Bmp - I didn't have video games growing up, so the retro thing doesn't make me all nostalgic. It seems a lot of other people like them, so that's cool.

Carolyn - I read something once about always picking your buttons after you finish the sweater, because the button can make or break the whole thing. Here's a fun example of breaking. Also - I think I want to say what the hell is going on with that collar, but I'm not sure since her hair is in the way. I'm also curious why it's so baggy in weird places (check out the back shot). Is it just too long for her? (I refuse to believe it has waist shaping!)

Tahoe - I was going to say that I think I'd love this sweater with some waist shaping tossed in. Then I looked at the schematic and realized that would defeat the purpose of the sweater! Now, I like Cathay and I like Koigu, however, wouldn't knitting at a gauge looser than the ball band suggests give you a fabric that is fluid and drapey for one day, and pilly and worn looking for the rest of the days?

Ribena - I like this. No weird arm warmers for me (but possibly longer sleeves). I love the shape of the ribs, and how they extend up. I think I'd want to drop the neckline a bit to. After making Durrow, however, I'm worried about my ability to seam a saddle shoulder correctly.

Torque - I like the idea of the asymmetrical cable, and love how it splits into the collar (okay, I know, I love it when cables flow into/out of other parts of the pattern in general). But that sweater looks like it's going to eat those girls!

Isabella - You know what would have been fun? Consistent lighting in this photoshoot. Also, a clear, head on shot so I can see the whole thing. I wish the leaf thing continued all the way around the neck. Also, remember that old pattern Soliel? A lot of people had a hard time because the arm hole was so wide, and it was like peak-a-boob if you lifted your arm. The armholes on this sweater look exactly the same. If the armhole was just a little smaller, it would be awesome to wear under a blazer to work, and then ditch the blazer in the car and head immediately out for a night out with friends.

Ester - I know you're sad that your friend died and all, but I'm sure she'd still want you to get some natural sunlight. And to smile if you're going to be out on the internet! [Amber's Handbasket Tours to Hell leave every hour on the hour. Reserve your space now!] Now, I love deconstructing things that are, or could be, hand knit. However, I prefer my clothes fit properly and are flattering. So I'll stick with 2x2 ribbing that flows into 4 stitch cables and back into 2x2 ribbing, seed stitch that comes out of increases, and that sort of thing.

More Stripes - It amazes me that things can be ribbed, yet not the least bit fitted. I think I'd have the V stop in the middle of my bust - not below. It sort of makes her look like she knit the vest for someone taller and heavier - but that the friend wouldn't be the model.

Monica - That poor little girl looks so unhappy in the first photo. I wasn't the kind of little girl who liked this sort of thing, and neither were my friends, but I suppose there are little girls out there who like wearing the super frilly stuff.

Briar Rose - If I knew a little girl, I would totally make her this sweater (in one color). I might even take the cables and put on a sweater for me!

Hey Mickey - I admit - I look at the pictures first, and read the copy second. I thought the pattern was for the socks. I hated skirts as a kid, and I hate knitted skirts now, but I suppose if you've got a little girl who likes skirts in your life now, it would be fun to make. But why would you knit an acrylic skirt? At least give it some potential to bounce back after the first wearing.

Vestee - < Amber is a terrible person alert > I'm so glad I had hair when I was little, and there are no pictures of me being all hairless with a funny shaped head when I was a toddler. < /Bad person. > I see the short sleeves/t-shirt. I see the long sleeve/sweater. I see the hood, and the shawl collar. I see no vest anywhere as any part of this sweater. But I suppose Sweateree didn't have the same ring.

Palette - Pretty. Really, really pretty. But I wonder - are you supposed to block with points (the way the waves face), or are you supposed to block the sides square, and the knitter just did a half assed job?

Dashing - I like the way the cables cross, but having knit fingerless mittens like this before, I can tell just by looking that the bind off pictured is way, way to tight to be functional. Substitute a stretchy bind off (like if you were doing a toe-up sock), and you'll actually be able to USE your hands.

Paperbag - I LOVE the idea of a bag made of paper yarn, and calling it Paperbag. But I don't like this paperbag. I can't put my finger on why, though. Probably the bobbles. Little warts of knitting.

Bauble - Cute. Not something I'd wear, but cute and innovative.

Queen of Cups - Considering MOST socks are written top down, I don't see why the designer makes a point of noting how she's obsessed with top down socks. That's like saying you're obsessed with sweater knit in 4 (or 5 if a cardi) pieces, from the waist to the shoulder. Regardless, I love the socks, and I'm wondering if I should make them with gray Koigu or purple Rowan Cashsoft 4ply.

Quill Lace - If you make a point of saying that the pattern uses the eye of partridge heel, why not photograph the eye of partridge heel? Also, I wonder if the lace is stretchy enough to keep them up without ribbing. They look awfully loose...

Clessidra - Must have! Right now! Must have! Not a huge fan of all that seed stitch, so I might try the front panel in stockinette instead. Not sure yet. But I'm totally ordering yarn for this project when I get back from Israel.

So that's 3, maybe 5 things I'd knit from this issue. Considering I liked over half the things in Winter Knitty, and made a grand total of ZERO of them (so far!) that isn't so bad.

posted by Amber @ 9:29 PM

3 Comments:

At 10:26 PM, Unknown said…

Yay! Judy can see the visual verification! Judy can post a comment! Okay, I also really like the Torque but I may wait on it, and attempt to convert to a knit in the round sweater and do some steeks. Eek! And maybe make it a bit more fitted to me. I also really liked Clessidra. I do wish the cables were also on the front instead of only on the back. However, it did give me an idea on how to do some increases up the lege that would fit in and not break up cables
At 10:02 AM, Judith said…

I'd included a detail photo of the eye-of-partridge heel, but the Knitty folks apparently decided not to use it.
At 2:34 PM, Anonymous said…

Your review of the latest Knitty cracked me up! Added you to bloglines!!