I like Penelope’s sneaky personality, her word not mine!, and she shares a little bag pattern to hide secret type stuff in. Link to pattern.
adorable and simple koala softie pattern from trixi of coloured buttons.
Men’s Knits: 20 New Classics
One of the best (if not the best) knitting book for men’s sweaters I have seen in a while. The designs are wearable, suitable for a range of ages and styles, the instructions are easy to follow, the measurements and garment shaping are easy to understand (the downside to this book is the lack of circular knitting – all are knitted flat and seamed). On top of all that the photography is fantastic, they are modeled by a range of different men of all ages.
Designs range from simple and argyle vests, zippered and chunky grandpa collar style cardigans, half zipper fold down neck, herringbone design and chunky funnel-neck sweater (+ a couple of hats and scarves to accessorise with your sweater + lots more sweaters – I can’t list them all here). I love everything about these sweaters, from the styling – the colours and textures, the necklines and shape and fit all perfect – very flattering and comfortable and versatile.
The funnel-neck sweater is knit with an oversized rib yoke, in soft merino and kid mohair – I love that it is described as ‘rugged comfort’ and ‘old-friend favourite’ as these descriptions fit this sweater perfectly.
A simple vest is also customised with a lovely checkerboard pattern and an argyle pattern. Knitted in fine cotton/cashmere blend makes this a classic style vest.
I love that many of these designs are perfect for slim men – not all men have wide frames – a lovely fine-knit low v cardigan is designed as a slim-fit cardigan and knitted in bamboo yarn it drapes beautifully and while very traditional and simple design is distinctly modern.
In fact all the designs in this book are fairly simple with a traditional shapes, and plain knitting, yet have quite contemporary lines. This is the perfect knitting book for the coming season.
I am totally in love with this knitted toy – can you believe the amazing details and gorgeousness of it - link to pattern.
Jennifer from JCHandmade sent in this link to her new free PDF download for this adorable neighborly vest – I like the name neighborly and Jennifer has chosen this name deliberately – see her post with her ideas on how to be neighborly and charitable with this pattern.
Neighborly is a simple vest sized for a child, intended to keep them warm at their core while not overheating them during all the running about that kiddos do. interest is created by the wide boatneck collar knit in a contrasting yarn which is further accented by a large button. stitches are picked up around the collar’s edge and the piece is knit in the round from the top-down — there is no seaming whatsoever and only a bit of additional stitching at the hemline and weaving in the ends. this is a satisfying quick knit that is perfect for layering throughout the seasons.
thanks Ina for sending in the link to Pickles gorgeous Butterfly wristwarmers
Comfort wool has a gorgeous kids short sleeve sweater pattern – I love the long line and wide comfortable 3/4 sleeves – sort of a jacket / sweater.
Popknits – online knitting magazine, issue 5 is out now. There are some lovely designs – I particularly like the Kikko Hanabishi Socks by Izumi Ouchi (Fair isle socks with a traditional Japanese motif), and Vesterday by Elinor Brown is totally sweet (A child’s stranded vest constructed using steeks).
super lovely knitted pin cushion pattern and chart from slip slip knit - [thanks ina for the tip]
