Vogue Knitting Holiday 2018: A Review

Vogue Knitting has released their Holiday 2018 issue. Let's have a look at it.

#1 Brioche Striped Pullover. This is a creative and interesting new take on the striped sweater.

#2 Brioche Rib Cardigan. Great brioche stitchwork in this, and the shaping is passable.

#3 Two-Color Brioche Shawl. Beautiful! I love the two-tone effect and the stitchwork and the shape... and well, everything about it, really.

#04 Tuck Stitch Cowl. I like the tweedy, varied effect of this one.

#5 Two-Color Brioche Raglan Pullover. Not bad. I think there are happier colourways for this one.

#6 Balaclava. I'm afraid I'll never be able to get on board with the balaclava. It has such unfortunate associations: the Crimean War, convenience store robberies, prophylactics (not that condoms are to be classed with the first two items as a bad thing, but they aren't exactly known or valued for their aesthetic).

#7 Ridge-Pattern Hood. Cowls that can function as cowls are a far more attractive option than the balaclava. This pattern was originally published in 1986, and looks ahead of its time given that it can be worn as either a hood or a cowl, and knitted cowls were unknown back then.

#8 Ribbed Hood. The pom poms on this give it a court jester look.

#9 Deep Raglan Pullover. I'd neaten up the fit a bit.

#10 Lace Trim Swing Pullover. I know this is supposed to be a swing style, but I'd alter it to fit through the torso and hips. The swing silhouette is a difficult one to carry off.

#11 Dolman Long Cardigan. This is going to be unflattering on most women. It isn't even working on this professional model.

#12 Drop Shoulder Pullover. Normally I advise fixing drop shoulders, but in this case where the dropped shoulders are the titular and almost only distinguishing feature of the design, I advise going with another pattern.

#13 Triangle Fusion Shawl. A simple wrap with just enough technical detail that it looks polished.

#14 Striped Raglan Pullover. I really am liking the look of brioche stripes that's been a theme in this issue. And in this case I also love the colourway.

#15 String of Pearls Pullover. This is something different -- perhaps unsurprisingly, as it's from Nicky Epstein, who is known for her whimsical designs. I find myself liking it. It's more of a poncho than a pullover, though with better lines than is usual for a poncho, and the colourway and the inverted stripes and the "string of pearls" stitchwork all play together so well for an eye-catching look. But I would suggest making it with a cowl rather than a flat collar.

#16 Hat and Cowl Set. An attractive and wearable set. The stitchwork is good, and the narrow edging in a contrast colour adds so much.

#17 Yoke Cowl. This is such a smart, attractive cowl I can't help wishing the designer had kept going until it was a sweater.

#18 Arc Wrap. Love the sophisticated polish of this one.

#19 Coat Cowl. This cowl looks really good with a coat over it... and really awkward without it.

#20 Brioche Striped Cardi. I remember when this design was originally published in Vogue Knitting's Winter 1992/1993, and I have the issue in my knitting pattern library. I liked it then and I like it now.