I think which magazine is best really depends on what you plan to use the magazine for and what your quilting aesthetic is. I would not limit yourself to "easy quilting" or beginner magazines (unless you truly plan to use the patterns). You can find in depth descriptions of technique in a lot of places, I think the strength of magazines lies in keeping you up to date in trends & fabrics (for inspiration), introducing techniques so you can push your skills, and then learning about the larger quilting community (both current and historical).

For full disclosure, I lrarely use a whole pattern, but I draw a lot of inspiration from quilts I see in magazines. My favorites are Quilter's Newsletter, Quiltmania, and American Patchwork & Quilting. I really like applique, and I use and adapt the applique patterns from both APQ and Quiltmania frequently. I am a younger quilter, and find that I don't always love the fabric choices in Quilter's Newsletter patterns, but always find the articles well-written and researched. I have learned a lot about quilting history and the quilting community from that magazine. I think APQ is definitely beginner friendly (patterns are well-explained and user friendly). Quiltmania patterns are not beginner friendly (or even intermediate friendly), but it is the most amazing magazine for inspiration-- if you like their aesthetic.

I recently bought a copy of Quilty Magazine that another poster mentioned(think it is published by Fons & Porter), and if you are interested in modern quilting, I recommend it too. It is a beautiful magazine with a young, fresh feel. I may ask for a subscription at Christmas. I would describe it as beginner friendly.

I am also new to quilting - I researched the internet and when there was a reference to a book that interest me; I requested that book from the library.

I am currently reading the following books from the library:
The Quilting Bible and Quilt with Confidence
I purchased First Time Quiltmaking and it has been a daily resource for me as a beginner.

Hope this helps.

If you will contact me I think I have a duplicate copy of one the Quick Quilts Magazines. I would be glad to send it to you, so you can see if you like it. It is my favorite quilting magazine, although I have to say I love the tips page in the Fon's & Porter Love of Quilting Mag.
Send me a PM with your mailing info, if you would like to have this magazine. Vonda

I so agree!!!!!!!!

The Quilter's Academy books are very good, but I find them to be overly intimidating for the beginning quilter. "Freshman Year" made me so anxious about the scant 1/4" seam that I almost quit before I made my first quilt. Now I refer back to the first three volumes (Frosh, Soph, Junior) only when I'm trying something new and want their ideas.

Also beware that the Quilter's Academy books push all kinds of quilting accessories, most of which are not necessary. I keep reminding myself that Harriet owns a quilt shop and makes a lot of money from selling these things.

I am fortunate to have Barnes & Noble nearby. I plan on a trip just to view the different magazines while drinking some coffee.

Unfortunately my library doesn't carry many quilt magazines. However they are now instituting e-magazines that are on Zinio and can be viewed on my home computer for free. I figure if enough quilters request quilting magazines maybe there will be more available in the future. I have to learn my new laptop first though.

McCalls Quick Quilts is my favorite too!!!

Quilting Quickly ..... love,love,love it. Jenny and her girls are the best to show you how.

Crafty's online
free classes helped me as well.

I don't subscribe to any quilt magazines anymore, either. I drop by my library and spend 30 minutes reading the newest issue. If there is a pattern I really want to make (Which really never happens) I can either wait until the next issue comes out and check out the previous issue, or purchase the issue at the grocery store. My local library also has digital issues of the magazine subscriptions, so I can borrow it , online.