Review: Seasons of Stitches by Justyna Lorkowska
I had the pleasure to receive a digital copy of Seasons of Stiches from Laine Publishing in order to review it.
For many people, knitting is constrained to the colder half of the year. Justyna Lorkowska, author of the book Seasons of Stitches published by Laine Publishing, debunks that idea. She explains: “Seasons of Stitches is my way of translating the year's rhythm into knitwear — each design inspired by the essence of a season, whether that’s light and playful textures, crisp structure, or deep, cosy warmth. Every piece is meant to capture a feeling you can wear.”
According to her, seasons can be a metaphor for life and its constant changes, and I really like that. Just like life phases, seasons come and go. But knitting, if we let it, can be a constant through it all. Seasons of Stitches reflects the circularity of life – its challenges, its phases, its quiet evolutions – and there’s something comforting in that.
The book contains 16 patterns in total – four for each season: 3 cardigans, 2 sweaters, 3 tops, 1 vest, 3 shawls, 1 pair of socks, 1 pair of mittens, 1 cowl and 1 hat. Apart from one sweater, all tops come in nine sizes.
Justyna, who is known as Letesknit on social media, strikes a perfect balance between simplicity and details in her designs. As she states on her website: “My true passion are unique garments that catch the eye with their intricate details and beautiful finishing. And if they can be seamless that's even better.”
Here is a (highly subjective) round-up of the patterns that stand out from Seasons of Stitches!
“This book is dedicated to every knitter who has ever sought solace in the soft embrace of yarn, finding peace in the rhythmic motion of needles gliding through threads.”
Spring
Stripes of Contrast sweater
To me, spring is the best season of the year, and so it might not be surprising that the Stripes of Contrast pullover is my favourite pattern of the whole book. I love simple designs and this subtle yet striking texture design really stands out to me, mimicking the “back-and-forth of seasons” that we see during March and April.
Summer
Crescendo shawl
I like the gradient approach to the Crescendo shawl a lot and that it is completely reversible.
Twisted Arbor cardigan
I am also a big fan of open faced cardigans, just like Twisted Arbor. I can imagine making it in a less busy yarn to let the stitch pattern and texture truly shine.
Autumn
Cozy Cider cardigan
Cozy Cider, a simple stockinette cardigan with pockets, is the perfect piece to keep you warm both while knitting and wearing it. It calls for a fingering-weight plus lace yarns held together, so you have plenty of choice to make two gorgeous yarns stand out.
Winter
Fable slipover
Since my transitional slipover round-up, I see them pop up everywhere and Fable definitely fits the bill here. The texture of the moss stitch is scrumptious and if the piece didn’t have a V neck, I might have cast on right away. By the way, do we need a moss stitch round-up?
Haven poncho
Haven, a poncho with sleeves and added cowl, looks like the biggest bear hug to me. It promises ultimate warmth and cozyness for the cold winter months. I am intrigued by the ribbed and cabled sleeve details, which are also on the cowl but not visible in the photos of the book.
Holly Berries mittens
Lastly, we have the Holly Berries mittens and they are definitely something I would have featured in my bobbles round-up. The bobbles here are reminiscent of “winter berries, snowballs or Christmas ornaments” and as a quick knit they make for a lovely present.