According to the New York Times, it’s time to get crafty! In a January 7 article, NYT editors predicted cultural trends for the upcoming year.
Along with welcoming the end of the shoelace era (It looks as if “slipper style” shoes, like Uggs, Birkenstocks and clogs, are here to stay), they are bullish on soft crafts and DIY.
Times’ senior video editor Shane O’Neill says, “As inflation decimates our spending power and fast fashion becomes ever more uninspiring and ethically dubious, we can expect lots of talk of shopping for tasteful “investment pieces” in 2023. But for those of us with neither the budget nor the interest in a $1,300 black turtleneck from The Row, I hope this year ushers in a resurgence of do-it-yourself clothes crafting.” This reinforces what knitters and crocheters already know!
Biscotte Truc: In need of some comfy footwear? Try our free slipper pattern!
With this prognostication in mind, what are some of the knitwear trends style experts are seeing for late Winter and early Spring of 2023 and what should you plan to cast on next?
In the fashion world, Marc Rofsky, Director of Buying for Ready-to-Wear at Moda Operandi, sees Winter 2023 paying homage to timeless sweater styles by "reinterpreting classic motifs, from Fair Isle to argyle." He notes that cable knits are splashed with graphic pops of color in fashion collections, and perennial favorites like the Breton striped sweater, first made popular by French women (and men), still provide lots of knitting inspo for today.
Biscotte Truc: The classic Breton stripe pullover was first introduced in the 19th century as part of the navy uniform for seamen in Northern France (Bretagne).
We looked to the Biscotte Yarns pattern library for some ideas on fashion-forward knits to add to your wardrobe now.
- One classic look we love is inspired by Scottish tartans: Louise Robert’s top-down yoke pullover uses stranded colorwork to create a beautiful plaid fabric.
- A split front hem adds a unique detail to Lana Jois’ asymmetric cabled Spillway pullover, knit in Louise Robert Collection Merino Worsted. Cast one on in a 2023 fashion color like flattering Cobalt to make a bold statement.
- When it comes to stripes, designer Andrea Yetman’s top-down Rugby Raglan uses two colors of Biscotte’s La Douce MCN to create a sporty, relaxed silhouette, and three-quarter length sleeves make it a perfect transitional winter-into-spring piece. Choose traditional blue and white stripes or try unexpected combo as Andrea has done.
- The over-sized drop-shoulder pullover Number 13 from Cheval Blanc’s catalogue 13, is another timeless striped wardrobe staple that knits up quickly in their Soprane yarn.
Have you noticed blazers are back in a big way? If the structured look isn’t your thing, a cardigan jacket can provide a more casual and versatile outer layer to take you from Winter into Spring. Whether worn with jeans, skirts of any length or a cute dress, a sweater jacket is perfect for everything from work to travel to walking the dog.
- From Cheval Blanc’s catalogue 30, we think Gilet No.1 makes a fashionable alternative to a tailored jacket but still looks sharp and professional.
- Andrea Yetman’s Pure Comfort Cardigan is another classic sweater style that is flexible enough to be a cozy wardrobe staple when knit in a neutral, but imagine it stitched up in a fashion shade like lime green, a la Gabriella Hearst!
What about crochet? Acording to the website WhoWhatWear.com, “Crochet often returns when temperatures begin to rise.” Liane Wiggins, head of womenswear at MATCHESFASHION adds, "Crochet featured in so many collections, from The Row to Gabriela Hearst and Proenza Schouler, and spoke as part of a larger and refined craftsmanship trend.” Nothing elevates crochet like beautiful yarns and fibers.
- Our Vaisseau Pullover combines a mohair blend yarn, Hermione, with Mohair Boucle to create a textural open-work crochet top that can be worn almost year-round. Choose a tonal combo or high-contrast palette.
- Are you ready to jump on the granny train? Check out Pull No. 15 from the Cheval Blanc Catalogue 30! It can be crocheted in a myriad of color combos would be awesome styled with one of this season’s denim maxi skirts.
Speaking of color, by now we’ve probably all heard that Pantone’s shade of the year for 2023 is Viva Magenta, but according to color forecaster WGSN, the hot colors for later this year are restful Lavender (associated with escapism!), Cobalt (“transformative”), Sage Leaf (“slowed-down”), apricot (“gender inclusive”) and Astro Dust – a mid-tone red. Add some fashion hues to your project basket.
- Soothing shades like lavender and soft pinks can provide some respite from stressful times. Our Garland of Stitches Wrap, with its undulating harlequin-like pattern (created with German short rows) provides stress-relieving knitting in a soothing palette.
- On the bright side, for a cobalt fix, check out our unisex Kitt Sweater pattern.
- Green has long been associated with nature, growth and prosperity. Andrea Yetman’s Twist of Fade pullover utilizes three leafy shades in DK Pure, knit in a reverse-stockinette fade effect to create a relaxed, everyday top.
- Lana Jois’ lacey Mystic Leaves Shawl in Granola Merino/Hemp blend from the Louise Robert Collectionis knit up in luscious apricotty shade, Gingerbread.
- Biscotte’s Paintbox kits in Blush or Como la Flor are both perfect for a gradient dash of red.
Biscotte Truc: We will be providing monthly fashion, color and trend reports, along with designer interviews and knitting news.
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