Knitting Daily : Previews

Preview Time! Knitscene Winter 2008/Spring 2009

KD Sandi — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 13:18:00 GMT

Note from Sandi: Ever met a knitter who just made you want to stare at her hands as her needles flew along? That's how I felt the first time I saw Lisa Shroyer, the editor of Knitscene magazine, knit. She's a thrower, she does amazing colorwork, and she's wicked fast with the needles. Lisa knits more stitches in a day than I knit in a week!

All that knitting seems to have given Lisa an deep affinity for what knit and purl stitches can do--she seems to have a homing instinct when it comes to finding great designs. Lucky us!

For example: See that pretty rainbow yoked sweater by Carol Sulcoski? Looks like a lot of stripes and ends to weave in, right? Nope. That's Noro Kureyon, a variegated yarn, and the colors change all by themselves. Clever--and Lisa chose it for one of the designs in the new Winter 2008/Spring 2009 issue of Knitscene magazine.

Here's Lisa to tell you more of what's in the new issue of Knitscene:

It's a new issue of Knitscene!

Knitscene is a special issue that comes out twice a year. We feature simple, stylish, and free-spirited designs that will appeal to a wide range of knitters. Most of the projects in Knitscene are easy to make, falling in the easy and advanced easy categories. If you want a quick-to-knit sweater with a hip silhouette, Knitscene is the magazine for you!

In this issue, we explore:

The classic combo of sweaters and denim—these designs look great with jeans
Whimsical knits for spring—luscious fibers, modern shapes, girly details
Rustic yarns and great outerwear pieces
Chunky yarns for fast (and economical!) accessories
Crochet accessories that feature a bit of knitting for the multi-crafter
The art of spinning with a drop spindle
Buttonholes and how to plan your buttonbands
The knitting world of designer Cathy Carron, with 4 new designs by Cathy
How to incorporate one vest project into your wardrobe to make 3 different fashion statements

I hope you enjoy this issue of Knitscene as much as I enjoyed working on it. Check out the preview and let us know what you think of the designs.

On Wednesday, we'll look in depth at the fabulous Orchid Wrap by Cecily Glowik MacDonald and talk about…entrelac!

-- Lisa Shroyer
editor of Knitscene magazine

Here is what designers are saying about Knitscene:

Designing for Knitscene is an absolute pleasure. The projects are accessible and fun at the same time. Forever Tweed, for example, is one of those sweaters a newbie can knit with ease, and a fun project for more experienced knitters looking for a quick, stylish sweater project!
—Wendy Bernard

I’ve always loved the way Knitscene features projects that are easy to knit but don’t necessarily look it! (And of course the fact that the photographs are shot in the Philadelphia area, where I live, is an extra bonus. Go Eagles!)
—Carol J. Sulcoski (author of Knit So Fine and Knitting Socks with Handpainted Yarn)

I love the challenge of creating a fun project that is interesting, and yet, easy. Most of my projects tend to become advanced because I cannot stop myself from throwing in one or two more techniques, and with Knitscene I like the challenge to edit myself to keep the projects easy. For me, there is nothing more fun then working up a project that at heart is easy, and turns into a knock-out.
—Robyn Chachula (author of Blueprint Crochet: Modern Designs for the Visual Crocheter)

Ask for Knitscene at your local yarn shop, or buy it online from us.

Sandi Wiseheart is the editor of Knitting Daily.

What's on Sandi's needles? Still on the sleeves for my sister's Central Park Hoodie--working both at once on a long circular needle. (Yes, I did swap out the cable because I'm Just That Way.) But I also must admit to casting on for a warm hat, because it's Canada, and there's all this white stuff outside, and it's actually rather chilly white stuff.

Winter Knits Preview!

KD Sandi — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 11:26:00 GMT

Note from Sandi: Ever wish you could get a glimpse into editor Eunny Jang's mind as she plans the next issue of Interweave Knits magazine? Imagine sifting through gorgeous yarns, mulling over sketches and swatches, knowing that you get to choose what everyone will be knitting this season. What fun! But what a daunting prospect...how does Eunny do it? Here to introduce the Interweave Knits Winter 2008 preview, and to share some of her thoughts on putting together this issue is Eunny herself:

Though I'm getting ready to move to the chillier climate of the Mountain West, I've spent most of my life around the Mid-Atlantic. Generally, winters in DC and Baltimore are mild, wet, and a little dreary--we rarely get snow that stays pretty for longer than a day, and while it never gets cold enough to wear 100% alpaca, neither is it ever warm enough to wear just a hand-knit sweater without a jacket. I make a lot of gloves and hats, light scarves, and thin, layerable sweaters.

On the other hand, Colorado gets really and truly cold and snowy. Thick cables, stranded colorwork, and bulky yarns--here I come! I'm looking forward to knitting thick boot socks in wool, and making sweaters out of yarns heavier than worsted-weight. Quiviuk and alpaca might finally become practical, rather than simply indulgent, knitting.

My grandmother, who lived in Los Angeles for many years, has still another definition of winter knitting: silk and cotton tops with long sleeves rather than short, vests, and the occasional lace scarf. If she knits anything wool or heavy, it's as a gift for someone who might see the mercury dip below 50 degrees Farenheit.

Knitting from December through March can mean a lot of different things across our global knitting community. To that end, we've stocked the Winter issue of Interweave Knits with options: Sweaters that can function as outerwear and fitted sweaters for layering; scarves, hats, and mittens in a variety of fibers and stitches that range from rugged to mostly-decorative; even quirky home accessories for those who don't want to knit garments at all. We've explored our favorite winter yarn, tweed, but looked for fiber blends and silhouettes that make it work for any climate; interesting "woven"-style fabrics that look great in bulky and in delicate yarns; simple stitch patterns that look great on projects large and small; and textures that range from warm and cozy to delicately etched.

Casual weekendy cardigans for tramping in the snow, refined pieces appropriate for overheated offices or warmer climates, hoods that chase the chill, scarves that could work as year-round accessories--no matter what your winter is like, we've got something to keep you knitting.

What do you knit from December through March? We'd love to hear from you!

-- Eunny Jang
Editor, Interweave Knits

View the Interweave Knits Winter 2008 Preview

What's on Sandi's needles? I cannot tell a lie. I'm almost done with a pair of the Aran Slippers from Knits Holiday Gifts 2008. No, I haven't finished the socks yet. Yes, I am working on the lace shawl. Yes, I have a couple other projects scattered around the house right now. What can I say? Would you have better self-discipline if you worked for Interweave?

The Fall Knits Preview is here!

KD Sandi — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:25:00 GMT

A note from Sandi:

The new Fall 2008 issue of Interweave Knits is here! And that means it's PREVIEW TIME...so I asked Eunny Jang, the editor of Knits, to tell us all what knitting treats await us:

It's July right now–in Baltimore, that means steaming sidewalks, iced tea, and ball games–but fall is right around the corner. Within a couple months, cooler weather will be here–in knitting time, that's just one sweater, or two vests, or four pairs of socks away. Within the pages of Knits, you‚ll find ample inspiration to prepare for the coming of fall: quick, flattering knits out of bulky yarns; projects that mix and match fibers and weights (hello, stash!); projects that explore unique constructions; and projects of all sizes that explore the things wool can do.

That last story is one of my favorites. It captures what our editorial knitting stories are all about–exploring the many directions a single inspiration can go in, giving insight in the process–but I also think of it as an example of how good, how satisfying, knitting is at all levels, in all facets. For me, getting back to basics with knitting never feels boring or tired: those stitches, those yarns, those movements are always compelling, because there's always something new to try, something new to explore or learn, and something new to be made every time. Wool? Sure, we know all about it. But think about how it changes when used in different blends, when spun in a different way, when worked up into a different kind of fabrics. Wool feels basic, but there's an awful lot to explore there. Plus, between sweaters, socks, accessories, and more, there's an awful lot to make.

So get knitting, and dig into the aspects of knitting you find most fascinating. Is it fiber? Perhaps our yarn articles will scratch the itch, or maybe the projects that consider fiber qualities carefully, and play them off each other for maximum effect. Is it constructions? Look for innovative tailoring and asymmetrical shapes. Technique? Understand and perfect invisible cast ons and bind offs once and for all with Beyond the Basics. Design? Check out what Kate Gilbert has to say about her design process.

Welcome fall!

View the Preview of the Fall 2008 issue of Interweave Knits magazine!

Eunny Jang
Editor, Interweave Knits

Behind the Scenes At Knitscene Magazine

KD Sandi — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:43:00 GMT

A note from Sandi: Are you ever curious how a magazine is dreamed up--and the dreams made real--by the editors? What inspires them? How do they take those inspirations and turn them into real-life sweaters in those gorgeous photographs we all love to drool over? I asked Katie Himmelberg, the style editor of Knitscene magazine, to share some of the process with us, from inspiration to photo session...

The Making of Knitscene
by Katie Himmelberg, Knitscene's style editor

The “look” for each issue of Knitscene is decided upon about nine months before the magazine hits newsstands. Editor Lisa Shroyer and I collaborate on ideas for the themes; they might originate with a movie we watched, a photo, or trends we’ve spied from fashion magazines, blogs, and of course, knitters! Then, to give our designers a clear idea of what types of projects we’re looking for, I gather images from all those sources and create a “mood board” for each theme. We discuss what kinds of silhouettes fit the story and techniques the projects might include.

The Projects
Then, after the submissions come in from designers, Lisa makes her final selection and we choose yarns for the projects. Color is a very important element in making all the projects in one story work together and look cohesive in the end, and it is very influential in how the project will be styled for the shoot. The yarn goes off to designers, and then we wait and wait and wait. Seeing the projects as they come in is very exciting, and then seeing them all together in their “stories” is another thrill.

At this point, we begin to talk more specifically about how we’d like to shoot the projects; sometimes our initial ideas for sets or clothes change after seeing the garments in person. Sometimes we even put a project or two into a story different from the one it was originally designed for! So much is dependent on actually seeing the garments together. Don’t get me wrong; our designers do a great job with their proposals, giving us a clear idea of what the final product will be—there’s just nothing like seeing the actual piece, live and in-person.

The Photoshoot
Next up: the fun and exhausting task of preparing for the photoshoot! We hold a model casting call with local amateur/non-models. We like to use everyday people as models, since they reflect our readership and lend a natural, authentic feel to the magazine. We meet with our photographer to go over our ideas and possible locations. And I shop. Since we are shooting for the fall issue in the spring and vice versa, I scour thrift stores for unique and out-of-season pieces, and fill in with items from department and discount stores. I like to keep the styling accessible; we don’t really need $300 jeans and such! The looks in Knitscene are a little more refined and accessorized than you might see on the street, but overall I think they reflect the everyday wearability of the projects. The look is more free-spirited and funky than the classic look of Interweave Knits.

After we’ve chosen our models and done most of the shopping, we have a pre-shoot day where we have the models come in and try on the projects and clothes to see who looks best in each. I take notes on what works and what doesn’t and what I still might need to shop for. At this point, I also try out accessories with the projects and make lots of lists organizing who will wear what, with which outfit and extras, and hair and makeup ideas.

We shoot Knitscene over three days, one day for each story, to allow for set and location changes. Photoshoots are hectic and exhausting, but they are also a lot of fun and the final result makes the hard work worth it. Our days begin early. Lisa and I arrive as the photographer and make-up artist are getting set-up, and I organize and steam the projects and clothes we’ll be shooting that day. Shortly after, the first model arrives and we get her prepped for the first shot. It always feels great to get that first shot under our belt! It usually takes the longest to prep and then we are on a roll after that.

View the Fall 2008 Preview of Knitscene magazine!

Knitscene is having a Gallery of its own!

Yes, that's right: Knitting Daily is going to have a Knitscene Gallery, to celebrate all the fabulous garments in the Fall 2008 issue. However...there are 33 designs in that magazine, and the Knitscene folks and I found that we were having a hard time choosing which ones to feature in the Gallery. So we thought we would let you help us choose!

Vote for the Knitscene Gallery Garments!

What is a Gallery? For several of the past issues of Interweave Knits, Sandi Wiseheart and her trusty band of Gallery Gals and Guys have tried on some of the actual sample garments from the magazine photoshoot, to give you an idea of what the garments look like on a range of shapes and sizes. There is only ONE sample garment for each design, and since all of us are different, Sandi writes an individualized commentary for each person, noting where adjustments might (or might not) be made to get the most fabulous fit for each and every body. Every person who tries on the garments finds surprises ("I never thought I could wear that!"); each time we do a Gallery, the feedback from readers is that the Galleries are extremely helpful in helping them to choose and fit their own sweaters. Come join the fun!

View past Galleries!

Come See the Knitscene Fall 2008 Preview!

KD Sandi — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:41:00 GMT

A note from Sandi:

The new Knitscene is here, and there is no one better to tell you about it than Lisa Shroyer, Knitscene's editor. Heeeerrrreee's Lisa:

I’m excited to bring you the preview for the Fall 2008 issue of Knitscene!

What is fun to make and wearable in real life?
What’s slightly quirky and unique without being outlandish?
What is a good use of a yarn?
What do people need in their closets?

The collection you’ll find in this issue of Knitscene is what we worked up on the basis of those questions. These are not novelty projects or purely conceptual, these are work-horse knits that fit into everyday life and can become funky or trendy through styling. At the end of the day, though phenomenal and intriguing as knits, these projects are real clothes. There’s no greater pleasure than getting repeated use out of a sweater you made—loving every stitch!

What is Knitscene?

Knitscene is a special magazine that comes out twice a year from Interweave Press, featuring easy, stylish projects that are fun to make. In this issue, you’ll find sweaters for fall, lots of accessories like hats, scarves, socks, and mitts, and projects that explore color-work, texture, and silhouette in intriguing ways. We work with themed story-lines in Knitscene; in this issue, we present a modern take on the medieval silhouette; a colorful outdoor story that’s filled with outerwear like cardigans and vests; and a globally-inspired story, featuring region-specific styles like the Kimono Socks, the Himalayan vest, and more. Enjoy the preview!

Lisa Shroyer
Editor

View the Fall 2008 Preview of Knitscene magazine!

It's Summer Preview Time!

KD Sandi — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 23:00:00 GMT

The daffodils are blooming, the lilacs are blossoming, and that means it's time for the Knits 2008 Summer Preview! (We want you to have your summer knitting well in hand before the REAL heat starts, you see.)

Who better to introduce the next issue of Interweave Knits than the editor herself: Eunny Jang!

from left: Elinor Tunic, Roped Shell, Drawstring Raglan

Eunny Jang Presents: The Knits 2008 Summer Preview

If there's a downside to editing Interweave Knits, it's that new issues no longer come as a pleasant surprise. By the time I actually get my hands on a finished magazine—as desk copies, now, not as a sudden treat in the mailbox—I'm already intimately familiar with it, having shed sweat and tears (and occasionally blood—paper cuts!) over every word and photo in it. By the time an issue becomes a paper-and-ink, tangible thing, the Knits staff has already been thinking about and working on it for the better part of a year.

We do get excited when the previews go up, though. This is our first chance to see what people think of our hard work—to live the new issue thrill vicariously, through our readers.

The Summer 2008 issue, which hits newsstands May 13, has a little bit of everything. We know it can be tough to find great things to knit in the hot months, so we've assembled a collection of projects that hit all the sweet spots of summertime knitting: simple, quick knits; lacy things; cool fibers; easy silhouettes. It's not your same-old same-old, though: This year, we're revisiting summer knits with a special focus on color. That can (and does) mean a lot of things: stranded colorwork accents, allover slip-stitch knitting, intarsia motifs, even single solid colors we found inspiring. All the projects are light and airy, with a little something special.

from left: Wallis Cardigan, Brick Pullover, Gossamer Stars Scarf

Some projects highlight how minimalist color lets pattern and line take center stage: Take a look at how Wendy Bernard's ELINOR TUNIC makes a mosiac pattern pop by using complementary shades, or Margery Winter's DRAWSTRING RAGLAN uses one unexpected stripe to liven up a classic shape.

Angela Hahn uses color and stitch structure together to create an intriguing fabric and a drapey silhouette in the ROPED SHELL. Melissa Werhrle's WALLIS CARDIGAN punches up beautiful details and clean, classic lines with a surprising, look-at-me solid. Kat Coyle's GOSSAMER STARS SCARF highlights simple lace stitches with a glossy, ever-so-slightly variegated silk. And Kathy Zimmermann's BRICK PULLOVER makes an unusual construction shine by working it in a subtle chilly-night-at-the-beach rust color.

Color can make a big impact, or act as a flattering backdrop. It can change the look and feel of a knitted project more completely than any other alteration; it truly can make a garment yours. As you enjoy the new issue, think about your ideal colors—have fun!

— Eunny Jang
Editor, Interweave Knits magazine

View the Interweave Knits Summer 2008 Preview!

Free Pattern: Confectionary Tank by Deborah Newton

Eunny and I thought you needed a little treat while you waited for the Summer issue...so here is the Confectionary Tank, a fun and richly colored tank top by Deborah Newton. The stitching is easier than it looks—the mosaic texture is created with an eight-row slip-stitch pattern that helps mix and coordinate the seven bright colors of silk. Minimal finishing means you'll be of to that beach party in no time. Enjoy!

This pattern will be available only until July 31st, so be sure to download your copy now!

So, what do you think of the Summer garments? Let us know!

Sandi Wiseheart is the editor of Knitting Daily.

What's on Sandi's needles? We had a long meeting here yesterday, so I now have 3" done on the New Skinnier Gathered Pullover. Hooray for meetings where you can knit!

Spring 2008 Knits Preview: Glam for Every Gal

KD Sandi — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 23:00:00 GMT

It's an Interweave tradition: Whenever a new issue is ready, a few of us gather for what we fondly call "Story Time." Since there is usually only one "proof" copy, we pull our chairs close together around the lucky person holding the One Copy, who carefully, sloooowwwllly turns the pages and shows them around to a crowd as rapt as any listening to the adventures of The Velveteen Rabbit. For some of us, like me, this is our first peek at the new Interweave Knits; for others, who have worked on the magazine in bits and pieces, this is their chance to see the final, gorgeous product of all their hard work.

Hexacomb Cardigan

Today, it's your turn. The Spring 2008 Knits Preview is up, and so I invite you to pull the preview up in another window, and join me for a little walk through knitting wonderland.

There is absolutely nothing frumpy here in Spring Knits land. There is only pretty, pretty, and more pretty. Silhouettes are feminine (perhaps even a bit flirty!), and details add depth and glamour enough to delight a red-carpet hopeful.

In fact: Stop the presses! What a great idea. I'd LOVE to see some handknits on the red carpet at the Oscars this year! Anyone have Cate Blanchett's email addy?

I'm serious. Wouldn't Cate look stunning in the Slyph Cardigan or the Cobweb Lace Stole? And Ellen Page would look adorable in the Hexacomb Cardigan.

Laura Linney, the Printed Silk Cardigan was practically made for you.
Bleeding Heart Stole Julie Christie could carry off the cover project, the Holly Jacket, and Marion Cotillard could waltz in wearing the Bleeding Hearts Stole over a slim, satiny black ballgown.

Chameleon Scarf

Ms. Ruby Dee could do the Mesh Gloves some serious justice, and Amy Ryan would look perfect in the Flutter Sleeve Cardi. Tilda Swinton, always a trendsetter, might try the Auburn Camp Shirt over a lace cami and silk pants. And for Saoirse Ronan, the 13-year-old nominee for Supporting Actress, well, there's A Good Stripe Dress that would be delightful on her small frame.

And I gotta say: I can see Johnny Depp jauntily wearing the Chameleon Scarf, I really, really can.

Shaping, stitching, yarn, and style, the designs in this issue are all stars. Wish upon one, and add some knitting magic to your own story.

Sandi Wiseheart is the editor of Knitting Daily.

What's on Sandi's needles? Shoulders of the Gathered Pullover, and the body of the Secret Project.

Poll Results: Your Favorite Winter 2007 Projects

KD Sandi — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 07:00:00 GMT

Henley Perfected

Thank you for the overwhelming (and very amusing!) responses to the Winter 2007 Project Poll: What project(s) are you excited to cast on for? I had so much fun reading the comments and seeing what you thought of the new Winter patterns!

Without further ado, here are your top ten patterns from Winter Knits 2007, in order:

One: Henley Perfected

Two: Celtic Tote

Three: Gathered Pullover

Four: Refined Aran Jacket

Celtic Tote

Five: Ivy League Vest

Six: Sweater Girl Pullover

Seven: Rosemary's Swing Jacket

Eight: Brushed Lace Cardigan

Nine: Logan River Wrap

Ten: Citrus Yoke Pullover

You can view photos of all the Winter Knits projects on the online preview.

I will point out that 7% of you declined to choose a pattern, saying that you were on a Project Diet. Perhaps a moment of applause for these finely self-disciplined knitters, everyone! I admire each and every one of you in that 7%.

However, I have no such self-control. I told you on Wednesday that I had fallen in love with four patterns...but that was before I tried on Rosemary's Swing Jacket and saw the photos of how it looked on me. So I'd like to change my vote to five projects, if you all don't mind. As for my other four new-found loves—Gathered Pullover, Celtic Tote, Refined Aran Jacket, and Henley Perfected—it looks as though many of us all have the same tastes in projects.

Gathered Pullover

I don't know if I will actually knit all five, but I did decide that if I had to start somewhere, I wanted to start with the Gathered Pullover, since that is the one project where the sample sweater is unavailable for our Sweater Gallery later this month. I'm really curious to see how the cable-in-the-center will work for a busty gal such as myself. So yesterday involved a trip to Woolen Treasures, the local yarn shop (where a purely adorable new shop kitten named Patrick now reigns supreme over the bins and shelves of wools), and last night, I started swatching. (Yes, Nicholas dear, I promise I will have your hoodie done by Christmas...but maybe I could just knit a little bit on my pullover inbetween, just as a diversion?)

Cap'n Frog waits to see if he will be needed

I'll post photos of my progress for you as things move forward with Ms. Gathered. I am thinking I will knit it as written, just to see how it looks, with photos provided for all of you to let me know what you think. Then, if the results are not totally pleasing on my particular curves, I'll invite Cap'n Frog in for a bit, and we can do some hopefully-clever customizations. I don't know. We Shall See. Stay Tuned.

(What color did I choose? Predictably: Purple.)

Coming Up on Knitting Daily

Next week on Knitting Daily, we'll be hosting three very special Guest Star Editors:

Monday, Nov. 12: Amy Clarke Moore, editor of Spin-Off magazine, will talk about a sweater that has been ten years in the making...plus she will probably try to seduce some of you into the wonderful world of spinning your own yarns.

Wednesday, Nov. 14: Kim Werker, editor of Interweave Crochet, talks to knitters about making beautiful, stylish, non-dumpy crochet.

Next Week: Guest Star Lisa Shroyer and more!

Friday, Nov. 16: Lisa Shroyer, editor of Knitscene magazine, talks about what it is like to study knitting patterns for a living.

Please join us as these three very different, very talented women share their love of yarn and all things stitchy with us, and also manage to give me a teensy tiny (gasp!) vacation all at the same time!

A vacation!? Yes, I'm taking a little time off whilst our Guest Stars entertain you. I will be in Toronto, Canada, visiting loved ones, knitting happily away on something pretty, and (no doubt) fondling some Canadian yarn. I'll be back with more knitting adventures before you even have a chance to notice I'm gone.

During Thanksgiving week: We'll have a tiny treat for everyone; and just so you know: There will be only one Knitting Daily post that week.

Then on Monday, Nov. 26, We'll be back to our usual schedule with The Winter Knits Galleries! We've chosen several of the sweaters from the Winter 2007 issue for the Women of Interweave West to try on and model for you, so you can see the sweaters on a variety of different body shapes. Katie Himmelberg, style editor of Knitscene, and assistant editor of Knits, will be walking us through some helpful styling tips for different body types. Don't miss the fun!

Sandi Wiseheart is the editor of Knitting Daily.

What's on Sandi's needles? I solemnly promise to finish the Hubby Hoodie in time for Christmas, however: I am swatching for the Gathered Pullover at the moment. (See how good I'm being?) And fear not: The Lace Socks are in the Meditation Bin for only a short time; there is one more technical problem with said sockies which I shall share with y'all once I have meditated upon it for a bit.

What Knitting Project Will You Fall In Love With?

KD Sandi — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 07:00:00 GMT

Is this "The One"? Rosemary's Swing Jacket

It never gets old. One morning every few months, I walk into my cubicle, and there it is, sitting on my desk chair: a brand-shiny new issue of Interweave Knits. This time, it was the Winter 2007 issue, and as usual, my email went unanswered and my other work came to a standstill until I had looked at Every. Single. Page.

As with every time I go through a new issue, I am looking to fall in love. I want to turn the page, and fall hard, fall fast, fall passionately in love with The Sweater. THE Sweater. You know which one I mean: The Sweater that will look adorable on me, The Sweater that I will stay up into the wee hours to finish because I love knitting it so much, The Sweater that leaps off the page, takes me by the hand, leans in reeeeaaaallly close, and whispers in my ear: "Knit me. C'mon, you know you want to knit me..."

(Of course, sometimes it's not a sweater that I fall in love with, sometimes it's Those Socks, or That Bag. You understand.)

This time, this issue, I was lucky enough to fall in love not once, not twice, not even three times...but four. Four beautiful, lovely, perfect projects. I am dizzy with love, and I am crazy to cast on—but which one to do first?

What are your favorite projects?

Wait...wait. I must not be selfish. I must not be rude. I must remember to let others get a word in edgewise about their new-found loves. So, Knitting Daily folks: Tell me which projects you fell in love with. I'll share the results of this poll, plus the names of my new darlings, on Friday...so let me know what you think!

Those of you with more level heads will note the irony of discussing our collections of UnFinished Objects in gory detail over the past few weeks, only to now turn to a new knitting magazine, with the prospect of yet more projects on yet more needles to add to our works in progress.

Open the new Interweave Knits. I dare you not to fall in love.

Annie gets ready for her close-up

Coming Up: The Winter Knits Gallery!

Ever wonder how that beautiful sweater in Knits would look on someone shaped like you are? Just as we did with the Corset Pullover and the 1824 Blouson, a group of us around the Colorado office got together to try on sweaters from the Knits Winter 2007 issue, to show off how the sample sweaters look on folks of different proportions and sizes. We'll have photos and customization tips starting the end of November and running through the beginning of December. Come join the fun!

Your Hints on Losing the Ladders

I never cease to be amazed by the cleverness and resourcefulness of knitters. So many people came up with their own helpful hints about how to avoid ladders: Use 5 dpns instead of 4; tug the yarn tight on the SECOND stitch of the new needle, rather than the first; and more. Read through the comments on Monday's post for a little mini-tutorial on losing the ladders, courtesy of all you brillaint Knitting Daily members. Reader tip that works for me: Keep the ends of the working needles on top of the others. I've done this for years and it really helps. But what is the BEST way to lost the ladders? I shall give the standard Sandi response here: The Best Way is the way that works Best For You. Try several of the tips mentioned until you find your "best way".

Sandi Wiseheart is the editor of Knitting Daily.

What's on Sandi's needles? I cannot tell a lie. I am looking for yarn for one of the Winter Knits sweaters, even though I have admitted publicly than I already have 14 UFOs. However, fear not: The Lace Socks are in the Meditation Bin for only a short time; there is one more technical problem which I shall share with y'all once I have meditated upon it for a bit.