Interweave Knits Gifts 2014: A Review

Interweave has released its annual Interweave Knits Gifts 2014 issue, which starts out slow but then gets to some really fantastic patterns. Let's begin.

The Fawn and Reindeer Ornaments. This design could use a little more polishing, as they are a little on the lumpy and shapeless side. I'd maybe put a cardboard square in these rather than stuffing, and make the design a bit more detailed.

The Mini Stocking pattern. This is a pretty little stocking and would make a good way to "gift wrap" a gift card, though I would shape it a touch more.

Swagger Sweater, Swagger Hats, and Snowflake Coozie. These aren't the kind of thing I would take time to make, but I have to admit they are kind of fun and would make neat little party decor items. Also if they were all made unique, they'd be a good way for your guests to keep track of which beer bottle was theirs, a sort of knitter's version of wine charms.

The Humpty Bunny design. Very cute. And there'll never be any need for all the king's horses and all the king's men to try to put this bunny together again.

Knitted Strawberries. These are a good knitted rendering of strawberries, should you need knitted strawberries to decorate anything.

The Kit and Kat Pullovers. I like these designs on the whole (and what little girl who plays with dolls at all wouldn't like a "mommy and dolly" sweater set) but the combination of worsted weight yarn and ribbing do make the little girl's sweater look more than a bit on the bulky side for my taste.

The Teatime Linen Set. This would be a cute little set to make if you feel like indulging that tea party-loving child in your life, and it will be gratifying to remember that no actual tea will ever stain your work.

Mama's Socks. These are just adorable. Love the design and the colourway.

Treasure Bags. As someone who has whipped up many a little matching purse to go with the most recent little girl's dress or sweater I've made, I'm happy to see these patterns. Very pretty lacework, and it comes in both the square and circular version.

The Sweetheart Tablet Cover and Faeroe Phone Covers. These are quite pretty, and practical too, as they are lined to protect the gadgets they cover. The tablet cover is my favourite, probably because the designer had the room to go with a more detailed design. If I had an iPad or a cell phone, I'd totally knit or sew covers for them, because so many of the commercially made covers for them are hideous.

The Fir-Cone Sachet. Oh, how lovely. There's nothing quite like the charm of a beautifully detailed little piece like this one.

The Winter Woods Hat and Gloves. Very pretty and eye-catching set. I'd make the wrists of the gloves more fitted. The designer was probably trying to tie the gloves to the hat, but slouchy gloves don't work nearly as well as a slouchy hat.

The Leaded Window Shrug. This one is objectively an outstanding piece of design, but it perhaps doesn't work as well when considered as a piece of clothing. The front's baggy shape isn't flattering, though the back looks quite good.

The Barcode Cowl. Love this one. Being able to create a polished-looking, eye-catching piece out of only garter stitch (which tends to look beginner project-ish) is a sure mark of an accomplished, talented designer.

Woodstove Slippers. Not thrilled with these. I've seen slippers very like these before, and they're a bit too frumpy grandma for me. Using an off-beat colourway might elevate them a little.

The Cottage Christmas Blanket. This design is awesome — it's another very accomplished garter stitch project — but I would go with another colour scheme. That yellow used for the trees gives them an unfortunate "yield sign with the chicken pox" look.

The Rosebud Hat. Very much like this one, but then I tend to be a sucker for any kind of rose-themed design. I'm imagining this is in various rose-like colour schemes: red, pink, peach, yellow, and white, and always in a mohair/angora blend.

The Gingham Scarf. I love this scarf so much that even though I don't like gingham I suddenly want to see more gingham-inspired knitting projects.

The Fairbanks Cowl. Nice classic cable piece.

The Captain's Return Hat. Another lovely cabled piece.

The Voussoir Hat. An impressively intricate design.

The Radcliffe Cowl. Really lovely. The texture's great, and the contrast edging really finishes it off. This is one of the most attractive cowls I've ever seen.

The Medallion Mitts. Not all that taken with these. The overall texture is very good, but the medallion part on the back of the hands looks less like a medallion than it does muddled stitchwork.

All Points East Shawl. A lovely piece.

The Galaxy Cowl. Quite like this one with its subtle play of colour. This piece would be a great way to add a touch of colour and style to a neutral, basic outfit, or conversely, a neutral tone to a colourful outfit.

Mackenzie River Hat. Nice piece. It's well-shaped and has a good texture.

The Backroad Hat. Full disclosure: I actually know Elizabeth Elliot, the designer of this piece, mostly as an "internet friend" as we are both longtime members of an internet community, but we also met in person at a Vegas wedding back in September 2006. I suppose that doesn't sound believable, but I understand there's a video of the wedding ceremony that documents not only our presence at the event but also our (and every other attendant's) expressions of dawning horror as we realized that "Elvis", who gave away the bride and sang a couple of numbers, wasn't wearing any underwear. But I digress. Nice simple hat that will be a good way to showcase a variegated yarn and will fit well because of the elastic properties of the stitchwork used.

The Stashbuster Hats. Quite like these hats, which as the design's name suggests, will be a great way to use up odds and ends of yarn while looking like a polished design rather than way to use up yarn.