Yarn Forward Summer '09 Issue

Yarn Forward Summer '09 Issue #15

I love knitting magazines! I find them very inspiring. Blame it on the California triple digit heat, I just don't seem to be knitting as much this summer. Since I am not knitting as much, knitting magazines are my fix for beautiful knits.

I recently picked up my first copy of the British knitting magazine called Yarn Forward. I saw a summer shawl on Ysolda Teague's blog that is in the summer issue of Yarn Forward. I fell in love with her shawl and knew I had to find the magazine!

Lucky for me I found it. Here's a little peak inside:

Sophia by Anniken Allis

I love lace knitting patterns in Rowan's Kidsilk Haze. I have a lot of Kidsilk Haze in my stash that I seem to be nervous about knitting. Okay I admit it, I am a bit timid when it comes to lace knitting in Kidsilk Haze. Aren't you?

I do think I am ready though to conquer my fear of lace knitting. I would love to try this Sophia shawl but I just read it is for the advanced knitter. Hmmm...am I ready or will this have to go in my Ravely que along with all my other Kidsilk Haze patterns?

Scroll Lace by Ysolda Teague

Well, here's the reason I bought the magzine! I love Scottish designer Ysolda Teague's designs. (I love her Liesl!) I have been trying to find her book Whimsical Little Knits to no avail. When I saw her lovely Scroll Lace Shawl on her blog I knew I had to find the Yarn Forward magazine for the pattern.

Yarn Forward classifies this pattern as advanced difficulty as well. Perhaps I need to sign up for some lace knitting classes? I really do want to knit this shawl. I also love the fact that the magazine lists alternative yarns for the pattern. Louisa Harding's Kashmir Aran can be a substitute yarn. We all know how much I love Louisa's yarns so I will probably knit mine up in a Louisa Harding yarn!

Zelda by Joan-McGowan-Michael

Yarn Forward is not just filled with British knitwear designs. Check out this flirty and feminine 1940's inspired sweater by US designer Joan McGowan-Michael called Zelda. Zelda is knit in Cascade Cotton Rich DK. The magazine list the pattern as intermediate and since Joan is a US designer, it is knit in the round!

Designers Joan McGowan-Michael & Lorna Miser

Speaking of designer Joan McGowan-Michael, I had the pleasure of meeting her in person last week. Joan also resides in the Sacramento region and made a guest appearance at my knitting guild's meeting last week.

Joan and her label White Lies Designs is known for her pretty romantic knits. It was a real pleasure to meet Joan in person and tell her how much I adore her Zelda sweater! Congratulations Joan on Zelda being the "cover girl" on Yarn Forward's summer issue!

If you're a lucky knitter, you might still be able to find this summer issue at your local Barnes & Noble. Currently it seems that they are the only US retailer. You can also check out the magazine's blog for more inspiration.

As always, I would love to hear thoughts and comments about the magazine from my fellow knitters!