Knitscene Spring 2020: A Review

Knitscene has released its Spring 2020 issue. Let's take a look at it, shall we?

Alongside Slouch. Not a bad-looking minimalist slouch cap.

Arced Shawl. This one might have gone too far in the afghan direction, but its shaping keeps it wearable -- it seems to drape well. And it also looks as though it would be cozier than many of the shawl designs I see.

Arrows Shawl. Simple, pretty, and wearable.

Crosswise Top. Not a bad little top. The combination of mesh, heel stitch, and bubble-shaped elbow sleeves makes for a different look. I don't care for the way the wearer's bra straps show through the mesh, but then strapless bras and tank tops exist for a reason.

Currents Shawl. What lovely stitchwork.

Darts Pullover. I have quite a strong inclination for this kind of sweater design. This design is so simple overall that it will go with jeans or a skirt and can be worn nearly anywhere, while having just enough detail to make it visually interesting. The happy owner of this sweater will be able to wear it until it's worn out. But I would fix the dropped shoulders.

Ellipsoidal Shawl. Another beautiful piece of stitchwork.

Garter Grooves Cardigan. This cardi sits so poorly that it's frumpy even on this professional model.

Gauzy Tee. I kind of love this, which would be such an airy, pretty, casual piece for nice spring days. I would neaten up the fit though.

Herbage Tee. This top is very pretty and wearable, and probably almost universally flattering.





Netted Tank Top. Rather like the contemporary, casual vibe of this one.

Peaks & Valleys Shawl. This issue is really batting a thousand on its shawls.

Sidelong Tee. The overall design is fine. I'd neaten up the fit.

Swingy Top. Not bad, but I think I'd definitely go with the Herbage Tee in preference to this design, as its shape is easier to carry off and I like that the lacework appears at both the bottom and sleeve hems. The sleeves of this one look a little plain compared to the bottom hem.

Trilateral Cowl. Attractive contemporary-style pattern, and it sits well.

Trilogies Hat & Cowl. This one would be an excellent stash buster, and it's a nice-looking and wearable set.

Knitscene Winter 2019: A Review

Knitscene has released their Winter 2019 issue. Let's have a look at it, shall we?

Grape Compote Sweater. This one is both practical and attractive, the kind of sweater that's both comfortable enough for both around home and smart enough for going out. Cowls are more universally flattering than turtlenecks, and look, pockets!





Pomegrante Cardigan. The back of this one looks fantastic, but the front has a dumpy, frumpy look. I'd be inclined to fix those drop shoulders, add some waist shaping, and neaten up the fit.

Croissant Sweater. This is a very decent casual look.

Brunch Shawl. Love the edging on this shawl, which turns a simple garter stitch wrap into something much more distinctive.

Earl Gray Hat & Cowl. Classic and wearable cap and cowl set.

Iced Chai Hat. A nice fair isle cap.

Scone Shawl. This is a pleasant little wrap.

Bedhead Beanie. Very cute cap.

Morning Coffee Cowl. Basic cabled cowl.

Rosslyn Cardigan. Nice texture, but this has such a baggy, frumpy look.

Porta Pullover. Love the lace and the overall shaping of this one, but I would neaten up the fit. This is an item that look best oversized, but I'd aim for one size too large, not three or four.

Victoria Station Pullover. Lovely. This is such a refined, classic look.

Downtown Cabled Hat. Classic cabled pom pom hat.

Brisbane Beanie. Some beautiful on texture on this one.

Wellington Pullover. A pretty decent little topper.

Plateau Pullover. Classic pullover. I'd go with a more interesting colour on this one, as it needs a little oomph.

Mitte Tea. Not bad, but this would be one I would wear on its own rather than over a long-sleeved top of some kind.

Loop Hooded Cardigan. This short-sleeved hoodie looks like a versatile and useful little piece. It works surprisingly well over the model's office-appropriate dress.

Central Wrap. Fabulous texture in this one, which makes for such a smart, polished wrap.

Knitscene Fall 2019: A Review

Knitscene has published its Fall 2019 issue. Let's have a look at it, shall we?

Lido Hat. Classic cabled cap.

Alongshore Cardigan. This is less a cardigan than it is an afghan with sleeves.

Bay Mitts. These may look simple, but they have some nice stitchwork to them.

Ebb Tide Mitts. Nice cabled mitts, and that is one pretty yarn.

Flood Tide Wrap. A lovely, classic wrap.

Backbarrier Wrap. I like the scales effect of the cables, and the variegated yarn, which both give this cabled wrap a contemporary feel.

Riprap Top. The lace pattern is pretty, but I'd make this one fit like a vest rather than like a sandwich board.

Bass Strait Cowl. A fitting counterpart to the matching mitts above.

Changing Tides Cowl. A very attractive cowl.

Billowing Stole. Another handsome wrap.

Perfect Storm Pullover. Not bad. The shaping is good and the details are interesting.

Backshore Pullover. A nice piece. This would be a fun one to pick out a colourway for.

Undulating Cowl. Pretty. I like the gradient blue waves against the white.

Riverside Pullover. Nice piece. The shaping is good, the cabled body is a nice change from the usual stockinette, and the fair isle yoke has a fresh, contemporary feel.

Lagoon Shawl. I like the combination of stitchwork and accent border colours.

Catch the Wave Hat. Not bad. Interesting combination of stranded and mosaic knitting.

Deep Sea Wrap. Can't say this appeals -- it has a thrift shop afghan vibe -- but I think that might mostly be the unfortunate colourway. I can see this working in a colouway that doesn't involve this particular brown variegated yarn, for which I cannot think of a single non-scatalogical simile.