Urban Knit Collection. 18 City-Inspired Knitting Patterns for the Modern Wardrobe

299 Pages·2016·18.73 MB·English

by  Kyle Kunnecke

18
CITY-INSPIRED KNITTING PATTERNS FOR THE
MODERN WARDROBE
by Kyle Kunnecke
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
A Home in the City
CHAPTER ONE
Planning the Trip: Advice for the City Knitter
CHAPTER TWO
Sightseeing: Sweaters for the Journey
Godfrey Cardigan
Brandt Pullover
Arabella Pullover
Deco Cardigan
Edwin Vest
Savoy Cardigan
Rosema Wrap
CHAPTER THREE
A Change in Seasons: Wraps & Scarves
Apollo Wrap
D’Amour Wrap
Arches Scarf
Sunburst Shawl
Zephyr Scarf
CHAPTER FOUR
Souvenir Shopping: Accessories
Town-Square Hats
Ritz Cowl
Ellington Mittens
Dorian Cowl
Skyscraper Hat
Farmers’ Market Mitts
Techniques
Sources for Supplies
Bibliography
Acknowledgments

INTRODUCTION
A Home in the City
Childhood trips along the winding country roads of southern Indiana were like a journey into
a different world. As we headed south across the Ohio River, the skyline of Louisville, Kentucky,
swallowed us whole. I spent every moment attempting to take it all in. Even at a young age I
remember thinking, “Every building I see was built by hand, one bit at a time.”
My dad would take me to work (he was a construction superintendent) on occasion. I’d stand
by his side as he orchestrated the construction of skyscrapers, malls, and office buildings. He took
time to help me understand the symbols on the blueprints. He shared the experience of how many
people and how much effort it takes to build. It was through his eyes that I learned the importance
of doing things right the first time and of honoring the past by preserving things that could be
saved.
As the years went by, I realized that I admire older buildings because not only were they made
with far less technology than we have today, but also they have also stood the test of time. Those
buildings, combined with modern structures, are the bits that make up a city.
Growing older, I moved around a lot. First to Southern California, then Arizona for high
school, and Tennessee for college (with a few other stops along the way). Each city in every state
had its own style, but the architectural variety always offered a series of classic elements that
helped me feel at home.
Today, I live in one of the most beautiful and diverse cities in the United States: San
Francisco. Full of public art, Victorian homes, and quaint bungalows, the city’s eclectic
architecture is united by the sprinkling of buildings across its forty-nine-square-mile footprint. I
look back at the journey that led me to this place, and I know that in addition to crafting with my
mother and grandmothers, the work my dad did in the construction industry helped me understand
the time, effort, concentration, and simple old-fashioned hard work that goes into the making of
things.
As I started to sketch concepts for this book, it didn’t take long to see how timeless
architectural motifs would provide ample inspiration for the collection. The designs progressed
from sketches to swatches and finally into finished projects.
KNITS FOR A LIFETIME
More than just a set of patterns, I wanted to provide instruction for projects that, after many hours
of effort, would be loved for a lifetime. Part of what drew me to the city for inspiration was the
constant reminder of how the result of careful thought and planning can be timeless: the intricate
stone walls of city hall, the bold neon of the old theater marquee, aged, hand-carved wooden
doors, and perfectly preserved stained glass windows. More than just old or historic, these
elements share the blessings of high- quality materials and impeccable craftsmanship.
The thing that excites me about architectural eras is that they don’t actually have a beginning
or an end. Bits and pieces and details evolve over time. Some fade away; others become mascots
of the age. It is by looking into the past that we are able to identify which elements define a
particular period. Something we think of today as being modern becomes vintage with the passing
of time.
My goal for this book was to lean on the concept of timeless as I crafted designs so that your
diligent work results in finished objects that will stand the test of time.
As I worked on these projects, I felt a connection to a slower time when technology didn’t
“bing,” “buzz,” or “ping.” I became more focused on the details of the work and enjoyed devoting
time to a complicated knitting project. In our lightning-fast, Internet-based, instant-gratification
society, it’s a welcome retreat to take the time needed to work on a time-intensive garment.
Here’s to the journey!
Happy knitting,
Kyle