Creative Knitting Autumn 2017: A Review

Creative Knitting has released their Autumn 2017 issue. Let's have a look at it.

Boothbay Set Cover-Up. This is one of those designs from the "depressed and exhausted homeschooling mom of seven" category. I think I'd like it better if it weren't in such a blah tone and were layered over something more fitted.

Boothbay Set Top. This is one of those designs from the "depressed and exhausted homeschooling mom of seven who has baby spit up on her sweater and is too overwhelmed to care" category. I know that's more than a little unfair, as I have a bias against this sort of loose, empire-waisted top because they make me look horribly dumpy. When I'm making the effort to be more objective, I find that this could be a useful, comfortable piece for women with figures more suited to it. And again, it would help to not make the piece in yarn the colour of dirty oatmeal.

Crème Brûlée. This is much more my idea of a wearable, loose, comfortable sweater than the previous two. It's attractive, it has eye-catching detail and construction, and it's loose-fitting without making the wearer look swamped in excess material.

Ellie Top. This is quite pretty and classic, but I would fix the dropped shoulders.

Ipanema. The blurb for this piece says, "Always a flattering garment, this wraparound cardigan will highlight the natural waistline of the wearer, as well as accentuate the bustline." I can't say I agree with any of that. Wrap sweaters and dresses have an undeserved reputation in the fashion world for being easy to wear and flattering. I haven't had a wrap piece yet that worked for me -- the cut or the fit is always off, and it's an aggravating chore to keep the thing in place so that there aren't too many of my goods in the shop window. This wrap cardigan doesn't appear to even be working on the model. It looks bulky and sits poorly, and the bottom and sleeve edges look unfinished.

Make Me Blush. I rather like this one -- that's some nice detailing on the cuffs -- but I would neaten up the fit a little.

Black and Blocked. This has an unflattering shape and an unfinished, saggy look.

Block Party. This is rather sharp and well-shaped, though I think I'd skip the white trim on the edges of the sleeves, or perhaps take it in the other direction and stripe the cuff with the three colours.

Dancette. The blurb for this one says, "Shimmery yarn adds style and elegance to this sleek clutch worked in intarsia cable panels." I can't say that this clutch comes across as stylish, elegant, or sleek to me. It looks more like a small throw pillow I'd put on the couch than like an evening bag I'd carry when wearing black gloves and pearls. If I were going to knit an evening bag, I'd use a fine silk yarn and not include too much bulky detail, rather than knit something that makes me look as though my date had to pry me away from the couch for the evening.

Fun, Chunky & Fast Hat & Infinity Cowl. The name for this set is one I can agree with. This is a fun, smart set.

Graphic Houndstooth. Nice piece! I'm enjoying mentally playing with possible colour schemes.

Striped Asymmetry. I rather like this one, which has a pleasing visual flow. Another colourway would do more for it.

Nobis Wrap. Beautiful lacework.

Linear Elements. I like the contemporary, graphic vibe of this one.

Nebula. I like the gradient effect of this scarf, but those edges look too raw for my liking.

Playful Orchid. A fun and interesting piece.

Creative Knitting Summer 2017: A Review

Creative Knitting has released its Spring 2017 issue. Let's have a look at it, shall we?

Azure Kimono. This isn't a bad little topper for summer. It sits well and is nicely finished.

Palladium Scarf. I'm not liking how crumpled up this looks. The edges are rolling because that's inevitable given the stitchwork, of course, but the effect is that of a piece that needs finishing and blocking.

Sapphire Dreams. Very cute little skirt with what looks like elastic stitchwork that should keep it from getting baggy. Most women would probably prefer it to be longer on them than it is on the model, but it could easily be lengthened.

Summer Skies Shrug. This is an accomplished piece, but I can't help wincing at the thought of how easily it would catch on everything.

Wrap it Up. Love the stitchwork in this one. It's a statement accessory at this width, but can always be knitted in a narrower width for those who don't feel they have the panache or the desire to carry this piece off.

Graphic Arts. This is a smart little piece that sits very well.

Knit Meets Crochet Tote. The crocheted bag has a decent shape, but I'm not liking those knitted handles, which look awkward and clunky.

Arrowhead Necklace. This one just screams, "MY KID MADE THIS AT CRAFT CAMP AND I HAVE TO WEAR IT AT LEAST ONCE OR I'LL FEEL LIKE A TERRIBLE MOTHER DON'T EVEN START WITH ME."

Make Your Mug Happy. These also have that "made at craft camp" look, but at least in this case they don't have to be used in public.

Supersize Pincushion. I want to like this knitting needle pincushion idea but I'm not sure how workable it is. This cushion won't hold very many needles, and if the needles aren't balanced just so, the cushion will fall over sideways, needles and all.

Island Winds. This isn't bad, though I have my suspicions as to how good it looks from the front view when the model isn't manually adding waist shaping by pinching the waist in with her hand.

Lace Cable Cover-Up. A well-shaped, classic piece.

Simply Sweet. Oooh, nice detailing, pretty lacework, and great shaping -- the set of those shoulder straps is quite foxy. You could have fun with the colour palette or make it all in one colour.

Summer Breeze Tank. Love the lace diamonds at the sides, but I'm not sure I'm sold on the shaping over all.

One Step Sideways Stole. Very pretty lacework, and the gradient yarn used makes it fun.

Creative Knitting Spring 2017: A Review

Creative Knitting has released its Spring 2017 issue. Let's have a look at it, shall we?

Calypso Cowlette. Not a bad piece at all. It has a certain casual chicness.

Lace Sampler. This one has an unfortunate heavy, poncho-like feel.

On the Fringes. Those fringes would drive me insane, but of course they could always be shortened.

Tipsoo Cowl. Another pretty, casual little accessory.

All Tied Up. The high-riding tie is unusual but I can't say it's unattractive or unflattering. This piece could have done with a more interesting yarn.

It's All About the Back. This is rather fetching, though it does look a bit baggy through the body.

Serendipity Shawl. This is rather pretty. I love the sandstone-like colours.

Sheer Comfort. This one has a "I'm wearing my shopping bags to the grocery store in order to keep my hands free" look.

Smoky Mountain Scarf. Not a bad-looking scarf, but I'm not crazy about the slits. They look like a mistake.

Balasana Bolster. This is okay, but perhaps a tad phallic for my liking. But then that may be a selling point for you. I don't know your Freudian symbol comfort level.

Om Ah Hum Pillow. Simple and pleasant-looking enough. I think it might need a more interesting yarn.

Serenity Cushion. This is... okay. I'd use a more interesting colour combination for this one.

Shavasana. An attractive simple throw for a beginner.

Eyelet Lace Raglan Cardigan. Standard lacy summer cardigan. The instructions for this one offers six lace patterns and a pullover option so that you can tweak the pattern to your liking.

Lace Tee. This design, like the previous one, can be done in one of six optional lace patterns and made as a tee or a tank, and again like the previous pattern, is standard knitting pattern fare. There were patterns just like this one in knitting and women's magazines twenty-five years ago. It's okay, but I'd go for something a little more interesting and stylish, myself.

Girder. The lace is nice, but I am not liking that big seam down the middle. It really detracts.

Hint of Spring. I rather like this one, though I'm not crazy about mesh. It always has such an air of sports jerseys or shopping bags to me that it never seems to belong in street clothes, and you can get weird sunburns through it. I think what I'd do is replace the mesh with some other kind of lacework.

Keystone. A very attractive lace shawl.

Tacoma Shrug. The lacework is beautiful, and the drape is great, but man, that shape is baggy.

Blankie for Baby. Some nice stitchwork in this one.

Sublime Spa Set. Not a bad little baby shower gift for someone who just needs to whip up something quickly. It's cute and useful. Though I think I'd do something more interesting with the bag, such as knitting it in one colour and doing a duplicate stitch teddy bear or cat some such on it. Those stripes have a "I'm just trying to use up some odds and ends" look.