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As I’m sure you have picked up in my previous posts about my making the Kingston Sweater, Tara-Lynn Morrison’s Good Night, Day has been my knitting awakening. These are patterns that are designed to be simple, minimalistic, accessible, size-inclusive and take a more holistic approach to the creative process in the way they are designed to be like a meditation, a launch point for your own ideas and creativity - leaving you free to express yourself with colour schemes, customised sizing, length and proportion, and optional embellishments.  On her Ravelry page, Morrison says of her patterns: “I hope to offer these Good Night, Day knitting patterns to you to be entirely accessible and attainable. I feel it is just as important to offer easily approachable knitting patterns to everyone - at any knitting level. I am passionate about offering a knitting pattern that is straightforward and uncomplicated- still just as gratifying. The patterns highly lend themselves to a minimalist aesthetic, intentionally simple and lasting designs that speaks as much about sustainability. With a reachable knitting project, you have given yourself a space to reflect, that you are forced to slow down in. Using an unrestricted pattern with easy to follow guidelines that are set in place, you can explore mindfulness and creativity- a jumping off point to customize. The process of knitting can be a kind of ritual, a solitary skill that really allows for introspection and as a form of self-care.” Well I’m hooked. This set of values and goals are exactly my mindset when it comes to creativity - having room to improve, improvise and experiment without getting too caught up on rules and technique. And when these patterns are made using Lissy Cole’s Auahu Haukura collection of chunky yarns, it all comes together to make a very gratifying, quick and addictive project making process! Today I wanted to show you some of my favourite designs from the Good Night, Day pattern collection and hopefully inspire you to embark on one, or some, of these garments - which are perfect for beginner knitters like myself, who are needing to build some confidence and be shown 'yes! you can make a garment!' - because guess what, you can! The Kingston Sweater: The one that began it all for me - my first ever garment. I really didn't think it was possible for such a novice knitter like myself to be able to knit an entire garment so early on in my journey - but it proved me wrong and it was the project that officially gave me the knitting bug. It's a top-down knit, made entirely in the round. Apart from some ribbing and increases, it’s made entirely from knit stitch and hey, there’s nothing like repeating the same stitch thousands of times to really help a beginner hone their technique and kick that muscle memory function into action! You can read about my journey with the Kingston Sweater here. PATTERN LINK: Kingston Sweater https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kingston-sweater-2  The Carlisle Cardigan: This is my second, and current project from the collection - so will refrain from talking too much about this one as I'll soon be posting a full project review. But let it be known that I adore this pattern, the shape and the texture. All will be revealed next week! PATTERN LINK: Carlyle Cardigan https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/carlisle-cardigan  Nanimo Cardigan: This is the second cardigan that I covet from the collection. I love it’s exaggerated, high, collar and balloon sleeves. With this collar it feels almost as much of a jacket as it does a cardigan, and I could see it dressed up splendidly over an evening dress in lieu of a coat, bolero or shrug, whilst adding some lovely texture and depth to any ensemble. PATTERN LINK: Nanimo Cardigan https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nanaimo-cardigan  Markham Loop Collar I’m obsessed with this collar. I love its delicious texture. The way it’s made to look like an imitation sheepskin or fur collar. How it will be a sure fire way to jazz up any coat, dress or plain top - and have people asking you if the entire garment is new. You might look at it and ask “but how would I ever wear that’ - to which I say, I think you’ll be surprised at how versatile and fun this can be. I love the idea of making this in Ao Mārama yarn by Lissy Cole and really leaning into the ‘faux fur’ energy that this gives off, giving a quirky, vintage touch that is full of personality and character. PATTERN LINK: Markham Loop Collar https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/markham-loop-collar---good-night-day  Aiki Seeded Rib Scarf Thrown over a classic coat, this Aiki Seeded Rib scarf will be an absolute showstopper throughout winter. The texture becomes the feature or your outfit and I think you won't stop getting complimented on it! You can play with classic colors like Ao Mārama or Tūmanako, or have some fun - something like Waimare or Harikoa from the Auaha Haukura collection would be stunning. When it comes to winter, staying warm, dry and snuggly without losing your style or character, just let you accessories do the talking! PATTERN LINK: Aiki Seeded Rib Scarf https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/aiki-seeded-rib-scarf  Goderich Blanket The Goderich blanket / throw is delicious. Does the seemingly complicated textural pattern on it intimidate me? Yes! Do I have complete faith that the pattern will be kind, talk me through the steps, and set me up to succeed? Completely! Even better is that this pattern is available for free on Ravelry. Glorious! PATTERN LINK: Goderich Blanket https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/goderich-blanket  Get the entire collection: You can get Tara-Lynn’s entire first Good Night, Day collection as an ebook for a very reasonable NZ $35 - in it is all 17 of her original collection featuring everything in this blog, with exception of the Markham collar and Nanaimo cardigan.  If you’re looking for some soothing, beginner friendly knits, and a way to build your confidence up when it comes to making your own knitted garments, I can’t recommend this collection enough. I’d happily make anything from this book, and as I make more and more from it I can feel my confidence growing and with that will come the ability to experiment, customise and make the patterns completely, utterly my own! Good Night, Day Minimalist Knitting Patterns - ebook by Tara-Lynn Morrison https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/good-night-day-minimalist-knitting-patterns/patterns Suggested Yarn for the Good Night, Day patterns: |
AuthorI'm Lou, an Ōtautahi based personal stylist and craft-lover, and this is Never Been Knit - my journey from complete knitting virgin to...well, let's find out together! Archives
June 2021
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