VOGUEknitting magazine Holiday 2014 is on the bookshelf and here is a little review of this magazine.

This time the VOGUEknitting magazine is showing “28 timeless knits”. Featuring

• “Deborah Newton: Winter Whimsy”
• “Lacing it up with Brioche”
• “Black, White and a Little Bit of glitter: A touch of sparkle sheds a soft light on dramatic black and white”
• “Comfort & Joy: Cuddle up in soft, tactile knits – just right for weekend lounging – that knit up quickly in bulky yarns”
• “Wine with everything: Pair bold yet neutral burgundy with all your wardrobe staples.”
• “Merry & Bright: Spin the color wheel Bright of-the-moment shades kick classic color work techniques up a notch.” (Christina Behnke)

Winter Whimsy

Deborah Newton – Bobble Hat

Deborah Newton is talking about her affection for bobbles and declares the “knitted popcorns” to be “the ultimate holiday embellishment.”
She is showing her Bobble Hat in North Light Fibers Beach Avenue (70% baby alpaca, 30% fine merino), a worsted 3-ply yarn in shade Peony. It is knitted in the round.
Knitable in 2 sizes 20 (21′)/50,5 (53,5)cm at lower edge

Lacing it up with Brioche

Nancy Marchant – Brioche Lace Scarf

YAY! Two-coloured brioche stitch in a lace design! Fantastic. This scarf by Nancy Marchant is knitted using Debbie Bliss‘ Party Angel (72% mohair, 24% silk, 4% metallized polyester). Explore the beauty of this stitch in a challenging design.
Finished measurements 13’/33 cm wide x 69’/176cm long.

If you like the brioche stitch, I recommend “knitting BRIOCHE – The Essential Guide to the Brioche Stitch” by Nancy Marchant, published by North Light Books.

Black, White and a Little Bit of Glitter

Brooke Nico – Crystalett Shawl

“This is the dawning of an age of embellishment” Christina Behnke rejoices. I’m also cheering, because of this beautiful lace design. This triangle shaped shawl, a design by Brooke Nico,  is knitted using Mimi (100% mink)  from Lotus Yarns. The crystal buttons are hooked on the stitches during knitting this lovely design.
Knitted measurements:
Width at top edge 52″/132cm
Length at center point 20″/51cm

Brooke Nico – Crystalett Shawl

Marie Wallin – Beaded Scoop-Neck Tee

Over 2000 beads embellish this close fitting Scoop-Neck Tee by Marie Wallin. The beads are threaded on the yarn before knitting and placed during knitting the chart. A chevron pattern in  different stripe sequences is placed below and on top of this beaded stockinette panel.  This design is knitted using Rowan Kidsilk Haze (70% mohair, 30% silk). Beyond the beads Rowan Anchor Artiste Metallic (80% viscose, 20% metallized polyester) adds sparkle.
Knitable in 4 sizes from 34″ (86,5cm) to 46″ (117cm).

Amanda Kaffka – Lace Pullover

I love this design by Amanda Kaffka. Front and back of this loose-fitting top are knitted flat, then joined at the shoulders. The sleeves and side borders are then picked up and worked. The side seams are finally closed using 3-needle bind-off. The lace is worked using a chart. It is knitted using Kid Seta (61% super kid mohair, 35% silk, 4% wool) from Cascade Yarns.
Knitable in 3 sizes from 45″ (114cm) to 58″ (147cm).

Mari Lynn Patrick – Directional Tunic Top

This standard-fitting top is knitted using Regal Silk (100% silk) and Beaded Silk and Sequins Light (100% silk with glass beads and sequins) from Artyarns.
This design is knitted in two directions and the beaded yarn is used on the front edges only. Short rows are used for shaping.
Knitable in 2 sizes from 36 (40″)/91,5 (101,5)cm.

Jill Wright – Lacy Batwing Pullover

This is an interesting design. Light coloured lace panels are divided by a dark coloured stockinette stitch insert. It is knitted using intarsia technique, twisting yarns on the WS when changing colours. The lower edging is picked up and knitted on. Jill Wright used two different yarns from Prism: Elise (85% rayon, 15% metallic polyester) in shade antique and Delicato (100% tencel®) in shade ebony for this standard-fitting pullover.
Knitable in 4 sizes from 32″ (81,5 cm) to 44½” (113cm) measured over waist above rib.

Deborah Newton – Bow Cardi

This is the design for every romantically minded woman, isn’t it. I love this bow and I love the different patterns used for this design. They are adding interest but are not to difficult to knit. Deborah Newton used two different shades of S. Charles Collezione’s Stella (74% silk, 26% lurex metallic) for her standard-fitting cardigan.
Knitable in 5 sizes from 35″ (89cm) to 46″ (117cm) bust closed.

Comfort & Joy

Margeau Soboti – Double Seed Stitch Pullover

Double moss stitch flourishes on this loose fitting pullover by Margeau Soboti. A k1, p1 rib pattern encircles this plot. I love the colour and the turtleneck on this easy to knit design. Shown here in HiKoo Skacel Collection’s Zumie (50% acrylic, 30% wool, 20% nylon) in shade #109 laurel.
Knitable in 5 sizes from 38″ (96,5cm) to 54½” (138,5cm)

Shiri Mor – Shawl-Collar Jacket

This standard-fitting cardigan introduces a lovely slip-stitch pattern, producing a “no smocking” effect. This design is knitted in one piece. The sleeves are casted on at the back using a provisional cast-on. This provisional cast-on is undone later to pick up the stitches for the second half of the sleeves on the fronts. After blocking stitches are picked up for the cuffs, the pocket edges and the shawl collar. These are knitted in Fisherman’s Rib. It is a interesting and comfy looking design by Shiri Mor. She used Worsted Hand Dyes (50% royal alpaca, 50% merino) from Blue Sky Alpacas.
Knitable in 5 sizes from 36″ (91,5cm) to 53¾” (136,5cm) bust closed.

John Brinegar – Cropped Moto Jacket

Now this design is looking a little bit to bulky for my taste. An advertisement for a german chocolate spooks through my brain. “Quadratisch, praktisch, gut” (quadratic, practical, good) in the figurative sense. John Brinegar used Bulky Merino (100% merino wool) from Koigu Wool Designs for this standard-fitting cardigan with oversized sleeves.
Knitable in 3 sizes from 37″ (94cm) to 49″ (124,5cm).

Annabelle Speer – Oversized Turtleneck Pullover

This standard-fitting cardigan is featuring an oversized turtleneck. I like this design, although it has drop-shoulder shaping. Annabelle Speer designs it using Bergère de France’s Plume (11% combed wool, 42% acrylic, 47% polyamide).
Knitable in 5 sizes from 36½” (92,5cm) to 52½” (133,5cm).

Patty Lyons – Cabled Coat

The edges of this standard-fitting coat are knitted in a ktbl, p1 pattern, whereas the rest is knitted in an all-over stag horn cable pattern. The A-shaping of this garment is intelligently created with changing needle sizes. Patty Lyons design is knitted using Baby Alpaca Grande (100% baby alpaca) of Plymouth Yarn Company.
Knitable in 5 sizes from 34½” (87,5cm) to 53½” (136cm).

Zahra Jade Knott – Ribbed Sleeve Pullover

UUUH, I love this design by Zahra Jade Knott. This loose-fitting pullover is knitted in a slip stitch pattern using two different yarns (and shades) of The Fibre Company/Kelbourne Woolens. The A-shaped body  is worked using Tundra (60% baby alpaca, 30% merino wool, 10% silk) in shade Frost, the sleeves are knitted in Canopy Worsted (50% baby alpaca, 30% merino wool, 20% viscose) in shade Laguna.
Knitable in 5 sizes from 35″ (89cm) to 50″ (127cm).

Wine with everything

Burgundy “a must-have shade this season.” (Christina Behnke) I must confess, I love this shade, because this rich dark red is like a tenebrous and arcane promise. Although dark it is adding brilliance to your wardrobe. I would like to see it much more, for men’s fashion as well.

Shirley Paden – Belted Cardigan

This is a stunning design. Shirley Patton uses  twisted rib and cables surrounded by lifted eyelets in this standard-fitting cardigan. Side seam shaping and set-in sleeves are accomplishing this garment. It is shown here in shade Wine of Lana Gatto’s Super Soft (100% extrafine merino wool).
Knitable in 4 sizes from 36½” (93cm) to 49½” (126cm).

Pat Olski – Garter and Cable Scarf

This is an easy, yet cosy and sumptuous scarf. A lovely cable pattern is surrounded by blocks of simple garter stitch. Pat Olski used 4 hanks of Mongolian Cashmere 6-ply (100% Mongolian cashmere) in shade Robe Royal from Jade Sapphire Exotic Fibres for this design.
Finished measurements:
7’/17,5cm width, 86″/218cm length.

Amanda Saladin – Textured Tote

Here is a design for those who wants to carry yarn on their shoulders! This tote by Amanda Saladin shows a centre cable on front and back, surrounded by double moss stitch, which is adding texture. Pompoms and a zipper closing are nice details. The tote is lined with fabric. It is shown here in shade Black Cherry of Columbia (100% wool) a 2-ply yarn from Imperial Yarn.
Finished measurements
Width 17″/43cm
Heigth 11″/28cm
Depth 5″/12,5cm

Shiri Mor – Hooded Waistcoat

This Hooded Waistcoat, a design by Shiri Mor, is great. It is featuring a broad rib pattern and different cable pattern. This loose-fitting waistcoat has a flared back and set-in sleeves. The back shows also pleats ending in a button tab detail. It is shown here in shade Burgundy of Northampton (100% wool) from Valley Yarns.
Knitable in 3 sizes from 36″ (91,5cm) to 48″ (123cm).

Pat Olski – Chevron Hat

Pat Olski designed this hat with a chevron pattern, worked in fair-isle technique. The brim is worked flat then joined in the round to knit the rest of the hat. It is knitted using in two shades (Burgundy, Charcoal) of Air Lace Weight (40% of down from the brushtail possum fiber, 40% cashmere, 20% mulberry silk) from Zealana.
Knitted measurements
Circumference 20″/50,5cm
Length approx. 8½”/21,5cm (with brim folded in half)

Jacqueline van Dillen – Cable-edged Vest

WOW, Jacqueline van Dillen, WOW. Look at these details: the big cables, forming the front edges are pouring out of the pocket detail! A rib pattern is adding depth to this standard fitting garment, the zipper closure is responsible for a modern and crisp look. Shown here in shade Merlot of Toboggan (70% merino, 30% superfine alpaca) from Classic Elite Yarns.
Knitable in 4 sizes from 34″ (86,5cm) to 50″ (127cm).

Marie Wallin – Cabled Cowl

Short-row shaping adds a surprise twist to this cowl. It is knitted sideways, showing three different cable patterns. Cast-on and cast-off edges are sewn together after adding the fur edging. This luxurious cowl is knitted holding two strands of Rowan Lima (84% alpaca, 8% merino wool, 8% nylon) together. Marie Wallin used enigmatically glowing shade La Paz for this design. The fashionable faux fur edges are knitted in Rowan Fur (97% wool, 3% polyamide).
Finished measurements
Circumference approx 38″/96,5cm at widest point and approx 34″/86,5cm at narrowest point
Depth approx 13½”/34,5cm

Norah Gaughan – Cable and Chevron Top

I’m not quite sure, if I like this design. I like the cables and also the knitted chevron pattern of this loose-fitting top. But I’m not quite a fan of the shape at all. Norah Gaughan used Cotinga (30% alpaca, 70% fine merino wool) from Dale Garn in shade purple for her Cable and Chevron Top.
Knitable in 5 sizes from 39″ (99cm) to 55″ (139,5cm).

Merry & Bright

Yoko Hatta – Fair Isle Cardigan

This is a colourful lovely design by Yoko Hatta. It is worked flat bottom up to the yoke. Then fronts, back and sleeves are joined and knitted forth and back forming a yoke knitted using fair-isle technique. 7 bright shades of Berroco’s Ultra Alpaca (50% alpaca, 50% wool) are used for this standard-fitting cardigan.
Knitable in 4 sizes from 37″ (94cm) to 49″ (124,5cm) bust closed.

Yoko Hatta – Fair Isle Poncho

This Fair Isle Poncho is extraordinaire. It is knitted from the lower edge up to a fair isle yoke. Yoko Hatta used 6 shades of Elfin Tweed (60% merino wool, 20% baby llama, 10% bamboo, 10% donegal) from Knit One, Crochet Too for this design.
Knitable in 2 sizes.
Lower edge 54½” (138,5cm)/57″ (144,5cm)
Length 18″ (45,5cm)/19″(48cm)

Jacqueline van Dillen – Modern Fair Isle Raglan

Jacqueline van Dillen designed this standard-fitting pullover for knitting in the round. Both body and sleeves are worked in the round and joined to form a yoke with raglan shaping. Short-row shaping lowers the front neckline. Provisional cast-on is used to form folded hems. This modern fair-isle pullover is shown here in two shades of Lorna’s Laces’ Shepard Worsted (100% superwash merino wool).
Knitable in 4 sizes from 33″ (84cm) to 48″ (122cm) bust closed.

Mari Lynn Patrick – Icelandic-Style Pullover

This standard-fitting pullover is knitted flat. After the button band is picked up knitted, the pieces are joined to knit the neckband.
This is a crisp looking pullover with an unusual asymmetrical closure. I love it. Mari Lynn Patrick has chosen 5 bright shades of Brown Sheep Company’s Nature Spun Worsted (100% wool) yarn.
Knitable in 3 sizes from 38″ (96,5cm) to 41½” (105,5cm).

Helen Sharp – Sideways Turtleneck

Another WOW in this issue for Helen Sharp’s Sideway Turtleneck pullover. This standard-fitting pullover is knitted in ONE piece using short-row shaping! Helen Sharp used 4 vibrant shades of Kolláge Yarns’ Happiness Worsted yarn. The stitches for the turtleneck, the cuffs and lower edges are picked up and knitted in a rib pattern.
Knitable in 4 sizes from 35″ (89cm) to 44″ (111,5cm).

Lynette Meek – Fair Isle Scarf

This oversized scarf by Lynette Meek is featuring double knitted fair-isle and lace, together in one design. Pompoms are added on a crocheted edging. (Well I would skip them!)
This scarf is knitted in 4 shade of Cascade Yarn’s Cloud (70% merino wool, 30% alpaca) yarn and 1 shade of Eco Cloud (70% undyed merino wool, 30% undyed alpaca).

Christina Behnke is Associate Editor and responsible for the fashion captions of the VOGUEKnitting Magazine.

All pictures are screenshots of my VOGUEknitting magazine Holiday 2014. I took it from my iPad.