I'm not one to always follow the rules. Laws, yes, but rules, no. So, I wear a lot of white before Memorial Day and after Labor Day. I'm not a society gal, so who cares? And I love my winter white down jacket more than any other jacket; I think I'd wear it even if I were a strict rule-follower.
 |
|
| Lace Knit Scarf, Gloves, and Knee Socks, from Shades of Winter by Ingalill Johansson |
|
|
|
In the new book
Shades of Winter, author Ingalill Johansson designs winter-wear in beautiful shades of white, beige, and gray—three of my favorite colors. Plus, the book is stunning. Most of it is photographed at the amazing Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden. See the sidebar below to learn more about this fascinating location.
I'm loving this book and the patterns, especially the white ones. Check out the lace scarf and
knit gloves in the photo at right. So beautiful!
Here's Ingalill to tell you more about
Shades of Winter:
The Colors of WinterSnow and ice were my first sources of inspiration for this knitting
book. In my mind I created pictures of wood-land spirits and ice princesses in
the wintry landscape and icy environment. The garments everyone wore, knitted
with wool's warmth and softness, would contrast against the Scandinavian
winter's snow crystals and cold.
Knitting
with ecological wool was an obvious choice for me. Using such a yarn, which is
produced following strict rules, I could help preserve the environment and, at
the same time, create a collection of the finest woolens.
| |
|
|
|
The Icehotel
At the Icehotel in the Sami village of Jukkasjärvi, we experienced the most fantastic stay close to nature. It is the world's biggest ice hotel at 5,500 square meters and is built totally of snow and ice. During each winter season, about 50,000 people visit the hotel, mostly from abroad. The Icehotel has the Torne River as its source, and the hotel exists in harmony with the world around it. After every summer, artists from all around the world create and rebuild the hotel from scratch. It is a unique concept, created entirely from the perspective of being environmentally friendly.
|
|
|
|
My
hope is you will feel as happy and inspired by the collection as I felt as I
created the pieces. The range of designs includes simple garments for beginners
as well as some that are a bit more difficult for more experienced knitters. I
also want to share my tips and advice about knitting that I've learned during
my career as a knitting designer.
My
imaginary world of ice princesses has been realized through photographer Ewa K.
Andinsson's fantastic pictures. Some of the collection was photographed in one
of Sweden's most exotic tourist experiences, the Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi. It
offers an enchanted environment in which ice columns and ice crystal crowns in
the pillared hall shift from the iciest light blue to the darkest petroleum
blue.
This
book has been a dream come true for me. I hope that it will inspire you and
give you many relaxing moments with knitting in your lap.
Good luck!
—Ingalill Johansson, from Shades of WinterJoin me in wearing white this fall and winter, and pre-order your copy of
Shades of Winter today!
Cheers,
P.S. What are your favorite colors to wear in wintertime? Let us know in the comments!