Saturday, August 25, 2007

Neptune and Zena are here!

Ooooh--the SKIF patterns have arrived! They're a fun read, I won't spoil it everyone by posting too much information.


And what are those envelopes?

The Neptune pattern includes three industrial-style metal buttons, a tiny metal SKIF tag, and some stiff waxed cord for making the button closures. The pattern is started at the bottom front edge and worked to the bottom back (sleeves are worked separately).


The Zena pattern includes the SKIF tag and an industrial found object that you can flip over and attach to your finished sweater. Zena is worked similarly to Neptune, from the bottom front to the bottom of the back (although not continuously).

The patterns are very graphic; simple, but with a twist. They are designed for a worsted gauge (US8 needles), however, the knitter is encouraged to get the gauge by combining multiple strands of linen, silk, cotton, or merino. The ethos of SKIF appears to encompass playfulness, discovery, and utility.

Now, I want to see the other two patterns.
On to the swatches!

(Cross-posted at Knitopolis)

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Welcome to the SKIF KAL

Do you love the free form sweater designs of SKIF International? Well, SKIF has published 4 new patterns for knitters that utilize the same urban minimalist sensibilities as their ready made lines.

These patterns have a raw, organic quality that calls out for textured, natural fibers, such as those produced by Habu Textiles. Edit: Or how about "found" or recycled fibers?

Let's consider this a proving ground for these SKIF designs and see where we can go.