The new winter 2015 issue of Pom  Pom Quarterly is available, currently in print with a code for a digital download, and will be available very soon for just digital download (keep checking back- this is the perfect option for people who can’t easily get their hands on a print copy, and don’t wnat to pay for shipping). Pom Pom Quarterly (the coolest new UK knitting magazine) focuses on fresh, fashion forward designs;  and this issue has a glamorous Great Gatsby vibe that is perfect for the upcoming holiday season.  This issue features 10 beautiful patterns, and some interesting reads: an article on knitting the winter blues,  a great graphic story about the experience of going into a beautiful yarn store and feeling the boundless creative potential of the space and materials; and an essay on the long history of artists rejecting synthetic dyes for natural ones.

All 10 patterns can be easily reviewed at a glance on Ravelry, and I’ll go into more detail on my favourite 4 from this collection.

Cicely, by Jemima Bicknell

This retro fit fingering-weight sweater is cropped, with a very flattering boatneck decorated with beads. The sweater is knit from the bottom-up in pieces and seamed, to provide great structure. Cropped sweaters tend to look best with skirts (unless you are naturally short waisted), so this is a sweater that is meant to be paired with something a bit dressier than jeans. But you could add an extra skein of yarn to lengthen, for a sweater with more versatility.

You Should Totally Knit This If:  You adore cropped sweaters, love fine knits and love to knit with breads- or are looking for a good excuse to try beading!  You could even add more (or fewer beads), and come up with a decorative detail that is all your own.

You Should Definitely Not Knit This If: You refuse to seam anything, and if you hate tiny needles- this sweater is definitely a fine knit knit, with the largest needles used clocking in at 3.25 mm (US 3).

Hulanicki, by Rachel Coopey

Lovely socks with an art deco vibe, this design is both written and charted and comes in three different circumference sizes.  You can customize the length of the foot easily, even with the charted design.

You Should Totally Knit This If: You always need to customize the fit of your socks, and love twisted stitch designs.

You Should Definitely Not Knit This If: If you don’t like knitting twisted stitches, or if you don’t like socks. Because otherwise,  these are pretty awesome.

Wilding, by Cirilia Rose

This edgy sweater has a bit of a rock n’ roll vibe, but is all grown up when knit in a luxe, shimmery yarn. Knit in the round from the bottom up, This sweater is a stunner, but requires that you check your row gauge (so real swatches that are actually blocked, guys!).  Knit in a sportweight yarn with slightly larger needles, the fabric is light and airy.  The dramatic thumbholes and long sleeves are great for a bit of drama, or could be shortened if you prefer a more classic sleeve and cuff.

You Should Totally Knit This If: You love a quick knit and showing off your shoulders- or a fun shoulder tattoo!

You Should Definitely Not Knit This If: You hate stockinette, and feel a little bit chilly just looking at a sweater that shows off your shoulders.

Avalon Ballroom, by Clare Lakewood

I’m willing to bet that this scarf is going to be the most popular in the issue- the shape and design is stunning, and less than 600 yards of worsted weight is going to feel like a quick knit, for sure. Lace design is both written and charted, and is completely reversible!

You Should Totally Knit This If: You love lace, and a design that is both easy to memorize but also keeps you on your toes- the charts are easy enough, but the repeats vary as you switch between them, ensuring that knitting this scarf is anything but dull.

You Should Definitely Not Knit This If: you hate knitting scarves because it feels like miles of the same thing over and over- there are two different charts/ written instructions, and you’ll need to alternate them at varying intervals to form the design. I’d recommend locking stitch markers to help keep track of  where you are in the chart repeats.

And those are my top picks for the new Winter 2015 issue of Pom Pom Quarterly! If you have any questions about the other patterns int he issue, let me know- I’m happy to answer as best I can in the comments.