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Welsh Blankets
Laine Books - The Knitted Fabric - Pattern Previews
The Knitted Fabric - Pattern Previews
Dee Hardwicke's The Knitted Fabric takes a completely fresh and unique approach to traditional knitting books. Inspired by nature, the book includes 20 patterns divided into three main sections – Butterflies, Garden City and Homecoming – with patterns ranging from stylish sweaters, hats and scarves with botanical motifs, to beautiful and incredibly versatile projects for the home such as geometric cushion covers and heirloom quilts.
A sample of the patterns in this book are shown below. The Knitted Fabric is part of the Laine Books and Magazines Collection.
Homecoming
Dee says "The projects in this chapter celebrate a return to my original passion for expressing my art through knitting. I've always seen myself as an artist and as an artisan – equally happy working with a paintbrush, paper, clay or yarn – and knitting is where everything comes together for me: art, making, friendship and my love of the landscape.
Homecoming Hat & Gloves (left)
Homecoming Long Cushion (right)
Homecoming Wrap
Garden City
Dee says "I’ve always been very inspired by the creativity, ingenuity and craftsmanship embodied by the Arts & Crafts movement and by the Garden City pioneers in the early twentieth century. My work draws on that heritage and the beauty and wonder of the natural world.
My Garden City motifs began life on a special collection of ceramic tiles and they’re a celebration of the wonderful florals and geometric patterns in nature. The designs are a lovely way of bringing the outside in and – very much in keeping with the Garden City movement – of being able to enjoy a little bit of the natural world whether you live in the city or the countryside."
Garden City Patchwork Quilt (left)
Garden City Wrap (right)
Butterfly
Dee says, "I love the way that butterflies embody the ethereal beauty and fragility of nature. I used to get lost in dreams of fluttering wings and the magic of changing forms. It wasn't until I was working as an artist, and I was commissioned by a biologist to make a series of hand-painted tiles illustrating our local butterflies that my dreamlike love turned into a keenly observed study of these intricately beautiful creatures.
The original watercolours for that butterfly tiles commission have inspired designs for many of my collections and collaborations over the years, including knitwear, textiles, china and stationery. They've now metamorphosed into the designs in this chapter. These include a spectacular butterfly quilt that echoes the evocative shapes, patterns and movement of butterflies and encapsulates my on-going sense of wonder at these spectacular beings. The gentle and steady repeat of the Meadow garment designs is inspired by the flower-filled fields that my son and I spent so many happy hours watching butterflies in during that summer when I was working on my commission."
Butterfly Meadow Cowl Neck Sweater (left)
Butterfly Patchwork Quilt (right)
Meadow Crew Neck Sweater
The Knitted Fabric
Last Update 16th March 2023
