Reviewing: "Vogue Knitting: Cables-Mittens, Hats & Scarves (On The Go Series)"

“Classic, deceptively easy to make, and with unisex appeal, cables are considered by many to embody the essence of knitting. The beautiful twists, turns and sways of a cable can be accomplished using just a few simple techniques, and the mittens, hats, and scarves in this book provide the perfect small-scale projects for letting your imagination take flight” (Introduction)

This small compact hard back book delivers on that concept from start to finish. The opening section provides a detailed look at the basics which include yarn, yarn substitutions, how to read a chart, how to gauge correctly and many other useful things.
Then there are the diagrams showing how to front cable, back cable, work a yarn over, deal with fringe, joining rounds. Also included in this section are a glossary of terms and a small chart explaining the skill levels in the book.

Starting on page 24 with the “Cabled Cap” it is on to the projects. Each project has a color picture of the finished deal, detailed instructions, and a representation of the skill level needed. Primarily focused on hats/caps and scarfs, there are also a couple of patterns for sets of mittens/cap or scarf/mittens.

Of the twenty-one projects in the book, not a single one is classified as “beginner.” Only a couple are classified as “Very Easy” which is defined in this book as “basic stitches, minimal shaping, and simple finishing.” Most are either classified as “Intermediate” or “Experienced “which is for knitters “able to work patterns with complicated shaping and finishing” So this isn’t a book for beginners.

Part of the “On The Go” series from Vogue this small colorful book is designed for those who have a lot of experience knitting. Knitter’s that may find the lack of a variety in the projects a bit limiting as well as the fact that many of the projects are found easily on the web or in other books of more depth and variety.


Vogue Knitting: Cables-Mittens, Hats & Scarves (On The Go Series)
Vogue Editors
Sixth & Spring Books
http://www.sixthandspringbooks.com/
2008
ISBN # 1-933027-39-8
$12.95
96 Pages


Review copy provided by the good folks of the Plano, Texas Public Library System.


Kevin R. Tipple © 2009