The July issue of Simply Knitting (issue 95) hits UK shops today, so make sure you get your copy!

This issue we have the pleasure of announcing the details of our brand new campaign for Refuge: Bears and Squares. We are very proud to be working with the charity Refuge again this year. Refuge helps women and families who experience domestic violence to rebuild their lives, and we are asking you to help us to continue to support this worthwhile charity, whose work touches so many lives. This year we’re knitting teddies and little blankets for the many children involved – find out more on page 36 – and we hope you will join us for both the fun of the knitting and the important work of the fundraising.

Have you booked your holidays yet? If you want to get away from it all and spend an entire week knitting with like-minded people, why not enter our competition for a week’s knitting holiday in France? With great tutors like Fiona Morris, you’ll have fun and learn lots of new skills too. Not to mention the lovely food and wine and lots of sightseeing! 

We’re hoping you have fun with your knitting this summer, home and away, so we’ve featured some playful patterns in this issue, including Alan Dart’s classic pairing of The Owl and The Pussycat on page 39 and Martin Storey’s adorable pawprint-spattered tank top for little boys on page 9. On page 54 we’ve picked out 10 fab sporty ideas for knitters, while on page 21 you’ll find Clare Scope-Farrell’s daisy-adorned knitted bag – ideal for summer shopping trips!

Other highlights include Kyoko Nakayoshi’s picnic-themed gifts to knit on page 56 (pictured below - here’s hoping for some sunshine!) and this elegant light-eight cardigan – perfect for wearing over sweet summer dresses.

 It’s a big year for Britain so make the most of it, celebrate the skills of athletes, past and present (whether you get to the Olympics or not) and enjoy yourself. Oh come on, you know you deserve it!

Simply Knitting 95 is on sale in shops until 10 July 2012

Up to six months after publication, this issue may be available to buy as a back issue by phoning our customer services people on 0844 848 2852, and you can also buy back issues of Simply Knitting online.

To make sure you don't miss a single issue, why not subscribe to Simply Knitting magazine? We have a great Jubilee-inspired subscription gift this issue: two great Collins & Brown books and a trio of Sirdar’s Hayfield Bonus DK red, white and blue yarns, enough to complete many of the projects. Knit London by Emma King contains patterns for London’s top ten icons from black cabs to Big Ben, while 50 Knit & Crochet Accessories is packed with patterns, from fun and casual to glamorous and elegant. It's yours when you subscribe to Simply Knitting – plus, you’ll save up to 32% off the shop price of the magazine. The offer ends on 31 July, so don't miss out!

We also have a great subscription offer for overseas readers - try a 6-month subscription to Simply Knitting and start saving today!

If you’d prefer a digital issue, why not subscribe to the Newsstand app edition of Simply Knitting? We also have a special Newsstand app edition for readers in the US.

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