The Light Basics Collection is Truly Timeless

Oh how I LOVE Kerin’s new Light Basics collection. I can very clearly remember the minute we unpacked all of the knit samples in the office. As each garment came out we all reached out to touch the beautiful, springy fabric of each garment. I definitely gave the Light Basics Pullover an extra squeeze and even a little hug to with a big grin on my face because that Capretta (as I’ve said before) just knits up into SUCH A GORGEOUS fabric!

Each piece in this collection is designed to be a simple, easy to knit and timeless addition to your wardrobe.

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The Light Basics Tee is knit in the so soft, machine washable Comfy. This piece is definitely meant to be in regular rotation as an everyday garment. I could see myself sitting in a meeting at work, going for a morning stroll or spending time with a passel of children all day in this tee. I love the longer length of the torso (no skin peeping to be had!) and the gentle v-neck.

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I think this shot shows what a wonderful transition piece shawlettes can be. The Light Basics Garter Shawlette is knit in a fingering weight yarn so it’s a little bit heartier than the traditional lace shawl but light enough that it can easily be tucked inside of a jacket or on top of a cardigan without adding unnecessary bulk. I think of shawlettes as the perfect companion to sleeveless tops on cold mornings that promise to warm up into balmy afternoons. They keep those shoulders toasty in the morning and fold away perfectly into a purse as the sun comes out.

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Like the Tee, the Light Basics Shell is one of those everyday pieces that really shine. It’s deceptively simple with some wonderful little finishing touches that make it a garment that will continue to wear well through many trips through the washing machine. Applied i-cord and a folded hem means that all the edges are nice and crisp and will stay that way over time. Plus, the subtle Stellina shimmer in Glimmer gives this sleevless top a little extra sweetness.75107_19

The Light Basics Pullover is the garment that I’m totally drawn to right away. The luscious Capretta fabric and the beautiful Cream color makes this the perfect neutral garment. The shaping is so lovely and the finishing so smooth that it almost looks store-bought. It would be easy to add any sort of embellishing colorwork, swap out the yarn or choose to swap out the high turtleneck for the alternate crew neck instead. 51089D_6

And, really, I can’t think of a single day when I couldn’t wear a nice little beanie. I love the length of the Light Basics Garter Ridge Hat which leaves room to fold the band up and instantly makes this a very versatile hat, perfect for just about any shaped noggin.

 

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The proverbial “icing on the cake” in this collection is the Light Basics Cardigan. The elegant shaping, simplicity and fitted nature of this pattern means that it’s the perfect layering piece. Pop it over a light tank top for the spring or tuck it under a cozy jacket in the fall and you’re good to go on any adventure. Just check out the finished edges on this one! I love the crisp lines and the tidy bottom band. Gorgeous.

Sigh, there are so many pieces that I would LOVE to start but they’ll all have to wait until after the holidays pass and I have some more time to work on my own projects. Which one would you cast on for RIGHT NOW if you could? I think I would have to grab my needles and find the buttons for that Cardigan first, but I bet I couldn’t finish it before I just had to cast on for the pullover too!

 


6 comments

  1. Knitnotsmoke / August 7, 2013

    This knitter of color appreciates diversity in knitwear modeling! This knitter had sworn off knitting anything other than scarfs, socks, hats and accessories. My larger garment attempts were frustrating and finished products not successful. I accepted the fact that I am not a larger garment knitter BUT these classic basic patterns have inspired me to revisit knitting these light basics. I also think book is a nice gift for novice knitters and honeybee33 comments suggest advance knitters too!

  2. ~Lori / August 6, 2013

    A really nice collection! I always appreciate such a wide range of sizes, too. The very small and very large are too often neglected. I love Knit Picks passionately, and I definitely plan to add this book to my next order. 🙂

  3. honeybee33 / August 6, 2013

    As a more advanced knitter, this collection completely flew under my radar – I saw “Basics” and thought, well I sure don’t need this! But then I listened to the KP podcast with the designer Kerin, and heard about the fine details and extraordinary features she put into every piece. This collection should really be subtitled, “A Course in Advanced Garment Finishing Techniques.”

    Even the most “process-oriented” knitters will appreciate this collection, because when you’re done not only do you have a great piece to add to your wardrobe, but you also have developed your skills and learned some great ways to improve on every single pattern you tackle in the future.

    After over three decades of knitting I may have already learned these tricks and tips, but specifically because I have this much experience I ALWAYS appreciate a design that is this well thought-out. I’ll be investing in this book for sure!

    (oh, and ditto on the diversity of models – so refreshing to see collections that actually look like the real world we live in! THANK YOU!)

  4. pat / August 6, 2013

    I just have to write and thank you for the diversity of your models for your patterns and pattern books. As a knitter of color, it is so good to see representation of the knitting community in your models. I have contacted several publishers of hard copy books because there will be in some cases as many as 30 models in a book or publication without one being anything other than white European. Thank you!

    • ~Lori / August 6, 2013

      Hear, hear! I’m white but it irritates me to see so little diversity in knitwear modeling. It’s sad commentary that when I do see a model of clearly African ancestry, it is a remarkable exception to the rule. There is certainly plenty of diversity in the Ravelry community, so why not in knitwear models?

  5. Nik / August 6, 2013

    I would totally cast on the Light Basics Cardigan. It’s so simple, but essential. I’m drawn to the professional finishing touches.