For some time, I've been reading the Knitting Curmudgeon's rants against Knitters Magazine. Until now, I would read the magazine once in a while, notice that there wasn't much content and go back to my Interweave Knits. This time, I am just appalled. A 'sock scarf?' That's just ugly and impractical. Knitting has a reputation of being a kind of dorky hobby. This 'sock scarf' feeds that reputation.
I found one somewhat interesting lace pattern. Everything else would have been right at home at the trailer trash fashion show, especially that blue fuzzy thing that looked like the pelt of a blue fuzzy animal except blue fuzzy animals don't exist.
These 'designs' didn't advance the craft of knitting. They fed into the perception of knitted objects being ugly objects that must be forced upon unsuspecting recipients.
And then I read the editor's note where Mr M. talks about the lessons he teaches poor ignorant knitters. He does talk a fair amount about copyright. I'm all in favor of respecting copyright. (ask me sometime how I feel about people trying to sell my photographs - yes, it's happened). My issue is with his tone. He has this tone of looking down on poor knitters who can't read a pattern but it's OK because this guy will lead them into the light and make it all better.
If his kind of 'help' results in objects like the patterns in this magazine, I'll get my own help
The problem I have is with his attitude. He's condescending. He talks down to the people he's supposedly helping. I think if you're 'helping' someone by talking down to them, you do more damage than if you had not offered help. This is the difference between pity and compassion.
I will not be buying another copy of this magazine.
2004.12.01