Loie
The flowing lines and graceful “whiplash” curves of the Art Nouveau movement are beautifully captured in the dance of Loie Fuller, a celebrated figure of her time who had her own exhibition at the prestigious 1900 Paris World’s Fair. Inspired by her captivating performance, this knitting pattern for the stunning Loie top reflects a modern sensibility while paying homage to its Art Nouveau roots through its romantic beaded motif and feminine shaping.
The Loie top is designed to be knit seamlessly in the round, creating a smooth and elegant silhouette without any awkward seams. This innovative technique allows knitters of all skill levels to easily follow along and enjoy the process. The barely-there sleeves are picked up and knitted directly from the body, offering a unique construction method that is both functional and stylish.
To ensure a refined finish, a carefully crafted knitted hem is incorporated, preserving the pristine surface of the stockinette stitch. The pièce de résistance of this design is the striking curved column, elegantly adorned with 575 black opaque Toho round seed beads, knitted in for added texture and visual interest. This combination of elements makes the Loie top a standout piece for any knitting wardrobe.
MATERIALS Valley Yarns Goshen [48% cotton, 46% rayon, 6% silk; 92 yards/84 meters per 1.75 oz/50g skein]; color: Red 06; required skeins: 6 [7, 7, 8, 8, 9, 9, 10, 10, 11, 11, 12, 12, 13, 13, 14]. Additionally, you will need one 24” US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needle, a spare circular needle for casting on stitches, and 575 3/0 Toho round seed beads in black opaque.
GAUGE 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4” in stockinette stitch.
Whether you are an experienced knitter looking for a creative challenge or a beginner eager to explore new techniques, the Loie top offers an exciting opportunity to create a fashionable and artistic garment that showcases the elegance of the Art Nouveau era. Dive into this exquisite project today and let your knitting skills shine!
