Vogue Knitting and Rowan Designs

Now that the weather is getting cooler, I’m getting that creative itch to knit and crochet again. I’m looking out for some great deals on yarn and stocking up on some attractive colors. I have already created a dozen or so easy projects like slippers and toques. They make great holiday stocking stuffers. But, I also like to make gorgeous vests and sweaters for my family. Two new knitting books were just released, Norah Gaughan 40 Timeless Knits and Rowan 40 Iconic Hand-Knit Designs, and I just had to have them. They are loaded with really beautiful patterns that are enjoyable to make and trendy to wear.

Norah Gaughan 40 Timeless Knits

If you’re an enthusiastic knitter like my mom and I are, then you’ve probably already heard of Norah Gaughan. Norah learned how to knit at 14 years of age and has gone on to create some of the most intricate and beautiful hand knitting patterns. If I want a special or gorgeous garment to knit, I always look for a Norah Gaughan pattern.

During the past 30 years, Norah has contributed over 120 spectacular patterns to Vogue magazine. To celebrate, Vogue has gathered 40 of Norah Gaughan stunning and timeless knits and put them into one glorious collection for avid and new fans. As you thumb through the book, you’ll notice each pattern has a skill level from easy to experienced, but please note, there are no beginner patterns.

You’ll find lots of cabled and textured patterns that never seem to go out of style. At the top of each pattern, you’ll find the year that it was released going back 30 years. The book starts with a cabled vest from 1987 and includes written instructions and a graph to follow. Some of my other favorites are the geometric Southwestern Cardigan from 1989/90, the Cabled Shawl-Collar Vest from 1992, the Dragonfly Pullover and the Trellis Cardigan from 1997, the Counterpane Pullover from 2000/01, the Mobius Hooded Pullover from 2005, Cabled Bolero from 2006/07 and my very favorite the Cabled Cardigan from 2017. This will be my next project.

 

I saw the Cabled Shawl-Collar Vest and my mom made it for this review. She didn’t steam the vest or put buttons on, but it’s very attractive and will fit her perfectly. It calls for worsted weight yarn and the pattern was so easy to make. It will keep you cozy on those cool winter days.

If you flip to the back of the book, you’ll find the abbreviations, tapestry stitch instructions, a skill level graph and the Standard yarn weight system. This is an awesome knitting book and I’m elated it’s part of my craft book collection.

Rowan 40 Iconic Hand-Knit Designs

Rowan 40 Iconic Hand-Knits is a collaboration of the best-celebrated knitwear designers such as Kaffe Fassett, Martin Storey, Louisa Harding, Sarah Hatton, and many more. Each garment is inspired by the charm of the British and Scottish foliage, the raw beauty of its landscapes, and the elegance of its historic homes.

The first twenty patterns are Archived Designs that are just as charming today as there were when there were featured years ago. Cabled sweaters, fair isle designs, florals, pleated skirts, and cozy coats to name a few. Each knitting pattern has a skill level, written instructions, and a graph if applicable.

 

The latter half of the book features knitting patterns that have been redesigned and ushered into the 21st century with stylish new yarns in a refreshing new color palette. Some of my favorites are the Celtic – a beautiful cabled sweater, the Gameboard Jacket, and the Wayfarer Shawl.

Filled with Rowan’s trademark high-quality photography and breathtaking knitwear, Rowan: 40 Years: 40 Iconic Hand-Knit Designs will be a book that every knitter loves to turn to for patterns and inspiration.

Disclaimer: I received product to facilitate a review. All opinions express are my own, yours may differ.