Vogue Knitting: Fall/Winter 2021

I hate change. And of course the only constant in life is change. I was disappointed when I heard that Vogue Knitting was going to reduce its publication schedule to two issues a year (although I do hope that this will increase in the future). I was crushed to hear that Trisha Malcolm was moving on as editor, even though I understood that everyone needs a new challenge from time to time.

The flip side of change is that it can create opportunities for new things that are good. I’ve always admired Norah Gaughan and been a big fan of her designs. We’ve barely had a chance to scratch the surface with Norah, as this fall’s issue is only her second or third. So let’s do a quick preview of the new VK magazine:

My absolute favorite section is called “Exploring American Landscapes,” inspired by American artists like Wyeth, Hopper and Sargent. It just so happens that several of my favorite designers have pieces in this section. Check out Melissa Leapman’s combination of color and cables:

Another one of my girl-crushes, the inimitable Sarah Hatton, has designed a lovely unisex cable sweater.

I have never met Jacqueline van Dillen (unless it was in a drunken haze) but I would love to, as she has contributed many wonderful designs to VK over the years. Here is a very cool cabled design:

If any of yins know her, please introduce me at the first opportunity! I will buy you a drink, Jacqueline.

Nor have I run into Maria Molodova before, but let me tell you, I do love this yoke sweater that she designed:

I am very much looking forward to seeing more from this designer.

Other designs that caught my eye: this overall cabled number by Sanna Mard Castman:

Cathy Carron’s ribbed sweater — I love the back detail on this one.

and another cable pattern, with x and os, by Meghan Jones:

There’s a lot about this issue that looks different — the inclusively-sized models, less adherence to traditional gender dichotomy, a new style of photography, more diversity, and a less “runway” approach to fashion — and I’ll let you all debate the merits of these changes.

My fervent wish for Vogue Knitting: that you keep presenting us with aspirational as well as practical knitting projects. Keep challenging us as well as giving us designs that already fit into our skill set. Strive for designs that will stand the test of time and grow with us as our skills develop and tastes change, for that is the one aspect I have loved the most about Vogue Knitting: no matter how many times I go back and flip through old issues, I always find something new to inspire me.