Fashion from Episode 9: Hot Winter Knits
by Karla Stevens

Hello fashionistas and fans! It's been a long winter on the OC, but a little chill in the air hasn't diminished the style factor one iota. When we see Summer walking the halls at Harbor High she's looking pretty darn stylish wrapped up in a hot little turquoise and aqua scarf, and what could be more perfect to ward off the nip in the air around the OC? That particular fluffy dream scarf is one of the hand knit wonders from Fyvebydora, based in San Fransisco. Dora Bidrossian picked up knitting needles and started to churn out the unique homespun creations after the death of her husband. Her daughter Linda joined in and helped create the thriving business.

From scarves, to capelets, to ponchos and neck warmers, all the luxurious accessories are made with cashmere, silk, mohair and wool and are hand made. Fyvebydora fans include Cameron Diaz, Lara Flynn Boyle, Sharon Osborne and Deborah Messing. And it seems that everyone's hot for a hand knit item or two these days. Why not join the 24 million active knitters and crocheters in the United States and make your own style statement?

According to the Craft Yarn Council of America it's the number two hobby in the country (gardening was first). With celebs like Julia Roberts, Madonna, Kate Moss and Sarah Jessica Parker knitting up a storm, you'll be in good company when you start knitting your own scarf. My style suggestion when it comes to wearing a hot hand knit item is simple. Individuality is the key - you want it to be hand made or at least look like your Grandmother whipped it up over the weekend. You'll get a lot more attention if it's an item that no one has seen before.

That's the beauty of picking up your own needles and trying it out. Check out classes at your local knitting store or join an online knitting circle and check out what everyone else is making via computer.

There's nothing like a fuzzy mohair scarf wrapped around your neck with a t-shirt and pair of jeans. It's an instant style statement. That same scarf can be tied with a sparkling brooch or pin with your favorite little black dress and Voila, your heading to the opera. And who knows? Maybe Seth Cohen will surprise us one of these days and start to knit. Russell Crowe has been known to throw around a ball of yarn and pick up a pair of needles. And don't be sad when Spring is in the air - Fyvebydora has hand knit creations in the lightest silk, perfect for a sunny day.