Vogue(r) Knitting Designer Knits

I positively love this book. How can you go wrong with the patterns for the Enchanted Forest cardigan, the Bubble Sweater and the Counterpane Pullover all in one book? I am also fond of the handsome Missoni Man's (or women's) Cardigan with a doubled shawl collar (easily do-able, even for those with intermediate skills) and the Cropped Hooded Sweater from Joan Vass. I've made three of those -- it's easy to substitute yarns (just double-strand something pretty), there is little shaping and the result is fabulous.The only problem I have with the Vogue knitting books is the lack of detail in the photographs. It would help to see close-ups of the knitted fabric, stitch designs, and even the yarn itself. Perhaps future Vogue collections will include at least photos of the yarn, much the same way as Vogue Knitting magazine does now.I was a bit surprised by the other reviews -- I feel this collection is full of wearable designs (not just "mod gorgeous") for all skill levels. There are a number of handsome cabled designs, and the Missoni One-Piece Tee is quite stunning. The Bubble Sweater has been a great favorite with knitters for years and is flattering on anyone. Start with that -- and work up to the Enchanted Forest.I recommend this book. I've knit about a third of the patterns, a couple of them more than once. I've found it easy to substitute yarns and even to vary the sizing on some of the patterns. My next project from this collection will be Perry Ellis' long Fair Isle Crew Neck. The designs are inspirational and a lot of fun to knit.

Some sporty styles, some classics -- all at varying skill levels, so anyone can find something in this book to knit. Most of the sweaters are from more recent (last 10 years) magazine issues, so you may have at least a few of these already. Others I haven't seen before, even though they look fairly current. If a yarn is no longer available, the author offers a substitute. As usual, the knitting instructions are clearly laid out, so knitting these sweaters should not be troublesome. For simpler designs, Malcolm has published a very easy, very vogue edition which also has a nice variety, mainly for a beginning or early intermediate knitter. But again, beginners or intermediates can find a lot for them in this volume as well.