Leila Hafzi is an award winning Norwegian Haute Couture designer who is acknowleged for her elegant and sensual wedding & ball gowns. It is hard not to be captivated by her floating creations, I think. Just look, and then read, the photographer Erik Almås’ blogpost: Shooting in Nepal with Leila Hafzi and you will understand me better. The behind the scenes video is a gem, I recommend you watch it. Now, her second volume of knitting patterns is released in co-operation with the Norwegian yarn company Sandnes Garn/Yarn, and the stunning photos drew me in. The first volume is all bridal accessories, while this is a fashion collection. I was at the Gave & Interiør Messe/Gift & Interior Fair yesterday, and was able to study the garments in detail. Hafzi’s sensuality and marvelous fit is present, despite the easy stitch patterns chosen for a classic style: “In addition to mute shades the collection has fresh colors, such as cobalt, blue, lime green and red for spring 2014. The form language is classical and of Leila Hafzi’s signature, at the same time you can find trendy and innovative garments in the collection. The garments were intended to be timeless and work equally well year after year. They are meant to fit everyone and you can adjust the length of the dresses if you prefer, as well as adorn with the distinctive buttons especially designed for this collection. Hafzi has a special love for the exclusive expression moss/seed stitch gives in different yarn types, as well as reverse stocking stitch structures.” The booklet has 14 patterns, knitted using 3 mm/US 2.5 to 5 mm/US 8, and is for sale only together with yarn in Norway, see all the models here: Leila Hafzi vol 2. Yarn from Sandnes Garn is also sold abroad, see sandnesgarn for more information.

Above is one of the dresses, knitted in a beautiful raspberry red pure alpaca using 2.5 mm/US 1.5 and 3 mm/US 2.5, with pleats just beneath the garter stitch waistband. The length is easy to adjust, if you feel tempted to knit it.