Knitscene Summer 2019: A Review

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

Welded Lace Shawl. Interesting combination of traditional lace detail with a contemporary-style mohair stripe.

Beacon Fire Cardigan. There's some interesting texture and detail in this design, but I'm not convinced that it hangs all that well.

Butterfly Mitts. These are cute in a reasonably adult sort of way.

New Growth Hat. The pretty and well-executed embroidery is a nice touch.





Mended Heart Hat & Socks Set. What a cute set. These "darning style" embroidered hearts work so well against a simple colour block background.

Kindling Cardigan. I can't help but think this one would look better if it was actually big enough for the model.

Ignition Point Shawl. What gorgeous stitchwork.

Fused Market Tote. This unlined tote, with its skinny little straps, has no strength to it and will not hold much at all before it sags out of shape.

Flickering Pullover. This one would make quite a pretty and useful summer top.

Flash Point Top. This one has a fun, attractive look.

Exothermic Pullover. I'm a hard sell on both the cold shoulder look and very open weave knits, but this isn't a bad example of its kind. The shaping is good and the stitchwork is interesting.

Flames Shawl. Very pretty border on this one.

Diadem Effect Beret. The embroidery on this hat is supposed to resemble fireworks, but to my mind it bears a most unfortunate resemblance to amoebas, which appear to have mobilized and to be attacking the wearer's brain.

Combustion Shawl. An attractive contemporary-style shawl.

Sparks Top. For the woman who thinks of Daisy Duke as a fashion icon.

Sweet Spot Hat. Nice little knitted cap.

Prometheus Top. This one's a little post modern and unstructured for my tastes -- and I can never stand to have excess fabric flapping about me -- but I must admit I can think of a friend of mine with very contemporary tastes who could rock this. This design can also be worn as a scarf, and versatility always gets points in my book.

Plasma Shawl. Very effective use of the dropped stitch technique.

Oxidation Mitts. Decent mitts on the whole, but I don't think the embroidery adds much. I'd probably just replace it with a few stripes at the wrist.

Knitscene Spring 2019: A Review

Knitscene has released their Spring 2019 issue. Let's have a look at it.

Sandstorm Pullover. Not bad. The lacework bodice is attractive. I would even leave the dropped shoulders in since the seamline works with the design, but I would neaten up the fit.

Tailwind Shawl. Quite an attractive wrap.

Sea Breeze Top. This one's almost a hybrid shawl/top. I like it -- I think it's a way to achieve a shawl-like effect without having to fuss with a shawl.

Jet Stream Cardigan. I usually find these drape front cardigans problematic because they don't tend to sit that well, but I must admit this one appears to advantage in all the sample shots on its Ravelry page. The texture's undeniably good.

Crosswind Shawl. Another pretty stole.

Headwind Shawl. I'm pretty sure this one would give me a "caught in a fish net" feeling. I'm no fan of mesh.

Whirlwind Top. Cute little tunic.

Sirocco Pullover. Very decent, wearable piece.

Turbulence Shawl. Pretty!

Bi-Wing Cardigan. Not bad. The pocket detailing is interesting.

Jetway Cardigan. Nice texture and shaping.

First Class Hoodie. This design was aptly named as it does indeed have more style and polish than the average hoodie.

Runway Top. This is a top that could work with the right styling -- it has a seventies vibe that could potentially be rather stylishly retro -- but this styling is murder. This poor model looks like she's dressed for an afternoon of no-holds barred bingo with her friends Myrtle, Agnes, Beatrice, and Gert.

Utralight Convertible Wrap. Versatile little shawl.

Compass North Pullover. I rather like the effect of the lines of large gauge stitches on this one, but would raise the dropped shoulders.

Static Wick Thermal. Someone designed a sweater with the textural effect of thermal underwear, and I find I am actually very much here for that.

Knitscene Accents: A Review

Today on The Knitting Needle and the Damage Done, we're going to have a look at Knitscene Accents, which is a new spin-off title from the ever-prolific Interweave Press.

Vitality Wrap. Excellent textural interest in this one.

Turning Corners Wrap. Seriously cool mosaic effect in this one.

Breaker Cowl. Nice piece.

Rutted Hat. Wearable neutral piece.

Snowy Peaks Hat. Traditional fair isle hat.

Mixed Bag Cowl. This one's a little rough and ready for my liking. The yarn and the button choice are kind of pleasing at least.

Periphery Shawl. This one has a certain panache.

Midnight Cap. Classic cabled cap.

Pigments Cowl. This one's fabulous. I love that it's not only reversible but striped on the one side and fair isle on the other -- two great looks in one cowl.

Vagarious Hat. I like the pop art feel of this one.

Medleys Shawl. This one's a veritable kaleidoscope of stripes.

Blazing Leaves Mitt. Very pretty. This is one of those patterns that I really enjoy imagining in a variety colour schemes.

Trifecta Shawl. This is a fun and inventive colourblock effect.

Yellow Brick Shawl. An attractive textural effect.

Mottles Hat. This one has a fun look to it, and it appears more complex and time-consuming a knit than it is, because the designer used a variegated yarn to add all the colourful stitches that you see.

Ring-Tailed Bandit Hat. Very cute theme. This would be a good hat for us Torontonians, as we struggle to peacefully co-habit with our large trash panda population. Although I almost feel as though the hat should also feature torn window screens and stressed housecats.

Splash Cowl. This one would be a good way to use up some odds and ends of yarn.

Facile Cowl. Basic but wearable.

Heartbeat Mitts. For the cardiologist or ECG technician in your life!

Bubbly Mitts. Cute mitts!