The whirlwind of September in the Fashion world is not just about the thick September issues of mags, the yummy new looks in the stores or back to school. Designers are already unleashing Spring 2011 to editors, retailers, bloggers, designers in the gruelling fashion weeks of New York, London, Milan and Paris. It all begins in New York and follows in the order aforementioned, ending the big splash in Paris.


Michael Kors is soon becoming a favourite of mine. His Fall 2010 collection is the best in my humble opinion, followed by an equally bang-on-hitting Spring 2011. 


Here's a peek at the big trends (sometimes mixing with other trends I have in parentheses). I'll do four today and more tomorrow:

Nobody does it better...

The fashion world has lost one of the most imaginative visionaries of recent times. There is a definite "other worldliness" to McQueen's designs that stirs the innovative juices. Sad that someone so unique struggled within himself. I, for one of millions, will miss seeing what's going on from his mind to the runway. 


Here's my little tribute: some favs...

This is the dress that had me hooked on Alexander McQueen and the brilliant show (see below on YouTube)

I love this stuff.

Buy the book:
@ Amazon

After a frustrating go at my cowl with the wrong yarn, I trod down to Linda's Craftique, my LYS and discovered the lovely Swedish "ull", Eco Wool. It knits up beautifully. I must have had the Canadian House & Home bowls (last post) in my head when I chose the colour (it's the one sitting on top in the photo below). It has a nice milky effect.

I'm just knitting up the sample now and will post the whole design process with pattern soon!

One of my all-time favourite design mags is our hometown Canadian House & Home. In next month's issue (Oct) is an article on knitted felted bowl. So easy to make and they look fabulous and very au currant!

I love the whimsy put into some designs. Kids patterns are great for this. Fun for the designer, the knitter and the wearer. Take a look at the tea cozy I adore and will definitely knit my own version. Get your Nicky Epstein books out! Click on photos for links on all but the first.

Not sure where I found this pic, other than I named it CH&I as a reference to remember. Beats me what the heck I was talking about! All I can say is that Patons makes a very similar one here (free pattern):

How adorable are these??? I would have to go for the sheep, myself, for obvious reasons.

And I couldn't leave out the Queen of tea cozies: Loani Prior...

And I thought I had seen it all for designing knitwear!

Wow! Did everyone get thoroughly soaked these past few days? After 4 days of torrential downpours courtesy of Earl in cottage country, I called it quits and headed back to the city. We went from jumping in the lake to cool off from 40 degree C weather and sweaty beds to lighting a fire in the woodstove, wearing winter jackets for wet walks down the lane and checking the window for blue patches in the sky (none to be seen for 4 days). Not to mention I had forgotten my knitting at home!!! All that knitting time wasted! AGH!

So, here I am at home, drowning in laundry and likely to fold while watching a midday movie. I thought I would catch up on blogging first and introduce you to some favourites over the next few days.

Yvonne Eijkenduijn's Yvestown blog is  a regular blog I visit. I love her fresh and colorful aesthetic. Somewhat Cath Kidston but softer. I love the punch of colour against white. The crochet pillow above is what first caught my attention to this Belgian Blog.

I am busy crocheting booties and swatching new designs, so forgive me for lack of posts. I thought I'd share this lovely photo with you.

PS. Eat Pray Love (movie) is every bit as delightful and delicious as the book!

This is bang for your buck knitting! I am so excited about this pattern. I can't wait to wear it this Winter! I sooooo wish I had another made in Brown. THAT would look fabulous with a new Camel coat (which, by the way, is on my wish list). Call me crazy - I do get psyched for Fall. I love it. So maybe the brown one can be a KAL???

Back to Brecon.

So here is my intro on the actual pattern:

The Brecon Beacons is one of 3 National Parks in Wales. While living in the area, we used to walk these beautiful hills and paddle leisurely on Llangorse Lake then hit the pub for a Sunday Ploughman’s lunch. The Brecon scarf evokes the green and splendor of the beacons with added whimsy. There are 5 versions you can make. 


Brecon is a

1. Scarf
2. Shawl
3. Hooded Scarf
4. Cowl/Snood
5. Shrug

I so love this pattern. Alina, thank you and your daughter for saving it's life! Why didn't I see it in the beginning? It almost got put on the back burner. I'm so glad it didn't. It's time is now!