I was walking through a supermarket when I ran across a Simply Knitting magazine (Issue 192, 2019). It's a British publication, which eventually gets stocked in Canadian stores about 2 to 3 months after it appears in Britain. I usually don't buy this magazine, although it usually comes packaged along with a small project kit, or some knitting accessory. This time, however, the issue came not only with a "My Little Angel," knit kit...it also came packaged with the first UK issue of Burda Knitting.
I like the magazine. It reminds me a lot of Verena Knitting, which I miss since the English version is no longer being published.
However, it looks quite different than the last Verena magazine that I purchased, which was almost 7 years ago. There is a photographic index of all the projects offered in the magazine, which reminds me of the similar layout that appears in Interweave Knits magazines. However, there aren't any fancy names for the knits. The projects have generic titles, such as Crochet Granny Square Sweater and Polo Neck (Project 1), or Jacket with Embroidered Squares (Project 3), or Cape Sweater (Project 16). Many projects have photographs showing various different angles, and some offer close ups so that you can see the stitches. Also, unlike the Verena Knitting magazines that I remember, the pattern instructions are less cramped, and are printed on similar glossy paper as the photographs appear on. (Verena's instructions appeared on newsprint, with photographs appearing on nicer paper.) There are also 33 patterns in the magazine, which is less than the number that appeared in earlier Verena Knitting issues, but more than what Vogue Knitting or Interweave Knits currently offer in their issues.
This issue of the magazine offers mainly knit patterns, but there are four crochet patterns, and one that uses both knitting and crocheting. The bulk of the patterns are for sweaters and cardigans. There are couple of shawls, a few hats and scarves, and one crocheted bag. There is some colourwork, but many of the samples are in neutrals or muted colours. There are a couple of projects with lace, and a couple with cables, and some with ribbing, and one bobble hat. According to the magazine's own difficulty rating system, most projects fall within the 2 to 4 dots out of 5 dots, with 5 dots being the most challenging. I like most of the longer cardigan projects that are featured in the issue...even the one that is crocheted.
The magazine has a list of abbreviations, and a list explaining special instructions that may appear in the issue.
There are also things that do not appear in this issue: I couldn't find much information in the magazine itself about the publishers or the editorial staff. I have no idea what the cost of the issue is, or what future issues may cost. It simply appeared to be the gift that came along with the issue of Simply Knitting that I bought.
Would I buy another issue of Burda Knitting?
I might purchase another issue if there were enough patterns inside that I liked, and if the price isn't beyond my budget. This issue was okay, but I wasn't able to preview it since it had been sealed in a plastic bag. I feel that I lucked out this time around. Currently, Vogue Knitting is the only knitting magazine that is an autobuy for me. For most other titles, I'd have to like at least 50% of the patterns before I'd consider purchasing it.
However, Burda Knitting magazine seems to have quite a nice layout, and I have a favourable impression about it.
