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Magazine preview: Noro Fall/Winter 2013

It’s always fun to pick up a new knitting magazine–and it’s especially a kick for me when I know I’ve got a pattern published in the magazine. (It never gets old, seeing my name and design in print…) I was recently sent a copy of Noro Magazine Fall/Winter 2013, so I figured I’d give you a quick preview of the patterns inside.

noro cover fw 13

I have been fascinated with Noro Yarns ever since I first saw them. I love the natural fibers, how unprocessed they feel (I don’t mind picking out a bit of straw from time to time; it reminds me that the yarn used to clothe a sheep), and the glorious, glorious colors. I am shockingly addicted to watching the colors change, too. If you love Noro Yarns, then the new collection of patterns in the magazine is a great value: 35 patterns for eight bucks retail is about a quarter per pattern.  This particular collection features women’s garments and accessories, along with some home dec items.

The first story is “Precious Gems,” focusing on accessories in jewel tones. Rachel Maurer’s slouchy hat has corrugated ribbing which cleverly plays off a solid yarn with a self-striper:

noro corrug beret

Nadia Elgawarsha’s gauntlets feature an interesting chevron pattern with nupps in them — fun to see nupps used in a thick-and-thin yarn (Noro Shiraito).

noro mitts

and Nijole Hunter uses very wide cables on her fluffy mittens (love the angora content):

noro mittens

Rhonda Fargnoli’s cowl/capelet features garter and seed stitch, with applique trim:

noro fargnoli

The next story is devoted to garter stitch — humble garter stitch, which looks great with the highly textured Noro yarns. I really like Irina Poludnenko’s kimono-style tunic; if you look carefully, you can see how the piece is knit in modular panels (they form the v at the front and back), mixing up the great colors of Kureyon.

noro kimono

Mari Lynn Patrick’s raglan is lovely and classic

noro garter pullover

and features a separate cowl (which for some reason isn’t in the above photo but is shown in the magazine). Daniela Nii played with symmetric panels in her capelet:

noro capelet

the construction is interesting, as the piece uses steeks, short rows and sideways garter stitch, with seams to finish.

If all of that seaming tires you out, whip out my garter stitch cowl with asymmetric striping (I like using one neutral colorway of Silk Garden combined with a bright one) — easy-peasy.

noro cowl fw 13

The next story focuses on bright colors with an urban vibe, and I love the stained-glass effect of Cheryl Murray’s stranded cardigan:

noro colorwork

Liz Nields’ long vest with vertical lines of colorwork is striking in these neutrals but would also be fabulous with one neutral and one bright colorway.

noro vest

The capelet by Jill Gutman Schoenfuss plays around with color segments; portions of one color are wound off and used for the intarsia squares, which pop against the main portion of the capelet, which lets the colors unspool in their own order.

noro intarsia capelet

And here’s my chullo, knit in a relatively simple check pattern with double-seed-stitch edging.

noro chullo fw 13

The third story focuses on outerwear and bubblegum colors. I love Jacqueline van Dillen’s long hooded coat with toggles:

noro coat

as well as Deborah Newton’s gloriously cabled button jacket (cowl is separate and knit in Debbie Bliss Paloma, another yummy yarn):

noro cabled caot

Next up are skirts — yes, skirts! I’ve always been a bit skeptical of knitted skirts but now I’ve started seeing more of them and I’m started to appreciate how cute they are. Check out this chevron one by Christina Behnke:

noro skirt chevron

or this slipped-stitch pattern with side zipper by Carolyn Noyes:

noro quilted skirt

Adding to my incentive to become a better crocheter, Cristina Mershon’s gorgeous medallion top:

noro crochet tunic

and Jenny King’s openwork shawl:

noro lacy shawl

The last story features some lovely blankets.

noro blanket knott

like Zahra Jade Knott’s panel blanket, and Karen Garlinhouse’s bias knit blanket:

garlinhouse

So there you have it: 35 patterns knit in various Noro yarns, a nice mix of big pieces and small, easy and more advanced knitting techniques, but all showcasing the beauty of Noro yarns. Available at your LYS or bookshop; MSRP $7.99.

 

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