Knit Simple Winter 2017: A Review

In today's post, we're going to have a look at Knit Simple's Winter 2017 issue.

Pattern #1, Oversized Turtleneck. There's nothing objectively wrong with this one, but I'm pretty sure I'd feel like a lemon creamsicle in it.

Pattern #2, Textured Socks. I'm not quite liking the texture of these -- they don't look that good all stretched out on the leg.

Pattern #3, Shawl-Collar Cardigan. This one's a little too unstructured to work. The edges look as though they're turning under by accident rather than design.

Pattern #4, Cup Cozies. I've never seen the point of cup cozies, which are bound to get coffee, hot chocolate, and the like dripped or spilled on them and have to be washed.

Pattern #5, Hot Water Bottle Cover. Hot water bottles do make more sense, because they tend to be unattractive, and what's more attractive and more comforting than a hot water bottle in a cute little sweater?

Pattern #6, Cabled Poncho. This isn't bad, but as with most ponchos I can't help thinking it would look better as an afghan.

Pattern #7, Textured Pillows. Nice, useful piece, and would look good on many a couch.

Pattern #8, Lace Shawl. The lacework is beautiful, but when I've had rectangular knitted shawls like this I've always found them awkward to style.

Pattern #9, Fringed Blanket. Classic cabled afghan.

Pattern #10, Garter Stitch Cowl. This is as basic as it gets, but you can always upgrade it by making it in a beautiful, interesting yarn.

Pattern #11, Colorblock Hats. Classic striped caps are useful and a good way to use up odds and ends of yarn.

Pattern #12, Chevron Hat. That's an effective and interesting chevron pattern.

Pattern #13, Cabled Hat. Perfectly good standard cap.

Pattern #14, Fair Isle Hat. This is rather nice looking, though I would not describe it as fair isle.

Pattern #15, Bicolor Ribbed Hat. An interesting combination of texture and stripes.

Pattern #16, Pom Pom Hat. I don't much like the rolled edge on this one, which gives it an unfinished look.

Pattern #17, Tassel Hat. Not bad. I definitely like tassels more than pom poms, as I think them better suited to adults.

Pattern #18, Polar Bear Jacket, Hat, and Mitts. The mittens are cute, but I don't much care for the hat or jacket, which both have an awkward, cheesy look to them.

Pattern #19, Polar Bear Pillow. That is one square-looking polar bear.

Pattern #20, Bear Cub Hat and Pullover. This is rather cute without having the "trying too hard" look of the previous polar bear-themed sweater, hat, and mittens set.

Pattern #21, Scoop-Neck Pullover.
Nice texture, shaping, and gradient effect.

Pattern #22, Three Quarter Sleeve Cardigan. I rather like the inventive colourway of this one and the way the front edges sit, but the shaping through the body and sleeves is so loose and baggy that the overall look doesn't work.

Pattern #23, Narrow Shawl. Rather pretty. The edging pattern is interesting.

Pattern #24, Long Cowl. Pretty basic, but it'll do.

Pattern #25, Linen Stitch Scarf. I love the effect of linen stitch, but I'm not crazy about the colour palette used here. I'd also fringe this.

Pattern #26, Lattice Hat. A simple yet pretty effect.

Pattern #27, Swaddling Blanket. Not a bad way to keep your baby warm while still giving it room to kick and squirm.