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I have those McCall's issues and look through them from time to time. You're right that so many of the designs are timeless.
I have always admired that red cardigan. Perhaps I should knit one before I get so old that I lose my waist altogether.
I'm intrigued (from the evidence of the earflaps hat pattern which they've posted up as a free download) that they have rated patterns for difficulty with 'I'm ready to move past scarves' (?!?). Does that mean there will also be patterns rated with 'I'm only ever going to knit super-chunky scarves on 20mm needles in garter stitch thank you very much'?
And the 'comfy socks' look like they've been knitted in bulky weight yarn - why would you do that? What the fuck is going on? I've said it before and I'll say it again 'just because I'm under thirty and have not been knitting for decades doesn't mean I want to knit badly designed crap'.
On the Maggie Thatcher front, all the fashion mags and high street shops here are touting a tweedy, buttonned up blousy look reminiscent of Maggie in her heyday. So maybe Interweave aren't as hip as they thought eh?
Or maybe the whole concept of hip is just a crock of shit....
I think you're definitely on to something with the divide between knitters being less about age and more about taste. As a youngish knitter (26), I often find I have more in common with older knitters than younger knitters, mainly because I refuse to spend a lot of time on something that's fugly or that will be out of style in two months. Nothing made me shudder more than seeing a woman who was around 30 wanting to make that hideous top in the current VK (the one with the horizontal stripes and weird slits for armholes). Of course, there was that woman wearing an otherwise lovely sweater made from her own homespun yarn, with the eyelash yarn at the neck and cuffs....
Which issue of McCall's is the one on top? I'd love to look at it sometime, and there's a very good chance someone in my family has that particular copy.
Yes, on top is always my favorite.
I completely agree with you and Valerie - I think it is less about age and more about taste. I'm young but definitely not into the "hip knits". The more I can learn from a project, the more I want to sink my teeth into it.
I was working in my local yarn recently and a few older ladies were in. Some were excellent knitters with good taste and lots of talent. Others wanted two dollar crap yarn and a poncho pattern (in fact one was looking for a sweater pattern for a pattern for an intarsia pullover with hearts, clubs, diamonds and spades for her 20 something grandson who loves poker - sheesh).
I agree that there is definitely some confusion out there re. what is absolutely hideous and what is a brilliant, innovative knitting design... Unfortunately, taste is so subjective that while I think I sit on one side of the fence, I may actually sit on another. Whichever way it happens to be, I am a perfectionist, so at least there's that.
I have issues with many of the designs in the latest Knitscene. But I also like a couple. Just a couple. Enough to buy it. But then there are plenty of 30-40 year old magazines I have full of hideous sweaters that I own for that I nwn or two gem, also.
I am 22, and there is no way I would knit anything in Knitscene. Ugh... My Mom has several years worth of old McCall's (I want to say about 10 years worth), and I love going through them. Of course, some of the patterns are dated, but there are a lot that I would still make. I wish that magazine were still around...
I'm glad that Interweave split the fashiony/fun stuff off into another magazine instead of dumbing down the main magazine. One problem, however, with this stuff in the real world is that most younger knitters can't afford the yarn for them. So they substitute cheap crap and it looks like hell squared.
I do hope that they do a classic knits mag as well. It really stinks that there are beautiful classic sweaters in the stores this fall, and not in the knitting magazines.
I did like the Norah Gaughan cardigan.
Good lord. What is up with those crocheted slipper monstrosities in KnitScene? Honestly, there are one or two things that I'd make. It's much better than Knit.1, I think, assuming it's not sponsored by Lion Brand.
The McCall's magazines bring back memories. I'm only 36, but I grew up knitting patterns from my mom's magazines. (I've told her that they are my inheritance.)
I've given up on buying magazines. I think they're a waste of my money and I'd rather buy a good book. Something like "Hat's On". That book taught me new cast-ons and I've knit six or so hats from it. I've rarely found a magazine with more than one pattern that I'd like to knit.
I'm on the fence on this whole age divide thing. I don't like most of the hip young knitter patterns, but then, there are a whole lot of traditional patterns I don't care for, either. I'd like to see more patterns that bring the two concepts a bit closer. So many patterns with interesting colorwork are too shapeless, and as much fun as I'd have knitting them, I just wouldn't wear them very much. I want to see finer-gauge patterns that take into account both current styles and interesting and challenging techniques.
Double or triple the $us price and that is what we pay for these mags in Oz. Is that the only reason I avoid them, no, the fat yarn and hideous non-shaped garments help as well.
Instead I have a massive bookcase with vintage pattern books from the 1940s onwards. Classic designs, decent fine yarns so the garments are suitable for my climate.
The kid patterns are still the same and many of the women's patterns give me something to sink my teeth - there is more to life than garter stitch.
Yet I fit right into the so called target market of these new publications. The only 'real' book I have that cost more than 20 cents is a Tiny Diva book, which before you howl at me, was given to me to review. I keep it for the laugh factor, plus by keeping it locked away one less young knitter will be sucked in by this particular tome of stupidity.
I'm totally not with you this time. (I bet that locution just lumped me with the kiddie crap-knitters for you..) There are quite a few patterns in Knitscene that look well-constructed and sophisticated--more classic with a twist than pointlessly trendy. The vest and cardigan on the opening spread of the anglophile story are two examples. The ugly crocheted slippers have got to go, though.
With the flowers, geese, and patchwork gack on the covers of those old magazines, I would never pick them up in a million years. They scream dowdy to me.
The vest and the cardigan are classic. So classic that I've seen them done many, many times. To me, they're ho-hum designs. One saving grace is that they're done in decent materials.
I agree with you, Becca, on the geese and patchwork. I wasn't thrilled with the crafts end of McCall's N&C, even back then. However, it was both a crafts and a knitting magazine. But if you only judge the magazines by their covers, that's foolish. The sweaters inside were for the most part challenging and well designed. And appealing. That cover cabled cardigan? A ballbuster to make.
I was 33 years old when I worked on that magazine. I had been knitting as an adult for little more than 11 years at that point. There were other excellent knitting magazines as well--Better Homes & Gardens had an excellent bi-yearly magazine, Family Circle Knitting was outstanding, Handmade was to die for. And then, of course, came Threads.
Going through my old Mon Tricots recently, I remembered thinking how gawd-awful those crocheted dresses and knitted bikinis were. I was 25 when I first read those issues. So as far as I'm concerned, age really doesn't have anything to do with anything except in the minds of magazine and book publishers. I've met people my age who knit crap and plenty of it.
It's completely understandable why the magazines have gone "trendy" in the past few years. It's a business decision, pure and simple. Cash in on the new wave of knitters.
However, as I have said many times, they're alienating those of us who want interesting, challenging knitting. Too often, trendy equals poorly designed, ill-fitting garments. Enough of that shit already.
I often bought Needlework & Crafts for well-designed, well-written patterns, which I usually modified until I realized I didn't need patterns anymore. Made some icky "craft" things for and with my kids, too (my eldest is 37, whew!).
The younger/older knitter split seems like the working mom/at home (working) mom divide which continues to be promugated by the media for lack of thoughtful issues to fit between the ads. Hasn't that been going on way too long?
I agree that there will always be knitters dedicated to quality work and exploration, and there will always be producers of fiberdrek. Perhaps when knitting is no longer trendy, we will no longer be asaulted with the current quantity of furry crap.
I agree that there will always be knitters dedicated to quality work and exploration, and there will always be producers of fiberdrek.
Out of curiosity, is the sweater on shown at the far left of Marilyn's blog the "true quality" or the "fiber drek".
Of course I mean the one adorned with the intarsia cardinal, christmas stocking, log cabin and watermelon?
Just wondering. And, of course, I blogged about this. 
Of course you did, Lucia. Run your mouth on your blog.
I was speaking particularly about the cabled cardigan on the top and many of the designs therein (which you haven't seen and are in no position to judge). Not necessarily the other cover sweaters.
From Lucia's blog: Lucky for us, Marilyn didn’t limit herself to telling us how fugly current fashions are. She also reminisced about the days when patterns were attractive. You know — back when she worked for a knitting magazine.
Gushing, “In many ways, I do miss the old knitting magazines.”, she posted these lovelies:
(And Lucia proceeds to chop the photo to show half of the picture.)
Nice job. If you're going to swipe my pictures, at least do a good job of it. You're entitled to your opinion of me, my blog and how I feel about the knitting scene. You're not entitled to take my picture and then fuck it up.
I gush? My, my.
Please, everyone. Rush over to Lucia's blog and read her pithy entry. Let's help her get her web stats up, shall we?
hi all-
i also feel very unmotivated by magazines, many patterns and what i see at the knit shows--it has all been done before, looks real dowdy, or is plain ugly--also the saying homemade-rather than handmade comes to mind-i did like the inside-out sweater in the knitscene magazine--thought it was very fresh looking- i have bought books to inspire me to try and break out from being pattern dependant.still haven't ventured out yet--the math confuses me--armhole edges and that type thing--any suggestions? in the meanwhile i just bought some gorgeous merino and am making a sweater--think the pattern is from katia--so with that said -i look forward your next entry--goodnight!
I, too, am frustrated by the poor quality and bad design in current knitting magazines. Today I received Cast On in the mail and all I could think was "What a waste of paper and ink"! Certainly I never would have signed up for the Master Knitters course had I seen the poor output of TKGA.
How can it be that knitting has become more popular but there's even less interesting patterns available?
Betsey Johnson. Boy, does that bring me back. I made a skirt from one of her patterns, back when I had a 28-inch waist. It was gorgeous. A-line, dusty pink polished cotton, "Obi" style waistband, wrap skirt. Wore it until the wrap left me indecent. Sigh.
And I have that issue wth the cranberry fitted cable jacket on the cover. Can't take my eyes off it. Never knit it, but love it. July/August 1983. It deserves a 20-year-fashion-cycle comeback, don't you think?
You know, I love that jacket too. Always did, never made it either. It was exquisite in real life.
I don't understand why, when I blow my own horn, which is rarely, that I get shit for doing so.
I'm very proud of my career accomplishments as an editor and writer, operations analyst and manager. No degree, no nothing. I never lied and said I had a degree either. I got those positions because I was good at what I did.
i think maybe we should introduce lucia to susan and the "yay, puppies" person.
i also have a collection of old mccall's nw&c mags. they have lots of timeless designs.
did you ever read the 'american handcrafts' magazine? or 'handmade' magazine? they were not long-lived publications, but had some really excellent stuff.
I came over to thank you for recommending the gladys thompson guernsey book to me (i blogged about it today) and wow! *someone's* being a royal bitch. perhaps some hormones are in order? Maybe someone needs a good shag?
Fugly 80's designs aside, I believe that there are lovely designs in the magazines, and I know that you worked hard to put out the best magazine possible. The cover coat looks very nice. I remember wearing similar commercially made sweaters back in the 80's, and not liking them. They were too fitted around the shoulders, and I disliked the way the fabric was all up in my pit, so I was constantly fussing at them. This one might be styled differently, it's difficult for me to tell from the picture. Then again, i don'thave fashion sense anyway, give me my jeans, loose comfy t-shirts, oversized sweatshirts, and roomy sleeve openings, and i'm a happy camper.
Anyway, thanks for the book recommendation Mar. You've accomplished more without a degree than many who have the paper hanging on the wall, and I will always respect your opinion even when I don't agree with it.
Being the cynical, old queen that I am, I am both jealous of your readers' comments about the division issue and envious that I didn't think to trash you on my blog for big hit counter numbers.
Your readers comments are brilliantly thoughtful and interesting to read. I kept going back and forth in my opinion as I'd read each well-thought-out opinion on the issue(s).
Would people please come read my blog too (he whined)...I didn't trash Marilyn, but I could if you'd like me?...Please?
Joe makes a good point about this blog. One that makes me wonder why I'd subscribe. I check back regularly, not to see if there is a new post, but to read what folks have written in the comments. New posts are good too. And the comments sometimes get tired after a while but this is one of the few where the discussion in the comments is worth checking regularly.
I think that there are all kinds of knitting for all kinds of moods. I am usually too brain-dead to work intricate patterns, much as I'd like to, so I tend to look for and design patterns that are much more user-friendly and fast-knitting. I also tend to knit accessories and children's items more than adult sweaters for that reason. I like to challenge myself with more difficult projects but I also sometimes like to whip out a quick hat for my kids. Marilyn's point about the general trend of ill-fitting garments is well taken: just flip through recent knitting magazines and books and count, say, the number of drop shoulders you see.
Mar, it does seem to bring out the weenie whinies when you talk about your editing career. But there are always though who build themselves up by knocking others down.
I have a slew of old McCall's including a bunch from the large format, going back to the 40's and couple earlier. Some of the fashions are a bit dated now of course, but with a little tweeking, in style for today. That's classics.
Barb B.
Um, about that sleying job...we need to talk. :-/
You're the best cynical old queen ever. Unfortunately, I have no ammo with which to trash you. Unless you've been hiding that Fun Fur boa on me.
I certainly did read American Handcrafts. Another great mag.
Bess, if you want to conquer the math thing, try Elizabeth Zimmermann's books. I was born math-impaired but somehow knitting made math more relevant to me. Of course, Math Queen Joseph, who can add 15-place numbers in his head, puts everyone to shame. What a geek. And that's said lovingly.
Loop, see my e-mail to you re: why I sleyed that way.
Okay bitch...them's fighting words...call me a geek!
Ahhhh...nevermind...I'll wait until my book is published, and then stir up a shitload of controversy and sell a million copies.
(still chuckling thinking about Franklin singing Judy tunes in a Nyquil delirium)
You know, it's more than just the fiber community. The yoga mags have done the same thing....there used to be 2 good ones. Now there's so many on the newstand and most of them crap New Age stuff. BTW: I do not confuse knitting w/ yoga...nor do I compare.
BTW..on threading the heddles. I forget which loom you have, but most of them you can either remove or fold the back beam down to the floor so you can put a chair inside there and sit right up close while you're threading them. It's the leaning over the breast or back beam that kills the back. Get in there! email me if you have questions on this.
Shushyou Joe, I'm jushfine. No druggy. Come on, lessallsing over rainbow. Upps.
I didn't have but a moment and only read your opening paragraphs, Mar, but consider this a standing ovation. Best insight ever.
I'll be back later to read the rest of your entry.
(How's you been, anyhoo?)
Marilyn:
You are 100% right about the knitting divide being over technique/type of knitting more so than age. Perhaps instead of "knitscene" they should call it "Quick and Gaudy"?
My friend and blogging partner Brian and I have a friend who only knits garter stitch fun fur scarves (we generalize, but they are always long rectangles made of novelty yarns). She went to law school yet is unwilling to try to decipher a pattern. I just get bored so easily I love a good knitting challenge.
Garter stitch novelty scarves have their place in the world (like, to make Joe quick and easy money) but don't need their own magazines.
xoxo,
Bevin
I know exactly what you mean about the young/old knitter divide that is being perpetuated by knitting magazines even though in reality I very much doubt it even exists. I've certainly not seen any evidence to back up this theory at any of the knitting groups I've gone along to
Its insulting to both parties to suggest that younger folks are only interested in "kerazzy" fashion yarns, and that older knitters just want to plod along with nice sensible sweaters.
I must admit to getting angered at the suggestion that knitting is only "hip" because Hollywood starlets decided to give it their seal of approval. My gran taught me 20 years back, and she , with her cauliflower hairdo and deep love of the craft is *way* cooler than any MTA wielding their "boutique" yarn and rosewood needles as a pose.
Yes, I totally agree its cool to knit. But then again it always has been. You'd think that the editors of knitting magazines would have figured that one out by now.
I miss McCall's too! My mom had a subscription for years, and we always went through every issue together. Unfortunately, Mom got rid of her McCall's collection after I went to college. We've both been sorry since, and have treasured the few copies that escaped the purge.
I'm another younger knitter who detests the ugly stuff that's supposed to be trendy. I joined my local guild to get away from that type of knitting, and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made.
I always thought it was cool to knit. Even when there were a lot fewer knitters. I did not meet another knitter, other than my mother, until I was 23. And this woman, a coworker, was an ancient 48 at the time.
Shit, I still knit scarves. Like the neverending rayon chenille scarf for John. It's good to have what I call "stoopid" or "TV" knitting along with more challenging knitting. I can work a lace pattern with the TV on but that doesn't mean I'm watching the TV. However, the dumb stuff comes out for the CSIs.
I agree with you about the age knitting gap. I had a 50ish professor come up to me today while I was knitting a sock during a break and talk to me about how she wanted to bring this 8 year old to a knitting night I was hosting. "Oh yeah, I taught her to knit. She's almost finished with her first scarf, so I brought over some fun fur to give it a little pizazz at the ends." If she weren't responsible for my grade...
I have to say, though, on a cursory look at IK's new venture, while I disagree with a lot of the yarn choices for the projects, I think some of them have potential. The first step would be to surgically remove EVERY pom-pom, though.
People knit for different reasons. Some as a release from their work-day life. Many of these knitters would prefer something bland so that while their fingers are busy their mind can wander and sort through the day's events. (Remember in the 60s and 70s the patterns in the books marked with a TV symbol and deemed as easy 'television knitting')
Others choose knitting for the fibre, the tactile process of playing or working with yarn. Others prefer the maths, the concentration needed, others the end result.
We knit for various reasons, and that motivation can change many times.
So while I trash them, the 'hip' patterns do serve a purpose and maybe some of these knitters may end up moving on.
So give them their own mags, but hopefully they will also look outwards and see the benefits of putting away the bulky-novelty-fun fur-razzle dazzle and trying something else.
And hopefully they will read blogs like Mar's and Joe's and realise that there are differences in the world of knitting and options, that there is always something new to learn and always someone out there prepared to guide them.
And that within the world of bloggers there is also a thing called humour.
I honestly think that many knitters are intimidated into thinking that they can only knit easy things. After all, when you knit with a fashion yarn, the yarn does the talking. So it's easy to make stuff that appears impressive to non-knitters by learning a few basics.
Whether it fits, whether it looks good, and whether it lasts for more than a year is immaterial. This is not "scary" knitting. It's safe, it's easy, it's quick and it's dull.
True the yarn does the talking, but some of that novelty yarn is so hard to knit with it is a wonder that any of these garments get finished. I thought knitting with acrylic was bad enough until I was asked to knit a fun fur scarf for a friend with no taste. Talk about temper tantrums. Give me a complex lace pattern with some lush alpaca anytime over that shitty stuff done in garter.
What I find troubling, though, is the notion that these intimidated new knitters will select an "easy" pattern that has no shaping and/or is knit in superbulky yarn -- only to end up with a garment that looks like crap on them. They don't have enough experience to realize that the lack of tailoring and the thickness of the yarn (those seams!) are going to look like a potato sack, and they blame themselves or they get discouraged with the craft. Whereas the extra time & effort it would take to use a thinner yarn and to do set-in sleeves would pay huge dividends in the finished result.
The other thing I've noticed is that I think there is way more agreement than disagreement in people's attitudes toward knitting. For some reason, this topic seems to generate a lot of talking past each other. Doesn't pretty much everyone agree that (a) there are all kinds of knitting for all kinds of purposes; (b) it's important to keep learning and challenging yourself; (c) you should knit with the best materials you can fit into your budget, whatever they may be; (d) more time-consuming garments with shaping and tailoring will look better and fit better than boxy, dropped-sleeve ones?
If I'm wrong, I'm sure you will correct me. But if you read Marilyn's work, especially over time, without focusing on one specific sentence due to your own personal agenda, I think you'll see there is a great deal of consensus on these points.
There is that consensus with most of my readers, C. However, people read blogs that mirror their own philosophies and lifestyles. There's a big group out there who:
a) Haven't figured out that there's knitting for different purposes because they're stuck on one or two types of projects: scarves and ponchos, or example;
b) Haven't the slightest interest in pushing the envelope;
c) Buy crap at Michaels or Hobby Lobby because that's what they know and think they can afford;
d) Either like schmattehs or don't have the skills to go further.
I'm still convinced that these attitudes in knitting only reflect the general national malaise of instant gratification and No-Can-Do.
I can completely appreciate that many people like to knit simple things that are soothing and monotonous to work on - I knit as a relief from having to think a lot at work and most, though not all, of my knitting thus far has been simple enough to do while sat in front of the TV. But simple can still be elegant and well designed. I really think that a lot of people are being either lazy or too easily intimidated by not learning the basics of how to shape a garment.
Also, and I think Queerjoe blogged about this a while back, some of the novelty yarns are really difficult to knit with. Maybe new knitters wouldn't find it so hard to master shaping and other 'techniques' if they were encouraged to knit with a good honest aran instead of eyelash crap?
Well said Carol.
The main issue here doesn't seem to be whether projects are ugly or not but that there are to many quick things meant to cash in on a trend with no redeeming value either in terms of usefulness or craftmanship. Style and taste are always open to interpretation. Mindless dreck that serves no purpose other than to sell magazines is something else all together.
There will always be knitters who don’t want to try new things, there will always be knitters who do, and there will always be a group, probably of mostly new knitters, who don’t yet know the difference or the possibilities. The knitting magazines, and in fact a large segment of modern American society (I really don’t have a foundation to compare to other societies) cater to this sense of ever growing market share, showing something new and novel, who cares if it doesn’t last, mentality. This kind of market driven publishing alienates the established knitters who want beautiful challenging projects and ultimately it fails the new knitters because it makes it harder to see the options before them. This is a truly sad thing.
We really have no idea what the future will think of our own style sense, what will be judged silly, foolish, or just ugly (although I hope it will be those ugly slippers) and I am not sure it ultimately matters. I would like to think that whatever is thought of our sense of style (and style is such an ephemeral thing, even anti-style is in the end, all about style) they would at least be able to appreciate our workmanship, if they can find it that is. Hopefully the magazines will be seen as a silly cultural blip because, in the end, it is the workmanship that will survive.
24 year old male knitter and what the bloody bollocks are they trying at...how many crocheted slippers and flowers can any peron look at without sicking up? Would not knit a think in there.
the national NO Can Do crap knitting also seems to be designed to use up a lot of crap plastic made into yarn, too doesn't it?
if they squeeze the juice fun fur is made from into another form, it's really a plastic bread bag and who wants to knit with that?
But Devin, those slippers have a reason for their existance. I'm going to knock them over, badly, in hideous colours and give them to the sister-in-law.
I gave her fun fur crocheted flip flops (five minutes work all up) last year and I spent the major part of xmas smirking at her while she paraded around in them - Loving them.
This woman wouldn't appreciate a simple scarf in a smooth yarn nor a pair of socks. But something trashy bright and oh so fugly and she's gushing. My partner thinks I should just replicate Mar's toilet Xmas toilet seat, believe me I'd be elevated to the spot of favourite in-law if I gave her that.
Correction, the adult-sized slippers are not free patterns. Forget it, maybe I'll do her a fun fur belt or bikini bottoms.
I wish I'd never gotten rid of the McCall's knit/crochet magazines I had. I did save a few and leaf through them from time to time. I think it was from one of these long-gone magazines that I knit an Aran cardigan vest w/embroidery that won first place in a show back in 1979.
Barb, try eBay for old mags. That's how I've replaced some of my old favorites.
Jen, Carol S. did the toilet seat cover. I don't know if she wrote up the pattern.
I make socks for my mother and sister for Christmas as extra presents. But not from Fun Fur. Although maybe I should. As a joke.
Nope, the toilet seat cover is a one-off. Never to be repeated.
Carol,
It's probably for the best that the toilet seat cover is a one-off--it would be sad to see it's "splendor" diminished by ubiquity.
You a-b-c-d above are right on. That's why so many knitters have several projects going st once--TV knitting, commute knitting, total-escape-from-the-world-to-concentrate-on-
knitting. Just like the assortment of books & mags on my nightstand.
I've really enjoyed this thread. In the UK knitting isn't really getting the coverage in the US, and I still, quite often, get people surprised that (a) I'm knitting, and (b), people still knit!!!
I started handspinning about 5 years ago because of the dearth of decent, affordable yarns. Now I'm teaching it!
(And each warp thread doesn't go through all the heddles.)
Yes Carol S, your toilet seat is way too good for the woman. I am ridding my partner of the last of his genetic links to his family (ie the genetic links of style and taste he has with his sister), and his ability to spot beautifully crafted, passion-inspired objects such as your toilet seat is the last part of him i have to work on. I think electric shocks and him staring at the toilet seat and a picture of his sister may just finish it off.
Hey KC,
The heddles are the stringy/wirey things attached to the SHAFTS (or harnesses as some call them). The SHUTTLE holds the weft. Lots of new terms to learn! Don't forget to put a temporary overhand knot in those groups of warp, so they don't accidently slip out of the reed. Use a office chair to get your self to a lower or higher level while threading. Take good care of your body while warping and weaving; there are many repeatative tasks. Don't want you to get "weaver's bottom" or something.
And, as always, have fun!
When I started knitting in earnest, in the '80s, there weren't as many mags dedicated to purely knitting. I know there were some "easy" patterns (a garter-st rainbow stripe cardigan I made for my 3yr old daughter and her friend), but there were just *patterns.* There were some I felt I wasn't up to, but if I liked it, I figured I could do it. Cables, set-in sleeves, lace, whatever.
I think the internet has contributed in some ways to the dumbing down, and intimidation. Rather than everyone working in isolation, they can connect with each other. The good part is you can share and learn from a lot of people. The bad part is that it creates a crowd mentality, whether it's "I've got to have that [pattern, book, yarn...] because everyone else has it" or "Oh, I could never do [cables, lace, colorwork] because I hear so many people saying it's hard."
The magazine companies picked up on that aspect along with everything else, and so now, for the most part, they're pushing the quick, ugly and dull. And, as has been said here before, there will probably be some fallout, those who are truly interested and inspired in knitting (and probably other areas of their lives) will go on, and those who are trend-followers, or too scared/stuck in a simple rut, won't. Oh well.
I have several McCalls, and most of the American Home Crafts--that was a great mag. In fact, I'm thinking about remaking a "Greek Fisherman sweater" from one of those issues, had a great overlapped neckline, middy collar, set-in sleeves, quite wearable today.
Well-said about the internet, Anne Cohen. Let's hear more intelligent commentary like that from you, missy.
Indeed! This has been, for the most part, an excellent discussion.
Thanks to the weavers who commented. I do know that every heddle isn't threaded. And I'm finding out fast that it's a pain in the back, although forewarned by Loopy.
I'm also not going to prepare my warp threads again like Davison shows. It would be insane to prepare a warp chain for every color you use, whether it's two or twenty.
Delurking to add to this great discussion. I'm 36 (so I'm past the "hip young" labels), and have been knitting for about 6 months now. My very first knitting project was - yep - the fun fur garter stitch scarf from Stitch'n'Bitch. And actually, this was the project on which I learned the least. Mostly because, with fun fur, there was no way at all I could see my stitches, figure out what I was doing wrong, and basically learn to read my knitting.
Thankfully I decided I actually wanted to know what I was doing, took a class at my LYS, and am now immersing myself in 2 handed fair isle hats and about to start a sweater. But I wonder if the folk who do just stay stuck at the novelty yarn/garter stitch scarf don't move on because they never get the benefit of seeing knitting mistakes and learning from them.
And before a return to lurkdom, thank you Marilyn for a blog that never fails to give me something to think about.
Hmmm, 60 ends each of 2 colours in groups of 12...
Could it be that you're working your way through "Learning to Weave" by Deborah Chandler? I just finished my sampler from the book & I'm addicted already.
Yes, that's the book! Very good. Except that I will never make two separate warp chains again, unless someone can give me a damned good reason to do so.
Reading through these comments I started to phrase my own, and then realized Carol stated them even better.
As for older copies of magazines, I recently picked up copies of "WorkBasket" magazine from the 40s and 50s that contain many techniques for handknitted lace and the like. Some of the patterns and snippets are very interesting. Also in the bunch were copies from the 70s and 80s which turned into a kitch-fest, but still an interesting read. Some of the best parts of old magazines are the ads.
Regarding the importance of cover I have to disagree. The cover _is_ what sells the magazine, especially in today's market where, as so many commenters here have stated, the newsstand is packed full of magazines on the same subject. Competition is high, attention span is short, and unless the consumer is already familiar with the name, if the cover sucks it ain't gonna move.
Marilyn advised, "try eBay for old mags. That's how I've replaced some of my old favorites."
Gosh, I wouldn't have any idea which one it was in. I suppose I could try finding all of the mags from 1975-1980!
Thanks for the review. Can always count on you for opinions I mostly agree with, or find well-reasoned at the very least. Also appreciated the comments - so true that style/knitting philosophy is not necessarily congruent with age. I look for things to knit that I will learn from, often leading to hunched shoulders and cursing, leading my SO to comment, Isn't this supposed to be relaxing? To which I reply, through clenched teeth, It is when I. Get. It. Right. And what's a better feeling than that?
Coming from a sales & marketing background, I've often been told that you can get more growth from existing accounts than from fishing for new ones, but I guess I understand the imperative driving IK to publish something like this. And for those that it appeals to, bless 'em. And has been noted, for the rest of us, let's give thanks IK hasn't put this stuff and style into its regular output.
Well, I'm not sure if I'm the target "young" knitter, but I have to say that those big bulky sweaters definitely moved me into more serious knitting-- finer yarns, more shaping, texture beyond stockinette, etc.
Once you have a few sweaters under your belt, then I think it's easier to work on more intricate and finer gauge sweaters. Then you know a little bit about knitting and what issues you should be aware of. If you had to jump from garter stitch scarves to fingering weight fair isle sweaters, then some of those lessons (pattern modification, yarn substitution, gauge, etc.) might be harder to swallow.
It's like being a kid. You start with big crayons and wide ruled paper, and move to pens and narrow ruled paper. But you have that transition time in between.
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