Vogue Knitting Winter 2016/2017 Issue: A Review

Vogue Knitting has released its Winter 2016/2017 issue. Let's have a look at it, shall we?

Pattern #1. Some beautiful stitchwork on this, and good shaping. I'm not usually a fan of asymmetry, but this one's got a certain balance and restraint to it that makes it effective.

Pattern #2. Some beautiful stitchwork in this one as well, but the hourglass effect is too exaggerated and the neckline isn't flattering -- or even comfortable-looking.

Pattern #3. I would have made this a touch neater-fitting.

Pattern #4. I would make this one a lot neater fitting, as it's more than a little tent-like.

Pattern #5. Some quite effective use of cable here.

Pattern #6. Nice piece, though I think the two cables could have been better handled at the top, where they merge into the collar.

Pattern #7. Oooh, this one is beautifully flattering and elegantly relaxed, and looks delightful to wear.

Pattern #8. This one looks like it was designed by four different people. Who were all drunk. It's a mishmash of yarn shades and flourishes that don't work together. And for some reason it's the cover design, though it's the worst design in the whole issue.

Pattern #9. This one will see its wearer all the way through her pregnancies and make a wonderful pup tent for her children to play in.

Pattern #10. This sweater is quite dramatic and even flattering here, though I have my suspicions that the model's thumb deserves most of the credit for the way the right side is conforming to the line of the model's upper body and that this sweater might not look nearly so good in real life. I do love the chevron pattern and the colour blocking and think they should have gotten some better shaping.

Pattern #11. Not bad. This is the kind of sporty, casual sweater one can wear with track pants.

Pattern #12. The modern fair isle pattern is rather striking, but I would make this piece in a relaxed fit rather than huge.

Pattern #13. I think I would have gone with two different contrast colours for the lines rather than just one. Using the main colour makes the effect a bit wonky, visually.

Pattern #14. I like the pattern overall, but my goodness is this piece enormous. Are oversized sweaters and tops back, and am I going to sound increasingly shrill and out of touch on this topic for the next little while?

Pattern #15. Very pretty. I'm liking the houndstooth pattern, the colours, and the shaping overall.

Pattern #16. Not a bad little wrap, but I don't think this colourway does much for it.

Pattern #17. I like this one the whole, but I'm scheming to get rid of those unsightly sleeve and shoulder seams. I think I would have designed this sweater to be knitted from the top down so that it would be seamless, though one would probably not be able to get a v-neck working that way. Also, this sweater deserved a better colour scheme.

Pattern #18. A very contemporary and attractive take on the argyle pattern.

Pattern #19. Love this hat. Both the pattern and the colour palette are perfection.

Pattern #20. A lovely cowl. The non-traditional colour combination serves the classic fair isle pattern well.

Pattern #21. A classic if rather basic cowl, with pockets that someone has inexplicably chosen to line with pieces of a granny apron. This pattern needed something, but it wasn't that.

Pattern #22. This is an inventive and contemporary piece, but I'd put it on a couch rather than on my back.

Knit Simple Winter 2016: A Review

Knit Simple has released its Winter 2016 issue. Let's have a look at the easy knits therein, shall we?





These knitted caps are simple and attractive.

These mitts aren't bad on the whole, but I think I'd omit the flaring cuffs and end (or begin) the mitts at the ribbing.

Not bad. I can't help wishing that fair isle pattern were a touch more subtle and complex.

Sweet little child's cardigan.

This hanging looks like a thrift shop seventies-era poncho someone hung on the wall.

Attractive and eye-catching afghan.

Very basic yarn basket. I suspect that one would have to keep it full of yarn or it would flop over.

A very smart pair of throw pillows.

These look like random swaths of knitting thrown randomly about a model's neck.

This model appears to have gotten her head stuck in her current knitting project which, whatever it is, was intended to be something other than a headband.

Boot toppers came out a few years back and I still haven't come around to liking them much, as I often do with new trends. I think I'd like these better if they were on a different kind of boot, such as something taller.

This is very basic, though I suppose it's useful enough. If you're knitting something very simple and easy, going with an interesting or beautiful yarn can be a good way to elevate the look of it to the next level.

Your basic oversized stocking cap.

Some simple warm socks.

This isn't a bad little tote bag, but it would need to be lined with fabric to keep it from stretching to hell and back.

Quite a pretty scarf. I like the lattice stitch.

This is a rather fun little topper for a simple, casual outfit.

A nice-looking heavy scarf with some decent texture.

Furry yarn does lend itself nicely to simple scarves. This scarf is made with a slit in it to help secure the scarf, but I'd just make it long enough to slipknot around the neck instead.

Classic ribbed sweater vest.

I prefer this one to the last one, as the stitchwork in this one is so much more interesting. I'm wondering if this photo and the previous ones are two sides of the same design, but I hope not, as I don't think they work together.

This one's rather a handsome piece. I like the combination of classic cables and ribs with the modern zipper.

Not such a fan of this one. The shaping is off, and whoever knitted this vest didn't pick up enough stitches around the neck, with the result that the neckband is pulling the horizontal stripes askew.





These two crocheted cowls appear to be made from potholders.

Not a bad hat. I like the addition of a faux fur pom pom.