5 Favourite Knits from Amirisu
As I'm writing this, the weather has undoubtedly changed, and the air has more of that autumn feel. It is apt then to talk about the new fall/winter issue of Amirisu. This issue marks the tenth anniversary of the ever-popular Japanese knitting magazine.
Produced by a small publishing team Amirisu has started close to its cultural roots and textile traditions whilst offering modern, clean designs and new approaches to knitting. This issue was shot location at the Kyocera Museum of Art, Kyoto. The clean lines of this contemporary section of the museum were the perfect backdrop for showing off the designs featured in this issue.
There are twelve knitting patterns, and the designers have taken their inspiration from sculpture and given us a knit-worthy collection.
I've hand-picked some of my favourite knitting patterns from this issue and suggested what yarn you might like to knit them in.
1. Cuenca by Paula Pereira
There's something quite lovely about cables, so I was instantly drawn to Cuenca by Paula Pereira. A top-down sweater, Cuenca has a criss-cross yoke to help home your knitting skills, after which you drift into stocking stitch, so this is a project of two halves. The same cable and twisted stitch detail are replicated on the sleeve cuffs.
Cuenca by Paula Pereira
The pattern offers a good range of sizes 33 - 65" and is suggested that you wear with some positive ease. The sample is shown with +5.5" of ease. Paula chose to knit her design in Quince & Co. Lark, a worsted-weight yarn. An alternative to Lark is De Rerum Natura Gilliatt. Just like the original yarn, it is 100% wool, a plied yarn Gilliatt has the exact yardage as Lark, and I would usually look to this as a rule of thumb.
2. Kaiku by Ronja Hakalehto
I can't make it through to spring without a good choice of hats, so my next pick is Kaiku by Ronja Hakalehto. Ronja is perhaps best known for her stranded colourwork, so it is no surprise that Kaiku features this technique. With a wide-folded brim followed by two-colour stranded colourwork, Kaiku uses a fingering weight yarn. My choice for this hat would be Tukuwool Fingering. To be on the safe side, I suggest two skeins for the primary colour, which gives you enough for a matching pom-pom and one for the contrast colour. Play with colour and contrast to make this your very own.
Kaiku by Ronja Hakalehto
3. Hyphae by Bistol Ivy
When I saw Bristol Ivy's contribution to this issue, it brought back memories of the first sweater I knit in the early 90s, it was far more advanced for a beginner, but I threw caution to the wind. Hyphae is a cable knitter's dream.
Hyphae by Bristol Ivy
Knit from the bottom up in the round columns of cables make this piece a sculpture in its own right and will keep your interest throughout. A shawl collar makes this a classic wearable addition to anyone's winter wardrobe. I would knit this design in one of my favourite non-superwash DK yarns, LITLG Highland DK. As before, there is a good number of sizes from a finished bust size 36" through to 76". Hyphae is best worn with positive ease. The sample is shown with +7.75" of ease.
4. Lisianthus by Teti Lutsak
No winter wardrobe would be complete without a dickie. Not quite a sweater, a dickie is the perfect compliment to a warm woollen coat.
Lisianthus by Teti Lutsak
Designed by Teti Lutsak, Lisianthus has an optional frill on the front. This simple turtleneck will add warmth without the extra bulk as it is knit in Biches & Buches Le Petit Lambswool. Teti used the colourway Candy, which is divine. An easy knitting project that would make the ideal gift knit!
Five sizes are given for Lisianthus, with sizes one and two being for children. To knit the adult sizes, you will need between two and three skeins of Le Petit Lambswool.
5. Linii by Bérangére Cailliau
I love an understated sweater, wearing them and knitting them. Having a more straightforward project on the needles can be a joy at the end of a busy day! Stocking Stitch doesn't have to be dull, though - Bérangére Cailliau's contribution to this issue of Amirisu is far from plain.
Linii by Bérangére Cailliau
Linii is worked from the top-down with a drop shoulder and relaxed fit. A horizontal line of garter stitch cuts across this sweater's body and sleeves, giving it an edgy look. Knit in your favourite DK yarn. Rosy Green Wool, Lovely Merino Treat in a neutral colour and maybe Sun or Olive to add that pop of colour!
Whether you are looking for inspiration to reinvigorate your knit life or, like me, have picked out your favourites already and are keen to cast on this issue is sure to bring you joy!
The knitting patterns in this issue are suitable for the intermediate to the experienced knitter. For more details on sizes and yarn requirements, see here.
I don't need to tell you, but it is always a good idea to swatch if you plan to cast on any patterns in this issue. It takes time but will save you a lot of heartache in the long run.
Amirisu Issue 25 is available to order now while stocks last.