A Peek at Knitty First Fall

I’m not anywhere near thinking about fall yet, but the good news is that Knitty’s First Fall edition isn’t really thinking about fall that much, either. This is a collection that’s abut seasonal transitions, so if it’s still feeling springlike where you are these patterns would be great for that, too, and there are certainly things here you can knit, wear, use and enjoy throughout the year.

Like a lot of people I’m sure, I’m in love with the “cover” pattern this time around. Indigo Cones is a lacy short-sleeved cardigan worked in a cotton/linen blend that’s actually perfect for summer. Aileen Ryder designed it to have lots of negative ease because it’s only fastened at the top neck and flutters over whatever size body is underneath.

Mone Dräger’s Hidden Gusset Mitts are lovely as well, with a rib stitch that goes up the thumb, as the title suggests, hiding the gusset for the thumb. These would be great to wear in a cold office in the summertime.

The Jasseron pullover by Becky Wolf is another one that caught my eye because I’m a sucker for a good raglan. This one has a plain body and contrasting lacy sleeves that I just love.

And then, of course, there’s I Can Knit a Rainbow by Natty Knits. It’s a plush rainbow with some fun knitting skills worked it. I’m sure it’s supposed to be for a kid — and my rainbow-loving child is going to have to have one of these — but I’d like one for the bookshelf in my office, too.

In addition to the patterns, Franklin Habit teaches us a bit about the history of knitting flowers and offers a knit boutonniere and Donna Druchunas offers a look at Egyptian knitting, among other fun stuff.

See anything that catches your eye? I’d love to hear about it!

Looking for knitting patterns for knitted Cardigans? Check out these Knitting patterns we found on Etsy.

Looking for pullover and sweater patterns? Check these books out.

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Blankets are a great blank slate project that you can change up in a million different ways. From color to stitch pattern to size, the possibilities are almost endless.

Jared Flood, the designer behind Brooklyn Tweed, was inspired by a log cabin quilt his mother made in 1995 to re-create that design in knitting, which led to more blankets and ultimate Brooklyn Tweed’s Knit and Crochet Blankets, which includes 25 patterns from an array of designers using different skills and techniques to make cozy, pretty blankets.

The patterns are divided into three aesthetic themes: traditions, minimalism and colorplay. The patterns are rated on a scale of one to five, with one being the easiest, and there aren’t any pieces rated five. Two blankets are rated one, 14 are two, eight are three and one is four.

In addition, three of the 25 patterns are crocheted, but they either use single crochet or granny stitch, so they are pretty easy even if you don’t do a lot of crochet. You can see all the patterns on Ravelry.

Some of my favorites include Rattan by Rastus Hsu, a chunky blanket worked in knits and purls with simple crossing stitches to make a raised woven look; Homewood by Seth Richardson, covers in dramatic, loopy cables; Ainur Berkimbayeva’s Tessellate, one of the beginner projects that doesn’t really look beginner but is totally worked in knit and purl stitches; Warp + Weft by Aist? Butkevi?ien?, which is mostly knits and purls but makes a fun woven look fabric that blew my mind a little bit; and the same designer’s Canyonland, a multicolored blanket with wavy stripes.

The patterns tell you how to resize them for different dimensions and include information on pattern repeats where it is possible to make a totally custom size.

Many different techniques are included here such as cables, lace, shadow knitting, intarsia and other colorwork techniques, as well as modular knitting and lots of sewing pieces together. The patterns are all presented with charts, but there are line by line written instructions available on the Brooklyn Tweed website if you need them.

The book ends with a deep dive into log cabin knitting, telling the story of the quilt Jared’s mom made and how he made it in knitting, as well as the multitude of variations you can make if you want your own log cabin style design.

The back of the book includes a little written information about some of the special techniques needed, but there are no photos.

This is a lovely book full of inspiration for knitting and crochet blankets for any skill level. If you like to make blankets as gifts or aspire to have a handmade blanket in every room of the house, these designs would be a great place to start.

About the book: 192 pages, paperback, 25 patterns. Published 2024 by Abrams Books, suggested retail price $24.99.

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