Welcome String Direct Members!
October marks the final month of the String Direct 2009 – 2010 program, and we’re wrapping up with two extraordinary designs that you can wear anywhere and at any time of year!
Glitter and Lace arose from Linda’s love for oversized, timeless pieces. Earlier this year, Linda saw a chic ruana-type design with sleeves, and she was inspired to create a dressier version for herself that she could easily wear to any special gathering. At the same time, she knew that lace was a big trend in fashion, so she incorporated an elegant traditional lace pattern to elevate the garment further. Using an extra-special yarn with delicate colors, such as Artyarns’ Beaded Cashmere with Sequins, was the finishing touch to ensure that the cardigan would be uniquely beautiful.
While we’re featuring this design in a glamorous yarn that is suitable for even the most formal event, you can easily substitute any yarn that will knit up to the specified gauge with the appropriate needles. You could reimagine this cardigan knit up in a cozy extrafine merino yarn or a String cashmere yarn for your go-to sweater during the winter, or you could create a warm weather version in a silk blend. With an easy-to-memorize lace pattern, minimal shaping, and simple ribbed sleeves and front ties, this design is both versatile and universally appealing.
The hottest trend in knitwear this season has to be the oversized cowl. Even Barneys New York is on top of the trend: every mannequin in their famed Madison Ave. window was sporting a different cowl recently. We love cowls of every size and shape, and we love providing you with the latest knitwear fashion, but we also know that you need useful designs to keep out the chill! Enter the Fisherman’s Rib Cowl, rendered in the warmest Prism Cashmere yarn (100% cashmere featuring those unparalleled Prism colorways). The cowl is knit flat in a simple, but dense, rib pattern on US 9 needles and then the cast-on edge and bind-off edge are seamed together for a super-quick project that both beginning and experienced knitters will enjoy. Whether you wear it around your neck, pulled up over your head or pulled down over your shoulders, you’ll appreciate the versatility and cozy fit of this design. This cowl can also be made in any warm wool, cashmere, or alpaca yarn that knits up to the right gauge, and it would be the perfect holiday gift for every adult, teen, and fashionista on your gift-giving list!
On behalf of our wonderful staff, all of whom have participated actively in String Direct – as designers, knitters, pattern writers, pattern checkers, models, photographers, web designers, sales assistants, knitting helpers, color advisors, and on and on – we thank you for another fantastic year of String Direct. We deeply appreciate your support and enthusiasm. Happy Knitting!
Linda, Lidia, Lisa, Becky, Erin, Danielle, and Carlee
