Be true to your style in your knitting

I was in Charleston, South Carolina last week. Beautiful place. Elegant hotels, lovely waterfronts, and shops that feel like they belong to another universe—the kind of shops where brides choose engraved invitations and register for fine china and embroidered linens.  Here is a screenshot of their website.   

Everywhere I looked, women floated by in tiered cotton dresses and bold Gretchen Scott prints. They looked so good, and for a moment I thought, ooh, maybe I need to try that.

Then my inner voice said, “Stop, Ellen. This is not for you.”

That voice was right. Those breezy dresses are not for my body or my personal style, and they are not for where I live. I may be visiting South Carolina, but this is not where I live or how I live.  Despite my Virginia roots, I am not a Southern girl.  

It's so tempting when everyone else is wearing it though, right???  It can take a long time, but it's vital that you know what works for you— for your body, your life, and your personal style. I talk about this all the time because there is nothing more frustrating than knitting something only to find out, after weeks of work, that you don’t love wearing it  

Last week we focused on Rowan Alpaca Sparkle, which fits my love of soft texture and a little glitz. But sparkle is not everyone’s thing, And if you know that already, congratulations. Being true to your personal style is always the most flattering choice.

This week I want to share something completely different. A sweater that is all about quiet confidence and effortless elegance.

Kiki: Effortless Scandinavian Style

If Alpaca Sparkle is the friend who loves a party, Kiki is the one who loves a quiet dinner with friends. Designed by Britt-Marie Brehmer, the same designer who gave us Lova, Kiki captures Scandinavian minimalism. Simple, modern, and refined.

Worked in ITO So Kosho and Sensai held together, Kiki is light, warm, and beautifully soft. Ribbing gives Kiki structure, but the two strands ensure a nice drape. The fabric is so beautiful against your skin!

• Fit notes: slightly cropped and modern. Check your preferred length and see if you want it a bit longer.
• Sleeves: A soft bell that ends at a three-quarter length. If you want less of a bell, or no bell at all, you can do that for sure.
• Fabric: So Kosho gives backbone and body. Sensai adds a soft halo and glow without any sparkle.
• Style: pairs effortlessly with jeans, trousers, or a long skirt. Quiet luxury you can live in.

Get the Kiki Sweater Kit in So Kosho + Sensai

Join the Kiki Knitalong

If this feels like your style, I would love for you to knit it with me. Our Kiki Knitalong begins November 6th and runs through December 18th, giving you plenty of time to finish before the holidays.

• Pace: relaxed and supportive with weekly Friday check-ins for tips and encouragement
• Yarn: ITO So Kosho + Sensai is recommended
• Alternatives: Juniper Moon Rambouillet, Rowan Alpaca Soft DK, or Rowan Kid Classic if you prefer a woolly feel

Sign up for Kiki KAL updates and cast on with us. We will take it slowly and enjoy the process, and you will have a chic, wearable sweater in time for the holidays.

True Style, Your Way

Even though it's a little overwhelming to review and promote everything, I love that we have so many beautiful yarns to choose from. To the non-knitters, they're all the same, but you and I know that each one is very different with its own spin, texture, and palette.  Like knitters, every yarn has its own personality and special kind of beauty so you can choose what feels like you.

If quiet, effortless sophistication is your vibe, cast on for Kiki in So Kosho + Sensai. If shimmer makes your heart sing, you can explore last week’s feature and shop our Alpaca Sparkle kits as well.

Whatever you decide and however you like your garments, you are always welcome here, and I hope to help you make garments that are fun to knit and fabulous to wear.

Warmly,

Ellen