I spent this past month in the picturesque mountains of Aspen, Colorado visiting my dad and little brother. The cool mountain air was a much appreciated respite from the humidity of Virginia; it was nice not having wool stick to my hands for a change. In between hiking, meals with friends and family, and building a new website for my dad's vintage bicycle business, I had a photo shoot for one of my new menswear designs.
The Hunter Creek Pullover incorporates two incredibly simple, but visually appealing textures- moss stitch and ribbing- into a refined men's sweater. Knit with a super soft 100% merino wool, Hunter Creek is perfect for transitioning into fall and the colder winter weather ahead.
Our photo shoot took place at the Hunter Creek ghost town, a nice day hike with a trailhead within walking distance from town. In addition to my little brother, my other model was Wesley, a Samoyed dog. In between photos, Wesley entertained himself (and us) by hopping through the tall grass after grasshoppers.
I usually share a soundtrack of the music I listened to while knitting and designing my garment, but this time I wanted to change it up and have a guest DJ. My little brother, Michael (my ever so patient model), was kind enough to put together some sweet beats for you to enjoy. This soundtrack reminds me of the time I spent with him this past month. It's always hard to leave Colorado; I may have to make the move out west one of these days.
I'm excited to announce that two more of my designs were featured in Interweave Knits, Spring 2013. Introducing, Matins Dress and Eva's Blouse. Music is an integral part of my design process and I wanted to share with you the music behind these Spring designs. I hope you enjoy these songs as much as I do (don't be afraid to get up and dance- it'll make your day better!). And while you're listening to these samples read about the inspiration behind Matins Dress and Eva's Blouse.
When sketching Matins Dress I had Titania from A Midsummer’s Night Dream in mind. I really like the ethereal, ultra-feminine, and delicate aesthetic of this dress. I would wear this day or night with a pair of espadrilles or cowboy boots and a jean jacket.
Matins Dress features a close-fitting bodice with a cascading lace tiered skirt. Each lace tier is knit with a progressively larger lace pattern and a progressively darker shade of the same color to give the dress an ombre look. The sleeveless dress shell incorporates waist shaping, a deep scoop neck, and finishing around the armholes and neck edge. Lace tiers are knit separately and then are gathered and attached to the shell. To maintain elasticity the waist band around the top tier includes a back closure. Sized for small, medium, large, 1X and 2X.
Eva's Blouse features a vintage sweater girl silhouette with a high waist and cap sleeves. The ribbing at the waist gives the garment a feminine shape and the diagonal lace top with a button feature at the back neck makes this sweater eye catching. I wear a lot of high waisted a-line skirts and wanted a summer sweater that would work with this look. I love how it turned out and can't wait to get my sample back so I can wear it on my summer travels.
