A piece of Italy to knit yourself

Italy is in the lead when it comes to fashion. You will notice this at the latest when you walk through Milan. On our last trip we were sure that we had thought our outfits well – color-coordinated, a touch of “hip”, absolutely city-friendly. Well, ... let’s put it this way: After the first laps through the Milan streets, our style suddenly seemed more like “well-intentioned” than “well-dressed”.

One shop window follows another, each one like a small work of art. And it's not just the shops that make you speechless. You just have to sit down on the subway and look at the people around you. There you wear outfits that are so perfect, you could see them directly at the Fashion Week. And that on a normal Tuesday morning! With us you would probably cash in for some outfits rather skeptical looks, there it just seems natural.

No wonder Italian fashion has such a great reputation. Anyone who has ever travelled to Udine for a weekend, for example, knows: Disappointed, you certainly do not drive home. On the contrary – usually you come back with bags full of new favorite pieces that somehow just have a bit more “style” than what you otherwise find in the closet at home.

But where does this great passion for fashion come from in Italy? The reasons are obvious: Italy has a centuries-long tradition in the textile industry – and you can easily see that. In addition, there is the sun, which always feels shining and shifts life outside. And outside you don’t just want to see, but also be seen – be it during the aperitivo or while strolling through the city. No wonder then that the outfits look so natural there and are still always perfectly coordinated.

So how practical would it be if you didn’t have to pack your suitcases every time the longing for a bit of “dolce vita” arises? Good news: You don’t have to either. This Mediterranean lifestyle can be easily brought home. Wie? Well, as we teased it last week – with Nera, the new collection by Lana Grossa.

Lana Grossa has been working closely with the best spinning mills in Italy for decades. These are manufacturers that are appreciated worldwide for their quality and craftsmanship. And this is exactly what makes yarns that are not only durable, but also have this certain something: extraordinary, modern and simply a bit more luxurious.

In the new magazine there are knitting models that you could just as well imagine in the streets of Milan – timeless, chic and with a lot of love for details. Just typical Italian.

After the many impressions from the collection, it is worth taking a closer look at the yarns themselves – because without them, none of the models would be possible.

Lucciola – brings this fine glimmer that gives projects a certain something. The glitter thread is subtle enough for everyday life, but strong enough to make scarves, shawls or festive uppers blast. A yarn that makes stitches look elegant – without having to be afraid to look like a walking disco ball.

Winter Softness – Merino wool and cotton: a combination that works so well that one wonders why someone has not come up with this idea long ago. Warm, soft and comfortable to wear. Ideal for sweaters, scarves and anything you want to snuggle into in winter.

Nebbia Italian for fog. The yarn is airy, soft and has this elegance that you feel as soon as you hold it in your hand. Baby alpaca and merino in a fine mesh structure result in a natural fiber yarn with volume, without having a hard effect. Perfect for cardigans, sweaters or scarves that wear themselves as if they were almost not there – just nicer.

And then there'd still be CosmoOur little highlight. We have been looking forward to that for quite some time. Last year, the sequined yarn from Wolle Halle with the Emiscarf of Sinchen There's a lot of hype going on and we're pretty sure there's still something to come. So now it’s time: Cosmo is here! The yarn comes in the 100g ball and is about a third cheaper than the yarn from Wolle Halle. Large and small sequins glisten on a fine cotton thread, sometimes discreetly, sometimes really colorful. Whether as a thread or as a small eye-catcher – Cosmo is simply huge fun.

If we are already at fashion trends today, then let’s see what is really trending with us. Perhaps you have already noticed while strolling: West can really be seen everywhere at the moment. Whether cuddly in teddy or classically quilted – they hang in every shop right now. And of course, a bit of oversize can be again. If you want to simply revisit this trend yourself, you should take a look at the designs of Grey Level Knitter and Johanna Reus.

With all the highlights and trends of the last few weeks, we almost forgot to give you the new Kinderkollektion by Sandnes Garn. Admittedly, this is now a small swerve from the actual topic – but before these cute models go down, we prefer to incorporate them here quickly. After all, even the youngest have a right to speed through everyday life in a top style. But see for yourself:

And that's where we're at the end. We hope you had as much fun reading as we did writing and that the inspiration made you want to re-knit. Maybe one or the other will soon come across us in the chic Italo look.

Until then: lots of joy in knitting and good success – we will read each other again in two weeks!