Knitwear designers 101

Google ‘knitwear designers’ and you get thousands of links directing you to mega fashion houses and large retailers. The large brands that pop into your head every day of the week. Not what I really wanted to see.

When I think of knitwear designers, names like Pam Allen, Jared Flood and Olga Buraya-Kefelian come to mind. Knitwear designers that inspire me to pick up my needles, purchase their wonderful patterns, or even get creating my own. Sadly, Google didn’t agree with me.

I’m not-so-secretly waiting for the day when slow fashion really takes over and these become household names not just for knitters. It’s slowly bubbling under the surface. Non-knitters are beginning to see the influence making-your-own is having over our generation, that even ready-to-wear companies are getting on board. Knowing where your fibres have come from, the farm where the sheep were reared, the dyer that dipped the skeins of wool…the list goes on. And whether I buy my yarn or patterns in the UK or across the pond, provenance is increasingly important for me.

The reward I get from taking time over my own clothing and homewares is entirely the reason I knit. And I’ve rounded up the list of knitwear designers who are (for me) synonymous with the slow-fashion movement.

Michelle Wang

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Knitwear faves – 08/09

A lot of exciting things happened this week! WOOL AND THE GANG revealed their awesome team-up with Aurélie Bidermann for their new collection, Woolfolk launched their AW15 collection and Bonnie Sennott announced her latest Neckwear KAL!

The previous knitwear faves was dominated by retailers and their new AW15 collections, but I’m pleased to balance the scales with designer/makers leaping forward this week with their handmade patterns and goodies!

Wool and The Gang and Aurélie Bidermann collection

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Five new patterns – baby knits

Knitwear for mini humans has a special place in my heart. Baby knits often take no time at all, and always look super cute no matter the pattern!

I’ve been trawling the internet looking for the latest inspiration for my next baby knits – ready for when the next one of my lucky friends has a(nother) baby! A mixture of goodies for both boys and girls, with a bonus toy thrown into the mix – enjoy!

The Purl Bee – Super Simple Super Soft Merino Baby Hat (free knitting pattern)

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Knitwear faves – 31/08

Right now, our blog and social media feeds are being filled with up-to-date AW15 knitwear trends. So it’s no wonder that this week’s knitwear faves features some of the most cosy, warming pieces of knitwear. It’s a good mixture of retail and make-your-own this week, so I hope this inspires you to buy or handmake some lovely knits – because these are just heaven! I have a feeling this autumn is going to be a good one.

Free People Split Turtleneck pullover - Shortrounds Knitwear
Image source: Free People

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Knitwear faves from this week – 03/08

Just a quick update from me today! I just thought I’d share a few links featuring knitwear that’s inspired me this week. I’ll either be buying something very much like this, or I’ll be on the hunt for patterns to make my own!

We’ll soon be moving into that lovely season that is Autumn and I can’t wait to swamp myself up in oversized jumpers and subject myself on the daily to ‘hat hair’ with my favourite knitted bobble hat!

Seen any knitwear that’s peaked your interest this week? Let me know!

x

Knitwear from Tiphaine's Diary - Shortrounds Knitwear
Image source: Tiphaine’s Diary

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