I was driving into work this morning, listening to the radio, and on the Chris Evans show Moira Stewart and Johnny Saunders were playing the usual headlines game. I was intrigued by one story which appeared to be about a surfing alpaca, so when I got to work I googled the surfing alpaca, as you do.

It turns out a 44 year old Peruvian surfer has spent years teaching a variety of animals – including a dog, cat, parrot and hamster – to surf with him on his longboard. He has now managed to teach his pet alpaca, Pisco, to stay on his surfboard, though the animal has to wear a life jacket as their long hair tends to drag them down in water. I was surprised by how zen Pisco seemed to be about the whole thing as I didn't think alpacas liked water. Maybe he has the whole surfer's philosophy down too.

To see Pisco, the surfing alpaca, in action click on the link below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmxFDrYRAv0

Our April issue has just arrived in the office and boy are we pleased with it!

With a new wider format and redesign of your favourite pages, we think it looks great. Let us know what you think over on the forums or by emailing Assistant Ed Emma W on emmaw@thegmcgroup.com.

Today the theme of April showers seems very apt (it's raining again in Lewes). Spring can be such a tricky time weather-wise, what to wear, what to wear? We think bright colours, fun stripes and clothes that make you feel happy whatever the weather!

Sublime's Striped Hetty instantly cheers up any outfit



Wellie socks make the inevitable rain more fun. You'll actually be hoping you get to wear them!



On those gloomy days be dark and dramatic with this glamorous cable cape



And don't miss

- Supply & Demand: Delve into the world of yarn development

- You get what you pay for: don't skimp on your skeins

- Cute Easter egg cozy projects

- Part 2 of colour grading technique

And all the usual news, reviews and tips you don't want to miss out on!

Emma K and I managed to wangle a couple of tickets to the first day of London Fashion Week AW10 a week ago, our very first Fashion Week experience! Look at how cool we look lounging. 



After successfully sidestepping the hurdle of what on earth one wears to London Fashion Week (surprisingly undressy apart from the obvious one or two leopard print, shoulder pad and hair extension-wearing fashionistas oozing attention deficit and muttering 'photograph me!'), we found ourselves on a train at 7.30am on our way to the very first catwalk show of the day, Paul Costelloe.



I loved the rockabilly edge and the Dolly Parton soundtrack!

Straight after this was the official launch with British Fashion Council chief Harold Tilman and Prime Minister's wife, Sarah Brown, who held a moving minute silence for Alexander McQueen.



One wall was dedicated to the late designer, with people posting moving messages among photographs of his seminal fashion moments.



We grabbed a quick glass of champagne (it's 10am here!) and a bite to eat in the incredibly accommodating press area...



...before heading off to the Caroline Charles catwalk show, all glitzy evening wear and equestrian chic.



Later we visited the Estethica exhibition, housing the ready to wear collections of brands such as Makepiece, Izzy Lane and The North Circular (knitting grannies in attendance at their stand). Ethically sourced and British made is going to be huge this year!

It was such a fun and tiring day, we got a great insight into how Fashion Week works, and can't wait for SS11 in September, Mark Fast and Louise Goldin here I come. And Christoper Kane, Vivienne Westwood, Roland Mouret, Mathew Williamson...

Check out this lovely animated video titled Life Behind the Scenes by David Shrigley, for knitwear kings Pringle of Scotland, it made me smile on a grey afternoon.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoiW5-uA3_E