View the 2023 Holiday Fashion Show!
Click on any photo to enlarge and to launch a slide show. Additional details for each fashion item can be found by scrolling down after the photos.
Fashion Show additional details.
# 1
Plaid skirt, based on the Slip Stitch Intarsia Kilt pattern from Teva Dunham’s book Loop-d-Loop (out of print), modeled and made by Sue Tavaglione in Brown Sheep 100% wool – red, with stripes in 2 shades of grey and golden yellow.
Sue crafted this skirt seamlessly, knitting it from the waist down in one piece. Using a crochet hook, she incorporated vertical lines into the design. The playful and eye-catching loopy fringe at the hem was created by intentionally leaving stitches on the needle. To enhance stability, machine- stitching was applied to the fabric. Ultimately, by removing the needle, Sue achieved the desired effect of leaving behind open loops, adding a distinct touch to the skirt’s overallappearance.
#2
Japanese lace panel sweater designed, modeled and made by Mary Howell in Plymouth Encore, a worsted weight cotton,in Copper colorway.
Mary drew inspiration from Hitomi Shida’s Japanese knitting patterns for her design. To simplify the armhole shaping and avoid intricate decreases, she opted for a central panel that remained constant despite the shaping around the armholes. To complement this, Mary incorporated twisted stitch ribbing at the top and bottom, seamlessly transitioning into the corresponding twisted stitches within the central panels. Adding a touch of ingenuity, she skillfully crafted acenter panel of twisted stitches running along the sleeves, effectively connecting the twisted stitch ribbing to the patterned twisted stitches, creating a cohesive and harmonious design.
# 3
Man’s pullover sweater designed by Sandi Prosser for Knit ‘n Style magazine October 2007, made by Sandy Yayanos, modeled by Louis from La Valle Pro Shop, knit in Berroco Ultra Alpaca 50/50 alpaca/wool in Avocado and Zephyr colorways.
Sandy knitted this turtleneck sweater showcasing two-color cables that accent the front, back, and sleeves. The designincorporates three distinct cable stitches, lending an intricate and handsome appeal to this sweater. Sandy was persuaded into making this stylish sweater for her daughter’ boyfriend.
# 4A
Afghan-size version of Mountain Musings Shawl designed by Lisa K. Ross and modifed by Sandy Levin, made and modeled by Sandy with assistance from Wendy Gaal of Knitters Brewing Co. in KBC Sock-aholic 2 – eight shades ofgold, green, and blue.
Sandy says that modifying the designer’s shawl pattern into an afghan was both a challenging and fun adventure. The original pattern incorporates slip-stitches, lace, eyelets, and elongated stitches, accentuated by frequent color changes.Sandy’s remarkable use of colors showcases the stunning and creative ways in which the various hues are interwoven to enhance the design.
#4 B
Chunky Cardigan designed by Norah Gaughan, from her Sourcebook, made and modeled by Sandy Levin in AlpacaSport and KBC Serene (an alpaca blend fingering) in Granite and Smoke colorways.
To achieve the ‘chunky’ gauge, Sandy combined Knitters Brewing Co. Sock-aholic Serene – a light fingering – inSmoke with Alpaca Sport by Black Wolf Ranch. Multiple cables adorn this cardigan. The gorgeous shawl collar isribbed with short rows. Matching wide ribbed cuffs accent the sleeves. This beautiful cardigan is knitted bottom up in pieces. Sandy used size 9 and 10.5 needles, making this a fast knit.
# 5
Whitecaps sweater designed by Yumiko Alexander, modeled and made by Laura Brubaker in Shibui Knits Reed, 100%linen (flax) in Twilight and Bone colorways.
This unique top is quite simple to make because you only need to know three basic techniques: knit, purl, and slip. Some sections are knit with one strand of yarn, and other sections are knit with two strands of yarn held together. This produces more textures and makes a sturdy body on a lighter see-through fabric.
# 6 Keeping Tabs on You cardigan, designed/made/modeled by Mary Brown in ‘mostly from stash’ fingering in shades of grey and fuchsia.
This short cardigan features a variety of stitches. On the front and on the back, this innovative design features KaffeFassett’s Persian Poppies from Kaffe’s popular Poppy Shawl. The bottom has knitted tabs inspired by Colleen Davis.
# 7
Collen’s intended entry, Bohemian Rhapsody, was left in Virginia by mistake. Instead, this vest, modeled by Colleen’s daughter Sharon Dintaman, is worked in a chevron design with fall colors.
Colleen’s unmistakable expertise shines through her distinctive color schemes and yarn choices, evident in all her designs. Knitting and now crocheting remain integral to Colleen’s life, serving as a source of entertainment and a creative outlet that keeps her mind active. Her dedication to the craft is truly inspiring.
# 8
Secret Forest (an MKAL shawl) designed by Lisa K. Ross, modeled and made by Lupe Smith in LoLo Did It in the colorRwendell with seven mini skeins. The yarn is a fingering-weight of superwash Merino 85/15 merino/nylon.
This stunning and vibrant shawl showcases an impressive array of 14 distinct stitch patterns, including lacework, cable twists, and elongated stitches. Its construction is unique, as it involves the joining of two knitted sections without the need for grafting. To support knitters in mastering these diverse stitch patterns, the designer provided tutorial videos, offering guidance through any unfamiliar techniques in creating this exquisite shawl.
# 9 and 10
Canyon, a long vest designed by Yumiko Alexander and modeled and made by the mother/daughter duo of Marie and Tina Roundsavell in DanDoh Silk +, a silk/cotton blend. The yarn was purchased at the Guild Trunk Show – Marie’s in Pacific, Tina’s in Lava Rock.
The incorporation of a lace pattern within the stockinette stitch is accomplished by using a larger needle size and usinglace-weight yarn. The result is a lighter appearance while maintaining sufficient structure for a longer garment. The fabric gracefully flows as one moves, enhanced by deep hem splits that add a touch of style. Constructed without specific shaping, the vest is knitted seamlessly from the top down. The focal point of this design lies in the V-neck showcased at the back. This pattern offers the flexibility to adjust the vest’s length, allowing for a shorter or longer finished piece based on personal preference.
# 11
Vertical Stair Step Cardigan designed by Barry Klein, modeled and made by Theresa Kotanchek in Lana GrossaColorissimo 2 (a merino extrafine in Jelly Bean Tally) and GGH Volante (50/50 merino/cotton in Black).
Theresa’s vibrant cardigan showcases a slipped-stair-stitch design that she learned from Barry during his Textured Knits workshop at the Guild. To enhance its allure, she ingeniously reversed the main and contrast colors on the garment’s left and right sides.
# 12
Varun pullover sweater designed by Linda Marveng, made by Sue Zois, modeled by her sister Jane, knit in Hikoo by Skacel, Sueño Tweed, 70/30 merino/bamboo in Grandiose Grey.
Varun is an A-line pullover with a cable panel that travels across the front and the back like a sash. Two small cableshighlight the left sleeve while the right sleeve has a cable cuff. The pattern is similar to the sweater that Sue knit for Jane last Christmas. This sweater is for her sister Jane’s twin, Sally – same designer, same yarn in a different shade, and same size.
# 13, 14, and 15
Alpenglow pullover sweaters designed by Andrea Mowry, modeled and made by Angela McNeece, Nicole Simpson, and Sharon Hunt (done as a KAL).
Angela used Magpie Fibers sport weight Dyed in the Skein in Spicy Beaver; Spincycle Dyed in the Wool in Ghost Ranch; and Quince & Co. Chickadee in Pea Coat along with Magpie Fibers Plume in Lil’ Bit Bougie which is a 75/25 cashmere/silk lace weight. Nicole used Spicy Beaver, Lil’ Bit Bougie, and Midnight Train to Georgia. Sharon used Dyed in the Skein in Selkie; Dyed in the Wool in Burning Sensation; and Plume in Ashe.
The sweater is made top down, with stranded colorwork followed by mosaic knitting and finished with a corrugated ribbed hem. Angela says it took her twice as long to complete, but she loves the fit and learned to just enjoy the process.
Nicole changed the design on the bottom hem, to match the sleeves. Sharon says they started this KAL in the heat of August. They are now delighted that our San Diego weather has cooled and they can model their results!
# 16
Arcana, a brioche wrap designed by Lesley Anne Robinson, made by Sydnie Wauson, modeled by sister Jan Faulkner, knit in Cascade Heritage Sock in Mossy Rock; Valley Yarns Charlemont in Sage; and Madeline Tosh Mohair Tough Sock in Fieldwork.
This is Jan’s Christmas gift. We selected the pattern after looking at Lesley Anne’s samples during her Guild visit. Lesley Anne offered some color suggestions, and finally on the third try, Sydnie settled on this color combination, which just “looks like” Jan.
# 17
Stuffed animals – Fawn, Moose, Mother Hen, Elephant with Mouse, and more designed by Susan B. Anderson, made and carried by Karen Bochinski in Quince and Co. and Ewe Ewe Yarns.
Karen has crafted so many animals that she displays them in rotation! She loves that Susan’s patterns are all knit in the round with very little seaming, using short rows for shaping. When Karen gets the urge to give away one of her animals, she finds a special person – for example, she has given two different pigs to a neighbor who walks her pet pig every day. Karen’s advice is that when you feel the pull to give away an object, do not ignore it. You will be the onewho is more blessed.
# 18
Babalu Cardigan (as in I Love Lucy) designed. modeled and made by Mary Brown in ‘mostly from stash’ fingering yarns in shades of blue and green.
This asymmetrical cardigan boasts a playful zig-zag stitch across the body, punctuated by Mary’s signature circles, adding a touch of whimsy. The sleeves and side panels are adorned with bobbles, creating a playful texture. A single button, made from coconut, evokes a light, festive spirit. Mary cleverly addressed a tendency for the bottom left to rollby adding a functional pocket, showcasing her resourceful creativity.
# 19 and 20
Cloverdale, a sleeveless top designed by Renate Kamm, made by Renate and modeled by Renate and her sister-in-law Elisa Sanchez. Both tops are in Quince & Co. Sparrow organic linen; Renate’s is Citron and Moon while Elisa’s is Conch and Chicory.
Renate designed Cloverdale exclusively for Quince & Co. yarns. Elisa wears the original tee, featured on the Quince & Co. website. This A-line silhouette features a simple slip-stitch texture, complemented by cap sleeves and a Latvian braid at the neckline.
# 21
Aran Isle Cardigan designed by Diane Zangl, modeled and made by Sue Tavaglione in Berroco Comfort 50/50nylon/acrylic in Golden Yellow.
Sue opted for the crewneck version of this cardigan and she adorned it with a single button. The garment features intricate cables along the front edges, cascading down each sleeve, and adorning the center back. The rest of the pattern isworked in moss stitch, but this posed a challenge during seaming. Sue notes that in the future, she would either slip or knit each edge stitch to establish a more uniform and stable edge for seaming purposes.
# 22
Lanika Jacket and Therese Hat, modeled and made by Mary Howell. Jacket designed by Vibe Ulrik Sondergaard forRowan’s magazine #63; hat designed by Nina Machlin Dayton from the Vintage Hat series. Both are in Noro Shima inBronze.
The sleeveless jacket is made from two rectangular panels ingeniously attached to form a short jacket with an oversizedcollar. The back is knitted vertically, while the front uses side-to-side construction. Mary’s annual knitting tradition is tocreate a collection of garments from her stash yarn for the holiday season, including a unique hat, fascinator, or other head covering. Her commitment to this challenge highlights her passion of creating stylish and distinctive pieces.
# 23
Malus shawl designed by Knitboop Designs from Knit Picks, modeled and made by Sandy Yayanos in Northern Bee SoftSock in multi pastels and Cascade Heritage Silk in Brindle.
This shawl features a combination of mosaic slip stitches and two distinct lace stitches, highlighting the interplay between variegated and solid yarn colors. Its shape falls between that of a full pie and a half-circle, offering a uniquesilhouette. Sandy created the larger version of this shawl, opting to partially block it to retain a frill around the lace edging. Following the pattern’s recommendation for a loose bind-off, Sandy embarked on a Tunisian bind-off of 656stitches!
# 24 and 25
Crofter’s Smock, a pullover sweater designed by Gudrun Johnston, modeled and made by Laura Brubaker (in Noro Mirai,colorway 17) and Tina Rounsavell (in Noro Silk Garden Sock solo, colorway S1).
Laura saw Tina working on this project at the Guild’s retreat in January and decided right then to make it in Noro yarn that she had in stash. Tina says this is one of those patterns that look better in person. She saw her daughter’s version and loved it. Obviously, this pattern is contagious, and we expect to see several more at next year’s Fashion Show!
#26
Sand & Sea Cardigan, designed, modeled and made by Mary Brown in fingering weight yarns and a novelty yarn fromHabu.
Mary purchased the blue and tan yarns in Astoria, Oregon. The yarn used for the cables, the bottom lace, and the trim was purchased at Apricot Yarns. Everything else is from Mary’s stash including the fuzzy carry-along from Habu. The ceramic buttons were found on Etsy.
#27
Happiness, a cardigan designed and made by Colleen Davis, modeled by Sharon Dintaman in yarns from Colleen’s stash.
This cardigan features a checkerboard collar. It was worked from the top down, starting with checkerboard squares and moving into chevron stripes.
# 28
Holly Blue Cardigan designed by Carol Feller, modeled and made by Lupe Smith in Nua Sport (wool, yak, and linen) inUnexpected Macaw.
This top-down, seamless sweater has a bumblebee lace pattern accenting the yoke. Lupe says that the directions werewell-written and the project was a joy to knit.
# 29
Pressed Flowers Cardigan (designed by Amy Christoffers) and SaendT top (designed by Imke von Nathusius), modeled and made by Sue Kristiansen in 13 colors of Sandnes Garn Line, a cotton/rayon/linen blend.
Sue says that as soon as she saw the cardigan pattern, she knew she wanted to recreate it in a plant-based fiber for our climate. For swatching, she bought two skeins of the yarn at Apricot Yarns, decided it was perfect, andpurchased the rest of the yarns through Mother Knitter, the importer, to get her chosen colors. Left with surplus yarnfrom the cardigan project, Sue found a newly tested knit pattern that allowed her to experiment with stripes in asimilar color sequence. Sue also made the skirt she is wearing.
# 30
Burkina, an oversize pullover designed by Norah Gaughan, modeled and made by Karen des Jardins in Berroco Weekend (a discontinued aran weight 75/25 acrylic/cotton).
Karen tried this top on at Norah’s workshop and had to have it! Her first try didn’t work at all, because the center panel is knit first and then you pick up stitches form the sides. You must pay great attention to getting the dropped stitches tocome out the same on both sides (and do some creative stitch distribution to make it work). She is looking forward to wearing it this winter.
Many thanks to Tania Marshall who took the photos, and Sydnie Wauson for creating and editing the Fashion Show details.