Well, it's Fright Night, the clocks have gone back and we're now on the fast-track to Christmas. Before you start counting the shopping (and knitting!) days left, why not take a moment to get all your favourite hand knits out of the cupboard and ready to wear? With Bonfire Night coming up and Trick or Treating tonight, these chilly evenings are the perfect time to wear your creations - all at once, if the weather's like it is here!
To celebrate Hallowe'en in a proper knitterly fashion, why not send us in a photo of your creepiest creation? It could be a project gone horribly wrong, or perhaps a Hallowe'en knit like our Jack O'Lantern. We'll pop the best ones up on the blog for everyone to enjoy.
To help us stay organised, please put the word 'Creepy' in the subject line!
Wednesday October 31, 2007 Happy Hallowe'en!
Tuesday October 30, 2007 Knit's a bit creepy
With Hallowe'en just round the corner, it's really time to get your knitting or crochet in line and start on something creepy. We like this crochet saw scarf, with genuine fake blood. Just what you want close to your neck...
Monday October 29, 2007 Knit a Hallowe'en holder for your DPNs
Funky Glaswegian shop K1Yarns is hosting a Hallowe'en knit in. Get your scare on and go along to learn how to knit a spooky Voodoo doll to hold your DPNs!
If you can't get to the shop, the generous folks at K1Yarns have put the pattern up on their website, so check it out and get knitting!
If you can't get to the shop, the generous folks at K1Yarns have put the pattern up on their website, so check it out and get knitting!
Friday October 26, 2007 New magazine! You Can Craft on sale today!
Simply Knitting is proud to welcome our new sister magazine, You Can Craft.
They've got a blog, too.
It's not about knitting (we think we do that pretty well already) but it is jam-packed with fun craft ideas we think you'll love.
The first issue of You Can Craft is on sale today, and it comes with over 150 craft items - everything you need to make your Christmas cards, from sequins to envelopes. So if you fancy making your own professional-looking cards or want to try a new craft, such as beading or sewing, pick up a copy today.
They've got a blog, too.
It's not about knitting (we think we do that pretty well already) but it is jam-packed with fun craft ideas we think you'll love.
The first issue of You Can Craft is on sale today, and it comes with over 150 craft items - everything you need to make your Christmas cards, from sequins to envelopes. So if you fancy making your own professional-looking cards or want to try a new craft, such as beading or sewing, pick up a copy today.
Thursday October 25, 2007 Would you like £50 of yarn?
Simply Knitting are always looking for great knitting clubs to feature as our Club of the Month and whoever we pick gets £50 of yarn!
Whether your knitting group is just a few friends or one of the largest in the country, we're interested in hearing from you.
Write to us at the usual address, or send us an email telling us why you're special, attach a photo of your group and you could win £50 of yarn!
Whether your knitting group is just a few friends or one of the largest in the country, we're interested in hearing from you.
Write to us at the usual address, or send us an email telling us why you're special, attach a photo of your group and you could win £50 of yarn!
Tuesday October 23, 2007 Tracking down The Bumper Book of Knitting
In issue 34 of Simply Knitting we printed a voucher so you can save £4.50 off the RRP of The Bumper Book of Knitting. Unfortunately, it seems that some readers are having trouble getting hold of a copy.
As this was an exclusive publication for WHSmiths, the only way to obtain one is to visit your local WHSmiths shop, or try their website. It is, of course, subject to availability and as it has been on sale for several months it is possible that your local branch has sold out, which can be very frustrating! We've been given the following advise to help you track one down.
1) Make sure the staff member you speak to is looking for The Bumper Book of Knitting in the magazine section, not the books section. It's called a book, but it's really a very fat magazine, which has apparently caused some confusion.
2) Ask the staff member to run a search on the WHSmith intranet. This should tell them where stock is available.
3) If they still can't find it, ask a staff member to call WHSmith consumer services. If the staff at your local branch can't locate a copy for you, consumer services should be able to, provided it's still available. This is not a public number, but an internal service so we can't give out the number directly. You'll have to go in store to make this request.
We hope this helps you find what you're looking for. With over 150 pages of our favourite patterns from the early days of Simply Knitting, as well as tips, tricks and ideas, it's a great buy.
As this was an exclusive publication for WHSmiths, the only way to obtain one is to visit your local WHSmiths shop, or try their website. It is, of course, subject to availability and as it has been on sale for several months it is possible that your local branch has sold out, which can be very frustrating! We've been given the following advise to help you track one down.
1) Make sure the staff member you speak to is looking for The Bumper Book of Knitting in the magazine section, not the books section. It's called a book, but it's really a very fat magazine, which has apparently caused some confusion.
2) Ask the staff member to run a search on the WHSmith intranet. This should tell them where stock is available.
3) If they still can't find it, ask a staff member to call WHSmith consumer services. If the staff at your local branch can't locate a copy for you, consumer services should be able to, provided it's still available. This is not a public number, but an internal service so we can't give out the number directly. You'll have to go in store to make this request.
We hope this helps you find what you're looking for. With over 150 pages of our favourite patterns from the early days of Simply Knitting, as well as tips, tricks and ideas, it's a great buy.
Monday October 22, 2007 Prize crossword, issue 34
If you've been struggling to unscramble the prize word in our issue 34 crossword, it's probably because we made a mistake. On clue 18 across, the grey square should be on the fourth letter, not the fifth.
Hope that untangles it - and good luck with your entries!
Hope that untangles it - and good luck with your entries!
Thursday October 18, 2007 Bunnies to find a voice
We're not asking you to knit anything, but if you've got a minute or two, have a quick look to find out how a cute knitted rabbit is helping raise the money to help a little girl get the treatment she needs to hopefully speak to her parents for the first time.
And maybe you can help, too.
And maybe you can help, too.
Tuesday October 16, 2007 The amazing Spiderman
Did you know Spiderman was a knitter? Neither did we until we saw this photo!
The knitted Spiderman suit is the creation of Mark Newport, "an Arizona knitting artist specializing in the cult of the super hero." All we know is: we're very impressed by his range of knitted super-suits. Wonder if he could design us a SuperKnitter costume?
The knitted Spiderman suit is the creation of Mark Newport, "an Arizona knitting artist specializing in the cult of the super hero." All we know is: we're very impressed by his range of knitted super-suits. Wonder if he could design us a SuperKnitter costume?
Thursday October 11, 2007 Colinette Fleur scarf kit giveaway (issue 34)
This competition is now closed. Find out more about Colinette's range of lovely hand dyed yarns, patterns and kits.
Daylight Flexilens giveaway (issue 34)
This competition is now closed. Click to find out more about Daylight Flexilens magnifiers.
KnitPicks Options needles giveaway (issue 34)
Show tickets giveaway (issue 34)
This competition is now closed but you can click to find out more about Creative Stitches and Hobbycrafts shows around the UK.
Wednesday October 10, 2007 Knit a tiny scarf
Although the knit a tiny hat campaign is coming to an end for another year, there's still over a month to go on the knit a tiny scarf campaign.
Origins Ginger Knits Campaign is looking for donations of tiny scarfs are raising money for Shelter, a charity which supports people in difficult living situations including thousands of children homeless or in substandard housing. With winter getting colder, your support is needed more than ever, so why not pick up your pins?
The minature scarfs in Christmas colours (red, green, gold) will be adorning Ginger Essence frangrance bottles at Origins stores nationwide in the run up to Christmas. Pop in and buy a bottle from 1-24 December 2007 and £1 will go straight to Shelter.
It's a great way to use up your scraps of yarn, and you've got until 20 November 2007 to get your scarfs in! The address to send them to is Origins Ginger Knits, 73 Grosvenor Street, London, W1K 3BQ.
Origins Ginger Knits Campaign is looking for donations of tiny scarfs are raising money for Shelter, a charity which supports people in difficult living situations including thousands of children homeless or in substandard housing. With winter getting colder, your support is needed more than ever, so why not pick up your pins?
The minature scarfs in Christmas colours (red, green, gold) will be adorning Ginger Essence frangrance bottles at Origins stores nationwide in the run up to Christmas. Pop in and buy a bottle from 1-24 December 2007 and £1 will go straight to Shelter.
It's a great way to use up your scraps of yarn, and you've got until 20 November 2007 to get your scarfs in! The address to send them to is Origins Ginger Knits, 73 Grosvenor Street, London, W1K 3BQ.
Tuesday October 09, 2007 Little hats for Innocent
We're loving the creativity that comes with knitting tiny little hats. All they have to do is sit on a smoothie bottle, so it doesn't matter if they're scratchy, shed or are in eye-wateringly bright colours.
If you're thinking of using up your yarn scraps this way, get knitting now. The little hats need to be with Innocent by 22 October!
That's sort of good news though - it means they'll be on sale soon! We're looking forward to seeing them in the shops. Let us know when you spot some!
If you're thinking of using up your yarn scraps this way, get knitting now. The little hats need to be with Innocent by 22 October!
That's sort of good news though - it means they'll be on sale soon! We're looking forward to seeing them in the shops. Let us know when you spot some!
Monday October 08, 2007 Breast cancer awareness knitting
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Many people will know someone who has been affected by this disease, so it's not surprising that shops and business up and down the country are getting their pink on this month.
While, sadly, simply buying pink yarn won't support the cause, signing up for the Knit A Tit workshop at I Knit London will. The unusual - possibly unique - workshop will take place on 28 October 2007. It costs £20 - all of which will go to support the cause. Book ahead as spaces are limited.
You may be wondering what use a knitted breast will be. Well, when you've finished making jokes about it, have taken it to work (just imagine a normal day at work or perhaps doing the school run...and now add a knitted boob! Are you really saying it wouldn't be an improvement?) and, of course, displayed it in pride of place on your mantelpiece, it can still be useful. Knitted breasts are very handy for new mums learning to breastfeed, so get in touch with the LCGB or your local midwifery to find out where to donate yours. If you can't make the London class, don't worry. There's a free pattern on the LCGB website.
I Knit London has also gone pink for October - and there are goodies to win when you make a donation, so check it out!
While, sadly, simply buying pink yarn won't support the cause, signing up for the Knit A Tit workshop at I Knit London will. The unusual - possibly unique - workshop will take place on 28 October 2007. It costs £20 - all of which will go to support the cause. Book ahead as spaces are limited.
You may be wondering what use a knitted breast will be. Well, when you've finished making jokes about it, have taken it to work (just imagine a normal day at work or perhaps doing the school run...and now add a knitted boob! Are you really saying it wouldn't be an improvement?) and, of course, displayed it in pride of place on your mantelpiece, it can still be useful. Knitted breasts are very handy for new mums learning to breastfeed, so get in touch with the LCGB or your local midwifery to find out where to donate yours. If you can't make the London class, don't worry. There's a free pattern on the LCGB website.
I Knit London has also gone pink for October - and there are goodies to win when you make a donation, so check it out!
Friday October 05, 2007 Knitting meets...everything
Whether your 'other' hobby or passion is your cat, your computer or your catermaran it's fun to combine it with knitting. Some hobbies are easy to blend together - you could knit a cat-bed, for example, while watching your favourite TV show. Others are more resistant - we don't recommend trying to knit and waterski at the same time!
Whatever you're into, you're not alone and there's sure to be a space on the internet dedicated to it. Maybe you're knitting in Paris or like a cup of tea with your knitting. We've love the creative knitting on display in the geek craft pool and the gourmet crochet and knit. For animal lovers, there are lots of dogs in hand knits at doggies in sweaters and if your cat loves your yarn a little too much, well, knits and kitties can sympathize!
Whatever you're into, you're not alone and there's sure to be a space on the internet dedicated to it. Maybe you're knitting in Paris or like a cup of tea with your knitting. We've love the creative knitting on display in the geek craft pool and the gourmet crochet and knit. For animal lovers, there are lots of dogs in hand knits at doggies in sweaters and if your cat loves your yarn a little too much, well, knits and kitties can sympathize!
Thursday October 04, 2007 Five a day the knitted way
We all know we should eat more veg, but it can be hard to work up the enthusiasm to get on with it. If you're struggling to get excited about carrots, take a trip to the World Carrot Museum. It's got a history of carrots (did you know they used to be purple?) as well as tips on how to grow them and lots more.
Don't miss the craft section - it's full of recipes, carrot soap and, of course, carrot related knitting and crochet patterns!
Don't miss the craft section - it's full of recipes, carrot soap and, of course, carrot related knitting and crochet patterns!
Wednesday October 03, 2007 How to recycle a penguin sweater
Here in the Simply Knitting office, we always love hearing about how knitters and their knitting is helping one charity or another. We've heard so many success stories over the years that we can't help thinking you'd be hard pressed to find a more dedicated and generous bunch of philanthropists than the worldwide knitting community.
Go you!
Of course, although it's always really encouraging to hear that a campaign we've been talking about has been a huge success, it's even better to hear that the campaigning has been so successful that the knitting is no longer needed.
That's the case with an appeal launched a few years ago encouraging knitters to knit a tiny jumper for a penguin caught in an oil slick. The colourful jumpers helped keep the penguins warm as their feathers and skins recovered from the oil, and also made them easy to spot.
Recently, oil tankers have been managing to stay afloat pretty well, so the need for tiny penguin jumpers has dropped dramatically. Now the question facing the charity is: what can you do with a hand knit penguin jumper?
Go you!
Of course, although it's always really encouraging to hear that a campaign we've been talking about has been a huge success, it's even better to hear that the campaigning has been so successful that the knitting is no longer needed.
That's the case with an appeal launched a few years ago encouraging knitters to knit a tiny jumper for a penguin caught in an oil slick. The colourful jumpers helped keep the penguins warm as their feathers and skins recovered from the oil, and also made them easy to spot.
Recently, oil tankers have been managing to stay afloat pretty well, so the need for tiny penguin jumpers has dropped dramatically. Now the question facing the charity is: what can you do with a hand knit penguin jumper?
Monday October 01, 2007 Win! 5 pairs of tickets to the Official Stitch 'n Bitch
We love bringing you great giveaways, and this time we've teamed up with I Knit London to give you the chance to win five pairs of tickets to the UK's First Official Stitch 'n Bitch in London. This competition is now closed. If you can't make it to the big day itself, look out for our report on the fun in a future issue of Simply Knitting.
Debbie Stoller, founder of the Stitch 'n Bitch movement, knitwear designer and author, will be in town promoting her latest book, Son of Stitch 'n Bitch.
There'll be lots of other designers there, and stalls from loads of great companies - so start saving your pennies - as well as music, workshops and more!
The event takes place on 10 November 2007.
Debbie Stoller, founder of the Stitch 'n Bitch movement, knitwear designer and author, will be in town promoting her latest book, Son of Stitch 'n Bitch.
There'll be lots of other designers there, and stalls from loads of great companies - so start saving your pennies - as well as music, workshops and more!
The event takes place on 10 November 2007.
