Laura Zukaite

LauraZukaite.com- the Dream Team behind the scenes: Pearl

2011-11-13T07:41:00.000-08:00

In this post of the Dream Team series i would like to introduce you to Pearl Naidoo- a super talented Jewelry Designer!

Pearl is the brains behind all the Jewelry you have been seeing in the photoshoots for the Golden Girl Collection as well as the upcoming Touch the Sky Collection.

Pearl has agreed to answer a few questions about herself and knitting!

In 5 sentences- tell me tell me your life story.
I am from South Africa. I moved to Long Island when I was 16 years old and haven't been back to my country since. I cannot wait to go see my family again, but in the meantime I am immersing myself in my work at PearNaidoo.com. I hope to one day soon open a store in South Africa. I love fashion, dancing, going out, and socializing, especially when it is for a charitable cause.

In 3 words- describe yourself.
Pearl Naidoo Rocks

Tell me what your passion is: what do you do?
I am passionate about working hard to become the woman I want to be. I own my own business, which allows me to be my full self. In that way I do a lot of charity work through my jewelry line. Mostly for girls, and especially in Africa, because as a Daughter of Africa myself, it's right next to my heart. I want to help other girls to get educated in the way that I was never allowed to do. If you can give an education, you can improve the quality of life from day one for a girl or boy. That is what I strive for and what I hope to accomplish. There are lots of girls out there who are helping and who need help. It's a beautiful thing!

Do you knit? Can you draw yourself wearing the very first thing you knitted? If you don’t- can you draw yourself wearing a “perfect 1st project” you would take upon?
I do knit, and I find it very therapeutic. Mostly blankets is what I knit though. I wear my projects all the time, I am a walking advertisement for Pearl Naidoo jewelry.

For fun: what do you think “a loose knitter” is?
Someone not quite right in the head? Or someone whose stitches are too loose, probably more likely.

And Lastly- what is your personal favorite pick from the Golden Girl Collection?
good girl top ... love it love it

Here you can find the pattern for Perl's favorite design: Good Girl Top

German Translation of Luxe Knits is now available!!!!

2011-11-07T04:58:00.001-08:00

Very excited to have Luxe Knits translated into German!
Check it out on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Stricken-deluxe-Laura-Zukaite/dp/384106096X/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1320670802&sr=1-4

SKYLER Top from Touch the Sky Collection!

2011-11-01T05:13:00.000-07:00

Check out the pattern on Ravelry!
Photography: Marc Hall
Modeling: Ashly Priest
Jewelry: Pearl Naidoo

EASY BREEZY Top from Touch the Sky Collection!

2011-11-01T05:09:00.000-07:00

Check out the pattern on Ravelry!
Photography: Marc Hall
Modeling: Ashly Priest
Jewelry: Pearl Naidoo

Laura Zukaite: Portfolio & Press

2011-09-28T17:01:00.000-07:00

My apologies for not being very "posty" on my blog: new job and catching up with the newest collection for LauraZukaite.com has left me with no time at all! But I promise to change it all! Keep on checking the blog for the newest updates! One of them is the list of ALL my Published Work and Articles!
Catch up with you soon! Promise!

Vote for me Please!

2011-08-09T12:48:00.000-07:00

Please vote for me and tell your friends!
http://www.fashionbyfeelings.com/?source=EComm#/look/823

LauraZukaite.com- the Dream Team behind the scenes: Adriana

2011-07-26T18:15:00.000-07:00

In this post of the Dream Team series i would like to introduce you to Adriana Andujar- the genius behind the Website DESIGN!

This is what Adriana says about herself:

I'm originally from a small island called Puerto Rico. I came to NYC at the tender age of 18 with aspirations to leave island life behind and study some sort of design. Four years later, I graduated from Parsons School of Design with a BFA in Design & Technology while doing a dual program with the New School studying Design & Psychology. I currently work in the Flatiron District and reside in the lovely borough of Brooklyn, with my cat, HeyMercedes. My recent work for Hertz has been written up in both the New York Times & the Wall Street Journal.

Words to describe me: Vivacious, quick-witted, steadfast.

My passion is furniture design. I live, eat and breathe great pieces of furniture, mostly of scandinavian descent. I love making my house a home, little by little.

I can't knit and I've never knitted anything before in my life!

My favorite piece from the golden girl collection would have to be the Golden Sun Camisole :)

LauraZukaite.com- the Dream Team behind the scenes: Ashly

2011-07-18T17:44:00.000-07:00

This is the first post of the continuous Dream Team series where I will be making posts about my amazing group of the most talented friends that made LauraZukaite.com come true!

The first on the spot- the Model: Ashly Priest with the capital A! Which not only stands for Awesomeness- but also for The A-list that Ashly runs! Curious what it is? Ask Ashly about it!

Ashly had answered a few questions about herself and knitting:

In 5 sentences- tell me tell me your life story.
AP-1. Big fish in a small pond.
2. Bigger dreams and bigger goals.
3. The city called my name.
4. Life is full of ups and downs.
5. Time to make it or break it!

In 3 words- describe yourself.
AP-Reliable. Excitable. Precocious.

Tell me what your passion is: what do you do?
AP - I love bringing people together to have a good time. Sort of my second job as a party planning extraordinaire, but I also really love fashion design. I design lingerie which may not seem like much, but in such a small garment there is so much intricate construction! And think about it, you may not wear a jacket every day, but (almost) everybody is wearing underwear!

Do you knit? Can you draw yourself wearing the very first thing you knitted? If you don’t- can you draw yourself wearing a “perfect 1st project” you would take upon?
AP - I tried knitting in college, and I am not that good at it. I made lots of little sample squares and one very long and skinny scarf. I would like to make another scarf someday, something soft and long and luxurious that could be wrapped around a bunch of times.

For fun: what do you think “a loose knitter” is?
AP - I have no idea! Someone that doesn't like to make tight fitting sweaters?! Hahaha

And Lastly- what is your personal favorite pick from the Golden Girl Collection?
AP - Love, love, love the jeweled hat!

You can see Ashly wearing her favorite piece here:

Check out the article from Twist Magazine:

2011-06-28T19:03:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day Weekend Surprise! $5 off the complete Golden Girl Collection!

2011-05-28T06:21:00.000-07:00

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-golden-girl-collection
Use coupon code: LZMEMD01
Enjoy!

Vogue Knitting Editorial for Magic of Mohair competition winning Dress!

2011-05-23T20:43:00.000-07:00

Vogue Knitting Early Fall 2011, photo by Rose Callahan

LauraZukaite.com- The Golden Skirt!

2011-05-22T06:14:00.000-07:00

Check it out: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/golden-skirt

LauraZukaite.com- The Forever Cowl!

2011-05-22T06:12:00.000-07:00

Check it out: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/forever-cowl-2

LauraZukaite.com- The Golden Sun Camisole!

2011-05-22T06:09:00.000-07:00

Check it out: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/golden-sun-camisole

LauraZukaite.com- The Good Girl Top!

2011-05-22T06:05:00.000-07:00

Check it out: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/good-girl-top

LauraZukaite.com- The Golden Girl Cardigan!

2011-05-22T05:59:00.000-07:00

Check it out: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/golden-girl-cardigan

LauraZukaite.com- The Golden Set Accessories!

2011-05-18T19:22:00.000-07:00

Check it out: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/golden-set-accessories

LauraZukaite.com- first pattern up on Ravelry!

2011-05-14T11:59:00.000-07:00

check it out:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/every-girl-sweater

More from South Africa and how i was 'Mohairised':

2011-04-26T05:16:00.000-07:00

Check out All About Mohair on Luxe Knits page.

My trip to South Africa: Port Elizabeth (or how I have been 'Mohairized')

2011-04-23T15:02:00.000-07:00

Besides having this beautiful view through my hotel window- i decided to start my first morning by waking up at 6am to run downstairs and see the Sunrise...

And it was totally worth it!

...and the day has just began...more about what I learned about Mohair coming soon...

Workshop, Book Signing and a Trunk Show at La Casita in Brooklyn

2011-04-22T15:02:00.000-07:00

La Casita is hosting a book signing for Luxe Knits together with a trunk show on May 7th (3-5pm) and a Cable Belt workshop from Luxe Knits: the Accessories on May 14th (4-7pm):

Click here for more details.

Check out an Interview with Emma Jordan from IFashion Magazine while in Johannesburg

2011-04-20T20:36:00.000-07:00

My first day in Johannesburg i had a pleasure to chat with Emma Jordan from IFashion Magazine. Please read her post on IFashion page.

Check out more Sneak Preview of upcoming Pattern Designs for LauraZukaite.com on LuxeKnits Facebook Page!

2011-04-16T10:04:00.000-07:00

More @ Luxe Knits by Laura Zukaite on Facebook

Check out the interview by Emma Jordan while in Johannesburg on my way to Port Elizabeth (the Mohair Capital of he World):

2011-04-11T18:04:00.000-07:00

Accompanied by the lovely Eleanor- the view of Johannesburg from the Passenger's seat...as well as the interview from IFashion magazine:
http://www.ifashion.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3397&Itemid=309

More about the Mohair Tour in South Africa coming soon...

Sneak Preview: Website Photoshoot Behind the Scenes Part 2

2011-04-02T14:26:00.000-07:00

Some of the Original Sketches for the upcoming designs...

Check out the FIBER PLAY blog post on BURDA STYLE!!!

2011-03-31T04:47:00.000-07:00

http://www.burdastyle.com/blog/fiber-play-win-a-copy-of-laura-zukaites-book-luxe-knits

Sneak Preview: Website Photoshoot Behind the Scenes Part 1

2011-03-28T16:11:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday was a very exciting day: we were shooting for LauraZukaite.com... the website is far from being launched- but i am very excited to share little bits of what was happening on the crime scene:

First let me introduce you to the fabulous Ashly Priest- my amazing supermodel sister from another mister who best describes herself as "I am a lean, mean, party-planning-event-producing-partnership-fostering-philanthropic-giving-newsletter-writing-lingerie-designing-sexy machine! WOOOOOOO!!!!!"

...and her magic make-up kit (you should have seen the suitcase poor Ashly had to carry for this)...

Second- the super talented photographer Marc Hall (http://marchallphotography.blogspot.com) who was juggling two cameras and tons of lights...honestly, i don't even know how he did it all!

...Third- Pearl Naidoo Jewelry (http://pearlnaidoo.com/)

...Fourth- and very important- these babies (poor Ashly again had to make it work by mastering twists and turns on these heels)...

...and finally- all of them together in action!

PS more Sneak Preview from behind the scenes coming soon!

Rugby Spring'11! Check out best Sweater looks for Her & for Him:

2011-03-15T16:46:00.000-07:00

http://www.rugby.com

LauraZukaite.com- a hint of taste

2011-02-12T14:41:00.000-08:00

http://laurazukaite.com/

Check out some of Spring/Summer'11 designs i did for Classic Elite:

2011-01-30T05:20:00.000-08:00

http://www.classiceliteyarns.com/pattern_intro.php

VOGUE KNITTING LIVE: Marketplace & Gala Dinner

2011-01-26T21:51:00.000-08:00

Some inspiring things that caught my eye last weekend @ Vogue Knitting live:

The Marketplace was welcoming with a beautiful display of Yarn Mannequins

a great way to display skeins

a Yarn Lounge with YarnBall Cocktails!

Knitted ART!

I was very good and only bought myself one skein of yarn! Planning to turn it into a hat.

Vogue Knitting Staff has done an amazing job making the table displays for the Gala Dinner Saturday Evening! I have heard there were 460 yarn balls that needed to be rolled up...

...and the Magic of Mohair Competition winning dress announced @ VK Live Gala Dinner...

Magic of Mohair Competition sponsored by Vogue Knitting and Mohair of South Africa

2011-01-23T15:32:00.000-08:00

Initial design submission for the winning dress:

Vogue Knitting Live: Magic of Mohair Design Competition

2011-01-22T19:56:00.000-08:00

I won! I won! I won!
Vogue Knitting Live: Magic of Mohair Design Competition sponsored by Mohair of South Africa! :-)

Car Trip to Stowe, VT= lots & lots of Knitting Time

2011-01-02T08:16:00.000-08:00

Weekend Trip to Stowe, VT

Relaxing with my Knitting after 2 days of skiing...Franklin seems to be relaxing too!

Earflap Hat Errata- Luxe Knits: the Accessories page 20

2010-12-27T06:15:00.000-08:00

MB- make a bobble: knit into the front and back of the bar between the two stitches twice (4 sts are coming out of one stitch), turn; sl1, p3, turn; sl2, k3, turn; sl1, p3, turn; sl1, k2tog, k1, turn; p3tog, turn and slip this stitch onto the right hand needle.

Aran/Bobble Panel (over 30 sts):
NOTE: while the hat is knitted in a round, the following rows are given as you were knitting without turning your work.
Round 1: P1, *p4, k4,-rep from *, end p5.
Round 2 (and every even round except for rounds 8 & 14): K the knits & P the purls.
Round 3: P2, *p2, Tw3B, Tw3F,-rep from *, end p4.
Round 5: P3, *Tw3B, p2, Tw3F,-rep from *, end p3.
Round 7: P3, k2 *p2, MB, p2, C4F,-rep from *, end p2, MB, p2, k2, p3.
Round 8: K the knits & P the purls- but P2tog the bobble stitch tog with 1 stitch before it.
Round 9: P3, *Tw3B, p2, Tw3F,-rep from *, end p3.
Round 11: P4, *Tw3B, Tw3F, p2,-rep from *, end p2.
Round 13: P5, *C4B, p2, MB, p2,-rep from *, end p2, C4B, p5.
Round 14: K the knits & P the purls- but P2tog the bobble stitch tog with 1 stitch before it.

LauraZukaite.com

2010-12-26T10:27:00.000-08:00

http://laurazukaite.com/

Ugly Holiday Sweater Party: the UGLIEST & the most CREATIVE

2010-12-20T17:27:00.001-08:00

Check out RUGBY Sweaters!!!!

2010-12-05T07:35:00.001-08:00

I am so excited to be a part of it! Check out all the RUGBY Holiday Sweaters:

www.Rugby.com
And my personal pick: Deer Holiday Sweater!

Check out an Article @ UDRESS magazine!

2010-12-02T09:04:00.000-08:00

http://www.udressmag.com/real-wide-world/511-designer-and-author-laura-zukaite-gives-knitting-a-modern-twist.html

Original Sketch of the Vest Published in Vogue Knitting Holiday Issue

2010-11-29T17:33:00.001-08:00

Check out Vogue Knitting Holiday! I have a design in there!

2010-11-06T12:27:00.001-07:00

Coming out November 9th, 2010!
Vogue Knitting Holiday 2010, photo by Paul Amato

Rhinebeck Sheep & Wool Festival Review on Lark's Blog!

2010-10-28T05:03:00.000-07:00

http://www.larkcrafts.com/needlearts/more-from-rhinebeck/

FREE unpublished pattern from Luxe Knits: the Accessories- MODERN CAPE

2010-10-26T05:17:00.000-07:00

http://www.larkcrafts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/modern-cape.pdf

check it out! Luxe Knits: the Accessories Release Party!

2010-10-17T05:37:00.000-07:00

http://www.larkcrafts.com/needlearts/puttin-on-the-luxe/

Check it out! Interview on Lark's Blog

2010-10-17T05:31:00.000-07:00

http://www.larkcrafts.com/needlearts/interview-laura-zukaite/

SAVE THE DATE: Luxe Knits: the Accessories Release Party!!!!

2010-09-12T07:03:00.000-07:00

Bike & Wine

2010-09-09T16:24:00.000-07:00

I am often asked what inspires me...or what would i do on my perfect day off... I have to say that last weekend i had plenty of inspiring moments and here is one i am going to share: Bike & Wine...

Were: New Paltz, NY- Adair Wineyards
How: Rented Bicycles
When: Sunday Afternoon

first time i did this- we managed to take wrong turns three times...this time i knew how to get there with my eyes closed!

Rented bicycle from the local bike shop in New Paltz...

local grapes...

North Fork Century Ride 8/29/10

2010-08-30T08:43:00.000-07:00

Yet another BEAUTIFUL day and another great Century Rife in North Fork, NY.

Rest Stops with bicycles everywhere you can see...and delicious food!

100 miles later there was beer awaiting at Greenport Brewing Company!

...i only wish i could teleport myself and the bike home after a long ride like this...but still had to catch LIRR back to the city...

...the best part of taking the train back home- i even got some knitting done!

Luxe Knits: The ACCESSORIES- Sneak Preview Part 6

2010-08-22T08:00:00.001-07:00

Luxe KNITS- The Accessories... the first copy has arrived!

2010-08-03T20:44:00.000-07:00

More Designs for Classic Elite- Fall'10

2010-07-27T19:10:00.000-07:00

Patterns available through the Fall'10 Classic Elite Books:
http://www.classiceliteyarns.com/pattern_intro.php

Trellis Hat- in Classic Elite's Ariosa

2010-07-25T15:59:00.000-07:00

Check out the on Ravelry:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/trellis-10

Luxe Knits: The ACCESSORIES- Sneak Preview Part 5

2010-07-05T09:34:00.000-07:00

Just a few pieces from the book:

Luxe Knits: The ACCESSORIES- Sneak Preview Part 4

2010-06-28T19:44:00.000-07:00

Sketches from Starry Night Collection:

Luxe Knits: The ACCESSORIES- Sneak Preview Part 3

2010-06-24T19:28:00.000-07:00

Early Evening Collection:

Luxe Knits: The ACCESSORIES- Sneak Preview Part 2

2010-06-06T19:19:00.000-07:00

Sketches from Trendy Days Collection:

Luxe Knits: The ACCESSORIES- Sneak Preview Part 1

2010-06-01T11:19:00.000-07:00

Sketches from Casual Mornings Collection:

...just a little Tease from Luxe Knits: The ACCESSORIES...

2010-05-25T19:06:00.001-07:00

...more coming soon...

The Way We Ride! MONTAUK CENTURY 2010!

2010-05-17T15:46:00.001-07:00

Sun, May 16th... Montauk Century 2010!

We left at 5am from Penn Station...and rode all the way to Montauk! :-)

...beautiful weather... lots of cyclists around... and it officially becomes the longest ride i've ever done: 152.27 miles!

Luxe Knits review on Robin Hunter's Blog

2010-05-06T19:39:00.000-07:00

http://knittingrobin.blogspot.com/2010/04/luxe-knits.html

LUXE KNITS: Tonal Skirt Errata

2010-04-18T07:40:00.000-07:00

There is an Errata for Tonal Skirt that starts at the Decrease section.
If anyone is doing this project- let me know and I will email you the file.

LUXE KNITS: The Accessories Cover Shot

2010-04-16T18:42:00.000-07:00

LUXE KNITS: The Accessories already on Amazon! Sneak Preview Coming Soon!

2010-04-12T14:20:00.000-07:00

http://www.amazon.com/Luxe-Knits-Accessories-Couture-Adornments/dp/1600595855/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1271106769&sr=1-8

Shawl Sweater in BLACK!!!

2010-03-23T18:08:00.000-07:00

Just finished a Shawl Sweater version in Black with some hints of gray (in Artyarns Silk Rhapsody & Silk Mohair):

LUXE KNITS review on Faina's Knitting Mode

2010-02-26T20:03:00.000-08:00

Check it out:

http://fainasknittingmode.blogspot.com/2010/02/book-review-luxe-knits.html

Smocking Pullover & Summer Dress ERRATA

2009-12-20T16:30:00.000-08:00

SMOCKING PULLOVER ERRATA (top of Page 37):

Row 6: sl 1, *(with A/B) Tw3L, Tw3R, (with B) p2; repeat from * end with col A/B) Tw3L, Tw3R, (with col B) p2, k1.

Row 7: sl1 (with B) k3 *(with A) p4, (with B) k4; repeat from * end with A) p4, (with B) k2.

Row 8: sl 1, (with B) p1, *(with A/B) Tw2L, Tw2R, (with B) p4; repeat from * end with A/B) Tw2L, Tw2R, (with B) p3, k1.

SUMMER DRESS ERRATA (bottom of Page 32):

Round 6: *(with A/B) Tw3L, Tw3R, (with B) p2; repeat from *

Round 7: *(with A) k4, (with B) p4; repeat from *

Row 8: *(with A/B) Tw2L, Tw2R, (with B) p4; repeat from *

Tonal Skirt Errata

2009-11-17T18:45:00.001-08:00

The colors for the Tonal Skirt should be as follows:

Art Yarns’ Silk Mohair, lace weight, 60% Super Kid Mohair, 40% Silk, 88oz/25g = approx 312yd/285m per ball

(A) 1 ball, color #250

Art Yarns’ Regal Silk, fingering weight, 100% silk yarn, 1.75oz/50g = approx 163 yd per ball

(B) 1 ball, color rust 1

(D) 1 ball, color rust 3

(E) 1 ball, color rust 4

(F) 1 ball, color rust 5

Upcoming Designs for Classic Elite Fall'10

2009-11-13T18:57:00.000-08:00

I am quite psyched to be working on the designs that Pam Allen has just selected for their Classic Elite Fall'10 Pattern Collection! The Hat is already complete...Cable Capelet is half way there...and the rest are being started...Here are the selected sketches below:

Kumara Long Vest

Portland Tweed Jacket

Moorland Aran Pullover

Fresco Cable Capelet

Ariosa Hat with Ties

Errata for Shawl Sweater (pg 23)

2009-11-02T15:55:00.000-08:00

There is a pattern Errata for Shawl Sweater on page 23...

It should read as follows:

COLLAR

FOLD :

With 2 strands of Col B (heavier weight yarn) using US 11 needles CO 270 (274, 278)sts.

Row 1 (WS): Purl.

Row 2: Knit.

Repeat these two rows once more.

Row 5: Purl.

Row 6 (RS): With Col C (lighter weight yarn)*Slip one stitch pick up acorresponding CO stitch from behind of work- knit them together- Repeat from * till the end of row.

Space Between the Folds (WS):

With one strand of Col A work in St St (starting with Purl row) for 6 rows.

Repeat Fold & Space in Between Folds Patterns once more.

On the third repeat of the pattern use 2 strands of Col C for Space Between the Folds.

For the 4^th & 5^th repeats use one strand of Col C for Space Between the Folds.

Next: Work Fold pattern once more, but BO all the sts once they are folded on Row 6.

LUXE KNITS Review on Classic Elite's Newsletter 10/27

2009-10-27T12:52:00.000-07:00

Classic Elite's Newsletter 10/27:

There is a FREE pattern of Kumara Arm-Warmers on Classic Elite's Website:

http://www.classiceliteyarns.com/WebLetter/111/Issue111.php

“In Luxe Knits I wanted to show how design evolves: from an initial inspiration to an interpretation of technique; from technique to fashion sketches; and from sketches to an actual garment.”

So begins the introduction to Laura Zukaite’s new book, a collection of 26 sweaters and accessories. The ‘luxe’ part has to do with the fibers she chose to work with—silks, cashmeres, handpainted linen, etc. But even if you can’t afford to treat yourself to an expensive skein of yarn, Laura’s garments are well worth working up in more affordable fibers. And her creative exploration of tried and true knitting moves make this book well worth investing in.

For example, the first chapter explores knitted folds in stockinette stitch—the technique in which you knit a few rows then pick up a previous row of stitches to create a horizontal tuck. Laura uses delicate rings of sculpted tucks to trim the cuffs on sleek cashmere gloves and to embellish a simple striped hat. In other projects, tuck-folds help an attached scarf fold and drape and on a simple rectangular shrug, they make a striking design element

In subsequent chapters, Laura explores the possibilities in smocking, cables, combining yarns of different colors to create tonal effects, honeycomb patterns, and freeform crochet. (A perfectly plain stockinette sweater with a crocheted butterfly to fill in the cut-out back is one of several truly knockout pieces.) Bags, gloves, mitts, even jewelry find a place in Luxe Knits, as well as sweaters, wraps, and two very wearable skirts.

Not least of the pleasures in Luxe Knits are Laura Zukaite’s fashion illustrations. It’s fun to see the imagined piece in counterpoint to the photo of the final, realized sweater. And knitters will appreciate the book's layout. Instructions for each design are shown with multiple photos of the garment. As you knit, you can check the instructions against the pictureS.

Painting Process = Sweater Design Process

2009-10-23T17:53:00.000-07:00

I forgot how much i love Drawing & Painting... really- considering all the years i had in Arts Training - i wish i had more time for myself to just sit down and draw draw draw...

I started thinking about painting for a reason- since to me the Painting Process is no different than the Sweater Design Process i recently described in my book Luxe Knits:

It starts with an inspiration...

Then the line sketch...

Then the colored sketch...

And only then you do the actual painting...

...i thought a couple mural paintings i did a while ago could best describe the process...here is another one...

Initial sketches:

Finished Mural:

My Sweater World! My Job- My Everyday!

2009-10-14T09:45:00.000-07:00

I have landed my first job at Polo Ralph Lauren just out of school: joined the Polo Jeans crew to be a part of their Sweater Team!

A lot of times I am being asked what I do at work…thinking that we just draw pretty pictures…well- that too…but it is way more complex than just that: my everyday consists of doing lots of fashion research, sharing ideas, having extensive design meetings, choosing yarns, choosing colors, fitting the prototypes to make sure they look good on, creating technical packages for the factories to follow, communicating with the factories on any questions they might have about our designs, providing any construction diagrams they need to understand the sweater details we want…and many other little things to assure the end result of the product to be flawless… This fall Europe & Asia can enjoy our sweaters in their stores already:

Images from Polo Jeans Fall'10 Add Campaign

Crochet is BIG! Let's Make a Crochet Tank!

2009-10-13T11:03:00.000-07:00

Lots & lots of Crochet was seen all throughout New York, London, Milan & Paris Shows for SP'10

SHRUGS are IN!- lets make a Cinched Shrug (SP'10 runway review)

2009-10-07T10:41:00.000-07:00

Chloe & YSL are showing many "Shrugged" jackets for Spring'10- so the item to make is the Cinched Shrug!

Black is definitely the biggest shrug color followed by other neutral tones.

BUTTERFLY VARIATIONS- initial ideas

2009-10-01T18:11:00.000-07:00

Initial Inspiration & Ideas for Butterfly Variations Chapter.

Laced Wrap

2009-09-20T05:34:00.000-07:00

Another "Luxe-Knitty" Design of mine was just published in the new Lynne Barr's Reversible Knitting book.

LACY HALTER- helpful tip

2009-09-16T19:13:00.000-07:00

Once you start back Lace Insert in col A (instructions at the bottom of page 68)- attach separate ball of col A yarn at both markers (so that whichever end you reach when you wrap & turn- you will always have yarn to work with).

ERRATA on page 68- it should be:

Round 32: *P1, (k1, p1) seven times, k2tog, (p1, k1) six times, rep from *,- 140 (168)sts Rounds 33, 34 & 35 ( still in color B): *P1, k1, rep from *

LUXE KNITS event at STICKS AND STRINGS in Scarsdale

2009-09-10T05:43:00.000-07:00

Mark Your Calendar:
Sunday, Sept. 13, noon to 5 p.m.
Stop in for our open house event Sept. 13 to celebrate our very own Laura Zukaite's book, Luxe Knits. As promised, we'll have good wine, great food and a special trunk show of nearly every piece featured in the book. We will have most of the yarns used for these patterns in stock, so you can touch, love and take home your favorites — and be well on your way to the perfect fall project.

LUXE KNITS Pre-History...or...thats how it all began...

2009-09-07T18:00:00.000-07:00

Parsons School of Design Benefit Show, 2007

Saks Fifth Avenue Windows, 2007

LUXE KNITS in MILAN

2009-09-01T04:54:00.001-07:00

Luxe Knits was seen in Milan right in front of Santa Maria delle Grazie (you can see it reflected in the store window) where Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper is located.

LUXE KNITS- FINANCIAL ADVISOR

2009-08-29T09:36:00.001-07:00

Summer Dress: Color vs Tonal

The way to save $$:

Make it all in solid color and instead of 6 Skeins- you will be using 4 skeins of yarn!

This is all you’ll need:

Claudia Handpainted Yarns’ Linen, sport weight, 100% linen yarn, 100g = approx 270 yd per ball

(A) 2 balls, color: undyed linen

Claudia Handpainted Yarns’ Linen Lace, lace weight, 100% linen yarn, 100g = approx 540 yd per ball

(B) 2 balls, color: undyed linen

TO ALL THE “LUXE-KNITTERS”

2009-08-29T08:11:00.000-07:00

Now that Luxe Knits is out and all of you are knitting away…I decided to offer my full support & encouragement to take on the projects in the book.

Keep on checking this Blog for

*Luxe Knits Styling Tips

*Project Knitting Tips

*Trend Reports

*Various sneak-previews

*and many many more interesting design postings…

Enjoy!

Laura Zukaite

...more of Luxe Knits...

2009-07-31T12:39:00.001-07:00

...more of Luxe Knits...

...already available...