Interweave Knits Spring 2020: A Review

Interweave Knits has released its Spring & Summer 2020 issue with 13 designs in it that we can all knit now to calm our nerves, and put away for that happy if unspecified day when we all get to leave our homes again, and go somewhere where there are other people.

On a less facetious note, I'll just comment here that making/preparing clothing for oneself has always seemed to me to be an act of faith and hope: we plan and purchase and make things to wear because we presume we'll have the opportunity and need to wear them, that we'll be alive and well enough to have places to go and things to accomplish and people to see by the time the items are ready. So let's have the faith to look at these designs, and to dream of the things we might make with them, shall we? And, of course, also the critical ability to pass on/alter any design that won't truly work for us. Even a pandemic isn't going to make me lose my head and sign off on dropped shoulder designs.

Andes Mitts. These are presentable. Given the open texture, they seem more decorative than practical (i.e., warm, snag-resistant).

Arctic Headband. Heh, I actually initially thought this design was a hat in spite of its name when I saw the product shot in thumbnail. I suppose matching the yarn colour of this headband to your original hair colour would be one way to make your dark roots work for you. To get back on track in terms of an actual review of this pattern, this is quite a nice-looking, flattering piece.

Canopy Tee. This is rather nice top in that "barely there layering piece for summer" vein. I like the lacework in the front, with its Art Deco feel.

Castile Cardigan. Not bad. I love the stitchwork in this, but don't love the dropped shoulders, which make the sleeves look stumpy.

Devonshire Beanie. Cute hat.

Gilt Lace Cardigan. This is a sweet little summer cardigan.

Heartwood Cardigan. Another pretty light cardigan for warmer weather. I like that there's a corresponding lace panel on the back, and the little notches in the cuffs.

Íslenska Shawl. Interesting lacework, but I think this shawl needed more shaping to make it less afghan-like.





Kent Lamb Pullover. Very wearable and attractive. The hem "cables over a garter stitch" detail is a nice design twist. I'd nix the "side vent and slight mullet" touch.

Paihamu Hat. Nice cap, and that yarn looks so luscious I can almost feel it through the screen, which is not surprising given that it's a possum/silk/cashmere blend.

Sandness Cardigan. This looks like one of those cardigans that are a total comfort wear. That's an attractive cable pattern. I would raise the dropped shoulders somewhat, though just to the bottom of the cabled section, as raising it clear to the shoulder would not be possible on this design.

Sprigs Top. A very decent piece. The lacework is pretty.

Stratus Shawl. Very handsome shawl! The lacework is beautiful, and the three-tone look gives what would otherwise be a traditional piece a cool, contemporary vibe.