There have been a few new online knitting magazines that have popped up in the past month or so. I am sure you have seen most of them, but I found a new one today. It doesn't go live until September 1, but the preview is now up.
Popknits: Vintage Knitting Redeux (description from their Web site) - "Over the past few years, knitting vintage items has become popular again. Whether the item is a revamped sweater from the pages of Vogue Knitting 1955 or a new take on doily patterns as shawls, vintage knitting is taking a modern turn. Inspired by the thrift store finds sitting on our bookshelves, Popknits challenges you to take a new look at all things that have come before."
I am sure by now everyone knows about Twist Collective and Knotions. I read through some forums on Ravelry, and heard a little grumbling about the fact that Twist Collective charges for the patterns. I mean come on people, other designers sell their patterns online, so why is it such a big deal that a few designers got together on a site, structured some articles around their patterns, and called themselves a "magazine"? When did the term "magazine" (as in online publication) translate into "free for you and me". I would gladly pay for any of those patterns, and having purchased patterns from many of those designers in the past, I am pretty sure they are exceptionally well-written. It kind of burns me up to think that knitters would actually complain about having to pay for someone's very hard work. Don't come down on people who are trying to make a living doing something they love. We all should be so lucky.
I agree wholeheartedly. I think many people ignore/are ignorant of the amount of work that goes into creating, writing, sizing, editing etc... a pattern.
I love the Twist Collective mag. I think it's a great idea to get wonderful patterns and talented designers together and sell these patterns. Just makes it easier for me to find them!
Posted by: Teresa | August 19, 2008 at 11:56 AM
"It kind of burns me up to think that knitters would actually complain about having to pay for someone's very hard work. "
The gimme-gimme-gimme-ness drives me batty, too. I can't even imagine the amount of work that went into some of these patterns, and I would NEVER presume to expect that for free.
Posted by: Katinka | August 18, 2008 at 11:10 PM