Interior Decor: Woven Sputnik Lamps.

Knits and the use of yarn are not just limited to apparel and accessories. There has been a rising trend to using knit materials in different ways such as interior decor and art. As a fiber artist, I am constantly searching for new, creative, and interesting ways to incorporate different types of fibers into other elements of life.

Knitting and weaving techniques have been found in furniture, pillows, and other basic furniture design. However, Sputnik Lamps by Julie Lansom is one that has really caught my eye. These retro looking lamps are handmade in her shop in Paris from wood and cotton threads. Each lamp can take up to several days to make where the process entails working with a carpenter to build the structure, painting, and creating each design by hand. Because I have a deep passion and great appreciation for all things handmade, I truly respect and admire the the beauty in Lansom's designs and process of creation.

Below, are a few examples of her work.

Photo from: http://julielansom.com/index.php/design/sputnik-lamps/

Photo from: http://julielansom.com/index.php/design/sputnik-lamps/

Photo from: http://julielansom.com/index.php/design/sputnik-lamps/

Photo from: http://julielansom.com/index.php/design/sputnik-lamps/

Photo from: http://julielansom.com/index.php/design/sputnik-lamps/

Designer Look Out: Andrea Brena.

A few weeks ago, my interns and I experimented with arm knitting as a fun craft project in the studio. As we learned more about the art of arm knitting, we were curious to know more about how this popular trend started, and came across a young designer who has used this knitting technique in his work, Andrea Brena.

Andrea Brena is currently a student at the Design Academy Eindhoven located in the Netherlands. His work ranges from arm knitted furnishings to dynamic light sculptures. His creations appear interesting, beautiful, and playful all at the same time as he builds his concepts around simple ideas. 

His latest project, Knitted Army, is a collection of arm knitted furnishes from recycled fabric scraps. The idea behind arm knitting is that it doesn't require any tools! Therefore, anyone can arm knit and create something out of nothing. Andrea Brena encourages and challenges his viewers to take what he has created and use it in a new light.

I admire his artistry and ambition to think outside the box, and create stunning pieces of furnishing with only his arms. In my opinion, this is true craftsmanship, and an inspiration to the possibilities of what can be created with or without the tools you are given.

.Photo from:  http://dmy-berlin.com/en/festival_2012/news/thankyou 

Photo from: http://media.designerpages.com/3rings/2012/10/29/andrea-brenas-knitted-army-at-bauhaus-archive-berlin/

Photo from: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/260505159669117859/

Photo from:  http://media.designerpages.com/3rings/2012/10/29/andrea-brenas-knitted-army-at-bauhaus-archive-berlin/

Photo fromL http://dmy-berlin.com/en/festival_2012/central_exhibition/andrea-brena

Craft: Knitting without needles?

As a DIY, craft, and knitting enthusiast, can you guess what the latest project at DeNada's workspace has been?

Arm knitting! We're always looking forward to experiment with the latest knitting trends, and this is one that my interns and I love. This is a fun craft where your forearms are used as knitting needles. Anyone can learn how to arm knit, even if you have never knitted the traditional style before. It took a few tries for us to master arm knitting. But once we got the hang of it, we were able to make cute infinity scarves in no time.

Andrea Brena, an up and coming Italian designer based in Berlin, is partially responsible for this growing trend. With leftover fabric scraps (discarded from textile factories), Brena used his arm knitting technique to repurpose the materials into functional items such as bean bag chairs and extensive floor rugs. His project, Knitted Army gained him recognition and praise in the art world and has pushed the barriers where knitting and art are concerned.

Below are some photos from our crafty experiment.

Casting the yarn on the forearm.

The first failed attempt at arm knitting

Our intern, Rachel, modeling her first arm knitted scarf.

The finished product!

Check out this video to learn how to arm knit yourself.

Bundled: Knit Swimwear.

I am always looking for new ways to incorporate knit into my wardrobe. Although it's too hot to accessorize with a scarf, I found that knit in the summer is trending. My passion for knit has enabled me to integrate knit into every season, regardless of the weather.

This season, I am loving knit swimwear and the intricacy of each piece. See below for my favorite knit suits!

Photo from: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/26458716535701407/

Photo from: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/230528074648456610/

Photo from: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/9218374208741649/

Photo from: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/481040803918568175/

Photo from: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/317011261242980656/

Photo from: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/73113193923159701/

Photo from: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/249879479299227940/

Photo from: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/455919162247022955/

Phat Knits that Caught our Eyes - Bauke Knottnerus.

As a designer, I find inspiration for DeNada in all areas, shapes, and forms as well as from other artists and designers.

One artist that has recently captured my attention is Bauke Knottnerus, a Dutch designer who has incorporated large-scale knitting into structural forms of artwork and furniture. I've mentioned mega knitting on the blog before, but Knottnerus is taking it to the next level by creating elaborate installations with oversized PVC knitting needles and giant threads.

I love that form follows function in Knottnerus' creations. His collection titled "Phat Knits" could be viewed as a sculptural art collection or as a collection of modernly designed furniture. In an article on Trend Land, Knottnerus said, “These things I make could end up as furniture or as textiles, it’s more like creating media that can be used to construct a coat or a carpet or a curtain.”

Somehow art, design, and fashion always end up connecting back to one another. Just like one knitting loop to the next!

Bauke Knottnerus photographed by Michael James O'Brien
http://dianepernet.typepad.com/diane/2011/04/bauke-knottnerus.html

Photo: http://thpfashionblog.com/2011/05/09/from-balenciaga-and-spain-de-young-san-francisco-to-unravel-knitwear-in-fashion-momu-antwerpen/

Photo: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/26458716535805669/

Photo from: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/26458716535805667/

Photo: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/26458716535805671/

Phat knits - Bauke Knottnerus from MoMu Fashion Museum Antwerp on Vimeo.

New Machine = Studio Organization!

After recently receiving my new knitting machine, I've been looking for ways to incorporate it into my studio. I want to create a space that is organized and easy to work with, while aiming to preserve the industrial impression of my space without bringing in the clutter of new hardware. I want to maintain the minimalist atmosphere of the studio while generating a functional knitting station to work with a creative flow. I have been looking at some inspiration for ways to effectively store everything.

Below are some studios that inspire me - how do you stay organized?

Photo From: http://www.flickr.com/photos/woodwoolstool/5039086137/

Photo From: https://www.flickr.com/photos/swankdollar/6755604415/

Photo From: https://www.flickr.com/photos/swankdollar/6266400324/in/contacts/

Photo from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/woodwoolstool/7386754034/

Photo from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/olgajazzy/4601342906/in/pool-50477620@N00

Photo from: http://www.clearnorthblog.com/2011/07/ive-been-brainstorming-about-studio.html

Mega knitting Inspirations.

I'm always at a constant search for new knitting techniques and inspirations, and mega knitting is a fairly new trend that in the past couple of years has recently caught my attention. Mega knitting is when you use knitting needles greater than or equal to half an inch in diameter, or in other words, just think of jumbo sized knitting needles. The techniques of mega knitting is the same as conventional knitting with extremely thick yarn, and results in a very chunky looking knit.

If you remember our most recent collection from Autumn/Winter 2013, you may have noticed certain designs using very bulky cords in which we used mega knitting. And during the design process of the new collection, I've decided to incorporate mega knitting in some of our designs.

Mega knitting has been utilized in various different forms, such as hobby knitting, fashion, and the arts. And this post is dedicated to the various inspiring utilizations of mega knitting.

Enjoy!

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/26458716535024261/

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/26458716535359785/

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/45739752435015492/

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/26458716535650717/

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/319544536033252731/

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/216806169534447095/

Bundled: Knit Jewelry.

Knitwear comes in more forms than just sweaters, shawls, and scarves. And being a knitwear designer, I am constantly inspired and fascinated by the different takes on anything involving yarn, knitting, weaving, and crocheting. 

Most recently, I've been seeing more and more unique jewelry; knit with yarn, woven with different fibers, and crocheted metal jewelry. Naturally, I am intrigued by the use of these traditional techniques utilized in an unconventional way. 

Here are a few pieces that have caught my attention. What is your take on the trend? 

Photo courtesy of http://www.pinterest.com/pin/113082640616620382/

Photo courtesy of http://www.pinterest.com/pin/536421005587471368/

Photo courtesy of http://www.pinterest.com/pin/536421005587471354/

Photo courtesy of http://shop.alienina.com/product/jersey-frame-necklace

Photo courtesy of http://www.pinterest.com/pin/392305817512129076/

Bundled: A Look Back at A/W13.

With DeNada's A/W13 Season coming to an end, I wanted to take a moment to look back at one of the most memorable seasons for me. From my first time using a different fiber, to DeNada's first launch party, it's hard to believe how far my brand has grown. I'm always so grateful for the opportunity I have  to work with such wonderful artisans in Peru, and hope to continue this growing relationship I have with them.

I want to give a big thank you to everyone involved in the success of DeNada's A/W13 Collection; the talented artisans in Lima, Peru, my husband - Kelly Towles, lookbook photographer - Luis Aragon, makeup/hair stylist - Kathy Aragon, my dear friend and set designer/stylist - Morgan Hungerford-West, video director - Raul Zahir De Leon, sales manager - Sue, and all of our lovely interns in 2013 - Grant, Niana, Modupeh, Grace, and Katie.

With the first day of spring upon us, I am getting ready to transition into our A/W 2014 Collection, and I can't wait to share with everyone the new designs I've been working on due to debut later this year!

Here's a look back at a few of my favorite images from DeNada's A/W13 lookbook.

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/26458716535018080/

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/26458716535018056/

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/26458716535018006/

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/26458716535018026/

Bundled: Nomadic.

Bundled is a series of photos accumulated from our Pinterest board, entitled "Knit Obsessions."

With various trips taken this year and a recent one abroad, I am drawn to the word "Nomadic." Keeping my eyes open, with an open mind as I travel, I am in constant search for inspirations, gathering new materials, and learning new techniques.

Below are a few images inspired by the word Nomadic.

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/151644712422569674/

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/26458716535075975/ 

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/265219865529558829/ 

 http://www.pinterest.com/pin/271341946268839159/