Knit It!: Spring/Summer 2006

Well it appears that the powers that be at BH&G have decided that this is going to be published twice a year, unlike its crochet cousin which is still only once a year. With warmer weather approaching {or so I've been told!}, the focus of this issue seems to be transitional seasonal wear.

My main complaint with this issue is the same as the last one... yarns that aren't easily obtainable in Canada. Even worse, they do not show samples of the yarns that were used, so you can't try and find something comparable. Even if they had the little numerical weight symbols, you'd know where to begin.

Many of the patterns offered in this edition are definitely meant to appeal to those that have jumped on the "it's hip to knit" bandwagon. You don't see the couture-styled garments that you find in other publications like Vogue Knitting or Interweave Knits. That being said, there still is quite a bit to offer in the 45 included patterns. The cover project, a shrug done in super bulky, is a fast-to-knit must-have. Ponchos, shrugs, scarves, and felted accessories abound. A feature on knitting for pets will assure that you have the best dressed {and accessorized!} pooch on the block. Children aren't left out of this issue with several cardigans done in various textures, as well as some cute accessories done in novelty yarns.

Interweave Knits: Winter 2005

In typical IK fashion, this issue has trendy patterns that make you want to run, not walk to your nearest LYS and get started! The overall layout of the magazine could teach many other publishers how to do it. On one page you see the completed project, and on the other is the pattern, or at least the majority of it. You don't need to keep flipping back and forth between different areas of the magazine to reference the photo while working the pattern. The yarn comparision guide, while located at the back of the issue, rather than with each individual pattern, provides an easy reference for those of us that just "have" to change the yarn.

The Articles:
There isn't much in the magazine beyond the many patterns and numerous advertisements. There is an interesting interview with Véronik Avery, a relative newbie to knitting design. She has also contributed a sequel to her previously {IK: Winter 2004} published instructions on doing short rows. IK staff contribute 7 winter hat/chullo patterns which provide some "head" interest. You need to download the pattern set from their site, or send a SASE, but the patterns look interesting enough to make it worth the hassle... even if it's just to inspire a version of your own. The one article that made me cringe was a pom-pom feature for holiday decorations. UGH!

The Patterns:
IK is known for its patterns, and this issue doesn't disappoint. There are a wide variety of tastes and skill levels represented. Several different styles of cardigans and pullovers assure that nearly everyone will find one {or more!} gottadoit projects. They range from the current fad, ballet wrap, to the timeless classics of fair isle and aran designs. A couple of hats, a pair of socks, a scarf, and a gored skirt round out the selection.

Of Note:
The ads for various companies tends to be as inspirational as the patterns themselves. Many of the yarn companies have updated their ads, and the new designs are fabulous. As for the patterns in this issue, the aran pullover is a slight twist on the traditional, and one of my must-haves from this issue. A sweatercoat gets a new look with "thick and thin" wool, for a great update on a classic, without making it so trendy that it will be out of style by the time you get it finished. A cute sock pattern is a wonderful complement to the short row tutorial.

Knitgrrl

I found this book at work and bought it with the intent that it would be for my girls {ages 9 & 10} . After looking through it, I can see that it's geared more for teenagers than preteens, but it's still a very valuable resource. This book covers all the basics, without getting into a lot of detail that can put off the new knitter. Everything from choosing suitable yarns, progressively more challenging patterns, felting, basic finishing, and even care of completed projects is covered. The entire focus of the book is to make knitting interesting and fun. Most well-experienced knitters will not get much out of this book, but it's a great purchase for those that are teaching young people. The price is also a great deal... I paid a little more than $10 CAD. That's not much at all for a knitting book, and a great investment in teaching my girls a love of knitting and the fibres that go with it.