Knitty has released its Deep Fall 2016 issue. Let's get started on our look through it by checking out the first pattern, Laekur, which is also their cover look. I like the effect of the bright yoke and the monochrome stripes, but this sweater would look so much better if it fit the model properly.
Laurel. I like the texture and the cable waist detailing, but not the saggy, baggy lines.
Indigopie. The top of this cardi isn't bad, but I'm not crazy about that unfinished-looking hem, and as the other pictures of it on its pattern page make clear, this isn't an item that will look all that good when not pinned closed.
Mersea Island. I'd want to take this design a few steps further by shaping the collar so that it's bigger and sits better and reworking those pockets, because the contrast colour looks like something of an afterthought as is. I'd also raise the dropped shoulders. I wouldn't neaten up the fit as this item is meant to be worn over other things and needs to be loose and roomy.
Bottle Rocket. The shaping of this sweater is perfect, but I don't think I can get on board with the pocket. I know the concept of a beer pocket is probably going to be received with much delight by certain type of man, but at least in this example, the front pocket looks as though it's a child's sweater that melded to the front of this man's hoodie in the dryer.
Viatori. Not bad. This hooded vest was designed to go over yoga clothes and other very casual pieces, and it would work well for that and also be warm, comfortable, and practical. I think I'd still prefer something a little more polished even for that purpose, however.
Mont St. Michel. I'm way too finicky to ever wear mismatched socks, even when they are artfully mismatched socks. I'd pick one design for this pair of socks, and it would be the one on the left, as the other design is a little too mish-mash for my liking.
Candied Violets. These are ever so pretty in a delicate, fanciful way, though again I'd knit both socks in the same colour.
Wings for Nightbird. Oh, how gorgeous. And the other pictures on this item's pattern page make it clear that this shawl sits and drapes very well too.
Threefer. Attractive and very comfortable looking, with bonus excellent use of a gradient colour scheme.
Two for One. There's something so perfect about the play of shades in this one.
Crystalline. Some very impressive design work in this one, and the piece is nicely finished.
Uberib. I've never liked this very basic style of slippers, but the brioche stitch and the fun colours do give it more than a little punch.
Rain, Rain, Go Away. This hat is very cute in an adult-appropriate way.
A Gift of Thistle. What a fabulous hat and cowl set. Both the colours and the design are gorgeous.
Hands-Free Cowl. This is woven, not knitted. It's not bad. I like the contrast of the two textures. I think I'd shorten the fringe by about half.
In Gord We Trust. This sock scarf is a tribute to Canada's Gord Downie, lead singer for one of Canada's best and best-loved bands, The Tragically Hip. Gord Downie has terminal brain cancer and closed his musical career with a final tour culminating in a three-hour concert on August 20th, 2016, that was broadcast commercial-free by the CBC and personally attended by Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. It's hard to explain the significance of this event to anyone who isn't either a Canadian or a Hip fan. One third of Canadians watched the broadcast. For us it was as if U2 or Bruce Springsteen were giving a final show. During the concert, Downie wore a scarf made of socks around his throat, saying he "learned he has to keep his instrument warm", and this pattern is a tribute to him. As knitting reviewer, I can't bring myself to approve the design, but as a Canadian and a Hip fan who once wore out her cassette copy of the 1991 Hip album Road Apples, I got a little misty-eyed over the concept and the accompanying text. I love too many Hip songs to much to be able to pick a favourite, but I will leave you with a link to one of my many favourites, "Long Time Running".
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