Pattern Radar: April 2023

Posted on April 16, 2023 by knitigatingcircumstances

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Pattern Radar: March 2022

Posted on March 20, 2022 by knitigatingcircumstances

I have been strongly tempted this month by some great new sweater patterns. Here is a short selection.

Elderberry by Renée Callahan

I saw this on an email from The Fibre Co, where they were advertising the start of a KAL (knit-a-long) of this sporty pullover. I love the lines on this, and think it looks really sharp and fresh. It is knit using The Fibre Co Cirro, which looks like a mohair, but which is composed of 40% camelid alpaca suri, 40% cotton, and 20% merino wool. I received a skein of Cirro as part of a goody bag at the knitting retreat I attended in the fall (blogged here) and it is pretty lush. A sweater like this, knitted in Cirro, will weigh next to nothing and be soft and fluffy without having any potential problems with itchiness that mohair might lend. I love Renée’s work and I think she really scores with this one. Here is another shot so that you can see how great the contrasting lines are:

Kari by Natasja Hornby

I have been waiting for this pattern to be released since I saw the first test project posted up on Ravelry. I love this! I am always looking for a classic jacket pattern that will look effortlessly stylish at work, but still have the comfort level of a favourite cardigan. This one looks easy to make too – knitted top-down, without seams, and with fantastic mosaic stitchwork for the sleeve detailing (Two of my all-time favourite projects are knitted using mosaic patterns – my Ormolu pullover, blogged here, and my Sofi Jacket, blogged here.) The only problem I see with this pattern is trying to decide which colour combos to use – I love it in black and white, but could easily see it in a shocking pink and lipstick red. Which would you pick?

Blum by Rachel Illsley

Rachel Illsley has been turning out one knockout pattern after another these days. This one came out in February and there have been two others published since then – all of them lovely. My biggest problem was deciding which one to show you here. Her patterns incorporate engaging rhythms (many are based on instrumental works) and have a dreamy look reminiscent of watercolour paintings. Plus, surprisingly, there are only two colours used here – no ends to weave in at the end! Brilliant!

Octopus Slippers by Elizabeth Elliott

I fooled you, didn’t I? Yes, I – Miss “I-don’t-knit-socks” – have fallen for a sock pattern. (We shall ignore a semantic discussion of whether slippers are socks; they are both worn on the feet and that’s good enough for me.) Aren’t these fantastic? On the pattern page, the description reads: “Have you ever thought, “You know what these feet need? More octopus.” If you have, or if you’re just thinking that now, then these are the slippers for you.” I love that, too. And if you are not convinced yet, just look at the soles (below). I dare you not to smile.

This weekend has flown by. I hope that you managed to catch it before it zoomed past.

Pattern Radar: February 2022

Posted on February 20, 2022 by knitigatingcircumstances

It’s been a while since I wrote a Pattern Radar post. There is a simple reason behind this: they take a lot of work. Putting in the photos and the links and copyright information and double-checking everything is fiddly. I normally choose between 8 and 12 new patterns that have caught my fancy in some way, and then put together the post. Since I wait until I have a fair number of patterns to discuss, this sometimes gets in the way of my original intention which is to show new stuff that is exciting, or interesting, or eye-catching. So, I have decided on a new plan: to make more frequent Pattern Radar posts, each focusing on between 2 – 5 patterns. Here, to kick it off, are three very different shawl patterns that have been released within the past week.

Litsea by Linnea Ornstein

You know how sometimes you click through endless patterns, thinking “same old, same old”? Well, this is one of those patterns that literally made me sit up and think. It caught my eye because it is pretty, but then my brain cells immediately started thinking “how is it constructed?” A partial answer: It is initially knitted in the round, using a “no purl” garter technique, with the wreaths knitted back and forth. That is a very simplistic description; check out the pattern and read the notes to get a better idea. However it’s done, it is beautiful, and very unique, and feels full of colour and life.

Floret by Norah Gaughan

Norah Gaughan has just released a new pattern book, called Knit Fold Pleat Repeat. The patterns all involve folding and pleating knitted fabric in innovative ways. It is incredibly imaginative and thoughtful. I remember so well buying Norah’s book Knitting Nature in 2006 and being blown away by her architectural approach to knitting and her sensitivity to shapes, patterns, geometries, and nature. Her work is characterised by playfulness and a unique way of taking an idea and pushing it outwards and sideward and inside out. (Kate Davies recently wrote about how Norah’s work on Twisted Stitches has inspired her own design process.) Floret is just one of the many cool patterns in the book, but it is one that really caught my eye.

Anemone shawl by Dee Hardwicke

I really love the combination of stranded knitting, bold geometric patterning, and use of colour in this shawl. It’s got a nice “pop” to it, but still has a softness. It’s one of those patterns that tricks the eye: if you look at it one way you see the anemones, big and gorgeous and flowery; but then you blink and what you see are angles and lines and circles, laid out like geometric tilework. I particularly like the coral edging on the cream and blue section, as opposed to the cream edging on the coral and blue section. It’s a small detail, but very effective.

There you have it: three very different shawls that caught my eye this week. Good knitting, everyone!

Mittens redux

Posted on November 28, 2020 by knitigatingcircumstances

It’s that time of year again, when I show you some of the mitt and mitten patterns which have captured my attention this year. Casting on for a pair of mitts is fun, and more than that, it feels achievable. Big things are happening in the world this year, scary things; so in my sphere I like to have some little things happening, joyful things. A little piece of knitting, a cup of coffee, a technology-assisted talk with friends, warm hands. These things are good.

This is the 7th year I’ve been writing these mitten posts. I hope you find a pattern here to take your fancy. If not, scroll to the end to find links for each of my previous mitten posts. Note that pattern links are for Ravelry.

1. Nordwand by Birgit Grunwald

I love the ingenuity of these. You start at the thumb and work your way out. This feels really clever and different, and makes me want to cast on right away. I think these would be a brilliant pattern for using up small scraps of wool.

2. Radiant Star Mitts by Ella Gordon

These are beautiful mitts, which use traditional motifs and a “bright retro colour palette” inspired by jumpers from the 70s and 80s (from the pattern description). I love the pop of the orange and the turquoise paired with the charcoal black; they are very striking. Even more striking, due to the larger canvas, is the matching cowl which she designed for the Shetland Wool Week Annual 2020.

3. Ui Mittens by Ainur Berkimbayeva

I have a fondness for strong, simple geometric patterns in black and white. These mittens hit the right chord for me. The designer says: “ ‘Ui’ is a Kazakh word for ‘house’ and ‘home.’ The shapes and lines in these mittens reminded me of the cottage where I grew up.” If you like these, you should check out her newest mitten design, Herringbone Mittens for Purl Soho, which continue the Art Deco vibe.

4. Winglet Mitts by Sachiko Burgin

I love this dainty and whimsical design. The pattern description says: “These quick to knit, lepidoptera inspired mitts feature an embossed motif of an affable moth (not of the wool eating kind, promise!).” Better to have some moths on your knitting than moths in your knitting, no? And a pretty pair of mitts to boot.

5. Bramble by Diana Walla

I have always loved the pairing of pink and green, or of orange and green, but here the use of pink and green and orange against this fantastic wash of a brilliant orange coat, is fabulous. The pattern was designed by Diana Walla for amirusu, Fall/Winter 2020, Issue 21. If you don’t want to buy the whole magazine just for one pattern, never fear, it contains some lovely patterns including this gorgeous pullover. This photo not only makes me want to knit the mitts, but also to go out and buy this coat!

6. Pihta by Eeva Kesäkuu

I love these mittens by Finnish designer Eeva Kesäkuu. They are knit at a very tight gauge – 39st/10cm – so are sure to keep you warm and dry. I love the pinstripes, the dimensions, the fantastic gusset and thumb design, and the squared-off tops. Knitting them in red and white just adds to the appeal!

7. Dinkel by Simone Bechtold

Sometimes, simple is best. Dinkel means wheat and this lovely wheat pattern has a lot of impact despite being used so sparingly. The pattern description says: “Some yarns, especially rustic, breed-specific ones, have so much character and personality, you don‘t want to overpower them with a fancy pattern.” Don’t let the simple nature of the pattern fool you; these mitts have a fantastic thumb gusset!

8. Limn by Emily Greene

I adore these mitts! Modelled in the photo above by a man, they are a perfect unisex design. I think they are sinuous and interesting and sexy; they have rhythm and movement and texture, all on a base of luscious garter stitch. What more could you want?

I hope you’ve found something here to enjoy. If it’s put you in the mood for mittens, take a look at my previous mitten posts:

Merry Mittenmas! (2014)

A dozen great patterns for fingerless mitts (2015)

Mittens! (2015)

To gusset or not to gusset (2016)

It’s mitten time again! (2017)

A show of hands (2108)

Warm hands, warm heart (2019)

Have a lovely weekend, everyone!

Pattern Radar: January 2020

Posted on January 17, 2020 by knitigatingcircumstances

Here is my pick of patterns that have caught my eye lately. They are all very interesting, with cool stitch patterns or constructions that engage the brain as well as the eye.

Normandale by Norah Gaughan

The more I look at this, the more interesting it becomes. Designed by the incomparable Norah Gaughan, this uses mosaic stitch with two different weight yarns – a chunky and a DK weight. With mosaic stitch you only knit with one yarn at a time, so you can do fairly complicated-looking colourwork without stranding. I like mosaic stitch (here is a sweater I knit using the technique), but the idea of doing it with very different weights of yarn really appeals. The organic structure it reveals is inspired by Portland’s bridges.

Tsubaki Pullover by Hiroko Fukatsu

These big, chunky, cables are fantastic! And, like the above cardigan, the more I look at them, the more they pop. But I have to admit that what really drew me into this pattern was the description on the Ravelry pattern page (see link above): “Tsubaki – camellia japonica – is an epaulet sleeve pullover with large, gorgeous cables, worked without ever cutting yarn. Enjoy the original construction of this sweater!” I am now totally intrigued. I can’t even begin to figure out how that could work, and I have to know! The technical knit nerd in me can’t resist. The fact that the sweater is gorgeous is like frosting on the cake.

Brandi Cheyenne Harper’s Gentle Cardigan by Brandi Harper

I am not usually a fan of chunky knits. In particular, I find that the finishing never looks neat. But this one has gorgeous finishing details. Just look at the line of the shoulder and the very elegant edging. Brandi Harper only has a few patterns published, but they are really eye-catching. (Just look at this dress made in super chunky wool; it brings out the Judy Jetson in me!) I am definitely going to be watching her work. (I am also completely captivated by the smile in this photo; I want to be her friend!)

Clade by Stephanie Earp

Another really beautiful stitch pattern is used to an interesting effect by Stephanie Earp. It manages to look very etheral – with the delicacy of the mohair contrasting with the variegated silk. The sweater seems to glow in these gorgeous tones. Stephanie mentions that the sweater has a tendency to catch, so this is a special occasions piece. This would match almost any other block colour, and you would really make an entrance wearing this. Stephanie has been doing some interesting things with colour lately, which has put her firmly on my radar.

Caroline by eri

Camel © eri

This amazing cabled sweater is knit in a light fingering weight wool. Can you imagine knitting so many cables in such delicate yarn? It is knit top down in one piece with raglan sleeves, and the way that the cabled details are incorporated into the shaping is brilliant. I also like the sleeves. The slight cuff and the intricate cables down the side make for a subtle but stunning sleeve. This would look good in any colour, though I personally would stay away from variegated yarns to keep the cables firmly as the focus. The neutral is a fantastic choice, and this particular yarn is not just called Dry Desert Camel, but is 100% camel! How cool!

Honeycomb by Yumiko Alexander

I just LOVE the shape on this one. Its a very playful design, with really clever details. The slip stitches in the pattern compress the fabric on the one side to create the asymmetric drape. I could see myself wearing this to work, out to dinner, or even for a walk on the beach. This is made of silk, but would probably look great in linen as well. The pattern includes options for a longer sweater or for wider sleeves, so you can customize it to suit you.

That’s my selection of great sweaters for this month. I am currently unable to knit due to my de Quervain’s tenosynovitis acting up. My family tells me this makes me very grumpy. I console myself by adding patterns to my queue, which has grown by leaps and bounds, and by being extra grumpy just to annoy them.

Pattern Radar: Summer tops

Posted on July 7, 2019 by knitigatingcircumstances

As the weather warms up (here in the Northern Hemishphere), there are lots of lovely, lightweight summer top patterns being released. Here are a few of my favorites.

Dagny by Elsebeth Lavold

I love the long line of this pretty tank, containing the intricate Viking-inspired cables that Lavold is known for, combined with long, slimming ribs. I think this is an elegant option for summer, especially if knit with a linen blend.

Monarri by Stephanie Earp

This little tee is so charming. I love the drape, the swingy silhouette, the two-coloured herringbone stitch cuffs and neck, the sunny shades. Click through to the pattern and check out the back view; it has a really great swing to it.

Rainsong by Laura Aylor

Yes, this is a fairly plain tank, but it is a perfectly proportioned one, which balances a beautiful shape, a bit of texture to draw the eye, and just enough drape. This will showcase a special yarn, and will look equally smart under a jacket at the office or with a floaty summer skirt.

Kentia by Marie Amelie Designs

I keep coming back to this one. The lace bodice is very pretty and romantic, and the loose, slightly-cropped fit of the tee is sporty and modern. It is an intriguing combination. With the right yarn, and two lovely, complimentary shades, this is a striking summer top.

Good Day Tee by Annie Lupton

This modular top has an interesting shape and construction. I think it would be fantastic in linen or a summery blend – something with a bit of texture and sheen – and would keep you cool no matter the weather. It also looks fun to knit.

Jenny Flower by Julie Knits in Paris

I love this pretty, stripey, yoked tee with rows of eyelet lace, and summery colours. It has a delicious drape and looks charming and comfortable. Julie has been turning out some great patterns lately and is firmly on my radar.

I am on my way to Spain tomorrow for a short holiday. I will be taking my Sparkling cardigan to knit, but don’t be surprised if one of these lovely tops gets cast on soon. Do you have a summer top on your needles?

Pattern Radar: I’ll have some texture with that, please

Posted on April 6, 2019 by knitigatingcircumstances

The patterns that have caught my eye this week have played around with texture. I’ve been fascinated by colour and stranded knitting lately, but texture has always been my catnip. Here are some designs which are doing good things with texture, from a little taste to allover patterning.

Olive Sweater by Jemima Bicknell:

This sweater is from the book, Art Deco Knits: Creating a hand-knit wardrobe inspired by the 1920s – 1930s by Jemima Bicknell. I love Art Deco, in architecture, in jewellery, and in fashion. The cables on this pullover are just fantastic. Set against the simple shape of the sweater, they pop! It reminds me in equal parts of a beautiful art deco building I lived near in Potsdam, and of The Jetsons, a “futuristic” animated TV show from my youth. (Now I’ve dated myself.) I think this has a cute, vintage feel to it.

Shifting Sands Pullover by Norah Gaughan

I’m not surprised by this design making the list, since Norah Gaughan is the queen of texture. The shape of this one is very simple; in fact it is rather shapeless and boxy (which happens to be big news in the knitting world right now). But the asymetrical cables are mesmerising, as they shift and flow across the space. If you’ve ever been in shifting sand, you can definitely see how this pullover got its name.

Nisaba by Asja Janeczek:

This cowl pattern has a rich, luscious texture. It is named after the Sumerian goddess of grain and harvest and was inspired by memories of traipsing through grain fields. This first attracted my attention with its gorgeous juxtaposition between the three dimensional, undulating cable patterns and the flat sections worked in garter stitch with short row shaping. Having a daughter who studies ancient Sumerian, the name kept my attention focused.

Firenze by Irina Anikeeva

This simple pullover with a great cabled yoke jumped out at me. I love that it is in sportweight rather than worsted, and looks both sophisticated and casual. I think this could be dressed up or down, and would look great in neutrals or jewel tones. (I am thinking about a rich yellow-gold.) It’s knit top-down with the increases ingeniously incorporated into the cables. This would be a quick and satisfying knit.

The Beauceron by Designs by Delz

I am always on the lookout for great menswear. This is only the second pattern published (on Ravelry) by Vincent, the designer behind Designs by Delz. I will definitely be keeping an eye on his work. One might think that I am squeaking by here on the “texture” label, but in fact the colourwork on the yoke of this pullover combines slip stitches and purls, resulting in a beautiful subtle texture that highlights the lovely colourwork. While I classified this as menswear, it is a great unisex piece; see the pattern page for an example worn by a woman.

I’m still chugging along on the Falkenburg jacket – sleeves in seed stitch with size 2 needles take a very long time to knit. I have about 6 inches of the second sleeve still to go. Have a good weekend and don’t forget to add some texture to your next order!

(By the way, this is my 400th post! Who would have guessed I would still be doing this?)

Pattern Radar: Fusion Knitting

Posted on March 23, 2019 by knitigatingcircumstances

I am a real fan of fusion cooking. It’s about taking the best of two or more traditional cuisines and combining them into a single dish. As you may know, I have become very interested in Fairisle knitting, and indeed in stranded knitting techniques in general. I have spent many hours pouring over patterns and projects and admiring the use of colour and pattern and technique. One of the things that has been catching my eye lately, however, is what I am going to call Fusion Knitting – garments that are created by combining traditional knitting styles and techniques.

Here is an example:

This design, called Heart’s Content, is by the Canadian designer Jennifer Beale. She has only released eight patterns so far (on Ravelry here), but each combines different knitting styles in interesting ways. Heart’s Content is a basic top-down, in-the-round, knitted tee, in which the lace pattern at the top and shoulders transitions to stranded knitting for the body of the garment. Not only is it pretty and imminently wearable but it has an advantage for someone who is new to stranded knitting: no steeks!

Another example of her work is the design called Joe Batt’s Arm:

I really love her poetic description of this garment (from the Ravelry pattern page):

Joe Batt’s Arm is a structured, seamed cable knit with textured fair isle banding. The fair isle bands border the eyelet cables the same way that a bright blue night encloses the Fogo Island Inn with all of its light on. At the same time, the raglan shoulders lend a sporty quality to the pullover.

I dare you to read that sentence and not to want to search for the Fogo Island Inn. I already did and I want to go there RIGHT THIS MINUTE! Check out the photo here. I love that she mentions her inspiration for this, as it really clicks once you’ve seen it. This is a very intriguing and striking garment, and I imagine it would be both fun and challenging to knit.

Another knitter who is exploring the fusion of different knitting styles is the Japanese designer Junko Okamoto. Here is her design, Astrid:

I love this pullover which combines a beautiful muted stranded pattern with cabled sleeves. Like Heart’s Content above, this is an example of a stranded garment that doesn’t need steeking. Astrid also has a loose, billowy shape – a new profile that is in counterpoint to the fitted garments of recent years, and has been championed by a crop of new (to me at least) Japanese designers of handknitting patterns. It is a one-size-fits-all garment designed to be voluminous. (I am eagerly awaiting projects of this pattern on knitters of various sizes so I can evaluate its drape and fit.)

I’m not sure whether to call it fusion knitting as such, but I am also really caught up by Junko’s Bouquet Sweater and Bouquet Scarf, both shown in the photo below:

If you look really carefully at the photos (go check out the Ravelry project pages), you can see the very interesting mix of techniques, including stranding the yarn on both the wrong and on the right side to create this ethereal, three-dimensional patterning that looks like moss on the forest floor.

I am totally captivated by these examples of Fusion Knitting and I would love to find other designers also pushing the boundaries and doing interesting juxtapositions of traditional styles and techniques. If you know of any, please mention them in the comments!

A show of hands

Posted on December 15, 2018 by knitigatingcircumstances

It has become a custom around here to write a yearly post about mitts (mittens, gloves, etc). This post is a bit late, but I have been in the Southern Hemisphere for much of the last month and so have not had to deal with cold hands. Now that I am back home and it is frosty, warm mitts are back on my radar. So, let’s see a show of hands!

Tettegouche Mittens by Virginia Sattler-Reimer

by ginni Flickr

I am currently obsessed with fair isle knitting, and these mittens are just divine. The colours are so rich and gorgeous. Susan pointed out to me on Ravelry (Hi, Susan!) that the Tattegouche State Park is amazing, and having looked it up, I would agree and can see the inspiration. Virginia designed these to match a hat pattern which she contributed to Kate Davies’ new collection; so you can make a matching set.

Muhu Gloves by Anu Pink

I love Muhu designs. The description on it’s Ravelry pattern page says: “The gloves knitted in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries on the tiny Estonian island of Muhu were exquisitely flamboyant and knitted at a very tight gauge. This project invites you to knit an authentic pair of Muhu gloves at the traditional gauge.” (The gauge is 64 stitches and 66 rows = 10 cm, so be fortified before you cast on!) These are published in Piecework by Interweave Knits.

Amazing Grace by Jana Huck

Jana recently published five patterns for fingerless mitts in a collection called A cuff of Cheer. I like them all and had a hard time deciding which to put here. One of the things I like about these is the small lines of colour which run across the pattern; I think this opens up endless possibilities for adding some pops of colour and experimenting with shades and combinations. Like the name of the collection, I find these very cheerful.

Bromont Mitts by Dianna Walla

These mitts (and the matching hats) make me think of snow ball fights and long walks in the woods, sledding and hot chocolate. I love them in this combo of pink and grey and natural white, but of course the possibilities are endless. Dianna spent a few years in Norway, and has clearly been influenced by Norwegian knitting traditions. This is a simple design, but clean and fun.

Underground by Skeindeer Knits

I love a bit of fusion, both in cooking and knitting. These mittens take inspiration from two sources. As Eli says in the Ravelry pattern description: “I was inspired by the London public transport system, as well as my own Norwegian knitting heritage. These mittens feature patterns from the local-to-me Selbu mitten tradition, as well symbolism well known to all London residents.” I really love the way these two have combined in this design. They manage to be both striking and charming, and a lot of fun as well.

Happy Glamper mittens by Keri Malley

I love these mittens! I cannot overstate how happy they make me. Keri has only published two patterns, but I hope she does more. They are so whimsical, and nostalgic, and absolutely perfectly framed. It’s almost enough to make me want to go camping (and that’s saying something)! I dare you to look at these and not be charmed.

That’s all for this round-up, but if you want to go back and look at previous years’ mitten posts, you can find them here:

Here’s wishing you a happy weekend, good knitting, and warm hands.

Pattern Radar: Fly me to the moon

Posted on August 9, 2018 by knitigatingcircumstances

Here is a short and sweet Pattern Radar post. Today, the Pom Pom Quarterly released their new issue (#26) with 11 patterns inspired by the moon and its phases. And they are fantastic! Look at this:

This is Ixchel by Catherine Clark. Isn’t it gorgeous? This is such a beauty. I think it is a showstopper, and on top of that, it looks like it would be totally fun to knit. Not convinced? How about this beauty?

I am a crazy fan of black and white knits and this one hits all of the right notes for me. It is practically luminescent. The design is Luna by Anna Strandberg. I think it is so classy, with lovely architectural lines and a modern shape. It makes my fingers itch to knit it!

I’ll show you one more, because I can’t resist:

This is Artemis by Esther Romo. It is positively swoon-worthy. It has been a long time since I’ve seen a collection with three designs that capture my attention so thoroughly. (And while these are my favorites in the collection, it has 8 other great patterns!)

I can’t end without pointing out two things. First, all three of these designers are new to me! And that makes me all kinds of happy. Second, we see continued here the trend to use more diverse models in knitting pattern design. I mentioned this in a recent post, and am very happy to see more and more designers and publications using models of all shapes, colours, and ages. These beautiful models make me all kinds of happy, too.

Knitigating Circumstances

Because knitting is excuse enough

Category Archives: Pattern Radar

Pattern Radar: April 2023

Pattern Radar: March 2022

Pattern Radar: February 2022

Mittens redux

Pattern Radar: January 2020

Pattern Radar: Summer tops

Pattern Radar: I’ll have some texture with that, please

Pattern Radar: Fusion Knitting

A show of hands

Pattern Radar: Fly me to the moon

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