Vogue Knitting Winter 2019/2020: A Review

Vogue Knitting has released its Winter 2019/2020 issue! Let's have a look at it, shall we?

Pattern #1, Swathe. A very nice textured wrap. It amuses me that the styling is so very 1986 -- though if this were actually 1986, the model's sweater and hair would have been big enough for three women.

Pattern #2, Java. That is... a lot of hat. But I have no quibbles with the design of the hat other than that, so it may be the perfect thing for someone who likes to go big or go bareheaded.

Pattern #3, Warp/Weft. A simple, useful, bulky cowl in bamboo stitch.

Pattern #4, Scalene. Bulky, drapey ponchos are not my bag (see what I did there?) at all, but I must admit this is well done for what it is, even if I can't help think wistfully how much better it would look on a couch. I love the colour scheme and the rhythmic triangle pattern.

Pattern #5, Klein Reversible Wrap. Basic but useable.

Pattern #6, The Sophisticate. This reminds me of long, open-front cardigan my mother used to wear around the house back in the early eighties: it also had handy pockets, and 3/4 length sleeves that wouldn't get into the food whenever my mother was working in the kitchen. This is quite a wearable, practical item that can be styled in a variety of ways, though I will say I can't help wincing a little at the absurdly short sleeves. I would raise the dropped shoulders a little.

Pattern #7, The Grandfather. This one's a bit too utilitarian for me -- it reminds me of a Mao jacket. I think maybe this design is one that calls for an interesting and/or especially beautiful yarn, as it needs a little oomph.

Pattern #8, The Multitasker. I'd fix the dropped shoulders, and I think there are better colourway choices for this pattern, but otherwise this design is quite wearable, and could be a good stash buster.

Pattern #9, The Gradient. I'd raise the dropped shoulder and neaten up the fit a little on this one, but otherwise it's a polished, contemporary, appealing piece.

Pattern #10, Folkloric Sweater. Well, this is something different. I like it -- it's not only very eyecatching, but keeps me staring at it, checking out all the details.

Pattern #11, Tendril. Lovely, and the cable pattern is fantastic.

Pattern #12, Echo. A classic lace wrap.

Pattern #13, Arbor. Another wonderful little cabled capelet. I mean, just feast your eyes on that intricate cable pattern.

Pattern #14, Nouveau. The Ravelry page notes for this design compares it to Scottish designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s famous florals. I don't disagree, and it is certainly a beautiful piece, but it would have me terrified that it was going to catch on everything.

Pattern #15, Corolla. This is a lovely little jacket, though I would fix those dropped shoulders.

Pattern #16, Herald. A very attractive pullover. Despite this being a winter issue, Vogue Knitting does seem to be looking towards spring with some of their designs.

Pattern #17, Topiary. What a sweet little cardi.

Pattern #18, The Cable Guy. This is a "from the archives" pattern, which Vogue Knitting first published in 1962, reprinted in 1985, and is running again in this issue. Despite all the sweeping changes in fashion since 1962, I don't suppose there's been a year since it was originally published in which it would have looked dated. Such is the staying power of a classic cabled pullover.

Vogue Knitting Holiday 2019: A Review

Vogue Knitting has released their Holiday 2019 issue. Let's have a look at the glam holiday-style knits in it, shall we?

Pattern #01, Victoriana. This sweater is designed to evoke women's sweaters of the 1890s, and I must agree that it is a nice update of that style, with its elongated cuffs and slightly puffed sleeves, while being completely contemporary and wearable.

Pattern #02, Marilla. Not so thrilled with this one. The slight colour change between the body of the sweater isn't working for me -- the effect is neither interesting nor effective, and just looks like it doesn't match. This would be a design to change up with a different yarn choice, because I bet it could be a good look with the right two contrast or complementary yarns.

Pattern #03, Oceana. I quite like the overall pattern of this -- it's bold and fun -- but I would scale it way the hell down fit-wise.

Pattern #04, Wallaby. Well... um... the neckband works. The dwarfed sleeves and front pouch don't, and the overal look is dull and bunchy.

Pattern #05, Gibson Girl. As someone with a love of Edwardiana, I applaud this issue's design direction. I don't think I could wear a puffed sleeve sweater because I'm someone who needs to downplay my upper half, but I certainly like looking at this piece, and those sleeves wouldn't be a pain to wear because of their neat-fitting cuffs.

Pattern #06, Rhombus. This is a fresh and contemporary take on the diamond pattern.

Pattern #07, Parallelogram. This is quite smart, but it is a cropped length, which isn't the easiest length for most women, and one would really have to break out one's design skills if one wanted to lengthen it.

Pattern #08, Quadrilateral. This designer has cleverly turned the "wrong side" into a design feature with a strategic use of the floats. The result is a reversible scarf that can be used to showcase two different looks. I'm impressed, and will be keeping this technique in mind for the argyle tam and cowl set I have on my 2020 project list.

Pattern #09, Losange. Very smart, and also wearable.

Pattern #10, Argyle. This is a nice update on the classic argyle vest. It would be a fun project for which to pick out a colourway, but I would advise staying away from a yellow and black combo for this one, as it would make one feel a little too Charlie Brown-ish.

Pattern #11, Openwork Shawl. This shawl is more about completing one's look than about warmth and practicality. It is going to catch on everything.

Pattern #12, Pull Jacinthe. Lovely. This design would be a good candidate for a luxury yarn, as it is pretty enough to be worn to a casual evening event.

Pattern #13, Fleur de Glycine. This one is both lovely and visually interesting, and has a fresh, contemporary feel. I just found myself spending several minutes straight looking at it, as the lines curved and undulated before my eyes.

Pattern #14, Iris Éthéré. Very pretty. I like the combination of the angora, the lace, and the beads, which has such a luxurious look, and also that the beads were used sparingly.

Pattern #15, Veste la Pivione. This is pretty, and as I consider the pattern further than its immediate impression, what suprises me is how wearable this piece is. It could work over a simple dress or top and trousers outfit, and be dressed up or down.

Pattern #16, Cramosie. This is lovely, and I would totally wear it myself. I would neaten up the fit a little, though.

Pattern #17, Châle de Lavande. A very handsome wrap. The stitchwork is beautiful.





Pattern #18, Pétale de Rose. Ordinarily if I were to review a one-sleeved wrap in seashell colours with a fringe of scale-like "petal stitch", I might be inclined to make jokes about mutant mermaids, some of which occur to me immediately, but in this case I just can't. "One-sleeved wrap" is a weird concept, but this designer has executed it with such incredible artistry that I can only gaze at the result in awe. The stitchwork is beautiful, the yarn is lovely, and this is actually an amazingly wearable piece because when the wrap's end is thrown over the sleeved shoulder as it is in the second photo, the silhouette is quite classic. Wow.

Mock Plaid Pullover. This is Vogue Knitting's "from the archives" pattern for this issue. It originally appeared in Vogue Knitting Fall/Winter 1985 issue. It has also been reprinted in a book of collected "classic" Vogue Knitting patterns. I find it hard to get behind, let alone in, a sweater capable of housing several people, but to each their own, I suppose.

Vogue Knitting Fall 2019: A Review

Vogue Knitting has released their Fall 2019 issue. Let's have a look at it, shall we?

#1, Oversized Pullover. I'm always a hard sell on any clothing design that fits like a house, as I don't think it's a flattering look on anyone and personally I can't bear the bulk and weight and awkwardness of very oversized clothing, though some people find that sort of thing cozy. So, while the black and white contrast of this sweater is sharp and the cables are lovely, I can't help thinking it would be a more attractive and wearable sweater if it were a standard fit with raised shoulders, or, if one wanted to go oversized, merely one size up from one's regular size, as opposed to three or four.

#2, Yoke Pullover. No complaints here. This one's a lovely classic look.

#3, Hat & Cowl. A nice-looking set. It would be fun to pick out a colourway for this one.

#4, Mosaic Turtleneck. This is a striking, contemporary look.

#5, Tilework Top. And this one is even more eye-catching. Very mod!

#6, Mitered Tunic. This is a new take on the gradient effect: mitred squares in a neutral frame. I like it, though I would neaten up the fit a little.

#7, Lace Pullover. Very pretty, but I would fix those dropped shoulders.

#8, Bell Sleeve Pullover. Beautiful stitchwork, and the bell sleeves and old rose colour work with the romantic effect of the lace.

#9, Cable and Lace Pullover. The asymmetrical panel gives a classic lace pullover a modern twist.

#10, Stranded Yoke Pullover. This is such a fun, attractive, wearable piece.

#11, Brioche Pullover. I'd fix the dropped shoulders and make the sleeves neater fitting. The exaggerated neckline of this sweater is all it needs.

#12, Pleated Tunic. This is super cute. Nice shaping and detailing, and it sits so well.

#13, Simple Pullover & Scarf. I'm not sure how practical a short-sleeved sweater and scarf set is, unless the wearer is someone who takes a chill specifically in the neck region while their arms somehow stay warm. There are such people (i.e., a girl I knew in high school who refused to alter her 1980s mullet hairstyle well into the 1990s despite the urging of all her friends, because as she put it, her "neck would get cold").

#14, Yoke Pattern Pullover. Beautiful. The yoke and lines are pleasing, and there's nothing quite like a mohair silk blend yarn.

#15, Lace Stripe Pullover. This is fetching. I like the neat shape and colour and the hint of skin showing beneath.

#16, Boxy Pullover. I'd call this shapeless rather than boxy, and those abbreviated sleeves look simply absurd.

#17, Tawny. This is... okay. I'd make this one just one size too large, as a relaxed fit will work well with this casual style.

#18, Zebra Pullover. For the zebra enthusiast in your life! This is a well-rendered design for what it is, even though the zebra looks a little fiercer and more pinched in the muzzle than zebras usually look.

#19, Crewneck Pullover. This one is a "from the archives" Perry Ellis design, which was originally published in Vogue Knitting Fall/Winter 1983. It has aged very well, and though I'm not one for animal skin motifs, if I were to wear one, this would probably be my pick.