Nobody does “simple” like Carrie Bostick Hoge. And nobody has quite the same finesse in taking existing patterns and changing them up — flipping the construction, changing the gauge, etc. — to make you look at them anew. She’s just released her Madder Anthology 2: Simple Pleasures collection and, as with others before it, it’s a combination of new patterns and reimagined favorites. Eleven sweaters and six accessories, all of them in spare but gorgeous combinations of garter stitch, ribbing and stockinette. And like a good caprese salad, where those three ingredients better each be perfection, she’s pretty much nailed it. My favorites:
ABOVE
top: Lila Winter, a bulky, top-down version of her popular Lila
bottom left: Liv, making me rethink my position on open-front cardigans
bottom right: Lainey Cowl, in chunky garter rib
BELOW
top left: Charlotte Light Accessories, a finer version of her Charlotte set
top right: Lori Shawl, lovely asymmetric (I presume) garter triangle (named for the model’s mother?)
bottom: Lucia Hoodie, making me rethink my position on hoodies
PREVIOUSLY in New Favorites: Mosaic scarves
I love Carrie’s patterns and had vowed not to buy this collection, but I am seriously rethinking after seeing your post here!
Thank you so much for telling me about this fibre artist. Her work is beautiful. I have to have that book.
As soon as I got the email that the pre-order and the e-book were available I downloaded it immediately. I can’t decide what to make first but I think the Lila (in worsted or chunky – I have enough yarn for either) might be on my needles this weekend :)
I bought it yesterday! I’m excited to see that two of the sweaters have been redone as top-down, which I so much prefer to knit than bottom-up. I really appreciate that she took the time to do this and make her incredible styles available to even more knitters!
Out of this collection, my favorite is the Barn Sweater. I love the pockets and 3/4 length sleeves. So simple, yet lovely.
I’m obsessed with pretty much everything she designs. I’m excited for the Lila top-down version–next on my list after finishing my Exeter (which is epic in all ways) and knitting a Uniform cardi. Honestly, MUST. KNIT. FASTER.
Liv is beautiful … like a Miriam with a little more “swing”. (I made two Miriams, ahem) Also love that spare, elbow length version of the Barn sweater. Great little Spring jacket.
Love Carrie’s stuff. Clean and modern, but with a touch of vintage. Not so easy to pull all that off in one fell swoop. Kudos, Carrie!
Ive already cast on the Lila winter.. Sigh. The photos are so beautiful!
I agree…changing my position on hoodies :D
I had a grey cashmere-blend hoodie I wore in the ’90s. And wore. And wore. And wore. I think I just OD’d on it and haven’t been able to stomach a hoodie ever since.
I’ve just always found that hoods hang limply on the back of things. I’ve never seen the point! But I love that one!
Yeah, I agree — I have issues with the weight of a hood hanging off the back, pulling the sweater backwards. It would require exactly the right weightless yarn, if I were to attempt it.
Love Carrie’s stuff, and I have exactly the right amount of Acadia in my stash to knit Lucinda, so that’s on my short list. I agree about Liv – I have really been avoiding open front cardigans, but this is calling to me. And hey, I just started the Bellows Cardigan too and it’s sooooo fast! My gauge is also way under (using Cascade 220 in Sparrow) so I’m doing the same thing – knitting a size larger, but I think I’ll also have to lengthen the sleeves when I get to them (started with the back).
Love Lila winter. The shades she chose also makes me want to update my wardrobe with all things grey :)
Love the simplicity of Carrie’s designs – pure, clean lines executed in beautiful natural colors – so elegant!
I could honestly knit every single one of her patterns. They would be in constant rotation in my winter wardrobe. Winter Lila has me considering re purposing some quince yarn I have already swatched for a different sweater. (another one of Carrie’s patterns, the Stella Wrap from Home)
oh carrie. this collection. these photos. my baby. the shawl!
:)
What is your position on hoodies?
I elaborated in the comments, just above —
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Thanks, Karen! And yes…Lori is named for the model’s mama. They are both amazing ladies.
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