2011 | Remily Knits

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):

Extreme Double Knitting — this looks so cool!

#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.

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).