Knitting Traditions Spring 2016: A Review

It turns out that I managed to miss Knitting Traditions' Spring 2016 issue when it came out (because Knitting Daily doesn't have it listed with its other magazines on their site menu, sigh), but let's have a look at it now.

Bluestocking Stole. A really lovely piece of work that could be styled in a lot of ways.

Christ Church Tam. The designer of this item says on its Ravelry page that she intended to "meld the beauty and light of stained glass with the warmth and texture of yarn" in this project, and I definitely think she succeeded. The design is pleasing and the brightness and high contrast of the yarn choices come as close as yarn can come to looking sunlit.

Daisy Crescent Shawl. A simple, easy, pretty knit.

Elegant Arm Warmers. I have to agree that these mitts do live up to their name.

Fancywork Market Bag. I'd be inclined to make this bag wider and shorter, to line it for strength, and to go with another colourway, as this one makes my eyes ache a bit.

Fireworks Socks. This pair of socks might make me feel as though my feet had been attacked by crayon-wielding toddlers.





Head in the Clouds Scarf. The lacework in this one is simply exquisite.

Lilacs & Rain Shawl. A very handsome and timeless wrap.

Little Birds Chullo. This kind of design wouldn't ordinarily be my sort of thing as it is very busy, but this take on a traditional Peruvian cap is so cute and fun I can't help liking it. The gingham band and the use of variegated yarn are nice non-traditonal touches.

Modern Chimesette. This antique style updated for today makes for a pretty, feminine take on the cowl.

Paper Silk Purse. The Ravelry page description of this piece suggests making it in a colour to match the intended owner's favourite cocktail dress. I wouldn't pair this purse with a cocktail dress, even though it's knitted in silk ribbon, as it's a little too slouchy and casual looking for evening use. Evening bags don't usually have long thick straps. It's a nice little bag for day though.

Penelope's Cardigan. An attractive traditional-style child's cardigan. I like the effect of the bright contrast yarn and buttons, and the stitchwork is good.

Pocket Muff. This muff has a pocket on the inside, as its name suggests. The Ravelry page for this one describes is as being "like a purse that warms your hands". It isn't unattractive, but I can't imagine wanting to be bothered to carry a muff, and it does look a little as though the model has her arm stuck in a spare sleeve.

Primavera Handkerchief. This is pretty, but I don't think I'd want to use -- or more to the point, wash -- a knitted handkerchief. I'd use this to line a bread basket.

Primavera Socks. For those occasions when you want a matching sock and hanky combination. All jesting aside, I do really like these socks. I'm not crazy socks person, and my favourite kind of sock is something basic with a bit of attractive detail, just like this one.

Regency Chemisette. This chemisette is, as its name suggests, the more historically accurate version of the chemisette, while the modern version we saw earlier in this post can be worn cowl-style. I prefer the modern version as it's more wearable by today's standards (after all, most of us aren't knitting costumes for a period drama) but as you can see this one is also usable because it can be worn under a low-cut sweater.

Regency House Slippers. I love these. So many knitted slipper patterns are so lacking in any sort of grace and style, but these, which are based on Regency-style dance slippers, have grace and style to burn.

Roman Holiday Purse. Now this purse is one that a woman could confidently carry as an evening bag.

Spring in Bloom Reticule. This one is too kitschy for my tastes. It could be made less so by going with a more subtle colour scheme.

Strip of Paisley Wrap. Another lovely lace stole.

Strolling Dolls. For the Edgar Allan Poe Junior Fan Club member in your life.

Strolling Round the Square Beaded Shawlette. This is a lovely piece, and it also appears to hang beautifully.

Turkish Purse. This would have gone with the Guatemalan jacket I had when I was 20. It's a charmingly bohemian piece.