Laine’s newest edition to your knitting library takes inspiration from Tove Jansson’s Moomin universe. With twenty three knitwear designs by eighteen designers. Introducing: The Art of the Sea.
The Art of the Sea. Tove Jansson’s much loved Moomin world has been delighting generations for over eighty years. Drawing upon the characters and stories from Moominvalley eighteen designers have created knitwear to cover you from head to toe. Designers featured are: Pauliina Leisti, Fiona Alice, Maja Kløvdal, Alma Bali, Marie Régnier, Charlotte Stone, Julia Wilkens, Soumine Kim, Camille Romano, Dee Hardwicke, Lotta H. Löthgren, Maaike van Geijn, Paula Pereira, Sari Nordlund, Kaori Katsurada, Jihyun Seong, Olga Putano and Karoline Skovgaard. Featuring an array of textured stitches, colourwork and interesting yarns the collection is not over the top or pastiche but stylish and classic and will fit in to anyones wardrobe.
This bumper book has lots to explore so I will start with yarn pairings for half of them. If there is one you want help with and I haven’t featured it below just let us know.
Clouds & Mists by Marie Régnier. This cute jumper is worked from the top down and the base design is quite simple. The thing that makes this design for me is the embroidered clouds that float along. The jumper is knit first and then the clouds are embroidered after using duplicate stitch. The clouds themselves are stitched in a fluffy lace weight yarn so Fyberspates Cumulus would be a great option for them. But I would also stash dive for some scraps and do them in lots of cloudy colours. The body is knit in a DK and I think the new Laine x Novita DK would be a good choice for that.
Dreaming by Charlotte Stone. I love colourwork socks and these are so sweet. Knit from the top down with a heel flap and gusset construction. Using multiple colours as well as different motifs these look like they would be fun to knit. I would choose the grip and strength of the woolly Garthenor Snowdonia.
Flower Loop by Maja Kløvda. Starting from the top this seamless jumper is knit in the round to the hem. Featuring a graphic flower design along the hem and a delicate petal pattern throughout the body. The hems have a reversed colourwork design which makes a feature of the floats and are finished with a rolled edge. It is knit with two yarns held together so I would choose Hillesvåg Sølje and Vilje for the base held with Fyberspates Cumulus.
Gentle Creatures by Julia Wilkens. This simple vest is a great layering piece. Knit flat from the top down and finished with an I-cord edge. Its simplicity is a canvas for the embroidery. Characters from the stories are embroidered on the front and back along with an edging around the armholes and neck which heightens this minimal garment. I would choose Pickles Tjukk Merino for the vest and then use Gleem Lace Embroidery Thread for the details.
Into the Forest by Karoline Skovgaard. This top down jumper features a striking panel of a twisted cable trellis. It flows out of and into a wide rib stitch that also features on the arms. With a drop shoulder shape the arms are picked up form the body and knit down. Knit using two yarns held together I think a combination of the crisp Pickles Pure Wool and Fyberspates Cumulus would work well.
Journey by Lotta H Löthgren. This simple scarf features a pleasingly subltle repeat of twisted stitches. The overall rib also makes is squishy and plump. I am also very fond of a fringed scarf and I love the chunky twists on this one. Knit in a DK I think something soft but with a gentle undulating colour like the naturally dyed Fyberspates Vivacious Botanical DK would be nice.
Moomellow by Soumine Kim. This jumper has a neat saddle shoulder and raglan construction which creates a relaxed shape and fit. A large cable runs down the centre of this ribbed design that is knit from the top down. It’s knit in a combination of a heavy yarn held with a fluffy lace. I’m thinking Hillesvåg Troll or Blåne held with Fyberspates Cumulus would be good.
Moominmamma by Jihyun Seong. This stunning double knit vest is knit from the bottom up featuring two differently textured yarns. It’s also double sided and can be worn either way. Using stranded colourwork techniques with the double knitting method means you have the reverse of the motif on the other side. For the two yarns I would choose Pickles Teddy for the bouclé and Pickles Cozy for the the other yarn.
Painter by Kaori Katsurada. This design draws its inspiration from the sailor collar outfits that Tove Jannson wore. With a relaxed open neck it is knit in the round from the top down. It has a bit of a summery vibe about it so I think the Pickles Sommerull which is a cotton and wool blend would be a great choice.
Too-ticky by Julia Wilkens. This relaxed raglan jumper is a go to wardrobe staple. Knit in a bouncy half fisherman’s rib stitch creating a squishy inviting fabric. It is knit in the round from the top down and with slightly fitted sleeves to avoid too much bulky fabric on the arms. I would choose the soft and inviting Pickles Mjuk Merino for this. The fun range of bright colours would lend themselves to this design.
Tulip Garden by Dee Hardwicke. Thies beautiful scarf is inspired by Tove Jansson’s passion for flowers. Simply knit as a long tube which acts as a canvas for the duplicate stitch flower motifs which are embroidered on at the end. It is knit by holding two strands of a fluffy lace weight yarn together for a light but still structured fabric. I would choose Fyberspates Cumulus for this, both for the main body of the scarf and the embroidered flowers.
Leave a Reply