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Even if you will never make a "gourd candle" or a "Fortuny-inspired tablecloth," Martha Stewart Living can't be beat for its wealth of ideas concerning what Martha calls "good things." A crafter for craft's sake, and an obsessively organized woman (just look at her personal calendar, included in the first few pages), there is no concept or task that is too mundane for Martha. Like Martha herself, the magazine is impeccably organized--recipes and decorating instructions appear with full-color photos, each filed in their own sections of "cooking," "keeping," "crafts," "home," and "collecting." Learn to slip matched sets of bed linens into one of their pillowcases for easy and convenient shelving, make washcloth mitts, and coordinate mismatched towels with decorative ribbon. A whiz at flower arranging, dinner parties, card and sewing crafts, and decorating, Martha covers and conquers all areas of the home--plus weddings, baby showers, and holidays. --Daphne Durham ... Read more

Reviews (66)

She's an inspiration
I've bought all her magazines since 1997 from Living to Weddings to Baby to Kids to all her Special Issues and I love them all. I've kept every single issue. Martha is a teacher. I've learnt how to make bridal bouquets with her awesome step-by-step instructions (Summer 2000, page 128) How to clean hard-wood floors (Sept '01, page 130) annual gardening issues (March). Articles featuring various types of tomatoes, squash, eggplants, peppercorns, mustard ... the list is endless. Her 101 articles is awesome too, e.g. pumpkin pie 101, fried chicken 101. I enjoy cooking from her recipes (and also Julia Child's 'Way to Cook' - whom I admire tremendously as well). Cooking, gardening, house-keeping ... it's all a passion, it's how well you want to do it. I wasn't happy just slapping dinner down on the table, each time I cook something, I want it to be even better than the first time I did it. Martha shows you how and she truly loves to teach, when you read the magazine from cover to cover, you will realise that. You will learn many things. Read about a 97 year old gentleman hybridzing at least 150 Siberian Iris, how he did it etc. (March '99) you will be amazed at the colors and his energy. I look forward to seeing it at the news-stands every month. I hope you do too.

A Favorite in Europe!
"Martha Steward Living" is the only American home magazine my wife really enjoys reading. We live in Europe, but are able to buy some American magazines from a shop near my office. The other home journals that I've bought in the past were quickly discarded. However, "Living" turned out to be a big hit and the only American journal equal to the stylish Italian and French magazines she reads. I think she likes "Living" so much because the writers seem to combine the best of American and European food, interior design, and crafts. Being on the receiving end, I can tell you that I've really enjoyed eating some of the recipes in "Living", like the chocolate pumpkin pie in the November issue. My wife isn't really a crafts person, but she's had a lot of fun with some of the projects that have appeared in the journal (with patterns available on the Martha Steward web site). Now I'm no judge of home journals myself, but I do know that this is the only magazine that she now always asks me to check for at the shop. You'll probably like it too if you want a magazine that's a bit more eclectic and upscale.

style for the masses
This is a fine magazine with truly scrumptious recipes if you're into the kitchen/food thing, home ideas that one can actually use (or that will inspire one to do something similar), and exquisite photography, usually quite stark and simple, of ways to enhance the aesthetic beauty of one's life.
One can serve a plain meal of soup and bread, and make it look like a feast, if you get into Martha's way of looking at things, and it does not take a spending spree to have a "Martha Look". Her basic table settings tend to be white china (one can use mix and match white plates from the local thrift store), clear glass, and colorful fabric...add some well shaped twigs in a glass vase for a centerpiece, and voila ! you have a table that could be shown in this lovely magazine; a rule for "The Look" seems to be the absence of clutter.

Of the regular monthly articles, I like "Ask Martha", which solves problems posed by readers, from health issues to how best to clean your eyeglasses, to "How can I get the coating on my chicken to stay in place when I am frying it ?".
"Clip-Art Craft" is another I appreciate, where in the August '04 edition for example, there are attractive templates for postcards, which one can copy onto card stock, glue a 4 x 6 photo to, and send to your friends. It's another grand idea from Martha !
You'll find articles on antiques, pets, gardening, seasonal fruits and vegetables, and much more, and on the last page, the yummy "Cookie of the Month".

Martha Stewart has brought style and good merchandise at affordable prices for those of us who are budget conscious, but like nice things. I have bought her bedding, and her bathroom accessories have graceful shapes and are an excellent value, and this magazine is one of my favorite aspects of the "Martha industry". The Patricians I know are not usually kind to Martha, but Proles & Plebes like me tend to greatly appreciate her.
Martha, we're going to stick by you through thick and thin !

Subscription stopped - account "disappeared"
I love the Martha Stewart Living magazine. I did not receive my July 2004 issue and called customer service to find out why. I had sent them a check for $57 in Oct 2001 extending my subscription for 3 years; it should have expired in Feb 2005. Customer service told me they had no record that I ever had a subscription. I subscribed when I lived in London, when I lived in Rio de Janeiro, and when I lived in Sydney; I received all issues while outside the U.S. I don't keep cancelled checks for 3 years so cannot prove that I really do have a subscription that just "disappeared" from their data base. Not happy about this!!!

i love it
This is the most well rounded magazine. Outstanding photography and truly well written articelsmake this a one of a kind. ... Read more

Abstract

Provides a broad spectrum of crafting activities.
... Read more

Reviews (10)

Paper Crafts vs. Crafts magazine
I subscribed to Crafts magazine. I decided to purchase the premier issue of Paper Crafts. They're both very different craft mags. I like to do tole painting and other crafts, so I enjoyed Crafts mag. Therefore, if you are not into paper crafting, then Paper Crafts magazine is not for you. I happen to like both Paper Crafts and Crafts because I love paper crafting besides painting, beading, needle work, etc. It depends on your interests. I find the new Paper Crafts is great for me because I love sending little items to people, i.e, dentist receptionist, mail person, friends, coworkers, etc. It's just the thing if you want to send "just because" little gifts or notes. In sum, I am going to subscribe to Paper Crafts as I did in the past with Crafts.

my favorite craft magazine!
With the exception of Crafts (put out by the folks who do Cook's Illustrated), which went under, I think, this is the best all around high-quality craft magazine I've found. There is a lot of variety (flower making, rug hooking, knitting, crocheting, cross-stitch, quilting, decoupage, soap making, beading) and the projects are uniformly well thought out, clearly explained (with diagrams and a pull-out pattern section), and well photographed. They have a regular column for kids as well as book reviews and a great idea: a project that carries over from month to month. Not sure if they do this every year or not, but this year they've been featuring a quilt, with one square detailed each month. A great idea of how to feature a large project without overwhelming a single issue.

Love the new magazine
I picked up the premier issue of this magazine and loved it. I found out that it used to be Crafts magazine, which I thought was just Ok. I love their new approach. They have nice projects and informative articles. I'm glad to see that they are keeping up with current trends. When it comes to paper arts, I'm primarily a scrapbooker. From what I'm seen so far, their new focus will be great for expanding my paper crafting capabilities.

Skip this one!
What a disappoinment. The ideas and projects in this magazine are VERY basic. Yes, children would probably love it. It might be okay if you are just getting started. I found it to be uninspiring and "cutesy". If you want talent and inspiration see Somerset Studio.

"Crafts" is gone....
Crafts Magazine no longer exists. The magazine was sold and the new owners have changed the name and format to something called "PaperCrafts", a single focus magazine filled with projects of no skill or interest to anyone that was a reader of "Crafts". (I was a subscriber starting with the third issue!)

The new owners are unresponsive after three requests to terminate my subscription and refund my money. Clearly, they have the cash and they have no desire to give me the magazine I paid for, or give me back the money. My third issue of this new magazine arrived on Monday. It contains nothing of interest to anyone that does anything other than make greeting cards - and they are lame greeting cards at that. Don't waste your money - just about any magazine with craft projects has better papercrafting ideas. I paid for a subscription to a magazine about CRAFTS - different CRAFTS, different projects, everything from decorative painting to crochet to beadwork to sewings and so on, with a sheet of patterns each month to assist in completing proects. Over the years, I have taught and crafted myself, and probably made several hundred of the projects that were in Crafts. The only thing I am going to do with "Papercrafts" is recycle it..... ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Always has something
I've been knitting most of my life and have subscribed to this magazine for over 4 years. Each issue has a theme--cable patterns, stripes, unisex sweaters, colors, knitting for children, etc. I find that even if the theme doesn't interest me, the magazine is always worth perusing. Each issue includes a "how to" section that will satisfy even the most experienced knitters. Articles have covered knitting in darts, reversible cables, and several aspects of designing. Recently the magazine was improved by listing yarn weights as well as the original yarns used in the patterns, which makes substitutions much easier. Most of the patterns are sweaters in classic styles with a few modern designs thrown in. While not in every issue, there have been many children's sweaters included. Issues often include other items, such as hats, scarves, shawls, Christmas ornaments & decorations, purses, socks, gloves and mittens. The magazine has also featured several "great American afghans," providing a few block designs in each magazine. This is no granny-square afghan pattern. All patterns I have tried have been easy to follow, providing both written instructions and graphs.

Knitting Know-How at its best
While sometimes the designs in this knitting magazine are a bit wacky, the knitting know-how and articles on the craft are great. Even better, the photos, which are absolutely incredible. The new editor, Rick Mondragon, has come into his own and produced some really fine issues with many exciting projects small and large to knit. And Knitters sponsors the annual Stitches East, West, and (maybe still) Midwest conventions, where you can meet the designers, take classes and buy yarn at the Market. It's almost a cult. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Best in Europe
Burda fashion magazine is considered the best in its category in Europe.
They sell monthly editions in england, france, spain, germany, russia, check republic...and more.
Each magazine includes the patterns for all the clothes shown, and they cover classic clothes, more fashionable ones, children, young, plus sizes in each number.
You'll also find special clothes like sport, men, festive, summer now and then. For example you can get night dresses in the december issue or bride gowns in April issue, and swimsuits in summer.

Each number includes some sewing ideas for the home, cooking recipes, some knittings, beauty reports...the magazine is very complete.

But the top of all are the patterns, because they are excellent. Their fitting is considered the best. And their pants are wonderful, they fit very well but are totally confortable to sit or move. Even Mrs Betzina recomends them.

They also sell special numbers along the year or single patterns. You can even buy "made to meassure" patterns from them. If you want to see the contents of each number before buying or complete info about their services visit www.burdamoden.com
The page its in german but soon will come also in english and spanish.

love it
I have recently sent in a request to receive the magazine and can't wait for it to arrive. I used to subscribe a few years ago but fell out of sewing for a while. Every time I received the magazine I wondered why anyone pays for patterns. I also wonder why no American magazine will include even one pattern in it for clothing. Haven't had time to make many of the clothes, but like a fashion magazine it helps you shop! It is an extra step to trace patterns but so what, its free!
Each pattern is rated for beginner through advanced, each has variations and clear pictures of what it looks like. Worth every penny.

Excellent sewing magazine
This is an excellent magazine with sewing patterns provided for every model in it. Every issue contains several patterns for blouses, skirts, jackets, pants, dresses and children's clothing, in 4-5 sizes. The contents of the 12 issues follow the seasons, so the models are very versatile.
There are also very helpful detailed step-by step explanations on how to sew. The level of difficulty varies, making sure that there are always a few simple patterns for those that are just beginning to learn.
One may also look for Burda's special magazines such as "Blouses, Skirts, Trousers", "Burda Kids' Fashions", "Burda Plus" and "Burda Petite Fashions".

Who Needs to Buy Patterns Anymore?.....
I have been getting this magazine for almost 14 years now. It is one of the most interesting fashion magazines and the most fun. Not only do you get to keep up on fashion, but you actually get the patterns to make almost everything that is in the magazine!

I have found Burda patterns to be better fitting, more stylish, and often more practical than many of the paper patterns I have purchased in the store, although I still buy patterns now and then for specific styles. I usually will consult Burda first before buying any patterns from the US companys in the sewing stores.

Each issue of Burda comes with between 40-60 patterns in it for clothing in different ranges. Every month comes with misses sizes from anywhere from size 10 (american) to size 18 (american). The sizing is written up as European, but translated nicely for Americans to use as well. I find it easy to follow.

There is always a section for plus sized women with decent styles in it for women.

A few times a year there are men's patterns for everything from pants to coats.

There are patterns every month for youth from infant to teen girls.

Each month has trendy features, practical every day patterns, urban focus patterns, and there is always a themed pattern from folklore,bikers,African safari, to western American. The change of location and fashion focus is refreshing. Photography is usually quite fun too.

Burda is printed in Germany, and often features European designers. There is an opportunity to have readers design a pattern and it might get printed in an issue. That is usually my favorite section. I find the readers to be very innovative and the patterns they include are most interesting and fun to make.

There is a craft section which is often not too great, in my opinion. They used to have recipes which I used to love, but that has disappeared- for now, anyway. I hope that they will come back again.

For $5.00 a month, if you can discipline yourself to take a few extra minutes to trace out the patterns from the centerfold pattern papers, you can have practically any kind of pattern that you might need in a year's time. They are cut well, and run pretty true to size, depending on the style, of course.

The seam allowances do have to be added onto the pieces after they are traced out. I do this by eye when I cut out the pieces.. The pattern pieces for each pattern are color coded making it easy to trace them to tissue paper. With a little time invested to learn the method (which is very easy), I have enjoyed every single pattern that I have made from this magazine, and I have made a lot of them.

If you do not have the opportunity to make something from every issue, you have still only spent $5 on the magazine for that month, which is as much as most other magazines you might just throw away.

Comes in a plastic bag, which I love and shows up at the end of the month previous to that dated on the issue. In other words, March's issue will show up the last day or two of February. It is translated in England and sent to the New Jersey distribution center where it is mailed out to US customers.

I have been very happy with this magazine, and it is the only magazine I have consistently subscribed to (it is my bday present every year) without stopping for that long. It is just so much fun to see what styles are coming through Europe and know that I can make most of them if I feel like it right from the magazine!

What an addition to your Pattern Library!
I vote strongly in favor of Burda Moden pattern magazine. I sew a great deal, particularly wearable art, and use both original and commerical patterns. I like having fashion news, pattern updates, the actual patterns, and sewing technique details all arriving at once. Yes, all the patterns are printed together, which means tracing off your selection - which is a good idea for conservation of any sewing pattern. That huge sheet will never fold back up into the magazine - I bag both the originial pattern sheet and the periodical in a large ziplock bag. I agree that Burda is easier for the experienced sewer, but all can learn to add seam allowances or a clever new technique. The ideas presented are numerous and the patterns immediately accessible. In addition, I find Burda patterns to fit well and to offer more fitting solutions (explained) than our domestic companies. And for those who treasure their pattern libraries, having a magazine of actual patterns arrive, and not just advertisements for same, is very satisfying. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Great discovery at garage sale!
I came acrossed an older stack of this magazine at a garage sale for $1.00. I have never spent such good money, not only have I poured over every magazine at least twice, but everyone that has been to my home and picks one up, begs to take them home with them. I have now subscribed, and plan on saving every one indefinitley.

I hate Mary Englebreit's stuff, but I love her magazine.
I can't stand the cherries, the cartoon scotty dogs, the rosy-cheeked kids, or the cutseyness of her artwork, but I seriously love her magazine. It's a home magazine for creative types-- not glue-gun-and-wooden-geese types, but truly passionate people (probably mostly women) who have a love of old things, a willingness to jump in and experiment on their homes, and a desire to "live the creative life."

Yes, you'll flip past some ads for her products, but inbetween you'll find pictures of homes decorated by their owners (not a hoity-toity design firm) and instructions for unique projects (dare I call them crafts?) that won't look--- well, like you did them yourself.

It's definitely a magazine I'd recommend-- even though I will never, never own a ME teapot, card, gift box, wall hanging, print, wallpaper, tea set, christmas tree ornament, hatbox, figurine, pillow, stationery, purse, journal, doll, rug, fork, candle, poster, screensaver, needlepoint kit, pincushion, or tin.

Fun, Sweet and Relevant! Perfect for Mom AND me!
This wonderful magazine covers a variety of home-happy topics such as decorating, gardening, cooking (lovely themed menus and yummy recipes), reading, pets and so much more. It arrives every other month and is devoured cover-to-cover immediately. Each issue contains ideas and articles for holidays and seasonal events, and even includes a "Breit Ideas" catalog of Mary Engelbreit-produced items in the back.

Seriously, I wish that this magazine were a weekly publication -- it is really that good -- but there is just NO way that all the great features would survive such a punishing schedule. I've been a subscriber since the premier issue way back in 1996, and have always been pleased and surprised at Home Companion's quality, relevance and cleverness. Even the advertisements (which do not overpower the issue's contents) are appropriately themed and often lead me online to look for items!

If you are looking for a gift for a mom, aunt, grandma or sister, this is a perfect selection. I had to get a sub for my Mom because I certainly wasn't giving up any of MY issues!

Practical
For the discerning home owner who want ideas that are realistic.

Best Comfort Magazine
Cover to Back Cover, I really enjoy this magazine. The stories are warm, wonderful and encouraging - follow your dream - kind of stories. The recipe section is delicious, easy to follow and family friendly. I even enjoy the advertisements - it makes you feel creative and motivates you to get busy doing the things you love. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

The joy of Quilting Arts Magazine by Indigo
This is one of the most inspirational (and beautiful) magazines I've ever purchased. The only sad part is that it's only published 4 times a year; but it's still worth every cent. I read each of mine from cover to cover more than once. Each month focuses on a new artist that works in fiber (quilting; embellished boxes; altered books; fabric painting; etc.). Quilting Arts Magazine is geared more toward the non-traditional quilter; which is so nice since there is a noticable lack of such material to be purchased. The traditional quilter might find the projects inspirational and challenging as well. Speaking of challenges...the magazine usually has some sort of contest in the works with prizes to be won. The magazine is also a great resource for products such as beads; specialty fibers; buttons; ribbon; fiber paint...the choices boggles the mind! I recommend Quilting Arts Magazine wholeheartedly!!!

Simply the Best!
This is the best quilting magazine I have ever picked up. It is beautifully done, it is unique and the articles are interesting. But the thing I like best about the magazine is that every issue has a project complete with instructions that are so clearly written that even someone like me who is something of a novice when it comes to embelished quilting is inspired to give them a try.

This magazine is very well done and my hat is off to the writers and editors.

Perfect Gift for Quilters!
I purchased this subscription as a gift for my quilting wife. She is a fairly advanced quilter and curator of the Colorado Quilt Museum. I had seen all of the issues back through the Premier issue of Quilting Arts she had brought home from various quilt shows and retreats, and knew that this magazine was considered both special and head and shoulders better in production standards than a lot of other magazines available on the subject. The photography, color, literary editing and both staff and guest contributors are all the BEST.
Don't be intimidated if you're not an advanced or long time quilter. The inspiration of the articles and projects illustrated will inspire you as well as awe you with their beauty. Technique is well represented in text as well.

Be aware of the reality that it will probably take 16 weeks to receive your first issue via subscription. If you're at a show be sure to pick up any current issues available. Another disappointment not reflecting on this beautiful magazine itself but still relevant for potential subscribers, is the fact that (though sent in a sealed plastic envelope) USPS still managed to get to the magazine, completely remove the protective cover and slightly damage the magazine (possibly through thumbing through it while eating lunch). This is a magazine that many feel worthy of keeping in pristine condition. So be aware of that possibility.
Again, superior to many magazines available about the beautiful art of Quiliting.
John Row

Quilting Arts Magazine
Best magazine I've read in ages! Awesome pictures, instructions and articles.
Can't go wrong with this magazine.

A unique and wonderful quilting magazine
I saw my first issue of Quilting Arts magazine at the International Quilt Festival in November 2001. My first impression was that the magazine had a wonderful "look": it is printed on high-quality paper, with beautful photography and a pleasing layout. I subscribed immediately, and picked up the first two issues at the quiltshow. Each new issues seems better than the previous one. A wide variety of fiber-artists are featured. Articles showcasing a particular technique are well-photographed, with easy to follow text. This should be must-have
for anyone interested fiber art. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great design ideas
This is a fabulous magazine! Every issue I enjoy the vast number of designs and techniques within each magazine. The directions are always clear, concise, and correct. Each issue always has a great variety of patterns. I gave this magazine only 4 stars (it probably deserves 4.5) because I enjoy reading about the individual quilters, how they came up with the designs, and how they chose the fabric. Qulter Magazine only gives each pattern a very brief, 1 or 2 sentence glimpse about the quilt. I think I would enjoy it more if the magazine gave more background information. It is a wonderful magazine nonetheless. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great ideas for all levels
From the first time I picked this magazine up until now, I have been impressed with it. This magazine, unlike others, has great articles about quilters, techniques, fabrics, and everything else you can imagine that has anything to do with quilting. This magazine also showcases, in every issue, different quilting events that take place around the world. As a quilter, I've found that it is really great to see what other quilters have done to fabric. When it comes to the designs within the magazine, what I like best is that there are always a great variety of designs and techniques. Some magazines focus on the beginner level and throw in a couple of intermediate designs from time to time. I keep all of my magazines to use in the future, it is always my hope that I will, in the future, no longer be a beginner. I want those more challenging designs available to me--QNM does just this.

QNM is a wonderful magazine which is able to encompass all aspects of quilting, from beginners to more expert/challenging designs.

Something I look forward to reading
I, too, have been subscribing to QNM for several years. I look forward to finding an issue in my mailbox. The magazine is a good mix of patterns, techniques, and products, and always a bunch of readers' quilts, too.

Inspiring Quilters
I have been subscribing to QNM for several years now and am
always inspired by every issue. I especially like "Photo Finish"
(picture of an exquisite quilt on the last page). Each issue
also has a featured artist and pictures of some of their
creations which is very inspiring. I sometimes wish artists would
include some information on how they actually construct their
quilts, so I could try them too.
All in all, this magazine is well worth its subscription price. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The best of knitting magazines!
This magazine is the best there is. There is page after page of beautiful designs and excellent instructions. I have bought some books that don't have as many beautiful knitting projects in them as one issue of this magazine.

For exciting design and technique articles, this is a must
I think this is becoming my favorite knitting magazine. Though not as thick as "Knitters", the articles in Interweave Knits are interesting and useful. The editors often take one project, sometimes a small one like hats or mittens, and knit it in many variations. This was also the first magazine in the US to publish patterns by Vivian Hoxbro (Domino Knits) and got everyone going on this addictive form of modular knitting.

My favourite of all knitting magazines
This magazine possesses very aesthetically pleasing design and patterns. I have only been knitting for less than a year, yet I made my first sweater from a pattern from this magazine. The directions are accurate and straightforward.

The only frusterating thing about this magazine is most of the patterns showcase an advanced skill level...

INTERESTING PATTERNS
Many patterns covering all types of fashion. I love to knit but the more interesting patterns and textured yarns are pricey. This magazine uses a wide variety of yarns, mostly high end. Some projects from the winter 2002 issue run $$$/ball. They also have a very comprehensive list of vendors. Over all love the magazine and my only complaint stems from my own pocketbook because the end result are worth the expense. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Excellent magazine
This is probably one of the best quilting magazines you can buy! I look forward to receiving this magazine in the mail every issue! It is loaded with great articles and tons of designs--all with a great variety. This magazine has patterns for all levels and all types of quilters (appliquers, hand piecers, machines quilters...etc.).

If you can only have one, subscribe to this one!
This is a great quilting magazine - the instructions are clear and concise, there is something for everyone in this magazine. The only thing I wish they would add is a skill level indication. As a relatively new quilter, the projects I'm drawn to seem to be the most difficult! If it weren't for my quilting instructor (I decided to take a beginner's class), I'd be trying to do things that are way out of my league at this point in my obsession.

Overall, the magazine is absolutely wonderful!

Best Quilt Magazine Ever
If you've never seen this magazine, there's a very good reason: those of us who know about them snatch them up as soon as they hit the stores! You will find the highest quality paper, fabulous designs, complete instructions and patterns. The articles are extremely interesting. I hesitate to call them magazines - they are really softcover quilt books! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Great Magazine: Don't buy through Amazon.
I've purchased this magazine in grocery stores and liked it, so I subscribed through Amazon. The company actually responsible for seeing the subscription is filled is FW PUBLICATIONS. I ordered in March of 2003. September rolled around and I still hadn't seen and issue. After several phone calls to FW Publications, I finally received an issue. I've received four issues total. Here it is, March 2004, and they've stopped sending magazines. Apparently they think my subscription is finished after I've received half the magazines I've paid for. It would have been cheaper for me to buy them from the grocery store. Go ahead and subscribe to this magazine, just don't do it through Amazon. Their partner company is VERY UNRELIABLE.

Not one of the better ones
Some months it's great and others, blah. I had a subscription, but I won't renew. I will pick it up on the months it looks good and skip it the rest of the time.

Love it, Love it!
This is a great magazine for scrapbooking. Full of fun, fresh layouts that gets your creative juices flowing. My only complaints would be that I like to read the journaling on the layouts that people have done and MM doesn't shoot the photos of the layouts so you can do that, and they frequently showcase layouts that are too much work. Who has time to do some of those pages?

If you want a 5 star magazine, check out Creating Keepsakes Magazine. CK has just gone to 12 issues a year and usually has a freebie clip art page with each issue. You can read the journaling on the layouts, and CK has Becky Higgins, Scrapping Diva!

Or, do what I do and subscribe to both!

Happy Scrapping!

BEST ON THE MARKET!
I'm not big on magazine subscriptions, but being an avid scrapper this magazine is a MUST HAVE! The scrapbooking craze has taken off and of all the different magazines out there - this is the one to have! The ideas are beautifully portrayed and are sent in from all over the world. The presentation of the layouts is pleasing too. Other scrapbooking magazines tend to be too cluttered, but MEMORY MAKERS is hands down a quality product! Living overseas we don't get our choice of magazines and I look forward to getting my MM every-other month! It's the only magazine I ever read COVER TO COVER!

Disappointing
I had a subscription to this magazine for a year. Issue after issue, I would go through searching for layouts I wanted to copy and ideas I wanted to incorporate into my own layouts, and time after time I would come up empty. I found very little that challenged me creatively to go beyond what I could come up with on my own. I also found the format of the magazine very disorganized. There would be sample layouts published for occasions that seemed unrelated to each other or the season/month. I would definitely suggest that if you are considering subscribing to this magazine, you should purchase individual copies from your local newsstand or scrapbook supply store for several issues until you are sure you will be satisfied with Memory Makers' format and content. This is not a magazine to purchase "sight unseen" just because it is a scrapbooking magazine. I found it to be very disappointing. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Updated Crochet
I currently own at least one issue of about 8 different crochet magazines and Crochet! is my favorite of all of them and the ONLY one that I subscribe to. The designs are always current and unlike some magazines are not re-publications of designs that were originally published elswhere. Ladies wearables, accessories, and afghans are the staple of this magazine though you will occassionally also find wearabes for other family members as well as a variety of other interesting patterns such as crochet for the kitchen and bathroom, crochet for spicing up the holdiays, etc. What's more is that they always try to include patterns from some of the "newer" (or newly revived) techniques such as thread painting, crochet'n weave etc. The instructions are quite thorough, often with diagrams and yes...you will find some patterns in here that will cater to the plus sizes. Another interesting feature of this magazine is that they spotlight on what's new in the crochet world so you always feel like you're on the cutting edge of what's current in crochet.

Unfortunately, there is no pic up for the visual types such as myself but you don't have to take my word for it. Just follow this link to visit the magazine's official site and for a sneak peek inside the latest issue:

http://www.crochetmagazine.com/

Enjoy! ... Read more

Abstract

Helps readers discover the gemstones & minerals that go into jewelry making & provides information & workshops for projects readers can create, or smply marvel.
... Read more

Reviews (5)

"Lapidary Review" - What a total misnomer!!
I expected this magazine to cover articles related to rocks, cabochons, semi precious stones etc. I have just received my second issue. At least 50% of the 95 pages are simply advertising - which I think is, to put it mildly, far too much. Their features this month are: "Dreaming in Metal," "Improving you Opal cutting," "2004 AGTA Spectrum Awards." The Step by Step projects include: "Forged hinged bracelet." "Ancient Vessel" - using glass, foil, and lampworking skills to create this "fun" pendant!!" , and how to make a pair of bell earrings using PMC paper!!

Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary defines lapidary as:"a) sculptured in or engraved on stone; b: of or relating to precious stones or the art of cutting them; c) having elegance and precision." This review deals with nothing even close to this definition. I wish I could cancel my subscription, but there is no place on their website where one can do this.

gone downhill
This used to be a great magazine but in the past year they have changed format, and have cut their articles by a third. The projects they go over have become less challenging, more for crafters then for jewelers. A third to half the magazine is advertisements, and they are always, the same.

Top of the line...
Lapidary Journal Magazine is #1 in my book as far as a magazine geared for people in the jewelry field. Covers just about all aspects from creating to selling and even has project plans! Has a lot of great advertisers if you are just starting out as a hobby jewelry maker. This magazine will help you locate just about anything jewelry related you are searching for.

eyecandy plus content
This is a great magazine full of inspiration and wonderful full color photos of jewelry masters work!
There are tutorials for polymer clay,lampworking glass beads,PMC,jewely intruction like bezeling ,gem cutting etc . Instructions for beginners as well as intermediates. Each year there's a special issue dedicated to beads.
I subscribed to this magazine before I even knew why. I was and still am not a jewelry maker.I believe it is great for anyone who is creative and loves inovative art.

Rockhound
This is the greatest lapidary magazine on the market today. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

If your going to read one Beading Magazine this is it
Beading is enjoing a wave of popularity right now and there are more magazines than ever and frankly, I read them all. Beadwork stands above the others in many ways. The quality of the articles is fresh and informative, not the same tired junk recycled over and over. New news in the beading world is never over looked and the patterns are always detailed and sources for materials given. If I could only subscrible to one Beading Magazine Beadwork would definitely fill the bill. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A must have
Absolutely wonderful magazine. I count the days until every new issue. It offes beautiful patterns for a variety of needlework styles. In every issue it always has knitting section, a couse that introduces you to a new type of needlework (or refreshes you in one that you already tried), a monthly picture in cross stitch (a sampler type, this year it is "the trades").

During the year you can find patterns in most of the popular types of needle work (cross stitch, embroidery, sweedish weaving, chrochet, cutwork, whitework, etc).If you like to try all different kinds of needle work ,"Anna" is for you.

"Anna" Burda's all-purpose needlework magazine
Anna has an assortment patterns for knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery, and other crafts, mostly needlework, every month, and the design quality is generally higher than that in American magazines, which currently place a ridiculous emphasis on "Easy," at the expense of design. There are usually some seasonal crafty-crafts included, using paper, paint, etc., for decorating and some purposes which are mysterious to this American reader. (Just what is a "school cone," anyway?) Overall, a very worthwhile magazine, with a lot of truly beautiful patterns. I knitted one tablecloth pattern for my daughter's wedding veil, and it got raves. Well worth the price! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great all around
This is a great magazine in all aspects of what a quilting magazine should be. There are always a great variety of designs, techniques, and articles describing different quilters and some historical aspects of quilting. This is a 'good read' even if you're not planning to make a quilt.

Lots of Variety in Quiltmaker Magazine
This magazine has lots of different types of quilts for the quilter who likes variety. I've been buying it off the newsstands for a while and have found it to be one of my favorite magazines. It has tons of quilts in every issue. Everything from tradtional, and scrap quilts to kids and foundation piecing. If you quilt for children you'll love the great ideas that come with every issue. The magazine is in full color with clear and easy instructions. many patterns also include instructions for different sizes. Lots and lots of fun and original ideas. This is not your run-of-the-mill quilt magazine. If you're looking for creative quilt patterns and the latest on notions and tools, this is the magazine for you. I've made 2 quilts from this magazine in the last 5 months and can't wait to get the next issue and pick my next project. ... Read more