Knitscene Winter 2017: A Review

Knitscene has released its Winter 2017 issue. Let's have a look at it.

Bearly There Cap. This is cute, and even better, it's cute in a way that's adult-appropriate.

Bridges Scarf. This is an easy knit and it's attractive enough. It is big, but then you can always knit it to whatever scale you like.

Checkers Scarf. This is such a smart scarf it even looks fairly well worn over a sequined dress.

Dancing Deer Hat and Mittens. A nice interpretation of the classic reindeer pattern.

Dejlig Sweater. I can't help but feel that these visible seams are seams gone wrong.

Enkel Cowl. I rather like the stitchwork in this one.

Flette Blanket. A handsome and cozy throw.

Flurries. This is the nicest cowl I've seen in awhile. The pattern is beautiful, and it sits so well.

Hoppers Cowl. The design's nice enough but I don't like the way this cowl sits. I think my favourite cowls are, like the previous one, knitted tube-style, or at least reversible, so that the wrong side isn't visible and there are no limp edges.

Hvile Poncho. Love the cables on this. I'm a little hesitant about the shape, but I think it works fairly well. It would stay in place and allow movement, and it hangs fairly well.

Kostbar Cowl. Not a bad little lacy cowl, and that is a fun t-shirt. Its message has a special resonance for me, given my chronic fatigue issues.

Lone Buck Vest. Oooh, I like this vest, which presents as a re-invented Christmas sweater for millennials. The fair isle buck and the bands on the sleeve are nice twists.

Lykke Sweater. This sweater has a very early eighties feel to it. It's not bad, but I think I'd do it in a more interesting yarn than a plain cream, as it needs a little something.

Night Birds Sweater. Very nice! Love the motifs in this one, and that colourway really pops.

Rivers Cowl. I'm liking the Art Deco look of the cables in this cowl.

Tyk Cardigan. This is the little afghan that wanted so much to become a cardigan that it magically sprouted sleeves.

Vinter Poncho. This is another afghan that wanted so desperately to be an item of wearing apparel that it developed a neck hole. I do love the stitch used in this one, though, and it drapes so well, but this piece would swamp most women.

Rib Magazine No. 3 Alchemy: A Review

Rib Magazine has released its third issue, "Alchemy". Let's have a look at it.

Alchemy Pullover. Nice one! I like the way the different bands of colour blend together.

Protean Pullover. Oooh, handsome! And the sweater's attractive and classic too. (Sorry, a little deprived here.)

Isometric Scarf. Very wearable, nicely textured scarf.

Háls Cowl. I'm loving the little Fair Isle motifs, and this checked effect is a creative way to use them.

Revolution Watch Cap. A classic knitted cap with a bit of a twist provided by its inventive stitchwork.

Tetrahedron Socks. These are fun and also have a 1930s throwback feel, which is one of my design sweet spots. The ripple texture and dark heels and toes make for a good-looking sock, and the houndstooth patterned heels is such a great added touch.

Creative Knitting Winter 2017: A Review

Creative Knitting magazine has released its Winter 2017 issue. Let's have a look at it.

Bodacious Bobble Hat. Cute, though I can think of better colourways for it.

Color Play Vest. This looks for all the world like a bathmat with a button on it.

Color Theory Throw. I love this one without qualification.

Cozy Cabin Cowl. This has a slightly rough, patched-together look.

Kireina Cardigan. Very attractive stitchwork in this one, and good shaping, though I would add another inch or so to the depth of that collar. As you can see, it's not lying flat even in this photo.

Knit & Weave Cowl. This is another cowl that has a patchy, tacked-together look.

Rainy Day Reading Socks. Cute, cheerful socks.

Beguiling Basket-Weave Cap & Scarf. This is a handsome hat and scarf set with good texture, and it would work with most jackets and coats.

On the Edge. The Ravelry page for this pattern calls it a dress and Creative Knitting's blurb calls it a poncho. I'd call it a tunic, myself, and given that it's so bulky, not a terribly flattering one. It's never a good sign when a model needs to cock her hip and put one hand on her waist to make a design look good.

Transitional Tunic. Nice detailing at the neck and cuffs, but this A-line shape may be a tricky one to wear.

Weekender Pullover. Bland simple pullover with dropped shoulders. There are better basic patterns out there.

Wrapture. Knit coats can be hard to wear, but this isn't bad at all. It sits quite well. It's very simple and neutral, but that means that it'll go with the maximum number of outfits, and the mohair-like texture keeps it from being boring. I'd do this in a beautiful quality, textured yarn in a colour that is a pleasure to look at, and use some sort of interesting fastener for the toggle, like a brooch. I'd also fix the dropped shoulders.

Archways Hat. Cute cabled hat.

Bisqueware Poncho. This sits so well, and the colourway's lovely.

Cables on the Catwalk. I rather like this one. It's bulky, but it's well shaped enough that it doesn't swamp the model, and it would turn a simple outfit into something interesting.

Wandering Cables. I'm less than enthused about this one. I usually am an easy sell on a cable cardigan, but this one has such a bulky, awkward look to it, with its dropped shoulders and deep neckline.

Ski Lodge Wrist Warmers. I'd put half-thumbs on these. The design looks like it's been amputated as is.