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October 22, 2006
This sea of grey
This sea of grey is the indirect result of my Bad Buying Decision of the Rowan Biggy Print. As soon as I got the wrong yarn home, I immediately knew what I wanted to make, and what the right yarn would be. So on the following weekend I took the bike along to stalwart Bunty at Daniel, one of the last remaining sources of cheap yarn in west London, and bought a bale of grey Sirdar Click. It's going to be something like this:
I saw a cardigan somewhere, a magazine or a shop window, and this is my interpretation. It was the decreasing ribs that caught my eye, and I think it will look just right, and keep the wearer toasty, over a dress for sort of Fitzrovia bohemian look.
It's not gorgeous yarn: it's 70% acrylic, and feels it, but it's the right colour and warm and cheap. Cheap being a particular consideration after forking out for thirty balls of Jaeger EFM chunky for a lavishly cabled cardigan after this Alexander McQueen. His is so beautiful, with the simple cables and braids; I think mine will be a bit more rococo.
Taxider-milinary optional.
Posted by Amelia at October 22, 2006 09:44 PM
Comments
That McQueen cardigan--it's glorious (although I can't say the same for the "taxider-milinary," which is a genius coinage, btw). I can't wait to see your interpretation.
Posted by: Ashley at October 22, 2006 10:45 PM
The new design looks lovely - perfect for Fall walks and keeping the chill off in the winter. I think the choice of a cheaper yarn really is a necessity when you are knitting a knee-length sweater anyways! Plus, it sounds like you can machine wash it with the yarn of choice.
Posted by: Robin at October 22, 2006 10:47 PM
I clicked on the link; the cardigan is very nice, but what is that weird plume(?) attached to her head? That made me laugh out loud.
Posted by: bernie at October 22, 2006 11:02 PM
Beautiful, fluid lines Anna, perfect for wearing over a dress.
An elaborate take on McQueen's cables and braids? How intriguing...
Posted by: NORA at October 23, 2006 12:40 AM
It's so fun to watch you in the designing process. Love the sketch, especially that deep shawl collar and the flared sleeves.
Posted by: erin at October 23, 2006 01:51 AM
Love what you have so far. And the sketch.
Posted by: lorinda at October 23, 2006 02:13 AM
I'll be looking forward to watching this progress. I *love* the sketch!
Posted by: Max at October 23, 2006 02:27 AM
Just a heads up that the McQueen cabled cardigan has just been copied in the newest Vogue, it's shown in blue (not on the online preview).
The sketch looks lovely though!
Posted by: ivete at October 23, 2006 03:02 AM
Your sketch is beautiful. You are very talented indeed!! I can't wait to see the finished garment. Lovely!
Posted by: Jessie at October 23, 2006 03:29 AM
Your design is wonderful are you going to sell the pattern? I just used an inexpensive yarn that I ended up loving. Paton's Classic Merino Wool is about 5 dollars a skein it worked up great in a rib 2 x 6 vest for my daughter. So anyway if you sell your pattern I know what yarn I will use! :) Cheers!
Posted by: gina L at October 23, 2006 04:12 AM
Oh this looks very exciting, just my sort of thing, will be watching with baited breath. Funnily enough I recently bought a short knitted swing style jacket with 3/4 length bell sleeves and a decreasing rib pattern, in grey of course. Your version would be perfect.
Posted by: Rebecca at October 23, 2006 11:35 AM
I love the huge ribbon-like cables on McQueen's cardi. I've not seen any like that before. Great inspiration!
Posted by: Noo at October 23, 2006 11:49 AM
I'm sure you'll design a lovely version of the McQueen cardigan. His is nice; it's a shame that a hawk flew into to the model's head at the same time the picture was taken.
I have a few sweaters I knit from cheap acrylic for working in (yard work, etc.). They're warm and easy to clean, and there's no heartbreak if they get messed up. I think your idea is great: using cheap acrylic like designers use muslim for working out patterns. I look forward to seeing the finished project.
Posted by: Dava at October 23, 2006 12:33 PM
I'd love to make a knitted coat, but know I'd probably never finish it! Both of those look lovely, his cables are super.
Posted by: jen at October 23, 2006 12:34 PM
Wow. I can't wait to see that. The inspiration if gorgeous!
Posted by: Leah at October 23, 2006 03:47 PM
This is going to be beautiful. A big knit though - I am looking forward to seeing it.
Posted by: carol at October 23, 2006 04:48 PM
Oooo! You have some lovely knitting in the works. I look forward to seeing your progress.
Posted by: nikki at October 23, 2006 07:05 PM
I love your sketches, they have such character!
I can't wait to see the finished cardigan (or is it a coat?)
Posted by: Christina at October 24, 2006 12:10 AM
I love Alexander McQueen and all his cably goodness! And you sketch has so much character. Can't wait to see the details.
Posted by: Cookie at October 24, 2006 12:58 AM
I swear I didn't read what Christina wrote before me! Or maybe I did and my comments are easily influenced by others. Hrm.
Posted by: Cookie at October 24, 2006 12:59 AM
love reading blogs. always learn something new. thanks for fitzrovia! my brit lit and history knowledge is sparse.
Posted by: bekka at October 24, 2006 06:54 PM
I heart your sketch!
Can't wait to see how the real thing turns out =)
Posted by: kuka at October 25, 2006 01:48 AM
The McQueen cardigans are gorgeous! Have you seen this "convertible" version? V. cool
http://iamfashion.blogspot.com/2006/10/fw06-fashion-trend-grey-cardigans.html
Posted by: Liz at October 25, 2006 03:28 AM
Your sketch is *very* promising (another thing I really, really have NO talent whatsoever for - drawing...), your idea of the rococo cardi even more so. Personally, I would do anything for being the right shape to wear these cardis, polywhatever or not. Am getting there, though. I hope.
Viv
x
Posted by: Viv at October 25, 2006 09:54 AM
Hello,
The Alexander McQueen eerily resembles a design featured in Vogue Knitting Holiday 2006. (I ventured to Chicago recently and was surprised-bewildered-mortified to discover the Holiday issue was on the shelves--at least in Chicago, it is).
Let me know what you think.
Cheers,
Jaws
Posted by: Jaws at October 25, 2006 12:29 PM
I'm so glad to see you sketching and designing. It warms my heart.
xox, J
P.S. Jaws is dead on with the Holiday Vogue/Alexander McQueen resemblance. It is eerie.
Posted by: Julia at October 25, 2006 07:20 PM
I love your designs! So pretty. Can you contact me to discuss a book proposal I'm looking for an author to work on? I can't find a 'contact' link on your site. Thanks!
Posted by: Ilona at October 26, 2006 10:35 AM
I love the shawl collar, the decreasing ribbing, the belled sleeve. Lovely. Your designs are deliberate and tasteful. I like your style. Do I tell you this at every opportunity I comment? If so, I don't care if I'm sounding repetitive. Your posts bring these thoughts out and they are meant for sharing.
Mr. McQ is remarkable.
Posted by: Miss Twiss at October 26, 2006 05:20 PM
Did you see the new Winter Vogue? They have a pretty close take on the McQueen sweater.
Posted by: melissa at October 26, 2006 09:25 PM
love the alexander mcqueen inspiration! i am sure yours will be just as grand!
Posted by: D R E W at October 26, 2006 09:33 PM