Kay's Korner - A Knitters Notes

For the past several days, I have been enjoying my latest issue of Vogue Knitting, my favorite of all the knitting periodicals. What made it even better? It is the premiere Early Fall edition, giving us a head start on our fall and winter wardrobes. When Vogue Knitting readers were polled, it came back that what they wanted most was more patterns, more of the savvy designs and great photography that make this periodical a perennial favorite with knitters everywhere . In response, Soho Publishing made the decision to halt publication of one of their less popular fashion craft magazines, Knit 1, and to add a fifth issue of Vogue Knitting. What a great idea, to give knitters a jump on fall knitting, the time of year when our hand knits are not only beautiful, but necessary!

As always, my new issue has already been the subject of the day for two days running. I know Luke is tired of hearing me tell him about all the great yarn and ideas that I am gleaning from the ads. I actually like the ads in this publication. They are a good source for what is the newest, latest, and best from many yarn companies, designers, and notion retailers. I also enjoy the articles, reading every one from start to finish as I have done for so many years.

But it is the marvelous hand knit fashions that are the substance and delight of Vogue Knitting. Page after page of stunning photographs, featuring the latest designs from a list of today's most talented designers. I always have such confidence in the patterns offered and usually have a Vogue Knitting garment on needles. I have Cathy Carron's Top with Cowl from the 2010 Spring/Summer issue in my knitting bag ready to cast on and the cover project, a lace capelet by Tanis Gray, has been an object of my desire from the first moment I laid eyes on it. In this latest issue, there are so many more interesting possibilities. The mohair/silk cropped cardi is snazzy and the gray Lutz and Patmos sweaters are mesmerizing me. And I am not alone, it seems. According to Yarn Market News, in a web based survey of 5,000-plus knitters by the Craft Council of America, a whooping 76% of knitters get their project ideas from magazines, reaching 80% in the 45 - 54 year old age group. Although we love the newer on line pattern sources, knitting magazines are still the preferred format and for me, Vogue Knitting reigns supreme. The magazine has enjoyed over 25 years of updating knitters on the latest in hand knitting and many of these back issues are still available through their website.

Although you must go to your local yarn shop for many knitting pattern books, Vogue Knitting is as close as your mailbox. It is also widely available in book stores and other venues that stock periodicals, as well as many yarn shops. Of course, as I am easily amused and get a small thrill when I find the latest issue awaiting me in our stack of mail, subscribing is my preference and certainly the most economical way to enjoy Vogue Knitting. I keep every issue, knowing I will enjoy thumbing through the pages again and again and that each time I will see the beauty in a project, previously overlooked. My workshop table is literally cluttered with back issues, where I so often refer back to articles and patterns.

Yes, in a world where often we are asked to be happy with less, Vogue Knitting has decided to give us more. I love the new issue and the many features now available on their website www.vogueknitting.com, including more views of the designs and even more news from the hand knitting world. I confess to being a knitting magazine junkie, but there is no doubt which is the one who will have the "must knit" to add to my queue. Vogue Knitting draws from so many wonderful contributors, including the huge talents of Meg Swansen, Nicky Epstein, Shiri Mor, and Brandon Mably. The definition of vogue according to the New Oxford American Dictionary is "the prevailing fashion or style at a particular time" and Vogue Knitting certainly delivers this to readers, issue after issue.

Kay Mather

Copyright June 2010