Let's Knit & Gorgeous Bags!

The new issue of Let's Knit popped through the letterbox this morning. I sat down and flicked through. I knew I had a design in this issue. Then I turned over and looked at the cover

and realised that's my design on the cover. I didn't recognise it first. It's amazing how different garments can look when they're styled & modelled.

Cecily is a fun and vibrant cardigan with a stripy chevron pattern which gives it a retro chic feel. The shape is cropped with short sleeves. Perfect to layer over little dresses and long-sleeved t-shirts & jeans. The cardigan is knitted in one piece with raglan shaping, so there is almost no sewing up to do (just a tiny bit at the underarm).

The yarn is the bouncy & soft Artesano Superwash Merino, which I love. Craftie Pixie knitted this cardigan and did a brilliant job as always. The cardi is finished off with garter stitch neck and button band and a big button.

My second design in this issue is one of my favourite designs this year, Mia, a fitted, classic cable sweater. Again, Craftie Pixie did the knitting for me. She's fantastic and I can't do all the designs I do without her superfast knitting.

Mia is knitted in the gorgeous Milla Mia Merino. This is my first design in this yarn and I love it! This merino is soft, bouncy and has excellent stitch definition - exactly what a merino yarn should be and the colour range is stunning. I'm hoping I'll be able to use this yarn for more designs in the future.

This cable pattern is my favorite cable pattern this year.  I love it. It's fun to knit and a brilliant way to practice cabling without cable needle. If you're new to cables, I'm doing a cable workshop at The Cornwall Yarn Shop .

The cable rib pattern gives this sweater a great shape and I've added some subtle waist shaping worked in the purl column so it doesn't interrupt the cables. Very flattering!

In addition, Mia has 3/4 length sleeves and a square neckline with a garter stitch edging.

This classic cable sweater will be in style for several years.

Let's Knit is not the only exciting thing which arrived in today's post. I got 3 gorgeous project bags from Three Bags Full. Michele does amazing bags. 

This one is my favourite. It's the perfect size for a lace project or even part of a sweater. Because i use circular needles for everything and tend to use thinner yarns, I can fit a sweater back or front in this bag and as I take my knitting everywhere with me, these gorgeous bags are essential.

This one is gorgeous too and the same size as the one above:

This one is slightly smaller and perfect for a sock project. I'm thinking about using it as a new notions bag. My current one is getting a bit worn and is very full. This one is slightly bigger so everything would fit in easily, although I'd probably end up stuffing even more in it. I need some more socks so perhaps I'll use it as an excuse to cast on a new sock project.

To and take a look at Michele's bags and treat yourself. you know you want to.

ETA: to add Ravelry project links.