So I got my Fall 2012 Interweave Knits in the mail the other day, and then moseyed over to Barnes and Noble to get a copy of the fall Knitscene. I usually find something to love in both of these magazines - I've been getting IK since I was a very new knitter, and I have more than a little soft spot for their unique mixture of knitterly technique and classic style. Knitscene, in contrast, has a younger audience, and often features garments that are more everyday-wearable and on-trend with fashion as well as fiber arts. And whether or not I end up knitting something from each magazine, I love to have them around for inspiration - I'll often grab a back issue to page through right before I go to bed!
So, without further ado, here's my highlights from the fall Interweave knitmag offerings.
Interweave Knits Fall 2012
Although I wasn't in love with everything in this issue, these four garments were huge stand-outs for me. One of my knitting friends has a rule that in order to purchase a book or magazine, she has to love at least 3 items from it, and I find that it's a really helpful rule when deciding what publications get to take up my shelf space.
Pattern notes:
1. I love that the Aran cowl has some technique and interest to it, but still manages to look fresh and stylish. I think using unusual or traditional motifs as accents in an outfit rather than a full garment keeps the look contemporary, and I think this is a great example of that.
2. I want to steal the entire outfit from the Cornflower cardigan wholesale. It looks cozy, but still pretty, and I would probably live in it. It also has the same traditional-in-small-doses feel of the cowl.
3. The Downton pullover uses a Peter Pan collar in a sophisticated way, and I love the tiled pattern, the puffed sleeves and the cute button detail at the cuffs. It's a great mixture of playful and grown-up.
4. Last but not least, the socks! I love a good sock offering, and the Traveler's sock is simple but interesting. And I do have some Malabrigo Sock in my stash that still needs a pattern...!
Knitscene Fall 2012
Sometimes the styling in Knitscene skews a little kooky for my tastes, but this one hits all the right notes - fun and bright, with just a smidge of polish. I really liked the direction they took the styling in the Ethereal editorial - washed out neutrals and an organic, sunlit backdrop - but wasn't in love with any of the garments. Oh well - still some really good stuff here!
Pattern notes:
1. I love the way they styled the Agnes pullover, and I think it would be a great fitted sweater staple in my wardrobe. Usually red and green is a dangerously holiday-themed combination, but the bright, casual look of the plaid shirt somehow keeps it away from Christmas territory.
2. The Perpetua shawl looks like a great way to use up a lone skein of sock yarn. I like that it's got that circular shape, but is elongated enough to use as scarf.
3. I love the flower shape of the top of the Purslane Beret, and I find that berets are the most wearable hat shape for me. My only gripe is that it's hard to see what the cowl looks like in the magazine - and it's probably really pretty!
4. The Sandra sweater looks like a sweet little sweater to wear with a high-waisted skirt, simple pumps, and an attitude. The lace panel and puff sleeves are super adorable, and although I would probably leave off the contrasting stripe in the ribbing at the neckline and bottom hemline, I think this sweater would fit right in to my closet.
Hmm. Thanks to these patterns, I might have some new knitting to start...
All images copyright of Interweave Press.