Capping Along and Interweave Knits Spring 2007

Making good progress on the Cap Shawl (Victorian Lace Today)...now on row 156...need to finish 172 rows before the knitting-on of the border commences...hoping I have enough yarn...just started the third skein out of the four I have...eek.

The lace pattern part goes pretty quickly as it's interesting...unfortunately, 10 of the last 15 rows are plain knit or purl (6 eek!) so that'll take some muscling through, I think. I'm not sure I understand why there are no increases in the last 10 rounds, however...

Got the Spring 2007 Interweave Knits...new layout for patterns...seems ok. But really, not much of any interest in this issue in terms of patterns I'd ever knit. Most interesting/useful thing is the article on entrelac technique. Very clear and is accompanied by a nice entrelac sock pattern. Here are the other patterns in a nutshell:

Ribs and Lace Tank

To me, the proportions are all off on this tank. The rib increases at the bust give an odd "zooming" effect...very unflattering and the lace around the midriff add thickness at the waist and then it goes just too long. If it makes a thin model look thick, it won't work on a normal body.

Green Tea Raglan

Perfectly decent but ordinary ragan sweater. And you have to wonder if anyone really enjoys doing THAT much seed stitch. I know I sure don't. But other than that, a decent basic sweater. Not sure the belt adds to it at all, however.

Dollar and a Half Cardigan

Interesting interplay on front panels of horizontal vs. vertical stitch patterns. Have to wonder if the styling problems (namely, bad gapping/pulling at the buttons) is just a fit problem (although it doesn't look tight on the model) or something that is problematic with the design and how the contrasting stitch patterns affect drape.

Bonsai Tunic

Another design that only straight-as-stick, boy-figured women could really pull off. Must be layered as it's very low-cut and will probably have the same issue, in terms of flattering, as the Stitch Diva Simple Bodice pattern with how it emphasizes the waist, thus thickens the waist. Nice use of stitch patterns, however. Would certainly be fun to knit.

Swan Lake Cardigan

Very pretty design, delicate details...but I'm thinking the added tulle at the short sleeve edges would itch like mad. Certainly can be left off. The embossed leaf patterns with the vertical lines give flattering visual interest. The puffed sleeve might be a little too precious for some, however.

Indigo Ripples skirt

In a word, WHY? I don't know anyone who wears hand-knit skirts and this one is a bit vulgar because the lacy lower part comes up too high and leaves little to the imagination. Too much tootie showing.

Slanted Neck Pullover

Extremely basic and the assymetrical v-neck isn't extreme enough to be convincingly intentional. It really needs a bit more angle to the side to make it look like it's not just a knitting mistake.

Rose Halter Top

Again, proportion problems and makes the model look very thick at the waist and droopy in the bust. Quick knit in a chunky yarn but best left for a layering piece for a pre-teen body type.

Clementine Shawl

Nice basic wrap. Would be a good beginner lace project as it's not as vast as the typical lace shawl and it's done in a non-lace-weight yarn so would work up pretty quickly.

Eyelet Rib Bandeau

Major Fug here...hand-knit, button down tube top. Looks like someone hacked up their grandmother's cardigan.

Cable-Down Raglan

My fave in this issue by miles. It's worked in the round from the top, nice, not overdone use of interesting cables. 3/4 length sleeve, which I personally like and would work on a lot of body types with its flattering vertical lines.

Ruffled Surplice

This is the cover design. It's...okay. I think it's done in a too-heavy yarn and I think the cutaway aspect of the other-wise flattering wrap front makes hips look larger. I think a slightly shorter length would be more flattering. And again with the puffed short sleeve...makes it a bit "precious."

Keyhole Top

I don't dislike this from the front, but the back limits its wearability with its very open, low-cut back that prevents wearing a bra, which limits who could actually wear it. The front is actually pretty nice...the keyhole tasteful, the proportions good, but the pinafore back limits it. On the right person, could be done in a dressy/evening yarn.

Cocktail Capelet

Pretty. Just one of those random drapey sort of accessory pieces that would be nice for a strapless, not-terribly-dressy dress or top. Good cable and bobble exercise.

Angela's Apron

It's supposedly "a refreshing change from the ubiquitous tank"...but...it's an apron. It's not a tank substitute. Tanks can be worn on their own. This is an apron. It looks like an apron. Reminds me of junior high home economics projects.

Petunia Tote

Big floopy bag. I prefer knitted bags of this size to be at least somewhat felted so they can actually carry things without stretching all over the place and retain at least a little structure. To me, it looks like a pre-felting bag.

Bauhaus Fair Isle

Pretty straightforward very traditional fair isle sweater knitted in the round using steeks. Perfectly good first real fair isle sweater, if a bit uninspired in its color use. Not comparable to either Starmore's or Feitelson's color language, but certainly a worthwhile project for someone unsure they want to invest in fair isle-specific books or chasing down Starmore books at the high secondary market prices.

Merry Maiden's Dress

Cute child's dress, but I'd limit it to girls on the younger side...6-7 tops.

Rosa's Socks

Nice variation on ribbed socks. Uses the brioche stitch in a 3x3 rib. Not surprised I like it...Grumperina is the designer and she typically has good taste.

Florentine Pillow

Could use better color choices, but overall a cute pillow pattern and would be good for learning intarsia.

So, I'd probably only knit the Cable Down Raglan and the socks and might be motivated to finally try entrelac. Overall, I don't think it's as strong an issue as the previous one.