Knit.1: Fall/Winter 2005

Well this is the men's issue that everyone has been talking about. Overall, I would say that it's a pretty good read for any male knitter, or knitters for males. Knit.1 is more of a "young" magazine than a lot of the knitting fare out there right now, and this issue is no exception. They are still working out a few of the bugs, but I'm still willing to give it a chance. Like with their previous issues, all patterns are done in Lion Brand yarn. They do have a yarn chart so that you can see the weight and such, and make appropriate substitutions if you desire. I'm not much of an LB fan mainly because I can't find their yarn at reasonable prices in Canada, but I can use the chart to find something similar. That all being said, let's get on with the review!!!

The Articles:
As expected, there are a couple of articles and interviews with men that knit and/ or crochet. All of these are interesting to see how they come up with ideas for their designs {or future projects} and how they learned and what inspired them. Great for anyone trying to combat the "only women do that" stereotype. One of the articles is absolutely priceless for anyone designing for men. It gives insight on how to choose colours and patterns, as well as instructions on how to measure your man for a good fit and comfort. It takes into account the many differing tastes of men, and how to be sure that your work is actually worn, not just hidden in a closet or drawer.

The Patterns:
Knit.1 continues with its 'on the edge' designs. If you are young, or young-at-heart, you are sure to find something you absolutely love. Not all the patterns in the issue are for men, a few are unisex, and a few are for women. There are patterns that will appeal to those with styles that range from the outlandish to the most conservative. Sweaters, hats, and scarves abound in this issue... as would be expected in a winter magazine. There is also a knitted tie that I just have to say "WHY??". There is a good range of difficulty levels, so whether you are a newbie, or extremely experienced, you will find something that is within your skill range or to provide a little challenge to stretch your abilities. Crocheters haven't been ignored with a few interesting choices for them as well... a few hats, a sweater, a vest, and a few more to keep your hooks flying.

Of Note:
The article on knitting for men is a must read for everyone with men on their knitting/ crocheting lists. My tastes in patterns runs to the more conservative/ classic, but there are at least 3 must-do patterns in this issue for me. A half-zip pullover done in Homespun is a sure winner with both sexes; a fur-trimmed hoodie done in Homespun is sure to please nearly any woman; several tartan and argyle styled designs are great for those with a taste for colour. The most amazing pattern in the mag has to be a Fair Isle design done exclusively for the magazine by James Coviello. It's done in Wool-Ease Chunky and Lanscapes, but the colour work involved just boggles the mind... definitely not one for those that faint at the idea of changing colours!

Vogue Knitting: Holiday 2005

Vogue continues to provide timely fashion patterns, as you would expect from the name. Luckily, timely doesn't necessarily mean time-consuming, or advanced-only either. Two freebie booklets are included in this issue. One is from Lion Brand... the same one I got in the holiday issue of FCEK+C. The other one is from Patons and has several patterns for tops and accessories. Several patterns feature big and bulky yarn, multiple strands and HUGE needles. Add this all up into a fashionable design, and you have a hit that's sure to please with a minimum of time investment. For those looking for something more complex, a selection of aran, fair isle, and slip stitch patterns are included as well. A wide variety of sweaters and coats provide a feast for the eyes. From fine yarn lace toppers, to thick, long coats in a variety of yarns and textures, you're sure to find the perfect compliment for any holiday {or anytime!} outfit.

Special features in this issue:

1. Another casting on/ off technique. This time the "Latvian" method. This makes an interesting edge that wouldn't necessarily need a finish added to it later, such as a row/ round of single crochet.
2. How to make a knitted rose. Now I've always made a dimensional rose in crochet, but never seen one done nicely in knit. Well now you can make one too!
3. Various knit designers were invited to design pillows for this issue. The wide variety of styles and colour should appeal to anyone that likes throw pillows, and maybe even those that don't!

Knit It!: Fall 2005

This issue was a bit of a disappointment in the technical details. Previous issues that I have seen were often "sponsored" by major yarn companies, so all of the yarns in the patterns were relatively easy to obtain, or obtain suitable substitutes for. Unfortunately, this is not the case this time around, as the only company that's heavily featured is Lion Brand. In Canada, our only retail sources for LB are Michael's and Wal-Mart... and neither carries a full selection of colours or the various lines {we won't get into what we're charged for these yarns either!}. There are also a lot of the more unknown yarn companies' products featured. I have had trouble finding these also at my local LYS. To further compound this problem, yarn samples are not shown for any of the projects, only the weight using the older wording system, not the newer numbering system. This will make substituting yarns very difficult, at best. I think that BH&G kinda dropped the ball this time around for that.

Cold weather wearables abound in this issue. A variety of stitch techniques and embellishments keep the styles all fresh. There are even some for the man in your life, and the little girl with an 18" doll. Felting continues to be a common technique used in accessories, and accessories are abundant here. You are sure to find a look and a texture to match every mood or occasion. Kids are not left out of this issue, there are several ponchos, sweaters and accessories for every child and age. Slip stitched patterns seem to be a major feature this time around, and it's a great way to get some colour into your projects without the trouble commonly associated with fair-isle knitting. Houndstooth and other slip-stitched patterns in a variety of projects are sure to tempt anyone into trying this technique if they haven't before. A small section on home decorating provides some inspiration for those looking to add a little texture to their lives.

Patterns of note:

1. A triangle stitch pattern for ladies socks. What a cute and interesting way to add some texture to your socks.
2. A buttoned clutch knitted in ribbon yarn. Just a basic small clutch, but the birght colours of the ribbon yarn really make it pop.
3. Simple garter stitch cardigan for toddlers. Super bulky weight yarn and minimal shaping makes this a perfect quick and easy project.
4. An oversized aran shrug. What makes this pattern uniques is that the pattern goes from side to side, and the HUGE cables really show it off.