Such welcome pages of joy await us in this new issue of Making. Making number 10 will chase away these grey, rainy, autumnal days we are having in London. Making is a magazine not just for knitters but for lovers of all crafts. Between the covers there are projects to knit, sew, quilt, weave, crochet and more.
This issue is around the theme of intricate, which I don’t think means it is overly complicated but instead about the detail. What is glorious about this issue is that is has a strong warm yellow palette, which comes through in all the projects. It is a ray of sunshine and sure to light up your day.
The makers inside are: Ocean Rose, Charlotte Edey, Arounna Khounnoraj, Youngmin Lee, Maura Ambrose, Kathy Hattori, Amanda Ho, Paula Bouffard, Kristine Vejar, Erin Gardner, Sanae Ishida, Chelsea Gurnoe, Susan B. Anderson, Norah Gaughan, Kristin Ledgett, Emily Greene, Julie Robinson, Paula Pereira, Ainur Berkimbayeva, Ema Marinescu, Eri Shimizu, Weichien Chan, Isa Catepillán, and Daphne Ruben.
As usual I will take a look at the knitting and crochet patterns and suggest some yarn pairings from Knit With Attitude.
Apollo Shawl by Julie Robinson.
This shawl is worked from the middle out by knitting each side separately from a provisional cast on centre. This symmetry is heightened by the graphic chevron lace. It’s simple but so effective. Knit in a DK weight yarn and measuring 61cm wide and either 178cm or 213cm long, it’s also cosy and a good size to cocoon yourself in. Choose Norne Yarn Merino/Silk/Yak DK for shawl you will never want to take off.
Asterales Pullover by Paula Pereira.
This simple yoked jumper is elevated by the textural flower-like motifs that are worked with a crochet hook. Worked from the top down with a split hem that is slightly longer at the back to add extra detail. The crocheted textured elements are also picked up just before the cuffs. The Fibre CO Cumbria Worsted would be the perfect cosy choice for this jumper.
Bubbly Shawl by Ainur Berkimbayeva
This shawl is an intriguing play of stitches and negative space. Worked flat from side to side, the holes are created with dropped stitches. It looks fun to knit and produces a graphic end result. You can knit this in two weights either DK or 4ply. I would try the luxurious Kettle Yarn Islington DK for the heavier version and Black Elephant Merino Singles for a lighter airy version.
Canelo Shawl by Isa Catepillán
This is a shawl of two textures by crochet genius Isa Catepillán, who also features as one of the designers in the Knit With Attitude Anniversary book. With an all over bold open work flower motif that is edged with a denser shell stitch. Worked sideways increasing and then decreasing to form a triangle. The shell stitch is then worked along one side. Try Nurturing Fibres Eco-Lush, a blend of cotton and bamboo which lends itself well to crochet.
Gloed Knit Wall Art by Daphne Ruben
It’s so nice to see something knitted that is not something to be worn. This interesting piece of wall art takes a minimal view of a landscape. The curving lines are created with a technique called shaped intarsia. Its knit by holding a strand of wool with a strand of mohair. I think G-uld No. 4 with its natural dyed palette that speaks of the land would be perfect. This held together with a strand of Fybersptes Cumulus would be dreamy.
Haori Shrug by Eri Shimizu
This relaxed Kimono inspired shrug has a pleasing slipped stitch texture that runs over the body and sleeves. Worked from the top, starting at the back then the front and joined at the underarms. Sleeves are picked up from the body and worked in the round. The front bands are worked at the same time in two colours which adds a nice subtle contrast to the body. The slight sheen and the gentle variegated colours of Fyberspates Vivacious DK would look lovely.
Ichor Socks by Ema Marinescu
These toe up socks feature a bold cable pattern made up of half brioche stitches. I like how the half brioche stitch gives a fun textural rib between the twists of the cables. This is set against reversed stocking stitch which really makes them stand out. Designed for the magic loop method and knit in Coop Knits Socks Yeah, which is a yarn we stock. Seen here in the colour Sphene.
Intricate Pullover by Norah Gaughan
I love the structural geometry in Norah’s jumper. Worked flat in pieces the pattern grows and divides from twisted stitches. The geometric design is not all over and breaks and joins throughout. With a generous seeded rib at hem and cuffs which tops of a design that looks fun to knit and fun to look at. If I were to knit this I would be tempted to do it in Socks Yeah DK. This sturdy yarn with a range of solid colours would show the pattern to its best.
Late Bloomer Mittens by Kristin Ledgett
These stunning mittens start out by simply knitting in garter stitch. The seemingly random collection of embroidered flowers are actually embroidered around a knot stitch that is knitted when you knit the mitten. This gives you less intimidating task when choosing where to embroider the flowers petals. Knit in a combination of sport weight yarn with a lace mohair. Maybe a luxurious combination of From the Mountain Cashmere and Fyberspates Cumulus would work.
Love Owls by Susan B. Anderson
This cute pair are both worked in the round from the bottom up. Once they are finished and stuffed the details like the wings, face and flowers are added on. Toys are really flexible when it comes to yarn and great for leftovers. This pair are knit in a worsted weight so maybe something like Hey Mama Wolf Schafwolle #03 would give a sturdy shape to these two.
Merge Hat by Emily Greene
This is a fun twist on the ribbed beanie hat. Starting from the brim and working up to the crown, the ribbed stitches snake and move on their journey up. Creating a modern and interesting to knit design. I think a solid coloured but super soft yarn is needed for this to show of the design and be cosy to wear. Try John Arbon Knit By Number DK.
Whitlowgrass Jumper by Weichien Chan
This simple yoked jumper has a delicate band of colourwork around the neck that is echoed minimally on the cuffs and hem. Worked from the bottom up, sleeves and body are worked separately and then joined at the underarm to form a seamless construction. For colourwork knitting it has to be Hillesvåg Sølje.
Of course there is not only knitting to be found inside. Included also are sewing projects by Chelsea Gurnoe and Sanae Ishida. Needle felting by Erin Gardner. A punch needle pouch by Arounna Khounnoraj. Plus many more.
Leave a Reply