ConnieLene – KnitDesigner

I have spoken at times of the cloak that I created back in 1992 – very nearly 20 years ago. This cloak has been in exhibitions, it has been tried on by many people, it has been photographed on many people. Sadly it is showing its age.

I am attending the knit retreat “Knitting in Nature beginning tomorrow, and I am taking my “Island” The Great New Zealand cloak with me to show to the other knitters there. Why? Well I am teaching a workshop on Intarsia Knitting and this is one of the best examples I still own of my intarsia creations. I hope that seeing it will still inspire someone of the group to try freeform intarsia knitting after they complete the workshop.

In late 1992 or early 1993 the cloak was in an exhibition at Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand. The judges there decided that it was not suitable to be sold due to the fragile nature of the creation. I think 20 years of display and wearing is not bad for a creation of a fragile nature, using around 90 or so different yarns from wool, mohair to linen and a variety of fancy fibres. I actually think it has done rather well. And I am so glad it was not listed for sale as my family and I have loved it and worn it, as well as exhibited it.

I think “Knitting in Nature” may well be its last journey because it is rather thin and frail in some sections now, and we will store it away gently on our return to New Zealand and hope that we can still bring it from time to time and say “we remember this piece very well” and put it away again.

I am feeling rather sad that this piece that has been such a big part of my life is not going to be worn again BUT that does mean that it is time for another creation.

This is a link to International Fleeces article by Talia, from August 2010 on the “Stansborough Grey Sheep”

It made fascinating reading possibly because I am heading back to New Zealand later this year, possibly because I was born in Denmark and have interest in things Scandinavian, possibly because the wonderful “Lord of the Rings” trilogy which used the yarn for the gorgeous cloaks, or simply this is a great read, good historical information and it is all about fibre.

The history of Stansborough Grey sheep goes all the way back to the Vikings. They are direct descendants of the Goth sheep, one of the breeds of sheep whose wool was used to make the sails for the Viking ships. – that is your taster – go and read the full article via the link.

Thank you International Fleeces

Thank you Stansborough

I have been looking at autumn / fall fashion trends 2011 instead of knitting; and I’m not really feeling like writing a report just because I would rather be knitting, so a list will have to suffice this time.

SO:
Capes are still in – and still my favourite

Frills and flounces – they are also in, I play with frills and flounces sometimes, but not too often.

Poncho – are warm and they also cool – that is why I like Ponchos

Cowls – I am glad that all my cowls are still in

Fur – fun fur and I guess other fur if you have it or want it.

Fingerless gloves – and as you know I love funky fingerless gloves.

Cables –

Split sleeves

See through sections

Obi style belts

AND

and Hot Pink
and Black, Grey, White and Red.

I have a real passion for the cloak and cape. They are elegant garments and can be dressy, sexy or plain comfortable. If they are created with a flowing shape they will move well with the wearer and can be created with a yarn or fabric that suits the personal style of the wearer.

Here in winter of 2010 there is still a fashion trend for the cape, and this gallery contains some of the capes and other creative coverings that I have created.

If you want to buy yourself a cape

If you would like to knit yourself a cape

Examples of my work