Making Stories Magazine have released their second issue today, packed with 10 gorgeous cabled and textured knitting patterns (5 garments and 5 accessories). Plus lots of articles from writers such as Joanne Seiff and Jeanette Sloan. 6% of the profits from this issue will go to anti-racism causes, which is fantastic.

Although I don’t have a pattern featured in this issue (my Columella Shawl (Ravelry link) was published in the first magazine back in March), Making Stories have very kindly sent me a copy of this wonderful second issue, free of charge, to review for them.

Each issue of Making Stories has a theme around which the patterns and articles are based. The theme for this issue is ‘Loving & Caring’ which resonates throughout, for example in Nicole Bracey’s article on being ‘Knitworthy’ and in Ainur Berkimbayeva’s Open Heart (Ravelry link) slipper sock pattern, which I’m itching to cast on with some Blacker Yarns Tamar DK from my yarn collection!

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One of my favourite patterns in the magazine is Verena Cohrs Stern (Ravelry link) pullover, which features a textured chevron yoke pattern. This pattern is hugely flexible and is written for 16 sizes – from a child-sized 18” chest up to an adult-sized 56”. You can knit the pattern in 4ply/fingering weight yarn or in a double-knit weight yarn, with the magazine’s samples being knitted in beautiful yarn from De Rerum Natura. And if that wasn’t enough variety for you, you can also choose between making the garment as a pullover or as a steeked cardigan! How to decide?

I absolutely love the versatility of this pattern. It allows you to create a sort of ‘dream sweater’ for yourself or for your loved ones and plays wonderfully into Nicole Bracey’s message that we are all knitworthy.

Now, I didn’t just keep my review copy all to myself! The lovely people who come along to my regular Knit Night were very keen to have a look through too. One of their favourites was the Hali (Ravelry link) pullover by Leeni Hoi (the cover design) which was much “oohed and ahhhhhed” over, and quite rightly so with it’s fabulous twisted-stitch pattern and elegant funnel-neck.

All the patterns are available to view on Ravelry, where you can also purchase a digital copy. The magazine itself is available from www.making-stories.com and you can also find links to local stockists on their website too. Enjoy!