Knitty Summer 2009

Second post of the day- make sure to scroll down to the 1st post to see the new sock, and to the post before that for a crafty gift!

Overall impression: Great knitty issue. I plan to make Zozo, Clandestine, Hat Heel Sock, Midsummer Night's Dream, and maybe the Riverbanks hood (but probably not).

Zozo: An adorable little alien toy. I actually might give this a try. It’s so cute.

1 Across: Nothing special here, I didn’t get that it was supposed to be a crossword puzzle, and I don’t like the bubbley look of the white at the top from the decreases. However this woman apparently WRITES puzzle books. She must be a genius.

Rennaissance: Not my favorite. The oversized sleeves are impractical, IMO. It does look nice on the model though, which is not always easy for knitwear on larger sized people. I think it is a good inclusion for the magazine.

Ruby Red: This one is getting a lot of internet buzz. I loved it in the first photo, but the front left me a bit disappointed. I don’t care for gaping buttons. I kind of wished it was a pullover. It’s not something I knit anyway, so it’s kind of moot. I’m a small objects knitter.

Clandestine: I worship Cookie A so I will knit these. They are lovely socks. I truly do like them, but the reception of them makes them sound like they are the most incredible socks the internet has ever seen, and while cookie never has a bad pattern, I don’t think I’d rank this as her best.

Cathedral: Pretty socks, will need to see a few finished projects before I decide on them, I don’t think they’ll go into my queue.

Hat-heel sock: When I first looked at this, I did not like it. But now, I think it’s brilliant in a Cat Bordhi new architecture sort of way. I don’t have heel fitting issues, and don’t think I have round heels, but when I saw other socks posted on the internet (I read the authors blog) and not just the one in the main picture I LOVE the way it looks in self striping yarns (a bulls eye forms) and I LOVE the little ear flap gusset that forms. I’ll definetly try this once.

Midsummer’s night’s dream: My favorite of the issue. I love the leaf pattern on the sock. Will definetly knit these.

Margot: A good basic. These sleeves are also loose, but because of the length they seem to work. I’m not feeling the holes in the arm join/shaping, not sure if that’s a knitting thing or a design thing. I’ll need to see pictures of this on a smaller size before I decide if it will work for me.

Kindly Sheep: Mittens or fingerless mitts. Very pretty pattern on the cuff. Wait- the mitten appears to just be a mitten top that goes OVER the fingerless mitts. That’s kind of weird.

Mi escuelita- Very pretty girls sweater with a lovely braid detail. I’m not sure I like how it fits the model, it rises up in the front, and I think that is from the working of the button band. But otherwise this is gorgeous.

Kernel: Scarf is basic lace pattern with a separate edging. Also nothing revolutionary but very pretty and good yarn choice. Basically just a stitch dictionary sort of thing but a good way to show how to combine patterns. Also has some beading. I kind of want to try that someday.

Colonnade: My first thought on this was the name is weird. I’m reading it Colon-ade, which I know is not what is says, but all I can think of is a Colon. I bet it’s pronounced more like Colin, because of that double N but who knows. The actual garment; is an interesting shawl pattern, that appears to be made to wear like a scarf. I think it’s a neat idea, but I don’t think I would knit it. I like the color chosen for it, but don’t really care for the two tone look.

Tanis Hat: I think this is reversible which is what makes it cool? Otherwise it just isn’t a stand out at all.

Sweetspot: Apparently either a scarf OR an afghan. I do not see myself knitting either, and while the colors are very pretty I think it is more the yarn than it is the pattern. Nothing revolutionary here.

Hydrangea: Not my style at all.

Indian Summer: Not feeling this one either.

Bel cardigan: The back panel on this is really cool, but as a garment I don’t get it. I’m not sure I’d really call it a cardigan, but I don’t really know what I’d call it. Not my favorite.

Girl Friday: Very pretty cardigan. Looks like a lot of work.

Hola Hoodie: Again with the too long arms. Does no one shape wrists anymore? This is fine but the wrists and hemline make it seem unfinished. I like the cable details but I think it comes off as shapeless and boxy. Maybe it would be better in a different color?

Hex Shawl: Pretty rectangle shawl. I’m confused how she is wearing it in the first picture.

Riverbanks hood: This is the sort of thing that 3 years ago I would have said WTF. However, having lived in really cold winters (Ohio was nothing) for awhile now, I get the need for it. It’s a neat hold that can be worn as a cowl. I might try this one.