I finished crocheting the retro cardigan a few days ago (crochet is fast!) It was a little weird, so I blocked it hoping it would get better.
As you can see, the yarn bled onto my drying rack. Unfortunately, it’s still weird. I won’t show a picture of it on (because I don’t have any, and because it’s embarrassingly bad.) See how the waist goes in suddenly? Yeah, that’s not where my waist actually is, plus the sudden cinching causes weird ripples. It also came out small in the body, but enormous in the shoulders. The pattern had quite a few mistakes that I found, and overall it was just kind of a pain in the butt. I cannot recommend it, unfortunately. Fortunately I didn’t weave in any ends yet, so I can easily rescue the yarn for something else, which is what I plan to do.
Ah well, they can’t all be winners! I have been working on the smock top, and I’m hoping it comes out better. I’m knitting the smallest size, which is crazy tiny, but my gauge is tending to be a little large. I’m hoping to get a size in between the 2 smallest, but we’ll see. Shine sport is still a pain to knit with, but it’s pretty and soft!
I am pretty anxiously awaiting the fall knitting patterns – I do not start any new summer weight projects after July, so I’m ready for fall! Berroco already has their patterns out (they are always first, it seems) and there are several likely candidates there. In particular I like the 2 knit dresses (yes, I am shocked as well!)
The sweaters are nice too
In case you can’t tell, I’m very into tunic styles this year. I’m likely to pick up a few of their collections. I’m anxiously awaiting Classic Elite, as they have been on a winning streak, and the fall magazines (I am just about to go search out Knitscene, which has been spotted!)
Green apples - Stitchywitch Creates 
I’m jealous of people who can crochet – I’ve tried so hard to make my girl a brimmed hat and it just doesn’t work out for me!
I can’t believe Knitscene is out, I thought it came out in August. I’m DEFINITELY going to knit the herringbone sweater (I don’t know if that’s what she calls it, but it has buttons along the shoulder. Her original version was light and dark grey with chartreuse buttons and I’ve been coveting it for YEARS!) As for the Berroco – I LOVE the first dress (but as a sweater) and the 4th picture but maybe a little shorter…
I’m sorry to read your crochet cardigan did not come out the way you wanted it to, after all of that work. It looks nice on the drying rack, but if it doesn’t fit well, you won’t enjoy it.
I’m looking forward to the new Knitscene too. The summer IK was really disappointing to me, so I hope the fall issue will be better. In the meantime, I’m fixated on a couple of Louisa Harding’s and French Girl’s patterns.
Awww, that’s too bad about the cardi. It does look cute on the blocking board.
Those were my favorites from the new Knitscene as well! Especially the hoodie. It looks so wearable.
Thank you for sharing your favorite new designs. I think the dress in which the model is standing in front of the wood stack is super cute. Only four more weeks of school left for me! And… I have actually had some time this last weekend to work on a design by Kim Hargreaves–Devon, only I’m not striping it, but using black Rowan Cotton Glace with natural white ribbing. I am up to the sleeves on the back:)
I love the dresses! I think I might try one out. I can’t believe how fast you get projects done.