Monday, November 16, 2015

Review: Knitty Deep Fall 2015

Welcome! Join me in looking at a few of the new patterns in Knitty's Deep Fall 2015 issue. As usual, Knitty continues to be the free online magazine with patterns that we all love, and love to knit.

Must Knit

Serendipia

This pattern is going to be a favorite with everyone who has ever fallen for a self striping yarn, then wanted to knit something more then plain stockinette stripe. This one in knit in strips, making the most of short striping yarn. Love the Swirl!

Resonator

Featuring cables with crispness and flair, you are going to love knitting these mitts. Fingerless mitts are a great introduction to knitting small diameter items, and these will be finished before winter ends. Cables! Great stitch definition makes this yarn a must.

Rail Yard

Also show casing cables, this cardigan uses waist shaping to show off your curves. Or make it look like you have some. Great stitch definition, and love the color. I don't think I would change anything, and that is saying something. Love it so much you get two pictures.


Honorable Mentions

Not must knits, but knits to keep in mind for special projects.

Brick Wall Waterfall Pullover

Love the brick wall texture, and the deep cable. What do you think? I'm not sure why this is in Honorable mentions instead of must knit. Maybe it need cuffs.


Urban Tribe

Love the yellow and grey color combination. Picture says the rest!


Tartessos

Use every scrap of yarn in this graphic shawl. This size means it can be worn as a scarf too. 
I love how the pattern is strong enough to hold up this self striping yarn.

Wow

Pierrot

Color work like this bold sweater takes a courageous knitter. But what better way to showcase your skills?



More







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Wednesday, November 11, 2015

When You Have to Rip

I'm sure there is someone some where that has never had to suffer through ripping out a project. That perfect knitter will want to read another blog, she wouldn't understand. 

As Soon As Possible

Sure you can leave the mistake, fooling yourself into thinking it doesn't matter. No one will notice. It isn't that big. Who really looks that close anyway? But you know the truth. Every time you look at it you are going to see the mistake. Ripping it out as soon as you notice the problem is best. Continuing to knit is just going to give you more to rip out.

Maybe You Can Fix It

If you can fix it with out ripping all of your knitting down to the mistake, go for it. Some times it is possible to drop a few stitch down to the mistake, reknitting those correctly. This can even be possible with mis-crossed cables. I recommend having a crochet hook or dpns handy, and possibly a removable stitch marker. 

There is Hope

The good news is as soon as the mistake is fixed, however you choose to do it, you can get to back to the fun part. Knitting. That is why we put ourselves through this after all. Because it is supposed to be fun. 

Just a reminder that if you leave the mistake now,  you might find yourself having to rip out even more later. Ask me how I know!

Check out these classes at Craftsy: Save Our Stitches, Fixing Lace Knitting Mistakes with Laura Nelkin  and Save our Stitches, Fixing Knitting Mistakes with Ann Budd. Thanks for supporting this blog through affiliate links. I appreciate it!

Monday, November 9, 2015

Review: Interweave Knits Winter 2016

Interweave Knits is the one magazine I know will have a pattern the has to be knit now. Combining pieces that are fun, interesting and challenging to knit into items you would actually wear means this magazine is always worth checking out. This Winter 2016 issue is not going to disappoint.

Must Knit Now

Keeley Sweater

I love how this one combines elements of a classic fisherman's sweater into a piece that would be flattering to wear. All the stitches would make it fun to knit. You could easily add length to the bottom.

Shiloh Sweater

This one has a great stitch pattern, allover meandering cables. I like the shawl collar and the cuffed sleeves also. 

Like, but Neckline Would Have to be Changed

Inverness Sweater

This neckline wouldn't need much lowering. I love the main cable stitch, but might find a substitute for the ray-of honey center panel. (Just personal knitting preference. Honey comb stitch is not my favorite to knit.) Love the tunic length. 

MacGowen Pullover

The center stitch pattern on this pullover would make this such a fun knit. You could also use it in other projects. Other than the neckline possibly being to high, I would love to knit and wear this piece.

Just Wow!

Whitfield Cardigan

This would be one of those works of art that you would wear every day. Color work and steeks aren't for the faint of heart, but would be challenge you could be proud of finishing.

View more patterns from Interweave Knits Winter 2016 at Ravelry. All photos copyright Interweave Knits. 

Which project from this issue would you love to knit and wear?




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Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Knitting Socks

One of my favorite things to knit is socks. Sounds crazy, but they really are fun. Here are my reasons. Please keep in mind these reason are given in no particular order.


Reason 1

When you are knitting socks in public, people can see that they are socks. Though they always think that the sock I'm knitting could only fit a baby. Don't get why they think that.

Reason 2

Despite the thin yarn and tiny needles, it is possible to see progress. When  you actually knit on them. No progress can be seen when they stay in your project bag.


Reason 3

 You might choose the most conservative colors for other items in your wardrobe, but you can always wear bright socks. Even if you don't choose the brightest colors, the stitch pattern can always be adventurous. 

What do you like about knitting socks?

Check out Knit Picks sock yarn. Thanks for supporting this blog through affiliate links.
 


Monday, November 2, 2015

Review: Interweave Crochet Fall 2015

Interweave Crochet is one of my favorite magazines. What projects does the Fall 2015 issue share with us? Join me in examining a few of the patterns, and check out the rest on the ravelry page.

My Favorites

Red Rocks Pullover

This one would make a great addition to my wardrobe. I love the textures, and the lace at the top. Can't wear anything with that high a neckline right now, but maybe a spring version in a bamboo blend?

Champa Mandala

This would be a great introduction to crocheting mandala's. This one looks much simpler than most.

Ananas Shawl

Love how this one looks in long color changing yarn. Use up all of your yarn by continuing in pattern. 

Nice, with some tweaks

Peggy Pullover

As soon as you see the picture you will know why this one is included. It is blue and cabled. Unfortunately this is one I would want to try on before crocheting. The neckline can feel awkward. I'm not sure about the fit either.  Nice, just not sure.

Um, Okay

Unflappable Pullover

The color striping on this would actually be flattering, and fun to crochet. The uneven hem would even be something I would wear. But the collar is too much.


View all the patterns on the Ravelry source page, or get your own copy. All photos copyright Interweave Crochet 2015.

What project from this issue is your favorite?

 Visit 100Creations's profile on Pinterest.