We love the idea of Mother/Daughter knits. Combine that with some of our favourite socially aware yarn – Manos Del Uruguay (they offer women in rural Uruguay the chance to earn a fair income), and the talents of designers Libby Summers, Anniken Allis and various others, and we’re nigh on in knitting heaven!

Artesano Yarns have just released three new pattern books. The first, Mother & Daughter, uses Mano Serena – a blend of baby alpaca and pima cotton that sounds divine. Apparently the yarn is hand dyed in copper kettles “to create a marbled, subtly striated effect that forms a rich palette of glorious colours.”

For many of us, this is the most challenging time of year, which is why we’ve decided to fill Simply Knitting issue 102 – our February issue – fun, feel-good knits that will be just as pleasing to knit as they are to use and wear.

Winter is now well and truly with us, so Simply Knitting issue 101 – our January issue – is packed with cosy knits that will give you the perfect excuse to stay inside, snuggle up and keep knitting in the warm.

We’ve been having knit-envy over the little ones in our lives ever since we discovered the team at MillaMia, so we’re overjoyed they’ve launched their first collection of patterns for adults!

Available from the end of November, Country Escape comprises seven chic designs from Helena Rosen that are just as covetable as the brand’s children’s patterns.

Our November issue is in shops now and is packed with patterns that are perfect for keeping you cosy this winter, whether you knit them or wear them! Cable is everywhere this season, so we couldn't resist bringing you an issue full of pretty twists and plaits.

We're so excited to bring you the new issue of Simply Knitting, crammed with patterns, ideas, tips and details of some of the season's best knitting events!

At the start of the new season, it seems the perfect time to be able to bring you our very first yarn gift! Last month we went to visit family company Bergère de France at their HQ in eastern France. It was absolutely fascinating to see their factory – clean, quiet and highly efficient. It was amazing to see the journey yarn takes from its start in life as fluffy fibre through to being the pristine, tightly-wound balls we’re used to buying in the shops.

We’ve worked in partnership with Bergère de France to bring you a high quality ball of yarn (made up of 75% acrylic, 25% wool) to enjoy. This yarn is so soft it’s perfect for babies as well as adults – turn to pages 9, 21, 49 and 57 to knit something for baby or for yourself. And don’t forget, we’ve included a pair of 3mm needles too, so you can get started on your knitting right away!

We also have a special baby accessories set by Jane Burns on page 57 – your ball of yarn will be just enough to knit either the bonnet or the booties.

Simply Knitting 97 (September) is on sale now, celebrating all the things that make the tail end of summer so enticing.

This time of year has so much to recommend it – late bursts of sunshine, the leaves beginning to turn those glorious colours, and last but definitely not least, all the yarn companies starting to announce their Autumn/Winter ranges... which means there are tons of new yarns and patterns on their way!

This year we’ve seen a continuation of the trend for sparkly yarns, with glitter combined in the twist in King Cole’s new Glitz DK and subtle sheens like Sirdar’s new Softspun Chunky. We’ll all be sorted for Christmas party looks! 

Developing local yarns in natural fibres is also a strong theme, with Rowan introducing a Fine Boucle into their British Sheep Breeds range, and Bergère de France releasing Pur Mérinos Français, a yarn from a French Merino sheep breed.

We are so grateful to everyone who has knitted and donated to our ‘Bears & Squares’ campaign charity campaign for Refuge. At the time of writing we’ve raised nearly £1,000. It really is appreciated, so please keep it up. Turn to page 32 for a new square to knit and more news – we really do appreciate your support.

We know it’s a way off yet, but October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and you’re invited to join in with one of the biggest campaigns of the year, Pink Fridays!

To take part all you need to do is think pink – whether you wear the colour, eat only pink foods or, our favourite, knits some stylish pink acccessories!

Wondering what to knit this summer? Our August issue (96) is packed with fun, stylish ideas!

In this issue you’ll also find an update on our Refuge ‘Bears & Squares’ campaign – we’ve raised £500 so far, but with a £10,000 target we still have a long way to go!

From our versatile lacy top by Sarah Hatton, to Marie Wallin’s smart casual jacket and the pretty yet practical jumper from SMC Select (ideal festival-wear!), we’re determined to help you enjoy the season, regardless of the weather. Mary Henderson’s essential tank top for men is ideal for work or play, and Alan Dart’s Hippie Hamsters make an irresistibly project. 

Our popular One Pattern, Three Looks feature has Peter Pan collars covered, ideal for adding some chic to any top. We also have six holiday gifts, including a beach bag, dinky coin purse, sunglasses case and bow embellishments for your flip flops!

Simply Knitting issue 94 hits shops today and is chock-full of exciting knitting patterns!

The UK will really be putting on a show this summer, and what’s more, it’s one that everyone can take part in. We know many people have big plans to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, and come July everyone can get involved with the drama of the Olympics – next issue we’ll have some fun knits to celebrate the skills of athletes, past and present, for you to make – whether you managed to get tickets or not!

This month is all about red white and blue, not just in a patriotic sense, but also a nautical sense, with Sarah Hatton’s stylish striped cardigan on page 12 and Sublime’s cool skull set for young pirates on page 21!

For something almost lighter than air, try Kirstie McLeod’s seam-free top in King Cole baby alpaca.

For something quirkier, look out for our Owl fingerless mitts by Amanda Jones (pictured below), and Alan Dart’s groovy troll.