No one has given more thought to knitwear and its meaning in our lives than British designer Erika Knight, who has been designing knitwear for decades.
Erika has the sublime ability to pare down a design to its essence. We’ve been admirers of her vision for years, so it’s a dream come true to see her designs for this Field Guide come to life.
For Field Guide No. 20: Atlas, Erika Knight gives us five beautiful pieces that will become companions for life. To make them even more special, all these designs are in MDK’s very first yarn, Atlas, a 100% Rambouillet wool grown, spun, and dyed in the United States, in a modern palette of 22 rich colors.
Escalator Scarf: Big scarves are on our style sheet forever, and they are having a big moment right now. This scarf has it all: a lush swath of cables with runs of artfully dropped stitches, a generous swing of fringe, and asymmetrical hems.
The pattern is graded for finished bust measurements from 41.5″ (72 cm) to 73.5″ (186.5 cm).
Stepping Stone Throw: Erika has a knack for celebrating knitwear traditions while throwing back the curtains to let in light and air. In the Stepping Stone Throw, she’s reinvented entrelac knitting with blocks of color and texture, pops of stripes, and stitches dropped on purpose. It’s a joyride to knit, and a blanket for now and forever.
Scrap Tote: Come for the sustainability, stay for the unbearable cuteness. This delightful small project sprang from Erika’s practice of using up every scrap she can after she designs a collection. If you don’t want to wait for your own leftovers, this little tote is also a great entrelac warmup, and making the lining is a perfect way to upcycle a muslin shopping bag.
Knight Hood: A current fashion week favorite, the balaclava, but Erika’s way: timeless and chic. The Knight Hood is a raffish cowl that you can hike up for an instant head cover. Either way, it’s got stylish warmth for days.