Knit Simple Spring/Summer 2015: A Review

Knit Simple has released its Spring/Summer issue for 2015. Let's have a look at it.

Not a bad simple top. It could perhaps use waist shaping, but it is hard to tell from this particular pose.

Not bad, though it does look a bit bulky for a summer top.

This one could definitely use some waist shaping. And probably a better colourway.

Those sleeves look weird and patched-together. And again... waist shaping.

A knitted... swiffer. Well, that's something new. Has anyone actually tried cleaning with yarn loops? I haven't, and so can't pass judgment on this, because if it cleans the floors well and rinses out easily, it is worth making.

I'm assuming these are crocheted bath scrubbies, and if you like handmade bath scrubbies, I suppose they aren't bad. They're fun and colourful.

Knitted washcloths/dishcloths. These are fine if you like knitted washcloths or dishcloths. I detest knitted dishcloths myself, because I find they're thick and unwieldy to use, get disgustingly full of bits of soggy food, and don't rinse out well, but I know lots of people love them, and knitted washcloths are probably unproblematic for most people.

Loofah mitt. I'd be interested in knowing what knitted loofah mitts are like to use.

Not a bad-looking bathmat.





Crocheted yarn baskets. Good way to use up some scrap yarns.

I don't know how effective knitted coasters will be. They'll get damp, and the whole point of coasters is to protect a surface from exposure to moisture.

Attractive placemats.

Unattractive phone case.

Moderately attractive i-Pad case.

Inoffensive sleep mask.

This cat pencil case is kind of cute for a kid.

Makeup bags would be a nice use for scrap yarn. I'd want to use plastic bags for some of the stuff that goes in it, as the makeup bag would otherwise get really dirty immediately.

This cowl could probably look rather fetching on some cute young thing, but I think I'd still have to refrain from asking her if her cat made it for her.

Cute kerchief. I'd want to use a more interesting yarn choice for it.

Quite like this one. The combination of cabled and dropped stitches is an interesting and unique effect. The shaping is good too.

Lovely lace stole.

Not a bad mesh tam.

Rather pretty shawl.

Cute hoodie. It could be better designed, though. The heart is very squarish at the sides and could be better shaped, and the front is pulling upwards in the middle.

Cute sock-style hoodie.

Not a bad little sleeveless hoodie.

This pattern could do with a little tweaking. It needs armhole shaping, as the way the shoulders extend over the arms looks awkward, and the set of the hood could be better.

Not a bad baby blanket. I'd want to go with a more effective colourway.

That is one amateurishly shaped little outfit. The pants look simply weird, as though they were made for a turtle-shaped baby.

Nice little pair of booties.

Nice ripple baby blanket. The colours are pretty.

These look like swants.

Not a bad onesie, but I would make the pant legs full length.

These aren't bad for what they are: a simple poncho for very casual wear.

Knitscene Summer 2015: A Review

Knitscene has released their Summer 2015 issue. Let's have a look at it.

Lake Superior Cardigan. I'd raise the dropped shoulder and make the sleeve more fitted. It's not a bad piece otherwise.

Lake Ontario Hat. I live less than two miles from Lake Ontario and I see zero resemblance between it and this hat, but it is a nice hat. Though I would make it in a non-pinkish colour as it does look a little breast-like from the top in this colourway.

Lake Michigan Tee. Nice, simple, wearable piece. I'd gladly wear this.

Lake Huron Wrap. Two strips of knitting randomly slapped together. This piece doesn't look good in any of the photos where it's being worn by the model.

Ouverte Tee. Good shaping and stitchwork. It'll require an underlayer, but with the right one (i.e., not this one) the effect could be pleasing.





Allongé Tee. This could work in the right yarns and colourway. This one manages to be both bland and jarring.

Devant Tank. Nice piece. I like the face-framing detail around the neck.

Battement Tee. Not bad. It's striking and well-shaped. I think the colourway is putting me off it somewhat, but that's just personal preference because it isn't an objectively bad colourway.

Couru Cowl. Lovely! The texture is simply luscious.

Sissone Tee. This isn't bad. A sharper colourway would probably elevate it a lot.

Elevé Pullover. The cropped length and boxy shape is hideously unflattering even on this lovely professional model and the geometric pattern looks for all the world like a shark's open mouth.





Tisbury Pullover. I think the shark's mouth on the previous sweater ate the back of this one.

Green Apple Tank. This kind of construction can be tricky — I think I panned a top with a similar back the other day — but this one sits so well that I have to give it a thumbs up.

There isn't a really good picture of the front, and I've got my concerns that this design may bag a little in front, but what I can see here looks fine.

Ladyslipper Tank. Not a fan of this one. It just doesn't have any real style or interest to it.

Taffy Cowl. Nothing special.

Serape Shawl. A lovely way to add a touch of southwestern style to an outfit.

Mattie Wrap. This has a certain comeliness in its texture and border, but it did need some better shaping. It doesn't hang well as is.

Alamogordo Socks. Eyecatching!

Roslyn Tank. Not a bad little flirty piece. Do make sure you make it big enough for the wearer. This sample is pulling apart between the buttons on this model.

Lorena Cardigan. Quite like this one. The tab-style collar and the twisted stitch detailing give it a contemporary and polished look.

Kitty Kerchief. Not a bad cowl. It deserves a more interesting yarn choice.

Loretta Mitts. These look like they've been upcycled from old Roy Rogers and Dale Evans costumes.

Knitty Spring & Summer 2015: A Review

Knitty has released their 15th issue. Let's have a look at it, shall we?

The Hybrid Vigour. The designer of this piece came up with it as a way to answer her frustration with the fiddly, slippy nature of shawls: the shawl is connected at the ends, creating an item that is part shawl and part poncho. I hear you on the frustrating nature of shawls, sister, and I like this item. The lace is pretty and the piece hangs attractively.

Peppermint Bay Shawl. The lacework and the construction of this piece is impressive, but it does look more like a throw than a shawl to me.

Lawton Wrap. Another very pretty piece of lacework. A shawl pin makes it possible to don this oblong item with some style.

Nahant stole. The designer of this item tried fractal spinning and then designed this scarf as a way to use up the gorgeous result. Lovely piece, but good luck finding yarn this special in any store!

Crane Hill Tank. This piece combines crochet and knitting to good effect. The shaping is decent and the result is a simple, pretty, wearable top.

Myliu Lino Pullover. Not so taken with this one. The lace work is pretty and the yarn used here is lovely, but it doesn't sit all that well and isn't terribly flattering.

Mia Tank. Not bad. It has some interesting detailing and decent shaping. I think I'd make this to sit a few inches shorter on the wearer and in a more interesting yarn choice.

French Smock Sweater. This looks like a baby blanket with straps attached.

Lorinda sweater. This is a pleasant-looking cardigan, but I would run the buttons and buttonholes all the way down the front.

Geek socks. Cute socks. The slipped stitch technique has been used to give what would otherwise be plain stripes a more interesting vibe.

Evangelina sock. The ribbon drawstring on these pushes these into "too twee for me" territory, but the stitchwork is interesting and appealing.

Stars and Stares eye pillow. This pillow is designed to be filled with rice, buckwheat, or flax seeds, mixed with lavender, herbal tea, or mint, etc., and heated or cooled to be used not only on the face but on any tired or aching muscles elsewhere. The designer has come up with a few designs for the eye pillows, but if you've ever wanted to find a way to terrify your small children into not disturbing you when you're trying to take a nap, this one would your best route to doing that.

Victorian Mash-Up Hat. For this creation, Franklin Habit tried out knitting a couple of squares from a Victorian-era counterpane pattern, stitched them together, and topped them with Victorian-style knitted fringe. I don't think I'd actually put this on a baby. It looks like one of those novelty hats rabid sports fans wear at sports arenas, along with chest paint and giant foam fingers, in an effort to get on the Jumbotron. Since this child is too young to be a fan of anything except perhaps milk and cuddles, putting such a hat on this baby makes it look like a very small mascot for Team Yarn.