Have any of you been enjoying the release of patterns from Jennifer Beale’s new book? I know I have. The book, Landed, Volume 1: Timeless Lace and Stranded Knitting Patterns for the Adventurous Handknitter, was released as an ebook in May, and every week this summer she has released a pattern for individual purchase as well. The last one showed up in my threads today. Jennifer’s patterns are so creative and interesting, and I was really pleased to see that she was releasing a collection.
Her design work has always featured unusual constructions and a mix of knitting styles and techniques used within the same garment, in contraposition to each other. This collection is marked by the use of fair isle knitting along with lace, combined with architectural details and different directions of stitches and fabrics combined into pleasing wholes.
My favorite is probably Cappahayden, for sheer fun:
It is such a pleasing combination of airy lace and fair isle that plays on the patchwork theme that is so big these days, while doing it with a very modern panache.
For another look entirely, here is Cape Spear:
My first reaction on seeing this one was to wonder “which one is the pattern for – the pullover or the cowl?”. In fact, they are a single garment: a sweater in a dainty lace chevron pattern, with a drapey, voluminous, colour work cowlneck. The more I look at this one, the more I like it. It has a touch of the 1970s about it, without being too 1970s (as someone who lived through the era can attest to).
Sometimes, I am just awed by her tricky constructions, and want to knit them just to be part of the high tech cleverness of her designs. Have a look at the fair isle trim on these pockets, from the design Wabana:
This cardigan not only has the cool pockets and assymetric shape but is combined with a lace stitch pattern on the back. It is a really lovely design.
I’ll finish with one last photo. I could have picked any of them, as they are all fun and unique, but I was very drawn to this coat, Aquaforte, released today:
You can find the collection on Jennifer’s website, here, or on Ravelry here. Make sure you take a look at the amazing skirt, Branch, and the ethereal shawl, Mickeleens Path. The collection is for “the adventurous handknitter” and I don’t think that is overstated. Still, these patterns make me want to take on a knitting challenge.
Are any of you planning to cast on one of these beauties? Have you previously knitted one of her patterns? If so, tell us about it. If not, you can just drool over them with the rest of us.
Drool indeed! And great to see her use of Newfoundland place names as pattern titles, a little bonus for Canadians. Sadly, at my time of life and with my existing stash, I’m unlikely to knit any of these, but I do love them – especially the Colinet cardigan. All so inventive.
Hi Beth, I don’t think I’m likely to knit any of these either (at least not soon), but knitting is also about dreaming and about appreciation for beautiful design. It’s the inventiveness of her work that really appeals to me.
I didn’t know she was releasing a book!! That is awesome – I love her patterns. Haven’t knit any yet – I’m working up to it 🙂
I don’t think the book will be released in paper, but I am not sure about that. Its nice to see her releasing a collection, though, isn’t it?
It really is!
What interesting designs. I can see you knocking out any one of these. Like you, Cape Spear has me coming back for closer inspections. I think I am most taken with her color choices for that one.
It’s interesting, she chooses such lovely colour combinations, but none of them are really in my wheelhouse. I am waiting to see what kinds of colours other knitters use in their projects.
Definitely interesting but I already have 30+ items in my queue!!!
Thanks for alerting me to these wonderful designs, they are very intriguing. My only possible issue, just a personal preference is that the fair isle is worked flat. My favorite is Cappahayden, which would be great to do in a linen/wool blend.. As many have said, I have so many projects going that I don’t know if I would ever make this, but it’s fun to think about.