This year I joined a local CSA and have received two large pumpkins, three small pumpkins, and some indian corn among all the produce.  The pumpkins are edible, but I wanted to display them for awhile.  So while I was arranging the pumpkins and corn, I thought to myself that the colors of the indian corn would make a really lovely yarn.  I then realized that many of my knitting projects use those kind of colors.  I popped open the box I keep all my scarves and cowls in and pulled out a few.  I guess I love fall!

I am happy to introduce the third pattern in my Simple Elegance Collection, the Katrina Pullover.  

Recently, I found myself in need of a dressy pullover. It seems like all the blouses and sweaters in stores are oversized and boxy.  I've tried that look, and it is just not flattering on me!  I wanted my sweater to be fitted but with a modest neckline, and with a slightly cropped body to compliment my vintage-style trousers.  Time to take matters into my own hands!  So, the design process began.

I can always count on my dog to sneak into the photos!  

Perfect for pairing with retro wide-leg trousers and high-waisted skirts, the sleek Katrina Pullover will add some vintage drama to your wardrobe. Worked in one piece from the top down, Katrina features a slightly cropped body and flared elbow-length sleeves. Bust darts and a ribbed lower body create a very fitted shape worn with 2-3” of negative ease.

​Until November 5th, receive 25% off the Katrina Pullover when you use coupon code katrina during checkout.

You can find more information on the pattern page.

Makalu, originally published in the Louet Fall Fall 2014 collection, is a classic cabled henley.  Louet chose to style Makalu in a way that I would very likely wear it: with skinny jeans and knee-high boots.

When I think of classic fall styles, I think of denim button-up shirts, corduroy pants, and henley sweaters.  For today's styling post, I decided to pair all three classics together, along with my favorite pair of green suede boots.

I feel like I'm ready to go pick pumpkins and drink cider!

Today I am sharing with you the Lucine Skirt.  I will readily admit that I'm not much of a skirt wearer, and it's mostly because I don't like the feeling of my guts being squished.  There is something about the higher and tighter waistbands that usually make me feel like a stuffed sausage.  That is, until I tried a knit skirt.  I'm surprised that handknit skirts aren't more popular to make.  They are comfortable, elegant, and far easier to knit than a sweater.  

I originally styled Lucine with a short sleeved cable sweater and a fancy pair of heels. 

Lucine naturally clings to the body, and it reminded me of the fitted pencil skirts of the 1940s.  I decided to give Lucine a much more vintage vibe and pair it with textured tights, a soft satin blouse, and wedge heels.

Today we are pairing a cardigan and a pullover, the Irisa Cardigan and the Janesse Pullover.  I think out of all my sweater patterns, these two are the most versatile and will get the most wear.  Both are easy to style, and both can be easily dressed up or down.  

In the original pattern photos for the Irisa Cardigan, I created a very typical outfit for me: fitted tee, jeans and dangly earrings.  The Janesse Pullover photos featured a similar simple styling, with very fitted navy pants and jewelry.

As I mentioned in the previous Fall Fashion post, wearing multiple handknits together can be done successfully when the pieces are chosen carefully.  I think Janesse and Irisa can work together because neither style is too over the top.  Irisa has bold colors but a simple style, and Janesse has subtle details and a very neutral color.

Here I have paired Irisa and Janesse with my favorite pair of skinny jeans and embroidered cowboy boots.  If you are wondering about my funny grin, photoshoots are always much more fun when you have a silly dog that wants to get in on the pictures!

Layers are the name of the game in this next installment of fall fashion.  Today I am featuring Dahshur and the Joselyn Cowl.

In the original pattern photos, I styled Dahshur for warm weather with a pair of linen pants and a bit of exotic gold jewelry.  While it is worked in an alpaca/silk blend yarn, the lacy open fabric of Dahshur is cool to wear.

How to transition Dahshur for fall?  Layers are the key.  Begin with a tissue-weight long sleeved tee in a color that matches one of the variations in the hand-dyed yarn.  Pair with dark skinny jeans and a pair of rugged boots.  

There is a taboo in the knitting community against wearing more than one handknit at a time, but I think it can be done when the pieces are chosen carefully.  In this instance, the golden tone of the Joselyn Cowl matches one of the color variations in the Dahshur yarn, and both are worked in fuzzy alpaca yarns.  When colors and textures aren't competing, the pieces can pair well together.

Today I am sharing with you Sinai, a cardigan originally published in the Louet Fall 2014 collection.  

Louet originally styled Sinai with a fitted tee, skinny jeans, and boots.  This would be my usual go-to styling for sweaters, but Sinai has an unusual construction that creates a more refined look.  With a gentle swing shape, horizontal cables and mixed textures, I think Sinai is more complimentary when paired with a dress.  

I'm a big fan of bright colors and crazy prints, so it wasn't surprising to find that Sinai paired perfectly with a bright orange paisley dress in my closet.  Add on textured tights and my green suede boots, and I'm ready to take my summery dress into cooler weather.  

That cool crispiness is back in the air!  Time to bring out all your handknit sweaters again.  I'm working up a series of blog posts for styling some of my patterns, in particular to show off their versatility and ease of wear.

Today I am sharing with you the Begonia Pullover.  In my original pattern photos I styled Begonia with a pair of lightweight navy trousers, which I lovingly call my pirate puffy pants.  The look was relaxed, casual elegance.

But for cooler weather, I decided to turn Begonia into a vintage look.  The fitted shape and open neckline of Begonia compliments the retro styling of a plaid wool circle skirt, patterned tights, and wedge shoes.