People often ask me where do I get my inspiration. Inspiration comes to me in many shapes and forms. I often find myself inspired by fibers themselves: using different textures, colors, and weights of yarn can create very unexpected results!
Using mohair and silk together is one of my favorite combinations! The sheen of silk and the matte texture of mohair balance each other beautifully. Combining them in a way that uses lace weight and worsted weight yarns gives the piece a very delicate look.
This is the garment that was published in Vogue Knitting Winter 2006/07. I used worsted weight silk/mohair blend together with the lace weight mohair at the neckline. Later I also tried to invert the pattern and use lace weight yarn for the body and worsted weight yarn for the insert. You can see the result below:
In both Luxe Knits and Luxe Knits: The Accessories, I combine different weights, fibers, and colors a lot. One of my favorite pieces is the Shawl Sweater:
Here I combined a variation of different yarns in a fold pattern to give the shawl lightness and drape.
Try the Fold Pattern yourself and be inspired by fibers just like I am:
You will need: Chunky Weight (CW), Sport Weight (SW), & Lace Weight Yarn (LW), and US 11 needles.
Fold Pattern:
With CW using US 11 needles desired amount of sts.
Hint: CO about 25 sts if you want to turn it into a scarf.
Row 1 (WS): Purl.
Row 2: Knit.
Repeat these two rows once more.
Row 5: Purl.
Row 6 (RS): With SW- Slip one stitch pick up a corresponding CO stitch
from behind of work- knit them together- Repeat from * till the end of row.
Space Between the Folds (WS):
With SW work in St St (starting with Purl row) for 6 rows.
Repeat Fold & Space in Between Folds Patterns once more- but pick up corresponding stitches from behind 5 rows below instead of stitches on CO row.
On the third and fourth repeats of the pattern, use LW for Row 6 of the fold & for Space Between the Folds.
If you wish to continue and turn this swatch into a scarf, repeat this pattern till desired length and end with BO on Fold Row 6.
Have fun experimenting! And if you’re interested in learning more about my designs, tell us how you incorporate knitting into your sewing projects for the chance to win your own copy of Luxe Knits, Luxe Knits: The Accessories or the ultimate prize pack of both titles plus your own luxe yarn from ArtYarns to create with! Comments must be posted by 9:30am EST on Friday, April 8th to be eligible.
~Laura
A native Lithuanian, Laura Zukaite moved to the United States when she was 18. After attending Parsons The New School for Design, Laura has been happily pursuing her career as a sweater designer in New York City. Laura is the author of two books—Luxe Knits and Luxe Knits: The Accessories—that feature her designs made with exceptional yarns and convey her design philosophy.
Also, don’t forget to try your hand at Laura’s Smocking Legwarmers project to whip up your own luxury knitwear!
Apr 15, 2011, 01.17 AMby floatingpie
Crocheted collar on a sewn top.
Apr 7, 2011, 10.06 AMby leeloe
I love knitting.. I started to knit when I was little by watching my mother while she was knitting and playing with her knitting needles :) .. so one day she decided to teach me how to make scarfs and little sweaters for my dolls.. today I knit everything that I can think of.. i cant imagine myself not to knit!
Apr 7, 2011, 02.02 AMby shadkitty
Oh I love Luxe Knits! Knitting is my truest passion and I like to use it to make lovely edgings and accessories to accent my knits. Though I feel more like I incorporate sewing into my knitting. :) I have made several items from Knitting Lingerie Style by Joan McGowan-Michael, and many of the patterns involve sewing to create a perfect fit.
Apr 7, 2011, 12.50 AMby Kae33
I felt my own knitting, especially to make sewn jackets and bags.
Apr 6, 2011, 10.07 PMby curbcheck
I just started knitting and am already in love and ready to make a sweaterdress! Okay, I know , I know, I need to slow down a bit…I have been pursuaded to start with a simple tank but as soon I finish with that, well onward and upward, I say! Would love to have a copy of this book to drool over…
Apr 6, 2011, 07.33 PMby bussey
I loved knitting when I was younger, more recently I got entangled in sewing and refashioning thrift store numbers… fancy refashioning a man’s (or woman’s large) suit and using thin scraps (blended with different, matching yarns) to knit a simple top…
Apr 6, 2011, 04.12 PMby smgt
I like knitting and crocheting, but have never put them together with sewing~ I’d like to make a sundress with crocheted areas. Thanks for the inspiration!
Apr 6, 2011, 09.24 AMby knithexe
beautiful knits, so femini!
Apr 6, 2011, 08.59 AMby j-wo
Beautiful knits. Rare to see books that approach knitting in a way that feels contemporary.
Apr 6, 2011, 07.07 AMby kmtwriter
I love the shawl sweater. I was planning on making a wrap cardi with some rayon/spandex jersey. I think it would be great to incorporate this shawl pattern into the collar of the cardi. Now I just have to figure out how to do it. :)
Apr 6, 2011, 06.46 AMby gionce15
Frankly, I forgot to knit. I was doing this when I was younger, but due to the passage of time, I know only the basics. I would love to start to knit again, and also to teach my kids.
Apr 6, 2011, 06.10 AMby pinkrebunny
I knit and sew separately and have yet to put the two together but hey I want to give that a try, to combine two crafts I enjoy :)
Apr 6, 2011, 05.43 AMby dimoni
Since I re-learned how to knit in winter 2009 there is no stopping me. As for the combination of sewing and knitting I have so far knitted some cuffs with thumbs and added them to a warm fleece-jacket. It is a wonderful “just stay home today and knjit”-garment that I wear extensively. Just now I’m knitting on the shawl with the fold pattern from the “shawl-cardigan” in “Luxe Knits” which I want to add to a sewn jersey-jacket later. I love the luxe knits book and would certainly love the accessories as well ;)
Apr 6, 2011, 03.49 AMby borderlizzie
I haven’t knitted in years! But I would love to get back into it and try some of the beautiful ideas in this book.
Apr 6, 2011, 03.09 AMby kgrdnr
I am just learning how to knit so I would love to incorporate knitting into my sewing! My mom is great at knitting, so I’m sure she would love this as well, it looks very pretty!
Apr 6, 2011, 02.24 AMby 1234greta
These patterns are gorgeous and very original! I would love to win a copy of the books. I have experimented with crochet edges on clothes I have sewn for my daughter. Crochet is not as elastic as knitting, so I thought I would try knitting instead. I am knitting cuffs on pants. I have sewn a row of stitches to the edge and then picked up the stitches with knitting needles. So far it’s looking a bit bulky. I may just start again in a lighter weight yarn.
Apr 6, 2011, 02.11 AMby merengueknitter
I love the idea of combining knitting and sewing. I already do both and would like to increase my skills – these books would be great!
Apr 6, 2011, 01.22 AMby rxxanne
Can’t wait.
Apr 6, 2011, 12.33 AMby kyrielle
This looks like a really cool book. I would love to win it!
Apr 5, 2011, 11.39 PMby fionaedge
love to get more creative, felting, knitting, sewing and toss them all together
Apr 5, 2011, 11.38 PMby fionaedge
All I’ve been brave enough is a knitted and sewn cushion cover. This winter I want to branch out and explore
Apr 5, 2011, 11.08 PMby achyvi
That book looks SO COOL. I am going to find it at the store next time I’m in town, even if I can only just look at the pictures.
Apr 5, 2011, 10.32 PMby conniereed
I have not as yet combined sewing and knitting but am able to do both and have sewn with knits. I am open for a challenge and would love to try.
Apr 5, 2011, 10.25 PMby ipires
I have not yet tried to combine sewing and knitting but would love to try to! I guess the closest I’ve been is to sew pieces of knitted projects together but I think that is not what is asked here… ;) I love mixed textures in sewing so it sounds like a great idea :) I would love to try some of the projects from these books, I LOVE the lacy look in large practical everyday garments…
Apr 5, 2011, 10.03 PMby jemmahorsley
I have always sewn and have recently discovered a passion and talent for knitting. I have been incorporating the idea of combining sewing with hand knitting for my bag designs. It looks great, adds something special to the bags and saves time. I can’t wait to get my hands on Laura Zukaites books a learn some new techniques. Laura is an incredible designer and a genius with fibres. I’m in love with the idea of combining different yarn weights it looks great. I feel a new design coming together, can’t wait to get experimenting.
Apr 5, 2011, 09.39 PMby mimistuddy
I am really inspired by these photos and am anxious to try a small project. I have added knitted cuffs and collars to garments but never to this effect.
Apr 5, 2011, 09.27 PMby nicaban
Wow! Your work is amazing! I love the way you mix the chunky knits with the delicate ones. Thanks for your work!
Apr 5, 2011, 09.05 PMby sherris
So pretty! I’ve never combined the two but am inspired now to try it! These are really lovely designs. Thanks for the giveaway!
Apr 5, 2011, 08.57 PMby catherine6707
Wow, I have been surfing on the net for the last few weeks. Your designs are next to none.
Apr 5, 2011, 07.57 PMby kelseamac
I love the drape-i-ness of the sweater/shawl! I will need to pick up the pattern. Knitting is my favorite “take-along” craft. I always keep a pair of needles and some yarn in my over sized, self-made purse!