Autumn - When thoughts turn to chunky knitwear
Posted on October 02 2017
It's that time of year again - to put away the summer dresses (did I actually wear any this year?) and get out the winter woollies.....the nights are drawing in, the chimney has been swept so time to think about my knitting programme for the next couple of months. Like most people I don't particularly like the looming greyness of the forthcoming months but I do like the ebb and flow of the seasons. I may sometimes complain about the lack of sunshine but actually, I quite like the opportunity to stay indoors and get creative.
The catwalks and fashion editors for this Autumn/Winter have highlighted 'cardigans' and chunky, oversized knits - an ideal starting point for beginners to knitting. Alice is modelling above, a sweater designed by Erika Knight and knitted in 'Canvas' Maxi Wool. Other lovely chunky wools are also available from Rowan (Big Wool) and Debbie Bliss (Roma). They all knit up quickly to keep the enthusiasm going and are available in a range of colours to suit every palette.
If sweaters are a step too far, then there are plenty of accessory options: scarves, cowls and snug bobble hats made from the soft and colourful yarns of Mrs Moon may tempt you to pick up those needles again. These smaller items just take an evening or two to make up and should keep your head warm even in the gale force winds experienced 'up north' today.
It may have been windy but we also had some glorious sunshine and there was the most magnificent rainbow stretching across the sky as I made my way up to Betty's at Harlow Carr for coffee with a friend I had not seen for ages. With a grandchild appearing in the New Year she is busy knitting for the new arrival - the lovely thing about baby clothes is that they knit up so quickly. There is something special about giving and receiving a gift that has been handmade. There are lots of lovely patterns and yarns available so there is bound to be something you can make whatever your level of knitting. Eco Baby is a beautiful soft cotton which comes in a range of lovely, subtle colours just perfect for newborns.
I have been trying out a couple of designs for cowls which I shall be selling as kits and hope to get on the website soon. One is made from The Knitter's Yarn 4ply and Belangor Angora called 'Spots & Stripes'.
The other is a chunky cowl which knits up very quickly and is made from Mrs Moon's Plump SuperChunky. (Image to follow soon!)