Knit up your very own label

Press, 13 May 1987, Page 16

Knit up your very own label

Winter sees the return of old favourites like twinsets, aran and Fair Isle knits and the ’6os revival of geometric patterns and colour contrasts. Handknits, classic cardigans, pullovers, and jackets are enlivened by new patterns and fun details. Hoods and broad shoulders are characteristic. Big sweaters take to bold colours and rich patterns with vivid graphics, diamond patterns, and Nordic motifs. Classic, double breasted cardigans top everything from full-skirted dresses and long flounced skirts to slim skirts and pants, while cropped cardigans are featured over long, skinny jersey dresses. Extended ribbing on long tunic sweaters hugs the waist and hips for a newer, shapely look. The bodysuit, whether turtle or scoop neck can be worn under almost any handknit sweater. , '' For late day and evening knits shimmer and shine. It’s fun to combine metallic yams for extra dazzle. Also important in hand knitting yarns are the elegant shimmering, silken looks. Combinations are the most exciting new colours for winter. Grey with black or navy is hot. Though brown is not usually a popular choice among re- • tailers, this season it appears as rust, camel, cinnamon, mustard, chutney and khaki, combined with red or black, even .i mustard. The rich colours of the tapestry periods — moss, hunting green, navy, ? brick, bottle green, taupe, mustard, burgundy and grape — team well in tweed effects, or layered in collars, contrast belts, and motifs. For softer, more classical hues midearth colours of soft grey, cream, taupe,

pewter, grey-green and dusky shades of green and blue look; beautiful with English tweeds, and make up well in aran and cabled styles. If you love colour this is the season to ' mix it using pop art colours in clean i brights through to cartoon Shades of apricot, lemon, lilac and lime. -Hand knitters can create “one only s” for themselves. : A designer hand knit you can cost $4OO to $6OO. You can make one for a fraction of the price. Every knitting pattern is coloured, but why not take i the courage, and create your own ■ colours? ■ k ; Before purchasing your yarn try : taking several balls and placing them > together, then subtract the shades that 1 spoil the design effect. Tone-dn-tone is > safe, but if you are after a stunning, casual effect you can follow the lead of i the Italian designers who go for stand- : out, tasteful effects. ' This also applies to sew-on acces- ‘ sories. If you have picked your colours and want another dimension to jour f sweater, try sewing oh mini, toys, bells, rings and things, crazy buttons. Even high fashion looks in silky yarns, a polished look with some pearls sewn here and there, or some satin detailing. t Denim deserves fun knitwear. The : i patterns borrowed from the American ; Indian tribes are ideal. They look j wonderful in blue, rust, white, red and j black. 4.When planning your winter wardrobe ■ don’t forget mohair and other \fluffy ! effects — they don’t have to be heavy t but fluffy styles.always look best in big baggy knits. " :l b.