Customer Reviews

Simply Knitting

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I've been buying knitting magazines for a year now and have finally decided that this is my absolute favorite! I like it because it has a very attractive lay out and a great variety of features. It is very down to earth with sections that focus on the readers: pen-pal ads, want ads, reader questions and photos of projects. There is always a really cute Alan Dart pattern of an animal, ornament or other toy. Debbie Bliss is also a regular pattern contributor. They have a good focus on building basic knitting skills with photos to help explain and a stitch library showing 3 new stitches to try. Interesting articles about knitting, past and present. They always review a groups of yarns in the same weight, as well as several books and websites. Lately there have been many US based websites reviewed. And you can't beat the fact that there is a gift with each issue...recent gifts include a pair of bamboo knitting needles, project clips to hold seams while you join, 3 ball yarn keeper/guide, a booklet of patterns for an Advent tree and 25 ornaments to make for it. Readers range in age from kids up to grannies. Pattern models tend to be babies, young children, older teens and gals in their 20s-40ish. Once you use the guide and glossary to get in English knitting mode, the patterns are not diffcult to understand and the print is color coded for different sizes and large enough to follow easily. Yes, the ads do focus on the British market, and the patterns use British yarns. They do however make the yarn weight and guide requirements very clear so you should be able to substitute fairly easily if you aren't using the suggested yarn. The patterns are often a new take on a classic form. And the variety is good: decorative items, ladies, childrens, mens, socks, bags, cushions, etc. If you are a knitter interested in the most trendy or difficult knits, this may not be for you. But if you knit for fun and fellowship, take a look!

I've now read 4 issues of this magazine and found several projects in each one. For beginners, the tutorials about the special techniques used in each project are especially helpful, and they make a quick review for more-experienced knitters. The 'learn to knit' section in the back of each issue is nearly as comprehensive as many standalone knitting-basics booklets. The projects in each issue's theme are generally diverse, with some patterns being attractive to more traditional or experienced knitters and others appealing to newer or more trend-conscious knitters.

This magazine is worth the $$. The reason it's expensive is because it's from Britian but it's so worth the price. There is a new issue every month with a free gift. The magazine has something for every kind of knitter. Every issue has all kinds of knits that include accessories, baby items, adult clothing, dolls, tips and more. There are interesting articles every month that involve knitting for a great cause. What more can I say, except I love it!

im a grandma now but i learned to knit at age 3. i have knitted and created and been proud of the beautiful things ive made for three generations. when i was young we had mccalls big magazine there was knitting world a lovely publication and workbasket a tiny book chock full of quality patterns. then knitting here in this country lost favor no one knits any more just us dinasaurs and a very few youngsters. patterns for toys at a time when imports are loaded with danger are almost non existant those that are available are sloppy garter stitch squares you sew together. sweaters are what i call unconstructed sloppy collars poorly designed. i had all but given up. then i found a simply knitting magazine at a garage sale i couldnt put it down. when i got to the alan dart pattern i was hooked. a real toy with shaped body expressive features actually had fingers and ears and a beard i found things for gifts and for the church sale i looked everywhere before finding a subscription here i paid very high single copy prices on e-bay. i have had a monthly delivery of this wonderful magazine for a year now. i can tell anyone who is thinking of the price do it. so its expensive, if you love to knit, if you want to learn, if you know how but havent knitted in ages because the available pattern books have been so poor that you havent made a thing in years, BUY THIS ONE!
you wont be sorry. if you dont keep patterns you can resell each copy for more than you paid if you find another disallusioned knitter. but you will keep each issue and if there is a child close to you alan dart toys are to die for. i could type praise for hours but my latest issue just arrived and there are at least 8 patterns i need to make. two beautiful dolls to make and a water bottle cozy three sweaters all beautiful and 2 needle socks and a scarf. so much to do so little time. and a free measuring tape this issue.
i sure wish this country would offer knitting magazines again but for now im with the brits they have the most wonderful patterns.

I found this in a bookstore, but am seriously considering a subscription despite the high cost in the US. It is definitely worth the price tag - the free gifts alone would be valued at about half the cost. The March '08 issue has a wonderful purse clasp with very clear instructions on how to make an adorable purse. Watch out for the different terminology that is used in the UK, especially with crochet. (Yes, there is a bit of crochet included, but don't worry if you don't like to crochet - it's minimal - for edgings and such.) Simply Knitting also uses higher quality and larger paper - very pretty and nice to handle.

I have been knitting for 25 years and have a HUGE stash of mags, books and yarn. These mags are always at the top of the pile. Beautiful photos, easy directions and patterns you will find no where else. My favorite to date is the stuffed hedgehog in his bathrobe (you have got to see it!)and the knitted nativity scene. Tell me where else could you get that!

What a refreshing change to the hum drum knitting magazine. Yes it's a little expensive compared to American magazines, but it's similar to the difference between watching an American movie and a British film. Buy yourself a single copy, sit back with a cup of tea (with milk in it of course!) and enjoy! You'll want the subscription. See what I mean ?

I have received this magazine for one year now and just renewed. It is published in England, sent from Germany but makes it here in USA, Texas every month. I can not always find it in the stores and then the cost is much more. As an added bonus it has a gift inside and the best knitting tips and patterns around. I love the exclusive Alan Dart patterns in every issue too. You can only get them here. The ads are for England but you can get an idea of the styles in Europe this way too. I pour over this subscription when it gets here. I end up reading it cover to cover and it is a combination of patterns!! Very good writers.

I bought this originally on a whim. I was so glad to see when I could order thru Amazon, to make it easier to receive. The layout and photos in the magazine are great. Each month they send a goodie with the magazine. I have received stitch markers, wooden purse handles, double pointed needles, needle case, etc.. You get your full moneys' worth with a subscription.

Simply Knitting

I have bought this magazine back with me every time I have visited my family in England - my hme country. Although it is expensive here (U.S), it is cheaper than buying it in a book store.
The magazine includes patterns that are not available such as Alan Dart designs and there is always a free item with the magazine, although the free items are not the reason I buy the magazine.