Summer 2011 Knitting Magazines

Once again, I took a trip to Barnes & Noble to look through all the latest knitting magazines. I think I'll make this a seasonal thing, 4 times a year.

This time, I ended up with a stack of FIFTEEN magazines! Wow! Barnes and Noble sure does have a nice selection of knitting mags. :)



After gathering together all these magazines, I went to the Starbucks counter and ordered a Venti Nonfat Mocha, so I could relax while perusing the knitting patterns. I finished my beverage LONG before I finished my work, though.

Of course, with so many magazines, you KNOW that I found a lot of plus-size knitting patterns. In fact, there were so many pretty new patterns that I was wishing I had enough money to buy all the magazines and take them home! But, I had to live within my budget, only buying one of them. (Knitter's Magazine 102, Spring 2011) Ravelry Link I couldn't pass this one up, because it was PACKED with gorgeous designs.

There was one knitting pattern that stood far above the rest, so it deserves special recognition.
The "Banstead Pullover"
in Interweave Knits (Summer 2011)

That design earns the Summer 2011
BEST PLUS SIZE KNITTING PATTERN
(in a magazine), because it includes directions up to a 66" chest!!

WOO HOO!! Now, we're talkin!

FINALLY, a nice knitting pattern for plus size women that LOOKS GOOD on our frame.
NICE WORK, INTERWEAVE KNITS!! :)

So, let's get started with the rest of my report. I'll begin with the Knitter's Magazine issue I purchased, since I just ADORE their patterns this time.  (Yes, I wear size 2X - 3X)

Knitter's Magazine K102 - Spring 2011

My favorite pattern is "Shells & String" - a lovely dress/tunic, that goes up to size 2X. I'm really wanting to make this, to wear over leggings with sandals.


The next pattern I want to make is "Asterisk" - a sweet top, with asterisk embroidery details - This one also goes up to size 2X


"Weathered Sandstone" also looks nice - again, goes up to size 2X


There are many more plus-size patterns in this issue, so here goes:

"Triangle Windows" vest - up to size 2X


"Jungle Breeze" - up to size 2X


"Blended Stripes" - up to size 2X


"Nautical Notes" - up to size 2X


"Beaded Blue" - up to size 2X


"Angles in Lime" - up to size 2X


"Redrocks" - up to size 2X


There were some other patterns that also went to size 2X, but my photos didn't turn out well enough to blog them. They are "Nefer TeeTee", "Arches", and "Boyfriend Blues". I was pleased to also find a size 3X pattern! - "Basketweave Blue".

This issue of "Knitter's" also had some patterns that went up to size 1X, so I'll post them here:

"Tuxedo Stripes"


"Tuscany"


"Beachcomber"


"Sonoma"




"Kiwi Squares"


"Ribs & Waves"


Can you see why I bought that magazine? So many plus-size patterns! I really like Knitter's magazine, because their patterns are easy to follow. In fact, I used one of their patterns to make my very first sweater in 2006!


Okay, enough plugging for that magazine. Let's move onto the REST of the mags in the stack. If you want to stick around and read the whole article, you'd better go make your favorite beverage or snack. This is gonna take a while. :D

In fact, I think I'll go make my breakfast real quick. Be right back!
(insert elevator music here)

I know....you're wondering what I'm having for breakfast. Bacon, Eggs, Potato Rolls, Coffee, Orange Juice. I'm a good eater! Which makes me plus-sized. But, at least I'm happy! :)


Okay, enough about food. Back to knitting!

My next favorite issue this trip is "Vogue Knitting" Early Fall 2011.
This is SUPPOSED to be a report on SUMMER knitting magazines, but HEY, the magazine was THERE....ON THE SHELF! So, I'm gonna report on it. ;)

Take a look at this first beautiful design, and you'll know why I included it. Modestly titled, "Boatneck Top", it is sized up to 2X. I think it should be called "Waves of Heaven" or something. GORGEOUS!


The "Tapered Pullover" looks comfy, and I bet it's easy to knit. Goes to size 2X


And here are the rest of the plus-size patterns in Vogue Knitting:

"Boucle Vest" - up to size 3X


"Cable Rib Jacket" - up to 54"


"Cabled Poncho" - up to size 2X


"Striped Tunic" - up to size 2X


"Long Vest" - up to size 2X


A couple more patterns were plus-size too, but again, my photos didn't turn out well. They were "Scoop Neck Top" and "Drop Shoulder Top" - both go up to size 3X. This issue also contains some capelet patterns - most of them include plus-size instructions.

Okay, let's get back to Summer again, with the "Knitting Today!" June/July 2011 issue. I found two patterns that go to up size 3X, so here they are:

"Beachy Coverup"


"Boatneck Sweater"


Next up is "For the Love of Knitting" Summer 2011, which has 4 patterns that go up to size 2X:

"Gypsy Lee Cardigan"


"Riana Pullover"


"Grape V-neck Cardigan"


"Zig Zag Pullover"


Creative Knitting - July 2011 has 9 plus-size patterns this time:

"White Caps Cardigan" goes up to size 4X!


"Ruffles & Ripples" is LOVELY, and goes up to size 3X. :)


The rest of the plus-size patterns in Creative Knitting go up to size 2X:

"Deep Sea Blues"


"Crosscurrents Tank"


"Corio Bay Tunic"


"Coast to Coast Top"


"Pebble Beach"


"Coral Seas"


"Breezy Shores"


Now, on to "Knit 'n Style" August 2011

Only one pattern went up to size 3X: "The Unisex Tapestry Yoke Sweater"


The rest go up to size 2X

"Patchwork Coat"


"Fraulein Zipper Vest"


"Simple Cardi"


"Chevron Lace Pullover"


"Winter Primrose"


"Asymmetrical Pullover"


My photo didn't turn out well for the "Mushishi Textured Wrap".

There is ONE design for plus-size men, but it only goes to size 2X:
"Argyle & Cable Pullover"


Time for the cool "Knitscene" Summer 2011!

The largest sized design this time (up to 57") is the "Rayleigh Tee", a sailor top that is so cute!


The "Genesee Cardi" goes to 54"


The "Mountour Falls Cardi" goes to 52 1/2"


"Radian Yoke Pullover" goes to 52 1/4"


"Seneca Shrug" goes to 51 1/2"


"Windsor Cardi" goes to 51 1/4"


Time for Interweave Knits! The Summer 2011 issue has several nice plus-size patterns, including the "Banstead Pullover" which goes up to 66"!


The "Mission Cardi" goes up to 55 1/2"


"Pebble & Reed Tunic" goes to 52"


The "Swirl Skirt" fits up to size 52" hips


"Adriatic Cardigan" goes to 51 3/4"


"Torch Lily Tee" up to 51 3/4"


"Coral Cardigan" up to 51"


"Greenhouse Tank" up to 51"


"Dockside Cardi" up to 50"


"Nantucket Vest" up to 50"


The "Camp Smock" will stretch to 50"


And speaking of Interweave Knits, here are the plus-size patterns I found in the latest Interweave Knits Weekend 2011.

I just love the "Peashoot Pullover", which goes to 57 3/4"


Plus-sized men get TWO patterns in this issue. "His Favorite Crewneck" which goes to 57 3/4". (Is it your favorite?)


and "Veddy Vest" which goes to 54"


The "Spoked Cardigan" goes to 54 1/4"


"Jasper Skirt" fits hips up to 54"


"Riot Yoke Pullover" goes to 51 3/4"



This time, I have some plus-sized patterns from across the pond as well.

Knitting June 2011 #90 (UK)

"Hellebore" is a pretty, patterned shrug that goes up to 50"


"Arabella" goes to 54", but my photo didn't turn out.

And "Eddy" is a basic cardigan that goes up to 50"

(I think you guys should wear the "Eddy" cardigan over the "Veddy Vest", so you could call it your "Eddy Veddy Set". Ha!)

Knit Magazine #37 (UK)

"Drop Stitch Sweater" goes to 53"


"Stephanie Tee" goes to 52"


"Sunshine Top" up to 50"


"Cameo Tank" up to 50"


"Kelly Tee" up to 50"


"Silhouette Sweater" up to XXL


And that is the end of my report!
WHEW! What a lot of plus-sized patterns this time! :D

And now, it's time for me to take a LONG nap. See you all next time!