Intarsia.

A first for me, although I’ve glanced through the intarsia instructions in how-to-knit books many times. Feels … kinda 80s? Not that I actually knit intarsia in the 80s, acrylic fluro orange/mint green dolls’ clothes were enough for me. Overalls, interestingly. They say the 80s is definitely undergoing a revival, and I know I’ve seen a few breathless fashion spreads for overalls (jumpsuits?). The 80s is the one decade that’s going to have to be heavily “reinterpreted” for me to like it … 70s or 90s or any other decade I never saw, fine.

Anyway, intarsia’s just a technique: if it’s useful, doesn’t matter whether it’s fashionable or not!

The pattern is “Striped Illusion” from Knitting New Scarves by Lynne Barr: Ravlink. I very much like this book, I can see myself returning to it again and again.

I’ve been surfing for birthday present books (I love people who say ‘just let me know what you want, I’ll buy it for you later’ … they give the best presents!!!). I’ve decided the knitting books I like have rather fashion forward / avant-garde / interesting but still wearable garments, bonus points if they include novel techniques or unusual construction methods. Lynne Barr’s book scores pretty well on all criteria for me (not that the scarf I’m knitting is hard, it only looks that way!)

Now, who can recommend a book of knit jumpers (US = sweaters) and jackets I might like? Please?

* Oh, and because someone’s sure to ask, I like to theme my knitting photos. Paired with this scarf is a McDonald’s toy from Japan (Sanrio Cinnamoroll). Yes, I don’t hold with character merchandising or McDonald’s as a rule, but I knew we were almost home, so as a one-off (or a few-off) treat umm …