Cables + Prints: Does It Work?

Q: This year I have tried to be more mindful with my wardrobe, which extends to my knitting decisions. As much as I love the new Peninsular Vest pattern, I am not sure how well it will fit in with my existing wardrobe. More specifically, I am worried that the cables might clash with printed fabrics, which is 90% of my tops and dresses. What do you think? Do cables work with prints, or are these vests better suited for those who wear solid colours?

A: Firstly, I was very pleased to receive this question. One of the most common sources of frustration I hear about from knitters, is the disconnect between what we knit and what we wear. I too have been trying to plan the things I knit for myself mindfully, and it’s not easy. So I absolutely agree this sort of thing is crucial to consider.

That said, I don’t think I can actually answer the question. To begin with, because I am not a stylist. But moreover, because I truly think this is a matter of personal taste and preference. There are no ‘rules’ as such.

The question isn’t so much ‘Does this work?’ as ‘Does this work for you?’

To help you answer this question for yourself, I took some snapshots of two Peninsular vests paired with the most ‘loud’ printed shirt I have at my disposal.

Not only is the print quite large-scale and high contrast (thus ‘insisting upon itself’ more than say a fabric with tiny flowers), but the straight lines of the plaid contradict the curves of the cables. In theory, it should be a mess. But, for me it works.

What do you think?

I think the reason it works for me in both cases, is because the colours of the vests pick up one of the colours present in the shirt. And to my eye, this over-rides the clash between the wavy cables and the intersecting straight lines of the print.

Another point I want to mention here, is the difference between wardrobe planning for photoshoots vs for real life.

When choosing outfits for pattern photos, I tend to opt for solid - and usually neutral - colours, because I want the focus to be on the knitted item. But in everyday life, I wear my handknits with prints quite often - because the focus is on the overall look.

So getting back to the photos here: Even though the shirt does take attention away from the vests, it doesn’t clash. The overall look is congruent, which is the effect I want.

Thinking on it more, I would even go so far as to say I find it easier to wear these cabled vests with prints than I do with solid coloured tops. Because chances are, a printed fabric will contain at least one colour that matches or complements the colour of the vest.

So that’s my take on it. Works for me. But whether it works for you, one you can decide. And I 100% understand (and support) the decision not to buy a pattern, if you feel that the resulting garment can only be worn with white button down shirts, limiting its usefulness in your wardrobe.

The Peninsular Vest is now published on raverly.

Thank you as always for your support!