Knitting

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Checking out the New Knit Simple

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knit simple fall 13I spent a little time this hot weekend perusing the fall issue of Knit Simple, which got me dreaming of bulky knits, vivid colors and simple but striking designs.

There are so many cute things in this issue, so I’ll bet you’ll want to spend some time imagining with it, too.

I’m inexplicably drawn to Mari Lynn Patrick’s cable yoke pullover, with its turtleneck, woven-cable yoke and twisted stockinette body worked in a contrasting color.

There’s a collection of 10 hats you can knit for less than $20 each (great for getting a jump on your holiday gift knitting); I particularly love the slouchy diagonal striped hat designed by Brenda Castiel in stripy Noro Kureyon.

The knitted striped afghan is a classic worked in unexpected purple, orange and pink, and the fun striped garter stitch scarf and mitts (shown on the cover and designed by Holli Yeoh) are a great choice for beginners.

Are you thinking about fall knitting yet? Or knitting something warm because it’s winter where you live? I’d love to hear about it!

[Photo via Knit Simple.]

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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Comments

  1. The title alone of this magazine fascinates me. I am always pleased to knit something that doesn’t cause headaches or tantrums.

  2. I’m working on a dorm blanket for my son right now. When that is completed, I’m looking forward to some fall knitting. Right now I’m in the mood for socks, hats, and cowls. I love the idea of simple but striking.

Have you read?

A Blanket Knitting Pattern Where Yarn Selection is Everything

Many times when I write these posts I will say something like “you can use any yarn you want” or “this would be a great stash-busting project.” That’s just how my mind works. And my stash, too, since I probably have sweater quantity of two or three yarns at most, but tons of singles and odd balls and leftovers.

Blankets are generally a really good way to use up those bits, but in this case, I think you’re going to want to plan it out a bit better.

Looking at photos of the Color Study Blanket from Purl Soho, it looks like it’s made with two yarns held together, and that block in the center is worked with one of each color from the adjoining sides to make a mixed up color.

But that’s not actually how it’s done. This is three separate colors (four, really, with the neutrals in the corners) chosen form a yarn with an expansive palette so they play off each other. The project calls for a worsted weight superwash wool, which is a great choice for a blanket that’s both warm and washable.

This pattern was originally designed by Laura Ferguson and was updated by Hiromi Glover. It is worked in one piece in garter stitch intarsia, which is a great way to learn the intarsia technique if you don’t already know it. It comes in crib or throw sizes.

Despite the introduction to this post, I am going to go ahead and say that, yes, of course you could do this blanket with scraps or odd balls or even just choose five colors that don’t blend together so easily. But I really do love the look of the color play, and I think it would be worth your time to find colors that play well together to get a similar effect.

This pattern is available for free from Purl Soho.

[Photo: Purl Soho]