Vogue Knitting Accessorize: Scarves, Hats, Ponchos, ... (ISBN 1931543577)

Duplicated patterns:
I was looking forward to this book so much, but I was vastly disappointed. At least half of the patterns in this book are reprinted from other Vogue Knitting books that I already own. I give it three stars because I am upset that I spent the money on this book and nowhere does it state that these are not new designs and have been reprinted from their other books. However, if you do not own any of the other books and you are only interested in accessories then you will probably enjoy this book.

Beautiful patterns-expensive yarns:
If you are looking for a book with beautiful, sophisticated accessories, and you have the money to buy expensive yarns this book is for you. I love the designs, but I can't really afford to make many of the items. Many of them could easily cost you more than $100. I don't know about anyone else, but if I had that much money to spend on a simple, knitted accessory I would probably be buying it from a famous designer rather than making myself.

Read Editorial Review first:
I didn't buy this book because I read the editorial review first - seeing that it said "patterns from the archives...". It's a nice idea and some people actually want a bound collection of past patterns some don't.

Enjoyable knits:
I purchased this book a while back because it was one of the few books I flipped through where I could see myself wearing almost all of the patterns featured. The instructions are clear and easy to follow and the end results have been fantastic for everything I have knitted using them. Its true the yarn used is quite expensive but I have substituted other more affordable yarns for all my projects and they have turned out nicely. I have really enjoyed this book.

Happy to recommend:
Trisha Malcolm's anthology entitled Accessorize: Scarves-Hats-Ponchos-Socks & Mittens is a hard back collected works of past patterns from Vogue. I like the instructions which are set down in basic understandable verbiage. Directions are trouble-free to track causing the resulting pieces to be very nice finished pieces. It was that beautiful cream and pinks lace stitch shawl on the cover that instantly caught my eye as I was walking by the rack where the book was on display. A quick check of pages led to purchase. Directions are offered on the left of a two page spread with a large full color photo of the finished piece on the right. It was a spiral lace capelet in delicate white, fringed geometric wrap for using up all those odd bits of yarn every needleworker has on hand, and gorgeous summer lace shawl edged in wide scallops that influenced me; this book provides patterns I will make and wear. Yarns listed for pieces are the high-priced ones, however, I learned long ago to replace with lesser dear yarns and adjust needle size and gauge accordingly with little effect upon finished pieces. I was right and I do like the capelet very much, it knitted up quickly, as I followed those easy to read instructions. I now look forward to making the lacey summer scarf during these long winter evenings. I find very handy that the patterns offered in the book are grouped according to function. The Table of Contents lists a variety of Wraps including stoles, shawls, shrugs and scarves. The eight patterns for ponchos and capelets are listed together as Perfect Ponchos. Included in the division is a one size fits all turtleneck poncho that is designed in uncomplicated stitches and can be made oversized for winter draping comfort. Ponchos with cowl necklines, made of rectangles, three with turtlenecks and a gorgeous chunky thread Aran knit that I know I will make as soon as I finish a fair isle piece, are all included in the poncho/capelet section. I especially like the threaded sherpa scarf and matching head hugging hat shown together as a matching set in the scarf section. The directions appear simple, and I'm anxious to get started on them. Offered for cold weather wear is an assortment of narrow draping scarves; some are plain knit, others feature cables, geometric designs, lace patterns or crocheted accents. A ribbed hooded cowl is a piece I will be making, my head gets cold when standing yard duty during the cold winter lunch hour. Hats are offered in simple seed stitch, ribbed, fair isle patterns, or even four having ear flaps. I enjoy knitting fair isle patterns and am happy to find a number of items offered in fair isle. The section titled His and Hers provides more fair isle work as well as more hats, scarves, geometrics, cables and knitting possibilities. Trisha Malcolm's well designed assemblage - Accessorize: Scarves-Hats-Ponchos-Socks & Mittens is packed with a satisfactorily rounded multiplicity of knit wear to stimulate the fancy of the most inveterate knitter. From a diagonal stitch handbag, to mittens and gloves, scarves, ponchos, hats, warm cable graced winter socks and even covers for golf clubs it will darn near impossible for knitters to NOT find something to tickle their fancy or get those knitting needles going. Happy to recommend. Molly Martin Reviewer