Today we're going to have a look at Vogue Knitting's Winter 2020/2021 issue. Yes, I'm aware that this issue was released months ago. But better late than never, and I have to start somewhere when it comes to catching up on my reviews, etc., so I've decided that, for this first review in a longer interval of time than I can bear to specify, I'll start with the most recent issue from the most widely circulated knitting magazine.
I can definitely see the pandemic's impact on this issue. The designs are all very low-key, comfy-type styles suitable for home/running errands wear, and the colour palette is neutral/subdued. It makes sense to focus on making things you can wear, of course, but I'd encourage you to select yarn in colours that you love to look at, whether that colour is a bright or warm or low-key one, and that feel good to the touch. Using a yarn you love is a good idea at any time, but little pleasures like that can mean so much when one is having a hard time, and these days everyone's life is somewhere on the "this fucking sucks" spectrum.
But let's get to the 18 designs in this issue.
Pattern #01, Bodie. Nice simple cap with an attractive cable device.
Pattern #02, Cape Neddick. This hooded cape has a "novitiate nun wear" look to me, but it is a practical, wearable piece that can be worn with casual clothes when out and about, and if, before this pandemic is finally over, you should find yourself in a convent, dressed in this cape and with the convent's mother superior warbling "Climb Every Mountain" at you, maybe reconsider whether you need to retreat quite that far from the rest of the world.
Pattern #03, Montauk. A classic cabled cardigan, with a little bit of innovation in the interlocking diamond cables.
Pattern #04, Seguin. Classic and luxuriously comfortable-looking scarf.
Pattern #05, Isabel. Love the unusual and attractive yoke detailing on this sweater -- the Ravelry pattern page for this design says the yoke cables are meant to resemble orchid blossoms. This is one of those designs that are suitable for wearing nearly anywhere, depending on how one styles it.
Pattern #06, Wind Point. A lovely pullover. The leaf-like cable devices on the front are so eye-catchingly pretty.
Pattern #07, Sankaty. Not a bad cowl. The Latvian braid makes for a fun-looking edging.
Pattern #08, Acadia. This one's a little rough and unfinished-looking for my taste, but it's objectively a decent casual piece. I think there are better colourways for this design than this one, which has that "not quite working" look.
Pattern #09, Stonington. Oooh, very nice-looking, reliable cardigan -- it's the kind of piece one can almost live in. It reminds me a lot of a thrift shop zippered Jacob cardigan I bought for $10 in 2002 and wore very regularly for at least 10 years until it got past mending. I would enjoy picking out the yarn for this one. A neutral colour with glimpses of one's favourite colours might be a good direction to go.
Pattern #10, Quoddy. Strikingly handsome wrap.
Pattern #11, Columnea. This kind of unstructured, minimalist style is very much not my thing, but I must admit this design is a good example of its kind. It sits well and looks easy to wear.
Pattern #12, Ixnora. Baggy sleeves, shapeless body... I can't sign off on this one. This is the kind of design only a professional model can carry off without looking frumpy, and that isn't even all that practical for around-home wear, because it will get into everything from your breakfast cereal to your children's art projects to the casserole you're making for supper.
Pattern #13, Davillia. Nice stitchwork in this one. I'd just raise those dropped shoulders and neaten up the fit a little.
Pattern #14, Zamia. Ah, a pair of knitted booty shorts. Pandemic or no pandemic, Vogue Knitting means to show us it has not lost its sass. I must admit, I actually like these. They have some fun detailing and would be cute and comfortable to wear to bed.
Pattern #15, Calathea. This is one of those designs that didn't impress me all that favourably at first glance, but that grew on me as I studied the sample photos. The construction is interesting and I liked the curved hem. I am itching to fix those dropped shoulders, though.
Pattern #16, Pilea. A very pretty and useful layering piece. Love the edging detail, the garter stitch waistband detail, the front tie. Again, I would raise those dropped shoulders.
Pattern #18, Areca. Not so taken with this one. It has a confused, messy look to it.
Pattern #18, Ficus. Rather a nice, simple little pullover, though I would be inclined to make it standard length and put full-length sleeves on it rather than making it as originally intended, as I don't find the cropped length or 3/4 sleeve comfortable or flattering. Your yarnage may vary, of course.
