Pattern Radar – August 2014

Posted on August 31, 2014 by knitigatingcircumstances

Let’s look at the facts: (1) I have no new knitting to show you, and (2) I really, really should be writing a paper for business school right this minute. What does this mean? Well, in the procrastinator’s universe it means that it is time to bring you a new Pattern Radar post! This is where I show you which patterns have caught my eye over the past month or two.

Linda Marveng has been getting lots of notice in knitting circles lately. This popped up on my screen just this week:

This is the Cable Round Sweater. The cables are framed by rib which gives it more shape than a traditional cabled garment, and the cowl is a separate piece which adds flexibility. It is one of four beautiful sweaters that Linda designed for the September edition of Made by Me, a Norwegian-language knitting magazine. The other three are much more tailored and striking, but this one appeals to me. If you don’t read Norwegian, don’t fret; she will release the English-language patterns in the Fall.

Alexis Winslow has a new book out called Graphic Knits. I love the Laszlo Cardigan (Ravelry link is here):

I love the bold lines, the graphic pop of black-on-white, and the slightly-oversized coziness of it. I’m particularly fond of the sleeves – those long rows of buttons on rib really grabbed my attention.

A number of years ago, I took a course from Shirley Paden on Sweater Design (at Knit Nation in London). It was a small class, with only a handful of students. One of them was Signe Strømgaard who designs beautiful garments for children. Check out Signe’s work at Strik til Banditter – the designs are amazing; she is doing some of the most creative work in children’s design right now. I really love this new pattern:

This is called Sesse and I think it’s pretty much perfect. Signe has this pattern, along with 10 others, available in English in an e-book which can be purchased on the Ravelry link here.

Jasna Kaludjerovic is a new-to-me designer, who really grabbed my attention this month with this number:

This is the Lilynet dress and matching hat. I absolutely love this retro 60s/70s look. In fact, this dress reminds me very much of a dress my mother knit in the 1960s which I reported on in this blog post. I will definitely be keeping my eye on Jana’s designs.

As you may know, I always keep my eye out for great menswear patterns. The latest one to capture my attention is Tilt, by Lisa Richardson. I love Lisa’s work (though we shall not mention the Richardson-designed wrap-that-never-ends that has been on my needles for a year now).

I love that the incredibly rich colourwork is made by knitting fairisle with just two different yarns, one of them variegated; thus it looks more complicated than it actually is. Doug really likes this one, too, so it has definitely made its way into my queue.

I absolutely should not be looking at patterns for endless long wraps with tons of intricate colourwork (see above reference to unmentionable wrap). I cannot deny being very attracted to this one however:

The photo is atmospheric and only gives a hint of the fabulousness of this Mint Wrap, designed by Marie Wallin and published by Rowan in Windswept: Collection One. Repeat after me: I will resist; I will resist.

However, I may be unable to resist another Marie Wallin pattern, Parsley, from the same publication:

Again, the photo is a bit dark and atmospheric and doesn’t capture all of the colour and beauty of this design. I absolutely adore the contrast of the fairisle patterned bands with the plaid bands, and the unusual, almost jarring, colour choices. Love, love, love!

I have a particular fondness for garments, but sometimes accessories catch my eye. I love this cowl pattern, Fusuma, designed by Kirsten Johnstone:

Kirsten was inspired by Japanese sliding screens and I think she nailed it. I love the spare, stark lines.

Akebia is sweet:

I love Kate Gilbert’s designs, and this one, from the Twist Collective, hits all of the right buttons for me. It is charming and looks so wearable – I can really see myself wearing this one everywhere. And that little peek of vibrant colour at the hems gives it just enough of an edge to keep it from being too sweet, if you know what I mean.

And to end with a bit of fun, here is Big Red:

This super chunky cardigan is designed by Josh Bennett for his Rowan Designer Collection: What do you become at night? The collection is based on a Little Red Riding Hood theme, heavy on the wolf motif. This is knit with Rowan Cocoon held double, which rules it out for me: if I were to wear it I’d end up like the witch in Hansel and Gretel instead (roasted, that is). I love Josh Bennett, who is equally at ease designing classics and over-the-top pieces, and clearly has a sense of fun.

That’s it for Pattern Radar! Even the best procrastination must come to an end.

Pattern Radar April 2014

Posted on April 27, 2014 by knitigatingcircumstances

April has seen an explosion of knitting patterns. My favorites list can barely keep pace. Today, I’ll show you ten of the patterns that have caught my eye recently. I will start with the fabulous men’s fair isle waistcoat, Machrihanish, designed by Kate Davies. I love Kate’s designs, almost as much as I love her blog. I believe this is her first menswear pattern; hopefully, it will be the first of many.

Next up is the Artemis Sweater, designed by Anne Podlesak. I think this is a really simple but effective design. The ribbing gives it a good fit, with just enough of an architectural cabling detail to make things interesting. I especially like the sleeves.

I’m not usually one for pink but I am quite taken with the beautiful soft pink of the Dolores sweater, designed by Dawn Catanzaro for Quince and Co. This is such a sweet sweater, pretty and feminine. I am a fan of Quince and Co, both of their yarns and of their design portfolio. Their sweaters are always beautifully photographed. And the yarns really impress me, especially with their colourfastness and vibrancy. I have knit with their Osprey and Chickadee wool yarns, but Dolores is knit with their Tern yarn, a wool-silk blend in a fingering weight. Its definitely on my must-try list.

Dolores is not the only Quince and Co sweater to hit my radar this month. I really like the clean lines of the Aisance cardigan. This is designed by Kirsten Johnstone and incorporates really clever ribbing details on the back, as well as the beautiful columns of ribbing down the fronts. Aisance is also knit with Tern. I think the silk really gives it a nice drape.

You might think that April would bring mostly spring sweater patterns to the fore (how terribly Hemispherist of me!) You would think wrong! I adore the brilliant navy and white graphics in the Enige Og Tro Genser sweater, designed by Arne & Carlos. Isn’t it fun? Arne & Carlos do kitsch is such a good way; their designs always make me smile. This pattern is unisex and comes with a matching hat, but if I had a 20-year old guy to knit for, I would totally make him this.

I tend to prefer winter sweaters, but this year’s crop of summer designs is pretty good. There are quite a few that have caught my eye, including the Austin Tee, designed by Jean Chung for the Summer 2013 issue of Knitscene. The lace is pretty and interesting, but I especially like the shape of this garment, in particular the wide neckline and the sleeves. If I had this in my wardrobe I think it would get worn a lot; it could as easily dress up a cute summer skirt as be worn with cut-off jeans.

The Twist Collective is one of my favorite knitting publications. I eagerly await every issue and always enjoy their patterns and articles. It is a well-designed on-line magazine and their production standards are very high. Their were plenty of pretty spring sweaters in the new edition; I will just show you one – the lovely Finery by Karolina Eckerdal.

I think this is a perfect cardigan to dress up a summer outfit. It has beautiful drape. To really appreciate it, however, you have to see a photo of the back:

And this brings me to the new Brooklyn Tweed release, Wool People 7. Brooklyn Tweed has become a powerhouse of design. The stable of in-house designers put together by Jared Flood, along with the subtle colours of the Brooklyn Tweed yarns, and the meticulous curating of the collections make each new publication an event in the knitting world. Three of the ten patterns I’ve chosen for this post come from Wool People7; I could easily have included them all. First up, Arabella by Ann McCauley:

I’m not quite sure why I like it so much, but I love the casual ease of it, which still manages to be sophisticated. (I am in fact considering knitting it with the four skeins of Madtosh Light in Tart which I posted about here.)

I also love Yane, by Tokuko Ochiai. It is a very simple design, using the classic pullover shape (but extremely well-executed) and enlivened by intarsia chevrons. I find it very appealing. I also love this photo. You should definitely take the time to look through Brooklyn Tweed’s Look Books; the photography is always superb.

I’ll end with Pente, a great, casual, comfy, drapey cardigan using two colours of Brooklyn Tweed Loft. I love this one. (I have a lighweight cashmere cardigan of a similar shape and drape which I bought close to 20 years ago at the KaDeWe in Berlin; I love it to pieces but it is looking increasingly threadbare. I think it’s past time to knit a replacement.) Pente is designed by Carol Feller, who regular readers of this blog will know is a particular favorite of mine. (I also must point out that I adore this model; she is so gorgeous.)