New Pom Pom Quarterly – Winter 2017

It’s about that time again! What time, you ask? Time for the new [Sorry, item discontinued or temporarily out of stock] issue and all the colorful, interesting, creative wonders this publication brings with it. This issue’s collection is all about embracing the long nights of winter in order to celebrate colors that pop and spark against winter’s darkened backdrop. A feast for the eyes, each project in this issue is as clever and fresh as we’ve come to expect from our beloved pom pom magazine. PLUS: Autumn guest editor Juju Vail shares some great ideas for mixing colors, including some recommended apps that can help you with that sometimes tricky process. Here’s a peek at some of my favorite projects from this issue:

This gorgeous pullover uses the simple contrast of garter and stockinette stitch to show off its clever modular front panel. Tabular is worked in pieces and seamed. Knit up in a light fingering weight wool such as JaggerSpun Maine Line 2/8 Yarn, you can choose to make the color blocking detail as bold or subtle as desired. Not to mention, our mini cones are a great way to use multiple colors without breaking the bank.
Sizes: 33 (37, 41, 45, 49)” bust, to be worn with 1.5-3″ positive ease.
Yarn: JaggerSpun Maine Line 2/8 Yarn, or any light fingering weight wool of your choice.
Color A: 2 mini cones, or approximately 300 yards.
Color B: 2 mini cones, or approximately 300 yards.
Color C: 1 lb cone, or approximately 900 (900, 1200, 1500, 1500) yards.

Lettlopi (Lite Lopi) Icelandic Wool Yarn knits up into incredibly warm garments that are not nearly as heavy as they look. The cozy cardigan above combines this hardy Icelandic wool with modern colorwork to create the perfect go-to layering piece. This sweater is worked back and forth from the bottom up; the sleeves are worked in the round from cuff to shoulder, then seamed to the body.
Sizes: 34 (39.25, 46, 50, 55.25, 61)” bust circumference, to be worn with 4-8″ of positive ease. (That means you should make a size that is 4-8″ larger than what your actual measurement is.)
Yarn: Lettlopi (Lite Lopi) Icelandic Wool Yarn in three colors:
Color A: 3 (3, 3, 4, 4, 4) skeins.
Color B: 3 (3, 3, 4, 4, 4) skeins.
Color C: 5 (5, 6, 6, 7, 8) skeins.

I’m endlessly impressed with two-color brioche. This stretchy fabric is wonderful for hats, and what a way to show off some fun colors! I think Cascade 220 Superwash Wool Yarn would make the perfect backdrop for a bright colorway of Malabrigo Rios Superwash Merino Wool Yarn – or vice versa, since this hat can be fully reversible if you choose to omit the pom pom. Nervous about trying brioche for the first time? This project might be just the opportunity you’ve been looking for to give it a shot. The notes included with this pattern are very helpful, and serve to point less experienced brioche knitters in the right direction.
Sizes: 18.5 (20, 22)” head circumference, to be worn with 2″ negative ease (this means you should make a size that it 2″ smaller than your actual measurement).
Yarn: Malabrigo Rios Superwash Merino Wool Yarn and/or Cascade 220 Superwash Wool Yarn, or any DK weight yarn.
Color A: 1 skein.
Color B: 1 skein.

This beautiful half-circle shawl offers a guarantee of (and I quote), “maximum accomplishment for effort”. That might just be my new knitting motto. What it means in relation to this deceptively easy to make piece is just that: it’s deceptively easy! Slipped stitches are worked over plain garter stitch to create the lovely crystal inspired design you see above. Consider Jo Sharp Classic DK Wool Yarn for a warm, sturdy piece that will last many winters, or pair Malabrigo Arroyo Yarn with something solid for a lovely variegated effect.
Size: 77″ wingspan x 38.5″ deep.
Yarn: Jo Sharp Classic DK Wool Yarn and/or Malabrigo Arroyo Yarn
Color A: 738 yards.
Color B: 738 yards.

Beautiful and innovative as always, this [Sorry, item discontinued or temporarily out of stock] issue doesn’t disappoint.  Whether you’re looking for your next project or simply looking for inspiration, you’re sure to find it in the pages of pom pom.