Socks are such a great item to knit - worn by everyone and available in endless combinations of colours, yarns and styles, a hand-made pair are relatively quick to complete, and will be loved for years...

There's something special about socks. Knitters either love them and can’t knit enough, or dread going near them. They’re deemed to be a challenge yet Alice Yu, self-confessed sock addict, wants to reassure novice knitters that the challenge is not too tough to tackle.

Earlier this month we joined queen of mending Scrapiana (otherwise known as Eirlys Penn) for her debut darning event, 'Strictly Come Darning', at Jumble Jelly in Bradford-on-Avon.

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. 

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!