I have recently received from publishers three books Vogue Knitting-Classic patterns from the world's most celebrated knitting magazine, Vogue Knitting Stitchionary 6, and Knit Local this is the season of new releases.

The first book Vogue Knitting-Classic patterns from the world's most celebrated knitting magazine has been published in honor of Vogue knitting magazine. Vogue knitting magazine has been published most recently for 30 years, it actually dates back to 1932 and Vogue's Book of Knitting and Crochet. This coffee table book has patterns that celebrate this history. First let me say it is a beautiful book, the initial pages detail the history of the magazine and the where it is headed. It celebrates knitting and the art that surrounds it. The book is a visual feast, but if you are a new knitter it may not be the book for you, it is a book that would make a fabulous gift for a knitting enthusiast. It will not offer a lot in the way of instruction, but it is lovely and the patterns included will definitely make you want to pick up your needles and start knitting.

The second book Vogue Knitting-Stitchionary 6 is a collection of patterns that work best as edgings. The patterns are well written, the pictures show the definition and there are charts where appropriate. There is a good mix of lace, texture, beaded edges, and color work. Definitely a good edition to your knitting library, especially if you lack stitch pattern books.

The final book, Knit Local is a bit harder to define. The premise of the book is that we are encouraged to buy goods, that are created, grown, produced, manufactured or dyed locally. This causes less wear and tear on the planet. First, if you are not in the United States, this book does not feature yarns that are local. Second, their definition of local is not always clearly portrayed in the yarns chosen. Some of the yarns showcased have only one or two yarns of their lines, that are dyed in their area, or the fleece is grown in their area, out of many, "Twenty-nine types, one made in the U.S." This book also contains patterns that are used with the showcased yarns, but I do not think this merits the purchase.

All in all, two great books, and one less so. If you have limited resources I would definitely skip Knit Local, ask for Vogue Knitting-Classic patterns from the world's most celebrated knitting magazine as a gift, and seriously consider Vogue Knitting-Stitchionary 6.