A Knitter's Sketchbook: Agora Wrap

The knitting pattern projects in A Knitter's Sketchbook all have very different inspirational sources. My Agora Wrap pattern was inspired by the glass facade of a staircase located in the heart of the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium. The staircase facade appeared to be made up of a series of triangles and diamonds and the Agora wrap pattern combines these shapes in knitted cables and reverse stocking stitch ridges.

Agora Wrap by Emma Vining
Photograph by Maxine Vining

The wrap is worked in three stages, beginning with the central cable panel. After this panel is completed, stitches for the two wings are picked up along the sides of the panel. Each wing is then worked outwards one at a time, decreasing to a point. The beautiful structured yarn is Brooklyn Tweed Arbor in the deep blue shade of Sashiko.

Agora Wrap by Emma Vining
Photograph by Maxine Vining

Join me at Unravel in Farnham, UK on Sunday 24th February 2019 at 2.15pm to hear more about this project. In my talk "A Knitter's Sketchbook", I'll be talking about the Agora Wrap and other examples from my book to inspire you to create your own knitter's sketchbook! The Unravel Festival of Yarn begins on Friday 22nd February and is three days of fabulous workshops, interesting talks and wonderful exhibitors. Looking forward to seeing you there!

The Knitter Magazine: Issue 134

My Linwood sweater design is the cover garment for this month's Knitter Magazine! I love everything about this magazine issue, from the stunning model looking amazing in my sweater design, to the fabulous photography showing all the patterns at their very best. Having my design published alongside patterns by talented designers such as Jeanette Sloane, Carol Meldrum and Mary Henderson to name only a few, makes me feel so proud!

The Knitter magazine Issue 134
Sweater design by Emma Vining

My Linwood sweater has a linked leaf stitch pattern that is similar to a rib-based design in the way that the curving cable lines run parallel to each other. A little leaf motif is tucked into the bend of each of the cable lines. The whole cable pattern panel is placed centrally on the sweater. However there is an asymmetric look around the neckline, created as the cables move left then right alongside each other. The beautiful yarn is West Yorkshire Spinners Illustrious DK in the delicate shade of seaglass.

As well as interesting reviews and news, there is a delightful article about yarn shop Ida's House, located in Caterham on the Hill. Owner Jayne has created a community based shop with a lovely atmosphere. Also great to see Fiona Morris's Crowood Press book "Knitting with Beads" in the New Books list on p15! You can read more about this excellent issue over on the Yarn Loop website.

The Knitter magazine Issue 134
Sweater design by Emma Vining

A Knitter's Sketchbook: Meander Cowl

In this post I would like to tell you about my Meander Cowl pattern from A Knitter's Sketchbook. This design highlights the way a series of curved lines can be used to create stitch patterns in knitting. Meander was knitted in West Yorkshire Spinners (WYS) Illustrious yarn in the gorgeous dark green shade of Highland. This is the perfect opportunity to say thank you to WYS for their generous yarn support for this project. I knitted the Meander Cowl and several samples throughout my book in the lovely yarns that they sent to me.

Meander Cowl by Emma Vining
photographed by Maxine Vining

My inspiration for this design was a flowing river. In particular, I was very fortunate to be flying into Gatwick Airport on a clear day, and to also have a window seat. As we were landing, I took several photographs through the airplane window, capturing a beautiful series of meanders in a river flowing through a field below us. Over time, as the process of river bank erosion continues, the meanders will change and perhaps I will design a new stitch pattern to reflect this!

You can find the Meander cowl pattern, along with my photo and sketches of the river in my book. The pattern has both written and charted instructions and can be knitted flat or in the round. Please take a look on The Crowood Press website or on Amazon, where my book is available to order as a hard copy or e-book.

A Knitter's Sketchbook by Emma Vining