You know how everyone’s always asking what one book you’d want if stranded on a desert island? Or what you’d choose for your last meal? Well, what if you could only knit from one designer’s patterns for the rest of your days. If someone asked me that, the words “Julie Hoover” would probably be out of my mouth before the question was finished. I’ve had my eye on her for awhile — ever since dropping 9 bucks for a hard copy of Chaleur when I was at Knit Purl last winter — but lately she’s really been hitting it out of the park, releasing one gorgeous pattern after another. Her designs are understated, which of course I love, but the shapes, textures and attention to detail are superior. In a marketplace full of fussy, overworked stuff, she’s creating patterns for seriously wearable clothes and accessories that will stand the test of time — from a beautifully shaped pullover to that perfect slouchy Saturday turtleneck. Great, great stuff.
1. Bécot hat (in mink and cashmere!)
2. Garance pullover
3. Driftwood turtleneck (from Brooklyn Tweed Fall 2012)
4. Doux scarf
Oh, my god. The pullover.
Garance is perfection, no?
Thanks so much for bringing this designer to my attention. I love the pullover- I think it might be time to task myself with something like this x
You’re welcome — and hello.
I love that pullover! I think I need to work on my knitting skills then surely that is a good enough reason to treat myself to a pattern…or two…
Hi, Hannah — welcome.
Ack! My Ravelry queue just got longer. I love that hat.
Me too. Great example of how fabulous the simplest thing can be, just through choice of colors and fibers.
I completely agree with all of you about that pullover — truly exquisite. And seems like the perfect marriage of yarn(s) and pattern.
Garance could be a good first sweater, by the way, for those wondering. It’s knit in the round from the bottom up, all stockinette and ribbing, with what might be a fun new skill for you at the neckline. Not sure I’d recommend holding silk and mohair double (the recommended yarns) to someone who isn’t a really confident knitter who can read their work, but A) if you’re comfortable with your stitches and knitting with two yarns, go for it, or B) substitute a heavy-worsted or aran yarn instead, and just make sure you’re matching her gauge so the fit will be right.
All of these are so good! I’ve always been drawn to very rustic looking yarns, which when paired with these very sleek yet wearable designs (should) keep me just this side of hippie farmgirl. I’ll keep you posted on my progress when and if I ever finish one of her designs :) I’m thinking of casting on for Flore over the holidays…now to figure out what yarns!
I love that.
Julie’s work has been a fave of mine for a long time but I’ll be honest, I haven’t knit any of her patterns yet. The most recent releases will definitely change that. Where’s my desert island?
My daughter just asked for a sweater. I’m thinking this pullover is exactly what she needs.
What is it knit with in that picture?
Which — Garance? It’s Shibui Heichi (100% silk, worsted) and Shibui Silk Cloud (mohair/silk, lace weight I think), held together.
Yeah- that’s what I meant. Gorgeous!
Loving each and every one of these, Karen. This is my kind of collection. I really wish I could find the Tactile Fiber Arts yarn for that scarf, it’s gorgeous.
What yarn is that?
Oops, sorry….it was for a scarf pattern for another of Julie Hoover’s patterns. Um. I guess I got lost on her site in between reading your post and commenting on your post. I can’t find the Tussah silk for the Tisse scarf over on her site. Guess I’ll go for the Doux!
Pingback: 1-Question Interview: Julie Hoover in defense of seams | Fringe Association
Pingback: Our Tools, Ourselves: Julie Hoover | Fringe Association