Review: Knitscene Accessories 2012.

I'm a bit late on this magazine, as I think it came out in May, but I just picked up a copy this past weekend at Barnes & Noble ($14.99). I wasn't sure if I wanted to pick up this copy or not, but I checked out the patterns on Ravelry and fell in love with one of the designs. I decided that I didn't care if I hated everything else, the magazine was worth it for that one pattern.

Once I got the magazine, I was pleasantly surprised. Knitscene really seems to be pushing themselves, and this might be one of their best issues yet. A lot of the photoshoots seem a lot more "high fashion," and although in some instances I don't think it works, it's nice to see that they're trying different things.

I'm only going to feature a few patterns here, but really, there are a lot of beautiful designs. Check out all 35 patterns here.

 First up is the Zora Shawl by Mindy Wilkes. I love the sawtooth edge on this shawlette, and the color it's featured in is right up my ally.

 These are  the Marion Socks by Michaela Moores. Wouldn't these just be perfect worn peaking out from some knee-high boots?

Next is the Aotearoa Beret. The star stitch is beautiful on this. I'll definitely be knitting this up for winter.

 I never really do colorwork, but the Check Slouch by Triona Murphy makes me want to for this hat. It's knit in three colors to make a plaid pattern.

Finally, the whole reason I bought this pattern. This is the Artistida Shawl Alexandra Beck. The blocks of diamond stockinette surrounded by lace, the bobbles, and the fringe are just all perfect (don't tell my weaving professor I'm in love with the fringe!). I was searching in my brain for what fingering weight yarn I have that would work, and then I realized that it needs a bit over 600 yards. I was sad about not having enough in my personal stash (and no real good reason to dip into the Gynx Yarns stash), and then I remembered that I have 800 yards of some wool/cashmere recycled yarn that I dyed an emerald green a long time ago that is a fingering weight. In an emerald color it will be a much bolder piece, but I am very excited about this.

That's only a tiny bit of what this issue has to offer. There are several instructional articles, including colorwork, entrelac, and dropped stitches. There's also a feature on Kim Strang of Imstrang and an article on Green Mountain Spinnery. This special issue costs more than their regular issues, but it is jam-packed with loads of information and beautiful knitwear.