If you haven’t yet got your copy of the latest issue of Simply Knitting, why not pop out and get it today?

Last year it was wonderful to meet you all at our Stitch & Craft Show in London, and I am hoping to see many more of you this spring! We’ll be there on our ‘Knitting Live!’ stand where you can come and join us for some fun workshops, drop in and listen to speakers, and look at some beautiful displays. Not to mention taking advantage of all the lovely shopping that will be available, of course...

We hope you’ll get involved with the Knitted Miniature Village competition, too. We’d love to make this a really amazing display, so if you can – get knitting! You could even be in line for some wonderful prizes if your entry is judged a winner.

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.

With Christmas just days away, we thought an interview with a toy designer would be the perfect treat! Alan Dart’s career as a knitting designer has taken him from designing sweaters for Elizabeth Taylor to creating quirky toys. Here he tells us about his affection for the mice and their dressing up box!

We know you studied fashion at Maidenhead Art College. What attracted you to that particular course?

Back in the Dark Ages, when I went to art college, there weren't that many courses to choose from, so I plumped for fashion because, although I really wanted to work in the field of handicrafts, that was the closest available subject. Being taught pattern cutting and making-up techniques, as well as fabric design and jewellery, stood me in good stead for all the work I do now.