Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Magazine Review: I Like Knitting Magazine, December 2016



Santa came early! The December issue of I Like Knitting Magazine is now available for download or viewing. When the weather outside turns frightful, stay cozy with comfy scarves, sweaters, and hats that will keep you toastier than a mug of hot cocoa! Start creating holiday cheer when you receive this bi-monthly magazine on your iPad or Desktop.


     · 25+ merry& bright winter projects

     · Festive ideas for handmade holiday gifts
     · Expert articles & tips to banish cabin fever
     · Exclusive patterns for your winter wardrobe



It's the most wonderful time of the year with 25+ new Merry + Bright patterns! The chill air is no match for the knit pieces in the December issue of I Like Knitting. From quick knits for quick gifts like the Snow What Fun Cowl to the ultra-cozy Arctic Cardigan, these patterns will keep you busy all season long.





What I love about this magazine is that every issue has tutorials and tips. I enjoy the teaching elements that are provided so that you are not just getting patterns, which are totally fun, but there is some new techniques to learn.


In this issue is a fun pillow pattern with a photo tutorial along with a vest and hat KAL for the little ones in your life.
 


What I love also is that the issue is broken up into sections that makes it super easy to navigate and find just what you want to knit when you want.


In the section One Big Cozy Family:
Adirondack Mountain Socks

Aren't You Plaid it's Christmas Set
Isn't just the cutest! How adorable would your holiday family photos look with the littles dressed alike in the set

Winter Garden Gate Throw

Cute Couple Sweaters
With this sweater, you don't have to steal his. You can make one for your guy and one for yourself as well.


In the section Merry + Bright:
Frozen Roses Socks
These socks are easier than they seem to make and looks so cozy. The lacey pattern add a bit of detail with bobbles that are fun to make.

Olive Clutch

Feather Gray Boot Toppers
These boot toppers are super cute and super fast to make.

 Blue Spruce Mug Cozy

Coffee Break Hat

Patches Make Perfect Ornaments

Snow What Fun Cowl

Norwegian Snowflake Stocking


This section is so beautiful and so well curated. Each piece is has a special element that just takes the design up a notch, from the lace detail on the Chai Latte Pullover to the zipper detail on the Cozy Vintage Dress.

Arctic Cardigan

Iceberg Cardigan

Let it Snow Shawl

Snowdrop Shawl

Chai Latte Pullover

White Hot Chocolate Coat

Eggnog Stole

Cozy Vintage Dress

Auroral Scarf

Aurora Boreale Infinity Scarf

Dancing Lights Shawl & Scarf



In the section Into The Woods:
If you want cute, this section has it in spades. There is something for the little ones in your life from a fun top with hearts on it's paws or a fun hat to keep the chill out. These piece are small and fast to make. You can whip one, or two in no time.

Woodland Fox

Woodland Bunny

Gray Wolf Cardigan

Frozen Cables Hat
Chickadee Sweater

Bluebird Sweater

Silver Meadow Beanie


So, I am curious. What is your favorite design from this issue? Is it one of the sweaters or one of those super adorable kid's project? Leave a comment below and let me know.


All photos used are from I Like Knitting Magazine.
This blog post contains affiliated links which means that any purchase you make using the links will result in a small commission to me at no extra cost to you. So, thank you for supporting the businesses that support this blog The Weekly Yarn (a weekly newsletter for knitters, crocheters, designers)



Until next time... Stitch On!
Tian


"A rising tide lifts all boats"





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Magazine Review: I Like Crochet Magazine, December 2016

I Like Crochet, Dec 2016
Santa came early! The December issue of I Like Crochet Magazine is now available for download or viewing. When the weather outside turns frightful, stay cozy with comfy scarves, sweaters, and hats that will keep you toastier than a mug of hot cocoa! Start creating holiday cheer when you receive this bi-monthly magazine on your iPad or Desktop.
· 26+ warm & wonderful winter projects
· Festive ideas for handmade holiday gifts
· Expert articles & tips to banish cabin fever
· Exclusive patterns for your winter wardrobe

Deck the halls this holiday season with this beautifully curated collection of crochet patterns for the home and everyone in your family. Each I Like Crochet Magazine, December 2016 issue is chock-full of tips and tutorials, in addition to stunning designs. In this issue, Stitch School features a step-by-step photo tutorial on the Star Stitch. Farther in the issue is a tutorial by Marie Segares on How to Finger Crochet. If this is something you have been interested in trying, this is a really good resource.

And now for the main event, the patterns. The thing I like most about this magazine is the complexity of patterns. The patterns ranging from beginner and easy all the way up to advance, so there is something for everyone regardless of your skill level with patterns that are quick to work up and those to aspire to. Also, with a issue so close to the Christmas, I was thrilled to see that there was just a few holiday specific items with the vast majority focused on great designs for the whole winter season. But if you are in the mood to crochet up some projects to give as gifts, there are many here that will fit the bill as a gift-y item.
Overall, this issue is a homerun. The projects are diverse in design and complexity. The photography is clear and really show off the designs. The model look like real people and not overly made-up and in weird poses. The focus is where it belong, on the design.








Up North Star Stitch Cap by Janaya Chouinard
Cute hat. It sits well on the model's head and has a great stitch pattern.










Juniper Hooded Scarf by Kristen TenDyke
Interesting construction and a fun cable.








Lace Gradient Cowl by Tian Connaughton
Good color combination and interesting stitch pattern that looks great as the colors transition.













Need for Tweed Cowl by Jennifer Dickerson
Simple stitches that makes a big impact.











Mulled Wine Tunisian Scarf by Tanya Eberhardt
A great beginner Tunisian project.












Boysenberry Dipped Set by Tanya Eberhardt
Simple stitch pattern that combines color blocking for a stunning effect.










Sugar Plum Hat & Cowl by Amy Gunderson

The cables and textures with the color of this set makes it the perfect addition to any wardrobe this winter.










Cabin Fun Wristers by Janaya Chouinard

Lovely with an interesting thumb shaping.







Toes-ty Slippers by Kristi Simpson

Give crochet socks a try with these. They are worked top down with a heel flap.










Green Tea Poncho by Amy Gunderson

Crochet Cables! Love it.







Chai Tea Latte Poncho by Olivia Kent

Buttons on a poncho? Yes, please! You can wear this a bunch of different ways.







Wondermint Shawl by Kristi Simpson

A delicate piece that is super easy to make.









Morning Glory Sweater by Tian Connaughton

This is different and fresh. The construction will keep you intrigued.














Polar Periwinkle Pullover by Amanda Saladin

This pullover looks so cozy. A must-have!











Midnight Cardigan by Kristen TenDyke 

This cardigan has fun stitch pattern that adds a lot of texture.








Amethyst Lace Cardigan by Amy Gunderson
A fun cardi with lots of details. You won't get bored.









Christmas Tradition Ornament by Amy Gunderson

Just in time for your holiday gatherings. This classic addition can be for the little guys in your life or make and add to your gift.








 

Polar Bear Kisses Set by Amy Gunderson

How sweet is this duo. Make the bear with scarf and a matching scarf for your little one.







Penguin Pals Hoodie by Amanda Saladin

How about these guys? The pocket is the perfect spot to hide your little buddy.











Winter Wisteria Booties by Olivia Kent
These booties are so cute and a great way to practice crochet cables on a small piece.










Winter Wonderland Ankle Booties by Olivia Kent

Another cute bootie. Can't go wrong.









But First, Coffee Cozy by Janaya Chouinard

Another quick project. You can make a bunch to give to those in your life you wanna give a little something but don't want to spend a lot of money and time on, like your mail person or your kids' school bus driver.








Crochet Never Melts Pillow by Kristi Simpson

This is absolutely adorable.











Happy Hibernation Afghan by Michele Maks


A fun blanket using mandala squares.












Snowplace Like Home Chevron Blanket by Tanya Eberhardt

Chevrons never goes out of style.











There are a few patterns on my short list to make. So, I am curious. What is your favorite design from this issue? Is it one of the sweaters or one of those super adorable kid's project? Leave a comment below and let me know.


All photos used are from I Like Crochet Magazine.
This blog post contains affiliated links which means that any purchase you make using the links will result in a small commission to me at no extra cost to you. So, thank you for supporting the businesses that support this blog The Weekly Yarn (a weekly newsletter for knitters, crocheters, designers)



Until next time... Stitch On!
Tian


"A rising tide lifts all boats"







Want a 20% OFF COUPON to my Ravelry Shop 

and subscriber-exclusives?  


Subscribe to

{The Weekly Yarn} from KnitDesigns by Tian



* indicates required





I am interested in Crochet and Knit...
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