The Knitting Needle and the Damage Done: Noro Magazine Issue 6: A Review

Friday, 19 June 2015

Noro Magazine Issue 6: A Review

Noro Magazine has released its sixth issue. Let's have a look at the designs within.

Pattern #1, Lacy Crop Top. Has that "shrunk in the wash" look and is unflattering even on the model.

Pattern #2, Lace Tee. This isn't so bad, at least not compared to the last one. It would make a decent cover-up for the beach at any rate.

Pattern #3, Crochet Openwork Top. For that "I made a top out of a shopping bag" look.

Pattern #4, Drop-Stitch Yoke Top. Attractive, flattering, and wearable.

Pattern #5, Lace Cowl. Pretty. I like the delicate, seashell-like colourway.

Pattern #6, Lace Pattern Top. This has very decent shaping, although I can't say I care for the colourway.

Pattern #7, Crochet Circles Afghan. Rather pretty. It's definitely miles above the standard granny square afghan.

Pattern #8, Fluted Scarf. Not a bad statement scarf. The stitchwork on the ends makes what would otherwise be a standard scarf interesting.

Pattern #9, Textured Shawl. Lovely texture and colourwork.

Pattern #10, Crescent-Shape Shawl. Very pretty.

Pattern #11, Diagonal Eyelet Scarf. Nice lace effect.

Pattern #12, Spiral Rib Tote. This has such a weird shape, and it's going to sag like crazy the second a woman puts her keys in it.

Pattern #13, Mobius Cowl. Attractive and wearable.

Pattern #14, Lacy Tam. Cute little cap.

Pattern #15, Multi-Directional Cap. This one comes across as a bit odd. The stitches used don't work together that well and the proportions look rather awkward.

Pattern #16, Entrelac Pillow Covers. Really lovely. The gorgeous colours are what make it.

Pattern #17, Entrelac Scarf. Pretty.

Pattern #18, Entrelac Poncho. I'd really like to know how this poncho would look if the model weren't standing with arms akimbo, or on a non-model. My guess is "not as well as it does here". I'm very much liking the turtleneck and the front panel and the colour combinations, but I can't help thinking this would look way better and be much more wearable if shaped as a sweater.

Pattern #19, Cropped Tank. Hey, if you feel you have the figure and the confidence for this one, why not.

Pattern #20, Lace-Up Shell. Can't say I find this appealing. The yarn used here is so drab, and those leather cords hanging down in front would drive me crazy. The piece isn't a bad shape, and I suppose if done in a more attractive yarn and with the cord ends made shorter it would be reasonably wearable.

Pattern #21, Crossover Vest. Not bad piece. That neckline frames the wearer's face well.

Pattern #22, Racer-Back Top. Again, if you think you can carry this off, why not.

Pattern #23, Sleeveless Top. Nice except for the shoulders, which could be better shaped. Either go with a cap sleeve or cut the shoulders in a little.

Pattern #24, Round-Neck Pattern Vest. Pretty but could use waist shaping.

Pattern #25, Chevron Pattern Vest. Too afghan-like.

Pattern #26, Wavy Stripes Pullover. Also too afghan-like... it's the stripes. It would work better if the body were done in a single yarn and the dropped shoulders were fixed.