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.
Showing posts with label crochet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label crochet. Show all posts
Tuesday, 28 January 2020
Monday, 4 August 2014
Review: Crochet Workshop by James Walters
Crochet Workshop by James Walters is a technique reference book that has been republished by Dover. The original edition was published in 1979 by Sidgwick and Jackson Ltd. The Dover edition is essentially the same book. The photographs are likely the same ones that appeared in the original edition, and are therefore dated. However, the information provided in this book can still be handy for today's crocheter.
From the introduction alone, one gets the sense that the author is a bit of a free spirit. Indeed, one of the first photographs shown in the book has him modeling what appears to be crocheted long underwear. The photograph that I saw was in black and white, but I would guess that the real item was probably quite a colourful outfit.
The book includes the following: basic techniques and stitches, understanding how to read patterns, additional crochet techniques that touch on variation of the basic stitches, shaping, adding decorations, introductions to woven crochet, Tunisian crochet, and hairpin crochet, choosing yarns, making up, finishing and after care. The appendices include a list of terminology (British and American), list of equipment, tables describing hook sizes, terms, abbreviations, and symbols, and metric/Imperial conversions. The main text in the book uses British terminology, but as I mentioned above, American equivalents are listed in a chart in one of the appendices.
There are no formal patterns provided to create any particular item, but there are quite descriptive instructions with accompanying diagrams and photographs on how to make various stitches and stitch patterns. The text is useful in helping a beginner to learn and master the basics of crochet, but it also seems to encourage users to go beyond following patterns in an exact manner, and start to delve into learning how to modify and adapt patterns, and perhaps eventually improvise and create spontaneous designs. The book is also written in such a folksy, down to earth style that it seems as if the author is conversing informally with the reader.
In my opinion, this book would make a good addition as a technique reference book in a crocheter's library.
Disclaimer: I was given an e-copy of the Crochet Workshop by NetGalley in exchange for a review. All opinions stated in this review are my own.
From the introduction alone, one gets the sense that the author is a bit of a free spirit. Indeed, one of the first photographs shown in the book has him modeling what appears to be crocheted long underwear. The photograph that I saw was in black and white, but I would guess that the real item was probably quite a colourful outfit.
The book includes the following: basic techniques and stitches, understanding how to read patterns, additional crochet techniques that touch on variation of the basic stitches, shaping, adding decorations, introductions to woven crochet, Tunisian crochet, and hairpin crochet, choosing yarns, making up, finishing and after care. The appendices include a list of terminology (British and American), list of equipment, tables describing hook sizes, terms, abbreviations, and symbols, and metric/Imperial conversions. The main text in the book uses British terminology, but as I mentioned above, American equivalents are listed in a chart in one of the appendices.
There are no formal patterns provided to create any particular item, but there are quite descriptive instructions with accompanying diagrams and photographs on how to make various stitches and stitch patterns. The text is useful in helping a beginner to learn and master the basics of crochet, but it also seems to encourage users to go beyond following patterns in an exact manner, and start to delve into learning how to modify and adapt patterns, and perhaps eventually improvise and create spontaneous designs. The book is also written in such a folksy, down to earth style that it seems as if the author is conversing informally with the reader.
In my opinion, this book would make a good addition as a technique reference book in a crocheter's library.
Disclaimer: I was given an e-copy of the Crochet Workshop by NetGalley in exchange for a review. All opinions stated in this review are my own.
Sunday, 11 May 2014
Vogue Knitting Crochet 2014 Issue
I didn't mean for this blog to become focused on crafting, but I just received a copy of the latest Vogue Knitting Crochet (2014). I'm absolute newbie when it comes to crochet. As I mentioned in a previous post, when it comes to crocheting, my tension is rather limp and loose, so I don't think that I have much hope of actually being able to crochet some of the samples that are included in this magazine.
The crochet issue follows a similar format to Vogue Knitting's knitting issues: there are a "hot picks" page filled with trendy knit/crochet accessories, a featured yarn page, news from the crochet world, a special section titled, "World," in which the crochet arts from various parts of the world are featured, a featured local yarn store (LYS), and a book review section. There are also a couple articles, including one on scallops and swags (edgings), another on shaping, and one on Ashley Blalock's Keeping Up Appearances art installation.
Next is the photograph section which features the designs. The pattern instructions follow after. This magazine includes about 29 patterns. I want to make the Mock Hairpin Wrap, the Tank Dress that is also featured on the cover, a Missoni-Inspired Shift Dress, and a Double Ladder Wrap. There is, of course, a granny square throw design by Kaffe Fassett, but it really looks good.
On the last page are charts for conversion between US/UK/Aus terminology, standard yarn weights, and crochet hook sizes. Also included are a short glossary and an abbreviations table. On another page is a key for the crochet symbols used for all the charts included in the magazine.
On glancing through the magazine's rating system for difficulty, I would say that most of the patterns are at an intermediate and experienced/advanced level and recommend lace or superfine yarn for materials. There are a few that use heavier weights, such as the Kaffe Fassett throw. One pattern has a series of photographs provided showing various stages of progress in the construction of the item and close-ups to see the detail. Unfortunately, it is only for one item.
Vogue Knitting usually has a 360 degree gallery on their website (www.vogueknitting.com) in which you can see the designs on a model who turns around in a circle. This feature is supposedly provided for this Crochet issue too, but I haven't previewed it for myself yet.
Unlike some other crochet magazines, there are no diagrams provided demonstrating how to crochet and make various crochet stitches. I don't believe that this is a magazine for beginners, but it is certainly filled with a lot of eye candy demonstrating what could be possibly done with crochet.
As for the patterns themselves, they appear to be detailed enough, and there are diagrams, specs, and charts provided. Vogue Knitting also provides errata for their patterns on their website if there are errors.
I like this magazine. It may actually inspire me to crochet something.
The crochet issue follows a similar format to Vogue Knitting's knitting issues: there are a "hot picks" page filled with trendy knit/crochet accessories, a featured yarn page, news from the crochet world, a special section titled, "World," in which the crochet arts from various parts of the world are featured, a featured local yarn store (LYS), and a book review section. There are also a couple articles, including one on scallops and swags (edgings), another on shaping, and one on Ashley Blalock's Keeping Up Appearances art installation.
Next is the photograph section which features the designs. The pattern instructions follow after. This magazine includes about 29 patterns. I want to make the Mock Hairpin Wrap, the Tank Dress that is also featured on the cover, a Missoni-Inspired Shift Dress, and a Double Ladder Wrap. There is, of course, a granny square throw design by Kaffe Fassett, but it really looks good.
On the last page are charts for conversion between US/UK/Aus terminology, standard yarn weights, and crochet hook sizes. Also included are a short glossary and an abbreviations table. On another page is a key for the crochet symbols used for all the charts included in the magazine.
On glancing through the magazine's rating system for difficulty, I would say that most of the patterns are at an intermediate and experienced/advanced level and recommend lace or superfine yarn for materials. There are a few that use heavier weights, such as the Kaffe Fassett throw. One pattern has a series of photographs provided showing various stages of progress in the construction of the item and close-ups to see the detail. Unfortunately, it is only for one item.
Vogue Knitting usually has a 360 degree gallery on their website (www.vogueknitting.com) in which you can see the designs on a model who turns around in a circle. This feature is supposedly provided for this Crochet issue too, but I haven't previewed it for myself yet.
Unlike some other crochet magazines, there are no diagrams provided demonstrating how to crochet and make various crochet stitches. I don't believe that this is a magazine for beginners, but it is certainly filled with a lot of eye candy demonstrating what could be possibly done with crochet.
As for the patterns themselves, they appear to be detailed enough, and there are diagrams, specs, and charts provided. Vogue Knitting also provides errata for their patterns on their website if there are errors.
I like this magazine. It may actually inspire me to crochet something.
Sunday, 20 April 2014
Review: The Crochet Workbook by Sylvia Cosh and James Walters
I've not been posting on the blog for a few weeks, but I have been reading a couple of Love Inspired Historicals (regencies...I love them). I'm also working on the third installment of Lisa Tawn Bergren's Grand Tour series, "Glittering Promises." For some reason, it is taking me a while to get through this, but it is pretty good so far.
Anyways, besides reading hystericals (whoops...I mean historicals!), I enjoy knitting. Even though I'm not really into crocheting, "The Crochet Workbook" was posted on the "Read Now" list at NetGalley, and I couldn't resist taking a look at this. The book was written by Sylvia Cosh and James Walters, and was originally published in 1989 by Dover Publications.
Now, as I mentioned before, I'm not a crocheter. In fact, my tension while attempting to crochet is best described as...limp and loose. But the introduction says that the book is, "intended for...existing crocheters who are looking for a new dimension to their work, and also for people who may never have picked up a crochet hook before." This is because this book is about freeform crochet, which is essentially spontaneous crocheting without a pattern. Unfortunately, I am both unexperienced in blogging and crocheting, so even though I've seen samples of freeform crochet, I don't have a sample photo to upload into this blog entry. I also don't mean to burn the crocheting community, but I had always thought about crochet as boring granny square blankets and some really horrid looking vests that I had the misfortune to lay eyes upon. However, there have been some freeform crochet creations that can only be described as works of art.
The Crochet Workbook is truly just only a workbook. It does describe various crocheting techniques with accompanying diagrams and photos of sample items but does not include individual patterns that one could duplicate. This is not too much of a surprise when one considers that the book is trying to encourage spontanaeity in the practice of freeforming. It does describe in general how to generate various shapes, but again, there is no set recipe/plan/pattern for reproducing any pictures of crocheted items in the book. There is more detail provided for a few projects including a cape and coat, but in general, the book is more about guidelines to use when doing freeform crochet. There is a chapter about drawing creative inspiration for freeform crochet. The teacher in me was tickled pink to see the mindmap/concept map included in the book.
If someone is interested in freeform crochet but would like to be handheld more through the process with suggested projects that do follow conventional structured patterns, then one might consider looking at Jonelle Raffino's and Prudence Mapstone's, Freeform Style: Blend Knit and Crochet to Craft Fiber Art, by North Light Books. However, The Crochet Workbook has its appeal, especially since it does try to encourage its readers to strike out on their own with freeform crochet. I would definitely consider adding this publication to my library as a technique book.
Other comments regarding this particular galley: I previewed an e-book, and it became apparent that this book was scanned as it was riddled with spelling errors likely due to optical character recognition not picking up the correct letters. I also read this e-galley on my computer's Sony reader library program, so my magnification options were rather limited. After a certain magnification (medium), the photos disappeared. I could see the text and photos in their entirety only under the small magnification setting, but I couldn't read the text because it was so small. I needed to switch between settings to be able to see the diagrams and photos and read the accompanying text. I prefer hard copy books for my crafting library, though, especially for a technique/methods book, so I'd probably opt to buy a hard copy of this as opposed to an e-copy.
Disclaimer: An e-copy of "The Crochet Workbook" was provided by NetGalley in exchange for a review. All opinions stated in this blog entry are mine.
Anyways, besides reading hystericals (whoops...I mean historicals!), I enjoy knitting. Even though I'm not really into crocheting, "The Crochet Workbook" was posted on the "Read Now" list at NetGalley, and I couldn't resist taking a look at this. The book was written by Sylvia Cosh and James Walters, and was originally published in 1989 by Dover Publications.
Now, as I mentioned before, I'm not a crocheter. In fact, my tension while attempting to crochet is best described as...limp and loose. But the introduction says that the book is, "intended for...existing crocheters who are looking for a new dimension to their work, and also for people who may never have picked up a crochet hook before." This is because this book is about freeform crochet, which is essentially spontaneous crocheting without a pattern. Unfortunately, I am both unexperienced in blogging and crocheting, so even though I've seen samples of freeform crochet, I don't have a sample photo to upload into this blog entry. I also don't mean to burn the crocheting community, but I had always thought about crochet as boring granny square blankets and some really horrid looking vests that I had the misfortune to lay eyes upon. However, there have been some freeform crochet creations that can only be described as works of art.
The Crochet Workbook is truly just only a workbook. It does describe various crocheting techniques with accompanying diagrams and photos of sample items but does not include individual patterns that one could duplicate. This is not too much of a surprise when one considers that the book is trying to encourage spontanaeity in the practice of freeforming. It does describe in general how to generate various shapes, but again, there is no set recipe/plan/pattern for reproducing any pictures of crocheted items in the book. There is more detail provided for a few projects including a cape and coat, but in general, the book is more about guidelines to use when doing freeform crochet. There is a chapter about drawing creative inspiration for freeform crochet. The teacher in me was tickled pink to see the mindmap/concept map included in the book.
If someone is interested in freeform crochet but would like to be handheld more through the process with suggested projects that do follow conventional structured patterns, then one might consider looking at Jonelle Raffino's and Prudence Mapstone's, Freeform Style: Blend Knit and Crochet to Craft Fiber Art, by North Light Books. However, The Crochet Workbook has its appeal, especially since it does try to encourage its readers to strike out on their own with freeform crochet. I would definitely consider adding this publication to my library as a technique book.
Other comments regarding this particular galley: I previewed an e-book, and it became apparent that this book was scanned as it was riddled with spelling errors likely due to optical character recognition not picking up the correct letters. I also read this e-galley on my computer's Sony reader library program, so my magnification options were rather limited. After a certain magnification (medium), the photos disappeared. I could see the text and photos in their entirety only under the small magnification setting, but I couldn't read the text because it was so small. I needed to switch between settings to be able to see the diagrams and photos and read the accompanying text. I prefer hard copy books for my crafting library, though, especially for a technique/methods book, so I'd probably opt to buy a hard copy of this as opposed to an e-copy.
Disclaimer: An e-copy of "The Crochet Workbook" was provided by NetGalley in exchange for a review. All opinions stated in this blog entry are mine.
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