Knit Simple Winter 2019: A Review

Today we're going to have a look at Knit Simple's Winter 2019 issue.

Pattern #1, Cowl/Snood. I've no quarrel with this classic, useful piece.

Pattern #2, Hat with Ties. This style of hat, which is really more of a hood, tends to be difficult for anyone but the young to carry off, but it's certainly practical enough, and I like the texture.

Pattern #3, Zippered Hoodie. A minimalist classic. This hoodie is really a perfect thing of its kind.

Pattern #4, Hooded Cowl. Balaclavas never do quite work in terms of style. They're like the rubber prophylactic of hats: undeniably practical, but not aesthetic.

Pattern #5, Pullover Hoodie. Not bad. The hood does look better down than up though.

Pattern #6, Hoodie Shell. This would be a useful layering piece that could work styled in a number of different ways.

Pattern #7, Yoke Pullover. This is fairly attractive and eye-catching, and would probably be a good starter fair isle project.

Pattern #8, Cardigan. A classic cardigan with a good shape and an appealing texture.

Pattern #9, Cable and Ribbed Hat. Classic cabled cap.

Pattern #10, Scarf. Love the stitchwork on this scarf.

Pattern #11, Socks. These socks are handsome and even a little distinguished. I almost want to ask them out.

Pattern #12, Fingerless Mitts. Pretty basic. But then basic is sometimes what you need and/or want.

Pattern #13, Blanket. Basic but attractive and useful enough in its way.

Pattern #14, Mitered Square Pillow. These are pretty smart, and would be a good way to begin to learn mitering.

Pattern #15, Pillow. I'm inclined to think these need a more interesting colourway.

Pattern #16, Sporty Afghan. This is actually rather visually striking, and it would be fun to pick out a colourway for it.

Pattern #17, Wide Poncho. Nice texture, and I like the overall concept, but I'd be inclined to neaten up the fit on this one. Yes, this is a style that does call for an oversized fit, but my rule of thumb for oversized fits is to go one size larger, not three. Very oversized fits tend to look sloppy and frumpy.

Pattern #18, Fringed Shawl. Classic, timeless shawl.

Pattern #19, Poncho. I'm no friend of the poncho, but even I have to admit that the styling here kind of works. I think I'd still feel as though I were wearing an afghan though.

Pattern #20, Cropped Poncho. I can get on board with this poncho, which I consider to be more of a capelet. It's neat fitting, has a certain smartness, and won't get in your food or caught in a car door.

Pattern #21, Capelet. There's no denying this is super cute.

Pattern #22, Kid's Hat, and pattern #23, Kid's Pullover. This set is rather pretty. I'd just fix the dropped shoulders.

Pattern #24, Kid's Socks. Classic two-tone socks.

Pattern #25, Kid's Mittens. Basic striped mittens.

Pattern #26, Blanket. Not bad. I think the gradient colourway could be better -- but then it can be hard to get the subtle shifts of colour one needs for a gradient knit.

Pattern #27, Hat & Cardigan. Not thrilled with either of these -- the jacket has a rather frumpy, unfinished look, and that hat isn't terribly flattering.

Pattern #28, Kid's Poncho. This is a cute, comfortable, practical piece for a child, which will both give her the freedom to run and play and keep her warm.