Pattern Previews for Laine 16
Laine 16 features eleven patterns by an international group of designers: Fiona Alice, Rachel Brockman, Dee Hardwicke, Thien-Kieu Lam, Lotta H Löthgren, Rosa Pomar, Yan Qian, Eri Shimizu, Anna Strandberg and Orlane Sucche.
Fiona Alice – Maplewood
For the Maplewood sweater, Fiona Alice’s inspiration began with the combination of yarns: smooth Merino and highly textured bouclé. She kept the design fairly simple to make the texture of the yarn a focal point. Maplewood is a timeless top-down sweater with a split hem and a relaxed fit. The vertical lines on the sides are knitted with two strands of merino yarn held together, which sits nicely on top of the textured bouclé yarn. The hem is finished in vertical and horizontal ribbing.
Yarns: Flette Bulky and Tov by Woolfolk.
Rachel Brockman – Solitaire
In her Solitaire sweater, Rachel Brockman wanted to focus on the foundational stitches of knitting: the knit and the purl. While she loves decorative techniques such as cables, lace and colourwork, there is something special about patterns created with just those two stitches. The sweater is knitted from the bottom up. It has a decorative neck shaping, a faux garter seam and a cosy, folded stockinette collar. Rachel named the sweater after the diamond stitch pattern on the deep, split hem – but also to cherish those solo knitting moments she loves.
Yarn: Seadale by Flying Fibers.
Dee Hardwicke – Reverie
Reverie is an enchanting colourwork blanket worked in a combination of intarsia and stranded knitting. It works both as a home accessory and as a wrap. As the blanket is knitted in individual squares, it’s almost like putting a puzzle together. The blanket was inspired by a particularly cold but beautiful walk when Dee was captivated by the bold forms emerging against the December sky. Reverie is a playful pattern that gives you plenty of scope to be creative with the palette.
Yarn: Tukuwool DK by Tukuwool.
Thien-Kieu Lam – Yumi
Yumi is an asymmetrical triangular shawl that features an arrow motif inspired by the traditional Japanese pattern known as yagasuri or yabane. The pattern is associated with protection and good luck. The scale and texture of the arrow motif give the shawl a dramatic look, but the pattern is easy to remember once established. The motif creates a reversible fabric, with dense texture on one side and a simpler one on the other.
Yarn: Gilliatt by De Rerum Natura.
Lotta H Löthgren – Braided Moss Socks & Sweater
The Braided Moss sweater and matching socks combine traditional Moss Stitch with simple cables. In Swedish, cables are called “braids”, thus the name – inspired by the intricate growth of moss over rocks and old tree stumps. The Braided Moss set shows how the same simple stitches can look very different depending on placement and gauge. Even though the pattern on the socks and sweater are very alike, they each have their own distinct look.
For the sweater Lotta wanted to combine a classic Guernsey with something that felt like home to her. It is both easy to wear and engaging to knit. The socks are worked from the cuff down. Instead of a heel flap and gusset, they have a peasant heel that is worked after the sock is finished.
Yarn: Acadia by The Fibre Co.
Rosa Pomar – Badana
Badana is a classic, super warm cardigan, worked from the top down. It is knitted with yarn of the same name, which comes from one of the most critically endangered Portuguese native sheep breeds, Churra Badana. Its wool was once used for weaving blankets and other textiles, but presently there is almost no demand for it. This pattern was born out of respect for the shepherds who keep this beautiful breed alive. Rosa Pomar chose the Badana yarn in a natural, undyed colour and paired it with a shade of silk mohair that complements it perfectly.
Yarns: Badana by Rosa Pomar and Silk Mohair by Isager.
Yan Qian – Nuage
Nuage is a top-down sweater with slightly puffed sleeves, lace details and an optional ruffled collar. They add a soft romantic touch that makes the pattern unique. Nuage can be easily incorporated into various daily outfits: pair it with wide-leg jeans, a skirt or a dress. It is the perfect combination of “hygge” and chic, influenced by outfits Yan saw during her trips to Europe. The bright colour and the soft yarn combo are just what you need on a grey winter day.
Yarns: Merino Super Sock and Kumo by La Bien Aimée.
Eri Shimizu –Yuki No Hi No
Yuki No Hi No is a cloudlike raglan cardigan worked from the top down. It comes with multiple ways to customise: you can work a regular or cropped length hem and, finally, add some simple embroidery. “Yuki No Hi No” means “on a snowy day”, in Japanese. Eri’s inspiration came from a vision of being in a warm room, looking outside at a quiet snowy landscape, hearing the fire burning in the fireplace. It made her think of a warm but lightweight sweater, knitted in fluffy yarn.
Yarns: Le Gros Silk & Mohair by Biches & Bûches.
Anna Strandberg – Soe
Soe (“warm” in Estonian) is a warm, slightly oversized sweater knitted in thick yarn. Anna Strandberg describes it as “feminine, yet masculine – just like me”. The sweater is worked from the top down and it has a half polo neck and a split hem. The simple-to-learn cable goes all the way from the neckline down to the sleeve ribbing. The body is worked in Stockinette Stitch while the sleeve cables are worked on a Reverse Stockinette Stitch background. This creates a nice contrast.
Yarn: Håndværksgarn by Hjelholts Uldspinderi.
Orlane Sucche – Cameo
Cameo is a cute buttoned waistcoat that combines a lovely texture with mesmerising cables. Orlane Sucche wanted to create a garment that was pretty but also practical for outdoor activities. Cameo is knitted from the bottom up, and the light and airy yarn highlights the textures beautifully. The thin button band gives the garment a delicate look. Use wooden rustic buttons or fancy ones, to add a personal touch to the finished piece.
Yarn: Daylights by Harrisville Designs.