Vogue Gone Rogue: Early Fall 2011

If you're like me, you buy knitting magazines, stick them on your bookshelf, and then maybe knit one or two patterns from the issue--if even that. I've realized over time that my yarny dollars typically do me more good when I'm buying individual patterns, rather than spending more money on a book or magazine.

I couldn't help noticing how many patterns in the latest issue of VK were incredibly similar to patterns I'd seen on Ravelry from indie designers. What if we all took the money we normally spent on a knitting magazine, and just splurge on that one special pattern instead? Less clutter, and more support for the indie scene! (Disclaimer: I do still love knitting magazines, and will probably still buy them! But this post was too fun not to do!) So, I've picked out a couple eye-catching patterns from the 2011 Early Fall edition, and paired them up with their doppelgangers from around the web! Here's hoping you lovelies enjoy!

Into The Woods

VK version: #5 Zippered Cape, Mari Lynn Patrick

Notes: I love cables for cold weather, but the poncho-like shape puts me off a little. The zipper seems like extra effort for very little purpose, and the lace just seems chilly!

Indie version: Woodland Hoodlet, Tiny Owl Knits, $5.50.

Notes: The cables get bigger and better on this fanciful cape, and all the little details are just perfect. You could play up the fairy tale element with a tiered maxi dress, big earrings, and ballerina flats, or go dressy with a black top, a-line skirt, sheer tights, and heeled booties. Yummy.

Easy Knits, Easy Fits

VK version: #16 Boucle Vest, Lori Steinberg

Notes: These draped vests are simply everywhere, and I love the style. However, that yarn has got to go. That color, that texture, that unflatteringly bulky yarn? No, thank you.

Indie version: Shawl Collar Vest, Susan Shildmyer, $8.00

Notes: DK weight yarn means a lovely, clingy drape that adds a fashionable layer without being chunky. The way those edges ripple is fabulous! Think jeans, heels, and a top with an ultra-feminine print...

Inversion Theory

VK version: #18 Cable Rib Jacket, Vladmir Teriokhin

Notes: The construction is clever, and the diagonal ribbing would be a lot of fun to knit--but the overall impression is a little awkward, especially those sleeves.

Indie version: Oblique, Veronik Avery, Free

Notes: I adore Veronik Avery, and this cardigan has a similar diagonal stitch pattern and ribbed bands. However, it's so much more wearable, but still stylish! Perfect layering piece for fall.

Knit Construction

VK version: #31 Relaxed Cardigan, Mari Lynn Patrick

Notes: I really loved this when I saw the magazine photo. The fronts are just so deliciously dramatic. However, the VK360 photos with it closed were disappointing--it turned into an ordinary, shapeless cardi.

Indie version: Heroine, Jennifer Lippmann-Bruno, $7.00
Notes: Same vibe, but way more structured! Make this one oversized, and the same length as the VK version, and throw it over a tunic, wool tights, and leg warmers. It's cute open and closed, and it's felted--so you'll have a warmer, sturdier coat!

There you go, everyone! As always, happy knitting! ♥

Merry May

It's been a lovely, if slightly harried, few days. I've done a good job sticking to my goal of being the most laid-back bride in recent history, and resulting have still had plenty of time to stop and smell the roses--despite the big day being just three short days away.

The FH and I have been doing a lot more cooking together than we usually do. I think I'm feeling the urge to Donna Reed it up since I'm about to be a bride. We've had these amazing cheddar & apple sandwiches twice in the last week--once sitting in the park with our feet dangling in the water, and again today while watching the rain from our breakfast nook.

If you've been a reader for a while, you probably remember my love of all things Leethal. In fact, you can even still find the interview I did with her in the Cravings archives. A while ago, she 'unvented' a technique she calls the Sideways Edge cast-on, a nifty little bit of stitch witchery that allows you to knit in perpendicular directions without picking up stitches. It's really sort of genius.

She came up with a few neat patterns utilizing the stitch (see here and here), but I haven't really noticed other designers picking up on it just yet--so I'm going to do just that.

My current WIP (which you don't get to peek at just yet!) is a cowl designed to show off the technique as much as possible. I'm terribly excited about it. It's quick, pretty, and it has delicious garter stitch stripes. I'm thinking it'll getting finished up this weekend during our casual honeymoon. Knitting during the post-sex glow is okay, right? (Sorry to be working blue, dear reader--I'm a bit open about sex for being one of those waited-until-marriage chicks. I promise no play-by-play will ever show it's face here, however.)

In the meantime, though, anyone living in Northeast Ohio should come check out Canton's First Friday this weekend! I'll be there selling knits, wearable art, regular art, and anything else crafty I can throw together before then!

Also, it's been pouring down rain all day today, and it's unspeakably beautiful. ♥

Crave This: Spring Cleaning

It's been a while (too long, I think) since the last time I did one of these, but that does mean that this edition of Crave This! is bursting at the seams with pretty spring goodness, ready to inspire. This is my favorite season. This is the part of the year that wakes me up, gets me going, gets me dreaming.


Early spring to me is muted, romantic. Subtlety with the occasional burst of color. Neutrals, earth tones, and pastels. Light layers of froth, or dressy basics. Regardless of what the year's trends dictate, that's what I end up craving.


With that said, let me really show you what's been on my mind...


1-The knits ♥

Project page here.

Project page here.

Project page here.

Project page here.

Project page here.

2-The crochet ♥

Project page here.

Project page here.

Project page here.



Project page here.

3-The patterns ♥

Pattern here.
Photo from here.



Pattern here.



Pattern here.
Photo from here.



Pattern here.



Pattern from here. 

3-The DIY ♥

Tutorial here.

Tutorial here.

Tutorial here

4-The inspiration ♥

A Common Thread blog.
Easy shop here.



T Does Wool blog.

Online fashion mag Antler.

With the wedding right around the corner, blogging has--unfortunately--been low on my priority list. But I'm not gone for good, I promise. There'll be more knitty love here soon.

♥

Crave This! February

This month, Crave This is making its appearance a little early, full of a special handful of things that are pretty in pink to put you in the romantic mood! It is that day today, after all. I was never that into that sort of thing until I started dating my future hubby, who's a true romantic at heart. So this year we're really doing it up--complete with blueberry waffles topped with whipped cream and real maple syrup. Mmm. 


This day really belongs to you, the readers, though! You guys (each and every one of you) are what makes keeping up a blog really fun and rewarding! 

Happy Valentine's Day, friends!

1-Little knitted surprises

So adorable--I keep picturing them hidden all over a room. Pattern here.

Lovely little hat design from Pickles of Norway--there's even coordinating mitts.

I think this scarf would look so darling thrown over a black dress and little cardi, right before you waltz out the door on your way to a fabulous restaurant.

Mittens for holding hands. Too perfect, too cute.

Or socks, for tiptoeing around in while cooking up a breakfast in bed.

And what's breakfast in bed without some cozied-up morning coffee?




2-Seeing Red...

Retro vintage necklace from here.

Super sweet coasters, for the most festive among us.

The print on this fabulous red scarf lists collective nouns of different types of animals, such as a "crash of rhinos"! Awww. Everything else in her store is darling, too.

It's hard not to love such sweetness. The vintage-style balloons on this are what really grab my attention.

Breakfast is the most romantic meal of the day. It really just is. These darling bowls just prove it.

And again, awww. I have a soft spot for artisan jewelry.

3-Things to Send the Old-Fashioned Way

1st of three sassy & sappy tutorials for V-day from Alisa Burke!

The 2nd is created from junk mail--although you'd never guess as much.

And this one keeps things traditional!




There you have it! As usual, everything in this post belongs to the very talented people who created them, and you should check out their sites & blogs if you see anything you're really craving! Now go show yourself and the people around you some extra love. ♥

Crave This! January

A little late, but here to make you smile nonetheless.

I think January is the longest month of the year. It drags on in long, grey days, unbroken by any celebration or milestones. It's still cold, it's still snowing, and everything else just seems so far away. What better way to fill a month like that than with lots of extra knitting?

So, for January, I'm filling this with nothing-but-knit. 

Lots to see, lots to envy, lots to inspire, lots to make.

-Knitting they did-

One of the darlingest and rarest winter creatures, this little guy is probably responsible for the tiny, odd footprints in the snow around your holly bushes.

I love every version of Kate Sonnick's Fake-A Gamo clutch purse. The stitch pattern reminds me of snowy Eskimo houses in the Arctic.

Double-stranded colorwork means double warmth. And doubly pretty, especially in this case.

Oh, and in this case.

So what if knitted jewelry hasn't taken over the runway yet? We can make it happen, people. 

I keep imagining a skirt like this with lacy tights and fur-trimmed boots.

This is one of the few times that I've seen a Wenlan Chia design look irresistibly wearable. Don't you just want to make one in every possible color?

It seems like faces are SO last winter. But that's okay when it lets pretty knits like this one shine.

This one's not bad either, now that you mention it.

-Knitting from patterns-

Scarf it up, baby.

Simple, sleek cables add dimension to quick mittens, mmm hmmm.

So does colorwork. 

Or mix things up with a seriously pom'd hat.

Ooodles of lace to keep anyone busy on a snowy night in. I love the structure.

Boots aren't just for outdoors--and the bobbles on these are simply too adorable.

Perfect cowl, perfect colorwork.

Another cowl, extra-chunky for extra-fast knitting. And it uses just one skein of Twinkle yarn.

-Good knitting things come in kit packages-

24$ from Sweatshop Of Love.

85$ from Wool And The Gang.

10$ from Leethal.

-Knitting to watch out for-

Stephen West keeps hinting on Twitter about Westknits Book Two.

Ditto Ysolda and her upcoming Little Red In The City.

This site is super-intriguing, and I really love the concept.

And that's it.

You know the routine--credit belongs to the lovely people who made this stuff originally.

♥ until next month.