"I'm not trendy" rant part n:

I'm a little dismayed by all the strong negative reaction to the article that was published in KnitNet (about "free" vs. "pay" sources of information). Okay, yeah, it wasn't worded well. Okay, so it does look like a hamhanded attempt to justify having to go to a pay format. But I've always liked KnitNet's patterns, they seem more basic and classic to me than a lot of the other magazines out there. I hope this foofarah doesn't lead to the demise of KnitNet (especially since I signed up for the online subscription).

I dunno. I like the magazine and I don't like to see people making borderline snide comments about it.

Also, the latest issues of Knitters - I think I'm going to let my subscription run out on this one. It's just not me. I was puzzled by the holey socks and sweater in the last issue (I'm sorry, but to me it looked like "beginning knitter mistakes"). And I was put off by the scarf-with-hanging-threads in this month's issue.

I'm not a trendy person. I am sure there are people out there who eat this stuff up, but I don't care for it. I'd much rather spend the time knitting a classic aran sweater, or a simple raglan with ribs, or a shawl patterned off a "folk" pattern - something I can wear for years and years and not feel like "oh, that's so 2002.".

Also, I'm 33. I'm more plump than slim. I'm a college professor. Trendy doesn't work on me.

I bought some back issues of some knit magazines at a resale shop in town and now I kind of regret it - the designs are all very dated, very much in the big poofy shoulders with cropped cinched waist 1980s style.

I wonder, what do people who are into the trendier designs do? Are they able to knit so fast (and to devote so many hours in a day to knitting) that they get things done while they're still in fashion? Do they not worry about it?

I'm not saying magazines shouldn't have trendy designs for those who want them. I'd just like to see more of a balance. And I worry - are all magazines going to go this route?

There are some fashion details I don't care for: the ubiquitous looped fringe on the edges of sleeves, hems, openings. Giant giant yarns used to make sweaters with one big fat cable down the front. Sweaters with "strategically placed" open parts. Argyle. (I just don't like it, and wouldn't take the time to knit it). Dangly bits (this is another seemingly ubiquitous one). Beading on sweaters.

I know for each one of those I listed, there are people out there who love them, and that's great. I just wish they weren't the ONLY things I see in the knitting magazines this winter...