

Floral Prints and Flowering Design Elements

Women should take complete advantage of floral prints and design elements because it is almost exclusively feminine. Other than the fact that men wear flower boutonnieres on their lapels for formal events, they almost never, if ever, wear floral prints or flowers in general. Ladies, lets keep this trend all to ourselves!

To discover more, view Betsey's Lookbook, Blooming Beautiful, at Style.com.

Stunning Embroidery - Alexander McQueen

This dress by Alexander McQueen is number ten on Vouge's Most Wanted list for this week. I fell in love with these angelic wings right away. Paired with modern sculpted heels, such as this Martinez Valero design, you are sure to make a bold, "forget-me-not" statement.

N.E.E.T. Magazine - Crocheted Bangles

N.E.E.T. Magazine, originally uploaded by neet_editor.

Check out these crocheted bangles that were featured in N.E.E.T. Magazine. Pretty!

The Baggy Cashmere Beanie

Do you like beanies? If so, do you like baggy and cashmere, beanies? If so, check out Madeline Thompson's designs. Personally, I'm not a fan of the bagginess, but beanies are cute, and definitely do the job; keep heads warm!


Note: here is a pic and article of a dress by the designer.


Here is a baggy beanie on a chinese fashion website I found.

Beautiful and Airy Knits

W magazine's Editor's Blog posted this article about Gudrun & Gudrun. The designer's name is Gudrun Ludvig, and I was so happy to discover this team.

Flowing Fabric Details at Prada

Prada - Autumn 2008 collection

Fall in love with heels and handbags all over again. These romantic designs will leave the curious passerby in awe. Feminine lace, in neutral, yet rich colors, and flouncy fabric folds will fill the Autumnal party scene this coming season.

Eye Catching Outerwear at Pringle of Scotland

Pringle of Scotland Autumn 2008 Ready-to-Wear collection

Claire W. Keller is the mastermind behind this stuning set of warm and cozy outerwear designs. I love the fact that she stays true to what she loves, and one of these being knitwear. In this set, the sheen of the pants and skirt add extra character and texture, but leave you wanting more.

Vicuna Fiber

Vicuna wool coat designed by Norman Norell

Vicuna is the finest and softest wool on earth. It is also the most expensive fiber you can find.


"Current prices for vicuña yarns and fabrics can range from $1,800 to $3,000 per yard. Vicuña fiber can be used for apparel (such as socks, sweaters, accessories, shawls, coats, and suits) and home fashion (such as blankets and throws). A scarf costs around $1500 while a man's coat can cost up to $20,000." - Wikipedia

Green Girl Eco-dresses

Flowing green bamboo jersey top by Loyale

Sexy halter top dress in black soy at Greenloop.

Smooth hemp dress at GreenHome.

Organic cotton dress by Stewart + Brown.

Unique Lyocell top at GreenLoop.

All of these dresses are totally wearable and perfect for the environmentalist in you. Try a new fiber for your next ensemble.

Simone Shailes for Central Saint Martins - Autumn 2008

Central Saint Martins Fall 2008 Ready-to-Wear collection

In this exquisite collection, Simone Shailes show's off her talents with these unique knits to inspire us all. I love the depth and texture of all of these designs. The ankle length pants add a perfect feminine touch.

Spring and Summer Knits - Pringle of Scotland

Pringle of Scotland Spring Summer Ready-t0-Wear 2008 Collection

Clean, crisp and easy to wear chunky knits and openwork for a chic spring through summer.

Jean Pierre Braganza - Blue Knitted Dress

Blue knitted dress: Autumn/Winter 2007 collection

Menswear - Alexander McQueen

"Colourful ethnic prints came on skinny-fit trousers and chunky knits while shaggy red scarves and huge furry hats looked just right for a mountain adventure." - Vogue