Maybe it’s the way VK writes patterns, which is crammed at the end of their quarterly in 3-column-per-page teeny writing. Flipping through the photos is awesome, but actually attempting to knit anything is irritating.
For the mag issues I don’t have, it’s great to be able to get the download from their website. All magazines should offer the option– I mean, if you pay $4 for a single download of one pattern, that’s more expensive than buying the entire issue, which would make more money for the magazine.
I flipped through the VK offerings on Rav and pulled a few for us.
#33 V-Neck Dress (H 2006) by Fayla Reiss for for VK. This dress got up, walked over to my desk and screamed “MISSONI” at me. My ears are still ringing. Is the dress painfully simple? Yes. Is it a v-neck pullover with ease at the hips and triple stranded in a way that makes my hands hurt without even casting on? Yes. But I think a yarn sub could fix that. This dress is so flipping wearable. Tights and boots? Done. I’d choose whites, reds, and pinks for an over-the-top Valentine’s day deal, or charcoals, barks, and light greys for an ethereal winter palette.
#07 Mohair Lace Dress (EF2011) by Laura Zukaite. I hate the way this is styled in the shoot, because it makes it appear long-sleeved, but this video gives you a better idea of the final product. I loved the laced-up back and the variety of stitches used in the pattern. This is one of those “I’ll never knit it, but I absolutely admire it” projects.
I know I’m going to lose some of you with #18 New York Skyline Pullover (H2011) by Renee Lorion, but I love it. I don’t love that it’s knit in mohair lace, which works so well for the pattern above but would be too fuzzy to wear close to the skin. The sweater is shown as a layering piece, which saves me my initial negative reaction to all short-sleeved sweaters. Boxy, short-sleeved “relaxed” sweaters like this one only attract me if they’re balanced by a coquettish design feature- an open back, deep neck, or off the shoulder scoop. Renee borrows the Skyline motif from Perry Ellis, and it’s what I’d borrow from this pattern. I think it’d make a kickass bag or cushion cover.
I’m enamored with #28 Colorwork Poncho (EF2011) courtesy of Deborah Newton. I love the colorwork, color choices, and the garment’s interesting side seams. It isn’t a poncho, but it’s a really cute pullover.
Okay, I could keep going, but I want to see YOUR VK picks. Sale ends Friday- are you going to partake? I will, if I can find something I absolutely KNOW I’ll knit in the next few months. Otherwise, saving $3 isn’t a good enough reason for me to scamper off to the site and start hoarding.
– YX