I was excited from the moment I saw the submission call for knit.wear Fall/Winter 2016 with a Japanese theme. It turned out to be an exotic issue with inspiring knits and I am so thrilled to be included. In the editorial letter Meghan Babin writes:

“After that first day in Kinokuniya (a Japanese book store in Portland, Oregon, ed note), I’ve pondered my response to the Japanese aesthetic. In this fast-paced, homogenized, modern age, I’ve found that it strikes a deep chord that resonates on both a personal and a societal level. We desire and constantly seek simplicity, minimalism, peace, beauty, and the unique. In my off -and-on research over the years, I’ve noticed that books, yarns, and designs from Japan off er these desired elements. This issue’s eye is turned to the East to celebrate and explore the beauty of Japan and the unique contributions it has made to the knitting industry.

In this issue of knit.wear, we’ve gathered designs inspired by the Iki aesthetic, interpreted as a chic, sophisticated, minimalist sense of style. The designs focus on the details, finishing work, and precise construction necessary to produce an impeccable garment that remains a pleasure to knit.”

knit.wear/Harper Point Photography

This is how I introduced the Kohno Kimono in the submission: Inspired by the sculptural aesthetic of architect Hugo Kohno’s work in Tokyo, is this oversized long kimono style jacket with short wide raglan sleeves. It is adorned with a domed check pattern ending in wide moss stitch borders at the front, bottom and in the sides.

knit.wear/Harper Point Photography

If you did attend the The National NeedleArt Association (TNNA) Trade Show in Washington in June you might have spotted it in the fashion show. I was not there, but I was pleased that the Norwegian designer Tove Fevang was. Tove was ever so surprised to find two of my designs in the show (the other one was the Amara cardigan). It was shown with black trousers there, but is even more elegant with a pencil skirt like the one the amazing stylist Tina Gill chose. The brilliant photography is by Harper Point Photography. I am ever so impressed with the Japanese hair and make up by Janie Rocek too! Check out those hair pleats in the photo above.

knit.wear/Harper Point Photography

My Kohno Kimono is knitted in The Fibre Company Acadia made of 60% wool, 20% alpaca, 20% silk with 133 meters/145 yards on each 50 gram skein. The sample is knitted in Sea Lavender in the third size (of six) with a bust circumference of 124.5 cm/49″ and modelled with 38 cm/15″ of ease. It was the first time for me knitting with Acadia and I loved the tweedy look of it as well as the soft luxurious feel to it. The gauge is 21 stitches and 32 rows in both Domed check pattern and in Stockinette stitch to 10 cm/4″ square using a 4 mm/US 6 needle. This kimono is worked from the bottom and up in pieces. A circular needle is used to accommodate the large number of stitches.

The digital issue of knit.wear Fall/Winter 2016 magazine is now available, and so is the single pattern pdf of Kohno Kimono. The printed issue of the magazine can be pre-ordered and will be shipped soon.