SUNDAY KNIT ROAST

Sunday Knit Roast as opposed to a knitted Sunday Roast is not only a more appetizing but relaxing way to spend a winter Sunday. The imaginative folk of I Knit London have knitted up the idea of unwinding in a cosy London pub on the last Sunday of each month, with a Roast dinner and a pair of knitting needles. (Unless of course crochet is more to your taste in which case you will have a sole crochet needle) All welcome, just turn up with yarn, needles and perhaps an appetite for all the trimmings.Last Sunday of every month from 2pm, The Crown and Two Chairmen, Dean Street.  

Text Katriona Flynn

'I Will Survive'

Joana Vasconcelos confronts the world of embroidery and crochet, sex and simulacra at the Burlington Gardens as Autumn officially takes a stand on London. Finding inspiration for her first London exhibition through the daily themes of life. Entitled after the musical genius of Gloria Gaynor's 'I will Survive' this showcase captures a very disciplined, often stereotypical skill and transforms it into something almost unimaginable. The idea of crochet, embroidery and beading dwarfing the entrance hall of the Haunch of Venison is impressive. Vasconcelos's ability to explore similar themes of femininity and womanhood in a range of forms and materials ensures the exhibition that flows over a massive nine rooms will capture and hold the audiences throughout, the 'Garden of Eden' is breathtaking.

Text Katriona Flynn

A Perfect Knit

Crochet is no longer limited to doilies and your grandmother’s living room; both high and low-end designers have been flocking to this fabric for their summer and fall 2010 collections. When most people think of crochet, they think of it as being homely and exclusively for plain Jane’s. However, don’t let this misconception fool you: when done right, this trend can be laid-back, bohemian, feminine, and even sexy. For the summer months, stick to lighter, layer-able vests and dresses or accent pieces such as sandals/handbags. Diane Von Furstenberg makes a gorgeous crochet cocktail dress with a black tie-waist belt that exudes romance and sweetness. Tory Burch and Elizabeth & James both succeed when experimenting with color- the shoes they have created with crochet are incredible. If you aren’t ready to dive headfirst into this trend, add a touch of it to your ensemble with a few small crochet hairpins. No matter what the occasion, a little crochet will add a homespun feel that looks surprisingly sophisticated.

Dress: Diane Von Furstenberg
Vests: Mod Cloth, Sass and Bide
Handbag: Dolce & Gabbana
Shoes: Tory Burch, Elizabeth & James
Hairpins: Urban Outfitters


By Ali Antonucci