- 05/11/2016 - Signatur November 2016 Newsletter 71

Signatur November 2016 Newsletter 71

Sat, 5 Nov 2016

 

Season change Spring, Autumn, Summer, Winter!


It's that time of year - downunder we have a spring in our step and the colours of a new year in our gardens, whilst in the Northern hemisphere, the glorious colours of Autumn.

Wherever one takes inspiration: Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter I like to think I have something for everyone.
Handmade Market Canberra @ EPIC
Sat 10th and Sun 11th Dec 10am to 4pm.


The move to EPIC has been wonderful and the show has expanded to take in even more Australian-made goods from designers and makers.
15% off on www.ozeyarn.com finishes 10th November - don't miss out!
New Show! Design Anarchy 
Melbourne Nov 18th - 20th

 Melbourne's Meat Market in the north of this great southern city means a great location and a great new chance to support local design. I am sure you'll be able to find the absolute perfect Christmas gift! Drop in and take a look.
 
Pattern-only release of 2014 designs

Left & right: Chaffey Jacket. The pattern also has a longer length. Images show the round neck: it can also be knitted with a Vee Neck.

Below :Mitre Shona Jacket, with 2 length options, knitted in a combo of 4 colours. 

Both designs available as knitting kits, if you're tempted I'm happy to supply a free shade card.


Far left: Coco Mohair and Wool Capelet, has about 8 colours but I've also knitted it in 2 colours - one Mohair with a touch of lurex within the mohair: just for a little sparkle!
Left is the Coco Capelet from my book Swing, Swagger, Drape. The base is st-st with the highlight yarn Tonalita being the garter st stripes within the Mitres. Of course this original colour is no longer around, but I still have Autumn and Sunset left in stock
10% off on www.ozeyarn.com
Your own Hero story

I wonder if, like me, you mainly read magazine articles in dentist's and doctor's waiting rooms. I recently found an interview with a department store fashion buyer who talked about Hero pieces for your wardrobe rather than calling them Trend or Classic pieces, which implies they're dated.

Hero conjures up more drama than classic which for me evokes colours like camel or flannel grey, navy (of course) and for the brave, red (or is that my wishful thinking). Style-wise Coco Chanel and Jackie Onassis, which of course shows my age! Has Posh spice stepped into that role?

Is a cream Aran sweater a Hero piece? it is the ultimate 'timeless' piece and at present we're seeing giant Aran-style pieces combined with floaty chiffon skirts and heels. Not so different to seeing a Chanel Jacket combined with jeans and heels or jeans and sneakers. Or take the same piece over a dress and add a clutch. Jackets are 'take you anywhere' pieces: so, yes to Hero pieces! It would be great to do a show-and-tell on Hero pieces. Is a true hero something you buy and still wear years later dressed up or dressed down!
Above right: Combining hand dyed yarn with solids into Mitres

Below: Three shots of the same piece Harlequin Swagger, which is on the front of my book. Below left Mitres knitted in cream wool and mohair. The reason why you see more contrast in the lower half of the coat is that this section is knitted with stripes and garter and st-st, whilst the upper body is all garter stitch. The green image below is from Swing, Swagger, Drape showing a combination of 3 colours. In the Blues is English customer Jean, whose friend photographed her creation, this time knitted completely in cotton!
Right is the Coco Wool and Mohair Jacket (it can be knitted in all wool too), this came before the book and isn't as full as the Harlequin from SSD, which is actually a semi circle.
I am often asked what and who inspires my design work. I have always had pencils and paper, so I guess I was destined to create colour, sequence of patterns and the satisfaction of making something. I went from dress making to handknitting and never really followed a pattern. The family album is testament to this world of creation in which I lived and made my living spaces.
I adore design stores, especially tile shops, which are really exciting at present mixing colour and patterns in a shabby Chic - a 'nothing matters' style - they make it look so easy! 

Talking about easy - if you haven't braved Mitre Knitting yet check out my Youtube video and find out how easy and rewarding and colourful Mitres can be!
 
My snail mail (postage) newsletter featured three designs below.
Stitched Up Jacket. New to Jane's range in 2016, this has some really lovely details, with patch pockets (knitted as part of the front) off-centre back & button-up tail: a fun piece.
Below Left Mitre Shona Jacket. Below Right Split Texture Jacket midi length.
Mitre Shona Jacket has 2 length options and is a 2014 design so the pattern is now available without the yarn, but, we do have a very good deal on www.ozeyarn.com with 15% off until 10th November. If you're an overseas customer you also won't be charged the 10% local Australian tax, which is included in the price displayed.
Split Texture Jacket: If you love knitting texture this is a great piece. I love the short row shaping front and back, with handmade buttons on the back too. The pattern does allow you to knit this without the twisted open sections and also without the short rows. Pattern isn't sold separetly.
A great way to view everything is to click on the top navigation bar A-Z Designs, which will take you through the whole site, and simply click on an image to see the colourways.
15% off on www.ozeyarn.com finishes 10th November - don't miss out!
 If you'd like to discuss anything in this newsletter - or anything at all, please email Jane. Thanks for your support - Laura, Petra, Philippa, and I look forward to seeing you in the knitting circle!
 
  
Signatur Handknits www.sigknit.com