Knitty First Fall is Here, with a New Server

Everyone who has ever tried to visit Knitty on release day knows it can be an exercise in frustration. Pages are often excruciatingly slow to load, and when I write about the new issue I usually throw in a disclaimer to the effect that it’s often slow for the first couple of days.

First Fall went live yesterday, and it actually seemed to go off without a hitch. That’s because Knitty has a new and improved server that can take the heavy loads a lot better.

And this is an issue you’re going to want to check out, especially if you’re a bit of a geek, since Neil Gaiman is the cover model this time (he’s wearing the Baker Street scarf, featured in Joan of Dark’s really cool new book Geek Knits, which I should have a review of really soon).

Other fun projects include Nim Teasdale’s Dragon’s Breath cowl, a fun lacy project worked in a lovely gradient yarn; the casual, textured Jamestown pullover by Amy Christoffers, sure to be a favorite come fall; Allie Matthews’ Saint Remy pullover, a top down circular yoke sweater with colorwork inspired by Van Gogh; the gorgeous Nelina cardigan by Corrina Ferguson, which uses unconventional raglan-like construction and shows off a semisolid yarn beautifully; and the Knit-stitch Felted Tote by Carolyn Noyes, which uses colorwork and decorative embroidery to form a fabric that looks like giant knitting.

In addition to the patterns, you’ll find an article on weaving scarves and plenty of great reviews of books, Craftsy classes, products and more.

Anything from this issue hitting your queue? (I’m pretty smitten by Nelina, I have to say.) I’d love to hear about it!

[Photo by Kyle Cassidy via Knitty.]

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.

Amigirumi may be more popular in crochet than it is in knitting; there are certainly more patterns for cute creatures, food and whatever else you can think of in crochet than there are in knitting.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t knit amigurumi or that there aren’t a lot of patterns for fun toys and critters out there that are knit.

Case in point: this adorable trio of knit sea creatures from Natasha Wildly.

The pattern includes a turtle, octopus and manta ray, all worked in DK weight yarn. The finished projects are about 10 cm or 4 inches long. You could make them bigger if you want by using heavier yarn and a correspondingly larger knitting needle.

The patterns are rated for beginners, and from the look of the suggested materials they’re all worked flat and seamed. The pattern is described as “a perfect project for those who love small intricate knits” and that contains “useful photos for the tricky bits.”

These would be so cute to knit just as they are, in natural colors or whatever colors you have on hand. A scrappy stripey octopus with legs of different colors would also be cute. You can make them to be toys or make one or two of each critter and turn them into a mobile for an ocean themed baby’s room.

Of course you could also just knit the turtle for your turtle loving friend.

Whatever way you go with these, you’re sure to have fun and enjoy seeing what the world of knit amigurumi is like with these cute and easy patterns.

You can grab your copy of the pattern from Love Crafts.

If you’re looking for more knit amigurumi patterns, check out these patterns that are all worked in worsted weight yarn, or this collection of Christmas themed amigurumi.

[Photo: Natasha Wildy via Love Crafts]

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