Angle of Repose
When I was little, I could spend hours playing in the sand. Whether at the beach or just in my little sandbox in the back yard - didn't matter. I'd scoop up handfuls and let it flow through my fingers. It fell into identical cones every time. Cones that were just so tall and no taller: so wide and no wider. They fell at the angle of repose.
Angle of Repose. Isn't that a beautiful phrase? It's a technical term for the maximum slant of an incline without loose materials sliding down. Think sand piling up in the bottom of an hourglass, or sugar filling a measuring cup. Scientific, yes, but so expressive for life and style. The angle of repose is perfectly proportioned and naturally stable. It's exactly right without even trying. It's effortless. That's something, isn't it! I think clothes should be that way too. The right clothes should fit well and make it easy to get dressed in the morning. Clothes should feel great, look great, and last. The concept of beautiful, comfortable, unfussy luxury has made Eileen Fisher a gazillionaire. Timeless and tasteful, with a easy fit, her garments are the kind of thing you reach for every day...forever.
As knitters, we have the luxury of knitting exactly what we want to wear. And we have an incredible partner in helping us choose: Shibui Knits. If Eileen Fisher were a knitter she would knit Shibui garments. They're timeless and tasteful without being boring. Flowing and easy fitting without being frumpy. Luxurious fibers and beautifully draping fabric give their garments an unstudied elegance. Take a look at some of the designs from their spring collection.
Boxy and cropped, Getty is a go-to pullover that crosses the seasons. Worked in Reed and Lunar, it would be perfect for summer layered over a cami or a long breezy blouse.
Milan is another lovely pullover worked in Lunar, Shibui's new laceweight blend of silk and wool. Wonderful to knit and absolutely delicious to wear.
A drapefront cardigan, Siena is perfect to wear over everything. Slip it on when you're chilled and off when you're not.
The essence of effortless dressing, Lucia is the perfect tee. Sleeves at just the right length, and an easy relaxed fit. Worked in Reed, Shibui's new 100% linen yarn, you'll look your best even when summer gives you its worst.
Athens is a lovely and cool tank also worked in Reed. Its A-line shaping is flattering and takes well to layering with a camisole or a lightweight tee.
We're especially jazzed about Aalto, which we've chosen for our May First Friday project. A simple garment designed to be comfortable and flattering on women of all shapes and sizes, it would make a great first sweater for beginners or an easy mindless knit for more experienced knitters.
They're all beautiful, aren't they! Each is a great example of that unstudied elegance - the angle of repose - you need in your wardrobe. Which is your favorite?
I look forward to seeing you in the shop for First Friday, or around the table whenever. You are always welcome here.