Well, it looks like summer is finally here – thank goodness and while that usually means the knitting slows down, it’s nice to say that it’s actually the opposite! I actually find that having longer days allows for some more relaxing knitting outdoors! Speaking of that, a quick aside, tomorrow (Sat June 11) is the first International Yarn Bombing Day AND Knit in Public Day! So make sure you go out and knit in public and then bomb something with your knitting! I’m working for a good chunk of the day but will try and get something done for sure! Okay, back to today’s post topic – As I seem to be knitting just as much now as I do in the fall/winter, I made a trip to the bookstore to see which magazines were out. Can you believe that I found 20 magazines about knitting??!! It was a bittersweet discovery as i didn’t have enough money to get them all, but I probably will over the next couple of weeks.
So what magazines are out there you’re probably wondering? Well, here’s a list of all of the ones I found, and there were a few more crochet ones I didn’t include in this list either. The titles of each magazine contain the links to their websites if applicable. You’ll know by the different color of the text. Here we go …
Vogue Knitting International … Vogue actually has their fall issue on the newsstands already! It looks interesting and there’s a contest to win the cover kit as well, but you better hurry as deadline for entries is August 1st. This issue has a special feature on capelets and coverups plus all the usual good articles. This mag comes out 4x per year and sells for $8.50 CDN.
Filati HandKnitting … From the makers of fine yarn (Lana Grossa) comes an exquisite magazine that I am always very eager to get my hands on 4x a year. Filati always has very interesting and inspiring unique designs from some of the best designers in Europe. It’s always good to see what trends are coming in ad how people are using knitwear in Europe. This magazine sells for $9.95 CDN or €4.50.
Knit & Crochet Style … The German duo of Schoeller and Stahl brings us this innovative magazine that combines knitting and crocheting into one magazine. We can all get along, right? Of course we can, and the current issue has some fantastic summer designs that actually combine knitting and crocheting into the same piece. You should definitely check it out – and it sells at $10.50 CDN or €5.00.
Knitter’s Magazine … Knitter’s recently celebrated their 100th issue, and they continue to be one of the best informative magazines out there. If you’re needing to know what’s happening in the world of knitting, especially in the US, this is definitely one of the magazines you need to pick up. along with that they usually feature a specific technique and/or designer. The current issue that I saw was surprisingly the fall/winter issue from last year, but I am certain the spring/summer issue is out. At $5.95 CDN this is a great value for any knitter!
Knit … Knit is another magazine that comes out of the UK via Kalmedia (the link takes you to their site). They were formerly known as Yarn Forward, but my understanding is that this is their new and permanent name. When you go to the site you can follow links to take you to the blog of Yarn Forward and also Inside Crochet – an affiliated crochet magazine. Like most of the other magazines out there right now, Knit has their summer issue out and it’s a pretty good one. There are quite a few good patterns, but the Lattice Scarf by Mindy Vasil on page 70 caught my eye. So much so in fact that I’ll have to get this magazine and probably end up making one in the future. Again, sometimes I almost wish I was a female. Again though, almost. 😉 This magazine sells for $13.95 CDN.
The Knitter … Yet another UK magazine available here in Canada, The Knitter is a larger sized knitting magazine that features a lot of interactivity with it’s readers. Most notably right now, is a design a Guernsey sweater (jumper) to win a trip for 2 to the isle of Guernsey! The details are on the website, but again hurry. Submissions need to be received by July 1st. This was the priciest magazine of the lot (Rowan wasn’t there but could also be considered a book) at $19.95 CDN or £5.99. Since the exchange doesn’t seem to be correct I’m assuming the variance is due to shipping and import charges. This magazine is still worth picking up and definitely worth the browse through while in the store.You’ll find lots of inspiration from their designs, and there’s lots of articles teaching new techniques.
Sandra Knit Trends … This magazine has long been one of my favorites, and IMHO, the best value at the newsstands. No, it doesn’t have a lot of ads (only 3 in this issue), and it doesn’t have a lot of articles (I found 1 on silk and linen – very informative too). What is does have for the $8.99 CDN price is 63, yes 63, designs with full instructions. Most of the designs are knit, but there are a few that are crocheted as well. For those of you not familiar with crochet, there are concise instructions with diagrams. This magazine used to be smaller (approx 32 – 40 patterns) and used to come out monthly. Recently, the changed to a larger size and more patterns. The price was also increased from the previous $5. If you’re buying it in Europe, the price listed here is 4.90 Euros or £4.50. At any of these prices however, I would pick up this magazine without even opening it. The current issue almost makes me wish I was a woman to knit some of these designs for myself. Almost. Since I am not, someone may be luck and get a nice gift sometime in the near future! Sandra doesn’t have a website, the link provided is for Pineapple Media where you can get a subscription or find a retailer in the UK.
Burda Verena Knitting … Touted as Europe’s top knitting magazine, Vereda Knitting brings a lot of high end fashion designs. Don’t get me wrong though, it’s not the abnormally deranged stuff you cringe at on the runways, it’s actually quite glamorous pieces that are matched very well in such a way that you’d actually want to make and wear them. And you don’t have to be an exceptional knitter to make them too – there are designs for every level of knitter. This magazine comes out 4x a year and sells for $8.99 CDN or €5.80. They offer regular print subscriptions on their website and also a digital version at a reduced price. Both subscriptions give you benefits including 40% savings on pattern purchases.
Machine Knitting Monthly … Just like the name says, this is a monthly knitting magazine that targets machine knitters. It is published in UK but available here – thankfully. Needless to say, it is a very informative magazine and definitely worth the price ($11.99 CDN €3.50) if you machine knit. The magazine and website have a trading post where users can browse a classified section for machines, parts, and yarn specific to machine knitters of all kinds. Seeing as I’m a machine knitter myself, I’ll have to look into a subscription to this one …
Knit’N’Style … A monthly magazine out of the US, Knit ‘n’ Style magazine boasts real fashion for real knitters. This magazine actually backs that up tooand tends to have designs aimed at the beginner to intermediate knitter. They have a great way of making simple elegant and wearable however and manage colors very well. On their website you can preview current issues, buy back issues, check corrections, get involved in community events and a lot more. This magazine is another great value at $6.99 CDN.
Okay, that’s a pretty good start, I think. Now you have a few more pages to bookmark (maybe) and a few magazines to browse through. I’ll go over the other 10 that I looked at next time!
Hugzzz 😎