Knit-Faced

Ravelry has taken over my life. I adore it. I frantically search for amazing knits that are a blend of easy (since I'm still a beginner) and beautiful (since I love pretty things). So much FUN I'm definitely knit-faced.

I made this beautiful yellow cowl. I wanted to play with texture and learn a new pattern from my pattern book. I figure I'll be making many snoods in the near future with varying textures. Test them all out. See which ones I like best.

Yarn: Paton Classic Wool Roving
Colour: Yellow 77615
Contents: 100% Wool
Pattern: Blanket Knit Stitch

I have been eyeing these Turban headbands for awhile. My work sells one identical to it. But I knew I could make my own. Forget buying it. So I did just that! Simple. I think I'll make many many more in many many more colours!

Yarn: Red Heart Soft Touch
Colour: Berry 9779
Contents: 100% Acrylic
Pattern: Rib Stitch

And finally we have my first voyage into the world of cables! LOVE them. Not as difficult as I thought they would be once I purchased double ended needles. So much easier to use than my first attempt using cable holders. BUT I am super happy with the result and can't wait to find another beautiful cable pattern to try. Since I had lots of the Red Heart Soft Touch remaining I used that. I don't much like acrylic yarn but I didn't want to veer away from the exact instructions because I am TERRIBLE at gauging size. OOOPS.

Yarn: Red Heart Soft Touch
Colour: Berry 9779
Contents: 100% Acrylic
Pattern: Cable 6

And there are many more knits to come. Just you wait random internet people. JUST. You. wait.

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Review: Ottobre Design A/W 2009

While I was browsing the internets for patterns I came across OTTOBRE Design Pattern magazine. It is designed and printed in Finland by Studio Tuumat Oy.

They have a monthly children's pattern magazine but the woman's magazine only comes out bi-annually. I don't mind this twice a year because the majority of the patterns are winners. Also, a great aspect of the magazine is that they use normal people to showcase their clothing. Normal people with normal proportions. So you can see the patterns on all statues - short, tall, slim, and wide.

The magazine includes the patterns and written instructions. It does not include a cutting layout or illustrations. The patterns are 8.5 Euros each.

So lets see these patterns!

The Patterns I Love:

Not only do I love this pleated bubble skirt but I LOVE the colour of the fabric! It just screams Christmas cheer to me! I also really like the simple black tank (including the fabric choice) and the jacket is a definite win. Look at that adorable back pleat detail!

I'm a fan of casual knit dresses. I also prefer patterns that have sleeves included. They always work better than trying to set in my own sleeves. The jacket is a simple A-line that would be a quick make. I probably wouldn't make the pants  or the scarf though.

Underwear? LOVE IT. Look at those hot shorts! Those are high on my to make list. I wish I had a serger! That would make life quick and easy! The tank top is cute with the ruching but it isn't something I'd likely make.

Now, I really like the styling on these photos. I like the brown tones and the cute wooly hat. The Jacket, shirt, and tshirt are all simple items. Everybody loves a quick sew. I might make the pants, I like the crop wide leg on them.

Now, this pattern set is a love/hate. I love the skirt and I like that it is done in a plaid. Lots of thick pleats. I could make a schoolgirl kilt for myself! The t-shirt is nice is you hack off those sleeves. I like the neck detail. The jacket is something I would never make, the wavey bottom hem looks sloppy not like a design feature.

Patterns I am Not a Fan of:

It isn't a bad pattern, it is just something I'd never wear. A simple sheath dress with pockets would just make me look pregnant (NEVER DESIRABLE), and the sweater/jacket is too long and too short all at the same time. They include a basic button-up which would be nice though.

Let me start by saying there is nothing wrong with this tracksuit jacket. I just would never sew it. I prefer to purchase my sportswear because I can never find appropriate material for it. And the pants aren't anything special.

Again, not a bad pattern, I just don't wear wrap dresses. And again with those sleeves, they just look so outdated to me. 

So what do YOU make of this OTTOBRE Magazine? Would you purchase it?

Watch for another two OTTOBRE Design magazine reviews from me in the next weeks.

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