Vogue/Designer Knitting Early Fall 2011 Review

It's review time again! It feels like only recently I reviewed the Spring/Summer edition, but here goes with a review of Vogue/Designer Knitting Early 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 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 sport weight yarn. This weight is very difficult to get here, we really only have 4ply/fingering or DK. 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 is NO Nicky Epstein section. I am in shock. Maybe they had some big falling out over fees, or maybe she's trapped in an elevator somewhere screaming to be let out, she's missing her deadline. Or maybe she just couldn't bring herself to come up with another two page pile of nothing. Who knows. Either way, I'm not upset.

The Meg Swansen article is amazeballs, as always. This one is all about her new book, Knit One Knit All, which uses previously unpublished EZ patterns all in garter stitch. EZ has published from beyond the grave! Oh happy day. Needless to say I already knew this and my copy is winging its way to me as I speak and I wait with breathless anticipation. NEW EZ!! My cup runneth over.

There's also an interesting article on schematics by Carol Sucolski. But, another disappointment comes in the form of NO Norah Gaughan design. Come back Norah, don't leave me! It's dark and cold here without you.

I downloaded this edition of the magazine using the Vogue Knitting iPad app. The app is free, and the magazine cost € 3.99, a great saving compared to the €7.95 I pay for the print edition. I love the app, they have books and mags available, plus all the patterns have links to the 360 views on the website. Brillo! I don't know if I'll cancel my print subscription, I like having the print issues to flick through, but I could be tempted. We'll see.

Get yourself a cuppa & a biscuit and let's get going, shall we?

The first pattern is #1 Brioche Socks by Alexandra Richards:


Size: 7.5" foot circ
Yarn: MadeleineTosh Tosh Sock, 2 skeins
Weight: Fingering
Cost to knit: $49 or €33.44

I love these socks. But then, I'm a sucker for socks. If I were to make these, I think I'd make them regular sock length. I've done knee high socks once, and that was enough for me, thankyouverymuch. Sub any sock yarn you like for these.

The first section is called Into The Woods, and is a spin on Red Riding Hood's cape. The first pattern is #2 Pompom Capelet by Kazekobo:


Size: 5 sizes, 38.5 - 50.5"
Yarn: Kauni Wool 100% wool, 656yds/150g, 3 skeins
Weight: Sport
Cost to knit: $61.50 or €41.98

I don't do capes/ponchos. This section is going to be hard to review for me. I think the shaping (if there is any) in this is awful, it's basically just a large tube to stick yourself into and a couple of pompoms dangling from it. Meh. Sub Cushendale 4ply yarn for just €34.50 if you dare.

Next is #3 Reindeer Capelet by Kazekobo again:


Size: 6 sizes 49 - 54"
Yarn: Manos del Uruguay Wool Classica 50% wool 50% merino, 138yds/100g, 7 skeins
Weight: Aran
Cost to knit: $97.65 or €66.79

Whenever I see colourwork reindeer, I think of this rather naughty pattern (Ravlink). I know which one I'd rather knit! It's not a bad pattern, I suppose, I like the dark & light reds together. But still, meh, a cape. Sorry. Sub with Debbie Bliss Cashermino Aran for €57.50 or Drops Alaska for a mere €30.

Next is #4 Tied Capelet by Kazekobo again. Seriously. 4 out of the 30 designs in this mag are by the same designer. What's that, 13% of the patterns in the mag by the one person? I feel a Josh Bennett coming on soon.


Size: 4 sizes, 44 - 56"
Yarn: Lornas Laces Shepherd Worsted 100% wool 225yds/113g, 3 skeins
Weight: Aran
Cost to knit: $57 or €38.98

A nice cable design, I'll give it that much. But again, it's just a tube you shove your head through. When you pull the string at the top I bet it bunches up and looks pants. Sub with Blue Faced Leicester for €24 or Brown Sheep Lambs Pride Worsted for €37.

Last of the same designer, #5 Cabled Capelet by Kazekobo:


Size: 5 sizes, 38 - 51.5"
Yarn: Plymouth Taria Tweed 40% merino, 30% silk, 30% Llama 135yds/100g, 5 skeins
Weight: Bulky
Cost to knit: $75 or €51.34

An interesting yarn combo. I'd like to try this yarn if it were available here. What's around the models neck? Is it some kind of feather boa? I think this pattern is awful. Anyone with any kind of a bosom would look ridicuous with this spread either side of it like a landing strip. Never mind if it were windy, it'd be flapping over your shoulders all the time. Batman is not a good look when running for a bus. Sub with Rowan Cocoon for €59.70 or Lambs Pride Bulky for €55.50.

The last pattern in this section is #6 Zippered Cape by Mari Lynn Patrick:


Size: 3 sizes, 26 - 30" (huh?)
Yarn: Knit One, Crochet Too Nautica 85% Microfiber 15% Nylon, 98yds/50g, 9 skeins
Weight: Aran
Cost to knit: $45 or €30.81

Am I right, is this yarn acrylic? If so, that's crappy yardage. Out of all the capes I like this one the best. I think the stitch pattern is great, and the shaping is probably the most flattering. Such a shame about the weird sizes. Sub away with any Aran acrylic, or spoil yourself with natural fibres for less than the recommended yarn using Drops Nepal for €28.60 or Kerry Woollen Mills Aran for €29.25

On we go to the second section, Magical Mohair. The first pattern is #7 Mohair Lace Dress by Laura Zukaite:

Size: 5 sizes, 27 - 40"
Yarn: Artyarns Silk Mohair 60% mohair, 40% silk 312yds/25g, 5 skeins
Artyarns Beaded Mohair 73% silk, 27% mohair 114yds/50g, 2 skeins
Weight: Lace and Worsted
Cost to knit: Brace yourselves. $224.53 or €154

Wowza. That's an expensive "dress", considering you'd have to wear something underneath it to cover your modesty. It is pretty though. Perhaps modified into a cardi or just the top half? Subs were interesting for this one. For the lace, try Manos Lace for €40. The worsted was very difficult to sub. I ended up giving up and suggest Rowan Kid Silk Haze for €69.65. A weird combo, I know. BTW, what's around the models neck? Is it some road kill she found in the forest?

Moving on swiftly to #8 Sheath and Wrap by Lynette Meek:



Size: 5 sizes 35 - 47.5"
Yarn: Hand Maiden Maiden Hair 67% silk, 23% mohair, 10% nylon 200yds/100g, 6 skeins
Fleece Artist Montague 70% mohair, 30% silk 550yds/125g, 4 skeins
Weight: The hand maiden is sport, I don't know what the Fleece Artist is.
Cost to knit: Couldn't find a price for the Fleece Artist, the Hand Maiden is a whopping $234 or €160.18

This is bat shit crazy stuff. The model looks like she's on crack. It's beautifully knit though, and makes the most of the yarn's colouring. But still. Bananas. This would have looked brilliant at Woodstock. I could find no details at all about the Fleece Artist yarn, Ravelry doesn't have it, and googling for ages turned up nothing else other than the fiber content. So, subbing is impossible.

On we go to #9 Bobble Tunic by Monica Hofstadter:


Size: 4 sizes, 24 - 36" waist. A waist measurement for a tunic? Huh.
Yarn: Malabrigo Lace 100% merino, 470yds/50g, 2 skeins
Rowan Kidsilk Haze 70% mohair, 30% silk 229yds/25g, 4 skeins
Cascade Kid Seta 70% mohair, 30% silk 300yds/25g, 4 skeins
Weight: All lace weight
Cost to knit: Malabrigo lace is available here for €19, as is the kid silk haze for €39. The Cascade costs $46.40 or €31.75

I kinda like this, in a mad I'd-never-wear-it-but-kinda-wish-I-could kind of way. But, why on earth are both KidSilk Haze and Kid Seta used? They're identical! If I didn't know better, I'd think the mag had made a typo and forgotten to leave out a potential yarn sponsor. Just use all KidSilk Haze with the Mal lace and you're good to go.

The next designer has a section all to her little self. Anna Sui. Again with the obsession with one designer. The first offering is #10 Flower Hat:


Size: 21" head circumference
Yarn: Cascade Heritage 75% merino, 25% nylon 437yds/100g, 6 skeins
Cascade New Kid Seta 70% merino, 30% silk 300yds/25g, 6 skeins
Weight: Fingering and lace
Cost to knit: $141.60 or €96.92

WTF. I mean, seriously. I know you could make this for peanuts by using up leftover sock scraps but would you really want to? This takes hideous to a whole other level imo. *Shudder* Sub with leftovers, or use Schoppel Wolle Solid Sock for €41.70 and Lang Mohair Luxe for €69.50.

Next is #11 Flower Vest:


Size: 2 sizes (!) 30 & 36"
Yarn: As above
Weight: as above
Cost to knit: $153.60 or €105.13

Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse, there's a top to match the hat. So, you can look like a hippy all over! I reckon those flowers would catch in everything too. Your heart would be broken picking jewellery, door handles, zippers and small children out of them. You could sub with the same yarns as above, for a total of €118.15. Yarn scraps might be preferable.

Skipping along nicely to the pick of the issue for me, #12 Granny Square Vest:


Size: One Size. Yes. ONE.
Yarn: Filatura Di Crosa Zarina Chine 100% merino 181yds/50g, 3 skeins
Filatura Di Crosa Zarina 100% merino 181yds/50g, 13 skeins
Weight: Sport
Cost to knit: $163.92 or €112.21

Oh my, where do I start? I love musicals. One of my favourites is Joseph and the amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. I don't love it enough to wear the dreamcoat though. This would look perfect on one of the Brady Bunch, maybe the one who hates Marsha, I forget her name. Perhaps I'm being a tad cruel. I do like the granny squares on the front, they could be salvaged into something slightly less horrific perhaps. If you are a fan of both the Brady Bunch & Joseph, you could sub with Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino, for a total of €130.90. You'd have to really love those shows for that though, yarn scraps might be preferable. Also, why the two different yarns? I don't know what the difference between them is. Either way, this is going on my mood board under the heading good for a laugh.

A new section now, Easy Knits, Easy Fits. The first offering is #13 Cowl by Faith Hale:


Size: One size
Yarn: Bergere de France Mohair and acrylic, polyamide, mohair blend. 98yds/50g 2 skeins
Weight: Aran
Cost to knit: This yarn is discontinued

Seriously. Discontinued yarn? Ugh, sloppy. Not much to be said about this, it's a nice cowl, with an easy stitch pattern that looks well. Sub with Lang Mille Colori for €7.90 or Malabrigo Merino worsted for €11.50.

Onwards to #14 Scoop Neck Top by Faith Hale again:

Size: 4 sizes 51 - 63" (!)
Yarn: Bergere de France Origin Bambou 100% bamboo 87yds/50g, 14 skeins
Weight: Sport
Cost to knit: $154 or €105.48

hahaha. What a price. The more observant of you will notice it's the same picture as the cowl above. Nice. So, you can't see the neck coz of the cowl and you can't see the body coz of the monster handbag. Hmm. Looks fishy to me. If you like knitting in the dark and the surprise of how the garment will actually look at the end, sub with Artesano Alpaca 4 ply for €38.50. Go on. I dare you.

Next we have #15 Cropped Pullover by Lori Steinberg:


Size: 4 sizes 33 - 45"
Yarn: Berroco Bonsai 97% bamboo 3% nylon, 77yds/50g, 16 skeins
Weight: Worsted
Cost to knit: $104 or €71.23

I love the models facial expression in the pic on the right, she channels the voice of Zsa Xsa Gabor in my head. "Dahlings, don't I look simply splendid? Achieving this level of beauty takes a looong time. With one pout I can have all the men under my spellllllll". I like the jumper, but the sleeves are mad stuff. Too short and too wide at the bottom. If I were to knit this, I'd rectify the sleeves and add several inches to the length. Subbing was difficult, as this is a tape yarn. I thought perhaps Rowan Pure Wool for €66.50 or Drops Bomull Lin for €58.80 could work.

Next we have #16 Boucle Vest by Lori Steinberg:


Size: 3 sizes, 18 - 22" back with. (I know, weird, huh?)
Yarn: Be Sweet Boucle 100% merino, 120yds/50g, 20 skeins
Weight: Bulky
Cost to knit: $320 or €219.11

OMG. I'm in shock at the price. So much so I think I need a drink to recover. Seriously? I know Be Sweet have a great ethical policy, but sadly I can't afford to agree with it. That's mad money. Plus, I can sub with Irish spun Cushendale Boucle Mohair for €76.45. Not that I would, though. Look at how big the models hips look. Yeah. I probably wouldn't fit through a door wearing that.

The last pattern in this section is #17 Tapered Pullover by Renee Lorion:


Size: 5 sizes, 36 - 52"
Yarn: AslanTrends Artesanal 40% cotton, 30% nylon, 30% alpaca 218yds/100g, 6 skeins
Weight: Aran
Cost to knit: $61.14 or €41.88

I like this jumper. It's a pity the model is clutching herself and hiding the bustline though. It's simple and pretty, possibly one I would make. This yarn is great stuff too. It's not the first time I've noticed how keenly priced AslanTrends are. I might seek some out when I head to the States. In the meantime, I'd probably sub with Artesano Aran for €99.50, or maybe not. How about Drops Nepal for €41.60? That's more like it.

Our next section is Inversion Therapy. Sounds like a torture technique. The onlyoffering is #18 Cable Rib Jacket by Vladimir Teriokhin:


Size: 3 sizes 46 - 54"
Yarn: Schulana Sumerino 100% merino, 93yds/50g, 27 skeins (!)
Weight: Aran
Cost to knit: $348.30 or €238.60

Now I'm angry. Seriously, wtf is that price. That's absolutely outrageous. Shame on you Vogue for that kind of shitty yarn sponsorship. No way in hell will I ever spend that on a garment. I like the cable pattern and the front collar, but the drop shoulders enormous sleeves are awful. You'd probably save a ton of yarn by making them actually fit. Sub with Drops Alaska for a far more reasonable €77.50. I bet it will look better too. Sheesh. What a rip off Vogue.

Moving on swiftly to more pleasant (hopefully) offerings, another section called Lace Noir. Very French. First we have #19 Lace Pat Cardigan by Lisa Hoffman:


Size: 4 sizes 37 - 50.5"
Yarn: Koigu Mori 50% silk, 50% merino 185yds/50g, 12 skeins
Weight: Fingering
Cost to knit: $180 (on sale) or €123.37

Another expensive knit. It's pretty though without being too busy. I like it. You could sub any sock yarn you like, I don't think the silk is a must ingredient. In fact, it'd probably wear better without it. If you do want to go fancy, how about Sublime Baby Cashmere Silk 4 ply for €75 or Artesano Alpaca 4 ply for €60.50.

#20 Lace Vest by Kristin Omdahl is next:


Size: 2 sizes (tut tut) 35 & 38.5"
Yarn: Tilli Thomas Symphony 63% mohair, 18% nylon, 10% silk and 9% wool 345yds/85g, 3 skeins
Weight: Lace
Cost to knit: $117 or €80.10

Hmm. Not my kind of garment I confess. I really don't like gaping fronts like that, as I'm sure you're sick of me saying. The stitch pattern is pretty though. Sub Tilli Thomas Beaded Lace for an crazy expensive €167.65 or save a bundle and add your own beads to some Einband Lopi Laceweight for a ridiculously cheap $19.75. What a bargain.

Next we have #21 Lace Trimmed Top by Shiri Mor:


Size: 4 sizes 33 - 38.5" (boo)
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino 55% merino, 33% microfibre, 12% cashmere 137yds/50g, 13 skeins
Debbie Bliss Angel 70% mohair, 24% silk 220yds/25g, 3 skeins
Weight: Sport & Lace
Cost to knit: Both are available here, for €104.20

I love this. It reminds me of Victorian costume dramas like Cranford or Bleak House. I think it's the waistband that does it. It's fab. I wish I could make this, but alas, it's only offered in wee-people sizes. *sigh* I might see if I can deconstruct the waistband and add it to a plain seater or cardi though, I think it's a great detail. If it will fit you, please make it so I can see it & poke it in real life!

On to #22 Lace Jacket by Iris Schreier:


Size: One size. They say it fits "most" Yeah. Boo.
Yarn: Artyarns Beaded Mohair 73% silk, 27% mohair 114yds/50g, 2 skeins
Weight: Worsted
Cost to knit: $76 or €52

Another nice lace top that's sod all use to me. One size fits most. Mumble, grumble. Lazy if you ask me. Like before, I'd use a plain yarn and add my own beads to it. Cushendale Mohair is only €13.90 fer Gawds sake. That's a gift price.

Our final section (Yay! I hear you say) is Knit Construction. No, there are no naked sweaty builders, alas. The first pattern is #23 Welted Pullover by John Brinegar. Another VK regular:

Size: 3 sizes 35 - 41"
Yarn: Trendsetter Victory 77% nylon 23% cotton, 85yds/50g, 18 skeins
Weight: Worsted
Cost to knit: $171 or €117

Another discontinued yarn as far as I can see. Sheesh.
€117 for acrylic? No thank you. But, what the eff is the model wearing on her legs? Are they some sort of industrial suspenders, leg braces or heavy metal rocker type chaps? God alone knows. As for the pattern, I like the v neck and the sleeves. I think if I were to knit it, I'd a) wear normal person trousers, and b) make it into a waist length jumper. Sub for natural fibres for a fraction of the price with Kerry Woollen Mills Aran for €48.75 if you agree. Otherwise, knit with an acrylic blend to avoid the dreaded derriere sag.

#24 Drop Shoulder Top by Rosemary Drysedale is next:


Size: 6 sizes, 43 - 58"
Yarn: Prism Tencel Tape 100% tencel 10yds/50g, 13 skeins
Weight: DK
Cost to knit: $193.05 or €132.10

Prism yarns are something else when it comes to pricing. Really and truly. All their stuff seems like mad money. For tencel? Nah. As far as I can see, this pattern is a plain ol sweater with a "design feature" that looks like a rip in the rib with some shaping above it. If it were me, I'd be afraid people would think I'd put on some weight and had to cut the rib in order to make it fit. but then I'm weird like that. Maybe you like it. If so, sub with Drops Safran for a mere €27 or King Cole Bamboo Cotton for €34.65.

On to #25 Cabled Poncho by Daniela Nii:


Size: 3 sizes, 66 - 77" (I kid you not. It must be a length measurement)
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Melange 100% Alpaca 110yds/5og, 19 skeins
Weight: Sport
Cost to knit: $182.40 or €124.86

Another mental price. And another poncho/cape thingy. Did we not have enough earlier on? Apparently not. I like the cable pattern, it could be a nice sweater if you cut out the plain bits on the side & sewed it up! Sub with Artesano Alpaca for €60.50 or Drops Alpaca for a nicer €42.35. I won't be.

On to the final 5 patterns! Yay!
#26 Boatneck Top by Sinje Ollen:


Size: 3 sizes, 50 - 67" (?)
Yarn: Classic Elite Silky Alpaca Lace 70% Alpaca 30% silk, 440yd/50g, 8 skeins
Weight: Lace
Cost to knit: $87.60 or €59.93

I love this. I wish I could wear it. It's a gorgeous stitch pattern, and sits beautifully. Over a white summer dress I think this would be fab. I love the detail on the arms, too:



It's just great. What a shame I can't make it. Although, those bananas measurements are stated to be bust measurements. Hmm. Dare I? I could sub Manos Lace for €80, Malabrigo Lace for €76, or maybe make it in sock weight yarn for a larger, drapier look?

#27 Striped Tunic is next, by the one and only Josh Bennett! I knew he'd show up eventually!


Size: 5 sizes, 47 - 55"
Yarn: Brown Sheep Lambs Pride Worsted
Weight: Worsted
Cost to knit: Available here for €92.50

Meh. It's a bit manly for me. Plus, I hate contradictory garments. If it's cold enough to want a long sweater with a turtleneck, why the hell make it with short sleeves? If you like it, sub with Kerry Woollen Mills Aran for €58.50.

#28 Colorwork Poncho by Deborah Newton is next:


Size: 4 sizes 39 - 46.5"
Yarn: Pear Tree Yarn Supersoft 10ply 100% merino 180yds/100g, 17 skeins
Weight: Aran
Cost to knit: Brace yourselves. Get a chair or a coffee or a stiff drink ready. $442 or €302.50

OH MY GOD. €302 for another effing poncho? Who the hell do you think reads this magazine, the queen or Melinda Gates? That's just tipped the crazy scales. For real. The stitch pattern is your lovely basic Norwegian style colourwork, so why the lunatic price? If it were knit with Qiviut I might understand, but merino? One thing I am thankful for is it saved me from having another poncho pattern rant. That must be 10 poncho patterns in this issue. Jesus. We'll all look like Clint Eastwood in those western movies this Autumn, a knitty posse all wearing ponchos and chewing cheroots. If you like the garment, sub with the regular sub Kerry Woollen Mills Aran for €87.75 or Drops Alaska for €95.

Our penultimate pattern is #29 Long Vest by John Brinegar again. New designers will never get a look in the way Vogue over use the same ones again & again:


Size: 6 sizes. Back measurements 15.5 - 25"
Yarn: Rowan Lima 84% alpaca, 8% merino, 8% nylon 109yds/50g, 17 skeins
Weight: Worsted
Cost to knit: Available here for €144.50

It's a long straight vest with a seed stitch border. Nothing else. Yawn city. And for €144? I could do WAY better myself. If you like the simplicity of it, sub with Lang Merino + for €82.65.

It's the last pattern! Hurrah! #30 Relaxed Cardigan by Mari Lynn Patrick:


Size: 6 sizes, 34 - 45"
Yarn: Zealana Heron 80% merino, 20% possum 109yds/50g, 19 skeins
Weight: Worsted
Cost to knit: $169.67 or €116.15

This could have been so much more I feel. I like the collar and the closure method with the band of ribbing, but it's so shapeless it turns me right off. I could see that just hanging down from my boobs in a most unflattering way. An almost success. Plus the yarn price is another doozy. Sub with Drops Nepal for €67.60 if you like, but I'd be inclined to try and add some shaping to the waist.

So that's your lot! The over riding impressions for me from this issue are ponchos, really expensive yarn, poor sizing and over exposure to some designers. There are a couple of interesting garments with one I want to make but compared to the Spring/Summer issue, I think it's a bit of a let down. Here's hoping they improve for Winter.

Let me know what you think, and if you'd like to see any changes to my reviews.

Good knitting!

Green Fingers

It seems Dublin knitters have become somewhat obsessed with growing your own veg, and this house is no exception. A discussion started some while ago about growing veg and a few of us decided to give it a go.
I think I posted before about what we planted, so here's an update.

We have peppers!:


I planted 4 different varieties of peppers, from sweet to spicy Jalapeno. We tried these ones before last year, and nothing grew. It seems we got a bit luckier this year. These are the ones we transplanted today, and there are loads more left over that we put into pots outside.

These are courgette and broccoli. Every single seed that we planted has germinated and thrived, so they're all over the place! I have some in this Belfast sink:



And here's just a taster of the others. There's sunflowers there too.



We also planted a herb pot of coriander, parsley, chives and something else I can't remember now. I'm too lazy to get up & go find out. :)

There was a sad discovery made in the garden:



Aww. A whole birds egg. I think it's a robin egg? I wonder what happened to it. Poor little thing.

While hubby & Alice were busy in the garden, I got busy in the kitchen. I'm sure I've mentioned it loads of times before, but I love this man:


We discovered him several years ago when in the States on holidays, and have since acquired every single episode of his show, Good Eats (recently ended, BOO). He's a brilliantly witty chef, who disects a different ingredient each episode and comes up with the most amazing recipes.

I made an apple pie:



Yep. No-one could wait long enough for me to get a photo of the whole one. ;)
I'm also making his southern fried chicken for dinner, with buttermilk biscuits. Biscuits in the States are like scones, but lighter and way more NOM. I can't wait! The chicken takes ages (soak for 12 hours in buttermilk before cooking) but Oh. My. God. it is so worth it. I'm drooling just thinking about dinner tonght!

Just so you don't think I've lost my knitty marbles altogether, I started on a sock:



I posted previously that Mam had picked out a pattern and I was going to make it, but that fell by the wayside. I was out meeting a lovely knitter from Australia with some Irish knitters and also CosmicPluto recently. We went for dinner, and of course all took out our knitting. Not having the pattern with me, I just cast on a foolproof 64 sts and ribbed a bit. So, I had to go back to the book and find a pattern that matched! I came up with this one. Waving Lace Socks by Evelyn A. Clark from Interwave Favourite Socks. That'll do nicely.

I recently downloaded the Vogue Knitting App onto my iPad. You can download issues of the magazine there, so I nabbed the Early Fall issue that came out last week. It was only €3.99! Great stuff. I'll still get the print issue though, I think. I like keeping the print mag. We'll see. Anyway, you know what that means! I hope to get the review done this week.

Good knitting!

Not so Granny

I'm almost finished my granny square experiment:



I think it's gone really well, I'm delighted with it! I've used up all my acrylic bits & bobs. I enjoyed making this so much, I just kept going & going! It's really hypnotic. Definitely not the last one of these I'll be making, and the next one will be more colour co-ordinated :) This one is a bit mis-matched, I just grabbed whatever I had lying around and used it up, from the smallest quantity upwards as the blanket got bigger & bigger.

One thing I would like to do, though, is a nice edging on it. It's not lying flat for me. Anyone have any ideas? I don't know what do do with the blanket once finished, either. Should I gift it? Hmm, but who to?

It's been a busy week here, as you can tell from my dismal lack of posting. We had the Queen last week, and Barack Obama on Monday. This resulted in road closures all over the city and made my life hell trying to get in & out of work. Plus, Alice's school is in the city centre and they were forced to close for two days by the police for "safety reasons". Great. I didn't get the same luxury, even though I'm in Government Buildings! It meant I was stuck with no-one to mind her. Mother in law to the rescue! Maybe I should give her the blanket as a thank you?

I did get to see both of our distinguished guests. The Queen visited the Dáil (Government Chamber) one of the days, and my office overlooks the courtyard into it so I had a good view out the window. No pics, sadly, I was a bit of a dunce and didn't think about it until it was too late.

I did, however, get some pictures of Barack Obama. He made a stop in a hotel directly across the street from my office, and I was practically hanging out of the window taking pictures on my phone as the secret service snipers watched me through binoculars :)



Not the greatest picture, I know, but my phone is as old as the hills, and it was taken through a window. It was great to see him, if you remember I'm a big fan & made sure I was in the States for his election in 2008.

So, now that our esteemed visitors have left, hopefully things will get back to normal.

Oh, I almost forgot! I was in the Dáil today monitoring a debate and I made sure to bring my sheep folder with me :) I held it in front of me so I could be sure it made itnto the tv! One of the Ministers was looking at it quite intently during the debate. Maybe he likes sheep too?

Good knitting!

Extra Curricular Crafting

I went online shopping a few weeks ago. I blame it all on Maria, one of the girls in my knitting group. She is a MasterCrafter in my opinion. There is no craft she cannot turn her hand to without spectacular results. You name it, she does it. Quilting, Embroidery, Sewing, Knitting, Crochet and box-making. She brought an example of the latter up the other week, and I was smitten. I went home armed with the website addresses, and a couple of weeks later, two parcels arrived.

The first was fabric from E-Quilter:





Isn't it the shizz? I got a yard and a half of each for a total of $27 incl postage. Love.

The second parcel was the box kits from Dreamboxes:

I got a kit to make an A4 pad holder:



I also got a kit to make a Pencil holder:



These beauties are going to brighten up my office no end. I think I paid about €45 for the kits. So, today I got crafting. It took me almost all day, but I finished the A4 pad holder!



Isn't it fab? You slot your pad in on the right hand side, and the left side has a flap for notes etc.



I can't wait to bring this baby to my next tax meeting. This should brighten up the dull discussions! Oh yes, I can bring it to tax.

I also got this notepad. I couldn't resist adding to my sheep collection/obsession.



Remember at the beginning of my post I mentioned Maria, the MasterCrafter? Well, her talents know no end. She finally managed to teach me how to crochet a Granny Square. I can't tell you how long it has taken me to finally master this. I think it was a mental block thing. No matter how many times I tried I just couldn't get it. Well, now I have! Booyah!



Good knitting!

Interweave Knits Summer 2011 Review

It's review time again! Here we go with Interweave Knits Summer 2011. I have taken all the photos from the Interweave Knits 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 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.

This issue has lots of linen in it again. They only had a linen section in the Spring issue. Hmm, yarn companies must be really trying to push linen yarn at the moment. I find linen very hard to work with, and equally hard to substitute for (not to mention expensive). I've tried my best to find good subs, but there's not a lot of linen yarn available here.

First the articles. There's an interesting piece on linen fibres and the differences between them. Same for silk. There's also an article on designing your own pictorial lace charts, and a nice interview with Kathy Zimmerman. I love Kathy as she almost always uses cables. Cables are the shizz.

Right, on to the patterns! This is what you came here for, right?
The first section is called Lace Goes Afield. The pictures in the magazine for this section are really annoying, there's a kind of watermark on the pages that they probably think looks cool, but it makes it hard to see the close up stitch pictures.

The first pattern is Coral Cardigan by Nancy Eiseman:


Size: 6 sizes, 33" - 51"
Yarn: Classic Elite Classic Silk 50% cotton, 50% silk, 20% nylon 135yds/50g 11 skeins
Weight: DK
Cost to Knit: $87.45 or €61.12

Not the most auspicious of starts for this issue. It's ok, I suppose, the lace part is ok; but the garter stitch band looks all wrong. I think the way it gets really wide at the middle makes the model look chunky. Like the fabric is really stretched to fit. The sleeves are a bit puffy too. Those things could be easily enough remedied though. Subs could be Garnstudio Silke-Tweed for €40.25 or Debbie Bliss Amalfi for €66.50

The second offering is Greenhouse Tank by Deborah Newton:


Size: 5 sizes, 35" - 51"
Yarn: Manos del Uruguay Serena 60% alpaca, 40% cotton 10yds/50g, 8 skeins
Weight: DK (although Ravelry members report it is a very light DK)
Cost to knit: $104 or €72.67

This isn't too bad. A nice simple yet effective lace pattern. Shame about the no sleeves, and the buttons up the side. I don't really get them. But, it's a nice detail from an otherwise plain-ish top I guess. I suppose my overall verdict isn't too exciting, but ok. You could sub with Louisa Harding Willow Tweed for €65.45 or Rowan Felted Tweed for €55.60.

Next is the Torch Lily Tee by Pam Powers:


Size: 5 sizes 32" - 51.75"
Yarn: Shibui Knits Heichi 100% silk 90yds/50g, 11 skeins
Weight: Worsted
Cost to knit: $143 or €99.93

I quite like this top, I think it's a lovely design. Very expensive knit though! I love the angled lace panels at the front, and the unusual neckline. Sadly, I don't think it's something I could wear. Although, if it were knit with finer yarn it could be good under a suit jacket. But, that's too much maths for my currently addled brain. Subs could be Rowan Natural Silk Aran for €97.30 or Rowan Summer Tweed for a much more reasonable €58.05

Next we have the Adriatic Cardigan by Amy Christoffers:


Size: 5 sizes, 31.25" - 51.75"
Yarn: Berroco Linsey 64% cotton 36% linen, 114yds/50g, 11 skeins
Weight: Worsted
Cost to knit: $88 or €61.49

Um. Not for me, I think. I don't like the stripes of solid knitting & lace. I could see some of those stripes getting stretched more than others, & the whole thing looking like a lumpy mess on me. I also think the choice of buttons is a bit unfortunate, it makes the garment look much more dowdy to me. If you're so inclined (and have the figure that won't cause bulges) you can sub with Garnstudio Bomull Lin for €58.80.

The next pattern is Cobblestone Vest by Talitha Kuomi:


Size: 6 sizes that I don't understand. It seems to be measured on back width? 13" - 21". Madness.
Yarn: Louet Euroflax Sport Weight 100% linen 270yds/100g, 9 skeins
Weight: Sport
Cost to knit: $215.55 or €150.62

Hahaha. €150 to knit. For a minute there I thought I was reviewing Vogue knitting again. Louet Euroflax is crazy expensive. I'm sure it's good quality linen, but I'll never find out, coz I won't be buying it. On to the top. From the front, I think the wrapover looks awful. I think it's the double layer on the models right side, but it reminds me of a housecoat. Y'know the wrapover aprons your mother used to wear? OK, maybe that's a bit cruel. The stitch pattern is nice, look at the back:


I think if the front were altered it would be much nicer. You could sub with Garnstudio Lin for €97.85 or use cotton instead with Patons 100% cotton for a much more reasonable €65.45.

On to a new section, Summer Twine. First up is Camp Smock by Mary Keenan:


Size: 5 sizes 26.75" - 44.5", designed to stretch to fit 50"
Yarn: Zitron Savanna 60% cotton 20% rayon 20% linen 109yds/50g, 18 skeins
Weight: DK
Cost to knit: $161.10 or €112.50

Another laughable cost to knit. €112.50 for a tank top? Eh, no ta. I don't like the bust band, I think it would make busty people look squished into it. I do like the vent at the hip though, a nice detail. I can see this looking very pretty on someone thin. You could sub with Lousia Harding Merletto for an equally mad €109, or Garnstudio Cotton Viscose for a far more reasonable €47.60

The next pattern is Lace and Cable Scarflette by Kathy Zimmerman:


Size: 7" x 62"
Yarn: Brown Sheep Serendipity Tweed 60% cotton 40% wool, 210yds/100g, 3 skeins
Weight: Worsted
Cost to knit: $27.25 or €19.39

What a bargain. I'd love to try this yarn if it were available here. Why is it called a scarflette? Isn't it a scarf? Looks long enough to me. Hmm. If I were to knit it, I'd leave off the tassels. I don't really get tassels, they just get caught in everything. Sub with Donegal Yarns AranTweed for €23.60 or Rowan Summer Tweed for €38.70.

The next pattern is very controversial. Hourglass Lace Socks by Silka Burgoyne:


Size: 7.5" circumference
Yarn: Cascade Heritage Quatro 75% merino, 25% nylon 437yds/100g, 1 skein
Weight: Fingering
Cost to knit: $12 or €8.38

Great value sock yarn, there. BUT, is it just me or is this pattern a total rip off from Hourglass Socks on Knitty? The only difference I see is that the stitch pattern flows into the heel. Maybe that's enough of a difference to make it a unique pattern? Anyway, I won't be knitting them, as I already made Hourglass. If you want to, sub any sock yarn you like. Dublin Dye Co. Twinkle Toes will set you back €17.95 or Lang Jawoll (currently on sale) for a bargain €5.90.

Next we have Mission Cardigan by Erica Schlueter:


Size: 6 sizes 34" - 55.5"
Yarn: Fibra Natura Flax 100% linen 137yds/50g, 8 skeins.
Weight: DK
Cost to knit: $63.92 or €44.66

Oh dear, it appears our string vest man has made another appearance:


(obviously, this photo isn't from the Interweave site)
I'm pleasantly surprised at the cost of this yarn, much more reasonable than the Louet. I won't be making this in a million years, I just don't see the point. If you are so inclined to make it, sub Garnstudio Lin for €46.35 or Rowan Wool Cotton for €62.55.

Moving on to Banstead Pullover by Lisa Shroyer:


Size: 7 sizes, 42" - 66"
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Suri Merino 60% alpaca 40% merino 164yds/100g, 10 skeins
Weight: Worsted
Cost to knit: $166 or €116

YAY!!!!! A plus size pattern!!!!!!!! I am overcome with exclamation marks. This is an excerpt from Lisa's book, Knitting Plus. I must drop some birthday present hints for this book. There's a great article with this pattern about how to alter it to best suit your shape. I am totally making this. I'm not quite sure what to substitute with yet, but first picks are Artesano Aran for €119.40 or Drops Nepal for €52. I do also have some yummy Cushendale DK in my stash... Yipee!

The next section is called Cast on. Knit. Wear. The first offering is the Dockside Cardigan by Amy Miller:


Size: 6 sizes, 30" - 50"
Yarn: Cascade Heritage 75% merino 25% Nylon 487yds/100g, 6 skeins
Weight: Fingering
Cost to knit: $72 or €50.31

I love this. I think it would be a great cardi for work. I love the colour the sample is knit in, too. Definitely one for my queue. You could sub Schoppel Wolle Sock plain for €41.70 or Drops Fabel Plain for €31.20

Moving on to the Swirl Skirt by AnneLena Mattison:


Size: 6 sizes 32" - 52"
Yarn: Knit One Crochet Too Ty-Dy Dots 100% cotton 196yds/100g, 5 skeins
Knit One Crochet Too Ty-Dy Wool 100% wool 218yds/100g 3 skeins
Weight: Fingering & Worsted
Cost to knit: $123.20 or €86.09

I've seen the Dublin Knit Collective wearing a skirt very similar to this before, and it looks amazing on her. I can't remember what yarn she used to knit it, but I think you could substitute Noro Kureyon Sock and Noro Kureyon quite successfully for €88.50.

On we go to the Cumulus Tee by Allyson Dykhuizen:


Size: 5 sizes: 27.75" - 39"
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Skinny Cotton 100% cotton, 150yds/65g, 10 skeins
Weight: DK
Cost to knit: $109 or €76.17

What a crappy range of sizes. 5 of them, and the biggest is 39"? Not the best picture of the sweater either. The skirt makes it look weird, and the model chunky, which she's obviously not. It's a nice pattern though, I really like the neckline and the cuffs. I might investigate it further to see if it can be up-sized. Sub Debbie Bliss Cotton DK for €59.50 or Patons 100% cotton for €41.65.

The next section is titled Mixed Media, and the first offering is Cats Eye Tam by Mary Jane Mucklestone:


Size: 19.5" circumference, relaxed. 22" stretched
Yarn: Jamieson's Shetland Spindrift 100% wool, 114yds/50g, 4 skeins
Weight: Fingering
Cost to knit: €12.35 direct from Jamiesons of Shetland

A nice hat, but I'm not sure about the slouch at the back. I adore shetland yarn though, so I may well give it a go. I'm not offering subs for this one, as shetland wool is so fab and so cheap, why bother?

On we go to Bistro Lace Stole by Daniela Nii:


Size: 18.75" x 62.5"
Yarn: Lornas Laces Lion & Lamb 50% silk 50% wool, 205yds/100g, 3 skeins
Weight: Aran
Cost to knit: $102 or €71.28

I adore this wrap. It's like it's crocheted, only it's knit. The colours are fab too. But alas, Lion & Lamb is not available here, and it's too expensive. I've been mulling it over in my mind what I'd sub with, and I'm coming up short. I wonder how it would look made in laceweight yarn, I have some scrumptious Hedgehog Fibres Silk Lace in my stash. What do you think? Would it work in laceweight? It's an ingenious construction, each motif is joined as you go, so you don't have loads of finishing to do. I think it would look really striking. I must ponder this one some more, but so far I'm coming up with Noro Silk Garden for €57 or Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran for €41.65. Any other suggestions appreciated!

On to a pattern for the little people. Lion Oh! Sweater by Stacey Gerbman:


Size: 5 sizes 19" - 29"
Yarn: Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece 80% cotton 20% merino 215yds/100g, 5 skeins
Weight: Worsted
Cost to knit: $46 or €32.14

I seriously doubt you'd need 5 skeins, I reckon scraps of the colours would do. Not my cup of tea, but I can see the appeal. I reckon the lions mane would last all of 5 mins before it was pulled off though. Substitute Spud & Chloe Sweater (love that yarn) for €80.50 (!) or Kerry Woollen Mills Aran for €39. Like I said, though, I reckon you could use scraps for the colours and just buy a couple of skeins for the sweater body, making it much more affordable.

We press on, to the Amelia Hoodie by Erica Jackofsky:


Size: 5 sizes 30" - 48.75"
Yarn: Malabrigo Organic Cotton 100% cotton 232yds/100g, 7 skeins
Weight: Worsted
Cost to knit: $95.20 or €66.52

It's a hoodie. With no sleeves. Aren't hoodies meant to keep you warm? Surely you need sleeves to accomplish that. What do I know. I suppose it's ok, but I don't like the length of it. I hate things poking out from underneath. I don't think it sits right on the model either, but that could just be bad posing. Either way, I'm not a hoodie person, so it's not for me. If it is for you, try subbing Tivoli Cruise Aran for €49, or stay organic with Blue Sky Organic Cotton for a whopping €109.45. Yeah.

On to the final section now, Fine Lines. The first offering is the Al Fresco Camisole by Alice Tang:


Size: 6 sizes 28.5" - 48.5"
Yarn: Lion Brand LB Collection Cotton Bamboo 52% cotton 48% bamboo, 245yds/100g, 4 skeins.
Weight: DK
Cost to knit: $28 or €19.56

Um. You'd want to be very sure of your knot tying skills to wear this one! I would advise only girl scouts with knot badges need apply. Definitely not one for me! You'd freeze to death in Ireland wearing this. I do like the use of a modified EZ phoney seam to make the large stitches that run up the camisole. Only one sub for this, the faboo King Cole Bamboo Cotton for €19.80. No need for others, it's perfect.

Our third last pattern is the Pebble & Reed Tunic by Daniela Nii:


Size: 6 sizes 32" - 52"
Yarn: Rowan Purelife Revive 36% silk 36% cotton 28% viscose 137yds/50g, 12 skeins
Weight: DK
Cost to knit: $131.40 or €91.82

I love this. I love everything about it. From the u shaped neckline neckline with the garter stitch border to the stitch pattern, to the length. It reminds me of the Medallion Tunic from Vogue Knitting I made ages ago. It's perfect for me. I'm defo making this. What to sub? Hmm. How about Garnstudio Silke Tweed for €46 or Debbie Bliss Amalfi for €76. Love.

Our penultimate pattern is the Baby Elephant Vest by Melanie Rice:


Size: 4 sizes 21" - 28.5"
Yarn: Tahki Yarns Misty 64% rayon 30% linen 6% acrylic 120yds/50g, 5 skeins
Weight: Worsted
Cost to knit: $39.75 or €27.77

Another little peoples sweater. It's cute, I guess, but I'm finding it hard to get past my Mammy instinct that wants to roar at the model to GET YOUR HANDS OUT OF YOUR POCKETS! Grr. I hate that. Sub with Garnstudio Bomull Lin for €29.40 or Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran for €41.65 if you can see past the pockets. I can't.

The last pattern! Yay! I hear you cry, coz you're dying to go to the loo, it's taken so long to get this far. Nantucket Vest by Shelley Gerber:


Size: 3 ranges of sizes, from 30" - 50"
Yarn: Tahki Ripple 100% cotton 142yds/50g, 10 skeins.
Weight: Worsted
Cost to knit: $90 or €62.89

I like the way this lies across the models butt, but the armholes are a no go. Look at the size of them! I bet this sucker would keep falling off your shoulders all day. The yarn is really unusual too, it's like a thick/thin ribbon. I couldn't find anything comparable to sub with, so I've decided to go mad and pick something completely different. Try Cushendale Mohair for €41.70 and see what happens. It could be great, or...

So that's yer lot! A good issue for me, I think, with a plus size pattern (!), a gorgeous wrap and a lovely tunic top that will be going on my to do list. I hope you enjoyed the review, let me know what you think!

Good knitting!

Lace-ilicious!

Groan. I know, worst blog post title ever. Blame it on the Saturday evening blahs, when I just can't come up with anything better.

I do have an FO to show!


Pattern: Asphodel Lace Coasters and Centerpiece from Sock Yarn One-Skein Wonders
Yarn: Louet Gems Fingering weight, cream, 1 skein
Needles: 3.75mm Knit Picks Options

(I'm well proud of us that we still have Easter eggs left. That's not all that's left, either. I still haven't opened my Bunny & Sheep one)

Here's a close up:



I loved knitting this. The yarn is just delicious, it really does feel like butter. It even feels more buttery after washing & blocking. AND I have one more skein if it left! Yum! I have a feeling I'll be making the actual pattern place mats and coasters to match.
I think it turned out great. I modded the pattern to make it 7" wide and just knit till it was 56" long. Worked out perfectly, I had the barest smidge of the ball left.
The pattern wasn't that hard to follow, it's a 6 row repeat. It is lace on both sides; but to be honest it's not that hard. It reminds me a lot of this shawl (Ravlink) from Victorian Lace Today. I might be persuaded to give it a go after this!

For my next project, I think some socks may be in order. I never really count socks as projects, as I like to always have a pair on the go for waiting rooms, knit night etc. I was round in my parents today, and I managed to get Mam to pick a pattern, just for something to do with her. I was delighted she held her concentration long enough to go through the whole of the Interweave Favourite Socks book, and she decided she liked this one best. How could I not knit it when she picked it?



The pattern is Merino Lace Socks (Ravlink) and so far I'm leaning towards using the green Lang Jawoll sock yarn I got last week.

I also have some sooper seekrit knitting going on that I can't show you, so I've plenty to occupy me without admitting that the Ethereal top is lurking in the basket beside me, quietly weeping with neglect and loneliness.

I made a decision the other day, too. I'm not going to Knit Nation this year in London. Even though I had a ball last year and there are tons of brilliant Irish knitters going, I'm just not able to get excited about it. I think it's a combination of the situation with my parents, minding money in these tough times and the list of classes just isn't floating my knitty boat. I was really hoping Nancy Bush would have come back, I missed her classes last year and would definitely have gone over if she were on the list. That's not to say that the teachers that are there this year aren't good, the class topics just aren't exciting me. I think it's like the old break-up line, "It's not you, it's me". Maybe next time.

I great news, look what arrived yesterday!


Y'all know what this means... another review! Stay tuned, I hope to get the majority of it done tomorrow.

In other news, Dad ended up back in hospital last Monday, and didn't get out until Thursday. Typical, he got sick the day before I was due back in work. I ended up having to take the Tuesday off, and my brother came up for the other days as he'd finished his 4 day shift. So stressful. They still haven't found out what's causing his intestinal bleeding either, so I have a feeling I haven't seen the end of the hospital yet. Mam isn't so hot either, the disruption of Dad being gone was bad enough, but she now has an ulcer on her ankle that's quite bad. Her poor feet are in an awful state altogther. Between the ulcer and the pustular psoriasis she has, it's no wonder she can hardly walk. AND we have to wait until June for the dermatologist appointment. It was September, but I kicked up murder and got it brought forward. The health service in this country is a total shambles. I feel sorry for the people working in it, they must get awful abuse. By the time someone finally gets seen, they are so frustrated I bet they take it out on the nurses and doctors.
However, this is not the place for a rant against the Irish health service, so I'll leave it at that!

Good knitting!