Review: Woodsmoke and Little Luxuries from Knit Picks

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Knit Picks has been putting out so many amazing collections lately, sometimes it’s hard to keep up—I think I could probably knit solely from their collections for the next few years and never be bored.

I have two great collections to review for you today—and ok, yes, I have a pattern in one of them so you might think I’m a little biased, but the truth is, I’m always honored (and a bit surprised) to actually be published alongside so many other amazingly talented designers.

First up, Woodsmoke. I didn’t even look at the patterns in this collection before I bought it because CABLES! Cables are my jam. I don’t always love how slow they can be to work, but I adore the end result.

Woodsmoke is a hefty collection of 16 cabled garments and accessories in DK or heavier yarn. All of the patterns are written in KP’s usual clear style with full schematics and neat, legible charts. But a word of caution—you MUST be able to read charts for this one. The charts for nearly every piece are extensive and matching written directions would’ve probably made the book 3 times as long—I know charts are an automatic “no” for some knitters, but you’ll really miss out if you dismiss this one out of hand for that reason!

The sweaters in here are just—no words. I want to knit all of them and then live in them, forever. If I have to highlight just one, it would be the Honeycomb Sweater, with a stylized drop shoulder, but they are all stunning. Each sweater pattern includes at least 6 sizes, and one even includes additional instructions for creating a men’s sweater!

If you’re not ready to jump into a cabled sweater just yet, the accessories give you a chance to practice those cables on a smaller scale, or without the additional complications of shaping and sizing.  

Kidalton Hat is a great unisex piece and it includes FIVE sizes—I can’t remember the last time I saw a hat with that many size options. This could be your go-to Christmas gift in 2017.

Absent Friends Shawl—I’ve long said we need more cables in shawls, and this worsted-weight beauty looks warm, cozy and a lot more practical to drape around your shoulders than a blanket.

Speaking of blankets—yes, I have 3 on the needles already, but the Hex Cable Afghan is THE kind of blanket you want at the foot of your bed throughout the winter (and it looks pretty straightforward to resize it for, say, a baby).

Woodsmoke is available for $19.99 for the print edition and $14.99 for the ebook—with 16 patterns, either option is an amazing deal. If you are a cable lover, and you’re comfortable reading charts (or willing to learn), you do not want to miss this one.

The next collection I have to review is Little Luxuries. This one is on the opposite end of the spectrum—in contrast to Woodsmoke’s tweedy, cozy cabin feel, Little Luxuries includes 23 patterns for delicate accessories knit in soft, silky luxury yarns.

Little Luxuries includes 7 cowls, 6 shawls/shawlettes, 5 hats, 3 mitts/mittens, 1 scarf and 1 clutch, and features yarns ranging from lace to worsted weight.

The pieces in this collection run the gamut—cables, lace, textured stitches, basic garter and stockinette, it’s all here. Each project uses 100g of yarn or less, which is great when you’re splurging on luxury yarn. And bonus for the chart-averse: because these are smaller scale patterns, many of the projects that include charts also include written directions!

Of course, I have to highlight a few favorites.

The Rain Chain Shawlette is a sweet little piece to wear around the neck, with just a hint of lace. This will keep you warmer than your usual fingering weight shawl.

The Alpine Shawl looks lacy without being overcomplicated, and it’s in my favorite shawl shape: half-circle.

The Honeycomb Hat has an intriguing texture—you’ll have fun seeing how it comes together.

What I love most about this collection is that there’s really a project in here for every season--mittens for winter, a cozy cowl for spring chill, a lacy shawl for summer’s over-air conditioned offices or a snug hat for fall. If you’re an accessories knitter, this is a great investment for year-round knitting.

You can grab Little Luxuries in print for $19.99 or snag the ebook edition for $14.99. All of the patterns are also available for individual purchase on the Knit Picks website. 

All photos courtesy of Knit Picks; post contains affiliate links.


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