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May 04, 2007
uh oh
What an ignominious way for Pam Allen to end her tenure as editor of Interweave Knits. My first impression of this issue (Summer 2007), is that the designs are largely uninspriring, the photos are poorly styled, and the knitting isn't even that good.
For example, in the photo of the Smocked Cardigan on page 36, the model is grasping the bottom of the cropped sweater and looking down. One can almost hear her thinking, "Oh crap, this is way to short. Maybe if I tug it down just a little, it won't look so bad." [There is far too much hem touching in this issue in general.] In another photo of the same sweater on page 66 she's thinking, "Why the hell did I put so many buttons on this damn thing?"
I could go on, but I won't.
Lest my comments only be negative, the Syncopated Caps look fun and Oriel Lace Blouse is nice.
In my opinion, Knits has been far and away the best knitting magazine since Knitter's sank into its current morass. I hope Eunny steadies the course when she takes helm next issue. Besides, it will be Fall; that has to help.
06:30 PM | Permalink
Comments
My favorite is the incredibly obvious pills on the Veronika Avery socks. I love the socks, but my god - couldn't they pull off the pills before they took the picture? Or at least airbrushed them out? Photoshop 101.
Posted by: Cara at May 4, 2007 7:39:09 PM
I totally agree with you about IK. I just got my copy and there are some ok things, but ho hum. The magazine looks kind of cheap too. I have high hopes for Eunny's vision with the magazine.
Posted by: Allegra at May 4, 2007 10:32:33 PM
I barely skimmed this issue. So disappointing. And you're right, way too much hem touching!
Posted by: Lynn at May 5, 2007 7:09:21 AM
My thoughts exactly. The fact that it's a summer issue magnifies all the problems tenfold, of course; I'm willing to cut them a little slack on that account. But aside from Kate's hats and the Kathy Z. cabled set, there was not one thing in this issue that I would wear, or inflict on any of my loved ones.
Luckily, I think Eunny will put a firm end to wraparound skirts that are so lacy they must be worn on top of jeans.
Posted by: Beth S. at May 5, 2007 7:25:06 AM
(Okay, except maybe the little lace bag; I might knit that as a gift.)
Posted by: Beth S. at May 5, 2007 7:26:39 AM
No fair...My issue hasn't arrived yet...I had to look at the pics on the IK site...Summer issues are usually pretty bad in my mind anyway...Ditto likeing Kate's hats and I thought it refreshing to see something like that in a summer issue! I don't like the new layout that they presented us with last issue...ick. Eunny has her work cut out for her!
Posted by: Neuroknitter at May 5, 2007 1:45:13 PM
I was really disappointed, too. I didn't notice the poor knitting/photo styling, though... I was too busy being bummed almost every time I turned the page to see item after item I would never want to knit.
I did like the Oriel lace blouse, and the spiral socks are fun. I could maybe see doing the tank with the lace shoulders... I think it would look alright over top of shirt... but I think that was it.
I'm also with Neuroknitter... the new layout is awful. I do hope Eunny puts an end to that as well as picking out more inspiring designs.
Posted by: Leisel at May 7, 2007 1:06:25 AM
I also hate the new layout.
The old layout worked; why did they change it? Why do companies change anything that works well?
I just generally am disappointed by summer issues. What I don't understand is - for people like me, at least (who have lives outside of knitting) it can take months (even as many as 6) to knit a sweater...so why NOT include fall-wearable patterns in a summer issue, so we can get a start on them?
And I agree with the "lacy wrap skirts that you have to wear over jeans" thing. As if I need more layers on my hips...
Posted by: fillyjonk at May 7, 2007 10:41:05 AM
Why is Interweave Knits flying in the face of everything that made that magazine unique? I hate the new layout, especially because I have to choose. If I want to look at a decent sized photo of a garment that's one page, but if I want details on sizing, pattern notes, or anything technical, I've got to flip through 40 pages hunting for the correct pattern. I'm so disappointed with the way things are going that I've decided not to renew my subscription and just buy it from the store when the issues actually appeal to me.
Posted by: ninaclock at May 8, 2007 6:21:14 AM
Well, I am still open-mouthed at the spring issue's
Knit Bra and that Thong! huh? Wondering what my daughters-in-law would think of me if I made them for Christmas? Would, like, some of my hand-spun silk and wool be comfy and warm? I can just see me knitting those during a board of directors meeting!
Posted by: Anne at May 9, 2007 5:40:40 PM
I'm with Cara, I couldn't believe the pills on the socks!
Posted by: Sherri at May 12, 2007 9:36:03 PM
I totally agree! I was VERY disappointed by the patterns in the new IK. Hopefully the new editor will do a much better job!
Posted by: Maddie at May 15, 2007 6:15:16 AM
Totally agree. The worst of the worst: the meeting of the drop shoulder and sleeve on that hand-in-hand cable sweater is so horribly poor and unflattering.
Posted by: Helen at May 16, 2007 7:02:19 AM
I havent bought a copy of IK in years. Ive found the patterns to be too "design-y" and save for the odd sock pattern, I havent wanted to make any of the patterns.
Ive been a reader of Eunny's for a while now, and am anxious to see what changes she brings to the magazine.
Posted by: kelly at May 16, 2007 12:28:50 PM
You mean you have your copy? It is May 24 and I am still waiting for my copy of the magazine to arrive.
Posted by: Valerie at May 24, 2007 2:11:54 PM
It definitely could've been better. I thought it was just me! I think the layout doesn't work too well, either.
Posted by: domesticshorthair at Jun 1, 2007 3:38:35 PM
