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.
