In case you all wondered, I actually DO knit and crochet, not just review magazines on those subjects.  As evidence of such, I submit to you all the projects* I've finished over the last few months.

Pattern:  Checkerboard Cowl by me
Yarn:  Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted Multi in Purple Club 701

Pattern:  July is for Quinn by Lorena Haldeman
Yarn:  Rowan Kid Classic in 822 Glacier


(a)


(b)

Pattern:  Zephyr Fingerless Mitts (and Mitten option) by Tracey Grzegorczyk
Yarn:  Rowan Plaid in (a) Moonlight Wave, and (b) Lavender Mist


Pattern:  San Luis Mitts by me
Yarn:  Rowan Plaid in Moonlight Wave

Pattern:  Aran Gauntlets by Dina Mor
Yarn:  Patons Shetland Chunky in 03526 Leaf Green

Pattern:  Keri Fingerless Mitts by Denise Tanksley
Yarn:  Rowan Plaid in Lavender Mist

Pattern:  Entwined by Tera Johnson
Yarn:  Patons Shetland Chunky in 03520 Russet

Pattern:  Bobble Star Afghan by Ann Regis
Yarn:  Bernat Berella 4 in 01010 Soft Heather

Every single one of these pieces was given away.  Merry Christmas to you, and you, and you over there!  And may someone knit for you in the coming New Year.

*All the projects of which I've taken photos, that is.  There's one more, a triangular scarf, that has not been modeled and photographed.  Soon, though.

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All my knitting and crocheting is taking place behind the scenes recently.  I have lots of FOs to show off.  I just haven't taken the time to upload the pictures from the camera.  Too busy finishing projects and ....gasp.... getting ready to move across country.  More on that some other time.  In the meanwhile, let's take a look at IK's winter issue.

IK Winter 2009

At first glance, I fell in love with that cover knit, and had high hopes for the rest of the projects within.  "Best knits for winter warmth" sounds pretty good to me.

Beginning at the beginning, the first article we come to is the Artist Spotlight on Mark Newport.  Unlike many of the textile artists IK has featured in the recent past, I actually kind of get this guy.  He's turned his fascination with comic book superheroes into knitted superhero costumes.  Click on the link to see what I mean.  I never really read many comics outside of Archie when I was a kid, but maybe the fact that I think these are kind of cool is an indication of my inner geek.

This issue's Yarn focus is on camelid products: camel, alpaca, llama, and their cousins.  Luscious yarns such as Rowan Lima or Cascade Pastaza cause my fingers to twitch and reach for the credit card.  I love how IK introduces me to yarns I would never otherwise encounter.  My only quibble with the feature is the lack of pricing information.  It would be most helpful to know the retail price of these yarns, and thus be able to budget for what could be a costly purchase.

Vicki Square discusses designing with ethnic motifs in her Thinking Knitter column.  Interesting insight to a working designer's process.

Hey!  Patterns!  In the Fall 2009 issue (which I did not review....laziness and procrastination R us), IK changed its format.  Instead of showing all the pretty pictures of the featured knits first, with patterns following at the back of the magazine, IK now prints each gallery or "story" with its patterns in a self-contained section.  In other words, several pages of pretty pictures followed by the patterns for those knits, then several more pages of pretty pictures followed by patterns, and so forth.  It's not a bad change but it will take some getting used to...I'm accustomed to picking up a magazine and flipping immediately to the back half to find the instructions.

Onward.  Our first story:  A Stark Contrast, which highlights the positive and negative space in cables, lace, and other knitted textures.

• The first knit featured is that cover piece, Nora's Sweater, a gorgeous royal purple tunic-length cardigan with a pleated back beneath its Japanese-inspired sideways-cabled yoke, and an open collarless front with an intricately cabled border.  Elegant and easy to dress up or down.  Suggested yarn: Misti Alpaca Worsted.  Have I queued this yet?  *checks*  Apparently not.  Will remedy that situation forthwith.
• The Syrup Pullover, so-called because of its predominant use of a waffle stitch, is a V-neck pullover with long sleeves that puff out at the elbow and draw back in at the long cuff.  The pattern copy calls it a "poet cuff."  Looks kind of like an upside down Juliet sleeve to me.  The bodice is knit in smooth stockinette with that aforementioned waffle stitch giving texture and eye appeal below the bust line to the hem and on the cuffs.  Meh.  Not to my taste, but it's not ugly.  Suggested yarn:  Lorna's Laces Green Line Worsted.
• The Aquitaine Pullover's wide boatneck and chunky lace at the bodice and on the cuffs of its long sleeves make for a striking and unusual tunic-length pullover.  I'm a sucker for boatnecks anyway...so flattering on my figure...and one glance at this piece was enough to qualify it for queue status.  A second look reveals that it's SEAMLESS (!) and has a subtly textured vertical stripe from below the yoke to the hem.  Love!  Suggested yarn:  Classic Elite Kumara.
• Alma's Scarf is more wrap than scarf, given its generous proportions.  Easy eyelet lace and lacy V stitch panels at each end echo the textured panel of knit/purl chevrons that make up the main body of the piece.  Very pretty.  Suggested yarn:  Manos del Uruguay Silk Blend.
• As mentioned in the review of VK's Holiday Issue, purple is this year's "in" color.  The Alpaca Pleats Jacket is the second piece in this issue made of a purple-hued yarn.  This short-sleeved collarless cardigan features vertical pleats around the front and neckline, and a skinny column of eyelet lace tracing the path next to the pleats.  Classic tailored styling and a hook & eye closure make this a good choice for the office, but would look equally great paired with jeans and a tee.  Suggested yarn:  Blue Sky Alpacas Alpaca Silk.

Pattern break, and time for an article.  Real Knitter introduces us to another artist, Sharon Kallis of Vancouver (the article doesn't specify whether that's British Columbia or Washington, though) who crochets with natural materials such as morning glory vines and ivy.  Oooo-kay.  People fascinate me.

Back to the pretty pictures.  Next up:  All Tangled Up, a story in which (according to the magazine copy) "...cables and texture get playful with innovative constructions and patterns."

• The Braided Riding Jacket, a glorious riot of cables and bobbles and waves in a fabulous green tweed yarn, is a must make.  Long sleeves and yoke use a wrapped stitch to make a bubbly bumpy simple texture which offsets the highly detailed cables on the main body.  Stunning.  Recommended yarn: Tahki Tweedy Alpaca.
• More tweed, this time by Debbie Bliss, makes up the Floating Spiral Hat, a simple beanie of swirling cables which would make a good companion for the Braided Riding Jacket. Or not.  It's your choice.  The stitch pattern doesn't scream "GIRL!", so this might make a good cap for a fella.  Suggested yarn:  Debblie Bliss Donegal Luxury Tweed.
• Big yarn in an oversize lace pattern plus satin lining plus beaded handles equal the Art Lace Bag.  It's big enough to use as an overnight bag, which may be its best purpose, because I can't imagine being able to find anything in it easily.  Even the model is pictured as digging through the purse as if in search of her keys.  Suggested yarn: Loop-d-Loop Granite.
• More Japanese inspiration results in the Wave and Dimple Kimono, a three-quarter sleeve tunic-length cardigan.  The construction is similar in appearance to Nora's Sweater above, except it's done in two pieces rather than six: the yoke and sleeves are knit from wrist to wrist, and the body is knit from hem to yoke.  Wide cables give a gentle rolling feel to the finished fabric.  Very nice.  Suggested yarn: Trendsetter Yarns Merino VIII.
• The Dusseldorf Aran is a jewel-neck pullover with long belled sleeves and a doubled diamond cable centered on front and back.  I'd like it if it weren't for the belled and pleated sleeves.  Of course, sleeves are easy to customize, so this piece is a possibility.  Suggested yarn: Zitron Gobi.

Another break for pattern instructions, and a close-up of the cables featured in the previous knits.  Instructive.  Speaking of instructive, our next article, Beyond the Basics, offers "A Guide To Reversible Cables."  Fascinating tutorial on how to knit cables that look good on both sides, including exercises to swatch with.

Back to the patterns for All In One, a story featuring one-piece knits.  Yay for seamless!

• The Deep Texture Tunic has a foldover buttoned and ribbed turtleneck, raglan sleeves, and an all-over basketweave-ish textured pattern for the body and sleeves.  The recommended yarn is Elsebeth Lavold Calm Wool, but I'm guessing this would be exceedingly cozy and light in a pure alpaca.
• The name, Shredder Pullover, made me smile and brought to mind those long ago days of sun and surf, when the surfer dudes of my acquaintance couldn't wait to get out on their boards and shred some waves.  While this sweater isn't exactly surfer dude apparel, it's still a nifty garment in a 5x2 rib, made reversible by an unusual ribbed cable along one shoulder and down the side.  Coincidentally, I used this very same ribbed cable for a pair of fingerless mitts I made a couple of weeks ago.  Pictures, eventually.  I promise.  Oh, before I forget, the suggested yarn for the pullover is Elann.com Peruvian Highland Chunky.
  
• I'm not a fan of cropped cardigans, but the Bells of Ireland cardi is pretty enough and simple enough that it would be worth the lengthening.  Short raglan sleeves and a button front are set off by bobbles and traveling stitches reminiscent of the namesake flower.  Simple garter stitch finishes off the wide ballet neck, sleeve edges, and hem.  In the queue.  Suggested yarn: The Fibre Company Road to China Worsted.

After a break for pattern instructions, we consider Weighty Matters, a story of texture and weight and combinations thereof.

• Lacy Ribbons, a crewneck pullover knit of a laceweight silk/mohair blend, has semi-solid bands knit with doubled yarn circling the yoke and an all-over lace pattern resembling dotted swiss.  As a study in texture, it's appealing.  As a wearable useable garment, not so much.  At least, not for me.  Pretty purple hued yarn though.  Suggested yarn: ShibuiKnits Silk Cloud. 
• The Half-Felted Knapsack is precisely that.  The bottom half of the bag is felted while the rest of the bag is not.  An I-cord strap secures the opening and makes the bag easy to carry over one's shoulder.  As a purse, I think it's too shapeless to be functional, but I can see it as a grocery bag.  Suggested yarns:  Louet Clyde and Louet Bonnie.
• The Fiery Ruche Scarf is knit in brilliant shades of orange and red and uses elastic thread to create the ruching effect.  Striking and original.  Suggested yarn:  Brown Sheep Nature Spun Sport Weight.
• When is yarn not yarn?  When it's paper!  The Paper Lanterns use three different stitches to create open patterned structural pieces to ease over purchased paper lanterns.  A neat idea.  Wouldn't work in my home, but on the patio or in some modern industrial loft space, they would be perfect.  Suggested yarn: Louet Euroflax Sportweight.

A break for pattern instructions and now we are Stranded, with colorwork taking center stage.

• The Icelandic Star is a bright red seamless raglan cardigan with a turquoise, gray, and gold Fair Isle treatment around the yoke and hem.  I like the reversal of the Fair Isle coloring: bright for the body and more subdued in the colorwork, but still with sufficient contrast to make the colors pop.  Suggested yarn:  Reynolds Lite-Lopi.  
• The solid brown cuffs and collar on Miss Michelle's Jacket anchor the deep turquoise and camel colors of the herringbone-ish body.  The cardigan is shown without front closure, but I bet a zipper could be inserted easily.  I'm not overly fond of the elbow length sleeves.  If I made this, I'd either shorten them to above the elbow, or lengthen them to wrist length.  Suggested yarn: Harrisville Designs New England Shetland.
• The Heritage Cardigan takes Fair Isle colorwork and turns it on its head.  Or at least its side.  This cream-colored sleeveless vest is knit sideways, beginning at the left front edge and ending at the right front edge.  The Fair Isle pattern in varying shades of gray appear as vertical stripes when the vest is worn, one stripe on each front piece and one center stripe down the back.  The deep ribbed collar and ribbed armhole edging are picked up and knitted after the fact.  A stellar accent piece when worn over long sleeves.  I love it.  I'm not quite fearless enough to tackle Fair Isle yet, but this piece will certainly go on the queue once I'm ready.  Suggested yarn:  Rowan Purelife British Sheep Breeds.
• The men get a treat with the Aspinwall Pullover, a half-zip, collared, long sleeve sweater with a deep ribbed body beneath a smooth knit yoke, separated by a surprising narrow band of Fair Isle in orange and light gray.  Very simple styling, no fuss, no frills, just that pop of color against a deep gray background.  Pieces like this make me wish my menfolk wore sweaters....although nothing says this couldn't be made in one of the smaller sizes for a woman.  Suggested yarn:  The Fibre Company Terra.
• The little girls aren't neglected, either.  The sweet Hearts and Flowers Cardigan is sure to please that little lady with its all-over Fair Isle pattern of, well, hearts and flowers in bright pink against a white background.  Narrow accent stripes in yellow and more tiny flowers in greens and purples keep the pink from being too overwhelming.  The long sleeves are plain with a bit of colorwork at the cuffs.  The sizing appears to accommodate about ages 2 yrs to 5 yrs.  I wish it had been sized up a little more.  I know some 7- and 8-year-olds who would love this cardi.  Suggested yarn:  Cascade Yarns Heritage.  (Personal note:  I've used Heritage to make socks.  This is a great yarn, and has enough nylon in it to make it machine washable: a very handy thing for children's clothing.)

Another break for pattern instructions and then, an article on modern Cowichan sweaters, in which a Canadian knitwear company has taken traditional Cowichan motifs and interpreted them in modern colors rather than the naturally-occurring hues of sheep fleece.

To wind up IK Winter 2009, we are treated to a couple of pages of staff projects: 3 scarves and a hat in varying shades of blue, all of which take advantage of that reversible cables lesson in Beyond the Basics.  Cute, except for that Corseted Necklet (Sandi, what were you thinking?), and quick to knit.  I especially like the Whispering River Cowl, a generously sized circular scarf...unlike most cowls I've seen which cling a little too closely to the neck for my taste.  Instructions for each of these projects, as well as photos of all the featured knits in this issue can be found at Interweave Knits.

So, lots of lovelies in this issue, and only a couple of items that caused head scratching.  Ya done good, IK.

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When IK's winter issue landed it my mailbox a couple days ago, I realized I was behind on magazine reviews.  Again.  Good thing I don't get paid for this:  I'd starve.

VK Holiday 2009

First impression:  Wow!  That's some red lipstick.

Second impression:  Pretty sweater.  Not too sure about that bow.

What's New showcases an entire page of cable needles, made from materials as mundane as plastic and exotic as rosewood.  I especially like the cable needle as necklace:  an abstract silver and brass heart with a tail on a leather thong from Leslie Wind.

News:  After reading about Mary Taylor and her plans to knit her way through Nicki Epstein's Knitting On Top Of The World over the next four years, I've been vacillating between (a) thinking she is absolutely insane and (b) wanting to join her or, alternately, start my own similarly insane knitting quest.  That Rowan Vintage Knits sitting on my bookshelf might make a good candidate....  And, of course, now that I've taken a look at KOTOTW, it's gone on my list of knit books to buy.

Yarns: Bison and muskox yarns in a variety of weights and blends.  The more I read about these fibers, the more I want to buy a skein.

Library features books from several familiar names, such as Nicki Epstein and Debbie Bliss.  The most interesting offering is Knitting Art: 150 Works from 18 Contemporary Artists by Karen Searle.  Keep in mind, however, "interesting" doesn't mean "I like it."  Most of the knitted art pieces I've seen featured in magazines over the last couple of years are simply butt fugly.  Still, that chair and the abstract human forms on the cover are intriguing.  I wouldn't mind at least paging through the book, although it's not a likely purchase.

Spotlight on Regia Yarns, which celebrates its 60th birthday this year.  Did you know the company, founded in post-war Germany, pioneered the production of synthetic blend washable wool yarns?  Neither did I.  Considering I've heard nothing but accolades about their yarns, one day I must actually use Regia to make a pair of socks.

Meg Swansen writes the second of three columns about family hat designs.  This month's featured design is a tri-color watchcap with a "belt" about the brim which can be made in multiple colors and switched out at the wearer's whim.  Okay.  It's kind of cute.  And the huge yarn means it's a superquick knit.  I'm beginning to think I'm some sort of knitting heretic, though, because I've yet to see a Zimmermann/Swansen design of any sort that impresses me.  But then again, perhaps I don't know enough (read: anything) about Elizabeth Zimmermann's contributions to modern knitting techniques.  Perhaps one of her books should be my next knit library purchase.

Speaking of Techniques, Jared Flood continues the "convert that flat knit to a seamless knit" tutorial he began in the VK Fall 2009 issue.  In this issue, he discusses yokes and sleeves.  Good stuff, with diagrams and everything.

Veronik Avery is the featured designer in KnitLife, discussing design, yarn, family, and launching her own company, St.-Denis.

Hey!  Patterns!  You can see the previews here, but probably only until the next issue of VK is published.

VK's first story in this issue is "Color Vibes" -- an array of vibrant hues and bold patterns, both traditional and cutting edge.

#1 Empress Jacket:  15 different colors of a fingering-weight yarn, mitered squares, multi-directional knitting, wow!  A beautiful long-sleeve kimono-type tunic-length jacket.  Construction: multiple mitered squares make up front and back panels which are then sewn to each other and to the sleeves.  A project that will consume much time, but the result?  This is art that's actually wearable.  What a shame it's modeled over a badly-clashing orangy plaid jumper.  While I love this piece, and it's wearable, it's not something I would ever wear, nor would anyone else I love enough to invest the kind of time required to knit this.  So, let me express my admiration from afar, and not place it in the Ravelry queue.

#2 Slip Stitch/Cable Cardigan:  A long-sleeve boatneck multi-color cardigan with a cabled rib on the bottom half, and a slip-stitch Faux Isle pattern from the waist up.  With the bulky yarn specified, this should be a fairly quick knit.  Its predominately crimson color scheme is just the thing to brighten up a gloomy winter day.  Not in the queue, but it's a possibility.

#3 Heart Yoke Cardigan:  The most traditional piece in this story, this long-sleeve purple cardi is knit in the round and sports Fair Isle hearts in black and white on its yoke.  Traditional fit, raglan sleeves, sport-weight yarn, really really cute.  A plus-size pattern.  Not in the queue, but it's a possibility.

#4 Dolman Pullover:  Your basic dolman-sleeve sweater rescued from the ordinary by its clever use of color.  To quote the magazine copy, Kaffe Fassett "reverses his intarsia stripes diagonally"...aw hell, that doesn't tell you anything.  Go look at the picture.  What's cool about this piece is it uses only two colorways of Rowan's Colorscape, and the yarn does all the color-change work for you.  Dolman sleeves do not flatter my figure, however; this particular piece will not go in the Ravelry queue, although I'm storing the stripe reversing idea in the back of my brain.  A plus-size pattern.

#5 Fair Isle Cardigan:  An all-over stylized-flower pattern in white and blue with brilliant orange on the button band and cuffs.  Very pretty.  Construction: knit in the round with steeks.  Eek.  I love this cardi but steeks?  *shiver*  I conquered my fear of DPNs.  I have not conquered my fear of steeks.

#6 Fair Isle Yoke Top:  A short sleeve Tee (for winter?  really?)  in basic black with a traditional Fair Isle yoke pattern in multiple blues and white.  Knit in the round.  I like this a lot, despite the silly lace sleeved undershirt worn by the model.  Stylists.  Sheesh.  Sometimes I wonder about them.  Regardless, it's a possibility, although I expect if I make it I'll lengthen the sleeves.

#7 Fair Isle Hoodie:  What is it with designers making short-sleeved winter wear?  A fur-trimmed hood on a short-sleeved zipped jacket makes no sense whatsoever.  Ahem.  Okay.  I love the rich brown body with orange, blue, and white Fair Isle detail around the yoke and above the deep ribbing at the bottom edge.  I even sort of like the furry hood.  I do NOT like the short sleeves.  Therefore, if I make this, sleeves will be 3/4 length at a minimum.

#8 V Neck Pullover:  A long-sleeved top with a rich cobalt blue upper body and a Navaho-inspired colorwork pattern in turquoise, cream, and gold below the waist.  This is flat gorgeous, even if the stylist did put the model in shorts.  (For winter.  Go figure.)  In my Ravelry queue.

For our second story, we are to Think Big.  Cowls knit from huge yarn.  I pretty much skimmed right past this section.  Remember how I'm not a shawl person?  I'm not really a cowl person either.

#9 Seed Stitch Cowl:  A mitered ribbing yoke and a fold-over seed stitch collar form this shoulder-covering cowl knit  in bright neon yellow uber-chunky yarn.  This is so big the model can't put her coat on over it.

#10 Ribbed Cowl: Another shoulder-covering oversized turtleneck of a cowl with a garter welt yoke and 2x2 ribbing on the fold-over collar.  Must be worn over the coat as well.  Which is okay, I guess, but I don't like it.

#11 Eyelet Cowl:  The only piece in this bunch I gave a second glance.  A gorgeous multi-hued gold yarn in a bulky wool/angora/cashmere blend, knit in big eyelet with an I-cord drawstring, and deliberately constructed so it can be pulled over one's head as a hood (or wimple) or worn as a traditional neck-warmer.  The best thing?  It isn't soooo huge that it would prevent wearing a coat!  So, even though I'm not a cowl person, I'm giving this piece serious consideration.

#12 Cabled Cowl:  A giant shapeless pink tube with cables and ribbing.  Woo.  More covered shoulders, too.  I suppose this piece could be co-opted as a hood like #11, but I'm not interested enough to even read the pattern.

The pieces in A Softer Shade of Pale, knit in quiet neutrals or pastels, provide a subdued and elegant counterpoint to the exuberant color we encountered several pages ago.

#13 Cable Tunic:  A diagonal cable twisting across the front and along the 3/4 sleeves of this cream-colored knit is highlighted by the reverse stockinette background.  The deep asymmetric cabled V-neck adds a subtle finish to the tunic-length pullover.  Sophisticated evening wear as shown over a satin skirt, although I imagine it could be dressed down and worn to the office as well.  A plus size pattern.

#14 Diamond Capelet:  A shawl by any other name would still smell like a shawl.  Dolman-shaped, with deep ribbing and an I-cord drawstring in a winter white alpaca.  I love the texture of the diamond stitch, though, and may adapt the stitch pattern for use elsewhere.

#15 Bow Neck Pullover:  Here's the cover knit with its richly textured cables and eyelets.  Knit from the bottom up with first three strands of sport-weight merino, then two, then one, and finished off with a laceweight mohair at the boat-shaped neckline.  Full length bell sleeves echo the triangular shape of the body.  Very pretty.  Again, this is modeled with a satin skirt as if for evening, but I can also see it with dark slacks or a slim skirt for office, and even with slim-legged jeans for weekend wear, especially if the mohair bow is left off and the neck finished with a few rows of ribbing.  Not in the queue, but still a possibility.

#16 Nordic Pullover:  A 3/4 sleeve top with a square neck, cable and lace yoke, and a knit/purl "snowflake" pattern on the lower body and lower sleeve.  (I think they look like poinsettias myself.)  As shown in baby blue, it's sweet.  I'd rather make this in a deep rich jewel tone.  A possibility.

#17 Cable Cardigan:  Cables, bobbles, and other textures give an Aran-like feel to this belted tunic cardigan.  Knit sideways for the most part using a sportweight merino, this is a piece I'd be tempted to make just to test the technique.  Sure, it's pretty, and I really like the stitchwork on the back, but the garter welts and bobbles around the neck will add unnecessary bulk to my top half.  That loopy freeform cable on the yoke, though, has really caught my attention.  A possibility.

#18 Lace V-Neck Top:  Once upon a time, a long time ago, I had a lace V-neck pullover, knit in pure white cotton.  I wore that sweater everywhere: over blouses in winter, as a bathing suit coverup in spring and autumn, and sometimes, in certain circumstances, over nothing at all.  It was my favorite piece of clothing for many years.  One day, after one too many washes, it simply fell apart, and I never found another one like it.  Until I turned to page 66 in this issue of VK, and found my sweater again, this time done up with sumptuous Alpaca Silk in a gorgeous silvery oyster color.  Horseshoe lace, long sleeves, deeply scooped V-neck.  Oh yeah.  It's in the queue.

#19 Ruffle Edge Cardigan:  Long sleeved fitted cardigan with knit ruffles along the neckline and front opening, and over the shoulder like epaulets.  Okay.  First thing, let me say I appreciate the creativity here, in both the design itself and in the fact the stylist put the model in a dress with soutache embroidery that mimic the ruffles on the cardi.  The curly-Q knitting around the neck and front aren't that bad, and the fact that the piece doesn't fasten in front is easily remedied with a little widening of the front panels and one hook and eye closure at the waist.  But seriously, knit ruffles over the shoulders and around the armhole seam?  That's just plain silly.

We now go beyond the pale where Plum's The Word.  One of my colleagues loooooves purple, and she is plumb tickled (*snerk*) that this shade is this year's "it" color.  These designs look great in variations of this royal hue, although they could be made in any color you choose.

#20 Crossover Top:  Short sleeved V neck constructed of a yoke and raglan sleeves, with a long band knit separately, then wrapped around and crossed in front.  Really cute, and really young. 

#21 Cabled Yoke Pullover:  Gorgeous cables on this knit-in-the-round mock turtleneck.  I like the split neck opening with the oversized buttons.  I'm not overly crazy about the reverse stockinette body, but I'm gradually becoming accustomed to the idea of wearing knits that look like they're inside out.  A possibility.

#22 Cropped Cardigan:  All over cables, long sleeves, and a construction that allows the piece to be worn open with a deep front V, or closed with a boat neck.  Intriguing.  A possibility.

#23 Wrap Cable Jacket:  LOVE!  More all over cables, sideways construction, and a wide V-neck in a one-button flyaway cardigan.  The recommended yarn is a cashmere/silk blend.  I think it would be equally gorgeous in bamboo.  In the queue.

Through The Looking Glass is the "what were they thinking?" section of this issue.  Not the designs so much, although a couple of them are questionable, but the theme.  Alice in Wonderland?  Really?  I'm a huge Lewis Carroll fan, but come on.  What does Alice have to do with knitting?  At least they didn't quote Jabberwocky.

#24 Lace Beret:  "Too cute" copy doesn't take anything away from the gorgeousness of this cap and its pattern of traveling lace.  The recommended yarn is a sport-weight cashmere/merino/silk blend.  Not in the queue only because I don't know who I would make this for...this sort of hat doesn't look right on me.

#25 Fingerless Gloves:  I finally figured out who wears this type of lace gauntlet.  The goths.  And maybe the Ren Faire folk.  According to the pattern, the gloves are constructed of different sizes of lace medallions, sewn together.  I think these gloves might be pretty, but I can't really tell because of the goofy way the stylist posed the model.  Drink me, indeed.

#25 Medallion Scarf:  The trouble with this piece is: I can't see it.  Not very well, anyway, because it's made from a dark blue yarn, and worn by a model who is also wearing a dark blue dress.  Looks like we have circles and bobbles and dangly bits.  And it's worn as if it's a shawl rather than a scarf.

#27 Vintage Baby Dress:  Utterly adorable dress with garter stitch bodice and eyelet skirt, and a velvet ribbon tie.  *sigh*  I don't know anyone with a baby young enough for this sweet piece.

#28 Lace Socks:  LOVE!  Can't get enough lace socks, and this is a very pretty, criss-crossy lace down the back, front and instep, combined with an upside-down wishbone lace on either side.  In the queue.

#29 Braided Cowl:  Skinny knitted tubes braided together.  Uh. No.  But this piece gave me a chance to take a good look at the model.  I think she's 12.

And finally, in Designer Details, we take a look at the cutting edge in knit design.

#30 Fitted Jacket:  Another example of the stylist mucking up the featured piece by dressing the model in a clashing and/or too similar print.  I think this salt and pepper jacket by Anna Sui may have been inspired by the jackets worn by My Chemical Romance in the video The Black Parade.  Unfortunately, the model is dressed in a splashy black and white print dress so it's virtually impossible see any real detail.  Too bad.  Because I think I like it.

#31 Ribbed Jacket:  A short-sleeved jacket from Twinkle with all over 3x3 ribbing knit in super bulky Soft Chunky.  Structurally similar to #22 above, with the unfastened deep V front or fastened boatneck.  This isn't bad, but I still don't get the fuss over Twinkle.

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So we're jumping right past the autumn issues of the various magazines deemed worthy of my subscription money directly into winter.  Yes, that's right, no reviews will be written for Interweave Knits, Interweave Crochet, Crochet Today! and Vogue Knitting Fall 2009 issues, nor for the majority of the summer issues either (except for Vogue, which was written in May).  Why?  For one thing, summer is over, and those issues are no longer on the newsstands.  As for fall, let me ask you this:  do you know how long it takes me to write a decent detailed review?  No?  Let me tell you: four hours at least; six is more likely.  We're looking at a minimum of sixteen hours to write up reviews for those four Fall issues and, frankly, I don't have that kind of extra time this week.  Therefore, I say nix to that; and hereby apologize to you, the loyal reader, for my procrastination, laziness, and lack of self-discipline in this regard.  I also promise to do better.

Okay.  Onward.  Crochet Today! Nov/Dec 2009 issue, as can be discerned from its cover, focuses on the upcoming Christmas holidays with a kitschy retro flair.

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(Apparently, AMC's Mad Men is a huge influence on fashion trends these days, and we should brace ourselves for an imminent onslaught of 1960s-style bubble dresses.  Never watched the show myself.  Nor worn a bubble dress.)

In Products and News, the usual assortment of gadgets, gizmos, and accessories are presented for our perusal.  The individually-wrapped Eucalan wipes in particular caught my eye, as well as the fabric-as-reusable-wrapping-paper by Furochic (music on link alert).

Need a way to use leftover skeins and ends of yarn?  Want to donate a handmade item to a worthy cause?  Look no further.  People features the charity Heartmade Blessings, which gathers 12" afghan squares from crocheters everywhere and assembles them into blankets, or "comfortghans", for people beset by difficulties such as illness, bereavement, or some other woe.  The organization has a special program which provides these handmade blankets to the families of soldiers fallen in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Now I know where all those yarn remnants lurking in the bottom of the yarn closet will be going.

Crochet Class makes mention of the strangest way to keep a row count I ever heard:  set out as many M&Ms as the pattern has rows, eat one at the end of each row, and when the M&Ms are done, so is the pattern.  Being round enough already, I think I'll stick to my clicker counter, thank you very much.

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Reading promotes Yarn Bombing: The Art of Crochet and Knit Graffiti.  Umm.  No.  Graffiti is graffiti is graffiti, and crocheting an antenna cozy or a pair of sneakers for tossing across overhead power lines is a waste of yarn.  Why not make an afghan square for Heartmade Blessings instead?

What's hilarious about this column is the juxtaposition of the blurb for Yarn Bombing right next to the mini-review of AwareKnits: Knit & Crochet Projects for the Eco-Conscious Stitcher by Vickie Howell.  Yeah.  Because wrapping a lamppost in acrylic is soooo eco-friendly.

Yay!  Patterns! 

On that note, I'm sorry to inform you I won't be linking to the projects on the CT website.  CT no longer maintains a complete archive of projects from back issues, so many, if not most, links would be defunct as soon as the next issue's preview goes up.  However, I will post pictures of my favorites in this blog entry.  You'll just have to jump over to CT's website to see the rest of the projects.

So.  Umm.  Yay!  Patterns!

First is the reworking of a vintage thread crochet ornament:

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Twelve crocheted lace pentagons sewn together and stiffened with a sugar solution make up this oversized (approx. 5.25" diameter) ball suitable for hanging on a very large tree or any other decorative purpose.  I think several of them would look spectacular as a garland lit with fairy lights.  The pattern calls for #3 thread.  I'll use #10 for a smaller, more delicate ornament.  And because I have oodles of #10 white thread and virtually no #3.

Next is the Stitchy Gingerbread House, which is just what it sounds like: a house made of yarn with the look of the traditionally baked and decorated gingerbread house.  Utterly adorable.

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See what I mean?

If I'm not mistaken I have the yarn I need for this already in the stash.  Of course, spouse will probably cringe in horror at the mere thought of a crocheted gingerbread house for decorative purposes, but I don't care.  It's too cute, and I must have it.  By the way, construction requires a cardboard "frame" for structural support, so do not attempt if you cannot cut a straight line with a box cutter. You'll also need a glue gun and glue sticks, or a fabric-friendly glue such as Elmer's.

The Retro Ripples Skirt takes your under-the-tree decoration back, back, back to the 1970s (or maybe earlier: I'm not really sure when ripple crochet became the "in" thing) in sparkly red, white, and green Red Heart Holiday.  I don't like ripples.  It's a personal thing.  Your mileage may vary.

Next up, Candy Shop Ornaments:  Tiny candy canes, peppermints, and ribbon candy look-alikes made from #3 thread to festoon your tree, or your mantle, or anywhere else that might need festooning.  Really cute.

Of course, no issue of Crochet Today! is complete without at least one afghan.  Sparkly Snowflakes makes use of Red Heart Holiday once more with its shimmery white snowflake motifs surrounded by midnight blue join-as-you-go borders.  SIDE NOTE:  I wouldn't use Red Heart Super Saver (which is what the "Holiday" yarn is) for anything other than a dog toy or maybe that gingerbread house.  Certainly not anything that would be used/worn by people.  It's stiff, scratchy, and extremely hard on the hands.  This is the acrylic yarn most people think of when they turn up their noses and say "Ewww."  Which is too bad because there are some wonderful acrylic yarns out there.  Like my beloved Bernat Berella 4.  Or Plymouth Encore (a wool/acrylic blend).  Or Paton Canadiana.

Granny hexagons, as opposed to granny squares, make up the Stuffable Stockings.  A fun look, and a fun project to use up more odds and ends of yarn. 

Your child won't drive you insane with noise on Christmas morning if you give her the Little Drummer Set.  Yes, a crocheted drum set, complete with cymbals and drumsticks.  More Red Heart Supersaver here, and this is an appropriate project for it.  The pattern also calls for lightweight cardboard and polyester fiberfill.

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Oh, hey!  Clothing!  The Icicles Pullover went into my Ravelry queue upon first glance.  I even have the right yarn to use.  Oh, not the yarn called for in the pattern (Red Heart EcoWays Bamboo Wool), but a Bernat cashmere blend in pure pure white that's been sitting in my stash for about three years.  I'm not a big fan of crewnecks so I'll probably modify the neckline to a scoop or a V when I make this.  Otherwise, it's just perfect.

The Snowfall Cowl is a fluffy buttoned concoction that calls for Red Heart Light & Lofty and lots and lots of triple crochet.  Looks like it's as easy as pie and, with that yarn or one similar, should stitch up in virtually no time flat.  Great gift idea.

The magazine copy calls the Capelet Swing Cardi completely customizable.  Yes, all those Cs were deliberate.  Alliteration is our friend.  This cardigan, though, I'm not so sure.  The asymmetrically-buttoned bodice with a cowl-like collar and extended cap sleeves looks like it's part of one garment, and the mid-thigh-length flyaway swingcoat lower half seems to belong to another garment altogether.  I keep imagining it as much shorter and more fitted and buttoned all the way to the hem.  In other words, more as a regular cardigan.   Well, they said it was completely customizable. 

Snowflake Earrings.  Crocheted jewelry.  'Nuff said.

Oh hey!  Baby stuff!  The Candyland Sweater in TLC Baby Amore is a sweet treat for that special baby.  Made as shown in aqua or some other pastel, this longsleeve flyaway cardigan would be suitable for a girl; stitch it in something other than a pastel and your favorite baby boy will be dressed for church on Christmas morning. 

A granny square on steroids makes up the Cotton Candy Blanket.  Yes, it's one giant granny square in alternating colors of Red Heart Baby Clouds.  Another easy to make and quick to stitch project.

Need another quickie baby project?  Try the Gumdrop Booties.  Tiny booties with criss-cross straps stitched up in candy-colored smooth worsted make adorable (and fast) shower gifts.  You'll need decorative buttons and snaps for fastening the straps.

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I'm not in Michaels nearly as often as I used to be, but every time I'm in their yarn section, I pet the yarn called for in this project:  Red Heart Moon & Stars.  I can't resist its fluffy chenille-like texture.  The Candy Store Set uses this texture to good advantage with a soft soft soft pair of mittens and matching scarf for the youngster who is too big for booties.

Ruffled spirals make up the Twirly Scarf, created by a special stitch technique which makes the fabric curl in on itself as the stitch pattern progresses.  Suitable for all ages!

The Two-Hour Hat is a basic beanie, but the ribbed single crochet stitch pattern and subtle color changes in the recommended yarn (Red Heart Collage) add visual interest.  Simple, but not boring.

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The pompom at the heels elevates the Snuggly Slippers beyond the ordinary crocheted footie.  My only concern with slippers like this is the "slip" part of "slipper."  As in slipping on my tile floor and landing on a tender portion of my anatomy.  If I made these, I'd add a non-slip surface to the sole.  I believe there's a liquid adhesive of some sort made specifically for this purpose; I just have to find it.

Gifty Gloves are colorful and fun and, if the pattern is to be believed, a quick easy project.  Crocheted in sockweight yarn (Red Heart's Heart & Sole is suggested), this fingerless glove pattern also includes instructions for a full-fingered version, should the maker so desire.

Finally, to wrap up the issue, we have the Wrap-Up Afghan.  Constructed of oversized granny squares, this is another good project to make use of leftover skeins of worsted.  Just remember to unify the varying squares with an outside border of a single coordinating color. 

And that's it for the November/December issue! 

(In case you were wondering, writing this review took six hours.  It would have taken longer had I linked to all the yarns mentioned.)

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Pattern:  Houndstooth Purse by Mary Jane Hall, from Crochet Today! May/June 2009
Yarn:  Plymouth Encore in #678 Gray and #217 Black, less than 1 skein each
Hook:  H
Skill level:  Easy
Satisfaction with end result: Not too shabby!  This is the first purse I've made that is tailored, after a fashion: in other words, not a tote or market bag of some sort.  Spouse's first thought was "How fast can you make those?  I can sell them on eBay!"  Sorry, dear, that would be a violation of copyright.  I haven't tried carrying it, yet, so I don't know how practical it is, but it sure is cute.

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One of the advantages of taking such a long break from blogging is spending more time making stuff to blog about.  (When not screwing around on Facebook, that is.)  This morning, I finished this blanket:

Pattern:  Airy Spring Throw by Marianne Forestal, from Crochet Today! Mar/Apr 2009
Yarn:  Bernat Berella 4 in Winter White, roughly 8 1/2 skeins, or 1568 yards.
Hook:  H and J
Skill level:  Easy peasy
Satisfaction with end result:  LOVE!!!  I don't think the picture does it justice.  This is flat gorgeous, if I do say so myself.  And the fabric, once the finished piece had been washed and dried, is soooo soft and cozy, but still lightweight.  It's intended as a gift.  Now I just have to discover who I made it for.

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So, um, I finally return to the world of knitblogs (or crochet blogs, as the case may be).  Curse that newfound addiction to Facebook!  To make up for the looooooong absence, I have project pics.  Completed project pics, even.

My "Denimbrigo Vest", so called because it's loosely based on Julia Vaconsin's Malabrigo Top from Interweave Crochet, but made with Rowan Denim rather than Malabrigo Lace.

Bamboo washcloths, a quickie little gift knit for the sole purpose of using two remaining skeins of Bernat Bamboo.

Two cowls are currently blocking.  I'll get those posted sometime in the next couple of days.  I'm not even going to try to review the knit and crochet magazines that have accumulated in the last couple of months.  We'll start fresh with the fall issues when they show up. 

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First, the bad news:  I decided to frog the Gathered Pullover.  Yes, at about 95% completion, I took a good long look at the fabric and how it draped, and decided the Mirasol Cotanani was not the right yarn for the job.  The color was gorgeous, the stitch definition was fabulous, but the whole thing was just too heavy, and I'd have hated wearing it.  So, we took a trip to the frog pond.  However, I did take a picture of it before destruction...

And a closeup of the cabled knot detail:

I'll definitely make this top someday, but with a lighter yarn (i.e. NOT a wool/cotton blend).  Gee, maybe even the yarn the pattern suggests.  Now there's a concept! *grin*  And as far as the Cotanani is concerned, all is not lost:  I have a couple of ideas for the right pattern for that particular stash.

Onward.

The Houndstooth Bag is awaiting assembly:

Assembly involves heavy duty fusible interfacing (not shown) and a zipper.  I have always disliked sewing zippers.  However, I have a new sewing machine:

Which should make sewing a pleasure again instead of the struggle it was as my old machine died a long and painful death.

I only work on Delphine when I can pay fairly close attention; therefore, we're just inching along:

The lace pattern is easy, but it's not mindless.  Gotta watch that stitch count carefully.

And then there's the Denimbrigo, so called because I'm using Rowan Denim instead of the suggested Malabrigo laceweight:

Do you see the problem?  I didn't, at least not until I took this photograph.  Notice the major color variation where I changed skeins, that is.  Checked the yarn...different dye lots!  Damn!  I thought I'd been so careful.  Luckily, only two skeins are different, so I'll use them for the upper bodice.  I already ripped this one out and expect to start over this evening.  As you might expect, given the vastly different weights between the suggested yarn and what I'm using, I'm making some major modifications to this pattern.  Notes will be posted with the finished project.

Of course, the baby blanket is still in pieces:

and the Pom is in permanent hibernation:

Still, the goal of the moment is to finish something before picking up the Cotanani again.  We'll see how well that goes.

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....since I wrote an entry?  Guess so.  And now the latest issue of Crochet Today! is waiting for a review as well.

Still working on the Gathered Pullover. I actually thought I was done except for the seaming until last night, when I sewed on a sleeve and tried it on to check the fit.  Not good.  The sleeve is too long.  And too tight through the shoulder cap.  *sigh*  So, this morning I removed the sleeve, ripped it back to where the increases began, and will now re-knit with more frequent increases and a taller sleeve cap.  Lather, rinse, repeat for the other sleeve.  This should be interesting.  I hope I don't have to rip out the main body to redo the armholes too.

The crocheting part of the Houndstooth Bag is done; the lining, interfacing, zipper, and hardware have all been purchased; and the lot of it sits on my craft table awaiting assembly, next to the new sewing machine I had to buy to finish this project.  (Hush: that's my story, and I'm sticking to it.) 

In the meantime, I could not resist casting on for Delphine from French Girl Knits, using Skacel Collection's Urban Silk in 03 Pretty Pink.  Kind of a fussy yarn, but it knits up beautifully with a great sheen and texture.

And, because I needed a portable and mindless project, I decided to adapt Julia Vaconsin's Malabrigo Top from Interweave Crochet's Spring 2009 issue to use the Rowan Denim that's been sitting in my stash for sometime.  I say adapt because the pattern is written for a laceweight wool, which the Rowan most certainly is not.  Also, I'm making it as a sleeveless V-neck cardi/vest, rather than a sleeveless V-neck pullover vest.  Someday I hope to be as comfortable changing and adapting and essentially rewriting knit patterns to suit me as I am crochet patterns.

Right now I'm resisting the urge to pull out the Classic Elite Desert and cast on Stephanie Japel's Thick and Thin Cardigan from Fitted Knits.

Still no pics.  Recently I am most remiss when it comes to pictures.

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....too busy knitting.  And crocheting.  And, well, other stuff, like work, laundry, errands, and so forth.

And apparently too busy to take photos of current projects in progress, as well.  So, I'll link to the patterns instead.

• Houndstooth Bag from Crochet Today's Mar/Apr 2009 issue.  The crocheting is all done, using Plymouth Encore Worsted in Black 217 and Soft Grey 194.  Now I have to get the lining made, and find the appropriate zipper, purse feet, and handles.

• Gathered Pullover from Interweave Knits Winter 2007, using Mirasol Cotanani in Turquoise 407.  I've got the body through the center cable detail finished, and am now working on the front pieces on either side of the V-neck.  At the rate this project is proceeding, I'll probably be finished in another couple of weeks, unless...

• ...I give in to the urge to start something new.  The stash, it callz me.  Cast-on-itis, I haz it.

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