Okay, once again it’s taken me ages to write a blog but at least I have a good excuse this time – I have become a bona fide knitter! I was only kidding when I said in my last post I was making knitted gifts for my family for Christmas this year, but the idea has taken hold and I’ve now actually planned what everyone, including my sister’s boyfriend, will be getting this year. And there’s not a beanie or sock in sight. I’ve mastered stocking stitch now and I’m pretty sure everything is going to be in that or ribbed stocking stitch but I think circular needles and curving knitting may be a little beyond me right now. I still have patience issues too but I’m starting to think that may just be in life and not necessarily just in knitting.

So anyway, here in all its glory is my finished book cover, which I actually finished months ago, and now holds my work diary. It’s a pain to open but I love it none the less.



I am also a fickle knitter (I am learning a lot about my self these days) as I enthusiastically started my funky cushion cover and have, like many before me, ditched it for something cooler and more exciting. I can’t reveal what, as it will hopefully become my mother’s Christmas present and she may read this blog, but I can tell you I have mastered changing colours and it’s in fabulous colours.

It feels like it’s only the start of the summer and already we’re working on our September issue. It’s hard to get into the mindset of what people will be wearing in September when I’m still trying to decide on a new bikini for my holiday to St Tropez (really and truly).

Emma K and Claire got back from a successful shoot in and around Brighton yesterday and we’ve all been ohhhing and ahhhing over the gorgeous pics today. I can tell you now, it’s going to be one of our most beautiful galleries yet. We’ve also just sent our August issue off to print and are really excited about it. We worked so hard with this issue, incorporating 2 new features and can’t wait to hear what you think of it so don’t forget, be vocal on the forums or email me direct, you might end up on the letters page and win a prize!

To knit the beach bag, flip flops and candy stripe twinset, Iriss are happy to offer a 10% discount for the Patons 4ply cotton and the Rowan Denim 100% cotton yarns to our readers. Go to www.iriss.co.uk, or phone 01736 366 568 and quote KM53.

If you were swept away by the nautical cardigan and the fabulous boys knitted hoodie, order your Sirdar DK Soft Cotton and Debbie Bliss Cotton DK from Fiddlesticks and receive 10% discount. Click onto www.fiddlesticksdevon.co.uk or alternatively call 0140447676, quoting KM53.

If you loved Fiona Morris's navy fitted vest, order Wendy Supreme Luxury Cotton DK from Dragon Yarns to receive 10% discount. Telephone orders only, so please call Dragon Yarns on 01453 755 766 and quote KM53.

To knit Flirty Skirty order Sublime Soya Cotton DK from the Knitting Parlour and receive 10% discount. Visit  www.theknittingparlour.co.uk  or call 01684 892 079 and quote KM53.

For the Red Striped jumper in Marks and Kattens, Scandinavian Knitting Design are offering a special offer of £2.10 (RRP £2.35) to all Knitting readers. Visit www.scandinavianknittingdesign.com or call 01189 884 226 and request this special readers offer.

All these offers are availble until 7th August 2008.

Knitting Magazine is launching it's fourth National Knitting Week. After last years huge success, once again we are relying on you to make 2008 our best year yet. The dates are October 12th to 19th so get planning!

National Knitting Week, in association with the UKHA, is a true celebration of hand knitting with organized events up and down the country. To have your event listed on this website please fill out this form. Whether you are planning your own event or looking for something in your area to join in with, keep updated with Knitting Magazine and the Knitting Institute.

So be creative and let your imagination run wild. Prepare to knit up a storm and have the ultimate Knitting fun, just remember to keep us posted!