I usually do a quick browse while also pulling out the index cards. I put them in a container that I am saving them in. I use them for templates.

Quick browse and toss the cards.

SharonG/FL-IN

I pull out all the cards first, those are a pet-peeve of mine. I don't buy too many new quilting magazines, but when I stop at the used book store, I usually find a couple that interest me!

I pull out all the cards before reading or browsing the magazine also. I usually browse it then later sit down and read from cover to cover.

I take it to the "reading room" for the quick browse. Maybe TMI ;-)

Then I peruse it at length, reading articles and patterns. Sometimes I just devour it all at once if I buy it for an evening read or travel.

LindaB/CA

I've never really bought a quilting magazine until just recently. At Marsha's suggestion, I subscribed to Machine Quilting Unlimited to help me get proficient on my Tiara. This doesn't mean I don't have plenty of quilting books though. I buy them when I find a quilt designer that I really love (like Weeks Ringle/Bill Kerr and Cherri House), or a book on One Block Wonders or Japanese Quilts. I've just never been much of a magazine/newspaper buyer. Too much paper to deal with. I struggle to throw them away, and clutter drives me crazy (which is why I'm a little looney right now looking at my office/sewing room).

I can't stand the 3x5 cards so they have to go first! Then I page through to see what's there. Then I slowly go through it and absorb the details.

I have found a solution to the index cards though: I have a couple subscriptions on my Kindle. Now I can look though the magazines anywhere (even at work!!!) and I never have to discard the 3x5 index cards. The added advantage for my aging eyes is that I can zoom in as much as I want to see stitch details or to expand the font for easy reading. Life is good.

Kate