The June issue of Simply Knitting is hits shop shelves across the UK today! We've got 35 stunning knits tucked between the covers and and as it's nearly Father's Day we've got lots of great knits for men – as well as lovely knits for the rest of the family, too.


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We've got lots of fab knits – and some challenging new techniques for you to try. This month, start steeking with a cute child's jacket and instructions on how to cut it up to add the sleeves and collar.

Add a bit of retro flair to your wardrobe with our batwing jumper or our chic blue cardigan shown on the cover.

We've also got some great gifts which have been designed with men in mind. If you're knitting for someone really special, we've got a smart man's jumper but if you fancy a quicker knit, check out our fab desk tidy set – and there are 10 more fun projects in our Quick & Easy Knits section.


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Send Dad off to work looking sharp with our knitted tie and fab laptop case. Socks can be a dull gift – unless they're as fabulous as our Noro socks!

We've also got a groovy knitted guitar strap for musical types, and a funky photo frame for your favourite snaps.

If you're looking for a more feminine knit, try our ruffled scarf or pretty necklace – they're a great way to show off your skills and are sure to draw admiring looks!

In issue 66 we brought you part one of Alan Dart's Chimps' Tea Party. This month, we've got part two which features all the china and food.



Alan has really gone to town creating a fabulous spread that any child will love – whether or not you knit the chimps, too.

His delicate pastries and clever crockery are also great accessories to show off your favourite china. You can knit them to suit any colour scheme and they won't go stale.

Other great things to look out for in issue 67 include: 

• The Gingerbread House in Thailand part two – Alison meets a Princess.
  
• More from the Marie Curie Cancer Care Blooming Great Tea Party campaign.
  
• Behind the scenes at Stitch & Craft 2010.
  

And don't miss any of your usual favourites: we're reviewing cotton yarns, tracking down great events around the country and have great prizes for you to win.

A couple of people have been in touch to say they can't get hold of issue 66 in north-east England. I've contacted our Trade Marketing people to let them know this - it may be that there has been some sort of distribution problem.

I'll update you when I know more.

UPDATE: The problem was affecting the Sunderland distribution area only, and Trade Marketing have told me it should now be resolved and copies are going out.

The Spring issue of Simply Knitting is hits shop shelves across the UK today! We've got 25 bright and cheerful knits tucked between the covers – including three fab tea cosies designed to support Marie Curie Cancer Care's Blooming Great Tea Party fundraiser.


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Drab winter weather often works its way into our wardrobes, so spring is a great time to get rid of the grey and cast on a bright new knit! We've got some lovely, cheerful designs for you this month, including our stunning floral cardigan on the cover, a dainty smock-style top and a bright tank top and skirt set with a lovely Fair Isle pattern.

We've also got a pretty Mobius scarf to keep out any spring breezes – and we haven't forgotten the kids. We've got a stripy tank top they'll love – and it comes with instructions to help you learn to knit in the round.

We've also got 10 great knits for the whole family in our Quick & Easy Knits section.


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Amanda Crawford has designed a stunning heirloom blanket for us and you'll find the first part in this issue.

We've also got some super-sweet lace socks, a cable bag – which is simple enough for teens and tweens to knit themselves – an adorable hat and bootees for a new baby, mitts for men and great gifts for gardeners.

Alan Dart has designed a Blooming Great Tea Party of his own – a chimp's tea party, that is!



Although we're glad that zoos have stopped the practice, these knitted toys look absolutely charming. You'll find the patterns for the chimps in this first part and the tea set in issue 67, on sale Thursday 22 April 2010.

Other great things to look out for in issue 66 include: 

• The Knitted Gingerbread House goes to Thailand!
  
• Alan Dart shows off new designs.
• Find out how you can support Marie Curie Cancer Care – and win great knitting goodies at the same time!
  

And don't miss any of your usual favourites: we've got great books and patterns to try, fab events to visit and inspiring ideas for spring.

The April issue of Simply Knitting is hits shop shelves across the UK today! We've got 27 great knits for spring tucked between the covers and we're already thinking about decorating your home for Easter as well as knits to make friends and family smile.


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We've got some lovely knits for you – and your family. Our cover project is a really versatile woman's gilet – subscribers get more ideas of how to wear this wardrobe staple on page 22 – and we've also got a pretty blue and white jumper to help you stretch your Fair Isle skills.

Men will love our cosy man's cardigan in soft browns and dinosaur lovers of all ages will be clamouring for our brilliant dinosaur jumper. It'll fit chest sizes 25-30in (68-78cm) which is roughly kids sizes 4-8 years but if your favourite paleontologist is a bit bigger then the design would look on a great cushion or throw too.

If you're looking for a quicker knit, try our fab vintage style clutch or one of the 12 patterns in our Quick & Easy Knits section.


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This month, we're getting ready for Easter so we've got some fab Easter eggs and cute egg cosies to decorate your table with.

We've also got some great gift ideas, whether you're treating a friend to a luxurious lace scarf or a new arrival to a pair sweet baby bootees – or yourself to a pair of bright knee high socks.

Alan Dart has also caught the bug and has made a whole catwalk of Easter bonnets with cute chicks to model them.



They're so fun and unusual that kids and adults alike are sure to love them and they're quick to knit so they make a great alternative to chocolate.

Other great things to look out for in issue 65 include: 

• New 'Fair Isle' effect yarns.
  
• Rachael Matthews is setting fire to a spinning wheel.
  
• All about the largest knitted rock in the Tate.
  

And don't miss any of your usual favourites: we're testing the best chunky yarns, you've sent us loads of great letters and our experts solve your knitting problems.

The March issue of Simply Knitting is hits shop shelves across the UK today! We've got 24 fabulous knits tucked between the covers. With Mother's Day coming up, we've got some great ways for you to treat your mum, and we've also got a brilliant set of free bag handles and four patterns to use them with.


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Spring is on the way but it's still pretty chilly. Wrap up warm with our chunky coat shown on the cover or try a gorgeous textured tunic. We've also got great knits to keep the kids warm with a pretty girl's hoodie, a smart but casual boy's jumper and a sweet hat and wristwarmers set which is sure to appeal to teens and grown women alike.

We've got a fab cover gift for you this month: a set of brilliant bamboo bag handles. They're easy to attach, practical and sturdy – and we've got four fab bags for you to knit.


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Emma King designed these three stunners, and you'll find another way to use your handles in our Quick & Easy Knits section.


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If you've got a celebration coming up, we've got some great gifts – and some lovely treats for yourself, too. Our cute ankle socks are quick and simple, and easy bibs make a great gift for a new parent. If you're feeling the cold, wrap up warm with a funky neckwarmer or smart scarf. And there's lots more!

This month, Alan Dart has drawn his inspiration from In Stitches, our monthly comic strip drawn by Malcolm Bird and created a super cute Sox the cat for you to knit.



If you've got a cat at home, it's easy to change the colours to match your own kitty and he's a great gift for any animal lover.

Other great things to look out for in issue 64 include: 

• New spring yarns!
  
• Rachael Matthews welcomes Japanese textile artists.
  
• We find out about the Handknit Heroes knitting comic.
  

And don't miss any of your usual favourites: we're testing the best British wool yarns, we've got great books and patterns for you to try and our experts have lots of great tips.

The February issue of Simply Knitting is landing on shop shelves across the UK today! We've got 23 gorgous knits tucked between the covers and we're already thinking about Valentine's gifts for you to knit as well as lovely ways to treat yourself.


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We've got three gorgeous women's tops in this issue, so you'll be able to find one to suit your style. Choose from the trendy cropped jacket on the cover, a smart cowl-neck jumper or an elegant silver tunic.

If you feel like indulging in a quicker project, try our slouchy socks or Fair Isle hot water bottle cover – or pick your favourite of the 11 patterns in our Quick & Easy Knits section!


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Just because the holiday season is out of the way, doesn't mean we're ready to stop knitting for the ones we love. The 11 patterns in our Quick & Easy Knits section include super-sweet designs and some romantic knits for Valentine's Day. Knit a simple card for a friend or say 'I love you' with a pair of heart-motif socks. We've also got fun, quick gifts for the whole family, from dads to tots.

Carrying the romantic theme further, Alan Dart has designed a pretty pair of lovers for us this issue. Pierrot and Pierrette are absolutely charming with their matching outfits and wistful faces. They'd make a great gift for a teenage girl waiting for her first Valentine's card, a newly married couple or anyone with a romantic streak!



Other great things to look out for in issue 63 include: 

• We test the best circular needles around.
  
• Get kids crafting with help from Craft Club.
  
• The story behind a knitted wedding cake...
  

And don't miss any of your usual favourites: we've got fab new yarns, great giveaways and loads of books, patterns and websites for you to try out!

The January issue of Simply Knitting is landing on shop shelves across the UK today! We've got 29 fabulous knits tucked between the covers and our fab Christmas Gift Set will help you add the finishing touches to your gift knits.

We've also got a TV star gracing – or should that be grazing? – our pages this issue. Scroll down to find out how you can knit or cross stitch Shaun the Sheep.


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Our January issue is packed with great knits for you to start a new knitting year – once you've finished up the old one! If you're still knitting gifts, we've got some super-quick projects in our Quick & Easy Knits section and some fun felted decorations from Rowan and a fab Christmas table set if you're not done decorating!

Treat yourself to our silk halterneck top or keep cosy in a trendy jumper dress (shown on the cover), knit our men's simple, stylish jumper for most appreciative bloke you know or stitch our teen's party accessories for your daughter's first dance.


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The 12 patterns in our Quick & Easy Knits section will help you get all dressed up this winter, weather it's warm socks, mitts and a cosy hat for a winter walk – or pretty hair clips, a knitted necklace and a cute clutch for a party!

Alan Dart has designed a super-glamorous Snow Queen for us this issue. She's dressed, well, like a queen from her sparkling crown to the tips of her dainty slippers and as she stands up on her own, she's a great way to brighten up your window or mantelpiece once the holiday decorations have come down.



We're big fans of Shaun the Sheep and his baaa-rilliant TV adventures. If you'd like to get in on the action and steer him through one of his adventures then look out for the new game featuring Shaun: Shaun the Sheep Off His Head.

It's available on Nintendo DS so to help you keep your DS snug when you're not playing, Kirstie McLeod has designed a fab DS case.



It's easy enough for kids and beginner knitters to try as the case is knitted entirely in stocking stitch – his woolly coat is created by using a woolly yarn.

We're not the only Shaun fans in the office – our sister magazine, CrossStitcher, has published a cute chart so you can cross stitch your own Shaun the Sheep.

"We all love Shaun the Sheep here on CrossStitcher magazine and we thought this cute design would be really great to get kids into stitching," says editor Cathy Lewis. "We think it looks great stitched onto this cute fluffy bag!"



It's a simple project and CrossStitcher magazine includes plenty of information on how to get started, so you can have a go even if you've never stitched before. CrossStitcher issue 221 is on sale today, too, so look out for a copy wherever you buy your issue of Simply Knitting!

Other great things to look out for in issue 62 include: 

• Following on from the lifesize knitted Gingerbread House, Alison Murray shows off her new project, 'Above and Below the Waves'.
• We put our favourite needles through their paces.
  
• Unleash your knitting with gorgeous hand dyed yarns.
  

And don't miss any of your usual favourites: we've got loads of your great letters, answers to tricky questions and fab special offers!

Sewing and knitting go beautifully together, from lining a hat to whipping up a project bag to keep your half-finished sock safe.

Whether you're an expert looking for some quick makes or buying your first packet of needles, our new one-off magazine The Essential Guide to Sewing has something for you. Its 132 pages are packed with projects to inspire you, including plenty of fast-to-finish makes that even beginners can tackle with very little, or even no, sewing experience.


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The Essential Guide to Sewing was co-edited by our own Debora Bradley, so there are plenty of projects which can help brighten up you knitting kit. One of our favourites is the shopper shown below.



It's really simple to make, doesn't use much fabric, and is ideal for carrying your knitting around – or sorting out your craft space, by bagging up each ongoing and potential project in its own breathable, reuseable bag.

The Essential Guide to Sewing is packed with 54 projects for all the family, from this adorable baby hat to fab table decorations to a pet basket.

We’ve made sure crafters with busy lifestyles can get great results from simple makes. Full of great ideas for your home, and for friends and family, there are lots of projects that’ll make great gifts for Christmas, as well as treats for you.  For those with a little more time to devote, there are more in-depth ideas to get stuck into, including a cupcake apron and a beautiful quilted purse from Cath Kidston.

We want to make sewing easy and fun, so the Guide includes lots of useful tips and clear how-to walkthroughs and a Getting Started section to help beginners stitch with confidence.

Look out for technical advice and tips, designer secrets, book reviews, best buys, and a beginner’s guide to machine sewing, and interviews with top designers such as Linda Barker and Amy Butler.

The Essential Guide to Sewing is on sale now priced £9.95 in Sainsbury’s, Borders and WHSmith. You can also buy online at www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk or call 0844 848 2852 to have it delivered direct to your door.

The December issue of Simply Knitting is winging its way to shops around the country today! We've got more Quick & Easy Knits in our new section and our handy knitter's diary is our gift to help you stay organised!

Note: Postal strikes are slowing things down so if you're a subscriber and your issue hasn't arrived yet, please be patient – they were sent out on time and it's out of our hands now!


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Our December issue is packed with festive knits for the whole family. We've got four Christmas jumpers for you to knit – for men and women, girls and boys and for the littlest ones, we've got a fab baby Santa hat in our Quick & Easy Knits section.

We've also got lots of great gifts for you to knit including stylish driving gloves and a vibrant Christmas stocking and our new section, Quick & Easy Knits, is back and is packed with 12 speedy festive knits.


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We've got cute mittens and super-quick key rings, cosy socks, fab decorations for your Christmas table – and lots more!

Alan Dart has been busy, and has created a beautiful 'Nutcracker', from the popular ballet of the same name. Our 'Brave Hero' is beautifully detailed from his cap to his boots and comes with a knitted base which helps him stand upright – but he can easily be removed for storage or playing!



He's a great addition to your festive decorations, but if you're already looking ahead to the new year, then this month's gift will be right up your alley.

We've designed a fab Knitter's Diary to help you stay organised in 2010. It's about the size of a cheque book, so it's perfect to slip into your handbag or knitting bag.



Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, the on sale dates for Simply Knitting listed in the diary are no longer correct. However, the 'Next Month' page will always have the right date, and if you subscribe to our free email newsletter (click on the purple button top left) you'll get a sneak preview and the on sale date straight to your inbox every month.

Other great things to look out for in issue 61 include: 

• Rachel Matthews finds out how a knitted bench is helping communities.
• Brave shoppers at Ally Pally show us what's inside their bags.
  
• We catch up with the 'Knitting at Neros' knitting club in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
  

And don't miss any of your usual favourites: our experts answer your questions, we've got great new yarns for you to try and our prize crossword and sudoku to test your skills.

The November issue of Simply Knitting hits shelves across the UK today, so look out for your copy! We've got more Quick & Easy Knits in our new section and two stylish shawl pins to keep your knits in place!


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Winter weather is a boon to knitters and we've got 25 stylish winter knits to help you keep your needles clicking and keep you and your loved ones warm and snug.

We've got great knits for you to use your shawl pins on, and they look really smart.



We've used them on our soft, multi-textured jacket (shown on the cover) and this simple but stunning lace wrap (below).



For more casual layers, try our longline waistcoat and top with pretty textured details

If you're ready to start your gift knitting, we've got some great ideas including a classic man's cardigan and a fab Christmas-themed kitchen set.

Our new section, Quick & Easy Knits, is back and is packed with 11 gift ideas this issue, including five scarves and neckwarmers.


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We've also got two Alan Dart patterns for you this month, and we think you'll recognise both of them!

BBC Children in Need takes place on Friday 20 November this year, so you've got plenty of time to knit a Pudsey to help your fund-raising efforts. You could raffle him off, or hold an auction – or knit some to say "Thank you!" to your best supporters.



Alan has also designed another well-loved character for us. Rudolph is looking forward to Christmas as much as we are and he'd make a great addition to your decorations – or a fab gift, if you can bear to part with him!



Other great things to look out for in issue 60 include: 

• Hannah Simpson knits up her favourite film characters.
• We catch up with Janet Markwell and the alpacas in her garden.
  
• Rachael Matthews explores the meaning of life – and craft.
  

And don't miss any of your usual favourites: we've got all the latest knitting news, gorgeous winter yarns and lots of your letters.

The October issue of Simply Knitting is winging its way to shops around the world – and this one is packed full of knits! We've got more Quick & Easy Knits in our new section and a 2010 knitter's calendar with 12 fab patterns for you to knit!


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Autumn is here and despite the sunshine, there's a nip in the air. It's time to start thinking about winter woollies – and we've got a bumper harvest for you, this issue, with over 30 patterns to choose from.

Cast on a cosy knit for yourself or your partner. We've got two gorgeous knits for women, a casual cable jumper shown on the cover and a stunning Kidsilk lace top and for men we've got a classic cable in pure wool.

We've also got plenty of quick knits and accessories so if you've been wondering what gifts to knit this Christmas, look no further. We've got a beautiful matinee coat for toddlers and a lovely floral scarf to tempt you.

We've also got a new section, and the second edition of Quick & Easy Knits is packed with 11 patterns you can start and finish in a weekend – ideal for a last-minute gift!


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With Halloween just around the corner, we've got a collection of sweet and spooky knits for you to make – and if you're thinking a bit further ahead, you'll find a couple of great gifts to knit too.

We've got two great gifts for you this month: a chic long coat from Artesano and our fabulous 2010 Knitter's Calendar.


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The calendar is packed with 12 designs for every season, from bright spring treats for the home to a Christmas stocking to hang by the fire.

Other great things to look out for in issue 59 include: 

• Explore Charles Darwin's curio cabinet – in knitted form.
• innocent's Big Knit needs your help – enter our hat competition!
  
• A collection of UFOs (unfinished objects) gets a new lease of life.
  

And don't miss any of your usual favourites: we've gathered gorgeous new yarns, reviewed great pattern books and got our experts to answer your knitting questions.

The September issue of Simply Knitting is landing on shop shelves across the country today, so head on down to the shops, because we've got a whole new section and a new Alan Dart gnome pattern for you to knit!


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We love summer knits – they're quick, light and lacy, fun to knit and wear – and with a bit of clever layering they can last through autumn, too. In this issue, we've got a great collection of versatile knits to keep you cool or cosy as the weather demands.

For hot, sunny days you'll love our satiny crocheted tank top or our dainty cotton top. Younger knitters can get in on the action too, with our teen tank top, bag and headband set designed for teens to knit for themselves.

While the weather is so changeable, we've got two stylish and versatile tops for you to knit: a chic Celtic cable top (shown on the cover) and a Fair Isle tank top with a matching bag. If you're new to stranded colourwork, this is a great project to try as the pattern is simple but stunning.

If you're looking for a quicker knit, we've got a design for a cute, useable piggy bank and a graphic striped shawl.

We've also got a brand-new section, packed with 12 patterns for you to cut out and keep.


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Our new section is full of Quick & Easy Knits which you can start – and finish – in a weekend.

With the first day of school just around the corner, we've got a collection of fun patterns which will make great gifts for students.

The section includes projects for the whole family, from baby bootees to pretty lace socks to a fab hat for dad – ideal if you're starting your gift knitting.

We've got two great gifts for you this month: a pretty lace jumper pattern from Rowan and Alan Dart's fabulous Gingerbread House!


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Alan's Yuletide Gnomes were very popular, so we hope you'll enjoy this brand-new incarnation of a traditional festive figure!

With Alan's attention to detail, the house, Gnome and Gnomette are a delight to knit and are sure to take pride of place in your Christmas decorations.

Other great things to look out for in issue 58 include: 

• Rachael Matthews needs your help to knit a poem.
• Sue Bradley tells us how her historical reseach inspires her designs
• We review unusual animal yarns.
  

And don't miss any of your usual favourites: we've got our prize crossword puzzle and sudoku for you to untangle, fab books (and reader offers) and lots of your letters.

The August issue of Simply Knitting is winging its way to shops all over the UK today!


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We're loving the hot weather and have loads of great summer knits for you.

If you're heading for the beach, our fab stripey beach bag and stylish cover up are great additions to your wardrobe. The cover up uses both knitting and crochet to stunning effect.

We've got great knits for city breaks and days in the park too. For special occasions, our elegant jumper with lace and beads (on cover) and fabulous lace shawl are just the ticket and little ones will look pretty as a picture in our sweet toddler's dress.

During the school holidays, rainy days take on a whole new meaning so we've got a special feature on crafting with kids, packed with tips and ideas.

Teach your kids to knit using our two simple patterns, one for a bag and one for a hat and our easy walkthroughs.

We've got two great gifts for you this month: a man's jumper pattern and our fabulous embellishment pack.



To help you use the velvet ribbon and over 200 beads in the pack, we've got six quick knits for you to embellish, including a cupcake, napkin ring and head scarf.

We're not the only ones thinking of summer – Alan is clearly dreaming of a holiday in the sun and has created Alan Dart's Hamster Hula Band!


Here are just two of the band. As you can see, the patterns are incredibly detailed and incredibly cute!

Other great things to look out for in issue 57 include:   

• We report back on UK Ravelry Day.
  
• The Wollescote Knitters tell us about knitting for premature babies.
• What's it like on an alpaca farm? We find out.
  

And don't miss any of your usual favourites: we've reviewed ribbon yarns, uncovered fab events and asked the experts for top tips.

The July issue of Simply Knitting makes its debut on shop shelves across the UK today, so start looking for your copy now!


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Get your needles clicking and give your wardrobe a make over. We've got a zingy twinset (shown on the cover), a cool strappy top, a bold knit-and-crochet top and a casual, cabled denim hoodie.

If you're looking for a quick fix, we've got plenty to offer! Store your sunglasses in style and try out slipped-stitch colourwork with our fun sunglasses case or whip up a pair of cosy socks in DK yarn.



Quick and simple to knit, these cable-and-lace socks were designed by Simply Knitting's production assistant, Elizabeth Bagwell. She says: "I'm thrilled with the way they've come out in the Artesano Hummingbird. It's really exciting to see them in print!"

We've also got fab knits for little ones: a pair of sweet baby booties, fun crochet balls and, last but certainly not least, Alan Dart's Baby Buggies.



This sweet trio are soft, snuggly and super cute! Designed for kids, they are made with machine washable yarn and stuffing and eyes are knitted. Remember: if you're knitting for little kids, sew everything together very firmly and make sure there are no small pieces which could become detached and be swallowed.

We've got two great gifts for you this month: a stylish cable jumper pattern and our Really Useful Little Guide to Socks. Our Little Guide will help you get started on your first pair and is packed with useful information so you'll have all the information you need to Kitchener the toes or do a thumb cast on right there in your knitting bag.



Other great things to look out for in issue 56 include:   

• Meet knitting novelist Debbie Macomber.
• One family tells us about their passion for minature knitting.
• News and photos from Wonderwool Wales.
  

And don't miss any of your usual favourites: we've got events happening around the country, gorgeous new yarns and clever slip stitch patterns for you to try.

The June issue of Simply Knitting hits the shelves in shops around the UK today – and boy, are we ready for summer!


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We've got three great tops for you this month: the casual ribbed cardigan on the cover, an elegant beaded cardigan and a classic Argyle slipover.

For the blokes, we've got a casual man's cabled jumper, perfect for the weekend and a pair of fab cricket socks. The cricket socks are to fit women and men, and their classic cream cables are fab for guys or girls. We're particularly thrilled with these socks, as they were designed by production editor, Miriam McDonald.



We've also got a fab crochet bag, ideal for all your essentials when you're heading to the beach or for a knit in at a cafe and a great bedroom set for teens in a fun very richly textured yarn.

Alan has been hard at work as usual, and this issue we'd like to introduce you to Cyber Sam, Alan Dart's knitted robot.



He's very cleverly detailed and all the science fiction fans and geeks we know want one – perhaps it's time to teach them to knit...

We've got two great gifts for you this month, and they work so well together! As well as a beautiful sock pattern from Fyberspates we've got these fab double-pointed needle set, complete with beaded point protectors so you can keep your knitting safe wherever you are.



Other great things to look out for in issue 55 include:   

• Find out what happens to the knits donated to the Ethel Brolls Romanian Orphan Knitting Appeal.
  
• Rock singer Kelley Deal talks about her new knitting book.
• Find out about UK Ravelry Day.
  

And don't miss any of your usual favourites: we've got new summer yarns, book and pattern reviews and prize puzzles to solve.

The May issue of Simply Knitting hits the shelves in shops around the UK today – and it contains part two of Alan Dart's Medieval Mice. The basic mouse pattern will not be printed in this issue so make sure you get a copy of issue 53 too if you want to knit the mice.


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With the warm weather well on its way we've got a great collection of spring and summer knits for you. As well as the gorgeous yellow cardigan by top Rowan designer Marie Wallin, shown on the cover, we've got a casual tunic top for every day and a smart lace cardigan.

We've also got a pretty one-skein summer scarf and two fab knits for little ones: an adorable baby papoose and a crochet baby blanket – perfect for new arrivals!

Issue 54 includes the second part of Alan Dart's Medieval Mice.

PLEASE NOTE: The basic mouse pattern was printed in issue 53 and is not in issue 54. If you missed issue 53, please visit www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk or call 0844 848 1602 to order a back issue. Pattern only available while stocks last.


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Part one gave you the instructions for the royal family, and you can now complete the rest of their court – including ladies in waiting, knights and even a jester!

We've got two great gifts for you this month: a pair of bamboo bag handles and a bonus pattern which is a chic summer top from Bergere de France.

So you can get started straight away, we've got four designs for you to use your bamboo bag handles with, from simple stocking stitch to complex Fair Isle. We've also got great ways to finish your bags, giving you even more choices.



Other great things to look out for in issue 54 include:   

• Find out how we got on at the Stitch & Craft show.
  
• Spinner Mary Brown follows in her ancestors footsteps.
• Tina Manscuso tells us all about crocheting her own wedding dress.
  

And don't miss any of your usual favourites: we've rounded up great events from around the country, top new yarns and hot summer patterns for you to explore.

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If you're looking for Irresistible Gifts to Knit, our special edition which is packed with 50 Alan Dart patterns, there are three easy ways to get your hands on it.  1. Order online from www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk We’ve had some problems with the Rest of World ordering facility, which is why it’s currently not available, but it is being repaired and hope it will be working again within a week, but obviously can't say for sure. In the mean time, if you're an overseas customer you can still...

2. Order by phone

Call 0844 848 1602 (UK) or +44 1858 438794 (overseas) and tell the operator that you're looking for a special edition of Simply Knitting. You can also quote the unique item code, which is SKMBOOKAZINE0002 to help them find it quickly. They'll be able to process your payment and get your copy sent out to you.

Phone lines are open from 10am-9:30pm.

3. Pick up a copy in Sainsbury's

Irresistible Gifts to Knit is on the shelves in some branches of Sainsbury's. We haven't got a list of which stores have the magazine, but your local branch might be one of them!

The May issue of Simply Knitting hits the shelves in shops around the UK today – and it contains part one of Alan Dart's Medieval Mice. The basic mouse pattern will not be repeated so make sure you get a copy of issue 53 if you want to knit the mice.


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Spring is in the air and we're getting ready for the warmer weather with some fabulous knits. We've got three lovely cardigans to keep you cosy this spring. Our chic cover project is a versatile tweed effect jacket. It looks great and the slip-stitch pattern is really easy! We've also got a stylish, striped cardigan in pure wool and a fab plus-size waistcoat in bust sizes 38-56in (97-142cm).

We've not forgotten the rest of the family, either. Our smart man's jumper can be worn over a shirt for the office or dressed down with a pair of jeans for a casual weekend. For the fashionistas in your life, we've got three floral spring bags – they're super-stylish and a great first project for teen knitters. For the newest members of your family, we've got a beautiful baby blanket by Amanda Jones.

And for the kids? Alan Dart's Medieval Mice, of course!


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In issue 53 you'll get the basic mouse pattern which will not be reprinted in issue 54 and all the information you'll need to make your first four mice. The rest of the court will follow in issue 54 (on sale 26 April).

The first mice in the court are the royal family. In issue 53 you'll have all the instructions you need to knit the King and Queen, Prince and Princess.



Make sure you don't miss issue 54 which will have details for the rest of the mice, including a fab jester, knights and more!

We've got two great gifts for you with your magazine this month. We've chosen one of our favourite patterns from the Rowan back catalogue for you to knit and we've also created an exclusive Knitter's Checker to help you read your tension more easily – after all, as every knitter knows the correct tension can make the difference between a knit you wear every day and a knit you throw out!



Other great things to look out for in issue 53 include:   

• Knitting on the net – Anna Tobin learns to knit online.
• Rachael Matthews discovers the joys of wet felting – with her feet!
  
• A Coat for a Boat – an unusual kntitting project casts off.
  

And don't miss any of your usual favourites: we've got gorgeous new spring yarns for you to try, Kirstie McLeod has tried and tested six of our favourite sock yarns and we've got loads of great book, pattern and website reviews for you.

The April issue of Simply Knitting is winging its way to shops all over the world. If you're in the UK, start looking out for your copy today!


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We've got wedding fever here at Simply Knitting – and if you scroll down you'll soon see why! We've got a great collection of knits for you this month, from a pretty crochet bolero, perfect for little bridesmaids to the chic cardigan on the cover you can wear to keep warm in the church.

As well as the textured cardigan on the cover, we've got two more great knits for you to make yourself and all three go up to at least a size 20. Pat Menchini has designed a flattering lacy top for fuller figures in sizes 14-28 and we've also got a fab textured swing coat which is great for spring weather.

And for the littlest wedding guests we've got a smart knit dress for babies. It looks great but is still easy to play in!

If you're looking for gifts for the bride, why not give her a gift for her home? Make our simple colourwork bolster or choose one of our three ways to jazz up a plain cushion. And we've also got a fun knitted garter, a pretty 'something blue'!

Your great gift: 16 page Alan Dart supplement! Alan Dart has designed us a stunning wedding cake, complete with bride and groom.


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You can easily customize the colour of the flowers, hair, skin and clothes to make a really personal gift for your favourite bride and groom and the supplement also includes the garter pattern and a four-page interview with Alan.

Other great things to look out for in issue 52 include:   

• Top hats! Your amazing creations for the innocent Big Knit.
• Rachael Matthews is auctioning sheep –  and she'd like you to send her one!
  
• Designer Laura Baxendale turns junk into jewellery the crochet way.
  

And don't miss any of your usual favourites: we've lace patterns for you to try in our April Library, piles of great books, patterns and websites and Kirstie McLeod is testing some of the most unusual yarns around!

The March issue of Simply Knitting is landing on shop shelves across the UK today so don't forget to pick up a copy!


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Despite the grey January weather outside our office windows we're looking forward to spring! We've got some beautiful spring colours and designs for you to freshen up your wardrobe – and your stash!

As well as the lovely cabled tweed jacket on the cover we've got a pretty lace tunic, both of which go up to a size 20.

Whether you're thinking spring flowers or spring cleaning, we've got three lovely makes to brighten up your home. Kirstie McLeod has designed a set of crochet baskets in hot spring shades to add a splash of colour your bathroom – or store your knitting supplies in! – and a pretty padded hanger with matching lavender sachet. We've also got a great pattern for a fab throw so you've got lots of ways to freshen up your space!

And don't forget, Mother's Day is coming up on 22 March, so now's a good time to cast on if you'd like to knit something special for your mum. As well as the fab knits to wear and use listed above, we've also got a great beaded tote bag and a pattern for easy fingerless mittens. We've knitted the gloves up in three different yarns so you can see how they look in silk or cashmere!

Of course, Mother's Day itself is the final day of the Stitch & Craft Show at Olympia in London, so why not take your mum as a treat? You can book tickets today (there's a special offer on page 96 in this issue) or buy them on the door. We'll be there on the Knitting Day, which is Thursday 19th this year.

With spring on its way, life is returning to the streams and ponds, and here in the Simply Knitting garden there's one fellow looking for a kiss!



Alan Dart has designed a gorgeous Frog Prince for us this issue. Although he won't turn into a handsome prince when you kiss him, he's lovely to have around the house – and won't track mud in, either!

Your free gift: pretty stitch markers! Our pretty stitch markers will help you keep track of your stitches, whether it's a complex lace shawl or your first pair of socks. Choose from aqua or plum – or why not collect both?



Other great things to look out for in issue 51 include:   

• We talk to cartoonist, photographer, blogger and knitter Franklin Habit.
• We have a nosy around the new exhibition dedicated to fabulous 1970s designer Bill Gibb.
  
• New! We've added a second prize puzzle for you to unscramble.
  

And don't miss any of your usual favourites: we've got gorgeous new spring yarns to oggle, run the best big ball budget yarns through their paces and lots of great letters showing off your fab knits.