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.

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.

Family Circle Easy Knitting Plus Crochet: Holiday 2005

Included in this issue are two mini-booklets provided by Bernat and Lion Brand. The Bernat booklet has several patterns certain to appeal to the younger set, done in colours and yarns that anyone over 20 would look silly in! The booklet from Lion Brand has 6 patterns in it for the cooler weather, from kooky hats and skirts for the young girl to a neat chain-link scarf for those that are young at heart.

Mosaic knitting has a brief feature in this issue with both hand and machine instructions for a couple projects. Sweaters, wraps, shrugs, ponchos, and pullovers galore fill the pages. There is a very sexy tank dress for the more daring. A section on crocheted work wardrobe separates has very nice styles, not at all clunky looking. There is even a skirt that is definitely not just for casual Fridays! There is a section on cable knitting that should find something to appeal to everyone. For those that are new to cables, there is even a tutorial that shows you how to make these different sizes and styles of cables. A basic sock pattern is dressed up by using 2 strands of sock yarn, and several suggestions onhow to make your socks your own. There is one pair of patterns for those that insist on having a holiday sweater... this is sized for Moms and kids. The few patterns included for children are very timeless and at the same time very appealing to the young. The felted projects included this time are mostly accessories for storing your knitting tools, shown in bright colours, are a treat for the eye.

Creative Knitting: November 2005

The focus in this issue seems to be cool weather wearables. There is a large selection of sweaters, pullovers, capes and ponchos in a variety of styles, yarns and sizes. Whatever your taste, you are sure to find something you like. There is even a poncho for your favourite pampered pooch. Of course there are several scarves... the latest must-have fashion accessory in various novelty yarns. For those that are interested in mosaic knitting, there is a very good lesson on it, as well as several projects to practice on -- coasters, card holder, hat, and stockings. The latest fad, felting, returns in a purse pattern, and 2 hat designs. There is a cute twist on standard socks, done mostly in worsted weight... just in time for the cooler weather. One afghan done in chenille, and a sweater for a child and their teddy rounds out this issue.

There is an interesting article on alpacas and how versatile the wool is. The first part of a two-part article on plus sized sweaters looks very promising. A great reference for those that design for larger sizes, or those that knit for them! Towards the end of the magazine is a lesson that for me is more than worth the price of the magazine... a description of how to do the Kitchener stitch, aka grafting. It shows you with several illustrations, as well as step-by-step written instructions!

Simple 1-2-3 Knitting Scarves

My thoughts on an interesting little digest mag I picked up at the checkout counter!

Family Circle Easy Crochet Plus Knitting: Fall/Winter 2005

My personal thoughts on the premier issue of this new magazine. This one is more in a traditional review style.