Wrapped Hexagons Bag in the Knitter Magazine

My Wrapped Hexagons bag design is in this month's Knitter Magazine, Issue 94. Wrapped Hexagons is knitted in one of my favourite yarns, Yarn Stories Fine Merino & Baby Alpaca Aran.

Wrapped Hexagons by Emma Vining

The bag is knitted in one piece, then seamed at the sides. The top of the bag has a rib pattern and the main pattern is a twisted stitch lattice with textured centres. Where the twisted stitches meet, they are wrapped by pulling the yarn around the stitches. This lattice design gives the bag stability and strength.

I lined the bag with fabric in a contrasting design and I also used iron-on interfacing as a backing material. This makes the bag robust and gives it stability too. I love the contrast of the very patterned lining material with the textured cable knit design.

Wrapped Hexagons by Emma Vining

The bag is finished off with smart leather handles from U-handbag.com. I have used leather bag handles from U Handbag several times for my bag designs and I love how the smart handles lift the whole design. 

Wrapped Hexagons by Emma Vining
Leather Handles from U-handbag.com

Unravel 2016

Congratulations to the Unravel 2016 organisers for putting on such a brilliant event! Unravel has the perfect mix of workshops, talks, demonstrations and fabulous shopping. This year I was very excited to be helping Alison Ellen on her stunning stand.

Beautiful Knitwear by Alison Ellen

Alison had copies of her new book, Knitting: Stitch Led Design, for sale and this was the perfect opportunity for anyone wishing to knit one of the designs to come along and try on the finished garment. You can read more about Alison's book in my recent blog write-up here. Talking to knitters about the construction of Alison's stunning modular designs was really inspiring and I loved every minute I spent on the stand. 

Alison wearing one of her beautiful designs

One if the things I like the best about shows like Unravel are the chance meetings. As there were so many people at the Show, there was great demand for tables and chairs at lunch time and everyone ends up sharing tables with people they have never met before. Well, we all have something in common, don't we! Conversation is easy and I met such nice people while I ate my lunch.

The Great Hall at Farnham Maltings

I had a chance to have a quick look around Unravel and it was great to catch up with the extremely busy Louise Walker and her critters too. Louise has lots of exciting projects on the go and I love hearing what she is doing and seeing who or what she is knitting next. 

Louise Walker and her Critters

Only time for a very quick hello with Fiona Morris and Jane Crowfoot as there were so many people visiting their stands. Fiona had lots of her beautiful knits on show, including one of my favourites, Pewter, a stunning cardigan design from the Knitter Magazine's Platinum Collection. Jane was surrounded by visitors all admiring her beautiful crochet designs and buying her brilliant kits. You can see more of Jane's gorgeous designs on her website here. 

Alison from Yarn in the City always wears the most amazing Converse and I immediately spotted her sparkly green shoes as I went to purchase my copy of the London Craft Guide. This great directory covers the London area and beyond and the day trips are a such a good idea. While I was browsing at the stand, I couldn't help buying a hank of soft milburn 4ply by Eden Cottage Yarns. Can't wait to get swatching with this as I have lots of ideas for this gorgeous yarn!

The London Craft Guide and Miburn 4ply by Eden Cottage Yarns

My last stop was Purescence where I treated myself to some Fyberspates Scrumptious 4ply and lace weight. I love the sheen of the silk and the softness of these yarns - so beautiful!

Scrumptious yarns by Fyberspate from Purlescence

There was so much to see at Unravel and although I didn't get the chance to look at everything, I loved the displays of all things yarn and craft related that filled every part of the Maltings. Really looking forward to next year's show already!

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!

Fenchurch Cardigan in the Knitter Issue 93

My copy of The Knitter Magazine has arrived and I am over the moon to see my Fenchurch Cardigan on the front cover! The stunning photos by the Knitter Magazine show the bold lines and texture of my design in beautiful detail.

Fenchurch Cardigan by Emma Vining
Photo by The Knitter Magazine 

Fenchurch is inspired by modern urban architecture. I have used wrapped stitch ladders to create bold lines. I love the way the wrapped stitch sections change the shape of the cast on edge at the beginning of the panels. The textured sections are knitted in moss stitch. To keep the tension of the sections even, the moss stitch section is worked in short rows. 

Fenchurch Cardigan by Emma Vining
Photo by The Knitter Magazine

I particularly like designing (and knitting!) cardigans where the button band is knitted as part of the fronts and Fenchurch fits the bill with this integral moss stitch band. Shaping for the neck is worked in a line of decreases that follow on from the first wrapped stitch ladder. This enhances the wide neckband and the moss stitch upper body.

Fenchurch Cardigan by Emma Vining
Photo by The Knitter Magazine 

The optional belt features two wrapped stitch ladders with a moss stitch centre section. The cuffs are made in a similar way and added after the sleeves are complete.

Fenchurch Cardigan by Emma Vining
Photo by The Knitter Magazine

Fenchurch is knitted in Cascade 220 Aran, 100% Peruvian Highland wool. The lovely blue shade is Marine, 8339. 

Diamond Kites Sweater in The Knitter, Issue 92

Issue 92 of the Knitter Magazine includes my Diamond Kites Sweater pattern! Knitted in Artesano Alpaca Silk Lace yarn, Diamond Kites has a delicate twisted stitch pattern. The beautiful photos show the sweater in lovely detail. Thank you very much to The Knitter Magazine.

Diamond Kites Sweater by Emma Vining
Photo from the Knitter Magazine

Little twisted stitch diamonds form the long "kite tails". They lead up to the "kite head" that is made of three interlocking diamonds, again knitted in twisted stitches. The back of the sweater is longer than the front and the sides are open to the top of the rib section.

Diamond Kites Sweater by Emma Vining
Photo from the Knitter Magazine

The beautiful Artesano Alpaca Silk lace yarn is available in a wide range of gorgeous shades. I have used Colour 2083, "Aubergine" for Diamond Kites. The knitted fabric with the twisted stitch design in this combination of alpaca and silk has lovely drape and is very flattering to wear.

Diamond Kites Sweater on the Cover of Issue 92!

Errata update 14/12/15
There is an errata for the pattern published in Issue 92.
A couple of symbols were missed out of the abbreviation list and the sleeve cast on has been updated. Please follow this link to the Yarn Loop website for the updates. Thank you.

Knitting: Stitch-Led Design by Alison Ellen

​Exciting news! Alison Ellen has released a new book! Knitting: Stitch-Led Design is an inspiring read with ideas and projects for knitters of all levels. Published by Crowood Press, the book is available to buy direct from Crowood, where you can also take a "peek" inside the book. 

Alison Ellen's new book
Published by Crowood Press

"This book encourages you to look beyond ready made knitting patterns and to explore as new the creative potential of this strong textile structure that we are all so familiar with. It looks in minute detail at how stitches can change the character of the knitted fabric, using even the simplest combinations of knit and purl to alter the surface, feel and drape." This quote from the inside cover perfectly describes the first part of Alison's book.

I particularly like the"Comparing Stitches" Chapter where Alison demonstrates how different stitches affect the knitted fabric . She has included a "baseline" sample on each page to clearly show the differences. Understanding how knitting stitches behave at this detailed level is the key to designing and making interesting and original knitwear. 

The chapter on "Shaping" is an excellent resource for exploring 3D form and knitted fabric manipulations. I have had first hand experience of some of the samples in this section as my knitting group, Teresa, Maggie, Sue, Rosemary, Joy, Kim and I, helped to test knit a selection. I am also very proud and absolutely delighted that Alison has included one of my designs in her book. My Points scarf pattern illustrates how increasing and decreasing can create 3D form. Knitted in Debbie Bliss Cashmerino, the scarf looks great worn long or wrapped around to show off the 3D patterning.

Points Scarf by Emma Vining
in Knitting: Stitch-Led Design by Alison Ellen
Photography by Colin Mills

The "Techniques" Chapter includes the information you need to make the gorgeous designs included in the last Chapter, "Projects". Beautifully photographed by Colin Mills. the garments and accessories have clear and informative pattern and yarn notes. The projects range from lovely hats, bags, scarves and small accessories that use the techniques demonstrated earlier in the book, to some of Alison's most beautiful designs, such as her Modular Jackets and my favourite jacket, "Broken Blocks". You can see Alison's design Collection on her website, Alison Ellen Hand Knits.

Looking in detail at Alison's designs in Knitting: Stitch-Led Design, you can really appreciate the clever thought behind each garment, along with the stunning combination of yarn shades she has selected. In each project, the stitch pattern and garment shaping relate really well together. The end result is beautiful garments and accessories that are a pleasure to knit. 

"Written by a passionate and innovative knitter, Knitting-stitch-led design pushes ideas and boundaries to encourage creative thinking and confidence in experimenting. It promotes a different approach to designing and explores how stitches work, always asking the question 'what would happen if....'" This quote from the book cover is spot on and sums up why I find Alison's approach to design so inspiring. I thoroughly recommend this gorgeous book for all the excellent advice and encouragement for knitters to experiment with their knitting.

You can read more about Alison on her website and there is an interesting interview with her on the Knitting & Crochet Guild website too.