pompoms, puffs and chunky knits

There is nothing I love more than a big chunky knit. Something you can snuggle your neck into and breathe in that comforting smell of wool and warmth. Now that the evenings are starting to get cooler, I think it's bringing out the nostalgia in me. I don't know about you, but right now I can think of nothing better than sitting inside on a rainy day, curled up in a big hand-knitted jumper and knee-high socks. It's my idea of heaven (that and the Lindt cafe's dark hot chocolate!).

As part of my major project for uni this year (a fashion collection), I am dabbling with the idea of making hand-knitted knee-high socks. Presently neither knowing how to knit very well, nor what the possibilities are, I decided to see what other people are doing.

Give me pompoms any day!
How delightful, all playful and bright!
(Photo from here)

This piece is by an amazing Canadian knitwear designer called Heidi Ackerman.
She specializes in beautiful sustainable knitwear pieces made from materials like organic wool, cotton and bamboo. Her aim is to produce pieces that prove that sustainability doesn't necessarily mean a compromise in innovation or fashionability.
A philosophy that is clearly demonstrated through her work.
To look at more of her work, you can check out her blog here.

Another Ackerman creation. Beautiful.

Now on a slightly different tangent, of a more crafty persuasion,
I stumbled upon this photo on a blog called Pickles. It is fantastically cute site by a Norwegian duo, Heidi and Anna, which provides free knitting, crotchet and other craft patterns. The blog has a lovely quirky/cute vibe and is definitely worth a look if you are at all craftily inclined. I will definitely be trying out their pattern for this 'puff daddy knitted stool'. Too cute!