I know that yesterday I promised you reviews of the new issues of Knitter's and Twist Collective. But then, the new issue winter issue of Knitty popped up overnight, so I am bumping the other two.
By the way, have you discovered the work-around to Knitty immediately after new issues are up-loaded? For a loooong while, I would not even bother to check out a new issue for days because the site ran so slow, if you could get on at all. But, it looks like they are now posting the patterns to Ravelry even before sending out the official e-mail announcing the availability of the newest issue. So, if all you are really interested in is seeing the new free patterns (aren't we all?), then just go to Rav and search on the issue name.
That's the good news. The bad news is that this issue is overloaded with dense cable-work designs. While they may be traditional and beautiful, and a true display of knitting skill, they are not flattering to those of us with an excess of flesh through our torsos. The heavy stitch work creates a dimensionality that adds visual weight. Great for skinny folk, but no so much for the rest of us. But, there are a couple designs for us.
The first is Armande by Andi Satterlund. It's a lot of stockinette stitch, but it's a classic style that you'll wear forever. The low pockets are great for those of us who carry our weight through the chest, but if you carry yours lower, you would probably want to eliminate them and/or shorten the sweater a couple inches. Please do be careful about fit, though. If you look closely you'll see the gaps in the button band at the bust and hips. Since this is such a straightforward knit, there's no excuse for not putting in the shaping for an excellent fit to your body.
The other design that works for fuller figures is Galanthus by Rachel Henry. It's knit with fingering weight yarn, but on a larger needle for openness in the lace and good drape. The scoop neckline is good for drawing focus to the face and neck, which balances the lacework lower on the sweater. The style is a little too feminine for me, especially the volume in the sleeves. But, I would definitely consider tweaking the pattern to bring the sleeves in for a closer fit, as well as lengthening them to the wrist. Or, maybe shortening a tinge to 3/4 length.
That's it for the sweaters, but I have to give a mention to Franklin Habit's plaid cowl. I do love a plaid, and this is an interesting variation in technique from what I've been doing lately.
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