Sandra's Designing Blog

This is an exclusive area of my web site where you can find out more about my knitted designs, what inspires me, how I work and what I like (and don't like) to design. 
 
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  1. My visit to Historic Bath

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    Historic Bath, WoW!

    Even though I've visited Bath a few times I always find something new to be amazed by.  This time the visit encompassed a family wedding held inside the Roman Baths and a visit to Victoria Art Gallery to see Toulouse Lautrec's work.

    See the top TEN things to do in Bath

    The visit also let us experiment with photographing the new Verdancy Wrap in the historic setting. 

     

    Outside the Abbey Gates

    Inside the Roman Baths
    Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, a prominent figure in the Post-Impressionist movement, is celebrated for his vibrant use of color and innovative techniques that captured the lively spirit of Parisian nightlife in the late 19th century. His works often depicted scenes from cabarets, theaters, and dance halls, filled with dynamic compositions and bold colors. Toulouse-Lautrec’s mastery in lithography and poster art made his works stand out, showcasing his unique ability to combine bright, contrasting hues with expressive lines to create compelling visual narratives.

    His work is one of a few 19th century artists that I have admired and drawn inspiration from.  I had 6 reproductions of his work framed and on my living room walls when I was in my 20's. Walking into the Victoria Gallery made me smile so much. I had forgotten the feeling his art gave me.

    Influence on Knitting Designers

    Several contemporary knitting designers draw inspiration from Toulouse-Lautrec’s vivid palette and inventive methods, incorporating his artistic essence into their creations. Here are a few notable designers:

    1. Stephen West

    Stephen West is known for his bold use of color and innovative patterns. The "Exploration Station Shawl" features a dynamic interplay of bright colors and geometric shapes, reminiscent of Toulouse-Lautrec’s posters. The vibrant color blocks and varied textures echo Lautrec’s love for bold contrasts and lively compositions, creating a visually striking piece that commands attention.

    2 Kaffe Fassett

    The "Big Flower Jacket" by Kaffe Fassett exemplifies his use of vivid colors and bold patterns. This design features large, vibrant floral motifs set against a contrasting background, inspired by Toulouse-Lautrec’s dynamic use of bright hues and contrasting tones. The intricate colorwork and dramatic visual impact reflect Lautrec's artistic techniques, making the jacket a striking and lively piece that captures the eye.

    3. Andrea Mowry

    Andrea Mowry’s "Find Your Fade Shawl" showcases a beautiful gradient of colors, smoothly transitioning from one shade to another. This technique draws inspiration from Toulouse-Lautrec’s ability to blend colors seamlessly while maintaining a vibrant and engaging visual impact. The shawl’s fluid color shifts and expansive size make it a standout piece, much like Lautrec’s ability to create a lasting impression with his art.

    Conclusion

    Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec’s use of bright and contrasting colors, combined with his innovative techniques, continues to inspire artists and designers across various fields. Knitting designers like Stephen West, Kaffe Fassett, and Andrea Mowry have translated Lautrec’s artistic legacy into their textile creations, using vibrant palettes and dynamic patterns to create pieces that are both visually stunning and richly detailed. Each of these designers, in their unique way, pays homage to Lautrec’s enduring influence on the world of art and design.

    As I've mentioned before, I too was influenced by his work. Check out the 2 designs below.

  2. Get your 5 page guide on "Achieving a Professional finish for your knits"

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    Subscribe for your Free Guide Today! 

     Achieving a Professional Finish for your knits.
    Subscribe to get the Guide Today
    My story:
    As knitters or knitter/designers we don't start off knowing how to make our knits look professional. I took up knitting seriously around 12 years ago and whilst I was practising knitting I sold my knitted accessories on Etsy (I also designed my own so as to avoid any copyright infringements).  I also worked for a company called "Wool and the Gang" who back then employed knitters to knit up their kits so they could sell the creations on line.  I started off knitting the Zion hat a simple stocking stitch hat, knit in the round using chunky yarn, knit up really fast so was a good little earner. But.... I wanted a challenge so moved on to a colourful cowl, This was knit flat, garter stitch with stripes in chunky yarn. Once the cowl was knitted, the cast on edge and the cast off were joined and the side seam joined (the wrong side was then hidden inside the tube) and colourful yarn was woven through the garter stitch stitches.

    Interesting challenge........but I wasn't happy and Wool and the Gang wasn't happy. My chunky seams were totally horrible, so messy and well, chunky.  Within days of receiving them, Wool and the Gang returned them to me and said the seams needing redoing. This was the hardest knitting lesson learnt. I did do as they asked, I couldn't afford not to. They had a tutorial which once I undid all the seams (and the extra weaving)  I followed  and I was amazed! The tutorial is here.
    These are 3 cowls with the seams redone.
    What I'm trying to get across from my story is that as a knitter you don't automatically know how to get that polished look, so you can gift or sell your work or even feel proud to wear it.

    How many of you have finished garments in your stash and they just need seaming?
    How many of you have WIP's and are not happy with the picking up you did round the neckline so you have simply just put it away?

    Well now is your time to rectify that.

    Pick up the guide and see what area you are struggling with, Zoom in on solving that issue, watch the videos and tutorials I suggest and get back to me with successes and failures ( I will follow up on the failures to make sure we have a success!).

    Any of these techniques can be practiced on swatches, so pick up 2 swatches you have and have a go at seaming or picking up stitches. or even blocking!
     
    In this guide, you will find detailed instructions on how to tackle common knitting challenges, tips for perfecting your projects, and recommendations for tools and resources that can support your knitting journey. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced knitter, these tips will help you achieve a polished, professional finish that you can be proud of.