Pattern Brainstorming: Colorwork Edition

Endpaper Mitts, ca. 2007.  Excessively small; generally disgraceful; never finished.

So the weirdest things have been going on in my knitterly brain lately.  While we were in Iceland, I found myself really enjoying all of my handknit socks, so I decided to start looking at sock patterns again, which always leads me down the Ravelry rabbit hole.  Anything can happen when you're looking for sock patterns on Ravelry:

Oh, an ad for a newish book from Cooperative Press came up while I was browsing the Hazel Knits group!  I think I've seen it before, but why not click through?  ...hey, I don't remember that cowl!

I am ashamed to say how many hours have been spent this way.

Then when we got home, I had a big stack of pattern books sitting on my desk that I was considering giving away to the library, so I sat down and looked through them again just in case I was reminded of a particular pattern I wanted to knit from any of them.

Let's just say, I did not succeed in making any decisions on giving them away.

So between these two methods of rediscovering patterns, I noticed that there were some trends in the pieces I was drawn to.  In general, I noticed that I was attracted to patterns that were challenging in some way - I used to challenge myself constantly as a knitter, but as I've gotten more experienced, I've gotten more lazy as well.  So I think I'm itching for a challenge, because why not knit something ridiculously hard while patternmaking and constructing nine original garments for my line in April?

Ha!  Ha!  Ha!

Clearly there is something wrong with me.

But anyhow - this is one of the trends that I noticed in my pattern drooling:  colorwork.

Roosimine, by Caoua Coffee.

I cannot describe the joy that sings in my heart when I imagine these socks on my feet, particularly worn with a kicky lace dress and Mary Janes.  I think I would go for a pale grey and maroon, or, if I'm being impractical, snow white with navy.  I would consider skipping the contrasting stripes and heel, but I am extremely enamored of the pattern on the side of the leg - and it's done in roositude!  Which is just about the easiest and fanciest-looking colorwork method ever!  Bah!

Fields of Flowers, by Sarah Bordelon.

I would probably change the heel on these socks - I think they're an afterthought heel, which never quite fits my heel as well as the heel flap and gusset does - but I am imagining them in pale pink and coffee brown.  I'm such a sucker for anything that makes me think of cherry blossoms!

Peacock Cowl, by Stephannie Tallent, from "California Revival Knits."

This is done in intarsia and duplicate stitch, so it would be the fiddliest thing ever, but I suddenly and desperately want to make it.  It is so tiny and fussy and detailed, and I love the combination of colors, and the motif reminds me of traditional Japanese panel paintings, and there are frigging pearl buttons down the front.  What in my closet would this cowl go with?  Nothing.  And I still want it.

Houndstooth, by Mary Scott Huff, from "The New Stranded Colorwork."

Okay, so this pattern didn't really jump out at me the first time I saw this book, but when I was paging through it again the other day, I realized how perfectly vintage it is - with just the right level of cheekiness.  Little Scotty dogs!  Houndstooth!  A little bit of waist shaping and maybe some tweaks to the sleeves, and I can imagine this being absolutely adorable with a pleated skirt and bright tights.

The Bees' Knees, by Mary Scott Huff, from The New Stranded Colorwork.

Tiny bee sweater.  That's all I've got.

Conclusions:

Some of these aren't totally out of my wheelhouse - I have knit quite a few socks in my time - but others are basically out of left field.  Intarsia?  Pullover sweaters?  Baby stuff?  I rarely knit any of it!

But maybe that's what's making it so appealing to me right now.  I miss learning new things from projects, and I've knit enough shawls at this point that they're sorta... old hat.  I love them, and I will probably never stop knitting them, but I've been feeling a general shift in my knitting desires in the last month.  Maybe it's time to reevaluate.

...and cast on for some new projects.

All pattern photographs copyright to their designers.

Pattern Love: Six Cowls

The cowl obsession started several years ago for many knitters, but I have to admit it didn't hit me until pretty recently.  They're a nice fast project, the gauge doesn't matter a huge amount, and they can be knit in a variety of different yarns.  Even though it's the middle of summer right now, fall is right around the corner, and cowls are a great way to add a little bit of warmth to an outfit.

These are a few of my favorites from Ravelry!

1.  Old Shale Smoke Ring by Cosette Cornelius-Bates.  Free pattern on Ravelry.
Fingering weight, est. ~200-400 yards, depending on length

This is a very classic look.  I like the way Old Shale/Feather & Fan looks in a softly variegated yarn, and I think a fingering handspun would really shine in this cowl.

2.  Shallows by Bonnie Sennott.  $5 US, available on Ravelry.

Fingering weight, ~350 yards

I am mad, deep love with this cowl.  I would probably leave off the beads, but I love the little strips of lace interspersed with the stockinette - just enough to keep things interesting!  Classy and beautiful.

3.  Wright, by Beth Kling.  $5.50 US, available on Ravelry.

Fingering weight, ~390-400 yards

I love the airy feeling of this cowl.  It has the visual appeal of a full lace shawl to me, but with the compact warmth of a cowl.

4.  Downton Cowl by Shannon Cook.  $4.95 US, available on Ravelry.

DK weight, ~225 yards

This cowl takes just one skein of Tosh DK, so it's a great way to use up a special single skein!  I like the simple lace pattern, and I love the color she used.

5.  Ceramic Flowers, by Mademoiselle C.  $5 US, available on Ravelry.

Worsted weight, est. ~375-450 yards

This cowl - while knit in worsted weight - has a lovely refined quality to it.  It would probably take more than one skein of yarn, but it would be totally worth it.

6.  Horseshoe Fern Neckwarmer, by Sue Grandfield.  Free pattern on Ravelry.

Worsted weight, ~175-200 yards.

Another very simple but effective cowl with a basic stitch pattern.  I think this would be a great way to use up a skein of Malabrigo Worsted, Manos Del Uruguay Wool Clasica or Maxima, or Madelinetosh Tosh Merino.  A single-ply yarn lends a slightly blurry softness to the stitches, perfect for smooshing your face into!

All pattern photos copyright to their designers.

Pattern Review: Fall 2012 Interweave Knitmags

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

1.  Aran Sampler Cowl, by Ginevra Martin;  2.  Cornflower Cardigan, by Amanda Bell

3. Downton Pullover, by Amy Keefer;  4.  Traveler's Socks, by Stefanie Bold

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

1.  Agnes Pullover, by Ruth Garcia-Alcantud;  2.  Perpetua Shawl, by Romi Hill

3.  Purslane Beret and Cowl, by Romi Hill;  4.  Sandra Sweater, by Odessa Reichel

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.

Pattern Review: Wool People 3

Wah!  Another Wool People is out, and once again I'm in love.  This time, it's slightly unexpected, though - where usually I go for the accessories, I am in mad desperate love with the sweaters in this collection.  Here are my highlights:

Brecken, by Amy Christoffers

I want this cardigan in my sweater drawer.  Right.  Now.  It's easy, but has a little bit of detail.  Not too fitted, not too loose.  Would go perfectly with jeans and a t-shirt, or over a dress as it's styled here.  Love love love love love.

Corrina, by Ann McCauley

I have a little grey pullover that I bought for about five dollars a few years ago, and last winter I wore the crap out of it.  Corrina reminds me of that sweater, but even better - I love the lattice pattern at the hems and the hint of a v-neck on a slightly wide crew neck.  I don't usually like crew necks, but having that little detail at the neckline makes it wearable and pretty.  It's also a slight A-line, which I tend to like as a silhouette.

Reine, by Alexis Winslow

Another frigging adorable cardigan.  This one is a little sweeter than the first, with the cabled button band and pocket opening that give it a soft, vintage feel.  I've also been favoring this type of sweater lately, with a nearly straight front neckline.  I've found this type of piece is easy to layer, because I don't have a v-neck or crew neck interfering with the neckline of the shirt underneath it.

Biston, by Mercedes Tasovich-Clark

Another good layering piece.  I think this would be a great little shrug to throw over a sundress on a cool summer night, and I like that they styled it that way.  

Walpole, by Hannah Fettig

I adore the silhouette of this sweater.  Unfortunately, I have to give it only an honorable mention in terms of wearability for me, but only because it has a raglan sleeve, and I can't wear raglans.  Otherwise I think this sweater is very flattering - I like the vertical detail at the front, it really draws the eye up to the face.

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As an aside: I realized a while ago that I can't wear raglans and didn't know why, and I finally asked the head of my school what would make them a bad fit for my body type.  She stood me up, took one look at me, and told me that my shoulders are narrow and rounded, and raglans emphasize that.  Who knew??  For some reason, I always thought that my shoulders were wide, but I realize now that every time I do a fashion illustration I tend to make my croquis' shoulders narrower because I'm used to my own proportions.  Fashion school has been awesome for learning how to be honest about my own body without value judgements, to fit the body that I have instead of holding out for the body I could have if my genetics were different or if I worked out three hours a day.

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Anyhow!  Overall, I loved this issue of Wool People.  I really like that they've started designing sweaters out of Loft, the fingering weight sister yarn to Shelter, because I find that I really enjoy both knitting and wearing lighter-weight garments.

There's also a new feature in the back that makes the design nerd in me sing: flat sketches.  A flat sketch is a technical diagram of the important construction details in a garment - raglan sleeve versus set in, waist shaping versus a-line, etcetera - and outside of school, I've most often seen them on the backs of sewing pattern packets.  Most (maybe all?) of Brooklyn Tweed's patterns have these flat sketches, but this is the first time that they've been included as part of the lookbook.  I find that tremendously helpful when planning a garment.

Apparently I will never tire of the Wool People series, because I'm perhaps even more enamored of this one than issues past - which is saying something!  Go team Brooklyn Tweed!

All photographs are copyright Brooklyn Tweed 2012.

Pattern Love

So lately I've taken notice of a few independent designers whose work I've mostly found by silently trolling the Ravelry message boards.  Usually I check out groups like Madelinetosh Lovers, Small Shawl Lovers, or Solid Socks, where all numbers of people post their ridiculously beautiful FOs and I get to drool all over them. I end up hitting the love button a whole lot.

So, without further ado, here are 3 designers I'm loving right now.  And don't laugh at my predictability, because there are a whole lot of shawlettes in this here list.

1.  Helen Stewart.  I love her kicky little shawlettes, and I really enjoy that most of them use just one skein of yarn.

Afternoon Tea, from Knitty.  Cute little semicircular shawl, one skein of Madelinetosh Sock?  Yes, okay!

Odessa Shawl.  I have a skein of hot pink fingering weight in my stash that is begging to become this shawl.  I love the subtle striping effect that the lace gives.

2.  Beth Kling.  Romantic, simple, beautifully designed.

Henslowe.  I can't get this shawlette out of my head.  It's simple, but every version I've seen has been stunning.  I love the rustic garter stitch combined with the lacy border - perfection!

Millwater.  This reminds me of Jared Flood with its simplicity and bold design element.  Plus, it looks super cozy.

3.  Laura Aylor.  It seems like the first shawl, Faberge, has been all over Ravelry lately!  I was pleasantly surprised when I clicked through to her design page to see that she is the designer of Lizard Ridge, a beautiful Noro blanket that was published in Knitty right around the time that I started knitting.

Her strong suit is color, and many of her designs are colorblocked or striped.  I can't always pull off colorblocking, but feminine details and subtle colors make these designs really appealing to me.

Faberge.  I really enjoy patterns that you have to look at twice to realize that it is, in fact, knitted.  This is one of those patterns.  Plus it's done in pale pink and brown!  Sigh... so pretty.

Stella Luna.  This is one instance where I like the solid-color version, and I flat-out love the two-color version.  I love that this one combines two very subtle colors, and the cream color gives the effect of an antique lace edging.

All of these patterns make me want to go stash diving and cast on right away.  Must... finish... other works in progress... first...!!!

All photos are copyright to their designers.

Pattern Review: Brooklyn Tweed Spring Thaw

It feels like only yesterday that I was reviewing the last Brookyn Tweed collection, and here's another one already!

As you may remember, I loved the last collection to come out of the Brooklyn Tweed factory, and this new collection, called Spring Thaw and featuring both worsted-weight Shelter and fingering-to-sport chameleon Loft, really knocked it out of the park.  Where Wool People Volume 2 delivered on the garments, Spring Thaw is chock full of small, beautiful accessories that capture that trademark rustic-yet-romantic feel of Brooklyn Tweed.

Although I love all of Brooklyn Tweed's pattern support in general, this is the first collection that made me gasp, sigh, and deeply covet certain pieces with a passion usually reserved for Alexander McQueen gowns and hand-dyed cashmere.

Here's some favorites:

Barrington Vest by Jared Flood

I want this vest in my closet.  Right.  Now.  I love the soft, feminine shaping and the eye-catching panel down the front.  Ror some reason the shaping suggests Regency-period high-waisted gowns to me, maybe because of the styling with the pale chemise-like dress.  Either way, I like it.  I even love the colorway exactly as is.

Convoy by Jared Flood

I've been drawn to cozy cowls and sweaters lately, and this one certainly fits the bill.  I love the squishy-looking fabric and casual style, and it looks like it would look great all looped and cozy underneath a warm winter jacket.  I know this collection is for spring, but I would wear this cowl all winter long, too.

Kildare by Michele Wang

Another great cowl, this time with a little bit of interest in cables.  It seems like a great way to incorporate cables into a look without going full-aran; although I've knit an aran sweater and love it, it sometimes feels awfully bulky and literal to wear very often.  This cowl is a sweet taste of the traditional on a modern shape, and could be knit in any number of great colors.

Quill by Jared Flood

Okay, here's where I gasped.  Something about the striped version of this shawl is very compelling - I think the layered transition of those amazing heathered colors really did it for me.  Again, there's a nod to tradition - this shawl is pretty clearly modelled after Shetland Hap shawls - but the combination of neutrals in the lace pattern and thick, rich garter stitch makes me swoon.  It looks like a big, stylish blanket you could wear while walking around the city, and no one would even look at you funny.

Ravensfoot by Leila Raabe

I love me a slouchy hat, and this is a very good one.  I think this hat would look great in a variety of different yarns, particularly hand-dyes like Hazel Knits, Madelinetosh and Anzula.  Although the little bird's foot motif looks great in the textured gorgeousness of Loft, I think it's equally suited to smoother, more luminous yarns.

Overall, a great collection with patterns that could be knit from the Brooklyn Tweed yarns or any number of other lovely yarns on the market right now.  I'll definitely be picking up a few of these patterns in print the next time I get out to a shop that supports the Brooklyn Tweed line, and maybe a few as PDFs before then!

All photos copyright Jared Flood.

Pattern Review: Coastal Knits

One of my favorites of the many recently released pattern books is, hands down, Coastal Knits.  I had seen and loved Hannah Fettig's light, ethereal designs before - I love her easy, elegant use of knitted fabric, and I'm pretty sure I have at least one of her patterns in my queue right now.

I was less familiar with Alana Dakos, mostly because she has released quite a few children's patterns - very cute patterns!  But, since I don't have kids, I'm an unabashedly selfish knitter, and most of my closest friends don't have kids yet either, I didn't pay much attention to her growing pattern library.  A silly oversight on my part, since a second peek at her published designs after buying and enjoying Coastal Knits revealed that she has a ton of cute hats, cowls, and accessories in addition to her children's garments.

Anyhoo - on to Coastal Knits!  These are my favorites of the bunch, which is pretty impressive considering that they comprise 5 of the 10 patterns in the entire booklet.  And these are just my very, very favorites; I would probably knit any of the patterns in this book.



Wildflower Cardigan by Alana Dakos

I love this sweater.  I love the little flower details on the pockets and the little scallops at the sleeve and bottom hems (so cute!) and I like that it's a scoop neck, which makes it very wearable for me.  The three-button closure creates a nice waistline for those of us with bigger busts.  Plus it's knit in Madelinetosh Pashmina - an instant bonus for a Madtosh junkie like me!



Gnarled Oak Cardigan by Alana Dakos

Another knock-out.  I love the motif around the neckline that adds a little bit of interest to a very classic shape.  One of my favorite vintage sweaters is a similar shape to this, and it's easy to throw over just about anything.  I also like the wooden buttons and the mossy color of the hand-dyed Pigeonroof Studios yarn she chose.  Sometimes stockinette is the best way to make a special yarn sing, and this sweater is a great example of that.

Rocky Coast Cardigan by Hannah Fettig

This cardigan probably looks the most like my favorite comfy sweaters, the ones that I throw over absolutely everything when I need a little extra warmth.  I like the easy shape and the deep ribbing.  I also happen to have 6 skeins of minty-green Malabrigo that would would be awesome in this pattern.  Hmmmmm.

Rustling Leaves by Alana Dakos

I love this hat.  I love the sway in the leaves and the cheeky shape and I think it would look gorgeous in any number of yarns, both hand-dyed and commercially dyed.  I've seen a few of these hats in progress already, and I'm itching to cast on.



Sand and Sea by Alana Dakos

This little shawlette I wasn't super sold on; at least, until I realized that it only takes about 250 yards of laceweight and 125 yards of fingering weight.  Which means that all of those little odds and ends left over from lace and sock projects can find new life.  It's a cute, functional little piece that could provide endless opportunities for mixing color and fiber with the added bonus of using up the leftover stash.   I already have two yarns in mind to try it out.


Overall, this is a beautifully photographed and laid out book that provides not only knitting patterns, but also interesting information about local dyers and charming anecdotes about the natural spaces that inspired the designers.  I think in general, I was more drawn to the sunny California-inspired pieces, simply because I grew up on the shores of the Pacific.  I have a feeling that once I see a few more of the Maine-inspired designs knit up on Ravelry - and once it starts warming up in my area - I'll warm up to them as well.  For now, Coastal Knits is going to remain a frequently paged-through addition to my library: for the knits, the natural eye-candy, and (let's be real here) for the sun-dappled photographs of California that will help keep the dreary rain of Seattle at bay.

All photographs copyright Alana Dakos and Hannah Fettig.

Pattern Review: Wool People Volume 2

When I jumped on the internet this morning before heading off to school, I saw that the new Brooklyn Tweed collection, Wool People Volume 2, had gone live!  It's another great collection with a little bit for everyone: colorwork mittens, hats, scarves, and plenty of sweaters.  There's even a men's sweater in there!

I love the direction that Brooklyn Tweed has taken his company, in using the best contemporary independent designers, allowing them to retain the rights to their patterns and receive fair compensation for their work.  I'm sure that his own work as a designer has influenced how he collaborates with others, and that mutual respect really shows.

Plus: gorgeous.  These are the real standouts for me:

Fuse by Veronik Avery

I'm not entirely sure how the construction works from these photos, but I'm intrigued.  I like the drape of the fabric and the almost cowl-like neckline combined with the asymmetrical fronts; it creates a relaxed silhouette that still feels just a little bit refined.  Classic Veronik Avery.

Kendrick by Ann McCauley

This stitch pattern really sings in Shelter.  I like how the row of circles at the waist suggests a peplum, and if I were to make this sweater I would have that motif hit a little higher to really highlight that hourglass shape.  It has a romantic feel to it that I love.

Lawrence by Melissa LaBarre

I didn't really notice this sweater at first glance, but it captured my eye when I was paging through the collection a second time.  This looks like a fantastic layering piece, the perfect slouchy sweater to wear over a t-shirt and jeans or a long-sleeved dress.  The front motif adds interest to the garter stitch, and the cowl neck keeps it warm and comfortable.

Spruce Forest by Nancy Bush

This shawl has three key attributes that automatically make it one of my favorites:

1.  It's by Nancy Bush.

2.  It's a triangular shawl that takes right around 800 yards.

3.  It has nupps.

I'm sold.

Overall, I love this collection.  Shelter and Loft are already beautiful, versatile yarns, and the pattern support offered through the Loft and Fall collections and the two volumes of Wool People shows great creative energy and momentum.  The only thing I'd really like to see in future volumes is Loft used single-weight in a sweater design - there was one sweater design (Ash by Amy Christoffers) that used Loft held doubled, but I'd love to see how it works up as a larger-gauge sweater fabric.  Although with the rate that these collections have been coming out, I'm sure it won't be long before my wish comes true.

All images copyright Brooklyn Tweed.

November Favorites: Shawls, Scarves and Wraps

Lately I've been looking through a lot of patterns, trying to pair each yarn in my stash with the perfect pattern.  These are some of my favorites.  Some are old, some are new; some are by established favorite designers, and others are by up-and-comers.

1.

Anthemion Wrap by Miriam Felton

I didn't notice this one when it first came out in Knitty, but one night I was on a Miriam Felton kick on Ravelry and came across this gem.  I love how her designs are so architectural, and how beautiful and weightless they look in laceweight silk.  I have quite a bit of laceweight silk in my stash, so I think I might attempt this pattern with this Claudia Hand Painted Silk.

2.

Sakura by Leila Raabe

This one is from Brooklyntweed's new Loft collection.  I've really been loving my triangular shawls as of late - I wear them as scarves because they have concentrated warmth right at the neck where I need it and the ends hang out of the way.  Plus they're a great way to add color to an outfit!  So whenever I see pretty triangular shawl patterns, I'm automatically drawn to them.

I like that this shawl is textured, and just a touch lacy.  Plus, it's made out of Loft - I haven't seen it in person yet, but I love the colors and subtle tweediness.  I might be able to dig into my stash for this, but I almost want to hold out and make it in Loft in either Postcard (a soft grey-purple) or Camper (pink!).

3.

Lady of the Blue Forest by Ashley Knowlton

Okay, so I might be attracted to patterns in part because of the colors they're knit in.  I deeply love this shade of cobalt blue, and I like how the different elements of the pattern grow out of one another.  I also have a tendency to adore designs that have a motif at the back neck - although it's not always visible, I love knowing it's there.  Just like Calvin and his lucky rocket-ship underpants.

If I were to make the small shawlette version, I'd consider using this skein of Handmaiden Camelspin, one of the suggested yarns for the pattern.  I'm also tossing around the idea of knitting an Annis in it, so we'll see how that shakes out.

4.

Lucky Clover by Helen Stewart

I like the simplicity of this one - seems great for showing off a softly variegated yarn.  Just enough detail at the bottom and up the spine to keep it interesting.  Plus garter stitch looks smashing with a little bit of color variation.

This Pigeonroof Studios sock yarn I got in New Haven might be just the ticket.

5.

Berkanan Shawl by Anne-lise Maigaard

I think I saw test-knit pictures of this shawl in a Ravelry group, and it is gorgeous.  The leaves down the spine, the organic growth from the lace at the center to the leaf border, and nupps - oh, nupps! - on the edging.  Love.

I think Madelinetosh Prairie would be an excellent yarn for this project, as would Jaggerspun Zephyr.  For my purposes, I think this Prairie in the colorway Byzantine would be gorgeous.

6.

Daphnaie by Tori Gurbisz

Another shawl with a spine detail, which I adore.

It calls for Malabrigo Sock, and I have a skein of Ochre that I think would be perfect.

7.

In the Garden by Ilga Leja

Even though this is a capelet, which I don't usually wear, I think it could work really well as a layer over a t-shirt and jeans.  I think I'd want to do it in a soft grey color.  Maybe this alpaca/bamboo fingering weight by Classic Elite called Vail?

8.

Eiki (Strength) Shawl by Janel Laidman

As with many patterns I end up obsessed with, I passed this one over when I first saw it.  But the delicate border and the red color stuck in my mind once I saw a couple of stunning versions on Ravelry.

I think it would be a good pattern for this skein of Sanguine Gryphon Skinny Bugga that I picked up at Sock Summit.  It's a deep, gorgeous shade of red.

9.

Farthing by Jared Flood

The contrasting edging on this really drew me.  It feels a little bit vintage, and would be a fun way to play with color.  I sort of like the idea of doing this in a laceweight silk and a contrasting edging of mohair/silk, probably because I'm thinking of this scarf featured in an Interweave Knits, from Feminine Knits by Lene Holme Samsoe.  I love the idea of combining two different textures to create a soft, lacy and feminine scarf.

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