Saturday, September 1, 2007

Recommended Reads For Fellow Knitters

Since it is still too warm for me to start any knitting project, I thought maybe it's a good time to talk about 5 of my favorte websites and books/magazines that I enjoy reading when I'm looking for inspirations for my projects.


(1) Knitty.com
This is a GREAT site for free, innovative, one-of-a-kind knitting patterns. A collection of new patterns come out quarterly. All patterns are contributed by knitters not directly affliated with the website. Anyone can be a contributor, as long as you follow their submission requirements. They pay you, too! Not a bad deal to have your name and design out there for people to see.


Here's a couple of my favorite designs on Knitty:
Kumo - a men's kimono-inspired cardigan that I've been wanting to make for my husband for some time
Blu - the cutest baby jeans I've ever seen! I HAVE TO make it for my boy this winter.


(2) Interweave Knits
I like this magazine. Their patterns are alway unique and a lot of times very stylish. Each month they'll feature a few of their patterns in their magazine on the website free. Also, I like their staff projects very much - 3 or 4 of their staff will contribute a pattern on a specific topic every month, so you can have different design options for scarves, ponchos, etc.


(3) Nicky Epstein
She first earned her fame with her "Knitting on the Edge" book, which showcases tons of designs for, obviously, knitted edges. It's simply amazing how she can create so many edging designs. Her other 2 books on edging is on my wish list: "Knitting Over the Edge" and "Knitting Beyond the Edge" - just imagine writing 3 books on nothing but only edges! Amazing!


(4) Vogue Knitting
I like this magazine because it always ties into the latest fashion trends. It gives you designs that look like those appearing on the runway. Unfortunately, their website is currently under "remodeling". But it's worth to check back for their free patterns. It's sister magazine knit.1 is also great for teenage knitters - or people like me who wouldn't mind dressed like a teenager once in a while. There's a blog on the knit.1 website that's also worth browsing for latest news on their events.


(5) Craftzine
This is actually not a knitting website but a craft magazine website. But they do include knitting projects. I just discovered this quarterly magazine a week ago & had already subscribed to it. It's a hip magazine that gives you tons of ideas on various crafts projects.


After reading these websites, I have so many ideas in my head that my only fear is I don't really have time to work on everything that I'd like to...