Spring can’t come quick enough. London is not disappointing us with a dull and damp winter and I’m dreaming of warmer months. As always when we are craving that seasonal change Laine Magazine comes to the rescue. The spring issue is light an airy and helping me immensely with the winter blues.

Issue 24 is titled Brushstrokes and the designs are set amongst an artist’s studio and an old park. Spring colours, interesting textures and fun techniques come together in these twelve knitting patterns. Inside there are four sweaters, three cardigans, a vest, a top, a shawl, a collar and a pair of socks. There is also articles, interviews, recipes and book reviews. Designers featured in this issue are Julia Exner, Reetta Haavisto, Sophie Hemmings, Heidi Kästner, Rebekka Mauser, Cheryl Mokhtari, Paula Pereira, Sarah Solomon, Veera Välimäki, Vivian Wei, Julia Wilkens and Rui Yamamuro. So let’s take a look at them and some yarn pairings from the shelves of Knit With Attitude.

Amber by Cheryl Mokhtari. Every wardrobe needs a classic cardigan and this simply shaped v-neck would easily fit in anyones wardrobe. Knit from the top down with raglan increases it features short cropped and textured sleeves. I also like the really neat button band which looks to me to be double knitted creating that nice rounded edge that looks so professional. It is knit in two strands held together, one in a 4ply cotton and a mohair lace. So I’m thinking of Woven Beyond Allo Baby which is a cool nettle blend held with Fyberspates Cumulus one of our fluffy favourites. If holding two strands together is not your cup of tea I’m wondering if just one strand of Nua Worsted on its own would work. It’s a linen blend so you have a bit of texture and plant fibre in the mix.


Bambuzal by Paula Pereira. The striking combination of stocking stitch next to a stranded texture create an interesting play of light. Created by slipping stitches and carrying the yarn across the front. I particularly like the way the texture columns meet at the raglan seam and travel down the arm in bold lines. It’s knit in two strands of 4ply held together and I’m thinking why not just go for a DK like the smooth and soft Pickles Mjukk Merino.


Blue Hour by Veera Välimäki. I love textured socks like these, they are engaging to knit and look great. These are knit from the cuff to the toe and feature all over lace on the leg and then the lace section continues on the top of the foot. With a classic heel flap and gusset construction. My first thought is Socks Yeah, the perfect sock yarn but there is something about the colour Denim in Fyberspates Vivacious 4ply that would work so perfectly for these.


Dagdrøm by Rebekka Mauser. This t-shirt style top is knit from side to side allowing for bold vertical stripes. Using the intarsia technique also creates a fun play between different stripe colours and density. Also as it is worked side to side you get a very pleasing shoulder stripe detail. This is knit in a 4ply Linen held with a fluffy lace. My initial thought would be Våxbo Lingarn held with Fyberspates Cumulus. But I also think Socks Yeah instead of the Lingarn would be a good choice with plenty of different colour options.


Flecks of Sunshine by Heidi Kästner. This fun relaxed top has a simple drop shoulder shape. The open neckline hints at warmer weather and the large open sleeves second that. Airy lace sleeves with very little shaping pull in slightly at the cuff. They add to the breezy nature of this garment. I think the softness of Hey Mama Wolf Skadi would be great for this.


Flores by Vivian Wei. This cute collar is a great way of adding a handmade touch to an outfit. Neither a scarf or a cowl but more a little knitted decoration. Knit in one piece with i-cord ties. I think you want something that is really soft but drapes nicely. What about Fyberspates Scrumptious 4ply.


Hiekassa by Reetta Haavisto. This beautiful jumper has some lovely understated details. It has saddle shoulders which I always think look so smart and the most delicate of texture on the neckline. These two refined details make this simple design really stand out. It is knit in a DK yarn on a fairly loose gauge (5mm). This gives you a light drapey feel. With that in mind I think a woolly yarn that has a bit of grip to it will help it hold its structure when knit slightly looser. I think Hillesvåg Tinde would be good for that.


Modernist by Julia Wilkens. This semicircular shawl utilises intarsia in a stunning way. Knit all in garter stitch, the point at which the colours change runs boldly down the centre. Alternating between light and colourful stripes also adds to the graphic nature. It is knit in a lace weight yarn. I’m tempted to suggest the G-uld No.4 Minis and choosing a selection of colours. We still have a few of these precious naturally dyed hanks left so snap them up while you can.


Reversi by Julia Exner. This brioche cardigan is knit from the top down and can be worn with either side facing out. Depending on what texture you want visible you can put buttons on either side of the button band and wear it both ways. It is knit with one solid base colour and then a mohair strand is striped in a complimentary or contrasting colour to give the subtle colour changes. I would choose Fyberspates Vivacious 4ply for the base and then Fyberspates Cumulus for the stripes.


Selsey by Sophie Hemmings. Travelling slip stitches make the angular rows in this design. Knitted from the top down the slip stitches continue on the arms that are worked in the round from the body. The light and airy quality is created by holding two strands of a mohair lace together to create a floaty but warm top. I would probably go for the slightly thicker Pickles Soft Fuzz and just hold one strand.


Thuja by Sarah Solomon. This open cardigan is all about this lovely lace repeat that fills the entire garment. Light and lacey making it the perfect spring layer. Knit from the bottom up and then sleeves are picked up and knit from the body. I really like the organic vibe of the lace motif and the way it flows through the design. It’s knit in a light silk blend, my first thought was Fyberspates Scrumptious 4ply but I’m now leaning towards the idea of two strands of Gleem Lace held together.


Valo by Rui Yamamuro. This elegant vest top features a patchwork of ribbed textures. Worked in one piece from the top down the wide band is knitted on after by picking up stitches around the opening. It is finished with belt loops and a minimal tie. I’m liking the idea of using a crisp wool for this to get a really nice definition on those rib textures. Something like Pickles Pure Wool.

Leave a Reply