Friday, January 21, 2011

Verena, Filati, and Yarn Forward

As promised, here are some more magazine reviews!

Verena - Winter 2010
#6 Roses - gorgeous stocking stitch cardi embellished with embroidered roses/vines and crochet edging (something I would never have the patience for, but it sure is pretty!)
#16 Glacier - soft and feminine jacket with a lovely bit of eyelet lace inserted on the front panels
#42 Cardishawl - I love this!  Clever sleeved shawl design you can tie around your waist or let the cabled scarf hang loose.
Many more great patterns, plus an article on Double Knitting and an article on Superwash wool.

Filati - Edition 42
Hooded Pullover - If you need to practice your cable skills, this is for you!  Beautiful all-over cable design featured on this cozy pullover.
Favorite Socks - These will go perfectly with the Hooded Pullover - nice cable pattern on these too.  They look so warm and cozy, I might just have to get my DPN's out and make some socks!
Warm Feet Set - If you aren't up to making the Favorite Socks, these might be what you are looking for.  Ankle socks with a matching hot water bottle cozy.  Just the thing for those chilly nights!
Oodles of great patterns for making you and your home nice and cozy, pillows, blankets, sweaters and felted slippers.  A must have issue!

Yarn Forward - February 2011
I've said it before, but it bears repeating - One of the great features of this magazine is that they give you options for the yarn used for the projects.  Save - recommends a yarn for those who have to watch their budget; Spend - recommends a yarn for those who can or want to spend a little more; and Spoil Yourself - the yarn for those who probably don't have a budget!

Mermaid Dress - adorable dress for that little lady in your life!  Also a chance to practice your color work skills!
Stripey Sweater - this is modeled by a little boy, and knit in orange and blue, however you could easily choose more feminine colors for a girl instead.  Has a nice big front pocket to keep little hands warm.
Lacy Wrap - beautiful lacy project!  Also has sleeves so you won't have to keep a hold on it to make sure it doesn't slip off your shoulders.
Lots more great patterns, including Knit Amigurimu and an article on jogless joins!

I have the latest issue of Knit'n Style that I will be reviewing once I have a chance to peruse it.  That's always one of my favorites!  Until next time, Happy Knitting!

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Magazine Review

Links to all of the magazine sites can be found in the tab at the top of the blog.

Creative Knitting - March 2011
Introduction to knitting with wire and beads, plus some projects to get you started
Spring knits, including some cute Butterfly Garden Socks, Garden Shawl, and Retro Flower Cardi (this is my favorite one, minus the ugly knit flowers on the shoulder.  This looks much better without them.)
A few other patterns worth mentioning:  Hedgehogs and Apples - cute mama and baby hedgehog and apple pattern, cute for the kiddies!  Suri Lace Scarf and Eyelet Lace Pullover.  Don't forget to visit the website for your bonus patterns!

Knitting Today - March/April 2011
Lots of nice projects, including knits for new moms and moms to be (booties, onesies, soakers, and more)
Knits for the kiddies, including frog slippers and some super cute jump rope cozies
Nifty article on dyeing your own yarn - this has made me want to pull out my dye and yarn I was messing around with last year and give things another try.  The method in the magazine is basically what I was doing, with only a minor change or two.  I'm excited to give dyeing another whirl!

The Knitter - Issue 26
Lots of fabulous patterns as usual from one of my most favorite magazines! Here are some of my favorite projects:  Loveday Cardigan - gorgeous lace and Fair Isle combo, Lozenges socks - beautiful!  Lazy Sunday super comfy looking bed socks.
Along with the patterns there are several good articles, such as Knitwear through the ages: 1920's and Flawless Fair Isle (to help you with the Loveday Cardigan!)

I have a few more magazines to read and review for next time - Verena, Filati, and Yarn Forward.  Until then, Happy Knitting!