Noro Magazine Issue 8: A Review

Noro Magazine has released its eighth issue. Let's have a look at it, shall we?

Pattern #1, Long Line Poncho. This isn't bad. It's a little Golden Girls, but then that isn't such a bad thing. The lines are good, the stitchwork is attractive, and the yarn is beautiful.

Pattern #2, Blanket Poncho. This is much more blanket than it is poncho.

Pattern #3, Openwork Poncho. I can't even dignify this one by claiming it would look better as a throw. This is a piece so aggressively unattractive that I'd be afraid that, even in an afghan incarnation, it would make my couch break out in hives.

Pattern #4, Mosaic Shawl. Lovely. The mosaic stitch showcases the yarn beautifully.

Pattern #5, L-Shaped Shawl. This is very "home ec project made the night before the due date".

Pattern #6, Lace-Edged Shawl. Beautiful. Both shaping and lacework are lovely.

Pattern #7, Crescent Shawl. Very pretty. Love the seashell colours.

Pattern #8, Ruffle Shawl. Not bad. The texture is interesting, and it's a nicely finished piece.

Pattern #9, Bandanna Cowl. This is quite attractive, and it sits well. Those long fringes would drive me crazy, but it would be easy to make them shorter, or to put some other sort of edging on this piece.

Pattern #10, Hybrid Triangular Shawl. Classic shawl.

Pattern #11, Openwork Cardigan. This is too full and floppy to be flattering on most women.

Pattern #12, Waterfall Cardigan. This needs more shaping, though the yarn used here is beyond gorgeous.

Pattern #13, Convertible Cardigan. I want to be able to approve of this one, because it does have an interesting construction, but it isn't flattering.

Pattern #14, Batwing-Sleeved Top. This one needs more body and less sleeve, or perhaps to rethink its life goals entirely and become a scarf.

Pattern #15, Cropped Shell. This is rather nice, but I'd be making it a standard length. The cropped length is a challenge to wear.

Pattern #16, Openwork Top. Not bad, but I would neaten up the shape a little.

Pattern #17, Leaf-Lace Shrug. Very pretty and useful little piece for summer dresses.

Pattern #18, Cropped Cardigan. Another nice little number for summer.

Pattern #19, Felted Entrelac Bag. This one's a little too crude and boho for my liking.

Pattern #20, Faeroese-Style Shawl. I like the combination of a traditional style with the contemporary, bright, eye-catching stripes.

Pattern #21, Infinity Scarf. Simple stitchwork with a beautiful play of colour.

Pattern #22, Mitered Throw. Fabulous. The mitered stitchwork and the yarn work together beautifully.

Pattern #23, Shell-and-Mesh Squares Cardigan. This is an impressive work in its own way, but also more than a little doily-esque for my liking.

Pattern #24, Shawl-Collared Cardigan. This is definitely too far into doily territory.

Pattern #25, Openwork Pullover. This is so far into doily land, it's in "Granny's centrepiece" territory. I want to put a basket of plastic fruit on it.

Pattern #26, V-Neck Shell. This could do with some better shaping.





Pattern #27, Goldfish; Pattern #28, Seahorse; and Pattern #29, Sea Star. These are very pretty and well-designed. What I'm wondering is what, if anything, they'll be used for, as I'm not one to make things that just sit around and collect dust. I suppose that, if they're large enough, they could be used as loofahs.