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 left, Voyage & Nanuk Caffe Vest; middle, Riva Neat Jacket; right, Cincilla Ribbon StoleWith autumn having just officially arrived and cooler temperatures in the forecast for North America, we’re planning our knitting and crocheting projects for the season. And, of course, we are checking out the Fall Fashion Outlook to see what the top fashion designers are forecasting this season. But we ultimately rely on the premier knitwear gurus to provide us with the ultimate ways to add that trendy touch to our wardrobes this fall. From comfy sweaters to choker necklaces and from fur to mixed fibers, our favorites have answered the call superbly with some truly stunning projects this year, and here are just a few examples of their outstanding design work.
Pictured above: left, Voyage & Nanuk Caffe Vest; middle, Riva Neat Jacket; right, Cincilla Ribbon Stole.
 Jalija Mixed Fiber Scarf
Starting off with an American perspective on the latest styles, Norah Gaughan and her team of designers at Berroco give us fantastic choices to support the latest fashion trends. In particular, the new pattern collection Berroco #315: Bohemian Mix is all about mixing up textures and fibers for high-fashion results. The Jalija Mixed Fiber Scarf is a funky, striped scarf designed to take advantage of four differently textured Berroco yarns. Then the Crocheted Stari Shawl gives a similar effect for crocheters by combining three yarns. Comfy sweaters are also gorgeously represented with the Peruiva Quick Zazanna Sweater, the Souffle Jacobellis Pullover & the Peruvia Aeneas Cardigan. Norah and her crew even get into a little furry texture with such creations as the Voyage & Nanuk Caffe Vest and the face-flattering Lungo Cowl.
 Cashsoft 4-Ply Peggy PulloverNow when we turn our thoughts to British knitwear designs, we automatically think of the talented staff at Rowan Yarns, and of course, they have been in incorporating whichever of the trends will work best with their classic styles. One sensational style supported beautifully by Rowan yarns is the feminine shaping you can achieve with these fiber gems. Imagine yourself enjoying the figure-enhancing Cashsoft 4-Ply Nancy Cardi with its effective use of ribbing to hug the body. Also the stunning Peggy Pullover uses even more delicate ribs in the same yarn for extraordinary results with a feminine ribbon at the neckline in place of pearls or a choker necklace. As for the comfy sweater look, Rowan designers have been known for that style for over 30 years and several of their most recent beauties include the traditional Big Wool Cordial Cardigan that works for officewear too, the wonderfully shaded Colourspun Heidi Sweater, the versatile Svana Hooded Jacket and the Willow Cropped Cardigan.
 Riva Grandad CardiganAnother well-known British designer is Londoner Debbie Bliss who excels with her designs for women in particular. Debbie also enjoys blending the current trends with her emphasis on wearable, classic garments. We love the checkered effect she’s achieved in her Riva Neat Jacket through stitch selection and patterning of the yarn. Also her Rialto Boot Topper Socks have that oh-so trendy leopard skin pattern knitted into them. Then for fabulous comfy sweater options, take a peek at the Grandad Cardigan that’s large and long enough to serve as a jacket, her Easy Knit Raglan Sweater, the clever Rialto Chunky Tunic With Cable Detail, her easy-fit Wide Necked Sweater and the lovely Paloma Contrast Band Jacket suitable for officewear as well.
 Odori Ladies Long VestNow we know that fiber artist extraordinaire Eisaku Noro is admired for his gorgeous combos as so aptly displayed in his Odori Ladies Jacket and his Hitsuji Hooded Jacket. And once again his fall collection of yarns and patterns fit right in with the latest styles too. The Odori Ladies Long Vest shows excellent use of the popular deeply scooped neckline just perfect for layering, while the Nadeshiko Tunic Vest demonstrates a similar approach in a unisex pullover. As for comfy, loose-fitting sweaters, we highly recommend the Wadaiko Shawl Sweater that’s shaped much as its name implies. Also the unstructured Wadaiko Top & the marvelous Nadeshiko Cabled Unisex Pullover with a matching muffler are excellent choices too. And last but not least, be sure to check out the fantastic Kochoran Poncho since ponchos are once again abundant on the runways this season.
 Cincilla & Zarina JacketTo round out this review of fall knitwear offerings, we come to the American distributor Tahki Stacy Charles and two of the brands they distribute. Italian manufacturer Filatura Di Crosa is known for adding European pizzazz and keeping up with runway fashions. Their designers ably demonstrate their prowess with their interpretations of the fur trend with several projects. The Cincilla & Zarina Jacket looks like something straight out of a Chanel clothing ad, while the Cincilla Strips Scarf gives you a great way to add a furry accent to your favorite coat or jacket. And for eveningwear, there is no nothing so elegant as the Cincilla Ribbon Stole. The designers for the S. Charles Collezione have also done an excellent job translating the trend for choker necklaces into several accessories you can create. The Stella Winston Necklace is a sophisticated two-tone piece, and the Lieber Necklace and Bracelet Set brings a touch of femininity to the choker style.
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