The Autumn/Winter Issue of Amirisu is here, with 12 elegantly simple but classic designs. This issue is titled ‘From Land to Needles’ and explores the yarns sources and traces it back to the natural fibres we use. Think simple shapes with sometimes bold and sometimes understated texture and a clever use of colour.

The designers include: Stella Egidi, Keiko Kikuno, Mizuho Komiya, Sari Nordlund, Rievive, Megumi Sawada, Alina Schneider, Orlane Sucche, Dianna Walla, Miyuki Watanabe and amirisu. Interviews with Nomadnoos and Woolfolk and holiday project ideas like indigo dyeing and weaving.

So lets take a look at these designs and find some Knit With Attitude yarn pairings.

Akemi by Keiko Kikuno

This fun textural jumper is like a stitch sampler. Knit from the top down and in the round, this defiantly wont be boring to knit. Bands of ribbing, eyelets, slipped stitches and a fringe all merge together. What is a simple shape is elevated by the various textural elements. I also like that it is all monochrome giving unity to the various stitch techniques. The soft monochrome palette of John Arbon Knit by Numbers DK would be perfect for this.

Bonebone by Miyuki Watanabe

This bold all over lace jumper is knit in a heavier weight yarn. I like the contrast between the delicate lace with larger stitches. Also the zig zags are strong and quite contemporary feeling for a lace design. Worked in the round from the bottom up until the underarms. Divided and then worked flat and rejoined at the shoulders. I think Hillesvåg Troll would be a good choice here. Heavy enough but with a nice range of bright colours.

Bramble by Dianna Walla

These charming colourwork fingerless gloves feature a fun flower motif. Worked from the cuff to the fingers and in the round they feature a thumb gusset for a nicer fit. This would be a great project for 4ply leftovers as none of the colours (apart from the background green) need more than 40m of yarn. I would be tempted to try the new Fibre CO Amble for this which has softness and durability.

Daalia by Sari Nordlund

A cute and cosy slouchy brioche beret that is worked from the top down in two colours. Its oversized shape is brought in at the bottom with a single colour 1×1 rib. A manageable brioche project that features simple increases to create the shape. A combination of The Fibre Co Cirro and Fyberspates Vivacious 4ply would be soft and luscious and I can imagine lots of fun colour combinations.

Evol by Orlane Sucche

The delicate and minute cables that cover the body of this jumper create a mesmerising ripple of texture. Knit in the round from the top down with simple raglan shaping. I particularly like the detail of the garter stitch ‘seam’ on either side, which is picked up on the hem and cuffs. The design is finished of with a minimalist i-cord neckline. I would like to see this in From the Mountain Afghan Cashmere Sport. It would add a gentle softness to the cables and be a delight to wear.

Fuyunagi by Megumi Sawada

This seamless top-down poncho has a simple shape that hangs well on the body. Interest is given with a heavily textured stitch that is worked over the entire piece. Knit in a bulky weight merino/cotton blend. Maybe a bit of experimenting by holding two strands of The Fibre Co Cirro together might work for a slightly more fuzzier version.

Komorebi by Mizuho Komiya

This bottom up jumper uses colour and texture in a fun way. Beginning with an eyelet row at the hem and moving onto a textual diamond stitch pattern. The yoke is given over to two colour reverse stocking stitch stripes that a motif of leaves or vines is picked out from. A great way to play with colour and a great project for using that one skien of hand dyed yarn you have been saving on the yoke. Try a combination of Hedgehog Fibres Twist Sock.

Marble by Alina Schneider

An elegant, quiet minimal shaped long jumper is worked from the bottom up. Starting with an elaborate cabled design which gives a bit of body to the overall look. Moving on to simple garter stitch. Sleeves are worked from drop shoulders that end in 3D knit and purl bands. Try the Fibre co Cumbria Worsted.

Nowaki by Stella Egidi

This classic triangular shawl is all about this bold chevron, diamond lace repeat. Its graphic but still delicate, with crossing lines and rows of eyelets. Almost Art Nouveau like. Once the main body of the shawl is worked, stitches are picked up along the edge and it is finished with a generous rib. Try Stolen Stitches Nua.

Pippa by amirisu magazine

A bobbled and garter stitch cowl, knit in the round and bordered by 2×2 rib. I really like the use of the bobbles here. They are not just bobbles but combine to create their own geometric pattern. A simple and pleasing knit. For softness and comfort around the neck I would go for the Fibre co Cumbria Worsted.

Ravel by amirisu magazine

This long vest may look simple but it has some charming details. Worked from the bottom up and decreased at the waist for a flared peplum effect. The button band does not actually un-button but adds detail to this design. It’s finished off with a delicate collar that is worked from the body. For softness and drape try G-uld Alpaca.

Spica by Rievive

I love two colour ribs and this design uses it to get effect with high contrast. Worked in the round from the bottom up, the body starts with a graphic colourwork band that is almost houndstooth like. The body is knit in one piece until the underarms and then separated for back and front. The neckband is added at the end. Sleeves are worked in the same way and then sewn to the body. A crisp yarn like Hey Mama Wolf Schafwolle #03 will add great definition to the colourwork section.