Love of Knitting Winter 2013 Review: Cozy Patterns Worth Casting On

I may be old-fashioned, but I love real magazines and books. I was super excited to get a copy of the Winter 2013 issue of Love of Knitting. The magazine retails for $6.99, which to me is an excellent price compared to other magazines in its category.

Just looking at the cover, I am already pulled in by the “Creative Cables learn-how circle” in the bottom right corner. I am new to knitting and really want to learn cables. I also love that the cover is not overly busy. When I am shopping, I usually have only a few seconds to scan the magazines, grab one, and get out of the aisle before my boys have books and magazines everywhere. Clean and to the point is exactly what I look for.

Out of the 24 patterns in this issue, there are 13 cozy knits I want to make. That works out to about 58 cents per pattern, which is an incredible deal.

Here is my breakdown of the magazine.

Mitts and Gloves
There are two patterns, the Spiced Nutmeg Mitts and the Crimson Cashmere Mitts. There is also a web bonus of felted gloves available on the Love of Knitting website. I love the Nutmeg set. The fingerless mitts have a lovely double-lace detail that even a beginner like me can handle. They use DK weight yarn and are rated at a skill level 3. I also like how the matching hat uses the same pattern only in the ribbed section, which keeps it from feeling overworked. The Crimson Cashmere Mitts are beautiful as well, worked in a lightweight yarn that would keep hands warm without overheating.

Hats
There are three hats: the Spiced Nutmeg Hat, the On the Slopes Hat, and the Mystical Twist Hat. I love all three. The Nutmeg Hat is simple but elegant and would be a fast knit. The On the Slopes Hat uses a pom-pom, which is a huge trend right now. The Mystical Twist Hat is my favorite. It would work for all genders and ages, and the cables make it a great beginner cable project. It is designed by Nathalie O'Shea and uses worsted-weight yarn with an easy skill level.

Sweaters
There are nine sweater patterns in this issue, plus a web bonus Heathered Plum Sweater on the Love of Knitting website. The sweaters included are the Canberra Cabled Sweater for men, the Celtic Isle Sweater for women, the Aberdeen Sweater for women, the Santa Fe Sunset Sweater for women, the Nottingham Sweater for men by Marly Bird, the Basic Bolero for women, the Vera Sweater for women, the Mocha Delight for women, and the Little Bear sweater for babies.

I was blown away by this lineup. I especially love the Celtic Isle, Aberdeen, Basic Bolero, and Mocha Delight. I have never made a sweater before, and most of these fall into skill levels 2 to 3, which makes them feel achievable. I loved the Basic Bolero so much that I bought yarn for it three days after getting the magazine. Since my local stores do not carry the suggested yarn, I chose Berroco Vintage in the Neptune colorway. I plan to knit the XL size, which calls for six skeins, but I bought seven just in case.

Socks
There are two sock patterns, the Twisted Pines Socks and the Cactus Blossom Socks. I have officially been bitten by the sock bug, and I am completely in love with the Twisted Pines Socks. They are the kind of socks that make you want to buy new shoes, so they are not hidden. They are designed by Phyll Lagerman and also call for Kollage yarns. The Cactus Blossom Socks are lovely too, but feel more like cozy house socks. They are knit in worsted-weight yarn and would make great gifts for my mom and grandmother.

Cowls
There are two cowls in this issue: the Crimson Cashmere Cowl and the Cat’s Paw Cowl. I love cowls. They are warm, easy to wear, and do not get caught in car doors like scarves sometimes do. The Crimson Cashmere Cowl is worked with a luxurious blend of cashmere, possum, and silk from Yarn Sisters and uses cables to create a piece that could easily be dressed up or down.

Scarf
There is one scarf in the magazine, the Orange Marmalade Scarf. It may be the last pattern in the issue, but it is definitely not an afterthought. It uses Rowan Kidsilk Haze and Lion Brand LB Collection Wool Stainless Steel. Yes, stainless steel. I find that fascinating. The scarf looks fluffy, cozy, and textured, and would be an engaging knit without being overwhelming.

Love of Knitting really did an excellent job with this issue. I am impressed with every section, which is rare for me. Many magazines only have one or two patterns I would actually make, but this one is different. I highly recommend picking it up before it disappears.

If you already have this issue, I want to know. What is your favorite pattern, and have you cast on yet? Thanks for reading, and happy yarning

Love of Knitting really did an excellent job pulling these together. I am really impressed with each pattern,n which is not common for me. There have been many magazines I have seen that only have one or two patterns that I would make from them, but not this one. You should really check out the patterns and grab the magazines before it is gone...

If you have already grabbed this magazine up I want to know! What is your favorite pattern and if you have CO on yet!
Thanks for Reading and Happy Yarning!