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.

When my daughter was in early elementary school we were at Joann together (RIP) and she picked out some variegated pink and white blanket yarn for me to knit a blanket for her bed. Now probably 10 years later, it’s one of her favorite possessions. I note this because the blankets we give to little ones might seem simple on the surface, like something they need to keep warm, but they can turn into so much more.

Take the Pocketful of Love Blanket from Purl Soho. On the surface this is a pretty but also easy to knit blanket for a little one. It’s worked in garter stitch stripes using sport weight yarn (the sample is a superwash wool, but this would also be nice in cotton or a blend) and available in a crib or small throw size. Though of course because it’s garter stitch, it’s pretty easy to make it any size you want.

But what makes this blanket extra special is the little details. The slip stitch selvedges and I-cord bind off give it a crisp look that’s perfect with the garter stitch of the body.

And then there’s the pocket.

This is a big pocket. At 10 inches wide and 12.25 inches tall (that’s 25.4 by 31 cm) for the crib size and 12.75 by 14.25 inches (32.4 by 36 cm) for the throw, you can easily fit a favorite stuffed animal, toy or book into the pocket.

I love how even though it uses the same striped garter stitch pattern as the blanket, it’s stitched down so the stripes run the opposite way (horizontal when the blanket stripes are vertical), though of course you can match stripes if you’d rather.

I think this blanket has the potential to be greatly loved by the little one its given to, and by the knitter look for an easy, pretty baby blanket with a little extra useful twist.

Grab the free pattern from Purl Soho.

[Photo: Purl Soho]

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