In the new summer issue of knitscene, we take a look at the
work of Amy Christoffers. Amy’s design aesthetic is clean, classic, and
thoughtfully articulated. Well-placed stitch patterns on grounds of
stockinette; trim and tailored cardigans; graphic and feminine—but not precious—use
of lace runs throughout her portfolio. She reminds of Connie Chang Chinchio in
that her designs are so wearable, so relevant to the current mood in the
knitting community, and so interesting to knit.
You can read about Amy’s background in the arts and how she
came to the knitting world in the summer issue, and you’ll also find patterns
for three garments and scarf, which Amy designed especially for the issue. Below are the Windsor Cardi and the Strafford tee, my favorites from the collection.
Lace knitting always come to mind for summer knitting. “Pretty
ventilation,” I like to think of it. Althought it’s hardly a summery knit, I’m
currently working on another of Amy’s designs, the Fireside cardigan from Twist
Collective. This set-in sleeve cardigan features lace patterns at hip, yoke,
and sleeve. I love the geometric quality of the patterning. Hint: when printing
pdfs in black and white, make sure you mark the repeat boxes on the lace charts
with a marker! They didn’t show up in my printout and I quickly realized that
my yarnovers were making randomness on the first row.
I tend to knit with wool year-round. But I really loved the
sample for Wendy Bernard’s Radian Yoke in the summer issue, knit in a slightly
slubby, papery linen/viscose blend—Firefly from Classic Elite. A sportweight
tunic with generous yoke, airy lace, and long silhouette seems perfect for my
summer plans. Of course, what I really need is a little cardi to throw on with
this new dress I just got on sale. Love Rachel Pally!