• Home
  • Suggest A Craft
  • DIY Newsletter

Knitting

Patterns, projects and techniques

  • About CraftGossip
  • Our Network
    • Bath & Body Crafts
    • Candle Making Ideas
    • Crochet Ideas
    • Cross Stitch
    • Edible Crafts
    • Felting Patterns
    • Glass Art
    • Home & Garden Ideas
    • Indie Crafts
    • Jewelry Making
    • Kids Crafts
    • Knitting Patterns
    • Lesson Plans
    • Needlework
    • Party Ideas
    • Polymer Clay
    • Quilting Ideas
    • Recycled Crafts
    • Scrapbooking
    • Sewing Patterns
    • Card Making
    • DIY Weddings
    • Not Craft Ideas
  • Giveaways
  • Roundups
  • Store
  • Search

Knitwear is an Art Form at London’s Fashion and Textile Museum

September 29, 2014 by Sarah White

knitwear on exhibit at London's textile museumIf I lived anywhere near London at all, I would have to take some time in the next few months to visit the Fashion and Textile Museum, which is running an exhibit called “Knitwear: Chanel to Westwood” through January 15.

The exhibit features knitwear from throughout the 20th century, ranging from 1920s Chanel to knits inspired by punk and pop culture.

Just looking at the pictures on the exhibit website makes me swoon a little bit. The shapes, textures and colors in these designs are just amazing.

The exhibit was the subject of a piece on the Guardian’s fashion blog, in which the author said visiting the museum made her want to get her out knitting needles. I understand the feeling.

In all the exhibit has more than 150 pieces from the collection of Mark and Cleo Butterfield, including some rare pieces like Chanel cardigans, 1930s swimwear and pieces from Missoni and other famous knitwear names.

The blogger writes, “Whether machine-produced for the general market or hand-knitted during wartime rationing, the garments on display give a sense of the emotional investment that went into their creation.”

I think that sums up a bit of how and why we knit, regardless of what we’re knitting or for whom. It’s a passionate, emotional investment of our time and energy. We want to put good thoughts and feelings into our work that can somehow be felt by people looking at or wearing them.

But she also notes that in fashion, knitwear is often looked down on. It’s the hope that exhibits like this (and an earlier one featuring the stunning work of Kaffe Fassett) and the work of knitters like us will make more people realize that knitting really is a work of art.

[Photo via the Fashion and Textile Museum.]

Next Pattern:

  • Book Review - Elemental Knits: A Perennial Knitwear…
  • Free Course for Aspiring Knitwear Designers
  • Knit a Sweater Inspired by Fast Fashion
«
»

Comments

  1. Mary Sorhaindo says

    December 28, 2022 at 5:18 pm

    Excited to learn about the museum! I discovered 3 gifted knitters who meet at the senior center, who produce museum worthy pieces. There’s also a group that produces amazing quilts! Neither has received any newspaper coverage. When center reopens I’ll tell them about your museum.

Have you read?

Knitting Pattern Review: Sabai Top by PaulaStrickt

Trending now — and for good reason!

Alright fellow knitters, if you’ve been scrolling through Instagram or Pinterest lately, you’ve probably spotted the Sabai Top popping up everywhere. And let me tell you — the hype is totally justified. This lightweight, drapey top by PaulaStrickt has quickly become a must-knit, and it’s easy to see why.

The Sabai Top has that magical mix of style and simplicity. With its elegant A-line shape, soft rolled neckline, and relaxed fit, it flatters every body and suits just about every wardrobe. It’s knit top-down in the round, which means no seams (yes please!), and it flows beautifully thanks to its clever shaping.

It’s ideal for warmer weather and perfect for layering. I’ve seen it styled casually over jeans or thrown over a sundress, and honestly? It looks stunning every single time. That easy, wearable style is what’s made this one take off in the knitting world right now.

PaulaStrickt’s instructions are beautifully laid out, with both English and German versions included. It’s written with clarity and care, and includes helpful photos throughout. I’d say it’s best for confident beginners and up — if you’re comfortable knitting in the round and shaping, you’ll be right at home.

The sizing is generous and inclusive, and it’s so adaptable with different fibres. Linen, cotton, bamboo blends — they all shine in this pattern. I’ve cast on with a blush cotton-linen from my stash, and it’s knitting up like a dream.

This is one of those patterns you just know you’ll make more than once. The fit, the drape, the ease… it’s everything I want in a handmade top. No wonder it’s trending — it’s the kind of timeless knit that never really goes out of style.

Categories

baby hat Baby Patterns Beginner Book Reviews cardigan Christmas CraftGossip Giveaways Craft News and Events Free Kntting Patterns Giveaways! Hats Knitting Articles Of Interest Knitting Patterns Knitting Technique & Ideas mittens Quick scarf shawl patterns socks Sweaters

RSS More Articles

  • Democratic Republic of the Congo for Kids
  • Primrose and Bee Punch Needle Pattern from DMC
  • Striped Ripple Afghan- Free Crochet Pattern
  • Knitting Pattern Review: Sabai Top by PaulaStrickt
  • Book Review – Capture Your Own Life with Collage Quilting
  • 4 FREE Christmas in July Digital Stamp Borders
  • Designer Spotlight: Needle Lot Designs
  • Coffee Cozy Knitting Patterns
  • Book Review: Sew Green: Reimagine, Reuse, Recreate
  • 12 Travel and Vacation Scrapbook Layout Ideas

Copyright © 2025 · CraftGossip | Start Here | Contact Us | Link to Us | Your Editors | Privacy and affiliate policy