Fall is now in the air, and for many of us, it is already in full swing. This has got my "knitting gears" (I'm convinced I have some) working overdrive with total excitement and anticipation. I've already begun a new scarf and a new sweater, with three other projects in mind as gifts.

Knitter's have this horrible reputation for creating sweaters that end up as cat beds. By adding overly cute designs or using just plain ugly yarn, garments that require time and love, are not well received. This is a reputation that has gone on for generations, but I do believe we are breaking free of those horrible inclinations we may have. Thus our friends and families are beginning to love, and happily wear, what we make.

One important aspect to this shift is the knitting community now takes fashion trends into account before we begin a project.  This way we can give our pieces a bit of a leg up in ensuring they will go over well.  I'm very happy that I actually love the "in" colors for this year, and can't wait to try making some of this season's styles work in my knitting. Some years, I'm disappointed by fashion trends and color options.

But this year, the general fashion trends seem to be following the same color scheme; no matter what the fabric may be. It seems use of almost any fabric is OK, and knits are still very in. Only a few basic pieces of advice need to be remembered when knitting a garment this fall. Here is a list of what to keep in mind when you finally get started.

Know Each Person's Style.

Know each person's style. This may seem very obvious to some of you, but I know it's a common mistake for beginner's, and even some seasoned knitters, to get so excited about knitting a certain garment that they love, they never stop to think that the person they are knitting it for will never wear it. So first and foremost, know who you are making it for and what their style preferences are. Classic pieces are really in, especially as accessories. They are always "in" one way or another, so they are noramlly good choices. Other options being seen this year are 80's inspired style, such as metal or glitter, and larger garments such as long coats or tops that can be cinched at the waist by a belt. But remember that not everyone should wear glittery tops, some body types require special consideration, and the 80's trend will fade away again.

Colors to Use This Fall

Color choice is what is most important this season. The best color choices are not the muted colors most would think of in fall. No burnt orange, muddy red, or brown, please! Instead, the staple colors are grey and black, with offsetting splashes of brighter colors. This means two-toned pieces with grey or black as the primary will be great, but try not to make it too busy with a lot of colors at once, and don't sew a big kitty on the back! The biggest shades this year are royal blue, olive, rose or shell pink, robin's egg blue, cranberry, and purple. A good neutral color to use would be a cream or light taupe, try to stay away from white except in very small doses.

Yarns to Use This Fall

Be sure not to use really bulky yarn. With colors in mind, most yarns are appropriate this year, but the best choices will be soft, warm yarns that can create just a little bulk, such as alpaca or a cashmere blend. But no oversized or drowning pieces, even for men. Bulk is not the big attribute to focus on. Length, fit and color are the biggest factors to consider. Think fitted sweaters that go past the hips, super long scarves, and knee high socks such as these.

If you feel the need to add a little interest or texxture, incorporate some cabling into your garments. Or consider using a brushed or fuzzy yarn.  These will add interest and a sense of "print" to your garment in a sensible way, no matter what gender you are knitting for.

I'm very excited to get knitting for this season. Predictions are that these fashion trends will follow straight through until spring of 2010, and the recent Mercedes Benz Fashion week has proven the predictions to be true. This means that we knitters are free to knit for Christmas starting now, and not have to worry if what we make will still be in style by the time it is done. I just love good news.