Some Monday Updates

One of my favorite patterns from
the new Noro magazine

Happy Monday everyone! Since I've written recently about some new craft magazines in the works, I figured an update was in order.

As Hannah Thiessen, the force behind the potentially new Genet Quarterly, sort of reported on her blog - her Kickstarter ultimately did not get funded. Unfortunate. So this great magazine idea will take further time and ingenuity to get off the ground. I hope it makes it to the crafty light of day.

However, Knit Edge Magazine has released a preview, "version zero" edition, and it's a great sneak peek at what we'll see in future from Cooperative Press's magazine effort. If you're into double knitting, there's an amazing article from Alasdair Post-Quinn, the author of Extreme Double Knitting. And the four patterns premiered aren't too shabby either. The link emailed out to those on the mailing list receiving the preview issue gratis (of which I was one) was so hot it actually felled the server and promptly wouldn't work. A substitute method of delivery was instituted, and all was well with Knit Edge's delivery.

And, finally, if you haven't seen it yet at your local book store, yarn shop or grocery store (!), definitely seek out the new Noro Magazine. Color, texture, and historical inspiration abound on each and every page. And the patterns (once again) aren't too shabby either. I can't stop looking at mine.

An additional, tangential update: Remember the handspun (shown below) I received from Andrea (the Wonder Why Gal) in thanks for making her a shawl?

Well, this gorgeous skein of handspun awesomeness is going to become my version of Sarah Wilson's the Chi-Chi Cowl, which just happens to be one of the 4 new patterns from Knit Edge. I'll be knitting it as part of my projects during the Ravellenic Games on team Cooperative Gearheads, of which I'm co-captain. I can't wait to use this amazing handspun; I think it's a perfect match for this pattern. Thanks so much, Andrea!

It's a Good Time To Be a Crafter

Despite our tough economic times (or perhaps because of them), there has never been a better time to be a crafter. There is a wealth of craft information, resources, and quality materials - I have never known a better time to source all of the excellent yarns readily available today. The same goes for books and patterns - such a wide range of styles and techniques, and with the advent of e-publishing, more ways than ever to get your crafty fix. It definitely warms the cockles of my designing heart.

Along those lines, I thought I'd fill you in on two new publications in the works. I note that while I currently have no contributions slated to be published in either work, I won't deny that might change! Nevertheless, both are worth a look because they will be taking approaches I (and believe many other designers and artisans) value - fresh and interdisciplinary.

First up is the newest effort from Cooperative Press, Knit Edge Magazine. Here is how Shannon Okey, CP's founder/owner/gal-who-does-everything recently described it:

     "I kept getting a lot of feedback after my last editorial gig that readers really missed the in-depth articles, the super-meaty good stuff I liked to publish. Articles about art knitting. About historical stuff. You know -- not another 'hey look it’s [insert something you’ve seen 800 times before]!' And since CP has a lot of books like that, or in the works, well…it all started to resolve itself into a clearer picture of what needed to be done. ... There will be patterns, but it won’t be a pattern-oriented magazine. If I had to compare it to existing or previous mags I would say it’s more FiberArts or Yarn Market News, and less Interweave Knits or VK."

Knit Edge Magazine will be an e-publication with, potentially, a print end-of-year best-of edition. I must admit, I'm not so certain about the Yarn Market News connection, since YMN (from the same people that bring you VK) is a publication geared to yarn shops owners, is not readily available to most of the general public, and is very narrow in focus. Despite those caveats, Knit Edge Magazine should have the distinctive CP fresh look and feel. Look for it, I think, sometime this fall.

Additionally, Genet Quarterly is the newest vision from Hannah Thiessen - who's currently in Uruguay finishing up the latest Malabrigo pattern book. From her Kickstarter page, here's Hannah's description:

     Genet Quarterly is an "inspirational" -- a devotional for crafty and creative folk who love seeking out and learning about different topics that help them keep inspired while creating. Each issue focuses on a carefully selected topic and visually explores subject matter related or connected to that topic through fashion, textiles, home decor, and artisan handiwork. In addition, the topic is explored through insightful articles written by knowledgeable crafters and researchers.

The first edition, which will be available as a free pdf download, is scheduled for a September publication. I'm certain Hannah would greatly appreciate any funding you'd like to add to her Kickstarter.

It's going to be a great fall for craft. I can't wait.

Don't forget to get over to Andrea's blog and see what everyone else is excited about. Have a great, crafty, weekend!