Pattern Radar: April 2023

I finished knitting and blocking a colourful shawl, but you will have to wait to see it. I’ve got a bit of a bug this weekend, and just can’t make the effort to photograph it. I also knitted a pretty swatch for a linen top in white (which I wrote about in my last post) but I am not going to show you that either. Or cast it on. Why? Because it is white, and my head is shouting “Do something colourful!” at me. This may be because I have lots of colourful inspiration. Here are some of the colourful things that are demanding head space; these include four garments and three whimsical knits.

Kainuu by Maija Vasala

© Laine Publishing / Maija Vasala

I saw this and nearly fell over. It just whisked me right out of the doldrums. I can’t look at this and not feel happy. I don’t plan to knit it (at least, not this year) but will be cheering on anyone who does.

Agatha by Mizuho Kumiyo

© Masahiro Shimazaki for amirisu

I took one look at this top, by Mizuho Kumiyo for Amirisu, and was all set to one-click. And then I noticed the fine print: “This pattern is sold exclusively as part of kits in our online shop.” Oh no; this is a serious bummer. I would even consider buying the kit, from the shop – in Japan – but in post-Brexit Britain this may be asking for trouble. Just look at the details of this top, however; I love it to pieces. Maybe it’s time for a trip to Japan. Speaking of which….

Tomoka by Tokuko Ochiai

© Masahiro Shimazaki for amirisu

This one also popped up in my feed this week, also from Amirisu, and, you guessed it, is only available as part of a kit from their on-line shop. (I imagine I am about to be inundated with cool kits from their shop.) I love this piece, particularly the cuffs on the sleeves. I would love to add these cuffs to a Chanel-style jacket. If anyone from the UK has any experience buying from Amirisu’s online shop, let me know.


Un-Deux-Trois Top
 by Faïza Mebazaa

© Faïza Mebazaa

I follow Faiza on Ravelry and have been admiring her knitting for years. She has recently started designing, and this is one of her new pieces. Actually, I am far more likely to knit – and wear – her gorgeous Ludivine than this one: but today I am focusing on colour and I really like what Faiza has done here with colour. It pushes my boundaries a bit, and I like that.

Pencil Scarf by Suzi Ashworth

© Suzi Ashworth

I was one of those kids who loved the beginning of school each year. Shopping for school supplies was a treat. Who doesn’t like the look of newly sharpened coloured pencils lined up in a row? This takes me back and makes me smile.

How to knit a bird by Arne & Carlos

© Arne & Carlos

Aren’t these pretty? I have included this one partly because I like the pattern name: “How to knit a bird”. Also, because I have a friend, June, who is crazy about birds and has (partially) infected me, so I notice all bird-related patterns. Just imagine what good stash busters these would be. And get a load of their feet; this cracks me up!

Striped Pup Sweater by Stephen West

I don’t have a dog, but if I did, I would think about knitting one of these. Or maybe two or three. These are really cute.

I hope these patterns get you thinking about colour. I cast on a new project this weekend using the brightest, most eye-popping yarn from my stash. Stay tuned for the details.

6 thoughts on “Pattern Radar: April 2023

  1. “Un Deux Trois” has been on my mind for the longest time. My imagination chooses various color schemes . . . rearranges the stripe sequence . . . adds sleeves . . . someday I may even knit it. 😉

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