I've subscribed to Crochet! for several years. Through those years, they've improved the layout and offerings. Usually there's at least one item that catches my eye.
There's a good variety of patterns, usually an afghan or two, a baby or child's item or two, household items, flower motifs, a few cute & some not so cute wearable patterns in each issue. You can expect some cute purse patterns, once in a while a scarf or shawl. The magazine seems to have a running theme that will last a few months...once it was flowers, I loved those, very cute, now it's special stitch patterns...handy if you're creative and like to design your own items.
Crochet! still uses some yarns I've never heard of, but they always give the yarn weight which makes it easier to substitute & there's a buyer's guide in the back of the magazine. I haven't noticed many amigurumi patterns, but there's been some. I made a frog a couple years ago.
The magazine includes a project page, Crochet! at a Glance, which has a photo of each pattern in the issue along with the page # it's found on. You'll also find a stitch guide, buyer's guide info, the patterns are rated by skill level, & a chart explaining yarn weight. There's a web page with additional information & usually an option to receive a free issue so you can decide if you like the magazine. You'll find that info on their website.
They are beginning to promote their website more. The September 2009 issue includes some pattern photos, but you're instructed to go to the website for the pattern.
This is the best crochet magazine on the market today. Not only does it feature a variety or crocheted patterns, it uses easily found material that are not ultra-expensive. I love their columns and designers. I especially like the Crochet Potpourri column that lets me write in and ask other readers for particular patterns. They have been publishing for over 25 years and boy, do they do it right! I tell all my crocheting friends about this terrific magazine.
Stella
I am young and rather picky, but I can always find something to please my eye and needle wtih this magazine. The clothing patterns don't look hideous and boxy. I think that Interweave does a good job with it's offerings. I also like "Crochet Today!" by Future Publications. I think that between the both of them I always have more that I want to do than I have time for. IC is a magazine with a focus on patterns with a classic, but trendy and modern appeal. CT! is a fun look at the possibilities of crochet (such as, amigurumi)and an updated twist on older patterns with modern appeal. The two together give me so much to do that I never complete it all, but I love to look. CT! has more small scale projects and IC has a larger selection of non-craft items.
