This year Vogue Knitting magazine updated their book Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book. Since Vogue Knitting has always been one of my favorite magazines I checked it out of the library to see what I thought. I was not disappointed. The book contains 351 pages and one and a half pounds of nothing but good information. (Yes, I weighed it.)
Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book contains both color pictures and hand drawings of individual stitches on virtually every page. The book begins with information on different yarn types, knitting needles, and notions. Apparently there is paper yarn even. Everyone can learn something new in this book!
Next the book discusses basic stitches. One of my favorite section is the casting on section which includes 25 different cast ons. The chapter goes on to include 14 different bind offs. Each explanation includes a photograph of the finished cast on or bind off, a drawing illustrating how technique is executed, and step by step written instructions. The chapter also includes tips to make your execution neater.
Subsequent sections illustrate how to work cables and various colorwork techniques including intarasia, stranded knitting, stripes, mosaic, and plaid. The book includes many other knitting techniques including lace, entrelac, circular knitting, brioche, and double knitting. Each section includes color photographs, drawn illustrations, and written instructions. The publishers made this book even more aestetically pleasing by using one color of pictures and drawings for each section.
Recently when people want to learn a new knitting technique they look up a video on the topic. I must be an impatient person because I don’t enjoy watching a 20 minute video to learn how to do a simple technique. Usually an illustration would be enough to refresh my memory in 30 seconds. If I was learning a completely new technique I would also read the written instructions and maybe compare my result with the photograph in this book. I find this book much more useful than sorting through modern internet instructions.
The last half of the book includes tips for following patterns and instructions for 
designing your own garments. The book also includes a section on finishing techniques. The chapter on designing sweaters extends across 75 pages. This expansive guide covers sizing, different types of body and sleeve shaping, collars, pockets, buttons, and zippers. Another chapter contains 15 pages on designing shawls. The section includes square, rectangular, triangular, circular, and crescent shaped shawls.
While the book does contain a short section on accessories, most knitters would do better to consult another book for any more than basic socks, mittens, and hats. The book only contains four types of sock heels and two types of toes. Furthermore, these instructions only include written directions and photographs of the final product.
The other item this book lacks is any type of stitch dictionary. If you are looking for an encyclopedia of stitches you should look elsewhere. Chances are this information was omitted to keep the book from breaking the two pound mark.
In conclusion, Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book will be making its way onto my Christmas list this year. I anticipate that this book will be my go to book for any knitting technique information.
Loophaven Loft 