If you're like me, you buy knitting magazines, stick them on your bookshelf, and then maybe knit one or two patterns from the issue--if even that. I've realized over time that my yarny dollars typically do me more good when I'm buying individual patterns, rather than spending more money on a book or magazine.
I couldn't help noticing how many patterns in the latest issue of VK were incredibly similar to patterns I'd seen on Ravelry from indie designers. What if we all took the money we normally spent on a knitting magazine, and just splurge on that one special pattern instead? Less clutter, and more support for the indie scene! (Disclaimer: I do still love knitting magazines, and will probably still buy them! But this post was too fun not to do!) So, I've picked out a couple eye-catching patterns from the 2011 Early Fall edition, and paired them up with their doppelgangers from around the web! Here's hoping you lovelies enjoy!
Into The Woods
VK version: #5 Zippered Cape, Mari Lynn Patrick
Notes: I love cables for cold weather, but the poncho-like shape puts me off a little. The zipper seems like extra effort for very little purpose, and the lace just seems chilly!
Indie version: Woodland Hoodlet, Tiny Owl Knits, $5.50.
Notes: The cables get bigger and better on this fanciful cape, and all the little details are just perfect. You could play up the fairy tale element with a tiered maxi dress, big earrings, and ballerina flats, or go dressy with a black top, a-line skirt, sheer tights, and heeled booties. Yummy.
Easy Knits, Easy Fits
VK version: #16 Boucle Vest, Lori Steinberg
Notes: These draped vests are simply everywhere, and I love the style. However, that yarn has got to go. That color, that texture, that unflatteringly bulky yarn? No, thank you.
Indie version: Shawl Collar Vest, Susan Shildmyer, $8.00
Notes: DK weight yarn means a lovely, clingy drape that adds a fashionable layer without being chunky. The way those edges ripple is fabulous! Think jeans, heels, and a top with an ultra-feminine print...
Inversion Theory
VK version: #18 Cable Rib Jacket, Vladmir Teriokhin
Notes: The construction is clever, and the diagonal ribbing would be a lot of fun to knit--but the overall impression is a little awkward, especially those sleeves.
Indie version: Oblique, Veronik Avery, Free
Notes: I adore Veronik Avery, and this cardigan has a similar diagonal stitch pattern and ribbed bands. However, it's so much more wearable, but still stylish! Perfect layering piece for fall.
Knit Construction
VK version: #31 Relaxed Cardigan, Mari Lynn Patrick
Notes: I really loved this when I saw the magazine photo. The fronts are just so deliciously dramatic. However, the VK360 photos with it closed were disappointing--it turned into an ordinary, shapeless cardi.
Indie version: Heroine, Jennifer Lippmann-Bruno, $7.00
Notes: Same vibe, but way more structured! Make this one oversized, and the same length as the VK version, and throw it over a tunic, wool tights, and leg warmers. It's cute open and closed, and it's felted--so you'll have a warmer, sturdier coat!
Notes: Same vibe, but way more structured! Make this one oversized, and the same length as the VK version, and throw it over a tunic, wool tights, and leg warmers. It's cute open and closed, and it's felted--so you'll have a warmer, sturdier coat!
Err, you do realize, I hope, that many of the designers Vogue hires ARE indie designers? Many of whom also self-publish on Ravelry and elsewhere? There's not really a divide, there. Even the ones that restrict themselves to print work are still usually contracters, businesses-of-one. Tiny Owl's got a few patterns in a British magazine, Susan Shildmyer does lots of work for magazines and major yarn companies, as does Veronik Avery (with the addition of a ton of books). You might also want to be careful with words like "doppelgangers" and "incredibly similar" if you're not actually trying to accuse the Vogue designers of ripping people off, because that is how it comes off.
ReplyDeleteYsolda has a great blog post about why self-published patterns vs. publications such as Vogue Knitting, and it also links to another good post. They both explain the issue better than I can. Hers is here: http://ysolda.com/2009/02/06/standing-together/
ReplyDeleteI don't feel the need to boycott knitting magazines, but I do believe it's important to support other aspects, like self-publishing, as well!
Also, I'm definitely not accusing ANY designers of ripping off someone else--and I'm incredibly sorry if it came off that way! Obviously, none of these patterns shown are identical by any definition, just similarly styled! Every one of the designers mentioned deserve full props for their hard work, and each pattern is beautiful!
I was just showcasing creative alternatives for people who might prefer individual patterns. I know that I personally love having PDFs for their convenience alone.
Knitting mags are great for their overall presentation and themes, but I do prefer hand-picking the patterns that I'm going to buy and having single PDFs by designers. Too often I find myself buying a magazine only to want one pattern, or two at the most. Still, I sometimes wish single patterns didn't cost as much as a whole magazine. But then again, what's the difference, right? I still get the pattern that I want to knit!
ReplyDelete