not quite yet…but close. Fall is just a dream here in the high desert.
It’s time to cozy on up and plan out next nine months’ study focus besides holiday knitting. I have nailed down four themes.
ARCHITECTURE: Taking inspiration from architectural and technical design, find new ways to construct garments and accessories. Play with asymmetry, layering, folds, pleats and woven looks. Mix mat and shine, smooth and textured yarns, short row patterning and stripes. Be experimental whilst creating wearable and attractive clothing. Color Sense: Black, granite, stone, vanilla, milky creams, palest yellow, duck egg, and misty blues to forest green.
COLOR BLOCK: Play with scale for uncomplicated construction, covering the body in bold, solid colour. Incorporate cool, contrast trims or modern, graphic motifs with a slight 60s vibe, perhaps. Layer with complimentary colors or shades of the same for single color dressing. Heavier gauges work well in one color, textured patterns, and oversized shapes. Complete with large patch pockets and buttons applying Cat’s latest Sweet Tomato Heel technique. May be belted in finer gauges. Color Sense: Black, mango, peach, mellow yellow, minty greens, magenta, juicy pink, and Caribbean blue.
TAPESTRY: Explore all-over patterning using a mix of solid, semi solid, space-dyed and variegated yarns. Add images of flora and fauna hidden within the intricate curls and swirls of a design. Blur the edges of fair isles using the reverse, wrong side or a mix of right and wrong sides. Large scale, all-over lace looks exquisite in the rich tones of the season. A wonderful theme to play with more hand-dyed and hand-spun yarns. Color Sense: Aged berries, lipstick reds, wine, rose blush, rich purples, antique gold, teal, turquoise, teal, and deep green.
MANOR HOUSE: Traditional English country heritage with modern attitude. The tweeds, herringbones, twinsets and pearls get a make-over whilst maintaining a contemporary edge. Play with scale and color. Mix checks, stripes, fair isles and texture. Embellish with leather trims, pearls, fancy buttons and belts. Color Sense:Black, warm greys, mid blue to navy, camel, leather, rich wood, mustard and ginger. What a challenge this will be for self…one that definitely takes me outside of the comfort zone!
Yes, I do sound a bit ambitious. As Leo Burnett said, “If you reach for the stars, you might not quite get one, but you won’t end up with a handful of mud, either.”
Do you have any fiber plans? How do you go about following them?
Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!
(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…)
