Winter 2008/9 heralds a welcome return to chic conservatism in which women are dark, majestic,  mysterious and magnificently dressed in styles that celebrate the secret of true sensuality and inner beauty.

This season, the runways took on a more classic look: comfy cardigans, layered sweaters, chunky scarves and cowl necked pullovers.  But the rich new colors and textures of winter 2008 provided a fresh new fashion appeal.

The big knits are bigger than ever. Huge gauges in voluminous sweaters. Loose, cropped cardigans. Draping shawls. Sky-high turtlenecks. Even the hosiery is knitted.

We’re seeing gorgeous creations in parallel-knits, lacework and cable stitches, crafted with luxurious blends of cashmere, mohair and superfine merino and alpaca.  This is the year of the ultra-superior fiber: soft, warm, wickedly expensive. Of course, only the fashion elite will be seen wrapped in the luxury of cinnamon colored Vicuna, the most expensive and most coveted fiber on earth. Far too delicate to dye, it is best enjoyed in its lovely natural shade.

Other attention getters continue to be the eco-fibers popularized by a renewed interest in ecology throughout the world. Natural fibers like milk, corn, soy and bamboo are appearing in everything from fashion accessories to cozy blankets for cold winter nights.

Small bursts of metallics bring luminescence to day and evening wear. With more casual garments featuring unexpected metallic flashes, glittering Lurex fibers in bronze, copper, gold and silver continue to be popular despite the general trend toward understatement and simplicity.

The Hits in Knits

Bold Graphics were seen on the runways of Alexander McQueen, Betsey Johnson and Sonia Rykiel. ANNY BLATT offers the fabulous MAGENTA sweater in a stunning jewel-toned palette using ANGORA SILVER, ANGORA SUPER, MUGUET and VICTORIA.  You’ll find it in the Collection Couture, ANNY BLATT Numero 203.

Cardigans – from the luxuriously oversized to the tailored and trim -- were worn over crisp cotton blouses, feminine silks and even other sweaters. The layers make for a warm winter wardrobe.  This multi-colored cardigan looks sumptuously soft and cozy. The PALMA pattern by BERROCO is knit in Peruvia Colors, a 100% Peruvian Highland wool. Braid trim accents the big cuffs, pockets, neckline and hem. This pattern can be found in PERUVIA #277.

Another gorgeous cardigan from the genius of Norah Gaughn is PAMELIA. For the more skilled knitter, boasts wide bands of texture and a clever angled shape that complements every figure. Crafted in warm PERUVIA in a deep cherry color, it would be a perfect choice for cosy evenings of captivating comfort.

Leave it to TWINKLE KNITS  to create fabulous, high-fashion patterns for super chunky yarns. The BIG CITY KNITS pattern book is as relevant now as it was when first introduced. (Wenlan Chia is sooo ahead of her time.)  This close-fitting BEST FRIEND sweater with eye-popping buttons features a striking cable pattern. It’s created in luscious CHUNKY SOFT yarn in 100% wool. Shown here in French Grey this sweater would look equally stunning in any one of TWINKLE’s winter shades: forest greens, purples, and reds.

Seduction is in season. This pretty, romantic sweater reminds me of a very delicate camisole I bought at a French country market many years ago. The lacy pattern and ribbon trimmings of the BOUTON D’OR French confection are complemented by a scalloped neckline, sleeve edges and hem.  ALIBI is created using the mohair and rayon SONGE  and VICTORIA yarn.  It appears in ANNY BLATT NUMERO 198.

Jean Paul Gaultier, Donna Karan, Malo, and many others presented enormous cowl collars on the runways.  The NIMBUS SWEATER from TWINKLE WEEKEND KNITS combines a voluminous neck with slim body and loose sleeves. Pair it with a pencil skirt or loose men’s style trousers for an elegant look, or with jeans for contemporary classic appeal. The CHUNKY SOFT yarn knits quickly…so you might want to add several colors to your winter wardrobe. 

Shrugs, Boleros, Cropped Jackets…popular for day or evening wear, these lovely little items are quick to knit and oh, so versatile! ROWAN’S BACALL in luxurious kid classic is a charming little knit that can be dressed up with a vintage pin or worn casually over a billowing sweater. It’s featured in Knitting & Crochet, Magazine Number 44.

The romance of the Renaissance has returned! And not a moment too soon. We particularly love this style because it ‘s feminine, flattering, and reminiscent of an era of chivalry and honor. The traditional, flared shape of the CELLINI design is made modern with vertical lines in subtle jewel tones of Felted Tweed.

RAPHAEL with its glorious flower embellishment is in Kid Class and 4 ply Soft yarn. The scalloped neckline, hem and cuffs make this sweater a very pretty and feminine choice for any winter wardrobe. You’ll find CELLINI and RAPHAEL in ROWAN’S Knitting & Crochet, Magazine Number 44.

 Winter accessories are as varied as the eras we celebrate this fashion season. Cowls from medieval times. Victorian shawls and wraps. Close-fitting caps that roar with nostalgia of the 1920’s. Coats are dark and mysterious, trending toward dark charcoals and slate grays that practically demand a bright burst of contrast. So you’ll want to choose styles and shades that play off the simple, stark designs by adding a touch of softness and color.

French women spend hours selecting the right scarf to frame their face. BERROCO has created a snood of ribbed, double strand GEODE that becomes a soft halo of color. GEODE comes in a variety of shade combinations so you’re sure to find one to complement your hair and complexion. The 50/50 wool/acrylic fibers provides warmth and wearability.

One absolutely stunning set of accessories is this cabled pilot hat and flying gloves from TWINKLE BIG CITY KNITS is made with SOFT CHUNKY 100% wool yarn.  The TWINKLE WEEKEND KNITS book features a gorgeous AUTUMN VINES SCARF that combines the heavy, chunky look with delicate, open lacy sections. This is an easy scarf for the beginner despite its complicated look. Best of all, CHUNKY SOFT yarn is available in a myriad of colors, so you can make one to suit every color coat.

For a more feminine and romantic look, consider the TUDOR LACE scarf from NICKY EPSTEIN’S SIGNATURE SCARVES book. This pretty piece of the past is in lavender BEADED SILK from ARTYARNS. The beads are already in the yarn, and the lace stitch isn’t difficult, so this would be a great selection for a newer knitter who’s looking for a more challenging, but not too difficult, project.

The HEATHERED LEAF WRAP reminiscent of Tuscan vineyards has leaves sewn to both sides of the basketweave pattern to make this wrap reversible. It’s not a new pattern, but one that’s so timeless in design and colors that it’s become a perennial favorite. It’s also from NICKY EPSTEIN’S SIGNATURE SCARVES BOOK.

For those who want the softest, most luxurious and rarest of fibers, think of the future with this Qiviuk scarf. Yes, it’s the ultimate luxury. And yes, it’s expensive. But it will last a lifetime. As a matter of fact, this is heirloom quality yarn that can be passed down for generations, and because it’s unisex, anyone in the family will appreciate receiving it.  You’ll find the UNISEX QIVIUT SCARF pattern online for free at Yarnmarket with the purchase of one ball of Qiviut yarn.