In my last post I started to tell you about all the knitting magazines that are out there these days – even though it’s almost summer here in the Northern Hemisphere. Yes, to some it is surprising, but the truth of the matter is that it has never been easier to find information. Even in this day and age of everything being digital and being viewed on computers, tablets, and cel phones, for certain things the printed word is still prevalent. It’s good to know that knitting magazines are one such item. Maybe someday in the interest of space I might digitize the ones I have – okay, I’d have to start now and do maybe one a week or so – but I still enjoy just sitting on the couch and pulling out a bunch of magazines and going through them. It’s inspiring and relaxing! With current magazines however, it’s great to keep in touch and see what’s happening everywhere else. Luckily for me, being in Canada, I have access to magazines from all over the world – from Australia to Germany and everywhere in between. The other day I went to a local bookstore and picked up a handful (maybe a little more than a handful) and am letting you know about them here. I told you about 10 of the 20 I picked up in the last post and have already gotten comments that people weren’t aware there were so many. Well, today I’m telling you about another 10. And this isn’t all that’s out there either!
Yarn … This is a magazine from Australia and is appropriately named. This is important to note since Australia is in the southern hemisphere and currently have their winter issue out. The thing though is that winters in Australia aren’t as cold as we’re used to up here, and the patterns reflect that. You’ll also want to check out their website, as Yarn is one of a trio of magazines – Yarn, Felt, and Embellish – all fiber art magazines. Yarn retails here for $9.95
Creative Knitting … Creative knitting magazine is just that – creative. The magazine always offers quite a few different patterns and the current issue is no different. It focuses on alternative natural fibers including corn, organic cotton and even goes on to explore garments made from old blue jeans! The website is fantastic giving you a video preview of the issues on news stands. Creative Knitting is a monthly magazine retailing for $6.99 CDN.
Knit Simple … The title says it all. Knit Simple has always been one of the best magazine for the beginning knitter. It is a magazine that focuses simpler patterns and also quicker ones. Don’t be surprised to find sweaters made from bulkier yarns that can be completed in a weekend. The magazine’s motto is yarn. life, fun and that’s what you’ll find in it’s pages. At $7.99 CDN, it’s a good value with it’s 30+ patterns per issue.
Interweave Knits … This magazine barely needs a review. It’s definitely one of the most well known and popular. It’s pages are a full of patterns, reviews, lessons, and inspiration. If you haven’t checked it out yet all I can say is get out to a news stand near you and just pick one up. You won’t be disappointed. Especially at $7.99 CDN.
Interweave Crochet … This is the only crochet magazine that I have on the list (but there are many more). Interweave started a crochet spin-off a few years ago with the popularity of their knits magazine. There was a time when crochet was about making blankets, doilies, and granny squares – but not anymore. Crochet continues to evolve almost daily and Interweave brings you all the newest stitches, techniques, and patterns. You’ll always find something that you like. It retails for $7.99 CDN
KnitScene … KnitScene doesn’t always show up on the shelves, but when it does it’s worth looking through. It comes via the same publishers of Interweave Knits and is usually available at the same places. Even though you can go online and see exactly what’s in the magazine online, I like going into the stores and browsing through the magazine. Knitting is a very textile thing and so is reading the magazine. If you like KnitScene you will definitely want to keep your eyes peeled for it. It retails for $9.99 CDN.
Love of Knitting … Another good magazine coming out of the US, you can get a free preview issue (US orders only) by visiting their website. The current issue has 28 summer projects and delves into lace techniques. Love of knitting sells for $7.99 CDN.
Simply Knitting … Simply Knitting comes to us from the UK and as such you’d expect it to cost a lot more than it does. In fact, it only costs $8.95 CDN or £4.95. Even at this low price, Simply Knitting produces a larger than average format magazine with lots of patterns in each issue. The website has links for subscriptions if you’d like to subscribe but don’t have a current issue to do it from. The current issue has the patterns AND needles to make your own chessset as well! I love chess and may just have to give this a go!
Let’s Knit … Another magazine from the UK, Let’s Knit is another of the larger format almost tabloid sized magazines that seem popular there. The current issue is in a sealed plastic bag so I was unable to browse through it. It did have a bonus crochet magazine (smaller) and crochet hook though! Here’s another instance where it’s hard to figure out the exchange … it’s listed at $14.50 CDN but only £4.99 – the same as Simply Knitting, yet that is $5.50 less? Maybe it’s the importer?
Knitting Magazine … this title is the last of the ones I browsed through. It comes in at the same price as the last one, Let’s Knit, at $14.50 CDN or £4.95. The website for the magazine is the publishing company (GMC Group) and you’ll have to follow the needlecraft link to find it. Ironically, when you go there you’ll see two other titles that I didn’t review here – Designer Knitting and Debbie Bliss Knitting Magazine. Another plus for this magazine is that you can download it on your iPhone or iPad and save 45% off the print price!
Well, I hope you’ve enjoyed this list of magazines that I’ve brought to you. I didn’t even realize that there were that many magazines out there. This is a good sign that knitting is on the upswing again. Oh, just in case you weren’t keeping tally, the titles listed here total up at $192.91 CDN. Can I borrow somebody’s VISA card?
Hugzzz 😎