Fall/Winter 2009 Issue

It's my favourite time of the year again.

I have some great designs in this issue to take you into the new season, with updated country classics in "The Need for Tweed". I've carried on the traditional theme in the home feature "Britannia Rules" using stitch patterns from around the British Isles in projects incorporating cables, Fair Isle, tartan and argyle and including right-on-trend Union Jack cushions.

Who hasn't at some point been undecided about whether to dress up or down? In "Putting on the Ritz" you'll find smart, elegant jackets that are perfect for any occasion and will add sophistication to your wardrobe. "The New Softies" features his-and-her designs for the ultimate in relaxed knits.

If you'd like to give something handcrafted to a child as a holiday gift but not sure how well recieved a sweater would be, look no further than the irresistible animal scarves in "Animal Planet".

On the fibre front, I am introducing two new yarns this season, Donegal Luxury Tweed Chunky, a rustic but beautifully soft wool/angora mix and Fez, an extrafine merino/camel combination that knits like a dream and is perfect for colorwork.

I have always loved the designer Ingrid Tait. In her interview with Karin Strom in "My Knitting Friends", she shares fascinating information about her design process and talks about how much she is influenced by the traditions and landscapes of her Orkney home.