I got an email a few weeks ago from a lovely Knitty reader who wanted to know if our financial crisis was over, and if we still needed support from our Readers.
I told her we did. That we've permanently changed our funding model from 100% advertising supported to a blended support model of advertising and Reader support because the Internet has changed and surviving on advertising revenue alone is no longer working.
Except this issue? This issue, the Patrons (our readers) are carrying us. As I what...expected? feared?, advertising in this issue is at its lowest point since 2004. This would have been disastrous without the support of Knitty Patrons. But we're still here, thanks to their generosity.
So if you're wondering if we still need you to be a Knitty Patron, the answer is absolutely YES. Reader support is now an essential part of keeping Knitty alive, and we – once again – thank you for believing in us and wanting us to continue. We hope this issue makes you happy. With Patrons continuing to support us, we will be here for years to come.
Advertising has been traditionally leaner in the Spring+Summer and First Fall issues, and we hope that it will rebound in Deep Fall as it always has. Do our Advertisers a solid, and give their ads a click, will you? Take a peek at what they have to offer. We're so glad to have them here, and sharing their message with you at affordable rates is one of the reasons Knitty exists.
Spring+Summer is a season of transition, where we cover weather that goes from cool to hot...yet stopping knitting is not an option! So we've got some great sweaters (yes, sweaters!), some unbelievable shawls, and even socks for your warmer-weather knitting pleasure. Take a look at all we have for you, and let us know what patterns you like the best on our Facebook page!
Spring is springing! While I’m writing this, there is snow on the ground but the temperature will soar to 60F by midweek. My gardening friends are chomping at the bit to get in the dirt and fiber friends are counting the days to the first spring fiber show.
This winter was a particularly long one. The weather was weird in North America, lots of snow or weirdly warm with lots of grey. Spinners and knitters were inside a lot and I can feel the restless need to be outside in all sorts of social media posts.
I spent most of the winter finishing up my book and writing, lots of head-down type detail. I joyously taught at Madrona. Those smiling faces were just what I needed in this gloomy winter. Now spring is coming and everything feels lighter. I have fun teaching scheduled and ideas to try out; I’m looking up now instead of down now.
You can get ready for warmer weather by spinning a linen blend yarn and knitting it into Skyesong, a lace shawl designed by Rachel Brown.
Or maybe you’re looking for a new-to-you yarn structure to try? In this issue’s Knittyspin column, I explain the basics of cable and crepe yarns to add a little bit of layered texture to your spinning.
I am looking forward to taking my wheel outside and spinning soon. What about you?
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I love to talk about it all.
