Chunky handknits fashionable overseas

Press, 26 April 1979, Page 14

Chunky handknits fashionable overseas

Knitwear with the handmade look is top fashion all over the world this winter.

It began in Paris with heavy knitted coats borrowing inspiration from Norwegian and Peruvian traditional styles. Now it is everywhere, and always the influence is ethnic. The newest pure wool knitwear is designed to throw over the top of yet more knitwear with perhaps trousers tucked into boots, and is worn with long scarves and knitted hats.

The authentic Paris look, from designers like Dorothee Bis and Kenzo for Jap, is very expensive. But it is a way of dressing made for New Zealand — with so many hand knitters and so many great wool yarns.

How to dress the part — choose chunky patterns for ponchos, shawls, capes,

hooded jumpers, long-line cardigans; patterns calling for big needles, treble, chunky and home-spun yarns.

Check the details — wide and turnback cuffs, generous armholes, deep pockets, yokes, garter stitch trims, fringing, tassles and toggles add interest.

The look is rustic with colourful Nomadic motifs, bold Bedouin stripes, country tweed effects in oatmeal yarns, and adaptations of Fairisle and Aran patterns.

These chunky wool clothes are worn with wool accessories — ever so long scarves, mittens, tartar hats pulled down to the eyebrows.

So put your knitting know-how and pure virgin

wool together — for the fashion trend that literally plays into your hands!