Creative Knitting has released their Winter 2014 issue. Let's have a look at all its creative offerings, shall we?
The Cadet Cardi. This is really simple and a bit on the shapeless side, but it's not unattractive and it's certainly wearable. The yarn choice does a lot for it.
Cambridge Cap & Scarf. This is a nice set except for the squared ends of the scarf, which just look strange and club-like. I'd go with a standard end and fringe.
Happy Cheer cardigan. Another plain little piece, but it's serviceable enough.
Jumping Bean hoodie. A third very basic piece. One thing to remember here is that these are items for children, and that those little twerps grow so quickly and are so hard on their clothes that there really isn't much point in making wearable works of art for them to wear to school and out in the backyard or park. So some of the things one makes for them can, and actually should, be simple, sturdy little pieces like this.
Tiptoe Slippers. I've seen this style of slippers before, and I can't say I care for it. It looks amateurish and slapped together. And can anyone tell me whether they actually stay on?
Fan the Flames cowl. Lovely, lacy piece. The yarn used here is beautiful.
Artful Splendor scarf. This is a bit on the rough-looking side, but it works for casual wear. The play of colour and texture give it a lot of visual interest.
Blizzard Hat. Simple little hat in a cheery colour.
Bobbles Beyond Compare scarf. Not a bad piece for a casual look.
Eminence Shawl. This is quite an elegant and polished piece that one could wear anywhere from running errands to a ballet performance.
French Mauve Mitts. Quite like these. They have great texture and look carefully finished and fitted.
Quartz Pullover. I like the overall concept of this one, but it does need some tweaking. I'd raise those slightly dropped shoulders and make those tiered sleeve cuffs fitted rather than flared. A close-fitting tiered sleeve would look less gimmicky and, even better, not get into the wearer's food.
Radiant Tweed Cardi. Not a bad Chanel-esque tweed-like jacket. I suspect it's a little boxy as to fit, but then those Chanel-style jackets are.
Droplets hat. This is a Franklin Habit pattern, and as is usual with his designs it's both whimsical and finished to a truly professional degree.
Echo cardigan. Note to designers: if you make a sad, baggy garment, the solution is to start over rather than attempting to distract beholders by adding a roll of crap around the neck.
Happy Fluff hat. This isn't a bad little cap, though if it is intended to be worn by a person who is over 30 you may want to omit the pom pom.
Poudre Pullover. Oooh, love this one so much I might just get myself a man to knit it for. That is one really fresh and ingenious use of striped yarn and stripes.
Wrapsody shawl. Lovely. I'm not too thrilled with the turtleneck styling of the aqua one, but after peering at the two inset photos, it looks like there are other, better options for how to wear this piece.
Atherston cowl. This is really kind of cute. I was trying to come up with some crack about how it's the perfect piece for those who are always feeling a terrible draft on their necks, and I suddenly flashed back to a time when my younger sister and I were in our early nineties high school days and a friend of hers refused to alter her 80's mullet hair do despite the urging of all her friends "because her neck would get cold". If you know anyone who is refusing to change a bad hairstyle for the same reason, by all means make them an Atherston cowl. Friends don't let friends wear mullets.
Bartlett Cowl. Not very enthused about this one. Both design and colour scheme look a little crude.
Elland cowl. This one is quite pretty.
Hayle Cowl. They haven't given us a very good look at this one (I can see more of the inside than the outside), but it looks fussy and tacky.
Lauren Capelet. I would be in love with this one if it weren't for that ribbing around the inside edge. It looks stretched out and jarringly inelegant compared to the rest of the piece. I'd be inclined to finish that edge off with something else, such as some smaller scallops.
Badin Lake Hat. I am honestly wondering if this was made out of stitched together potholders.
Fontana wrap. As I've said in many a former review, shawls should not look like afghans.
Holiday Flair purse. Yeah, no. Yarn-crafted evening bags, like yarn-crafted jewelry, almost always look too crude and homemade to work, though it's possible to knit them out of materials other than yarn, such as fine gauge wire. But then this pattern wouldn't be elegant if made in any material. It looks like a toilet paper cosy someone upcycled into a tampon case.
Junaleska Vest. This vest looks (and hangs) like it was made out of a bathmat and a towel. Seriously, designers, the modern bathroom is a fine thing, but it is not the place for crafting. Just do your business and get back to your work room or area.
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