Vogue Knitting Early Fall 2017: A Review

Vogue Knitting has released their Early Fall 2017 issue. Let's have a look at it, shall we?

Pattern #1, Open Stitch Wrap. This one's a little rough around the edges for my liking.

Pattern #2, Chevron Stitch Wrap. A nice blanket scarf. The texture keeps it interesting.

Pattern #3, Slip Stitch Stripe Wrap. This one's a bit rough and chunky for my tastes, and does anyone else see a wall of little people all standing on one another's shoulders when they look at the stitchwork?

Pattern #4, Diamond Textured Wrap. Some excellent stitchwork in this.

Pattern #5, Shetland Twist Wrap. Beautifully intricate cables.

Pattern #6, Textured Wrap. This sampler style piece isn't quite pulling together visually, even though it's monochrome. I'd pick two or even three of those stitch patterns and repeat them rather than having each section in a different stitch.

Pattern #7, Cabled Raglan Pullover. Classic piece with good shaping.





Pattern #8, Kimono-Style Cardigan. The back of this piece looks fantastic. I'm not so thrilled with the front, but then I don't much like open front cardigans. I'd be inclined to turn this one into a pullover.

Pattern #9, Cable Detail Cardigan. This isn't bad, although it's a little on the rough and unfinished-looking side for my liking.

Pattern #10, Dipped Hem Pullover. Nice, classic piece.

Pattern #11, Diagonal Stitch Pullover. Excellent shaping and stitchwork.

Pattern #12, Eyelet Raglan Hoodie. I'm not usually a fan of mesh, but I do like this mesh pattern, with its twisty, almost lace-like look. The shaping and detailing are pretty good too.

Pattern #13, Strata Hat. Nice hat, but I don't know if I'm fully on board with those ear flaps, though I must admit those earflaps are as nicely designed as earflaps could be. The hat has the look of a helmet from a Narnian series illustration. This isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Pattern #14, Lace Pattern Cardigan. I must admit this piece overcomes my usual objections to loose, drapey cardigans. It sits very well, the lace is beautiful, and the effect is romantic and contemporary at the same time.

Pattern #15, Striped Ruana. The stripes and colourwork are irresistible. I would expect no less, as this is a Kaffe Fassett design.

Pattern #16, Striped Boat Neck Top. Such a fun, eye-catching piece.

Pattern #17, Fitted Mock Neck Tee. This is a fun piece too, although I don't think the colourway is working all that well.

Pattern #18, Fringed Vest. This one has that "floormat from the mudroom" look.

Pattern #19, Swing Hem Tunic. I'd be inclined to make this one a little longer, to turn it into a dress, and to rework the colour scheme.

Pattern #20, Bias Stripe Pullover. With its bad shape and unfinished edges, this sweater looks more like a design in progress than a completed piece of work.

Pattern #21, Fibonacci Fade Vest. Love the colour scheme, and this vest sits quite well.

Pattern #22, Striped Dress. This is wearable, fun, modern and even cool, but I do keep hearing the words, "Please do not adjust your television set," whenever I look at it.

Pattern #23, Lace Up V-Neck Pullover. This is okay, as the shaping is good and the colour scheme is well-worked out, but those dangling drawstring cords would drive me crazy.

Pattern #24, Striped Raglan Pullover. This is a reprinted pattern that originally appeared in Vogue Knitting's Spring Summer 1989 issue. It's okay, but it's not the pattern I would have selected from that issue to re-release (I checked, and yes, I do indeed have the issue), and although the VK editors have suggested substitute yarns to use to recreate the colour scheme shown here, I'd rework the colours.

I like the idea of crocheting decorative buttons, but these look a little kitschy.