Noro Magazine #21 Review
Welcome to Mrs. Knits’ New Column with Yarn and Noro Design Reviews.
Noro Magazine #21 Special 10 Year Anniversary Edition in Memory of Noro-San
Pattern: Aphrodite by Katherine Mehis Noro Knitting & Crochet Magazine #21 Cover
Colors #2, 37, 43
Yarns: Featuring Ito and Malvinas
Skill Level: Confident Beginner
Where to Find It: Magazine #21 Cover Design “Aphrodite”
Designer: Katherine Mehis
Texture: Thick and Thin Slubby
Size Inclusive: Small to 4X
My first reaction to this is what a wonderful image of a beautiful woman of color who is larger than a size 2. Aphrodite is a simple design made out of squares. We love how beginner friendly it is. On the 4 star rating system with one as easy and 4 as expert level, they gave it 2 stars, and I would call that “confident beginner” because you need some basic skills to cast on/off and do a garter stitch with even tension. It’s a thick and thin texture which is a Noro specialty. The colors are a bright raspberry pink and red with interesting yellow-orange and moss green accents/
It is interesting how they took a strand of Ito (multi-colored) and ran it along Malvinas which has the coordinating semi-solids. Ito is a top-selling yarn because it’s a basic wool but an instant gratification high yardage dragon ball. Especially Interesting that it’s a pink-red base with strands of moss green and yellow contrasting splashes.
PROS:
Wonderful introduction to classic Noro themes.
Easy design for all skill levels. Nice for learning techniques
Beautiful Colorwork and Textural interest.
Ito comes in a wide selection of shades. You could easily flip it from the brights to cool or neutral shades because they are so compatible.
Very quick knitting for instant gratification
CONS:
Malvinas knitted up like felt and had a bit of stiffness
It is likely to pill but may work out with blocking.
I am less familiar with Ito but maybe it compensates for the Malvinas issues.
Some knitters would consider Ito scratchy
The boxy shape is not flattering on smaller frames.
Overall Consensus:
On a scale of one to ten I would give this design and the yarns Ito and Malvinas a seven.
It’s a beautiful design and shows off diversity with a woman of color as the cover model which just warms my heart. Mrs. Knits is also a 2X and is grateful that its size includes up to a 4X. I don’t think it would flatter a size medium or smaller as the boxy shape might drown them. Of course, it is possible to scale it and reduce bulk.
In conclusion, this is a fun and easy instant gratification project.
Happy Knitting!
