Orchis by Louisa Harding

Orchis

Knitting
January 2005
Bulky (7 wpi) ?
12 stitches and 16 rows = 4 inches
in stocking stitch using 8mm needles
US 11 - 8.0 mm
7.0 mm
462 - 594 yards (422 - 543 m)
to fit size 32", 34", 36", 38", 40", 42"
English

Summary: a tie-front bolero knitted in Sari Ribbon.

Excerpt from Gathering Roses: The Design Collection Introduction:

This is my first collection of yarns and hand knitted garments that are symbiotic… I put together a series of mood boards, a visual scrap book of ideas that bring together my eclectic mix of inspirations. Postcards of Matisse’s paintings which containing overflowing flower vases and show his vibrant use of colour and interest in textiles, floral fabrics from vintage kimonos, glitter and sparkle, influenced by my love of Indian costume and culture, delicately beautiful blooms and tear sheets taken from fashion magazines. The yarns and hand knitted garments are a result of these inspirations. Petal-like shiny ribbon yarns are complimented by soft angoras and mohair, a ‘Nature inspired’ collaboration of textures and colours. The softness of foliage inspires the suede-like textured yarn and the softest cashmere mix yarn in gentle shades envelopes the senses like fading perfume.

With yarns this beautiful I needed to use only the most delicate of stitches and simplest construction to evolve and create a harmonious collection of hand knit garments, to knit together the different elements as nature does. I hope you enjoy, and are inspired by ‘Gathering Roses’, my first collection of yarns and garment designs to hand knit.