Amirisu is now in the house! We have long admired this gorgeous knitting publication from Japan. It comes in a small size similar to Pom Pom Quarterly, with beautiful photographs and knitting patterns from designers around the world. Luckily for all of us the magazine is fully bilingual, written side by side in Japanese and English. There’s no worry of having to translate things. Phew!

The first issue we have received is titled ‘Winter Blues’, featuring 3 garment and 4 accessory patterns. The patterns all feature a certain amount of colour work, from full on fair isle to more simple colour blocking. There is also a review of crafty things to do in the city of Kyoto.

The first sweater is Skaftafell, designed by Beatrice Perron Dahlen. It is a modern take on a traditional Icelandic yoked sweater. It features a geometric motif for the colourwork that moves into a funnel neck for a twist on the classic. We think that it would be gorgeous done in Erika Knight Maxi Wool, which comes in a great range of colours. You could choose two neutrals and pair it with a bright for a contrast, or go for two brights and a neutral for something more modern. 

Next up is Ash Alberg’s Reflect, a generously sized shawl knit in a thicker yarn, sure to keep you warm in the cold days. It is especially suited for those who like shawls but not lace. It has a slipped stitch texture for the body with a simple border of repeating colourwork in contrast colours. We think that the semi-solid colours of Vivacious DK would shine particularly well with the main stitch pattern.

Two-colour brioche seems to be everywhere these days, and Tenchi from Olga Buraya-Kefelian is another great addition to the pack. It is an oversized snood knit in two contrasting colours. It looks super cozy and warm to tuck into your coat and stay bundled up. We would pick two colours of Hexa for an even warmer and more luxurious accessory.

Jokull by Keiko Kikuno is our personal favourite here at the shop. It is inspired by the shifting colours icebergs in the ocean. The pattern is done with an ingenius method of slipped stitches over garter stitch, alternating four rows of each yarn. We are in love with the idea of knitting this up in a few shades of Scrumptious 4ply! 

The second sweater is Dipped, by Justyna Lorkowska. The pattern is knit top down, with contigious set-in sleeves. It is otherwise plain, with the addition of a bit of stranded knitting for the cuffs. The effect is such that it looks like they have been dipped in a pot of paint! This would be perfect for a yarn like Blacker Swan, with many colours to choose from. 

If colourwork isn’t really your thing, then Akari from Tatiana Sarasa Frieling will be perfect. These simple fingerless mittens have an all-over bobble stitch texture and contrast colour cuffs, but could also be done easily all in one. The pattern includes an adult women’s and child’s size. The softness and warmth of Almerino DK is well suited to this pattern. 

Last but not least we have First Fair Isle, designed by yuko. This is top down pullover, knit in the round for easy knitting. It would be the perfect pattern to perfect your fair isle technique in a larger piece. We think that the multiple colours of Fenellawould be perfect to create just the right palette to suit every taste.