The Olympics have ended, but I must confess that I didn’t finish my “Olympic project.” The Aran Wrap Cardigan is still tooling along, but it’s a lot of knitting. I have finished the main rectangular piece, so I have the peplum and sleeves left. Here is the obligatory photo; you can see that I have already picked up for the first sleeve and have started the short rows for the sleeve cap.
I know. It’s a bit hard to see because I was trying to squeeze a full view into one photograph. Here is a close up of part of the pattern. I think this shows the color fairly accurately, at least on my monitor. Hmmm. I think I would say that the color falls somewhere in between this photo and the one above.
This sweater, as mentioned earlier in our blog, is in the current issue of Vogue Knitting. Sort of. I say sort of because although charts are needed in order to knit this design, the charts are not in the magazine. Instead, you must either go to Vogue’s website and download them or send a self-addressed stamped envelope requesting the charts.
I understand why Vogue is doing this. At least I think I do. They want to drive visitors to their website. They also want to reduce publishing costs by reducing the number of editorial pages in the magazine. Vogue isn’t alone in this thinking. Other magazines, such as Interweave, have also offered pattern instructions online. As a consumer/magazine purchaser, this bothers me.
1. What happens if I don’t download or request a chart now?
There are ten patterns in the current Vogue that require a trip to the web or the post office. I don’t know about you, but I keep my knitting magazines and often turn to back issues for ideas, inspiration, and patterns. So if one of these doesn’t strike my fancy until three years from now, will the chart still be there? Ask someone who wants to make Sunrise Circle from Interweave. It’s no longer there. If you purchased the Sunrise Circle issue of Interweave in part because you liked that pattern, but didn’t get around to downloading the instructions until now, you in effect paid for something you didn’t receive. I don’t feel that I can count on those downloads being available in perpetuity or until my stash runs out (which will be never). Edited to add: The Sunrise Circle Pattern is now available for purchase directly from Kate Gilbert on her website ($6).
2. What if I’m on vacation and don’t have my computer?
When I purchase a knitting magazine, I expect to have everything I need to know in order to knit one of the designs right inside, waiting for me. It’s compact and portable.
3. What if I’m someone who doesn’t go online?
Anyone who knows me knows that my laptop and I are surgically attached. But not every knitter is computer literate. So there’s that self-addressed stamped envelope option. I wonder how long that takes? I’m sorry, but I suspect it’s several weeks. By that time, my inspiration might be long gone. I’m fickle. And, again, what happens when I send that envelope five years from now?
What’s the upside?
Well, if the instructions or charts are downloadable, they must be more detailed, right? That was true for Sunrise Circle (and I think was one valid reason the directions were not printed in Interweave). But the charts for the Aran Wrap Cardigan are pretty standard and that is all you get online — there’s not even a schematic (online or in print). Moreover, some of the directions for this project are a bit skimpy, which I suspect (based on comments Angela Hahn has made at her own blog) is due to Vogue’s editing. More detailed instructions for the short rows, for example, might have helped justify slipping some of the content on to the web.
In other words, I’m very wary about this new trend, and I recommend downloading the instructions, charts, etc. for any pattern you see in a magazine that you might even be vaguely interested in.
PS from Susan — I am only just past the second armhole on my Aran Wrap! 🙁
Your cables are beautiful! I can’t believe you did all that in 16 days – amazing.
Chris
http://www.bluecolumbine.blogspot.com
Comment by Chris — August 25, 2008 @ 5:32 pm
From Susan — I agree completely! It’s bad enough that we have to save all of our magazines, but now we have to back up add’l files and try to make sure we can anticipate a project “x” years from now?? I don’t think so…
Comment by lv2knit — August 25, 2008 @ 6:00 pm
Looking beautiful (whatever color it is)! Did you do the coin cable without a cable needle? I hope to do that, but the mechanics seem almost too fiddly to be worth it. What are your thoughts?
Comment by Jocelyn Grayson — August 25, 2008 @ 6:18 pm
I completely agree with you on the charts trend. That is a cheezy way to rip off your customers, and how collectible are those issues going to be 10 years from now if there are only partial patterns available?! That is such a rotten trend….
Comment by Aim — August 25, 2008 @ 6:29 pm
Your pictures are totally inspiring me to knit this wrap. I feel kind of too matronly and mom-ish to wear it myself but maybe my college daughter would like it?! Then again maybe it’d be okay on a 50-ish mom! Lol! The other issue–arrggggh! I did buy the Interweave issue with Sunrise Circle for that pattern and I didn’t make it or download the pattern right away. I feel so cheated!
Comment by Margot — August 25, 2008 @ 6:40 pm
Thank you for mentioning this! I bought the magazine as well, but have had other things on the needles that had to be completed before starting something new. I had no idea that some of the information/pattern was missing!
I totally agree that this is a *bad* idea. Even if it will forever be available (and clearly, in the Sunrise Jacket, this is not the case), it’s still a pain to go download it or send a mailed request. I’m sure there’s lots of folks like me that look at patterns that I didn’t like years ago (I guess the magazine was ‘ahead of its time’) but now I’m interested in making it. I would be very angry to have bought the magazine and not have the pattern. 🙁
Anyway, thanks for bringing it up – I’ll be going out to download the info immediately!
Comment by Amy — August 25, 2008 @ 6:55 pm
love the sweater!
and I agree, I don’t like this trend. I just sold an old KnitScene I decided I no longer wanted, and had saved most of the files from the website shortly after I bought it (a good third to half of the patterns were online only). I burned them to a disk and sent it along with the mag, since they’re no longer available on the web. The buyer was thankful that I was able to offer most of the patterns. (I would have hated selling it and then the person finding the pattern wasn’t in there – much like I was cursing myself for the few Interweave patterns I missed downloading to supplement the purchased magazine)
Comment by Christy — August 25, 2008 @ 7:21 pm
Yup, I got screwed by Interweave. Now that I’m ready to take a closer look at Modesitt’s Morris Fern Cardigan, they of course, took it back. And without warning!
Of course I’m pig headed enough not to want to pay for it all over again, especially after that woman gave excuses why .pdf’s are priced the way they are. For heaven’s sakes, it was already in .pdf form!
Comment by Marina — August 25, 2008 @ 7:33 pm
Sally – Thanks so much for the heads up! I had no idea that the websites clean out their pattern files. I agree with your points you made and am wondering if maybe the magazines shouldn’t hear them as well??! I did not take the time to read the other comments, so if I am repeating someone, sorry. Now, then, shifting my attention to a Project Runway rerun.
Comment by Susan — August 25, 2008 @ 8:07 pm
Sally- How long have you had the magazine? And you’ve done all that knitting- wow.
I don’t care for this trend- alot of people don’t have access- and why do the prices keep going up and we get less?
I wasn’t happy with Vogue or Interweave- maybe I’ll give up on the printed stuff altogether.
Comment by Lorraine — August 25, 2008 @ 8:58 pm
But if everyone downloads the instructions right away, won’t that send the message that the tactic is working? That it is sending people to the website?
Comment by LaurieM — August 25, 2008 @ 9:36 pm
Crud! Sunrise Circle is in my queue, but I don’t think I’ve downloaded it yet. You are so right – without the patterns, the magazines are just fashion rags, not resources.
Comment by twinsetellen — August 25, 2008 @ 11:00 pm
I agree completely. This is one of the problems that I think Ravelry has unintentionally shone some light on – all of these wonderful patterns that people want to knit, but can’t because there aren’t any more issues of that magazine around from the 90s and the book you need went out of print in the 70s. Add downloading parts of pattern from the web to that complicates things to discouraging levels.
Comment by Mauri — August 26, 2008 @ 12:33 am
I’m not a fan of the ‘see the web for this pattern’ trend either. Fair enough to have patterns on the web if you want to attract visitors — but don’t pretend it’s part of the magazine. It might increase the value of the website – but it definitely decreases the value of the magazine.
The wrap is looking absolutely gorgeous. It has been ages since I’ve done some serious cable work — this has definitely inspired me.
Comment by Soo — August 26, 2008 @ 9:27 am
Wow, I had no idea that the pattern in the mag was not complete…rushing to the website to download! Thanks for the heads up. I agree with you 100% that this is unethical on the part of magazine publishers. In the case of IK, they had a bunch of free patterns that they just decided to yank off one fine day and make available for sale instead (Sunrise Circle, Peapod Baby Set, Flower Basket Shawl…just a few that come immediately to mind). I’m pretty good about downloading and saving stuff but then I don’t print it and it’s tedious to dig through files on a CD.
I wonder what we consumers can do to vocalize our displeasure?
Comment by Deepa — August 26, 2008 @ 1:04 pm
There’s another aspect to this, too, at least for VK: They published Cat Bordhi’s Flow Motion socks in the magazine with just line-by-line instructions, and then included it in one of their books, with a chart. The chart was for maybe an 8-stitch repeat (I don’t recall exactly), so it didn’t require a lot of real estate in the mag. I wrote them to see if they would post it to their website, but was told I’d need to buy the book… ! Definitely not a good trend.
Comment by Anne C — August 26, 2008 @ 2:03 pm
Totally agree re: the trend for magazines to put pattern instructions on the web…
I’m in the UK, so without the internet I would be very unlikely to request the pattern by post (if IK et al even extend this offer to their international customers).
Also… have you seen Rowan Magazine 44? They included an article about patterns from previous magazines re-knitted in the current range of yarns, and guess what? The patterns can only be obtained by downloading them from their web site. But… They were redesigning the website for a relaunch to coincide with the magazine, but the new site is delayed (it’s been a month now) so we can’t get the patterns at all!
Comment by Charlie — August 26, 2008 @ 4:12 pm
I participated in the rather heated discussion on this topic at ravelry. Interweave’s take on the matter was, well you’ve only paid 20 cents or something equally cheap for the pattern. Well if you multiply 20 cents by the thousands of readers you are talking serious money. They said it was for the designers. Actually what happened was they didn’t write their contracts to include patterns being available online. What they did was mean-spirited and evil. My attitude towards Interweave was warm and cuddly but no more. It isn’t nice for them to scr**w their readers.
Comment by Joan K — August 26, 2008 @ 4:40 pm
I think the answer to this is for people who have these patterns, that were distributed for free, pass them along to other knitters. I’m not sure if it is legal to pass on a free pattern but it is most certainly moral, given Interweave’s actions.
Comment by Rhoda Edwards — August 26, 2008 @ 8:17 pm
Just this week I realized what is happening with Interweave . In 2006 I loved the Pea Pod Baby set and thought to my self if I ever have a grandchild I want to make this. So this week I find out the good news and go searching in the 2006 issue where it is supposed to be and oh no it is not there ( just pictures) and not on the web site anymore. I went through all my baby folders and no Pea Pod but just by chance I check my computer..document folder and there it was whew..this is crazy!! Why save the magazines ???
Comment by katomliz — August 26, 2008 @ 10:15 pm
I am a little annoyed by the ‘go to the website’ trend as well. Just as an FYI, for those looking for the Sunrise Circle Jacket- try looking under Knitty Daily. They did a Reader’s Choice Top 5 Patterns poll awhile back. The top 5 patterns were compiled into one pdf (about 38 pages), and the instructions are in there. I downloaded it ‘just in case’. I’ve already done the SCJ, but I’m glad I have it, nonetheless!
HTH!
Comment by Erin — August 27, 2008 @ 12:16 am
Ugh- I meant Knitting Daily- sorry for the typo!
Comment by Erin — August 27, 2008 @ 12:18 am
I totally agree. I had just gone to the site yesterday to download the charts for the Aran Cardi Wrap and couldn’t believe how many others need to be downloaded. I don’t always have access to a printer and if you mail away for the charts you have to let them know which ONE you want.
More often than not I look at a pattern without interest only to come back 5 years later and love it……….will I be able to make it with only the magazine?
I think this is a terrible trend and think that there’s got to be a better way for them to continue to publish quality patterns.
Comment by Ronni — August 27, 2008 @ 6:45 am
I’m totally annoyed by this trend, too. All summer, I only have a dialup connection and with the rest of the family wanting to use the phone and the internet, I can’t hog the line long enough to download a pattern. I didn’t realize that they eventually also disappear.
Comment by Astrid — August 27, 2008 @ 7:44 am
I agree that I don’t like having to go to a website to download the pattern. Isn’t that the point of my purchasing a knitting magazine to have it all in one place. I’ve often wondered just how long those patterns stayed up on a knitting magazine’s website. I believe that you should download them, as well, if you’re able. It’s just easier to have them in case you do decide you want to knit something later.
Comment by Wanda — August 27, 2008 @ 2:55 pm
The cables are gorgeous! The yarn is perfect for that project.
Comment by Susan - Knitters Delight — August 27, 2008 @ 4:03 pm
Thank you for bringing this up! It is “bait and switch” tactics especially when the patterns that were once offered for free are now being offered for a hefty download fee (are you listening IK?). As to your amazing sweater, well, it’s AMAZING (both in its beauty and your ability to knit it so fast). Such inspiration for the rest of us who are lucky to complete a basic top down raglan in a year!
Comment by Mary Jane — August 28, 2008 @ 5:51 pm
OK, that annoys me a great deal ( I would say p****es me off but it wouldn’t be ladylike (not that I am a lady). Why should I buy the magazine if the product is not in there? I obviously have to think about what to buy a little more carefully, and that, dear publishers, makes me belive that you are shooting yourself straight in the foot.
Comment by Needles — August 29, 2008 @ 9:38 am
Beautiful cable work and all in 16 days. My goodness!
Well apparently I am one of those sunrise circle people, because I never downloaded the charts.
I agree with you though. The charts should be included in the magazine. That’s why you buy the magazine right. Well I have to go download some charts now.
Have a great holiday!
Comment by jennygirl — August 29, 2008 @ 11:50 am
I really love that design. And I, like you, am a bit annoyed at the current trend of having to go to the web to get something extra…. I didn’t even notice that you needed something extra to work on this pattern. I’d better go grab it while the gettin’s good. 🙂
Can’t wait to see it finished!
Comment by Romi — August 30, 2008 @ 7:38 pm
Hi there! Your work is always amazing. The speed in which you do it is also truly, truly amazing. About the Vogue trend. I subscribe to the magazine and with this issue, I hadn’t noticed that I would have to look elsewhere for some of the pattern material. I am not pleased with this. I keep all of my magazines and now, I wonder how many back issues ago did they begin this trend? Like you, something might not strike my fancy or my stash until 5 years from now. What then? Beginning with this current issue I am now going to have to really scrutinize the magazine instead of reading it in my leisurely way to make sure I obtain all pattern information before the information is gone. I am NOT liking this at all!!! I expect complete information when I purchase my magazine. I will certainly be more careful in the future with which mags I purchase. I’m thinking perhaps I won’t need every issue of Vogue or Interweave. Thanks for the info and keep up the beautiful work.
Comment by kellistarr — August 31, 2008 @ 6:18 am
I totally opened up my Sunrise Circle issue of Interweave, yarn in hand ready to knit, only to find I was out of luck with a pattern. It had been taken from their website!! Man was I upset. I’m not too impressed with Interweave offering patterns that were once free, now in their Knitting Daily shop. Leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
Comment by sarah — September 12, 2008 @ 4:16 pm