Yarn Stories Top Five Patterns for 2015

What a fantastic start to my knitting year! Yarn Stories have announced that my Spinnaker sweater design was their most popular pattern in 2015! I loved designing and knitting this sweater and am delighted that Yarn Stories customers like Spinnaker as much as I do.

Spinnaker by Emma Vining for Yarn Stories

Here is the most recent newsletter from Yarn Stories with all of the top five patterns. You can sign up for future newsletter updates on the Yarn Stories website.

Our most popular patterns of 2015 Here is a countdown of our most popular patterns of 2015. Read on to find out which patterns you liked the most... No.5 Barkentine At number 5 is this  easy to wear sweater with casual drop shoulders and a delicate lace pattern. It's surely why this design was so popular. Construction Method: Knit Designer: Carol Fella Required Yarn Thickness: dk Skill Level: Growing In Confidence Shop now No.4 Hellador Cables were huge trend in knitwear for the latter half of 2015 and Nick's heirloom shawl has got plenty of them. Construction Method: Knit Designer: Nick Atkinson Required Yarn Thickness: dk Skill Level: Growing In Confidence Shop now No.3 Shingle It was no surprise to us when we saw this adorable cardigan in the top five. Sue's designs for children are always very popular and this one was most beloved of all. Construction Method: Knit Designer: Sue Batley-Kyle Required Yarn Thickness: dk Skill Level: Growing In Confidence Shop now No.2 Banyan Amanda's design captured the essence of summer at the seaside with mini cables that resemble ropes and a pretty peplum for an extra feminine feel. Construction Method: Knit Designer: Amanda Crawford Required Yarn Thickness: dk Skill Level: Growing In Confidence Shop now No.1 Spinnaker  Spinnaker proves that even the most difficult patterns don't put you off! However this is totally understandable; the cables, twisted stitches and moss stitch texture in Emma's design are gorgeous. Construction Method: Knit Designer: Emma Vining Required Yarn Thickness: dk Skill Level: I'm Feeling Brave Shop now Copyright © 2016 Spectrum Yarns Ltd, All rights reserved.

Patternity: A New Way of Seeing

At the V&A museum on Friday evening, the design consultancy Patternity showed their audience "a new way of seeing" in their fascinating presentation on the inspirational power of pattern. Surface designer Grace Winteringham and art director Anna Murray set up Patternity in 2009 with the aim of using pattern as a tool to inspire.

Anna and Grace in Conversation with Dal Choda

The Patternity design philosophy is to find pattern absolutely everywhere. Beginning with the urban landscape on their way to work, Anna and Grace have built an archive of often hidden pattern with fascinating visual linking. Patternity is now a source of inspiration for many major brands and companies.

During the evening, we saw many of the beautiful images that can be found on the Patternity website in the amazing archive.

Images by Patternity

Images by Patternity

Using their own trademark Patternity pattern, Grace and Anna have also designed bespoke items such as body pattern tights, garments and accessories. 

Patternity tights

Images by Patternity

Anna and Grace have recently published a beautiful book and are very excited about becoming even more involved in events and educational activities. In a previous post, Pattern Power, I wrote about an inspirational exhibition that they curated in 2013. They aim to continue to spread the word about pattern through these kind of events and to expand the worldwide network of pattern collaboration that they have built up over the last few years. I can't wait to see what Grace and Anna do next!