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'Knitting Designs Inspired by the Pop Culture of the 20th Century'
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A period garment with a modern twist. Originally a 'formal' garment, the evening cape was worn over fancy clothes to special occasions.
Reinvented to make the finished piece more practical, Helga has made the cape longer and given it a belt. Written for two sizes (child and adult), the pattern is ideal for active girls who need warm shoulders and free hands.
Made with Isager Alpaca 2, the two sizes are achieved by holding the yarn single or double. The combination of the super-soft yarn and flexible shape create a garment that both children and adults will find invaluable.
The children's version, shown in color 021 (light chartreuse), can be made with just three skeins of Alpaca 2. A great grow-with-them project, the cape could be worn over several seasons.
The adult version, shown in color 2105 (natural grey) is knit with the yarn held double at a worsted gauge and calls for 12 skeins. The same number of stitches cast on as the children's version, the adult cape is a quick knit that will look cute over a pair of jeans or a dress.
One of over a dozen patterns, this sweet cape will give the wearer retro style without sacrificing modern function. |
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It's no secret that Helga Isager, daughter of Marianne Isager, has a masterful eye for design. Her best-selling pattern booklet series Amimono, devoted to modern silhouettes, has been republished several times to keep up with demand. But Helga's newest project, Strikketoj, is a leap forward into a new realm for Isager fans.
Strikketoj, literally 'knit clothes', is a full-length book full of patterns inspired by the events of the 20th century. While Helga maintains in her introduction that the designs are not exact replicas of period pieces, it's obvious that she has indeed 'captured the spirit' of each time and place she has chosen to highlight.
Divided by decades, each segment of the book focuses on a particular person or event of interest, ranging from lesser-known popular figures like the
Unsinkable Molly Brown and Josephine Baker to the truly iconic Edith
Piaf and Elvis Presley.
Clearly a labor of love, every time period is represented by what inspired Helga - not what history books might rank as most important. Her lavish descriptions at the beginning of each decade are as enchanting as they are enlightening. This is not a historic reference, nor is it intended to be. It is, however, a creative look at the past one hundred years and a rare glimpse into the events that shaped the world we live in today.
Patterns in Strikketoj range from period accessories ('80s legwarmers, anyone?) to clever reinterpretations of classic garments. A further departure from previous projects for Helga, several of the patterns are for children or could double as unisex. With sizes ranging from 3 - 4 years to 52" chest circumference, the past is accessible to everyone.
Beautifully photographed, each design includes detail shots and technical information. Full of new skills and old favorites, the collection will capture your imagination and have you looking back in time with interest.
An absolute must for Isager devotees, Strikketoj uses exclusively Isager yarns to achieve that distinct Helga Isager
look and feel. An impressive collection, these designs will fascinate even those
disinterested with history.
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