Fall 2012: Fashion and Knitwear

I know it's still a bit early, but with all the buzz about Fashion Week in September, I'm starting to get excited about the fall months ahead.  Even though it's still pretty hot and sticky here in NYC, I'm dreaming of crisp fall mornings and cozy knits to wrap myself in.  As I was browsing through the collections from last Fashion Week, I was inspired by all the wonderful fashion knitwear that I was seeing.  Take a peek at some of my favorite looks below!

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Tell me: Are you still in summer mode or are you ready for Fall to arrive?

By Nnenna of star-crossed smile

Today Is Make a Hat Day!

Today is make a hat day! If you have any experience with knitting or crocheting, you can find many resources online for patterns, such as Knitting Central's extensive list seen here.

If you've always wanted to learn how to knit or crochet, but dont know where to begin, youtube is a great resource. Give it a try!

Want something unique for your new hat-making venture? Check out Etsy's supplies section for handspun yarn.

However, if it's all too much for you and you'd rather leave it to others, The NewNew team has some great options...

This brown and caramel beanie from Harlempurls with bow detail is perfect for your child's wardrobe.

Knitting Guru lovingly named this vintage chenille hat, Autumn in New York.And if any babies are in the picture (or coming into it!), NY Crochet has many great choices including custom baby hats.-Michelle / Dirty Loves Clean

how to knit cable

When I see knitted goods with cable pattern, I automatically feel warm & fuzzy inside. Or think about drinking heavily because it reminds me of St Patty's Day in Rockaway. Anyway it looks like it will keep you warm in the cold winter months. I was however, scared to learn. I thought I couldn't handle it. About a month ago we were in VT, perfect setting to try. And surprise! I didn't need a magical elf or a pint of Guiness! So here is a how to, this is just directions to get you going . It's a swatch of cable so you can test out your skillzz before applying to an actual pattern.

Since it's just practice, all you'll need are:

*any size needles you like (but a size close the your cable needles would be best)

*yarn

*cable needles

Cast on 18 stiches. Row 1: purl 6, knit 6, purl 6. Row 2: knit the knits and purl the purls.

Row 3 is where you will learn to cross the stiches over. Purl 6, take the next 3 stitches and slip them onto a cable needle.

Let the cable needle slouch away from your work and knit the next 3 stitches with your regular needles. Be sure to pull that first stitch tight, don't be afraid to finagle things.
Then knit the 3 stitches that are on the cable needle, pull tight, don't forget to finagle.

YAY!!! That's all it takes! So now you'll think of it like this: the pattern is 6 rows long so for rows 4,5 & 6 you will knit the knits & purl the purls. *Don't forget to keep track of rows on paper.

After the 6th row you start over: rows 1 & 2 you knit the knits and purl the purls and row 3 is where you cross over to the dark side - oops I mean cross over the stitches. Too much Star Wars. Do this as long as you like, I find knitting to be so relaxing..........