Category Fantasy Queue

Fantasy Queue: Summer 2012 Interweave Knits

remilyknits 3 Comments

I was casting about for a subject for this week’s Wednesday post, when what should appear but a Rose-Suchak ladder the Summer 2012 issue of Interweave Knits. The lace shawl on the cover is gorgeous, and I know I’ve already favorited a few patterns as they’ve popped up on Ravelry.  If you’re new to the idea of a Fantasy Queue, here’s how it works:  if you had a generous yarn budget and plenty of time to knit, what would YOU make?  Here’s my list from this issue of IK:

The first sweater that caught my eye is in an ad — Fiona Ellis’ Cable and Rib Top, available free from Cascade Yarns. Alas, no link on Ravelry (as of yet), so I can’t easily add it to my (real) queue.  I’ve worked with Ultra Pima before, and I love my Ruched Yoke Tee. Although I’m not a huge fan of reverse stockinette … I might try flipping the piece and knitting left-handed when long stretches of purl present themselves.  That or Portuguese purling will get me through. I think I’d go for a rich pink, like Deep Coral.

I’ve knit a bit of beaded jewelry, and the Endira Necklace definitely looks amazing! The magazine says it’s worked in Louet Euroflax Linen, but the Ravelry page claims Louet Euroflax Paris.  I hope the magazine is right, because Paris is discontinued! I suspect that the linen content is an important structural part of this piece. A quick search online leads me to believe getting this yarn may be a bit of a struggle, and (worse) I may have to buy an entire cone when this necklace only needs 50 yards.  Hmmm. If it came to that, I’d probably choose a warm neutral color like Champagne, so I could make more than one using different colored beads.

Speaking of unusual yarns, the Greta Headband calls for Handmaiden Sea Three, an aran-weight silk/seacell blend. The designer describes it as “sleek and ultrasoft … drapes like a dream.”  Sounds fantastic, and it had better be at $40 per 100-g skein!  I think I’d go with one of the variegated colorways, like Blackberry.

I’m tempted to try the pattern in CEY Sanibel. I can see it working out ok … and I love the varied textures and colors of this yarn. Maybe Pistachio? It’s certainly a friendlier price — just $10 per 50-g skein.  Even if I ended up needing two, that’s half the price of Sea Three.

I am very much looking forward to knitting Susanna IC’s latest lace confection: Summer Blooms Shawl. I have a newfound love of Malabrigo Lace, so I might pick up some of that … or perhaps I’ll use Alpaca Cloud … I have some leftovers in several colorways.  Now that I think it over … I have 2+ hanks in Tidepool Heather, along with coordinating beads, that were meant for a Laminaria — I think I’ll repurpose that yarn for Summer Blooms!

Speaking of sweet little lace projects, I also really, really like the Pianissimo Mitts. I suspect they’d be light on the hands, yet warm. One might accuse me of invoking any excuse to use Madelinetosh.  I already know how beautiful Jade is in Tosh DK (as used in my Evergreen Beanie) — maybe I could make some pretty matching mitts? Or, as the designer suggests, I could use up some leftover bits of laceweight, since even the larger size only requires 225 yards.

I absolutely love the look of the Seaglass Shell.  So dramatic! Lace in the back, plain in the front; that swooping drape of stockinette framing the lace!  If only I had the body to match, I would be bumping all other projects so I could wear this sleeveless top right away. Alas, I can’t realistically go bra-less, and seeing a bra-strap through that lace would spoil everything.  I’ll console myself by speculating that the gorgeous look of the back can only be maintained by near-perfect posture, and would gap horribly in real life. I’m sorry to say all four patterns in the “clay, cotton, wood, & wool” story seem meant for small-chested girls who can leave bras at home without risking injury or exposure.  Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

So there you have it — my favorites from this issue.  Peruse the mag, browse the patterns on rav — what would YOU make?

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Fantasy Queue: Twist Collective Fall 2011

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At a recent knitting get-together, we were all ooh-ing and ahh-ing over the latest Twist Collective. It all started because C was swatching for a sweater from this issue. We were all curious — luckily S had her new i-pad along, which turns out to be just the thing for browsing an online magazine and sharing with friends.  I don’t know how this great online magazine escaped my full attention in the past, but now I’m properly riveted. Here’s my fantasy queue, if money and time were not limiting factors:

#1 — Boundless ($7)

I like this whimsical cape, even though some at knit night pronounced it “impractical” or “cute, but only on a child.”  I have enough friends who dabble in the SCA or Assassin’s Guild or what-not that it is not too strange to wear a hooded cape…. besides, if I made it in Cranberry Gloss HW, how could I go astray?

#2 — Evendim ($7)

I love the asymmetrical collar and bold lace/cable design.  The stockinette body might just do me in … but then again, I’m getting better at plowing through just that sort of thing (ask me how my Ruched Yoke Tee is coming along…).  I would probably go with some lovely new Wool of the Andes Tweed, maybe in Flagstone Heather?  (Have I mentioned yet that I am in LOVE with the WotA Tweed colorways?)

#3 — Hosta ($6)

This one really catches the eye, right?  Right away I’m thinking … that is some cool double knitting or something, I must try it!  I’d likely stick with the recommended yarn, using this as an excuse to try Madeline Tosh Merino DK,

Fantasy Queue: Fall 2011 Interweave Knits

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I received my Fall 2011 issue of Interweave Knits over a month ago, and although I read it right away, I’m only just now getting around to making up my fantasy queue.  Let’s make this interactive though — tell me true, dear reader, which pattern would you make from this issue, and out of what yarn?

Things I want to try (from articles and ads):

#1 — Strobilus Pullover (p.31)

Mostly I’m intrigued by the construction on this top — biased lace, knit in the round for the body, then split into shoulders that go up and around. I’m not sure if I could pull it off — big chested and all — but I do really like it, at least in theory.   I’d be sorely tempted to try it in KnitPicks Chroma … I guess after my Zaubershawl, I’m on a color-crazy mood.  Maybe Galapagos, or Fossil? Failing that, I might go with the suggested Classic Eliete Ariosa in gorgeous Balsam.

 

 

 

#2 — Dahlia Cardigan (p.76)

I think I’m in love! What a neat way to include lace in a garment! I love the pattern, the construction, the color — everything. This one made it into my for-real queue, and I’ve been right on the edge of buying yarn for it several times. The main thing that’s held me back is the recommended yarn — Serena is an alpaca/cotton blend, something that’s a bit hard to come by. There’s some shops near-ish that may or may not have it, but no indication of what I might have to pay.  I like to peruse online before showing up in a shop and getting hit hard by sticker shock. Provided I could convince myself that all-alpaca yarn would work, I might go with Knit Picks Andean Treasure in their new Royal Heather colorway.

 

#3 — Wheeled Lace Shawl (p.81)

This looks like it would be a fun lace pattern to knit. The edging is put on after blocking … intriguing! I think it would be extra-dramatic in a bold colorway, like Eggplant Aloft (from Knit Picks).

 

#4 — True North Mittens (p.98)

This mittens just want to be made in Knit Picks new WotA Tweed! Colorwork mittens are fast and easy in worsted-weight yarn, and I love the reindeer. I think I’d follow the “customize it” suggestion and swap plum out for deep red.  My palette choices: Down Heather, Rabbit Heather, and Barn Door Heather.

remilyknits Leave a comment

At a recent knitting get-together, we were all ooh-ing and ahh-ing over the latest Twist Collective. It all started because C was swatching for a sweater from this issue. We were all curious — luckily S had her new i-pad along, which turns out to be just the thing for browsing an online magazine and sharing with friends.  I don’t know how this great online magazine escaped my full attention in the past, but now I’m properly riveted. Here’s my fantasy queue, if money and time were not limiting factors:

#1 — Boundless ($7)

I like this whimsical cape, even though some at knit night pronounced it “impractical” or “cute, but only on a child.”  I have enough friends who dabble in the SCA or Assassin’s Guild or what-not that it is not too strange to wear a hooded cape…. besides, if I made it in Cranberry Gloss HW, how could I go astray?

 

#2 — Evendim ($7)

I love the asymmetrical collar and bold lace/cable design.  The stockinette body might just do me in … but then again, I’m getting better at plowing through just that sort of thing (ask me how my Ruched Yoke Tee is coming along…).  I would probably go with some lovely new Wool of the Andes Tweed, maybe in Flagstone Heather?  (Have I mentioned yet that I am in LOVE with the WotA Tweed colorways?)

#3 — Hosta ($6)

This one really catches the eye, right?  Right away I’m thinking … that is some cool double knitting or something, I must try it!  I’d likely stick with the recommended yarn, using this as an excuse to try Madeline Tosh Merino DK.  It’s hard to know what colors might be around, but I’d love a ruddy purple and lime green for this one :).

 

#4 — Twinings ($7)

Yet another gorgeous sweater! This is the one that C was swatching for.  I think I might go for some more Kumara in Thai Purple — I’m using some right now in my Two-Color Cowl, and it is SO soft and lovely.  Perfect for cables, and perfect for wearing right next to the skin.

Fantasy Queue: Knitty First Fall 2011

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A few weeks ago, I was anxiously awaiting the new patterns from Knitty’s First Fall 2011.  Then they came out.  If I sound a little underwhelmed …. well, I am.  I hate to admit it, but this really isn’t my favorite issue of Knitty.  Which is to say, instead of wanting to make nearly ALL of them, only about half call me with their siren song.  I’m used to unremitting “ohhs” and “ahhs” when I page through a new issue of Knitty — this one has a few “hmms” and “uh, what?”  That said, there are many more patterns that I could ever reasonably make, so for this post I answer this question: If I had unlimited time and money, what would I knit, and with what yarn?

Chasing Snakes

Often I’m drawn to complex sock patterns with a whole lot going on. Recently, I learned the folly of my ways … and then up pops this little number. Bold cabling in a non-traditional irregular sinuous pattern zig-zags down the leg, while the rest of the sock takes a background role. If I were being very, very good I would use some of my stashed yarn for new socks … but in my fantasy queue I spring for some Stroll Tonal in “Canopy.”

Double Heelix

Love the unique and interesting spiral heel-first approach on these socks! The pair featured in knitty are striking, but I REALLY love the “flavor 3” variation — especially since it uses Socks That Rock Lightweight in “Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test.” This is the March 2011 sock club colorway, that I’ve already used to make socks and an ipod nano cozy.  I would definitely have to do a Flavor 3 pair for myself — maybe use my sock club coupon to pick up some STR in “Fire on the Mountain” with “Korppi” for the dark background color.

 

Fantasy Queue: Summer 2011 Interweave Knits

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I received my Summer 2011 issue of Interweave Knits a few weeks ago, and although I read it right away, I’m only just now getting around to making up my fantasy queue.  Let’s make this interactive though — tell me true, dear reader, which pattern would you make from this issue, and out of what yarn?

Things I want to try (from articles and ads):

  • Addi Turbo “Natura” tips — bamboo Addis?  I did not know such a thing existed!
  • Lion Brand “Wool Stainless Steel” fiber — sounds really fun and interesting.
  • Square needles — everyone keeps talking about them, so I must try them.
  • “Fern” by Universal Yarns — the “TARDIS” pattern on a pullover, cool!

#1 — Torch Lily Tee (p.36)

I like the collar detail, and tiered columns of lace on this deceptively-simple tee.  I’m also intrigued by the suggested yarn — 100% silk, worsted weight, but tweedy? Heichi sounds really cool.  If I had money to burn, I’d go ahead and get some Heichi in “Fountain.”  More realistically, I think I’d try swatching in Shine Worsted (maybe “Platinum”?) and see if I liked the effect.

#2 — Dockside Cardigan (p.75)

I love the gentle curve of this slip-on cardi.  I know I’d probably die from knitting the lo-o-o-o-ng ribbed edging (twice!), but it would definitely be worth it to have this pretty and useful item in my wardrobe. This begs to be made from KP’s Stroll Tonal sock yarn — I’d  hem and haw and then go with “Thunderhead” (my favorite of the new Tonal colorways).

#3 — Swirl Skirt (p.76)

Let’s pretend for a moment that I could pull off wearing this skirt … it is SO cool.  Such nifty construction: bias! short rows! Cotton yarn and wool yarn in the same project! Cats and dogs, living together!With all that going on, I’d stick with the recommended yarn (and swatch like a crazy person).

#4 — Cumulus Tee (p.78)

This simple tee is designed to show off the amazing leaf edging, and it does its job well.  I’d probably go with Cotlin is “Loden.”

Fantasy Queue: Knitty Spring+Summer 2011

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Oh pretty-shiny! The latest issue of Knitty came out a week or so ago, and as usual there are far too many lovely patterns for me to ever actually knit.  For the duration of this post, I will suspend disbelief and indulge in a fantasy queue.  If I had unlimited time and money, what would I knit, and with what yarn?

#1: Corinne

This is a pretty little swingy cardigan knit side-to-side in garter stitch with short rows for shaping. I love the belled half-length sleeves.  It seems like the perfect throw-on cardi, and good “mindless” knitting too.  To help it stand up daily use, I’d use a superwash yarn.  I think it would show off variegated colorways nicely, so perhaps some Happy Feet DK? Colorway #59, “Gems,” is awfully pretty.

#2: Verdant

I’m drawn to this more for the interesting modified intarsia technique than anything else.  I think I’d be happiest with some gorgeous fall colors, even though this is the “spring” knitty. My favorite go-to lace yarn is Alpaca Cloud, but Knit Picks hasn’t released their 2011 colorways yet, so right now it’s slim pickings. I think I MIGHT make this wrap out of Palette … which would certainly provide a multitude of colors to choose from!

Main Color: Camel Heather

Leaves: Merlot Heather, Salsa Heather, Kumquat Heather, Autumn Heather,

 

#3: Susanna

I love complex cabled and/or lacy socks, and I also love crazy sock colorways.  It’s been a hard lesson, but I have learned over the last half-dozen years that these two loves rarely mix well.  For intricate socks like “Susanna” I will have to stay true to the design and choose a plain colorway that allows the pattern to come to the forefront.  Even a tonal colorway would be too much, but I think I could get away with a heathered color like Basalt Heather (Stroll).

#4: Rivercat

This sock, in contrast, can totally handle a tonal colorway.  I love the big jive-y lines and bold pattern. Since I am in love with Knit Picks Stroll Tonal, I’d pick up some Deep Waters and make this socks in a jiffy.

Fantasy Queue: Spring 2011 Interweave Knits

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A month or so ago, I got an offer from IK that I couldn’t refuse: a year’s worth of subscription, plus the special issue, for just over $20.  You had me at hello! At that price, I only need to use one pattern from each issue to make it worth the purchase price.  Of course I want to make many more things from each issue, so here is my fantasy queue, where price of yarn and time to knit do not factor in.

Oh, one quick thing … based on the yarn review in the magazine, I just ordered a skein of Misti Alpaca Tonos Pima Silk in the “Bahama” colorway, because it just sounds so divine. I’ll let you know if it lives up to the description.

#1 — Echo Reversible Drop-Stitch Moebius (p.18)

Big cables and dramatic dropped stitches worked in chunky yarn on #13 needles — wow! Imagine it in Classic Elite Forbidden — 100% Cashmere! — in the creamy-mocha Caffe colorway.

#2 — En Pointe Pullover (p. 20)

I know spring is all about warm, bright colors this year, but I would still err on the side of caution and choose something more neutral for such a big piece.  What about Alpaca Cloud in Smoke Heather? It may not have the drape of a linen blend, but it is still awfully nice — and one of my favorite lace-weight yarns to boot.

 

#3 — Swirl Crop Jacket (p. 24)

I think I’d use Gloss DK for this one … cozier, and still a crisp yarn with a nice sheen.  Again, I’m not sure I’m up for hot pink.  Instead, I’d go for the still-startling Peapod colorway.

 

#4 — Ruched Yoke Tee – Adult (p. 94)

I’m drawn to the ruching in this one, and the high armholes.  Too often summer sweaters or tees seem to be designed with going bra-less in mind.  I know most models can get away with that, but middle-aged moms of three boys, each breastfed in their turn, do not as a rule go outside the house without a bra holding everything firmly in place.  (You could put an eye out!) I think I might try using CEY Cotton Bam Boo for this one — perhaps in Willow? Bam Boo is sportweight (not DK) so there would be some serious swatching to be done ahead of time.

 

Fantasy Queue: Winter 2011 Knitty

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Every time a new book, magazine, or web-zine of knitting patterns comes out, I have this moment where I wish I had nothing at all on the needles or in my queue, and I could just cast on half a dozen new projects with no guilt and every hope of finishing them all.

The Winter 2011 Edition of Knitty is no exception — there are plenty of patterns that say, “Pick me, pick me! Start-itis be damned!”  This Wednesday at Remily Knits I will indulge this desire by creating my very own Fantasy Queue: all the patterns paired with yarn and who I’d make it for, if I were not constrained by time or money (or housework, or kids, or dogs, or …).

#1 – Palisander

This is the shot that did me in.  Reversible scarves are tricky.  All too often, the pattern isn’t truly reversible — one side is distinctly prettier than the other.  Other patterns are dull (too much knit and purl), or just not attractive in their attempt to be reversible.  This pattern on the other hand … is YUMMY. I love both sides. I know exactly what I’d use too — Knit Picks  City Tweed DK in Toad.  I’d probably use Morning Glory, except that I already have a cozy shawl in Morning Glory.

#2 – Cartouche

One of my complaints about many lace shawls is that they all too often seem more like samplers — two or three pretty motifs, in sequence, with a pretty edging, but lacking any flow from one element to the next.  With this pattern, you can see the thought that went into blending the different motifs, and the result is gorgeous.  I think I’d try Blue Moon Fiber Arts  Marine Silk Fingering in True Blood — not a fiber I’ve used before, but one that begs for a pattern just like this.

#3 – Constantine

This one will probably stay on my fantasy queue forever. Although I love the shape and can imagine wearing the finished cape every day from fall to spring, I know myself well — that much seed stitch would do me in.  In my dreams, I’d use a dark heathered yarn like Ella Rae Classes Superwash Chunky in Berry Heather.  (In real life, I’d get the back, front, and half of one sleeve done before I just couldn’t face it any more.)

#4 – Chrysanthemums

Oh my goodness, I am a sucker for colorwork mittens. Although I admire the subtlety of the sample pair … I think I would go bold with Knit Picks new Chroma Fingering in Smoothie for the main color (background), using Knit Picks Gloss Fingering in Black for the contrast color (flower).  The pinky-orange and yellow flowing colors of Smoothie scream Chrysanthemum to me!

#5 – Sweetheart Socks

I’ll admit, at first I didn’t see what was so special about this pattern … I’ve knit dozens of socks in the last ten years, and it takes a lot to make me excited about a sock pattern.  What drew me in for these sweetheart socks is the novelty of working in worsted-weight yarn (fast socks! my heart leaps!), and the prospect of trying out an afterthought heel. (I’ve done an afterthought thumb, but never an afterthought heel.) I think I’d try Valley Yarns Northampton in Lake Heather.