Creative Knitting Autumn 2018: A Review

Creative Knitting has released their Autumn 2018 issue. Let's have a look at it.

Apple Cider Scarf. Not bad at all. The tassels are an attractive finishing touch.

Fennel Tea Scarf. This is a handsome piece, and hoods are a good way to go for keeping your head warm, because they won't crush your hair the way a hat will.

Hazelnut Latte Shawl. A very nice-looking shawl with interesting texture.

Pumpkin Spice Hat & Mitts Set. A classic hat and mitts set.

Turmeric Tea Hat & Scarf. Very pretty. I love the lacework.

Chamomile Poncho. I'm not a big poncho fan, but there is the occasional one that strikes my fancy. This one has a gorgeous play of colour, it sits well, and it's also well-styled, because this is one of those items that speak for itself and is best worn with an otherwise simple, low-key outfit.

Espresso Poncho. The stitchwork is good, but the shape is very bulky.

Harvest Cocoon. I'm not such a fan of this one, which is so bulky in the back and gives this woman the look of being in the overly enthusiastic embrace of some sort of mollusc.

Mulberry Hooded Wrap. This one's okay. The idea of a hooded poncho is something a bit different, but it's been designed so that the hood can be worn up or as a cowl. I do like the play of colour in the yarn.

Mulled Wine Capelet. This is rather pretty and would work over a variety of outfits.

Cranberry Cider Cardigan. Nice stitchwork, the shaping is good, and this sits so well and is such a wearable, useful piece. Even the model is all, "I know, right?!"

Matcha Latte Pullover. This one, with its simple yet flattering shape and simple yet telling textural detail is one to make in a beautiful yarn in your favourite colour and wear with everything.

Plum Toddy Pullover. The colour blocking on this is quite sharp. I'm not thrilled with the shaping, but this design is one of those cases where the drop shoulder can't be fixed without impacting the design's visual impact. I'd neaten up the fit a bit though, and add waist shaping.

Spiced Cider Cardigan. This isn't bad. It's serviceable at any rate. It's a little small on the model, which is detracting from its effect, and I'd double the number of buttons and buttonholes.

Strawberry Mocha Sweater. A classic turtleneck. Though I will note, in reference to its name, that I have never seen a strawberry that colour, and if I did, I wouldn't eat it.

Noro Magazine Issue 12: A Review

Noro Magazine has released their twelfth issue. Let's have a look at it, shall we?

No. 1, Entrelac Blanket. I definitely feel like we've seen this afghan, and the next afghan, before, but then an afghan is the perfect showcase for Noro yarn, and one does want to play up the contrasts.

No. 2, Square-in-a-Square Blanket. An attractive afghan with only a slight "please do not adjust your TV set" feel to it.

No. 3, Eyelet Chevron Shawl. This is one of those pieces that were designed to be worn but that would look best on a couch.

No. 4, Eyelet Shawl. Very pretty. Love the combination of the eyelets and the lace border.

No. 5, Triangle Shawl. This one has an offbeat, contemporary vibe to it, but it works. The more subtle colourway was a good choice here, given that there are stripes and blocks involved.

No. 6, Openwork Shawl. A very traditional-style, simple shawl.

No. 7, Eyelet Scarf. A simple design. I'm not crazy about the tutti-frutti colour palette, but that's just personal preference.

No. 8, Semicircle Shawl. Classic lace shawl with some decent shaping.

No. 9, Chevron Top. I LOVE the yarn used here, but the shape and the dropped shoulders need some serious tidying up. The model is simply swamped by this piece.

No. 10, Sideways Knit Top. I like the sideways stripes and the colour palette, but that is one awkward, boxy shape.

No. 11, Garter Gusset Tee. Oooh, such pretty stripes. I'd neaten up the fit.

No. 12, Crossback Tank. Very pretty and wearable top. Love the lace work at the bottom, and the shape and fit are good.

No. 13, Scallop Stripe Tank. This one's nice too. The overall shape is good, and that broad band neckline is flattering and even a little dramatic.

No. 14, Two-Tone Tank Top. A very decent piece. It would be fun to play with the colour contrast on the neckline/body for this one.

No. 15, Two-Colour Tunic. Not bad. I like the play of texture through the body and the bottom panel, and the finishing details. This is one of those pieces that's interesting and stylish enough in itself that one can pair it with a simple skirt or pair of trousers.

No. 16, Directional Striped Top. I like this piece from the waist up, but I don't like the way the top panel lies across the lower half. It has that "these pieces stuck together in the dryer" look.

No. 17, Man's Raglan Pullover. I like this one so much I wish I had a boyfriend to make it for. (Gentlemen of the internet, I am now accepting applications.)

No. 18, Man's Henley Pullover. Not such a fan of this one. It's fine through the body, but I don't like the way that collar sits. It has an awkward thickness to it.

No. 19, Short-Sleeve Pullover. I rather like this one. Its minimalist style works well with the yarn choice -- this is a pattern that calls for a striking yarn -- and the lines are good.

No. 20, Tunic Tank Top. This one's a bit too loose around the hips. It would be fine if it fit better.

No. 21, Lace Top. Pretty! This one would be a fun, casual top to wear with jeans.

No. 22, Panel Top. This has a certain charm, but it would be a hard shape to carry off. It's good at the neckline but gets so bulky below that.

No. 23, Diagonal Rib Cardi. This one looks as though it began well and then had to be finished in a frantic, tearing hurry. It needs more finishing at the front edges and a different kind of closure.

No. 24, V-Neck Tank. This is a nice-looking piece, but that bustline level seam will be an unflattering look on women who aren't small-breasted.

No. 25, Swing Front Cardigan. This cardigan doesn't so much swing as sag. Such an awkward, frumpy number.

No. 26, Crew Neck Sweater. This one has port holes to go with its crew neck.

No. 27, Lace Waistcoat. This is rather cute, even chic. I like the three lines of buttons.

No. 28, Lace Scarf. Wish I could see this piece better, but it looks presentable enough.

Knitty First Fall 2018: A Review

Knitty has released their First Fall 2018 issue. Let's have a look at it.

Study Hall Shawl. This one has a sharp, contemporary appeal.

Autumn Sunset. The clocks and the fair isle scrolls make for an unusual mix of motifs, but the combination works because the designer has used the same self-striping yarn throughout.

Fenton's Arrow. The combination of this piece's striking pattern and the fantastic yarn is killer. One couldn't not notice this cowl.

Watch It! This designer has figured out a way to both keep her hands warm and keep her Smart Watch visible. These gloves have a flap that can be snapped closed over the watch or opened, as desired. I admire the ingenuity and practicality of the flap feature, and these gloves are also quite attractive with good shaping and Celtic knot detailing. I also like the long cuffs on them, as short gloves tend leave an inch or two of bare wrist exposed.

Wicked Thicket. An attractive and very warm-looking brioche hat.

Mightiest Oak. The heart on this hat is meant to symbolize the designer's nephew's heart condition, but as meaningful as it is it looks a bit silly and I'd leave it off. Otherwise the hat's a good-looking item.

A Fool for All Seasons. This is rather cute and well-worked out. Dressing as a court jester wouldn't be my thing, but if it's yours, you do you!

Shoe or Sock? That Is The Question. The first of these are similar to the very basic style of house slipper that was ubiquitous when I was growing up. The second is a little more interesting, but still look slightly unfinished.

Habiliments. A very nice-looking pair of beaded socks. I do like a sock that keeps its detail for above the ankle. I am most emphatically not a goofy socks person.

Carnivore. A very attractive and wearable vest.

Gibson. I'm not a fan of the rolled edge look as a rule, but this cardigan works. The shape is good, it sits so well, and the lace sleeves look great. I'd go so far as to say it has a certain relaxed elegance.

Prairie Park. I like the overall concept here, but this one could do with some tweaking. The bands of linen stitch around the waist and sleeves work really well, but that rectangle in the centre looks random and awkward. I'd be inclined to work with it some more -- to turn it into more of a pattern and flow it around the neckline as well. And I think the model could have done with a little more ease in the fit.

Millville. This is one of those wretchedly askew, unflattering pieces that give me the vapours. Dropped shoulders, mullet hem, boxy oversized shape... this piece truly has it all. But not in a good way.