Simply Knitting issue 90 appears in shops today, packed with patterns, ideas and tips to help you get the most from your knitting life!

You never know how the decisions you make are going to turn out. One of the interesting things about meeting knitters is how knitting has changed their lives, whether in large or small ways. Some would say it hasn’t done anything for their bank balance! We know a few people who pretty much lived their lives dressed in black until they started to knit. Now, having deliberated over variegated yarns in various electric hues and oohed and aahed over fibres from alpaca to acrylic, they’re far more inclined to include a touch of colour in their outfits.

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We love any excuse to post a pic of a cute donkey on the website, but this one is really in the name of a great cause! International animal welfare charity The Donkey Sanctuary is asking anyone with a talent for crochet to contribute their skills and time to help add to a new herd of donkey-themed crochet projects. The From key rings to mobile phone socks, the crafty creations will then be sold on to raise funds for their essential work relieving the suffering of donkeys in 29 countries worldwide.

Marian Gumbrell, The Donkey Sanctuary's Community Fundraising Manager, says: "Due to the overwhelming success of our knitted donkey patterns we wanted to make sure that that there were projects available for crochet enthusiasts as well.  The new mobile phone socks, pocket tissue holders, donkey keyrings and bag charms will help to raise valuable funds for The Donkey Sanctuary's work around the world, and we hope they will raise a smile or two as well."

The finished handcrafted masterpieces will be sold via the charity's Visitors' Centre and online shop www.donkeyworld.org.uk, as well as at a variety of events throughout the year.

Online yarn superstore Deramores has launched an exciting competition via their social media channels.
In celebration of their colourful, comprehensive range of Debbie Bliss yarns and books, Deramores has teamed up with the talented knitwear designer to give away a three signed copies of her books 'Knits to Give: 30 Knitted Gifts Made with Love',  ‘The Knitter’s Year’ and 'Baby Knits for Beginners'.
Staff at the store have also taken the opportunity to interview Debbie, and you can read her illuminating answers on Deramore’s Facebook page.
Debbie Bliss and will have three signed copies of her books to give away on Twitter.