Just picked up a new copy of In Style - I generally only go for the big thick versions, in spring and fall, that cover the seasonal trends. I received my new Anthropologie catalogue at the same time, and noticed there were some terrific trends in both magazines that could be sourced as handknit items.
minimalism
Simple silhouettes with beautiful lines and pure, clean colours.
Key to wearing these styles is that they are tailored to fit your body so take the time to complete your gauge swatch and lengthen and shorten according to your body type.
source: Instyle.com
I love the cocoknits site and this tunic, Liesl, would be a great layering piece for fall. The pattern is available for purchase for $6 US, is sized to fit Bust of 34 (36.5, 40, 44, 48)" and would be great (and reasonably priced) in the LanaKnits allhemp3. You would require 5 (5, 6, 7, 8) skeins and I needed 4.5 mm needles to get gauge for the main part of the tunic.
It would also work in the sportweight Pakucho Sportweight Organic Cotton, and you would need 6 (6, 7, 8, 9) skeins.
source: cocoknits.com
I also love her new pattern, maude, for a fall layering tunic that is a slightly cosier weight. It calls for a worsted yarn and would be perfect in any of the many colours of O-wool Classic. Sized for Bust: 36 (39.5, 43, 46.5, 50, 53.5)", it would require only 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6) skeins to complete.
For a luxurious option, you could also use the beautiful Lanica Worsted Wool from Fleece Artist, which would also require only 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6) skeins to complete.
source: cocoknits.com
Pierrot Yarns from Japan, has been translating it's extensive pattern library into English. I love this Retro Tee. Originally only available in a size 33", it's simple shape and side to side construction, make it fairly straight forward to size up or down. The english pattern includes a chart which lists both measurements and stitches which can be adjusted for length and width. A size 33" requires 380 m of bulky weight yarn, so 4 skeins of O-Wool Bulky would work perfectly. I achieved gauge with 6.0 mm needles.
chunky knits
Primarily for weekend wear, chunky knits are back in. The taupe sweater at far left is part of the ready to wear collection by Wenlan Chia. The pattern for it (or a very close proximative) was available in either the Vogue Knitting, Winter 2009/10 or Designer Knitting, Winter 2009/10 magazines.
source: Instyle.com
Also by Wenlan Chia, this pattern, Broadway, is available for free from Vogue Knitting, and is a bit more form fitting. It would work in either Monarch Chunky Handspun or O-Wool Bulky, held double throughout.
Sized for 36.25" ( 38.75", 41.25", 43.25"), you would require 8 (8, 9, 10) skeins of either yarn to complete.
source: ravelry, carro
For more free project ideas in the Bulky weight Monarch, please see our product feature post, which highlighted the kangaroo tunic by Wenlan Chia, 8-9 skeins required (a great first 'big' project) and the best friend cardigan by Wenlan Chia, 8-10 skeins required, as well as some easier accessory projects.
Instyle also featured a gorgeous wool-cashmere, dropped stitch cable sweater from inhabitny.com that retails for $518 US. For a more reasonable project, both from a time and expense perspective, consider this Haute Stuff Scarf by Launette Wood. The pattern is available for $2.50 and would create a similar look to the inhabit sweater if constructed in the thick and thin, Pakucho Fine Flamme Chunky. 4-5 skeins would make a luxurious, soft accessory.
source: sanmerci etsy shop
loop scarves
source: anthropologie.com
Looped scarves come in many different options and include bulkier weights and shorter lengths for a casual look; longer loops for versatility; and airy, lace weights for a really feminine look.
This free pattern for a tube scarf by Mindy Lewis was inspired by a designer scarf she saw that retailed for $750. It would be gorgeous in the Lanica Organic Merino and would only required 1 skein.
source: Ravelry
This Missoni inspired Long Drape Cowl is available from Hayley Waxberg.
3 Skeins of Rowan Purelife Revive, would provide the drape needed, and the colour variation within the recycled yarn would give nice depth to an otherwise very simple pattern.
source: Ravelry
The very popular, Wisp by Cheryl Niamath is buttoned to create the loop scarf. It requires 1 - 2 balls of Extra Fine Mohair Yarn and is knit on 5 mm needles.
The Be Sweet Extra Fine Mohair Yarn was featured in the Mohair Magic article in the current issue of Vogue Knitting. It has a slight boucle to it which gives the yarn an even more feminine texture and would add interest to this simple lace project. We carry it in 14 different colours.
source: knitty
