2009 Winter Knits Preview!

re: 2009 Winter Knits Preview!

NinaE@3 — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 02:48:29 GMT

wow--this looks like the best issue yet, and this is coming from a super-picky knitter. You guys hit the perfect balance of wearability and innovation here! Love the paper lamp idea, and the cover sweater is exquisite.

re: 2009 Winter Knits Preview!

KathyB@44 — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:44:33 GMT

Mine arrived in the mail yesterday and I am in LOVE with the cover sweater, from its rich color to its classic details. I may have to buy the yarn this weekend!

re: 2009 Winter Knits Preview!

pkilmer — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:42:09 GMT

I can't wait to buy 2009 Winter issue and get started on Nora's sweater and Alma's scarf. So much knitting, so little time.

re: 2009 Winter Knits Preview!

Ann.schmierer — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:07:08 GMT

I received my winter copy of Interweave Knits and I LOVE so many of the patterns, I don't know where to begin. Outstanding issue--keep up the excellent work--I like the changes and format over the years. I'll keep subscribing, most certainly.

Ann in Atlanta.

re: 2009 Winter Knits Preview!

Lynn G. — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:40:58 GMT

I can't find how to send a comment directly to the editor of IK or to its graphic designers and would very much appreciate it if you'd pass this along: I know that there had been many requests to move the pattern instructions back to being with their corresponding main photos instead of in the back of the magazine with reference photos, as you had done last year. I am never one to send negative feedback, as the magazine is great in general, but I hope you will take this feedback very seriously:

The new design of the Winter 2009 issue is a MAJOR problem. Design should never diminish function, and in this case it does so dramatically. First of all, the typeface used in the pattern instructions is fainter and thinner, making it much harder to read. Secondly, it has been applied over a pastel background, diminishing the contrast significantly (in past issues, you used color on the side margins but set the pattern type against a white background for maximum contrast. Third, most of us do not like to write on our magazines but make one photocopy for personal use. If we try to use our home all-in-one printers to make such a copy, now we have to waste a lot of ink on the pastel background and set the printing to extra-dark in the hopes of improving the contrast between the new, thinner typeface and the background color. Finally, the placement of the patterns is terrible now. It's ridiculous that some patterns begin at the very bottom of a page, where it is super-hard to find them. They are now spread over more total pages, which makes it harder to copy the one you need and to put it in a sheet protector for personal use. Also, the reference photos are much much smaller than they were in past issues (almost useless), but you haven't saved a single page in the total length of the magazine by shrinking all of these things. Given that fact, I don't see any reason for the harder-to-read type or for the smaller photos. The idea of grouping items by knitting technique still could be used with the old format from last year, which was far superior and user-friendly. I hope that you will take this feedback seriously because I am a disabled adult with migraines who will find it EXCEEDINGLY difficult to read any of these patterns and because many knitters are older and will face similar vision problems. If the design is not corrected in future issues, I may have to cancel my subscription because these changes, which may be artistically lovely, render the magazine virtually unusable to a significant subset of your subscribers. Please return to more legible type on a white background and start each set of instructions at the top of a page. Thank you.

re: 2009 Winter Knits Preview!

Stacy — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:11:08 GMT

I'm a fairly new knitter and I'm definately knitting for warmth this winter! I'm working on several scarves for Christmas gifts, a baby blanket, some fingerless gloves and some gloves with a mitten top - all for gifts. I've yet to make something for myself, really. I really like reading everyone's comments. It makes me feel like I've got some knitting friends to share things with even if I don't know any of you. I really appreciate all that you all have posted.

Anyway, I'm hoping to make myself a scarf for winter after I finish the gifts. It's beginning to get cold!!! :-)

re: 2009 Winter Knits Preview!

JocelynV — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:30:35 GMT

How nice. Would be even better if I receive my IK Fall 2009 issue before this one comes out. Appalling service by the way, I have pre-paid 2-years of sub and I had to wait over 3 months for my Summer 2009 issue due to back-order. You'd have thought since a paid subscriber I would get a copy alloted just for me. Sorry for the rant but I'm just not happy with the service.

re: 2009 Winter Knits Preview!

JOG — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:36:16 GMT

The Winter Issue is a home run! This is the best in a long time. There are 3 or 4 sweaters that I really love and would like to start today!

re: 2009 Winter Knits Preview!

LindaP@5 — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:44:24 GMT

Well, since I live in Southern California, I don't knit up lots of wool hats and mittens. But I do knit cotton/wool sweaters and scarves and even afghans. I just finished a bamboo/rayon lace prayer shawl for a relative in Phoenix who is going through chemo. Right now, I'm working on a felted bag, a wool sweater to wear when I go to Ohio to visit my daughter! Even those of us who live in warm climates knit all winter!

re: 2009 Winter Knits Preview!

NicoleZ — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:23:44 GMT

Wow,

What a great issue. I especially love the cover sweater. I really need a warmer sweater for the winter. Right now I am doing some Christmas knitting. I finished the Market Basket shawl for my aunt, and am working on a really pretty stole by designer Anne Hanson for my cousin. I am busting out the stash this year for gifts ( my attempt at frugality...or just an excuse to buy more yarn? Not that I need one.)

Well, I can't wait for my issue to arrive. Great job IK.

Happy Knitting,

Nicole

re: 2009 Winter Knits Preview!

pamelasilver — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:54:00 GMT

Just to let you know - I live in Austin, Tx and I am knitting for my daughter in Boulder, Co>

re: 2009 Winter Knits Preview!

JoannaD — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:36:01 GMT

I live in Colorado too! Winters don't always start this early, Eunny. Take heart, next year you might still be knitting with linen and cotton.

I'm knitting matching hats/cowls/and mittens in stranded color work this year and always have several pairs of socks on the go. Did you know cowls are sometimes called 'headovers'? Great name~

I have systemic sclerosis and Raynaud's, so knitting fills several needs for me: needed warmth, keeping my hands limber, color and creativity to ward off the occasional frustration my illness causes me. Besides, a lap full of beautiful knitting is a great icebreaker in hospital waiting rooms!

re: 2009 Winter Knits Preview!

SuzanneL — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:06:52 GMT

What a TEASE! I can't wait for my issue to arrive...I think first will be Nora's Sweater or maybe Alpaca Pleats Jacket or...or...or...you get the idea. I love everything!

re: 2009 Winter Knits Preview!

jessie gill — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:14:18 GMT

Thank you for all great ideas I am receiving in your emails, I have been busy knitting socks socks and more socks from all different yarns and they have all been a great hits with family and friends. It is summer here in Aus 43 degrees today but at least with the socks they don,t keep you any warmer. Not like having an afghan rug or large jumper in the making on your lap.

Cheers J G Adelaide Australia

re: 2009 Winter Knits Preview!

SharonR@2 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:00:19 GMT

Hi Eunny, Colorado snow fall my delay your cuppa if the electricity fails and lines are downed. My wood stove works fine and in such an emergency the tea water heats up faster than you think. I am knitting a huge wrap to cozy up in when the wind blows through every tiny crack in the door.

But its so beautiful here its all worth it.