crochet today review

So I went back to AC Moore for this mag. They were even giving out 50% off coupons so I got it for $2.50. yay! There are so many great gifts in this one. One of the gifts in there I had planned on making for a few friends. I was going to use a pattern I found on-line, but I liked the one in here better. Of course I cannot reveal said pattern or I'd ruin the surprise.
Title: crochet today
Issue: oct/nov '06
Highlight(s): Learn to crochet w/ Beads tutorial, cute little gift ideas, and I love how the last page of this mag is a list of all the projects in the issue w/ pictures and page numbers.
Are you kidding? Another crochet skirt that looks like a tablecloth on p. 78
But that's really the only pattern in here I object to.
I'd love to make... so many nifty-giftys in this one! I've already started on the ear-flap hat on p. 36 for my littlest bro. I think I need to make Peanut one of those little monkeys with santa hats (p.42) for his stocking.

knit.1 Magazine Review

Lookie lookie! A new magazine! Eventhough I've taken a fiberarts hiatus, I was excited to look at all the shiny, new knitted goodness. I realize that I love this mag more for the layouts and photography than the actual projects.
However, this one did give me an idea or two for Christmas presents.

Title: knit.1 by VOGUE knitting
Issue: Fall 2006 - the TV issue
Highlight(s):
I loved the "techical difficulties" article. Being a new knitter, I need help picking up a dropped stitch or unraveling rows.
Cute, tiny amigurmi dolls on p.53!
I thought all of the layouts in this issue were fun and visually appealing.
Are you kidding?:The "store-bought leggings" in black that are cut below the knee and a bordered w/ white ruffles p. 41. As if leggings weren't bad enough, we need a blatant plug for Lion Brand's new Ruffles yarn.
Little Bow Peep called. She wants her underwear back.
I'd love to make... I'm totally digging the "seinfelt" felted checkerboard and checkers p. 62. Not only is it crocheted, but it the pattern includes a little bag to hold the pieces.
I also loved the cable sweater on p. 32, but it is way out of my range of ability at the moment. I don't even know what a cable needle looks like.
Funky Black and White skirt on p. 48 - I would sooo wear this! But could I pull off a crocheted skirt? Hmmm....

update

I've been working on some items to sell this fall. So far just novelty yarn scarves and baby blankets. I've had an opportunity come up to sell some items on-line on an established site. I can't quite commit to anything at the moment, but I'm trying to build some inventory either way. So, that's all that has been going on here.


I've really been liking this book for blanket ideas. I actually bought it for a friend for Christmas last year, but she got two so I've been "borrowing" one of the copies. I'm working on a baby girl blanket that is a modification of a full-sized afghan in there. I'm not a big fan of afghans and would never buy a book completely devoted to them, but there are a couple in there that I plan on making for gifts.

knit.1 Magazine Review

When I got home Friday, this sunny mag was in my mailbox. No more hunting or making a special trip for me. I am loving the new subscription service. This was a fun issue to flip through. Lots of bright colors and funky layouts.

Title: knit.1 by VOGUE knitting
Issue: Summer 2006 - the ART issue
Highlight(s):
Being a Kahlo fan, I loved the "Frida be you & me" spread. The skirt on p. 41 looks wearable and the butterfly shawl on p. 43 was stunning.
Are you kidding?: knitted hot pants with optional garter stitch suspenders on p. 52 You have to see them to believe them.
I'd love to make... honestly, I don't think I'll be making anything out of this issue. I enjoyed reading it, but I'm not yet into making clothing for myself. And most of my fav patterns were apparel.

knit.1 Magazine Review

I got the new knit.1, yay! At first glance I must admit I was a little disappointed. There was a whole spread on pirate themed items. Um, I don't think I am going to make a black/white striped mini dress out of fun-fur. thanks. But all the info on international knitting/crocheting was fun. Ok, here is the official review.

Title: knit.1 by VOGUE knitting

Issue: Spring 2006 - the travel issue

Highlight(s):

web chat p. 18 - fun/funky Japanese crochet stuffed animals

"knit.1 dictionary" p. 20 - ask for the nearest yarn shop in 11 languages!

"The Mile-High Club: What every knitter needs to pack to travel in style" p. 52

Are you kidding?: previously mentioned dress (see cover) and various piratety items

I can't wait to make... the can holder on p. 62 and the personalized passport case on p. 52

Did I mention that this mag is now available for subscription? I already signed up! http://knit1mag.com/

Magazine Reviews: Is that a needle or are you just happy to see me?

For my long drive this past week, I was in search of a few good crochet magazines. It seems most magazines I find are dedicated to knitting and contain long complicated patterns I will never use. Honestly, I am not going to knit an ankle-length car coat with a faux fur collar. Just not going to happen. Maybe someday I'll have the patience to CROCHET a baby sweater or something, but that is about all my attention span will suffer. I went to my local newstand/cigar shop and low and behold... not one, but TWO crochet magazines! As well as my fav knit/crochet publication, knit.1 Magazine, the cover of which I found hilarious.

As the old joke goes:
Tell me, is that a knitting needle in your hand or are you just happy to see me?

Now for the Reviews:

Title: knit.1 by VOGUEknitting
Issue: Fall/Winter 2005 the men's issue
Highlight(s): "Mate to Measure" All about knitting your man a sweater he'll actually wear.
Are you kidding?: Strapless Argyle dress on p. 49... As if the ugly jumbo red, black, white argyle down the front isn't enough, check out the "KNIT 1" bling belt buckle.
I can't wait to make... the "Pom Pom Queen" knitted yoke sweatshirt on p. 47. After cutting the neck out of a store-bought sweatshirt, you knit a beautiful/funky yoke using Lion Brand Moonlight Mohair. So cool!

Title: Simply Creative Crochet Better Homes and Gardens Creative Collection
Issue: 2005
Highlights: Reviews on new yarns, Lots of patterns for gifts
Are you kidding? Tie between the super ugly Shell-and-Cardigan set on p. 25 (made in yarns that clash) and the Crocheted Ottoman Cover on p. 35 (how is this durable or practical?)
I can't wait to make... the hooded bath towel and matching washcloth for baby, frivolous but so cute!

Title: Family Circle presents Easy Crochet plus knitting
Issue: Fall/Winter 2005
Highlights: "fully Felted" All about felting with crochet, yay!
"Crocheting With Novelty Yarns" Great tips for working with the popular textured yarns
Are you kidding? "twiggy redux" openwork, fishnet cream colored nightmare of a dress on p. 37
I can't wait to make... the felted Tea Cozy on p. 31, quaint and practical (sort of)