Knitting - Make Your Own Style

Welcome to KnittingBrain.com. We're here to keep you up to date with the latest in the world of knitting. Everything from gorgeous new knitting yarns to the latest knitting books. Our aim is to review knitting products and knitting books, share tips and ideas for making your knitting progress more smoothly, help you with your yarn substitutions and to generally share our love of knitting.

Try our knitter's personality test and find out what your strengths and weaknesses are, plus get tips for branching out based on your personality profile.

There is a cautionary tale about things that will eat woolens and other animal fibres, complete with pictures of what to look out for, see our knitwear care section for more details.

Spring/Summer 2009 Knitwear Fashion Trends

Wild West Style

There is a definite wild west vibe on the high street. Cowboy styles such as handbags with fringes and rivet details and check shirts abound. Fitted waistcoat style knits are great for layering over a checked shirt.

There are also quite a few patterns inspired by native American designs. This shift towards prints is translating into more knits featuring colourwork.

Feminine

For a more feminine look, there are also plenty of pretty prints and vintage chic. Waist emphasis is on the increase and there are more high waisted trousers and jeans around. Cropped jackets and cardigans will feature strongly. Look out for fine yarns, fitted patterns and feminine styling. Check out the Louisa Harding Nouveau pattern book for inspiration.

A lightweight vintage style cardigan is a good knitting investment and will keep you looking good whatever the summer weather.

Empire Line

There are still plenty of empire line tops and tunics around. Be honest with yourself though, if it makes you look pregnant then add a belt – unless you are pregnant!

Knitting for Winter

If you're looking to start knitting your winter wardrobe then keep an eye out for yoke sweaters and colour work designs, both stranded knitting and intarsia are set to make a splash. If you want Fair Isle style with minimum fuss then stock up on Sirdar Crofter DK, a Fair Isle effect yarn. Forget 80's picture knits, think graphic style designs, Argyle with a modern twist, updated ski jumpers and the like.

Latest Knitting Goodies

If you'd love to design your own knitwear then this could be the book for you. Custom knits by Wendy Bernard has the subtitle 'Unleash your inner designer with top-down and improvisational techniques.' As well as a great mix of over 20 patterns plus ideas on how to alter patterns she also includes instructions on how to design top down garments from scratch.

If you are not familiar with top down knitting (upside down knitting) the basic idea is that you cast on at the neck and knit most of the garment in one piece, allowing you to try the garment on as you go. It also means very little seaming at the end. Included are details for knitting raglans, set in sleeves and yokes.

Summer Yarns

There is a great selection of yarns around for summer.

The range of bamboo yarns is increasing and some are now machine washable such as Sirdar Just Bamboo, a ribbon yarn that knits to DK tension and Sirdar Juicy DK (80% bamboo, 20% cotton). Both have good drape and that slight sheen you get from bamboo.

A great yarn for your vintage style knits is Sublime Baby Cashmere Merino Silk 4 ply. Far too good for babies....

Lenpur DK from Rowan is 75% Lenpur (a fibre made from sustainable wood pulp) and 25% Linen. Both fibres will help keep you cool.