Dorret Conway

Kate Taylor has just announced that she is leaving Knitting Magazine (GMC Publications) after 6 and a half years at the helm and 43 issues. An era that has seen the magazine go from bi-monthly to monthly issues, increased sales and from being the only UK magazine dedicated to hand knitters, and having to cope with the introduction of 2 new magazines aimed at knitting enthusiasts as a result of the growth in interest in this market.

Simply Knitting (Futurenet) launched in 2005 is contemporary and modern, clearly aimed at the growing number of younger knitters in the market. Since their launch, Simply Knitting have put the squeeze on Knitting Magazine who were still focused on the traditional market that they have been serving well for years - since their transition from Machine Knitting. With an updated look and free gifts with each issue of Knitting, is there much to choose between these two mags now?

Knit Today entered the market in 2006. Another contemporary publication focusing on the growing number of younger knitters with a modern approach to this craft which for the first time in its long history can now be clearly described as a hobby.

Now Aceville are joining the race with the imminent launch of Let’s Knit in October 2007 which makes 1 new launch a year for the last 3 years. Promising to fill the content gap left by the other magazines and a free “valuable” gift with each issue, things are hotting up.

I am keen to see what they have to offer as this publishing house has cornered the market in crafts publications. Crafts Beautiful, Craft Business, Quick & Crafty and Let’s Make Cards are all titles in the Aceville stable that Let’s Knit will be joining. The visual style and layout of their magazines set them apart from any of the existing knitting or other magazines on the shelf. They seem to be well in touch with their markets and their customers. They have proved to be forward thinking in their use of the technology to support their products - they are the only company who have published good quality instructional videos on You Tube - and they do give good quality gifts with their magazine because let’s face it, some of the stuff Simply Knitting have been giving away is a bit of an insult.

I have worked with the editors from all of these magazines except Knit Today and am keen to see what the editor of Let’s Knit has to offer. Look out for my review in October and let me know what you think.