I admit that I am a “seasonal knitter” and not one to be
(sensibly) starting a wool sweater in June. 
But I have 2 new knitting books that have me at least thinking of autumnal knitting. 

Elise Duvekot’s Knit One Below showcases her
development of “knitting into the stitch below” to create gorgeous multi-color
fabrics.   Sarah and I took her class at
Madrona Fiber Arts Winter Retreat and I actually bought yarn there to make a
sleeveless shell using the knit-one-below technique. 

Now that I am thinking seriously about knitting it (our Pacific Northwest spring is warming up a bit – at least
when the sun shines!), I decided to get the book so I could do it
properly!  While the project I have in
mind is not really a fall garment, most of the pieces in the book are suitable
for cold weather.  I am looking forward
to playing with the technique – especially as it a great “yarn mixer.”

Nancy Marchant’s Knitting Brioche is another Madrona
inspiration – I had seen it at one of the bookseller’s booths, but it was gone
when I went back to buy it!   It stayed
in mind, however, and when I was in a book-buying frame of mind (and with the
excuse that autumn knitting is just ‘round the corner), I ordered it. 

I have enjoyed working brioche stitch in the past and now,
seeing all the variations in the “brioche stitchionary” I am over-the-top
excited about it!   The photos are outstanding – large, clear,
showing the stitches in detail and presenting
both the right side and wrong side of each. 
There are lots of photos in the front portion of the book which is
devoted to dealing with brioche’s special characteristics (cast-ons, selvedges,
shaping, etc.).  It is a designer’s
dream!  There are patterns too and I
begin to see more possibilities…

I am so grateful for the work these knitter-authors have
done.  All the details and directions
provided, the tricky bits worked out and explained – so I can play freely with
these techniques!  And if we get the cool
gray summer that has been predicted (sigh), perhaps I will find comfort in
casting on some autumn projects early this year.