Coats AW 2015 Fashion Show Highlights - With Video

Yes, well.. I guess smart phones certainly are more smart than I'd realised. I've been working a great deal in video with my day job so I'm really thrilled to present to you my very first home filmed and edited video about my favourite subject matter; Autumn/Winter handknitting fashion trends and NEW patterns. *rubs hands together*

Designed by Jennie Atkinson, I'd only ever seen THAT DRESS in white - so what's in the video below was a real surprise!

What a better way to get back into the swing of knitting trends than a trip to the Alexandra Palace Knitting & Stitching Show, making a direct beeline for the Coats fashion show. Below is a very short video, but it contains a few of my total favourites including THAT. DRESS.

Also, excuse the cheesy music!

The models were excellent - not silly skinny which is a real put-off for me and my mum, because we can't tell what garment's really going to work with our body shapes (yes, I took me Mam, she's my personal knitting advisor and comes with me everywhere big knit decisions need to be made).

Although I automatically deflate at the mention of Patons, (as a bit of a yarn snob I feel it's the automatic response to any non-luxury yarn brand) I ought not to. It's an outdated response to a brand that's been given a new lease of life in my eyes. I even designed my Hello Kitty cushion for Woman's Weekly using their plush Merino Aran. A really luxurious yarn.

A photo posted by Woman's Weekly (@womansweekly) on Jun 24, 2015 at 1:54am PDT

I loved the Patons collection bar the super-chunky stuff. The rest was wearable and simple, unfussy.

There was a really fab neckline that popped up on one of the lightly textured men's knits. I just can't decide whether or not the fussy men we all knit for will be comfortable in it. It's definitely younger. But I'm leading towards a yes. And I did feel Patons had shaken it up a bit, it all felt younger. More for Freddie. Not so old-fashioned and outdated.

I'm calling it the 'will he, won't he' neckline. I would!

Following that, the Rowan Yarns collections began and they most certainly didn't disappoint.

The styling was understated with a truly classic, timeless edge to it

I particularly enjoyed the style of the Boho Chic collection from Rowan, it was just so easy-to-wear. I generally like to wear knits I can layer up with other colours and you could do that with nearly all of these. It's  more practical way to wearf handknit fibres which can be overly warm indoors.

If you only buy one book this season, Boho Chic's the one to go for in my opinion. There's something for all ages to wear and make with different yarn sizes and styles, and it's a good spread variety of different techniqes and yarn thicknesses (including knits-in-no-time Brushed Fleece which, looks tacky on the ball but knits to a really luxurious fabric. Don't poo poo it!

 

This sleeveless hoodie is a stylish twist on a classic look

I look to the Autumn Winter Rowan Magazines for two things; texture and colourwork. Nobody does either of those things quite like the body of designers that Rowan yarns work with. Unless you coun't y'know, trad fisherman's knits and all knitwear designers of the 1975-1990 knitting era. Not the same though, was it? Er.... no.

That's why we turn to Rowan.

Note the reverse Fair Isle on the man's knit. Better practice my stranding!

I missed what the main yarn on the ladies' sweater was but I was very pleasantly surprised by the ingenious yarn mixing that was happening in the colourwork section of the show - this was a gentle variegated yarn reminiscent of Rowan Tapestry mixed with a deeper shade. There's also a coat which uses a smooth-textured yarn with a Chenille for the contrast colour. Daring!

The super-chunky knits got away with some bold textures without looking or feeling heavy

I did have a very excellent and enjoyable visit to the fashion show and strongly recommend those of you who weren't as lucky to be there take the time to have a wander around the Rowan website. I'll definitely be pursuing the stripy Kim Hargreaves sweater in the above video
 and amseriously considering getting married in THAT DRESS.

I respect Jennie very much for being bold enough to design something showstopping allbeit a high cost to knit. I can't wait to see anyone who gets around to making one. I've got my Kidsilk Haze to knit my wedding dress - just gotta save up for the beads now!

Freddie x