If you want to keep your favorite magazine in business, get a subscription.  Advertisers purchase magazine space based on the number of subscribers to a magazine, not the number of sales at stores.

It is a given that how-to magazines include instructions and illustrations, for this reason, this information is not included in my reviews.  Some magazines change their content over time, for the better or the worse.  When I see a change in magazine format, I write new reviews to reflect these changes.  I receive some subscriptions on a regular basis and my reviews of those magazines are more comprehensive than those I review based on one issue.     

General

What I like about American Style is the warmth each issue exudes, welcoming you in to meet new artists and see their work and studios, read about upcoming events and page after page of artwork in full color. Reading American Style is like traveling the country to see great artworks and all from your beady chair at home.  Every page includes information about travel, crafts, art and interior design.  Glass artwork has become a regular subject of each issue, as well as beadwork artists.  When you are finished working on projects, AmericanStyle is the magazine to cozy up with for the evening.  When you are on a trip, AmericanStyle is perfect for a leisure read and feast of artwork.   Don't miss a single issue. 

A magazine produced by the American Crafts Council, offers lavish photography of diverse artwork, sometimes including beadwork.   Each issue includes articles about artists and their work plus a listing of gallery events across the USA.  The ACC Shows across the USA are sponsored by this organization and are always listed in the calendar and subscription/membership includes free admittance to these events.

HOW-TO You will find easy, fast craft projects in Crafts Magazine for both home decor and fun items for your children to make.  

HOW-TO Great American Crafts encompasses handcrafts of every type, to create gifts, interior decorations, children's toys and many other items.  The projects are fast,  easy to make with simple materials and tools. 

Ornament Magazine was one of the first to celebrate ornamental wear in a regular publication.   Ornament is full of beautiful photography, highlights of classy and elegant artwork; ancient, contemporary and ethnographic, specializing in the fiber and bead arts as ornamental wear for every occasion including theater and drama.  Collectors, as well as bead and fiber artists, love this publication.  This is not a how to magazine but rather a delectable read of visual delights.

PARTIAL HOW-TO  Stamps are just the beginning with this magazine.  Every issue is gorgeous and demonstrates that working with stamps is another method to create beautiful art.  The projects combine other crafts with stamps for an assortment of items including masks, fans, dolls, wall hangings and sculptures.  Embellishment is a regular facet of every issue.

HOW-TO Threads is dedicated to the machine stitchery with most subject matter relating to what else you can do with your sewing machine, serger and other stitching equipment.  Occasionally there are articles touching on quilting, interior design, and embellishment, all relating to the magic of sewing machines.

Fiberarts, a quality magazine, has been acquired by Interweave Press which guarantees continuity in quality and content.  The focus is on all types of art composed of fiber crafts such as weaving, knitting, crocheting, stitchery, beading, macramé' and trapunto to create a myriad of two and three dimensional art such as quilts  tapestries,  wearables, sculptures, embellishments, wall hangings and basketry.   Artists are highlighted in each issue.  There are specialty articles such as presenting your work online and you will find overviews of conferences, shows and retreats.  Fiberarts is an enjoyable magazine that will inspire and keep you up to date on the latest uses and development of fiber as an art material.  

Beading

HOW-TO B&B is a project oriented magazine with lots of bead eye candy.  Every issue includes very easy projects for beginners and those for the advanced beader as well.  Various crafts are included in the bead projects such as knitting, crochet and macramé.  B&B hosts an annual bead show with workshops.

HOW-TO  The publisher of Bead & Button has created another great magazine!  Opulent photos are spread across the pages, making every project desirable.  Bead stringing is the main subject of each issue and the projects are very easy for beginners to make.  It is the choice of bead material and exquisite designs that makes this magazine enjoyable for the advanced beaders.  Bead Style breathes elegance and classic jewelry in every issue.  I love their choice of material and excellence in classic lariats that equal those in Bead & Button magazine.    

The Bead Society of Great Britain's Newsletter deserves a place on the magazine review pages.  To obtain a subscription and membership, send a check for the equivalent of £16 in your monies or go to a bank that handles international monies and purchase the equivalent of £10. It costs £6 to clear checks outside of Great Britain. BSGB newsletter is primarily black and white and sometimes includes a color page.  Most issues include a color postcard   depicting beadwork, old or new.  BSGB is dedicated to beadwork history and most issues include historical articles along with photos of the items, often from museums.  A beading project is included in most issues.  BSBG membership spans the globe and touches every continent.  I highly recommend membership to this nonprofit organization.

HOW-TO  Beadwork is a beautiful magazine, combining the old and the new, including campy easy projects for the young and young at heart, classical and exotic projects for beginners and advanced, and interviews with beaders and glass beadmakers.  Projects pages include lots of eye smacking beadwork you will want to make Beadwork hosts beading challenges and a yearly beadwork retreat.

HOW-TO  Jewelry Crafts is a how-to magazine with a specialty in polymer clays.  Many of the projects are for polymers with additional instructions for designs using the polymers.  Other subject matter include occasional articles covering gems, pearls and other natural materials.   Each issue also includes beading projects for necklaces, bracelets, earrings and other jewelry items.  Wire is often included for easy fashion jewelry.

HOW-TO  Lapidary Journal publishes this magazine and the beading and bead stringing projects are oriented towards the beginner.  Glass bead making, polymers, wirework, and other bead stitchery are included in each issue.  The polymer designs are classy and easy to make.  Artist highlights are sometimes included.  Occasionally an issue will include bead crochet or bead knitting. 

PARTIAL HOW-TO  Lapidary Journal specializes in working with gemstones, gold and silver and associated natural materials such as pearls and also includes Jewelry Journal, a small how-to section.  Articles include trips to fossil and gem digs, highlights of lapidary and silver/gold smiths and their diverse techniques to create miniature artwork to wear.  The projects include diamond cutting, lapidary techniques, glass bead making and some beading.  Crocheting with silver  is  sometimes a subject in this section.

HOW-TO  This magazine is published by DRG in Texas and formatted for those who have never strung a bead before or have limited experience with beading.  The projects are very simple;  strung beads wrap 3-D items, head pin earrings and ornament dangles,  self-adhesive beads for embellishment, strung necklaces and pendants and bead wire wrapped jewelry.  If you like to make projects that require little time to make and fast results, you will like this magazine.

PARTIAL HOW-TO  Bead Dreams is a special annual issue, of lavish beadwork.   Every page is a splash of full color, eye-goggling beauty, designed by very talented beaders.   A few of the highlighted beadwork pieces include how-to instructions.  This is a magazine of inspiration, to fuel your own imagination and see what other beaders are doing.   You will enjoy every issue.

HOW-TO You will find a variety of  beadwork projects in every issue using a variety of craft techniques; bead embellishment onto fabric, decorations, wirework, polymer, bead stringing, felting, lampwork glass beads,  crochet, paperwork and painting.   There is a gallery section in each issue with beautiful color photographs of exquisite beadwork.  Bead Unique is a plus to the bead world.

Crochet

HOW-TO  Crochet Fantasy has a new owner and a new look starting with the Spring 2005 issue. The format is both contemporary and traditional with    ponchos, hats, boas, sweaters and shawls.  Projects cover about half the magazine pages and the other half is dedicated to articles.  Information about new fibers and their use for crochet, tips, experimental stitches, fashion news and computer charting for crochet designs are some of the subjects discussed.

HOW-TO   Crochet World has both contemporary and traditional  patterns, offering doilies, hats, bags, afghans, bookmarks and dolls for every season.   Each issue has an international doll ensemble from a different region of the world that fits a 13" doll.  International symbols are not included. 

HOW-TO  Fast & Fun Crochet has fun designs in mind.  Motifs for seasonal items as well and all year round afghans, rugs, baby clothing, toys, doilies, table mats and wearables.  The overall size is small and will easily fit in a project bag for travel.

HOW-TO  Old-Time Crochet is dedicated to the romance of the past with patterns  and instructions for tea cozies, slippers, wearables, floral, rugs, doilies and many other items.  International symbols are provided for most the projects.  Tatting projects are sometimes included.  If you like vintage, this is the crochet magazine for you.

HOW-TO Crochet is the official magazine of the Crochet Guild of America (CGOA).  If you want more information about membership, go to www.crochet.org, the guild's official website.  Each magazine issue has an insert for members "only" with updates on the guild activities.  When you join CGOA, you receive the magazine subscription.  Crochet includes patterns using steel hooks to the very large Q hook for various fiber thickness and diversity of stitch.   Sometimes the designs are contemporary and other times traditional to make shawls, afghans, scarves, ponchos, decorations, jackets, doilies, embellishments, home decor, toys and accessories.  The projects are planned for the You will find projects for every member of the family.  

HOW-TO  The premiere issue, 2004, highlights granny squares for fashions of today, especially for the teenagers.  Sweaters, scarves, shawls, wraps, hats, bags, dresses, skirts, ponchos, afghans, baby and children's' apparel, and stuffed animals; items for the whole family in a variety of colors and styles are provided.  There are also articles about designers and their work.  Younger people will like many of these designs.  

HOW-TO  Interweave's latest magazine, Crochet, is a hit!  Buttons, halters, sweaters, vests, dresses, skirts, caplet, children's clothing, slippers, shawls, pillows, and an assortment of other items.   Patterns and use of fibers bring quality to these creations.    

The premiere issue, Summer 2003, is a must have for doll lovers.  This is not a how-to magazine, however, there are tips & techniques included.  Art Doll Quarterly is published in the same tradition as Salon, Belle Armoire and Somerset Studio with gorgeous photography, inspiring work and articles about the artists creating these creations.  This is magazine is lip-smacking delightful and an inspirational to anyone who loves artwork.  It's great!      

This magazine is dedicated to the latest in fashion doll creations, highlighting Barbie and Gene in every issue.  Lavish photography, historical notes and information about dolls shows and conferences.   Special how-to projects for make up, clothing and accessories for Barbie and Gene are in some issues.

HOW-TO A fun and visual delight with gobs of doll patterns and all the how to instructions, illustrations and patterns required to make them.  This  contemporary magazine includes highlights of current doll shows and an inspirational gallery of creations made by subscribers.  A pattern pull out section is provided in every issue for full size patterns of the projects.  Patterns include baby dolls, fashion dolls, fantasy creatures, seasonal dolls, soft dolls of the past with a new look plus doll furniture.  Tips and Techniques are included in each issue and occasionally beaded jewelry projects are provided.

HOW-TO  This is my all time favorite magazine, a must have by all critter lovers.  Every issue introduces you to bearmakers and their unique creations, critter patterns, what's hot in new designs,  reviews with collectors, event coverage, yummy photos and enjoyable articles.  Some of the projects have been crocheted bears, needle felting bears and traditional bear making.  I have saved all these articles.  Each issue is a real treat and will bring new delights and inspiration to you.  You will not want to miss a single issue!  

PARTIAL HOW-TO  Includes the latest bears that have been introduced to the retail market, highlights of bear shows and events, interviews with bearmakers, tips and techniques and a bear project.  There are gobs of bear photos for your viewing pleasure.  

HOW-TO  If you like to make costumes for your collector dolls, you will find the information you need in this magazine.  The articles include conference reviews, replication of antiques and preservation of vintage clothing. 

No matter what your choice of doll type, porcelain, silicone or vinyl, you will find out about the newest creations in this magazine.  Dolls of the past, updated for today, and information on vintage originals are included.  New one of a kind dolls and their artists are highlighted with sources for purchasing them.  These one of a kind dolls are an inspiration and will get your own creativity going.  Doll identification and history helps you to identify those mystery dolls you own.    

Haute Doll is the Vogue of doll magazines.  You will find every type fashion doll within these pages.  There are sweet teens, wickedly sophisticated models, adorable pre-teens and everything else between.  Every page is a full color delight, dolls from around the world making their debuts, including on of a kind Ooaks. There are flashbacks of dolls of the past and those being manufactured again, brand names and the new artists, a real visual treat not to be missed.  Every fashion doll lover will want this magazine.   

HOW-TO  You will find a little of everything here.  There is a regular column on finishing techniques; articles on knitting for profit; how-to knit and crochet basics and new patterns for each season for the whole family.  Patterns include wearables for day and evening; afghans and throws and occasionally crochet and knit motifs to incorporate into patterns and some crochet patterns.

HOW-TO  This is a compact little package of projects that is easy to carry with you or layout in your work area.   Projects vary from sweaters for the whole family to seasonal dolls and figures, pillows, afghans, napkins and placemats to special tips for crocheting knitters. 

HOW-TO  Knitter's has knitting news around the world - fashion, family activities, shows and artists.  Each pattern begins with a model standing in front of a magnificent setting, making you feel if you make that sweater and wear it, you are almost in that unique setting.  The patterns are designer creations, with simplistic styles and creative finishes.  There is usually a section of all hats, purses or other accessory and the patterns included.  Knitter's includes diversity in sweaters, shawls, ponchos and accessories for women.  Patterns for children and men are occasionally included. Knitter's offers classy designs for today's woman, embracing both contemporary and fashions reminiscent of the past. 

HOW-TO  Vogue is known for fashion and classy designs.  Vogue continues to bring the latest designs and techniques to knitters.  You will find the latest fashion report in knitting along with colors and style.  Designs are often grouped in a lovely color collage, all beiges together, blues together, etc., for a harmonious effect.   Designer Stitch workshop is a regular column with help in working the designer patterns for that issue.  Patterns run from the very simplistic to the very complex.   Some sweaters are of one solid color yarn while others include checks, lines and many shapes.  Fiber Facts is a regular column and highlights a specific type of fiber, the history and the critter or plant it originates from.   Sweaters, vests, cowls, coats, scarves, children's matching sweaters and an assortment of accessories are Vogue regulars. Every issue is packed with new creations.   

HOW-TO  Knits provides unique designer patterns that are romantic, contemporary, day and evening, a variety of sweaters, shawls, afghans, curtains, mittens, dolls and even knitted fruit.  The designer patterns are elegant, some of lightweight fibers and others heavy.  Quick Gifts are included with complete instructions.  All patterns include step by step instructions, layout illustrations of sweater pieces, and graphed charts for those patterns requiring them.   There is usually an article about a specialty yarn, an example would be Cashmere, the type goat it is from, where you find it, the history and brand names of the spun yarn.    Every issue offers new ideas for knitting.

HOW-TO  Knit It is a new magazine, 2005.  There was no insert for subscriptions, so I am guessing it is annual.  No website or email address are provided which is unfortunate since it is such a great magazine.  The latest styles, articles of interest, interviews with knitting authors and fashion highlights make up a good portion of the magazine.  You will find ponchos, wraps, jackets, scarves, pillows, afghans, hats and children's items.  The whole pattern is on 1 or 2 pages right together instead of part of it farther into the magazine, a real plus to me.  There are patterns geared for younger people with easy instructions to make projects in a day.  The designs are attractive but not so complex it takes forever to finish.  I look forward to seeing more issues of this magazine.

HOW-TO  I am sure Knit 1 will become a regular on the newsstands.  Knit 1, the premier 2004 issue, is smaller than most magazines, easy to drop in a carry bag for travel; a mini haute couture in a compact form.  Geared towards young adults, teens and those seeking fun fashions and the current rage in knitting;  You will find eyelash hats, scarves, fashion tops, jackets, hats, neck covers, ponchos, animal covers and pillows and leg warmers plus a few guy projects.  Roses, floral bag, crocheted and knitted skirts will quickly become want-to-make items.  Knitstrology will tell you what to expect and what projects might be a plus to create in a humorous format.   Interviews with designers a Trend Report looks to be a regular for future issues.  If you want your teens to knit, this magazine will grab their imagination.

HOW-TO  Knitted evening apparel with bead knitted embellishment, sweaters, coats, caplets and a child's dress are among the projects within InKnitters pages.  Yummy hats in various shapes and styles, something for everyone will get your needles to clicking.  A large section of the magazine is dedicated to techniques -  linings for skirts, color ways, shaping such as squares and diamonds and finishing tips such as crochet edging.  Techniques are always a plus for me.  There are articles about fibers, who grows them and sells them with photos to from scratch to finish.  Historical fiber stories top it off.     

HOW-TO  These issues are bursting with of sweaters, clothing of the season in a variety of colors and design in Knit & Style magazine.  Ponchos, textured tops, capes, vests, shawls, purses, socks and eyelash goodies with instructions and illustrations are provided.  There are highlights on fibers and color; reviews on the latest yarns and yarn reviews with color photos of the yarns worked up into samples.  Unique designs and shaping of apparel and attractive accessories are a delight.  Various techniques show you how to combine shapes to create clothing; unique finishes with ribbons; elaborate to simple finishes and fancy edges.  Each issue includes articles such as style shows, knitting in other countries and free knitting patterns online.  It is easy to find way-too-many patterns you will want to make in this lovely magazine.  The want-to-make list grows with every issue.       

HOW-TO  This review is based on one issue, the premiere 2004, which offers both crochet and knitting projects.  As advertised, all the projects are easy to make and many are quick to finish; scarves and hats, socks, decorations, leg warmers, afghan, skirt, sweaters, wraps and ponchos, fingerless gloves, clothing embellishments and children and tot's clothing and toys.  I really liked the diversity of the hats and scarves; they are easy to make, fast to finish and you  have your choice of style and fibers.  There are plenty of projects for the year round in this issue. 

HOW-TO  Cast On is the official magazine of the Knitters Guild of America.  Guild information and activities, including their regional and annual conferences are provided in each issue.  When you subscribe to Cast On, you become a member of the guild, which is a real bonus if you attend any of their events.  Each issue includes a diversity of patterns such as sweaters, hats, scarves, ponchos, jackets, stoles, afghans, sweaters, vests, socks and many other items.  There are patterns for all family, of all ages.  Some patterns have unique finishes worked with a variety of fibers.  Cast On specializes in introducing new techniques and new looks to old stitches.  Laura Bryant, guru of fiber color, authors articles in each issue about techniques and color and I save every one of them.  Check their website to find out what TKGA is all about.

HOW-TO  The March 2005 issue has a variety of clothing for the whole family; sweaters, ponchos, vests, tunics, socks, afghans and several bags.   There is a grouping of dishcloth patterns to teach you various knit stitches with quick results.  Knit techniques, highlights on a specific stitch and explanations about knitting methods around are all articles to save for reference.  Creative Knitting is contemporary in format  and knitter friendly in presentation.

Needlework

HOW-TO  Piecework is a one of a kind magazine offering the best of handwork of diverse crafts.  Whether you like to crochet, knit, weave, spin, embroider, tat, braid, nailbind cross stitch, hook rugs, or any other handcraft, you will find information in issues of Piecework.  Each issue is artistically laid out with historical information about a craft and then a project follows.  Every issue offers handwork from different parts of the world, reflecting an international flavor and a sharing of techniques from the artists in that area.  There is something for everyone in Piecework.

HOW-TO  This society offers professional guidance in quilt art techniques, design and color. They sponsor a Annual Quilt Show and Contest every year include the winning quilts in their publication.   They also sponsor an annual fashion show and contest and discuss the various ways of using quilting for art-to-wear.    Bargello, appliqué and traditional are included in various issues.  Renown quilters are interviewed along with color images of their work.  Design techniques include freeform and experimental ideas.

HOW-TO  Historical articles are provided with color photos of the quilts, enlarged sections and sometimes the a look at the women who made them. Old motifs are resurrected with a new look along side the old original one and sometimes there is a duplication of the small ad for purchasing of the fabric for sale way back when.  How to projects include instructions, larger color blocks and color illustrations of a partial quilt assembly.  Specialty articles include fancy finishes such as French Twist Binding to dimensional fabric appliqué with ruffling and ruching to uses with attic treasures. Quilt artists are interviewed and quilt shows are reviewed.

HOW-TO  Today's quilt designs with diverse motifs, including tying placement, settings, placement and assembly for log cabin blocks, heart, jewel, stars, and many other shapes are provided in each issue.  Basic quiltmaker lessons, prize-winning tips and handy tools are some of the regular columns.   Projects are included with  instructions and color illustrations.

HOT-TO  Romantic quilts with a hint of yesterday, contemporary designs of today, plus quilts with a diversity of themes are a part every issue.  Projects include diagrams, layouts, instructions and a full size pattern fold out for actual scale piecing.

HOW-TO  Spin-Off is a beautiful magazine dedicated to hand spinners, bringing you the latest in fibers, design and products plus historical aspects, projects and educational articles about fibers.  Projects for weaving, crocheting, knitting, braiding, beading and other diverse crafts are included as aspects for working the handspun fibers.  I look forward to every issue of Spin-Off with anticipation.

HOW-TO  Everything you need to know about weaving is provided in this magazine, including fiber types, articles on color, weaving techniques, highlights of fiber artists, weaving projects, related articles such as basketry weaving and wire weaving, reviews of shows and activities that are weaving related.

PARTIAL HOW-TO  SS& D is sponsored by the Handweavers of America, the national weavers guild.  All facets of weaving are discussed along with associated crafts such as spinning, felting and basketry.   Some projects are included. Various aspects of weaving are covered in each issue, both traditional and contemporary, historical information and various types of fibers are explained.  A subscription includes membership to the weavers national guild.

PARTIAL HOW-TO This newsletter is dedicated to wirework and associated subjects.  Wire sources, tips and techniques and one or more how to projects are included in this newsletter.  This newsletter is very thick and packed with information making it a good source for wireworkers.

Craft Magazines to the Trade

These magazines are published for retailers with a store front, on-line or catalog business, and also for professional designers and instructors with business license and tax exempt number.   These publications provide product updates, supplier listings, tips and additional information for retailers.    Both magazines provide helpful articles for store owners, design/product trends and craft industry surveys/reports.  There is usually an annual industry calendar and directory. The latest about yarns, beads, thread, and other craft material will be of interest to store owners, designers and instructors.  You will be required to provide proof of eligibility.

CNA
http://www.cnamag.com, F&W Publications, 700 East State Street, Iola, WI 43990, 800-258-0929 (USA)