Colour of the year 2022

Every new year the experts at Pantone identify their colour of the year, which they think sums up the shades and tones likely to influence the next twelve months of design. This year they have taken it a step further and added a new purply blue to their palette for 2022. Pantone describes “Very Peri”…

Super chunky knits

When the chilly weather arrives at this time of year, sometimes you want to be able to work up a new woolly in no time flat. This is when a super chunky yarn comes in very handy indeed. Super chunkies are knitted or crocheted on 10mm or 12mm needles and hooks which means your work…

Count your rows accurately

We’ve come across some online discussions about counting rows recently and realised there is a lot of confusion about what or where to count so we’ve some tips to help. Count the bumps rather than the Vs If you try to count the Vs of your stitches (left in picture), you run the risk of…

Working with Bamboo and Cotton Yarns

There are some gorgeous cotton and bamboo yarns around at the moment, but how much do you know about these fibres and the best ways to work with them? It is worth knowing a little about where these yarns come from and how they are made up, so you can get the most out of…

Finding the fit for your knits

Have you ever knitted something that looked lovely but didn’t fit the way you wanted? It could have been something for you or for someone else but it just wasn’t right. This is such a pity, the stitches are beautiful but unless you can find some one who love the fit, it is likely to…

Nothing wrong with “selfish” knitting (or crochet)

We’re pretty certain that lots of you have made plenty items for others this year – whether that be making items for charity appeals, yarn bombing your local area with rainbows or Christmas decorations or completing a mile-long gift list. But some people will still describe knitting something for yourself as selfish. We don’t agree…

Into the red

In the Red According to the catwalk reports and the fashion magazines one of the colours of this winter is going to be strong red. And it is certainly a Christmassy colour Red is a great colour choice for a time when we definitely need things that are cheery and positive. And depending on whether…

Knitting for kids in cotton

At this time of year, knitters are often looking for smaller projects or ones using cotton. You can combine both by knitting kids clothes in cotton. And you end up with colourful, hardwearing garments – so everyone is a winner. We’ve picked out a few patterns to inspire you Dungarees and Dress in Rico Baby…

What better time to do a tension square?

There is a lot of discussion about the moment about what we should aspire to do during lockdown. We are not suggesting you master advanced yoga techniques, learn Tibetan or write a Booker prize-worthy novel. However, we would like to suggest that it might be the time to make a tension square for each of…

Quick chunky knits

With the weather we’re having at this time of year, it is easy to get caught out and discover your lovely cosy knitted hat is nowhere to be found in a cold snap. This one of the many reasons we love chunky yarns – you can turn out a warm accessory or two in very…