Noro Magazine Issue 12: A Review

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

No. 1, Entrelac Blanket. I definitely feel like we've seen this afghan, and the next afghan, before, but then an afghan is the perfect showcase for Noro yarn, and one does want to play up the contrasts.

No. 2, Square-in-a-Square Blanket. An attractive afghan with only a slight "please do not adjust your TV set" feel to it.

No. 3, Eyelet Chevron Shawl. This is one of those pieces that were designed to be worn but that would look best on a couch.

No. 4, Eyelet Shawl. Very pretty. Love the combination of the eyelets and the lace border.

No. 5, Triangle Shawl. This one has an offbeat, contemporary vibe to it, but it works. The more subtle colourway was a good choice here, given that there are stripes and blocks involved.

No. 6, Openwork Shawl. A very traditional-style, simple shawl.

No. 7, Eyelet Scarf. A simple design. I'm not crazy about the tutti-frutti colour palette, but that's just personal preference.

No. 8, Semicircle Shawl. Classic lace shawl with some decent shaping.

No. 9, Chevron Top. I LOVE the yarn used here, but the shape and the dropped shoulders need some serious tidying up. The model is simply swamped by this piece.

No. 10, Sideways Knit Top. I like the sideways stripes and the colour palette, but that is one awkward, boxy shape.

No. 11, Garter Gusset Tee. Oooh, such pretty stripes. I'd neaten up the fit.

No. 12, Crossback Tank. Very pretty and wearable top. Love the lace work at the bottom, and the shape and fit are good.

No. 13, Scallop Stripe Tank. This one's nice too. The overall shape is good, and that broad band neckline is flattering and even a little dramatic.

No. 14, Two-Tone Tank Top. A very decent piece. It would be fun to play with the colour contrast on the neckline/body for this one.

No. 15, Two-Colour Tunic. Not bad. I like the play of texture through the body and the bottom panel, and the finishing details. This is one of those pieces that's interesting and stylish enough in itself that one can pair it with a simple skirt or pair of trousers.

No. 16, Directional Striped Top. I like this piece from the waist up, but I don't like the way the top panel lies across the lower half. It has that "these pieces stuck together in the dryer" look.

No. 17, Man's Raglan Pullover. I like this one so much I wish I had a boyfriend to make it for. (Gentlemen of the internet, I am now accepting applications.)

No. 18, Man's Henley Pullover. Not such a fan of this one. It's fine through the body, but I don't like the way that collar sits. It has an awkward thickness to it.

No. 19, Short-Sleeve Pullover. I rather like this one. Its minimalist style works well with the yarn choice -- this is a pattern that calls for a striking yarn -- and the lines are good.

No. 20, Tunic Tank Top. This one's a bit too loose around the hips. It would be fine if it fit better.

No. 21, Lace Top. Pretty! This one would be a fun, casual top to wear with jeans.

No. 22, Panel Top. This has a certain charm, but it would be a hard shape to carry off. It's good at the neckline but gets so bulky below that.

No. 23, Diagonal Rib Cardi. This one looks as though it began well and then had to be finished in a frantic, tearing hurry. It needs more finishing at the front edges and a different kind of closure.

No. 24, V-Neck Tank. This is a nice-looking piece, but that bustline level seam will be an unflattering look on women who aren't small-breasted.

No. 25, Swing Front Cardigan. This cardigan doesn't so much swing as sag. Such an awkward, frumpy number.

No. 26, Crew Neck Sweater. This one has port holes to go with its crew neck.

No. 27, Lace Waistcoat. This is rather cute, even chic. I like the three lines of buttons.

No. 28, Lace Scarf. Wish I could see this piece better, but it looks presentable enough.