Twist Collective January 2018: A Review

Twist Collective has released its January 2018 issue. Let's have a look at it.

Framework. This is a very decent contemporary take on the turtleneck.

Beringer. Classic cabled pullover.

Undercut. Some very pretty lacework in this one. I love the back.

Decalage. Another classic cabled pullover. It's hard to go wrong with this kind of design.

Sardonyx. Some beautiful stitchwork in this kimono-style cardigan, and it hangs well.

Rhona. More classic cables, this time on a cardigan rather than a pullover.

Interlaken. Now here's something different. Shaping is good, stitchwork is attractive and interesting, and the overall effect is definitely eye-catching. I think I might do this in a different colourway that didn't have such a stark difference between the body and the yoke and sleeves, because at first glance this comes across as a shrug worn over a pullover rather than an integrated sweater.

Nouveau. This is a beautiful cardigan, but I don't think I care for the ten or so inches of unbuttoned front edges below the waist, which has an awkward, "gaping open" look. I'd make this piece shorter and button it all way to the bottom.

Thunderbolt. Nice piece. Fresh, contemporary design themes for yokes seems to be turning into one of my design sweet spots.

Bilberry. A nice classic hat, mittens, and cowl set.

Aubin. Fabulous stitchwork in this one!

Cabrillo. This is also a nice set. It would be fun to pick out a colourway for this one.

Alizeh. A very attractive Celtic-themed wrap.

Vervain. These are very smart, and the pattern is so attractively intricate that it's a pleasure to look at.

Anabiel. Love the stitchwork in this one.

Mill Creek. This one looks attractive from a distance, but alas, when I take a close look at the design, I find I see some sort of... little turd creatures. Is it just me? And if so, should I find a Freudian psychoanalyst?

Rebe. Oooh, I love the elegant iris-like pattern in this one, and the way the ribbing around the edge has been angled to form part of the design. I don't like the dirty mustard colour used to make it at all, but if you share my dislike of mustard yellow, that is so easily remedied.

Mishmash. These are cute and fun.

Ribbon Candy. It would be fun to pick out colours for this one.

Yojimbo. Love the patterns on this shawl, and they work so well in combination and make for such a sharp-looking wrap.

Twist Collective Fall 2017: A Review

Twist Collective has released its Fall 2017 issue. Let's have a look at it.

Aam Panna. Some pretty lacework in this one.

Safdie. The combination of a dropped shoulder and a cropped sleeve length always makes for such an awkward-looking sleeve. But those things are easily changed if you feel the same way.

Farro. This one actually made me catch my breath slightly. What fabulous, dramatic lacework.

Scarrington. A handsome classic sweater.

Mangrove. Interesting stitchwork in this one.

Allegheny. The cables and shaping are attractive, but I have my suspicions about how those front edges are going to look when they aren't being held in place.

Belem. Nice! I like the shoulder detail.

Iznik. Intricately pretty mittens.

Espe. Lovely, and it drapes so well. I like the gradient effect as well.

Bereza. Love the stitchwork in this one.

L'ascenseur. Oooh, love this. The combination of a crocheted lattice over a reverse stockinette background worked in two analogous colours really makes for something strikingly different.

Helenium. This brioche tulip yoke is ever so pretty.

Twist Collective Winter 2017: A Review

Twist Collective has released their Winter 2017 issue, and it's a very solid effort from them, with barely a thing in it I wouldn't make and/or wear myself. Also, there were three articles in it that I recommend: one excellent article on sleeve shapes; another on various hem finishes; and, for sheer what-the-hell value, one article on Canadian dance company Corpus' production Les Mouton ("The Sheep"), a live art installation in which three dancers dressed as sheep, are "herded, penned, fed, milked, and sheared. They bleat, eat, and copulate (not too graphically), escape into the audience, let children and adults feed and pet them, or just stand and stare into space as sheep are wont to do." It sounds hilariously bizarre, and I want to see Les Mouton myself.

But let's have a look at the designs in this issue, shall we?

Cranston. A handsome cabled cardigan.

Fenugreek. VERY nice hat and gloves set.

Epidote. Another nice take on a classic cabled cardigan.

Hashtag. #nicework

Arise. That is some very impressive lacework.

Merriment. An attractive Fair Isle hat and mitts set.

Cloudburst. I'm usually a hard sell on drape front sweaters, but I like this one. It's well shaped, it drapes beautifully, and that lace mohair looks simply decadent.

Hearthstone. Some excellent cabling in this one, highlighted by an argyle-like tracing of contrast colour on one side and around the hem. It's a subtle but very effective extra touch.

Abri. Love this little floral motif. It's playful and pretty in an adult way.

Illicium. Love the stitchwork in afghan, but it deserved a better colour palette.

Arcturus. Another impressive shawl. I'm especially taken by the almost quilted effect of the stitchwork.

Aniseed. Another lovely shawl.

Confectionary. Very wearable and nice-looking design on the whole, but I'm not liking those very openwork raglan seams. They look too messy and like a mistake.

Wafla. I like the waffle and tuck-like texture, but the front does not sit well.

Macoun. Another handsome cabled classic.

Palazzetto. I'm quite liking this contemporary capelet.

Frostpane. Very nicely finished, and I like the combination of cable and lace.

Caulkins. A comfy classic.

Bay Laurel. Oooh, so pretty. I like the leaf effect, and that is one nicely finished neckline.

Tourelle. Another good-looking cabled design.