Modern Daily Knitting | Field Guide No. 25: Botanica

It’s time for a garden party! Welcome to the world of Dee Hardwicke, the artist whose fertile imagination overflows with nature and color and pattern.

In Dee Hardwicke’s hands, stranded colourwork gets a breath of fresh air. These designs will intrigue knitters with their graphic pop and modern colour combinations. Knit in worsted weight wool, they also are the most straightforward—and speedy—patterned knitting.

Treeline Cowl. This is a great project for entering the colourful world of Dee Hardwicke. It works up quickly, with playful motifs and four colours.

Autumn Garden Stole. So lovely. A simple motif becomes a sophisticated swath of pattern and colour. Knit this in the round or flat; instructions for both are included.

Blossom Stripe Shawl. Stripes are the party here, with a band of flowers—or are they butterflies? Dee’s love of simple motifs lets us enjoy the moment of colourwork, with plenty of simple stripes along the way.

Climbing Vine Mitts. A superb small project, for an introduction to Dee’s world of motif and pattern.

Cottage Throw. A showstopper. Each panel has its own colour story; together, they become an exuberant, spectacular treasure to love forever.