Knitty Gritty

One of the things I noticed a lot of when I first moved to Melbourne (some years ago now) was that Aussies were mad for macramé – and crochet, and frankly simply knits in general. The love for all things knit went beyond personal wardrobes and home-wares to just about anything with ‘mass’. I saw push-bikes that had been crocheted, crocheted bike racks, knitted trees and lamp posts – you name it. (That bike I spotted in my first weeks in Melbourne is still there by the way – looking very much in need of a new sweater!)

Even though it has been going on for a while now, there is something about the wintery chill in the air that has really amped up my love of chunky knits and knotty textures. Whether I am wearing them or decorating with them, I simply can’t get enough.

Chunky knits are exceptionally luxurious and playful at the same time, and I love that contrast. There is both a modern and an old world charm to an over sized, knotty knot, cable knit or simple stitch out of unexpected materials like t-shirt jersey, wool felt or nylon cord. The play in proportions is what makes the ordinary extra ordinary.

These types of products are available everywhere and at every price point, from Hub Furniture http://www.hubfurniture.com.au/products/flooring/rugs to Kmart http://www.kmart.com.au/product/knitted-ottoman—natural/185877– proving you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a bit of the chunky love. For a bargain delight to snuggle up with, I am quite fond of the new Chunky Knit Throw for Real Living at Freedom Furniture. http://www.freedom.com.au/homewares/soft-furnishings/blankets-throws/23488267/chunky-knit-throw-130x170cm-for-real-living-emerald/. There is also a scatter cushion to match, and there is a sale going on now – Score!

When it comes to working oversized knits into your home, try layering different style chunky knits on your bed or sofa in the form of throws and cushions, and you can add to that with an ottoman or a rug, or even an oversized crocheted hanging planter. Have a play with the proportions – that’s when the fun happens. And remember – the trick is not to be fussy in your presentation. The nature of the knit is loose and easy, so don’t over think it. The other trick is to break it up with non-knits. Even better is to really mix the textures and patterns. I love the pairing of large knits with linen because it is nice and contrasty. Why knot give it a try? (Sorry – I couldn’t resist!).

Above is a beautifully successful example of chunky knits (that I found on Pinterest). Get inspired and cozy up for winter.