Mantra Knitting

As I’ve mentioned before, I’m a fan of free pattern sources, including magazines available through my library or other subscriptions (like Apple News). Recently, I’ve noticed that The Knitter magazine has consistently had patterns that I’ve saved for future projects. I guess this showcases a style alignment with this particular publication, and the last two issues had several patterns that I would be excited to make in the future.

The July edition (Issue 229) boasted “Summer Brights” as the theme. I saved a total of EIGHT patterns from this issue, which might be a record for a magazine’s value to me. Here’s what I saved and why:

Pattern	What I Liked
Name: Alfriston Designer: Bronagh Miskelly Ravelry Link	One of my most worn knits from my current wardrobe is a raglan tee with lace detail at the bottom. This pattern has similar style, and I know that it would be cute for multiple outfits and occasions. I would like it with jeans, linen pants, or even layered over a dress.
Name: Alys Designer: Sarah Hatton Ravelry Link	My current handknit wardrobe only has a chunky cardigan, and I am on the hunt for a more delicate cardigan for layering. This may not fully meet that need, but I am drawn to the bobbles & colorwork combo. I think it would be a bit of a challenge for me, and I want to push myself to try unique designs.
Name: Knots Designer: Lisa Richardson Ravelry Link	Thanks to my tropical climate, I’ve felt limited with patterns that include cables. This short-sleeve v-neck top would be a nice project, even in my warm locale. I also love the variety of panels, with cables, bobbles, and eyelets.
Name: Renelle Designer: Anniken Allis Ravelry Link	It might surprise you, but I have zero shawls in my handknit wardrobe! Yet, a shawl might be perfect to have in my bag for those frigid indoor A/C moments. I like that this pattern is focused on the color and edge detail but otherwise seems very simple. I think it would work with many outfits and would be a fun knit!
Name: Burnsall Designer: Lisa Richardson Ravelry Link	My husband is severely lacking in handknit items, so I’ve been searching for a sweater pattern that might work with his style. I like the diamond cables of this pattern but would likely make it in a soft gray for a more subtle outcome.
Name: Martta Designer: Outi Kater Ravelry Link	This tea cozy feels like the perfect project to practice more colorwork. My most recent colorwork project only had two colors, so I look forward to practicing an extra color. Plus, I love drinking hot tea throughout the day, and what a joy it would be to have this cute cozy as part of my tea ritual!
Name: Sea Lace Vest Designer: Drops Design Ravelry Link	This pattern was my favorite from the issue, and perhaps the most likely to actual make it to my needles. I love the color of the sample and the texture is lovely. I love the tied detail for layering, and I could imagine wearing this through multiple seasons.
Name: Violaine Designer: Kate Heppell Ravelry Link	The description of this pattern from the magazine calls it “sweet,” and that’s exactly the word I would choose. I think this would look cute over a dress, and I immediately thought of spring outings. The all-over lace pattern feels very romantic.

I was also successful in finding patterns I liked in the August edition (Issue 230), with three saved patterns. The August theme was “Romantic Knits.”

Pattern	What I Liked
Name: Chamonix Socks Designer: Kelly Menzies Ravelry Link	As a new sock knitter, I’ve been saving a lot of sock patterns! This seems like a nice introduction to lace on a sock, which feels like my next step in my sock knitting journey. I might modify to make a short ankle sock, which I think I would wear more often.
Name: Gorska Designer: Emma Vining Ravelry Link	As I said, I’m looking for another cardigan to add to my wardrobe. I like the texture of this cardigan, and I like the simple garter stitch button band. It looks like a fun knit that would get a lot of wear in my everyday life.
Name: Wainwright Designer: Sanna Mard Castman Ravelry Link	Finally, another contender for my husband’s future sweater. I love the two-toned look (although, it may take some convincing for my husband, so it could be altered to a single color) and the cables have such a nice, classic look. I would definitely feel proud to give this as a gift to him!

I am truly surprised by the number of patterns that I decided to save from these last two issues of The Knitter magazine. Of course, I am unlikely to make them all, so time will tell which patterns maintain my enthusiasm.

Which is your favorite?

Happy Knitting!