Good morning, knitters! In this month’s quest to find ways of incorporating on-trend florals into knitting, I’ve become intrigued with knitted flowers, whether added as an afterthought or knitted right in. Back in June of 2014, I sprinkled knitted roses liberally over the top of my Two-Tone Tea Cozy and added leaves and I-cord loops to create a fanciful tea pot topper. I remember how happy I was to usher in the spring!
KNITTED FLOWERS
There are so many free patterns in the knitter-verse for flowers, leaves and other botanicals, my Pinterest board overflowereth. Among the best I’ve found are InTheLoopKnitting, where you’ll find free patterns for just about anything. The floral collection really shines, though and many are so simple you’ve still got time to whip up a bouquet for Mother’s Day. These patterns are drawn from all over the internet. Some are worked all in one piece, others require assembly.
In my search for 3D Florals, I also came upon some adorable uses for stand-alone knitted flowers like these for floral pins or brooches. The first is Flower Brooch for Poppy Day by Deborah Kemball, the second Flower Brooch by Jean Greenhowe.
Look how Svetlana Gordon has used stylized stand-alone florals to create this stunning shawl.
If you know me, you know that I find it difficult to pass by a pretty handbag. Amelie Takashi has used applied knitted flowers to grace this sweetly simple shoulder bag, Sac a la composition florale.
In the world of home decor knitting, flowers abound on items like pillows, table runners, blankets and throws. Here are a couple of my favorite pillows. I’m not sure where either of these patterns can be found, but I think they’re easy to play by ear.
FLORAL STITCHES
On a subtler note, there are those who prefer their personal garden knitted right in. Context and the combination of clever stitches create fabrics that recreate a spring bouquet. The Bloom Sweater by Jenise Hope is new this month and is truly lovely example of floral fabric. It comes with several variations, long or short sleeves, fitted or A-line. Just beautiful!
I adore these sweet hats with floral stems growing from simple 1×1 rib. They are the Ode to Summer Hat by Ruth Brasch. I could see myself knitting one up in a cotton or cotton/wool blend and wearing it all year round, especially to tame beach tresses in the summertime.
This early in the year when we’re all waiting for spring, I find myself pushing it a little. In my optimistic way, I may jump the gun a little with spring clothes. Enter Neruda by Natasja Hornby. It’s a worsted weight shawl (which I love) worked in the most lovely floral motif. It really says early spring to me…warm without being wintery.
It has the promise of spring written all over it! It’s been fun fantasizing about all the spring knitting I might do. If wishes could come true…
Here’s a final thought. Every wonder what to do with unwanted commercial knits? Try this from Custom Comforts.
Happy knitting, all!
