The variety of knitting magazines published in English is truly large, but if we also count the publications in other national languages we’d be surprised to realize how many knitters there are worldwide. The more recent variant of regular paper-issued knitting magazines comes in the online electronic format also known under the name of e-magazine. If the number of readers is limited in the case of some paper knitting magazines. The real chances for access is wider when it comes to those run online as they address the needs of the international community, and do not target a certain geographical area in particular.

Thus, there are many web pages dealing with knitting that contain links to knitting magazines of wide circulation, covering both the electronic and the paper format. The need for such publications is clearer than ever if we think that trends have to start somewhere as well as innovative ideas for more complex projects. Moreover, to some people, knitting magazines function as an instructive material, regardless if it is innovation or skill development that they are interested in. This is definitely the explanation why we even get to read all sorts of success stories with the with real cases when knitting became a profession and a home business rather than a hobby.

Lots of contributions to knitting magazines come from readers who get the chance to present one personal innovation or another to other hobbyists, and most of the time the very management of the publication is made from people with a serious interest in this activity hobby field. Personal collections of knitting magazines is also common fact with many people taking their inspiration from such improvised libraries. Knitting magazines usually appear on a monthly basis and not in large numbers which are surely inferior to that of fashion magazines, but this is understandable given the fact that they target a specialized readers’ category.

Online, knitting magazines can be accessed in more languages of international circulation, and English, French, German, Italian and Spanish are usually the main ones; however, some e-magazines only have the English and native tongue options included. The type of articles to appear in these publications yarn info and tips, knitting patterns explained, fashion collections, suppliers lists, season trends and lots more. Some retailers and manufacturers of knitting supplies also use knitting magazines to advertise their products, developing both national and international commerce.

by Shelly Morton

I’m a life-long crafter, hobbyist, and artist. I’m always willing to try a new craft or start a new project. My greatest joy, even as a child, was sketching, coloring or doing something creative with my heart and hands.

If, like me, you enjoy the creation process, then you know that the area dedicated to your hobbies, crafts and art can easily become cluttered and messy. I know many subscribe to the theory “a cluttered area is the sign of a creative mind,” to which I say “Baloney!!”

Clutter of any kind makes it hard to be imaginative. If mess and disorganization take over, you can find yourself tense, frustrated, without space to work, you have a lot of unfinished projects and your favorite tools become lost. You wind up wasting money buying more items to replace the ones you can’t find and/or stop being creative altogether.

Be green and spring clean and organize your craft area now. Here are helpful steps to getting your hobby, craft and art area in tip-top shape:

1. Gather up all of your craft, hobby and art supplies around the room (or around your house). Place them on a table to begin the sorting process.
2. Sort every item into piles based on the type of craft or hobby such as: scrapbooking, sewing, knitting, painting, etc.
3. Refine these piles further, one at a time. Are there crafts you no longer enjoy? Are there items that are old, expired (paint has a limited storage time)? Donate craft supplies that you no longer enjoy but are still serviceable to others. Throw away any broken tools, expired items or other things that have accumulated and are not necessary.
4. Look through what’s left and further refine, if necessary. Continue to donate and throw away anything unusable until you are left with what you actually need and will use.
5. Take the trash out immediately.
6. Make your next stop the charity of your choice and drop off the items to donate. Do this before proceeding further otherwise you will have a tendency to keep everything.
7. Consider whether you have the right type of desk, table, etc. for your crafting, hobby and art projects. If not, check online and in stores near you for functional furniture. There’s no substitute for a good desk chair. Look for furniture items that have storage (drawers, cubbies, etc.) that suit your particular hobby, craft, art work. Purchase and assemble any new pieces.
8. Clean the area. This is the best time to dust, vacuum and mop your area since everything is vacant. Clean windows — the natural light is better for your eyes and your work.
9. Organize your supplies. Sort by color and type. Examples: Sort fabric by color and fold them neatly over pieces of cardboard for rigidity and stability. You can stack them in baskets or prop them up on bookshelves. Place scrapbooking supplies together — paper, stickers, scissors, etc. should be with like things and stored together. Sort paint by medium — oil, acrylic, etc. and put like colors together.
10. Place your items in containers that are easily accessible and easy to see. Clear containers are great for smaller items. Photos, etc. can be sorted and placed in boxes that are labeled (birthdays, vacations, etc.).
11. Label everything so that you can easily find them.
12. Put items you use often nearest your work area. Store items you use less often above or below your work area.

You should be able to readily see and be able to find all your tools and supplies. You could even inventory the items you have on hand so you can shop more effectively and not purchase something you already own.

Now enjoy the fruits of all that hard work and go out there and create something wonderful!

About the author:
I am a professional organizer with over 30 years experience in both the legal field and corporate America.