Debbie Bliss Magazine Issue 14: A Review

Debbie Bliss Magazine has released their 14th issue. Excuse my tardiness as it's actually been out for quite awhile, but as they haven't as of this writing updated their website with the preview pics from the new issue, I was unable to write my review until I finally messaged the Debbie Bliss Magazine Facebook page and the administrator helpfully pointed me to a set of preview pics elsewhere on the web. Let's have a look at the warm weather knitwear within, shall we?

Error Top. Basic little top. I can think of more positive messages I'd rather be wearing.

Bliss Top. That's a little more like it.

Quack the Duck. Cute.

Bob the Bunny. It's hard to go wrong with a bunny toy.

Smiffy. Cute.

Man's Bee Friend. Personally I wouldn't treat my best friend like this.

Le Chien A La Mode. Okay, fine, I have to admit this is kind of adorable. But I am still resolutely anti-knitwear for pets. I mean, we all know how that can end, don't we?

Classic Cardigan. Very basic. The yarn, which is Eco Baby Prints in Carnival, is pretty.

Guernsey. Okay. It's a little too big in the neck.

Shell Pattern Slipover. This is designed to be worn over something else, but I would make it more fitted and raise the armholes so it could be worn by itself.

Belted Top. Belts really don't belong in one's armpits.

Sweatshirt. I doubt this particular colour would appeal to many men, but this simple pattern would be wearable enough in another yarn.

V-Neck Cardigan. This isn't terrible, only too basic and a little unflattering, but there are so many better-designed cardigan patterns out there that it would make no sense to choose this one.

Sideways Knitted Sweater. Pretty little top.

Contrast Edge Cardigan. Very cute little piece. It's simple, but the collar and the contrast edging give it all the interest it really needs, and the shape is good.

Raglan Sweater With Chevron Edging. Very pretty. The lace edging is a nice finishing touch on an otherwise simple and well-shaped sweater.

Frill Edge Cardigan. Don't care much for this one. The hem shaping doesn't look designed, but as though it shrunk and pulled in the middle, and most women aren't going to care for that bulky ruffle around their hips.

Raglan Sweater with Bow. Both the bow and the way the body is belling out over the waist ribbing are unfortunate.

Antimacassar. This isn't a bad effect, but I can't imagine wanting to fuss around with one of these on the furniture. Victorian novels often describe their female characters as having to repeatedly straighten their antimacassars, and women have acquired careers since then.

Tealight Holder Covers. I often see examples of these tealight covers on the net. I'd like to see some research on whether they're safe.

Lace Cushion. Nice lace pattern.

Cabled Floor Cushion. Classic and looks comfy.

Lace & Cable Cushion. Don't like this lace pattern as much as the previous one. The two lace stitches don't work together that well.

Cabled Throw. A rather unique cabled effect with a contemporary feel to it.

Smock Dress. Cute concept, but the design could use a little polishing up. I'd smock the pockets and improve the shape of the collar.

Moss Stitch Tunic With Pockets. Uninteresting and badly shaped. I'd keep looking for a better boy's sweater pattern.

Wraparound Apron. No way would I spend time knitting something for the express purpose of getting paint slopped all over it. This is what Daddy or Mommy's cast off shirts are for.

Dress with Pocket. They're not even trying in this issue, are they?

Smock Coat. Basic little jacket. A more interesting yarn choice would do something for it.

Beret. Basic as basic can be.