Our Yin Yang Legacy

Two seasons ago we published a collection of knitting patterns in our Booklet #262 Yin & Yang. It was a runaway best seller and is now in its 3rd printing. Norah and I were so taken with pieces that we saw in our travels abroad, in magazines and on the internet, we were inspired to create easy-to-knit, easy-to-wear items that were a step beyond the traditional construction and shaping of classical pattern pieces. We quickly determined what pieces would be very flattering to all sizes and appeal to a broad range of age and taste levels. The draping of fabrics on our dress form was our departure point. The turning upside-down or inside-out of silhouettes inspired us to construct and deconstruct with minds open to asymmetry. With a simple approach to styling and a choice of our best classic yarns, we created pieces that we believed would transcend the seasonal divide.

This week, our two free patterns are good fashion choices for fall. They are certainly related to the design aesthetic behind our Yin & Yang booklet. We chose Pure®Merino Heather for these 2 sweaters because of the fine stitch definition and heathery modernity of this yarn.

Montparnasse, a swingy cardigan, is knit in charcoal grey Dusk 8618, Pure®Merino Heather. Constructed of plane geometry, itās assembled with inside-out seaming and can be worn fastened with a pin as shown or wear it open over those multiple layers of greys that are so on trend this fall. To see how this silhouette evolved, have a look at what we have done before, Sanpoku and Wakame.

Pasandra was inspired by a unique piece that we spotted in Florence. It is cleverly constructed of textural geometric shapes - patchwork triangles and rectangles - that are knit in simple rib, garter and stockinette stitches. The underlying structure of symmetry is offset by a uniquely random placement of patterns, reminiscent of a sea turtle's shell or a space warrior's armor. Fastened or not, this modern take on a cardigan looks perfectly sophisticated and thoroughly modern. We tried the garment on several women in our office. It looked great on each of them even though their tastes and sizes varied. The Pesto Genovese 8611 shade looks good with the browns that are so prevalent right now.

Sharon from cyberspace wrote: "Love your newsletter and website! For Norah and Margery, I have a question that has haunted me for years. How do patterns get their names and who has the task of naming them?   Thanks!"

Sharon, thanks for your compliments. In answer to your question, it is usually my job to name garments and colors. I have been doing this for so many years but with the internet, I am never at a loss for inspiration. I find myself referring to art, geography, street names, other cultures and so much more. Lately, to keep things organized, we have decided to name printed patterns with names that begin with the same letter as the yarn used. With the thousands of garments on our website, you can locate a garment by name using our search box on our home page. You can also locate a garment by going to our pattern library page.

All the best,