Colourwork lovers rejoice, this is the book for you. Anna Johanna presents her debut book Strands of Joy featuring an array of colourwork garments. From the modern and contemporary to the more traditional and whimsical. Featuring two colour designs that are relaxing to knit and multicoloured ones for those who like a challenge.
Strands of Joy contains 20 colourwork designs. From jumpers, cardigans, a dress and a hat, all worked seamlessly from the top down. As usual I take a look between the covers and recommend some yarn pairings from Knit With Attitude. We have some great yarns for colourwork designs so read on.
This simply shaped flowy dress features waist shaping and 3/4 length sleeves. The yoke features a lotus flower motif which is echoed at the hem. Knit in an alpaca blend I would try The Fibre Co Amble.
A classic open cardigan that is worked flat from the top down. A generous shawl collar and cuffs are worked in textural moss stitch. Finished with a clover motif that runs along the bottom hem edge. Hey Mama Wolf Schafwolle #03 would be a good choice.
A light easy to wear top with raglan sleeves and relaxed v-neck. The hem is worked lower at the back and then it’s finished with a band of roses. Knit in a merino single. Try some rich Black Elephant Merino Singles.
This cute cardigan is worked top down in three colours. Starting with a vintage inspired flowery yoke. The cardigan is steeked and a two colour rib is added. Try the Fibre CO. Lore.
A bold leafy yoked jumper features a fun selection of leaf shapes. Corrugated ribbing on the neck and cuffs picks the colour up in a clever way. This is knit in The Fibre CO Cumbria Fingering.
A simple boxy jumper that has all its focus on a vibrant colourwork band that runs around the lower bottom. Worked with two or three colours per row with great effect. Knit in a sport weight yarn try Stolen Stitches Nua, A bit textural, but some fun colours to play with.
This fun faded colourwork hat features roses set against a solid colour. Try Norne Yarn Merino / Silk / Yak Singles and a Norne Yarn Mini Hank Set.
This is a classic shaped cardigan with raglan sleeves and v-neck. A band of geometric colourwork sits just at the middle and is echoed at the elbows on the arm. Knit it Hedgehog Fibres Merino DK.
This cool colourwork effect was created by fading light to dark with the background colour and dark to light with the foreground colour. The design is repeated all over making for a lively pattern. I would be really tempted to choose a fade between Garthenor Snowdonia Sock.
This leafy design has a bit more of a spring like feel than the other one, but has much of the same qualities. Knit in a sport weight try Stolen Stitches Nua.
This long cardigan has a strong graphic zig zag that is worked across the top, middle and bottom. Worked flat and seamlessly from the top down. Try the warm Garthenor No 3.
A cosy combination of a mohair lace held double with a 4ply makes this comfy jumper. The large rolled cowl neck is made by knitting brioche in just the mohair. Try Hedgehog Fibres Skinny Singles paired with Fyberspates Cumulus.
This design features little bobble stitches amongst the elaborate colourwork motifs. The large cowl neck collar has buttons all the way to the top so can be worn drawn up for extra warmth. Try Fyberspates Vivacious DK.
This cropped jumper is worked from the top down, starting with corrugated ribbing, which leads down into two and three colour designs. Knit in a sport weight yarn try Stolen Stitches Nua
A colourwork motif that’s knit in a multicoloured plied yarn creates a design thats definition moves in and out of focus in a pleasing way. Nomadnoos So Soft Yak and Sartuul or Garthenor Snowdonia Sock would give you a similar look. A little thinner than the yarn used so it would be best to check gauge.
An almost Art Nouveau looking circular yoke of stylised leaves and zig-zags, that are echoed in negative at the hem. Worked top down with long sleeves and a cropped hem. Try John Arbon Devonia 4ply.
The child’s version of the Lehto knit in the same way but with a reduced leaf design. Try a matching pair by knitting this in the reverse colours. As in the Lehto try Stolen Stitches Nua
This boxy cardigan is worked in the round from the top down in a detailed all over colourwork design. It is then steeked to allow for edging to be picked up and worked for the neckline. Try Garthenor Preseli.
A dramatic feather design is worked in this circular yoked jumper, from the minimal neck line to the underarm. Sleeves and body are finished off with garter stitch instead of ribbing. Knit in a lace/light fingering try G-uld No. 4.
This fun simply shaped cardigan has a minimal button band and short row shoulder shaping. A charming woodland scene complete with a bear sits just above the ribbing, which is worked in the same colour as the colourwork. Knit in G-uld Lambswool try G-uld No. 4 held double.
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