The Best of Vogue® Knitting Magazine: 25 Years of Articles, Techniques, and Expert Advice

by Vogue Knitting (Editor)

For the very first time, the best of Vogue® Kni tting is gathered in one gorgeous, must-have anthology. Practical, comprehensive, and inspiring, this richly illustrated treasury presents invaluable workshops on beginner and expert techniques, as well as smart tips on the design process. Look no further for advice on proper gauging, altering patterns, sketching and scale-drawing, hemming, stitching sleeves, shaping the garment, sweatermaking, and more. And from beloved knitwear designer Elizabeth Zimmermann and daughter Meg their most memorable essays and seminars ever, available again. In addition, there’s a look back at Vogue® Knitting’s history, question and answer profiles of top designers, and articles on knitting around the world. Every knitter will have to own this! A Selection of the Crafter's Choice Book Club.

Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction, Crafts, Reference

244 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2007

About the author

Vogue Knitting is SoHo Publishing's flagship title. Launched over twenty-five years ago, VK has set the bar for knitting, working with the biggest and most talented names in fashion today, including Michael Kors and Anna Sui. Led by Editor Trisha Malcolm, VK is published quarterly.

Reviews

[Matthew Gatheringwater · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, understand that this is not a collection of knitting patterns from Vogue Knitting, but a book of re-printed articles about knitting. There is a lot of practical advice, much of it well-illustrated, and I'd recommend this as a knitting reference book.

The large format of the book and the lack of the magazine's advertising made me realize just how short these articles are. It seems a shame to me that the authors weren't revisited and and the articles expanded for the book. If you have your own carefully-saved issues of Vogue Knitting, this new book adds very little.

[Teri-K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most knitting books are full of patterns, tips, or rants. This one is different. Culled from 25 years of Vogue Knitting magazine, these short articles are well arranged and quite interesting to read. There were several by the venerable Elizabeth Zimmerman that I especially enjoyed. In fact, only a few didn't interest me at all, and they were brief biographies of some fashion designers. I may have picked up a tip or two for my knitting, but mostly I just enjoyed picking this oversized book up now and then and seeing what it would talk about next.

I wouldn't bother buying this, but I'm really glad the local library had a copy.

[Kristelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Given as a gift

[Apryl Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enlightened knitting education—if this doesn't make your needles tremble with anticipation, then look elsewhere. "25 years of articles, techniques, and expert advice" translates to technical information that can take your skill level from okay to excellent; no patterns, mind you, but apply what you learn here to your patterns, and your knitwear will speak. Eloquently. A small percentage of the articles are rather dated, being a fashion mag, after all. Don't let that stop you. At this stage, it's your game to leap forward with the times your own way.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this up from the library on a whim. There are several helpful tips and tricks here for the intermediate-to-advanced knitter, just as one might expect. The retrospective look at pattern and fiber trends is also intriguing.

Bear in mind, though, that Vogue Knitting Magazine came by its reputation as a "serious" publication for "true knitters" honestly. (Yes, there's a reprint of an article where Meg Swanson defines the "true knitter" as someone who must knit every day without exception. Um, guess I'm a big ol' fake, then!) There's a certain thread of snobbery here that's a bit off-putting. The ultra-large format also makes it difficult to use as a reference guide.

Most damning, however, is the general scarcity of diagrams. Many of the techniques are difficult to follow if you're a visual or kinetic learner. Knitting terminology is challenging enough; over the past 25 years things have changed considerably. Some judicious editing and additions would've been more useful than these faithful reprints.

[Dyah · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're hoping to find Vogue Knitting's patterns or detailed how-to techniques, you should probably go with VK the Ultimate Knitting Book.
This book contains articles from the magazine. Interesting, though.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love knitting and are interested in more than just blindly following a pattern, you must read this. It's a compilation of all the best knitting ideas and articles from the last 25 years. It's FULL of really great tips, theories and ideas. Every time I read it, I think of something new.

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was overall disappointed with this book. Although I did pick up some great tips, I really was looking for some fantastic vintage patterns. Alas, there were none.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book does NOT have patterns--it is articles about knitting. That's not what I expected.

[BookMouse · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is more of a coffee table book. Unless your coffee table is in need of a knitting book to sit upon it, get it from the library before buying it.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't want to like this book as I've never met a Vogue pattern I liked, but this book was fabulous. It's on my wishlist.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read for anyone who loves knitting.

[Cayenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible. So many amazing articles. I learned so much and will refer back to this book again.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice compilation. Definitely a book that you can pick up, read a little, and put back down as well as reference when you need the help.

[notgettingenough · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely book to browse with a lot of excellent advice as well. Worth every penny.

[Shannon Reed]

This was a bit "eh" for me. It's a compendium of Vogue Knitting articles. Magazine articles rarely have enough depth to support a book.

[Kate Burgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a READ book with information across years of history with great advise from designers.

[Linda Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the variety of designers, their.patterns and advice.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great overview. Patterns, techniques, designer interviews.