Join the online petition to protect the status of craft

Juliet Bernard, The Knitter magazine's Editorial Consultant, has joined an online petition to the government, to stop the removal of Crafts from the list of Creative Industries.

You can read about Juliet's thoughts in detail here.

The consultation period ends at midnight on the 14th June, and you can sign the e-petition here (UK residents only).

Sian Astley set up the petition, and as she explains, "There are over 88,000 people working in the craft industry, and it makes a £3bn annual contribution to the UK economy. These people are inherently and by their very nature creative."

Win a Clover Flower Loom

With these easy-to-use looms you can create beautiful flowers with your favourite materials - wool, yarn, ribbon or raffia - and in different shapes and sizes. Three pairs of looms are included, so you can make square, round or hexagonal flowers, simply by winding the yarn around the pegs in a criss-cross. Instructions are included, as well as a tapestry needle to finish off.

They're great for whipping up a quick accessory, and to introduce the younger members of your family to getting creative with yarn. The flowers can then be joined together to make corsages or scarves, or used as accessories on pillows, cushions and bags. 

New - Tuesday teatime treats!

Patterns for tea cosies, mug hugs and coffee pot cosies are some of our most popular projects, so we've decided to treat you to a new free pattern each week! To start off, here's Louise Butt's striped cable set, with a tea cosy, coffee warmer, egg cosy and table mat... perfect for breakfast, or a warm pot of tea at any time of day.

On the needles with Sarah Hatton

In Simply Knitting Issue 107 we talked to designer Sarah Hatton. We couldn't fit all of the interview in the mag, so here are some extra bits and pieces!

Correction in issue 107

We're sorry, on page 77 of issue 107 (the product reviews) we have listed an Etsy page incorrectly. The correct address for the abacus row counter is www.GoddessJewelsUK.etsy.com.

Meet Agnes the knitting robot

Roboknit – AgnesWe love our knitting companions, from crafty friends to the occasion yarn-tangling cat, but never before have we met an animatronic person who actually knits!

Robocop – Agnes1Unveiled at Newcastle’s Maker Faire, Agnes may well be the world’s first knitting humanoid robot, capable of making scarves, hats and all kinds of other items.

Simply Knitting issue 107 is on sale now

Don't miss your June issue, in shops today. It's bursting with gorgeous knits for spring and summer, including Pat Menchini's nautical-style sweater, the cutest fox motif cardigan for little ones, and six quick gifts for Father's Day. If you love knitting toys, check out Alan Dart's adorable Heatwave Hippo - she's enjoying the sunshine in her glam sunglasses!

Free patterns and classes just for you - guest blog post from Craftsy

Find your next knitting project!

Explore the best free and paid patterns from around the world in Craftsy’s Pattern Marketplace. Discover a wide range of designs, from chunky cardigans to chic handbags, adorable baby booties, and more. Then download your favorites in an easy to use high-quality PDF format, so you can get started right away. Browse the Craftsy Pattern Marketplace and support indie designers today!

Say hello to Alan Dart's Heatwave Hippo

With the weather hotting up, it's the perfect time to put your sunnies on, get the deckchair out and spend the day knitting in the lovely sunshine!

What else could you possibly knit on a sunny day than Alan Dart's super-sweet Heatwave Hippo from issue 107 of Simply Knitting magazine? Celebrate the arrival of the sun in the UK and pick up your copy now! 

Exclusive reader discounts in issue 107

We have a great selection of special offers for you in issue 107, which should be dropping through subscribers' doors any day now. If you buy your copy, it'll be in the shops this Friday, 10th May.

You can save 10% on the Sublime Extra Fine Merino DK yarn, to knit Amanda Jones' 'Sunshine burst' top on page 12 - this ribbed and lacy top will complement any look, for work or play. To get the special offer, order it from Black Sheep Wools or call 01925 764231, and quote offer code SK101 - this offer lasts until 15th August 2013.