Goodbye

(Picture taken from http://www.bestweekever.tv)

It's with a heavy heart that I announce I'm moving home. I'm going to try WordPress for a bit and see how it works out. I've been finding it increasingly difficult to work with Blogger over the last while, particularly with images. It's so slow adding images that magazine reviews in particular have been taking me days to do. 

So, I hope you'll all change your blog reader links, and come visit me in my new home at http://knitinc.wordpress.com/!

Tweedy Goodness

Tweed. Yum. I love tweed, especially when it's Irish yarn. Alice's Rossbeg is flying along, I cast off the body this evening. Here's the back:

And here's the front:

It's coming along great, isn't it? It fits Alice really well too. I'm delighted with it so far. Just the button bands and the sleeves to go!

Last Tuesday at knit night, one of the lovely ladies gave me this ball of Rowan Kid Silk Haze in a gorgeous shade of deep Aubergine purple:

It's a woegeous picture, it's really hard to photograph dark purple in the evening! But you get the idea. Now I have to think of something nice to knit with it! Wasn't it a lovely gift? Knitters are great. :)

Good knitting and have a great weekend!

Contemporary Irish Knits Review

Here's a review of Carol Feller's fantastic new book, Contemporary Irish Knits. I'm excited to do this review, I'm a huge admirer of Carol's talent. Her designs are so beautiful, and are all in a fantastic range of sizes. This book was inspired by the three Irish mills left in operation and the yarns they produce. Her designs are all a modern take on what is considered traditional Irish knitting, lots of yummy cables. One of  my other favourite things about this book is that if not all, then most of the patterns are seamless. I love seamless. Sewing is not my friend :)

All photos are ©Joseph Feller and are taken from the pattern pages on Ravelry. Joseph is a fantastic photographer, the book is peppered with beautiful pictures of the mills and the Irish countryside.

Carol starts with a section on the origin of Irish knitting, and moves on to fit and gauge with an interesting section on ease.

The first mill is Kerry Woollen Mills.There's some gorgeous shots of the outside & inside of the mill and a brief history too.

The first pattern in this section is Killorglin:

 

I love the cable pattern, it looks really snug and warm for the colder weather. The high collar and zipper would definitely keep out the cold wind!

The next pattern is a really gorgeous skirt, Tralee:

Isn't it gorgeous? So sexy and refined. I love it. Unfortunately, not one for me to knit, but this would look just amazing on a slimmer lady. I love the small details, such as knitting it on a tighter than normal gauge so as to prevent the dreaded "butt sag" and the cables hidden in the vents at the sides of the skirt. So clever and sophisticated.

The next pattern is Listowel:

Such an adorable little bolero. This would look really pretty over a cute dress. Alice wants one for Christmas.

Next is Caherciveen:

This is a really great pattern for boys. It's hard to find patterns for older boys, most patterns seem to stop once they hit 2 or 3. As if they wouldn't wear handknits. This looks perfect for the rough and tumble of Autumn! There's a great hood on the back too.

The next section is based on yarns from Cushendale Woollen Mills. I adore Cushendale yarn, really reasonably priced and so lovely to knit with. This is my favourite section of the book. Again there's some lovely photos and a description of the mill and the yarns it produces.
The first pattern is Knockmore:

A really great mens sweater. I love the saddle shoulders and the way the stitch pattern runs all the way down the arm. I'd love to knit this for hubby. This could be his Christmas Sweater...

The next pattern is Ballyragget:

A really lovely twisted stitch hat. I love hats, so comfy and warm on cold mornings! Another definite make for me.

On we go to Dangan:

Isn't this gorgeous? I love it. It's a square blanket/shawl with a really lovely and effective feather and fan edging. So lovely. And I have the exact yarn in my stash! Begging to be knit!


This design is Belville:

This sweater is fab. Slipped stitches make the colourwork pattern which is so effective, but it's the little details I love such as the folded under hem and cuffs to make it look really neat. Just gorgeous.

Another lovely boys sweater, Ballinagree:

You'd know Carol has four boys, her boys designs are really lovely and wearable! This looks really warm and snug, and would look really smart on a little boy. The collar is really cool, but I'm not 100% sure I'd make this, there's an awful lot of reverse stockinette! If I did make it, I think I'd end up knitting it inside out so I could knit instead of purl!

The next pattern is Kilnamanagh:

Such a cute bag! I've never felted before (except by accident) so this could be a good first attempt. I'd knit this to match the purple sweater above, but then I like to be matchy matchy sometimes.

On to Donegal Yarns, best known for their fabulous tweed yarn. More lovely pictures of the mill and surrounds, with a description of the mill.

The first pattern is a star guest, Killybegs:

This pattern is beyond clever. There is no shaping, the honeycomb cable pattern does it all for you! It's such a flattering silhouette, I'm dying to make this.

It also comes with a matching beret, Bundoran:

Really cute and cheeky beret. Very dapper!

This pattern has got a lot of folks talking, Ardara:

This truly is an amazing garment. It would take a lot of commitment to knit it, but it's something that you'd wear all the time. It would be so lovely with jeans as pictured, but I think it would also look really smart over a blouse & work trousers. The colour of the yarn is just divine, too. I adore the cables in this cardigan.

The next pattern is Glengesh:

I love this. it's really dramatic with the wide cable in the centre back, but I bet it's also really snuggly and warm due to the extra fabric from the cables. Wrap this around over a nice dress and you'll be the belle of the ball! Definitely one I'm going to make.

The next pattern is Straboy:

Isn't this a fantastic picture? I love it. The sweater is amazeballs too. So intricate and traditional, yet brought smack bang up to date with the wide centre band that flows around the neck and into the hood at the back. Just brilliant.

The final pattern in this section is one I've already started knitting, Rossbeg:

So cute. Alice can't wait for me to be done so she can wear it! It's flying off the needles, a really quick and easy pattern to remember, yet really effective.

Carol moves on now to independent Irish dyers. She mentions two dyers in particular, Dublin Dye Company (facebook link) and Hedgehog Fibres, both of whom produce really lush yarns. Mmm.

Using Dublin Dye Company yarn is the Dalkey Cowl and Mitts set:

Really nice and simple cowl and mitts that would be perfect for cooler Autumn days. Great for gift giving too, they'd make a great present for someone. Squishy and warm!

Using Hedgehog Fibres, there's the Rathcooney Hat and Fingerless Mittens:

I love the cocoon stich, and the way it almost grows out of the rib that runs up the mitts and hat. Really lovely. I'd say you'd get lots of wear out of this set. I like the hat especially, it looks really snug.

So there you go! Isn't it a great book? Showcasing the best in Irish yarns and Irish design. Who said Irish knitting was all about Aran sweaters? This should convince you that arans are only scratching the surface of the vibrant knitting scene here in Ireland. Thanks so much Carol for such a great book, I'll be knitting furiously!

Good knitting!

Yarn Tasting and Book Launch

A great time was had at This Is Knit last Thursday at their annual Yarn Tasting event. It's so much fun. You get samples of all of their new season yarns along with cake, wine and fun! It was the first one I'd made it to and I loved every minute. Not only was there yarn galore, there was also the launch of Carol Fellers new book, Contemporary Irish Knits. I'd been eagerly awaiting this book for a while, I love Carol's designs.

Here's here stall, with Carol hidden in the background. The photos are not the best, I was kind of dashing round the room taking them. I didn't want to appear too stalker-like.

Carol very kindly signed my book for me. I'll do a review next post, it really is a fantastic book.
There were loads of sample garments knit using other yarns, as well as representatives of the three Irish mills. Lots and lots of eye candy. Feast your eyes!

 

This is only a portion of the crowd that was there, this room was packed full by the time it got started. It was great fun.

 

Hubby was away with work, so I had to bring Alice with me. As she did last week at the HandmAid Charity Fair, she dug in and helped out! Here she is doing her best impression of shop girl. She ran errands all evening for the shop staff.

She also got her modelling on again! Here she is with Carol, modelling her Nepal Wrap. I think I may have to get her an agent soon!

The wonderful Kate Davies was also there, and she gave a talk on her designs as well. A really lovely lady with gorgeous designs. I don't know why I don't have a picture of her, I was sure I took one. Maybe I was too busy oohing and aahing over her designs.

Of course, there was stash enhancement too! This Is Knit had blogged earlier in the week about shawl pins they had begun to stock, and I loved them. I bought this one:

Isn't it lovely? They also had magnetic ones too. Really clean and simple designs, and not too expensive.

Alice flicked through Carols book and asked me to make a cardigan for her, Rossbeg (Ravlink). How could I refuse? She's great, she loves wearing handknits. She picked out this colour herself, and I think it's going to be lovely on her:

Studio Donegal Aran Tweed in a really nice orangey/red shade. And the best bit, it was 10% off! I loves me a bargain :)

Here's my progress so far:

I swatched that night when I got home, and cast on Friday after work. It's going great at the moment, I'm at the point where I split for the sleeves. I'm loving the project so far, it's really easy to follow and the yarn is divine to knit with.

Thanks so much to This Is Knit for a fantastic evening, and especially for being so good to Alice. She really enjoyed herself, and I got to have a great time too!
Thanks Carol and Kate for bringing us great patterns, and for your interesting talks on the night.
Thanks to the Irish mills for producing such fantastic Irish yarns!

Good knitting!

An Ethereal Girl

"Some boys kiss me

Some boys hug me

I think they're ok

If they don't buy me lots of yarn

Then I just walk away"

I couldn't resist the pun on Madonna's Material Girl. Sorry.

Hot off the needles, it's finished! The Ethereal top is finished!

What'cha all think? I'm not wild about it, but I guess it's ok. It looks nothing like I had planned it to.
The sleeves are shorter, the body is much more fitted and there's no real stitch pattern to speak of.
Pattern Deets:
I used the basic instructions from Barbara Walkers Knitting From The Top and  the rest just kind of evolved as I went along. It has a square neck, and I tried to give it an empire waistline. I placed a couple of rows of purl stitches in two bands under the bust to create that and mirrored it at the hem and sleeve ends. Then I increased both sides every 5th round to make it flare out a bit. It's a good thing I did, otherwise it would have been too tight!
Overall, I suppose it's ok, but I'm a bit disappointed if I'm honest. I should be happy as I really did wing it, and it could have been so wrong, but I had hoped it would be a bit more flattering.

Whatever the result, it's ready in time for me to wear to the yarn tasting tomorrow night at This Is Knit. It's going to be so much fun! Samples of all the new season yarns, chatting with the girls, the book launch of Carol Feller's new book Contemporary Irish Knits, an appearance by Kate Davies the designer of the famous Owls sweater and the gorgeous Paper Dolls and special offers & prizes! I cannot wait.

Good Knitting!

Competition Winners

Thanks a million to everyone who commented on my last post! It was great to see what you like/don't like and what could be improved. Looks like I need to change my template, huh? I might use this as an opportunity to move to Wordpress while I'm at it. Blogger has been a bit naughty for a while now.

BUT, that's not what you're here to find out! No! You want to know who has won the goodies, right?

The Random Number Generator plucked this number out of the ether for the skein of Lisa Souza Sock! Merino yarn:



Commenter number 6! That's Two Cables and a Frapp! *Applause*

The second prize of a skein of Knit Picks Shimmer goes to:



Commenter number 2! That's Currantine! *Applause*

So, can the lovely Two Cables contact me by email at knitincATgmailDOTcom to arrange postage, and Currantine, I'll give yours to you at the yarn tasting on Thursday?

Congrats to the winners, and thanks again for celebrating my blogiversary with me. :)

Good knitting!

Happy Blogiversary to Me!

(Picture taken from Searching the Inner Me)
Happy Blogiversary to me! I can't quite believe it, but I have been blogging for 4 years. From August 19 actually, but I only realised it today. Where has the time gone?

It's been a roller coaster ride of fun, not so fun and learning all the way. I've made great friends all over the world and have been privileged to share in their blogging lives too.

In honour of this auspicious birthday, I've decided to have a little bit of a giveaway! Two winners will be randomly selected from all comments left by midnight, Sunday September 4th, and they will receive either of these two lovelies:

Lisa Souza Sock! Merino in the Josephs Coat colourway. There's 560 yards of yummy 100% Merino in there, enough to make anything from socks to shawls and even mittens. I made a pair of Jared Floods scrummy Druid Mittens using just half a skein of this yarn before. Mmm.

The second offering is some lovely laceweight:

Knit Picks Shimmer in the Deep Woods colourway. 440 yards of 70% Alpaca, 30% Silk goodness. This stuff is really squishy and nom.

So, leave a comment telling me what you like best and least about my blog and if there is anything I could do to improve or anything you would like to see added and I'll pick a winner on Monday!

Good knitting!

Taking fugly to a new level

I'm sure you're all aware of this yarn:

Rico Can-Can. If you're not, then I envy you. This stuff has been taking the knitting world "by storm" recently. And by "storm", I mean not in a good way. It truly is evil stuff. But ladies of a certain demographic seem to love it. It produces a ruffle effect, and is mostly used for scarves like this:

Mm. Isn't is classy? Can't you see youself wearing this to all the hottest parties hosted by the Ambassador, or to the first night at the opera? Yeah. This is what the word fugly was invented for. Not a nice word, but apt all the same.

So how come I ended up with some in my stash? Granted it's not the real thing, but it the same thing. I have no idea what came over me the day I bought it. I call it "Only a fiver" syndrome. You know, when something is so cheap (e.g. only €5) that you just can't not buy it. It stank up my stash for a while as I tried to pretend it wasn't there. I should have gifted it to a charity shop I guess, but somehow I didn't, which worries me. Anyway, a couple of weeks ago I was heading out to knit night and I had nothing I could bring with me. My Aeolian shawl is too complicated to knit while chatting, and I had no socks on the go (gasp). So I ran upstairs, opened the woolrobe and stuck my hand in. This is what came out. What could I do.

I cast on 9 sts and got going. It's a fiddly mother to knit with, let me tell you! Here's a link to a YouTube video on how to knit with it. I finished this in my Mam & Dads this morning, and my Mam went positively nuts for it! Bless her heart she thought it was only gorgeous. So I've decided to give it to her for her birthday in October.

As you can see, Alice has taken quite a shine to it too and has begged me to make one for her. Jeeze Louise, I have to make another one??? *sigh* A mothers lot is never an easy one. I have two more balls of it left, so I suppose I'll just look on it as stashbusting.

In other, more respectable knitty news, I cast on for a cardigan last week to go with my new dress.

The pattern is Decimal, from Knitty Spring 2009. I'm using some teal cotton I got recently for it. I think it's coming along nicely!

I also picked up my Ethereal top again. This one is going on too long for my liking. I'm about 75% done on one sleeve with one more to do then I'm done. I hope to have this finished soon. I'm also halfway through my Aeolian shawl. I've finished the main part and am ready to start the edging. According to the designer it uses 45% of the total yarn and I have half left so I'm good to go on the full edging version.

I'd like to have them both finished in time for this. This Is Knit is doing a yarn tasting and hosting the launch of Carol Feller's fantastic new book, Contemporary Irish Knits on Sept 8th. That's 12 days away. Hmm. Maybe I won't get the shawl done., but I really hope to have Ethereal done. I'd love to wear it to the party!

In sad news, my 6 weeks of bliss are over all too soon. Back to work on Monday. I haz a sad.

Good knitting!

Vogue/Designer Knitting Fall 2011 Review

It's review time again! Autumn is upon us already, can you believe it?
Here goes with a review of Vogue/Designer Knitting Fall 2011. I have taken all of the photos from the Vogue Knitting website unless otherwise stated.

I plan on pricing the largest size available for each pattern, as that is the one I would most likely knit. If I can get the yarn in Ireland, I use that price, otherwise Euro prices are US Dollar prices converted, not inclusive of postage.

Substitute yarns I suggest are my own choice, your mileage may vary. I try to use the same fibres as the suggested yarn where possible, but will use others I think would be good if I can't find it. I have used 4 main online Irish retailers for my prices and will vary between them for fairness. I haven't priced anything using mostly acrylic, but if you want me to, let me know in the comments. Also, if you want me to say where I am getting my prices from, let me know too.

Let me say that I love this magazine, and I don't mean this review as poking fun at it, more a light hearted reflection of it, and also maybe it will make the magazine think about the cost of the sponsored yarns it uses and the sizes it offers.

On a side note, a lot of the patterns in this issue use bulky weight yarn. I find it difficult to get here, and so am using Chunky and Super Chunky.. Sometimes I'll switch between them when recommending subs if I think one might be better than another. My advice though, would be to SWATCH before using.

There's another great article from Meg Swansen, this time about short row methods. Great stuff. There's also an advertisement section about sock knitting, called Sock-Cess which has a few nice sock patterns in it.

Again with the no Norah Gaughan design. I haz a sad.

It seems Nancy Marchant is becoming the New Nicky Epstein ™ with her regular column in brioche knitting. This time its a hat. I couldn't find an online picture of it, so you'll have to use your imagination. It's not the worst hat I've seen. The recommended yarn is Aslan Trends Invernal, an angora/merino/polyamide blend. It comes in at $32.70 or €22.72. I'd sub Spud & Chloe Sweater for €23 or Rowan Pure Wool Aran for €19.

Right, on to the meat of the sandwich. Here we go!

The first section is called Masterpiece Classics. "What's a romantic heroine to wear on a windswept moor?" immediately conjures up inages of Heathcliff, Cathy and Kate Bush. The hairdos are pretty special too, they remind me of Helena Bonham-Carter after a mad night out.

First up it's #1 Nordic Gloves by Lone Smevik Soleng:

Size: One size medium

Yarn: Skacel Cashmere Fino 100% Cashmere, 4 skeins

Weight: DK

Cost to knit: $100 or €69.49

€70 to knit a pair of mittens? Not on your nelly. Even if it is cashmere. The design is beautiful though. I love Scandinavian mittens. Lots of subs available for this, try Artesano Alpaca for €22 or Debbie Bliss Andes for €27.80.

Next is #2 Squirrel Cardigan by Yoko Hatta:

 

Size: 4 sizes 36.5 - 48"

Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca 50% Alpaca 50% Wool 215yds/100g, 7 skeins

Weight: Worsted

Cost to knit: $70 or €48.64

 I love this design! Cute little squirrels all over the waistband! Autumn is the perfect time for this when they're gathering up all their nuts. Cute as all get-out. I'd love to make this one. And the yarn is one of my faves too, very reasonable IMO. Subs were hard to find that were less expensive than the recommended yarn, even including shipping from the US so I'd say go ahead & order some. Otherwise how about Artesano Aran for €109.45 or Malabrigo Merino Worsted for €89.60.

Next we have #3 Nordic Cardigan by Shiri Mor:

Size: 2 sizes (!) 32 & 36" Sheesh.

Yarn: Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran 55% Merino, 33% Microfibre, 12% Cashmere 100yds/50g, 11 skeins

         Debbie Bliss Angel 76% Mohair, 24% Silk 220yds/25g 4 Skeins

Weight: Aran and Lace

Cost to knit: Available in Ireland for €63.25 and €35.80 respectively

Seriously, 2 sizes and the largest is 36". It's a fairly standard Nordic style cardigan. I'm not going to bother suggesting subs as you can get the yarn here plus if they can't be bothered working out sizes I can't be bothered working out alternates. Grr.

Moving on swiftly to #4 Oversize Nordic Pullover by Kristin Nicholas:

Size: 4 sizes 38 - 53.5"

Yarn: Rowan Creative Focus Worsted 75% wool, 25% Alpaca 220yds/100g, 12 skeins

Weight: Worsted

Cost to knit: $57.48 or €39.94 on sale. I think this yarn is being discontinued.

Off to a good start using yarn that is being discontinued. But, it means a great price to knit it I guess. I like the diamond within a diamond stitch and the hip band that appears to go in a different direction. A nice sweater, IMO. Sub with Drops Nepal for €85.80 or get the recommended yarn at the bargain price above.

Next we have #5 Colourwork Vest by Cheryl Murray:

Size: 5 sizes 40 - 52.5"

Yarn: Aslan Trends Royal Alpaca 100% Alpaca 220yds/100g, 8 skeins

Weight: Worsted

Cost to knit: $110.80 or €76.99

This one looks interesting. A zipper? Ooh does that mean steeking? I love steeking. I don't like the neckline and I'd have to add sleeves, so basically I'd want a completely different garment that the one pictured. But. Colourwork and steeking and zipper insertion. Oh my. Substitute Artesano Aran for €129.35 or get the real stuff from Jamieson & Smith in Shetland for a measly €63.42. I LOVE Shetland wool.

Have you been noticing the mad Helena Bonham-Carter hair, by the way? Nuts. They must have gone through a ton of hairspray and broken several combs in the lust for backcombed height. The poor models hair probably fell out afterwards from the abuse.

Next it's #6 Snowflake Jacket by Kazekobo. She of the gazillion capes in the last issue. There's also a cowl in this picture, can you find it?

Size: 4 sizes 36 - 48"

Yarn: Muench Yarns Touch Me 72% Rayon, 28% Wool 61yds/50g, 28 skeins. Yes 28 fpr the jacket, 7 for the cowl.

Lana Grossa Silkhair 70% Mohair, 30% Silk 230yds/25g 10 skeins for the jacket, 2 for the cowl.

Weight: Aran and Lace

Cost to knit:  $529.56 or €367.91 for the jacket and $175.65 or €122.04 for the cowl

Hahahahahaha a jacket and cowl combo for €490????????? Oh my God. I think I've had an accident laughing so hard. What a joke. Who are they kidding with this shit? If it was made of Qiviut then maybe it's an acceptable price, but rayon? C'mon. I don't even think I have an opinion on the jacket for that money. As for the cowl, you can't even see it in the picture! Jesus wept. And the yarn name, Touch Me? I think not love, not at the price you charge! You could sub Drops Alaska for the "Touch Me Not" and Lang Alpaca Superlight for the Silkhair at a cost of €89.95 for the jacket and €25.35 for the cowl. But why would you??? 

Onwards (and hopefully upwards) to #7 Nordic Yoke Pullover by Ruth Garcia-Alcantud:

Size: 4 sizes 31 - 37"

Yarn: Brown Sheep Nature Spun Sport 100% wool 184yds/50g 9 skeins

Weight: Sport

Cost to knit: $22.20 or €15.42

Now THAT'S more like it! I love Brown Sheep yarn, and the Nature Spun sport is one I've used a few times before. It's a nice pattern. I like the subtle corrugated ribbing at the cuffs and hem, and the yoke pattern is cute.  You can sometimes get Brown Sheep yarn here, but sub with Rowan Pure Wool 4ply for €52.50 or Drops Alpaca for €34.65 if you like. Shame about the model's trousers though, kinda reminds me of this:

Hammer Time!

The next offering is #8 Fair Isle Hat by Mary Ann Stephens:

Size: One size

Yarn: Cascade 220 Sport 100% wool 220yds/100g 2 skeins

Weight: Sport

Cost to knit: $10 or €6.94

That's great value to knit such a lovely hat. I'm not so sure about the tassel, but the stitch pattern on the hat is lovely. Sub Drops Alpaca for €11.55 or Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino for €23.80.

This is the last offering in the current section. #9 Fair Isle Cardigan by Rosemary Drysdale:

Size: 5 sizes, 34.5 - 56.5"

Yarn: Filatura Di Crosa Zara Chiné 100% wool, 137yds/50g 17 skeins

         Filatura Di Crosa Zara 100% Merino 137yds/50g 1 skein

Weight: DK

Cost to knit: $134.82 or €93.69

Meh. Nothing special. Don't like the really wide buttonband, hate the lazy "fair isle" only on the front. Boring boring boring. This could have been so much nicer. If it's your cup of tea, substitute Debbie Bliss Rialto for €130.90 (or maybe not), Rowan Pure Wool DK for €88.35 or yummy Cushendale DK for a mere €66. Perfect.

A new section now. The excitement! This one is called "Anything but your basic cable!" and all the garments are in pea soup green. Yum. Anyone else humming along to the theme from the Exorcist with me?

The first pattern is #10 Cable Raglan Dress by Sarah Hatton:

Size: 4 sizes 35 - 39.5"

Yarn: Rowan Lima 84% Alpaca, 8% Merino, 8% Nylon 109yds/50g 15 skeins

Weight: Worsted

Cost to knit: Available here for €124.50

This dress is gorgeous. If you're lucky enough to be in the restrictive size range, make it. Honest. It's fab. Love! I'm not subbing with this one as the yarn is so readily available here. I look forward to seeing this on a real knitter soon....

Can #11 Cabled Cardigan by Mari Tobita top the last one?

Size: 5 sizes 34 - 48"

Yarn: Lion Brand Superwash Merino Cashmere 72% Merino, 15% Nylon, 13% Cashmere 87yds/40g 28 skeins. Yes. Another 28 skein project.

Weight: Aran

Cost to knit: $265.72 or €184.65

Sigh. I was all ready to do a Bob the Builder and shout "Yes it can do better!" then I saw the price to knit. Sigh. The pattern is gorgeous though. I love the collar and the length, and the stitch pattern. It's yum. Substitutions using the same fibres aren't much cheaper unfortunately. I think this cardigan might be one that got away. Subs include Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran for €148.75 or Sublime Cashmere Merino Silk Aran for €154.70.

Next we have #12 Cabled Shrug by Devin Cole:

Size: 3 sizes 38 - 43"

Yarn: Prism Symphony 80% Merino, 10% Cashmere, 10% Nylon 118yds/57g 10 skeins

Weight: Worsted

Cost to knit: $180 or €125.08

As with all Prism yarns (as far as I can see) they are very expensive. I'm also not mad about the variegation here, I think it hides all the pattern details. I quite like the front v-neck, but I also spy bobbles on the body. Bobbles & I are not what you would call best friends. Substitute Artesano Aran for €89.55 or Drops Alaska for just €37.50

Our next contender is #13 Wave Cable Jacket by Ellen Ligouri:

Size: 4 sizes 40 - 55.5"

Yarn: Cascade Rustic 79% wool, 21% Linen 196yds/100g 9 skeins

Weight: Aran

Cost to knit: $130.50 or €90.68

I love this one. From the comfy looking turtle neck to the wrapover front to the columns down the front. Yum. I bet this would be great as a coat in the Autumn. Mm.And the yarn cost isn't too bad considering. The nearest I can come to it is Drops Bomull-Lin for €79.80.

The next one is a real doozy. #14 Ribbon Cable Cardi by Helen Sharp:

Size: 4 sizes 34 - 47"

Yarn: Zitron Ecco 100% Merino 120yds/50g 18 skeins

         Skacel Kid Seta 70% Mohair 30% Silk 230yds/25g 9 skeins

         15yds ribbon

Weight: DK and Lace

Cost to knit: €170 Sorry, no $ for this one

Well. What can I say. It's a perfectly nice cardi that has fugly ribbon threaded all the way through it. Huh? How the hell do you wash this without the ribbon getting all staggly? When you sit down the back will be flattened. It's wrong. Just wrong. Shame really, as the cardi itself is ok. I suppose you could make it and leave the ribbon out. In that case, sub with Malabrigo Merino DK & Debbie Bliss Angel for €223.75 (!) or Artesano Superwash Merino & Lang Alpaca Superlight for €132.60.

Has anyone else noticed how many of these patterns so far use a main yarn and a Kid Silk Haze type yarn held together? Why? 

The last in the current section is #15 Ribbed Turtleneck by Pat Olski:

Size: 4 sizes 30 - 39"

Yarn: Plymouth Worsted Merino Superwash 100% Merino 218yds/100g

Weight: Worsted

Cost to knit: $271.92 or €188.96

Wow. Lots going on here. 4 sizes stretched out over 9"? C'mon. The cost to knit isn't unsubstantial either! The sweater itself is nice, if a bit tight fitting for my taste. I like the eyelet detail down the arm. Otherwise it's quite a plain ribbed sweater. Substitute Malabrigo Merino Worsted for €103.50 or Artesano Aran for €119.40 or Drops Alaska for €55.

A new section especially for Vogue's favourite insanely expensive yarn designer, Twinkle. This one is called Stripe it Right and the first offering is #16 Striped Cardi by Wenlan Chia:

Size: 3 sizes 54 - 62"

Yarn: Twinkle Soft Chunky 100% Wool 83yds/200g 12 skeins

Weight: Super Bulky

Cost to knit: $300 or €208.47

I just don't get the appeal of this designer. Everything is baggy, misshapen and huge. Not to mention rediculously expensive to knit! Super Bulky yarn is hard to come by here, so I'm kinda grasping at straws with these sub reccommendations. Knit at your peril. Drops Eskimo for €45.60, Lang Malou for €91

#17 Striped Back Top  by Wenlan Chia:

Size: 3 sizes 40 - 48"

Yarn: Twinkle Soft Chunky 100% Wool 83yds/200g 8 skeins

Weight: Super Bulky

Cost to knit: $200 or €138.98

*Yawn* A cardi that's oversized, But WAIT! It has something different! Oh yes! there's no stripes on the front. Sneaky. *Yawn* Again, sub at your peril with Schoeller & Stahl Filzi for €45.50 or Drops Eskimo for €31.20.

The next section is The Art of Lace. First up is #18 Lace Cardi & Cowl by E J Slayton:

Size: 5 sizes 36.5 - 52.5"

Yarn: Classic Elite Alpaca Sox Kettle Dyes 60% Alpaca, 20% Merino, 20% Nylon 450yds/100g 6 skeins

Weight: Fingering

Cost to knit: $119.70 or €83.18

Pretty lace. I think the colour is seducing me more though, isn't it pretty? As a cardi goes, I reckon this is quite impractical. The cowl would probably do my head in getting in the way and having to keep wrapping it rounf my neck as the cardi moved. Still, it is lovely. Sub with any sock yarn at all, try Drops Fabel Plain for €33.80 or spoil yourself with Malabrigo Sock for €132.65. Yeah.

On to #19 Lace Turtleneck by Blue Alvarez:

Size: 3 sizes 31.5 - 43" BOO

Yarn: Tilli Thomas Sock 90% Merino 10% nylon 400yds/100g 5 skeins

         Tilli Thomas Symphony Lace 63% Mohair, 18% Nylon, 10% Silk, 9% Wool 345yds/85g 3 skeins

Weight: Fingering & Lace

Cost to knit: $173.60 or €120.63

Ooh. how cool is this? It's like one top layered over another, but they're joined. I think this is really interesting. Not that I'd be able to knit it, thanks a bunch for the crappy sizing Vogue. I think this one might require some more research on my part, just to see how it's done. Very ingenious. Sub with Debbie Bliss Rialto 4ply and Debbie Bliss Angel for €110.20

Over halfway there now. #20 Lace Bodice Top by Laura Zukaite:

Size: 3 sizes 40 - 48"

Yarn: Artyarns Beaded Ensemble 85% Silk, 15% Cashmere 125yds/100g 7 Skeins

Weight: Worsted

Cost to knit: $460.25 or €319.84

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA €320 for this? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA I have no more words.

There's no sub for this yarn I could find as it has beads & stuff in it, so just buy any worsted weight yarn and thread the beads on yourself. You'll save a bomb.

#21 Lace Shawl by Candace Eisner Strick has to be better than the last joke:

Size: One size

Yarn: Classic Elite Fresco 60% Wool 30% Alpaca, 10% Angora 164yds/50g 5 skeins

Weight: Sport

Cost to knit: $47.50 or €33

Quite a pretty shawl. Not so sure if that's picot edging I see. If it is, then I doubt I'd be bothered with it. Picot is a pain. The stitch down the centre is cool though. Sub Drops Alpaca for €19.25

Another new section. This one is called All About Ease. First up is #22 Bulky Topper by Mari Lynn Patrick:

Size: 5 sizes 35.5 - 44.5"

Yarn: Zealana Tui 70% Merino, 15% Possum, 15% Cashmere 121yds/100g 8 skeins

Weight: Bulky

Cost to knit: $163.20 or €113.41

I like the neckline, but the rest is rather plain, no? Not my kind of garment. All that reverse stocking stitch would drive me nuts! Sub with Rowan Cocoon for €89.55 or Twilleys Freedom Purity Eco Chunky for €51.35

#23 Cowl Neck Pullover by Maie Landra is next:

Size: 5 sizes 40 - 55"

Yarn: Koigu Kersti 100% Merino 114yds/50g 14 skeins

Weight: DK

Cost to knit: $210 or €145.93

Another laughable cost to knit. Seriously? It's just a long pullover with short sleeves and a turtleneck. I don't understand short sleeves on a heavy outer garment like this. Don't other people's arms get cold? Is it just me? If your arms are nice & warm, then sub with Lousia Harding Merletto for €92.65 or Rowan Pure Wool DK for €59.40.

#24 Lace Belted Cape by Kristin Omdahl:

Size: 1 size *eyeroll*

Yarn: Manos Wool Classica 100% wool 138yds/100g

Weight: Aran

Cost to knit: Available here for €100

Another cape. And in one size. But wait, is it really a cape? It has sleeves like a cardigan, has a belt like a cardigan and is long like a cardigan. I'm confused. I don't like being confused. No subs suggested as I'm just too confused. 

Hopefully #25 Rib Yoke Topper by Anna Cohen will sort my poor head out:

Size: 5 sizes 48 - 56.5"

Yarn: Imperial Yarns Colombia 100% Cotton 220yds/113g 7 skeins

Weight: Bulky

Cost to knit: $119 or €82.69

I quite like this. It reminds me of grandfather shirts from years ago. Looks quite comfy too. The sleeves look a bit flappy but otherwise a nice enough garment. Sub with Drops Ice for €86.40 or Lang Big Cotton for €107.10

I love the name of the next one. #26 Cowl by Vladimir Teriokhin. Does exactly what it says on the tin. Must have taken hours to come up with. Oh, and it's crochet!!! Shock!!:

Size: One size.

Yarn: Bergere de France Fourrure 100% Acrylic 19yds/100g 4 skeins

Weight: Super Bulky

Cost to knit: €28

AHHH Fun Fur Attack!!! Run quick before it melts all over your bebehs and eats your silk stash!!!!!

Evil. That's all I'll say. However, each to their own, so if this is yours, then subbing could be fun. I've never seen a super bulky "fun" fur before, so how about holding two strands of the fun together. Double your "fun"! Try Sirdar "Funky" Fur for €15.80. Or not. I'm not.

Vladimir returns, this time with #27 Jacket. Another ground breaking name.

Size: 3 sizes 52 - 60"

Yarn: Bergere de France Alpaga 70% Alpaca 30% Wool 98yds/50g 24 skeins. !!24!!

Weight: Fingering

Cost to knit: €192

What kind of nutty yardage is that for a fingering weight yarn. 98yds??? Madness. Plus, it's another yarn that's been discontined. Tut tut Vogue, your reasearchers are letting you down. Sub any sock yarn you like for this one, as patterns go it's not that bad at all. Try Drops Alpaca for €46.20.

Down to the final 10 patterns now. Yipee! #28 Cropped Topper by Faith Hale:

Size: 3 sizes 38 - 46"

Yarn: Trendsetter Super Kid Seta 70% Mohair 30% Silk, 230yds/25g 8 skeins

         Trendsetter Vigna 52% wool, 48% Acrylic 104yds/50g 8 skeins

Weight: Lace & Worsted

Cost to knit: $199.20 or €138.42

Seriously, that's €140 for yarn that's half acrylic. Yep. It's a basic open fronted cardigan with short sleeves. Nothing to see, move along please. Sub Lang Merino + and Lang Alpaca Superlight for €70.20 if you must.

The final section now, called What you want now! and the first offering is #29 Hooded Neck Piece by Kalurah Hudson:

Size: 1 size

Yarn: Alpaca with a Twist Baby Twist 100% Alpaca 110yds/50g 8 skeins

Weight: DK

Cost to knit: $288 or €200.14

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA What I want Now? Listen Vogue, What I Want Now is decent patterns at a decent cost to knit. €200 for a balaclava with a thousand buttons on it is most certainly not What I Want Now. ThankYouVeryMuch. Jesus. Sub with Artesano Alpaca for €49.50. And pass me the Valium.

#30 Lace Scarf is next bu Carol J Sulcoski:

Size: 1 Size

Yarn: Buffalo Gold Lux 45% Bison, 20% Cashmere, 15% Tencel, 20% Silk 330yds/40g 2 skeins

Weight: Lace

Cost to knit: $110 or €76.44

It's kind of hard to see the pattern in the picture as the scarf is bunched round the models neck and also hidden by being placed over similar colours. Looks ok though. Sub with Malabrigo Lace doe €19 or Manos Lace for €30.

#31 Textured Hat by Simona Merchant-Dest:

Size: 1 size

Yarn: Jade Sapphire Mongolian Cashmere 8ply 100% Cashmere 100yds/55g 2 skeins

Weight: Bulky

Cost to knit: $82 or €56.98

Boring hat, but I bet it feels amazing knit in 100% cashmere. Although I'd be terrified it would rain or snow and the hat would be ruined! If you are like me but want to knit it, try Mirasol Ushya for €27.90.

#32 Fingerless Gloves by Judy Sumner are next:

Size: 1 size

Yarn: Lornas Laces Shepherd Sport 100% Wool 200yds/50g 1 skein

Weight: Sport

Cost to knit: $13.50 or €9.38

They're fingerless gloves. Cute. I like the wrist ruffles. But am I mistaken or is the stitch pattern the same as Snapdragon Mittens (Ravlink). Well if it is, then these are off my list. I've seen peoples Snapdragons and what the stitch turned out looking like (ladybits). Especially in red. No thank you! If you don't care, then sub with Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino for €11.90

Down to the last 5 patterns! Woo! #33 Leaf Mittens by Pat Olski:

 

Size: 1 size

Yarn: The Fibre Company Canopy Worsted 50% Alpaca, 30% Merino, 20% Bamboo 100yds/50g 2 skeins

Weight: Worsted

Cost to knit: $26 or €18.06

Mittens. I love mittens. Can't get enough of them Not so sure about the bobbles though. Sub Drops Nepal for a steal at €7.80. Might even make me consider the bobbles at that price!

#34 Lace Scarf by Nancy McMillan is next:

Size: 1 size

Yarn: Kauni Wool 8/2 Solids 90% Wool 10% Acrylic 656yds/150g

Weight: Fingering

Cost to knit: $21.60 or €15.01

A pretty scarf. Something I will probably make, you can never have enough scarves in my opinion. I might sub Lang Jawoll Sock for just €8.55, making it even more attractive!

3rd last is #35 Icord Gloves by Karen D Hendrick-Hands:

Size: 1size

Yarn: Misti Alpaca Tonos Worsted 50% Alpaca, 50% Wool 218yds/100g 2 skeins

Weight: Worsted

Cost to knit: $37.60 or €26.12

These remind me a lot of a pair of socks I made Alice from Sensational Knitted Socks, the Crosshatch Lace Socks. I think it's the same stitch pattern. A nice functional pair of gloves. A great Christmas gift knit. Sub Artesano Aran for €29.85

In 2nd last place we have #36 Cabled Leg Warmers by Kazekobo:

Size: 1 size (coz everyones legs up to the knees are the same)

Yarn: Knit 1 Crochet Too Brae Tweed 60% Merino, 20% Llama, 10% Wool, 10% Bamboo 109yds/50g 3 skeins.

Weight: Aran

Cost to knit: $23.55 or €16.36

Hmm. Leg warmers. Do people actually wear these? Wouldn't your feet be cold and lonely without some coverage too? Wasn't Fame years ago? If you want to make these, then never mind the scratchiness, dive in and use Studio Donegal Aran Tweed for just €11.80.

It's the last one! #37 Braided Cowl by Laura Zukaite:

Size: 1 size

Yarn: Mango Moon Capra 70% Mohair 30% Silk 270yds/25g 3 skeins

Weight: Lace

Cost to knit: $37.50 or €26.05

Jeez, I'm sick of typing out the same kinds of yarn over and over. How many projects used laceweight mohair/silk blends? Imagine wearing this round your neck too. Itch itch itch.Apart from that, it's an interesting pattern. I would probably wear it more bunched up though, but I must check it out to see the construction method. Sub with any of the gazillions of mohair silk blends out there like Debbie Bliss Angel for €35.80 or Kid Silk Haze for €39.


So that's it! You've survived another review. Overall I'm quite disapponited (again) in the size ranges, but more so with the variety of patterns in this issue. Not much that I would contemplate and too many that I'd have to sell a kidney to knit.

Hope you enjoyed it, please do tell me what you think in the comments. I'm always looking for feedback and ideas.