I didn't mean for this blog to become focused on crafting, but I just received a copy of the latest Vogue Knitting Crochet (2014). I'm absolute newbie when it comes to crochet. As I mentioned in a previous post, when it comes to crocheting, my tension is rather limp and loose, so I don't think that I have much hope of actually being able to crochet some of the samples that are included in this magazine.
The crochet issue follows a similar format to Vogue Knitting's knitting issues: there are a "hot picks" page filled with trendy knit/crochet accessories, a featured yarn page, news from the crochet world, a special section titled, "World," in which the crochet arts from various parts of the world are featured, a featured local yarn store (LYS), and a book review section. There are also a couple articles, including one on scallops and swags (edgings), another on shaping, and one on Ashley Blalock's Keeping Up Appearances art installation.
Next is the photograph section which features the designs. The pattern instructions follow after. This magazine includes about 29 patterns. I want to make the Mock Hairpin Wrap, the Tank Dress that is
also featured on the cover, a Missoni-Inspired Shift Dress, and a Double
Ladder Wrap. There is, of course, a granny square throw design by
Kaffe Fassett, but it really looks good.
On the last page are charts for conversion between US/UK/Aus terminology, standard yarn weights, and crochet hook sizes. Also included are a short glossary and an abbreviations table. On another page is a key for the crochet symbols used for all the charts included in the magazine.
On glancing through the magazine's rating system for difficulty, I would say that most of the patterns are at an intermediate and experienced/advanced level and recommend lace or superfine yarn for materials. There are a few that use heavier weights, such as the Kaffe Fassett throw. One pattern has a series of photographs provided showing various stages of progress in the construction of the item and close-ups to see the detail. Unfortunately, it is only for one item.
Vogue Knitting usually has a 360 degree gallery on their website (www.vogueknitting.com) in which you can see the designs on a model who turns around in a circle. This feature is supposedly provided for this Crochet issue too, but I haven't previewed it for myself yet.
Unlike some other crochet magazines, there are no diagrams provided demonstrating how to crochet and make various crochet stitches. I don't believe that this is a magazine for beginners, but it is certainly filled with a lot of eye candy demonstrating what could be possibly done with crochet.
As for the patterns themselves, they appear to be detailed enough, and there are diagrams, specs, and charts provided. Vogue Knitting also provides errata for their patterns on their website if there are errors.
I like this magazine. It may actually inspire me to crochet something.
