It may only be December, but to ensure you don’t miss out on any of the knitting highlights coming up, this is our February issue! As a result you’ll find lots of romance-themed news and patterns throughout the magazine, and our cover gift this month is a set of six heart-shaped buttons, plus a free Sweet Hearts pattern book. 

We’re delighted that we’ll still be supporting Refuge as our charity throughout 2012. If you didn’t get a chance to make a blanket in 2011, now is your chance to join in the fun, and make a real difference. Go to www.justgiving.com/refugeblankets to download patterns.

We also have some fab competitions this month, including the chance to win pampering lanolin-based toiletries from Romney March Sheep Farm in Kent, and tickets to the Creative Crafts Show at Malvern (1-3 March) and Wonderwool Wales (28-29 April. 

In Knit One Purl Fun find out how Miriam got on at Susan Crawford’s trunk show in at Marmalade Yarns in Frome, and discover how knitting keeps long distance lorry driver Addy Osbourne smiling through the miles. We also share our reviews the knitting websites and books that have caught our eyes, and offer advice on all the knitting techniques you’ll need to tackie this issue’s projects. 

Talking of which, this month’s knitting patterns include Jane Burns’ love-heart covered cushion, Amanda Crawford’s stylish yet comfortable cowl neck jumper and MillaMia’s irresistibly cheeky coat for little girls (pictured here). We also love Lisa Richardson’s longline hooded cardigan and – an ideal alternative to a jacket once the weather warms up.

And make sure you don’t miss Alan Dart’s Swan Sweethearts, or Mary Henderson’s blissful Fair Isle hot water bottle cover – spring’s on the way but it’s not quite here yet!

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter, and show your support by ‘liking’ our Facebook page.

Simply Knitting 89 is on sale in shops until 24 January 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?