Shroyer - Best of Knitscene; The : a Collection of Simple, Stylish, and Spirited Knits

byKATE SONNICK

I DONT KNOW about you, but whenever I spy a super-chic knitwear design in a fashion magazine, my first thought is, I could knit that. Ive fondled $3,000 cable-knit handbags in Bergdorfs while muttering to myself, I could knit that. My favorite fashion blogs gush over slouchy berets and chunky snoods, and I smile to myself and say, I could knit those. Ive drooled over the pom-pommed thigh-highs at Alexander McQueen, the braided headbands at Prada, the punk-rock fishnets at Rodarte, and the oversized boyfriend sweaters at Stella McCartney. Guess what, guys? I could knit those.

I wont deny that knitting is about utility and craft and yarny, tactile goodness. But more than that, its a way to rock the latest runway looks without having to drain my bank account. Its a way to be creative. To express my personal style. And even if I dont end up knitting those couture masterpieces, Im endlessly amazed and inspired by them.

The great thing about Knitscene is that you can find the elements of style on every page. With designs that are as fashion-forward as they are fast and simple to knit. And, to my mind, the best part of Knitscene is that so many of the designs can be easily adapted and styled to reflect the latest fashion trend.

To show you what I mean, lets take a look at three design techniques. While each is part of a time-honored handknit tradition, each has also been a fixture on the catwalks over the past few seasons. Not to mention an integral part of an enlightened ensemble on celebrities and trendsetters from Soho to Hollywood.

Want to know where these techniques came from, what gives them their sartorial staying power, and how to style them in a fresh way? The knitwear designs that emerge from each of these timeless techniques are just the beginning. Because its not just what or how you knit, its how you wear what you knit to express your unique style. I hope youll be inspired to cast on more than one of these Best of Knitscene designs. And while youre at it, to create a truly of-the-moment look that becomes a Best Of in your own wardrobe. Just dont be surprised if you hear one of your BFFs mumbling, I could knit that.

) shows off rope cables beautifully.

TODD NAKASHIMA

Let me make one thing perfectly clear. The term Cowichan is reserved for sweaters handknitted by native Canadian Northwest Coast Salish tribes. Everything else is just a Cowichan wannabe. But you cant blame a cardigan for wishing it were one of these works of folk art.

The Canadian winter style staple is as charmingly ironic as it is stylishly iconic. Katherine Hepburn cozied up in one. It was the star of Starsky & Hutch. And, The Dude from The Big Lebowski abided in one.

Genuine Cowichan sweaters are knitted from undyed, handspun wool and boast patterns inspired by Western Canadas flora and fauna. Authentic designs are still being produced in limited quantities today. But, knitter beware: just because a sweater has a deer or snowflake motif doesnt mean its the real McCoy. Check for a label that says its handknit by members of the Cowichan tribe.