A few magazines have made it into my collection (or up on the web) lately, but I haven’t yet blogged about them, so I figured I may as well put them all in one entry…

Yarn Issue#8, Vogue Knitting Holiday 2007, and Interweave Knits Holiday 2007. And let’s not forget the new Winter 07 Knitty.

Yarn Issue #8
There’s the usual good range of articles, including an interview with Nicky Epstein, a description of Ravelry, and technical info on fitting garments and spinning technique. A good range of patterns, too – socks, bags, vest, scarf, camisole, shawl, child’s wrap top, stole, lingerie set and slippers. Nothing for guys, however. There’s a wistful sadness to the editorial due to the announcement that Barbara was closing down the enterprise, but recently the mag was saved from extinction by a group of knitters eager to take over production. Which is very good news.

I want to make… the Buried Treasure Socks. The Angel Puff Scarf also looks fun and interesting

Vogue Knitting Holiday 2007
The usual mix of fashion and shopping articles is bolstered by some technical pieces. There’s an article on British Knitting that I haven’t yet got around to reading. The patterns… typically Vogue – challenging, interesting, a good share of hodgepodge/assymetrical/deconstruction/catwalky and a few elegant pieces. I’ve just noticed that these are mostly garments, not the sort of small, quick projects you’d expect in a holiday issue. Hmm.

I want to make… nothing. Well, except a disproportionately large number of the garments in the ads. Why does that always happen with VK?

Interweave Knits Holiday 2007
True to the theme, there’s gift suggestions for knitters, an article on holding a knitting party, and a range of patterns to knit from small, quick gifts to ski jumpers. There’s socks, toys, hats, gloves and homewares for the knitter who needs to whip up a present fast.

I want to make… Sweetheart socks (there’s a sock pattern in Knitty that’s quite similiar), Koolhaas Hat, Little Gems Mitts, Citrine Socklets, and I’m wondering if I could use the Cleckheaton Bamboo in my stash for the Dragon-Skin Wrap.

Knitty Winter 2007
The issue went up just a few days ago so I’ve only had a chance to look at the patterns.

I want to make… Quant, maybe Square Cake, Azure (if I don’t knit the Sweetheart socks from IK), and, despite the fact that I don’t wear shawls, Jeanie. Actually, I just realised why I like Jeanie. It’s cabled. Not lace. I’m not crazy about the look of knit lace, but I do love cables.

Of all the patterns I like in these magazines, there’s nothing saying ‘Knit me NOW!’. I did note that I could use up some sock yarn making the Little Gem Mitts, and I think they’d look great in black with those little gem-coloured squares instead of grey. I’m looking forward to finding a copy of IK Winter 2007 somewhere. Must keep hunting…

(I have to confess, I also bought an issue of Knit 1 recently, but only for one pattern with some interesting shaping.)