
Dear Readers
Yes, this is the October issue and summer seems to have come and gone without many of us noticing! My wake-up call has been all the ‘seasonal’ press releases flooding into my in-box. I’d better get my act together for next month, but the first thing I need to do is let you know is that Susan Guagliumi has closed her website. Her books are still available and she continues to teach, but you’ll now find her at https://susan-guagliumi.teachable.com
One huge benefit is that it’s given her the time to produce a new design for us and the photos on Pages 32 and 34 show its incredible versatility. Big really is beautiful, but you need a quality yarn to carry it off. Susan has used Tahki Yarns Donegal Tweed Fine, available on both sides of the pond. This gorgeous Irish yarn is 70% Wool and 30% Mohair for a great look and the softest feel next to your skin. As the magazine goes worldwide, visit https://donegalyarns.com/agents/ if you’d like to find a stockist. Another excellent source of free yarn information is www.ravelry.com With Susan’s blessing and Judith Duffy’s kind permission, we’ve included instructions for the Duffy Cabled Edging. As many of us have said, we’d love to have been the knitter who first created it, but that accolade is Judith’s. To see Susan knitting it, please visit https://youtu.be/GWFbfJpjMAI
Alex Raw (www.youtube.com/@Thesweaterfactory) returns this month with a new design for us. His traditional Fair Isle sweater and hat will be very popular and the 12-stitch pattern repeat can either be used as it is, or doubled up for punchcard machines. He’s also drawn our attention to one of the most extensive collections of free patterns on the internet. With over 30 years in knitting and crochet design, DROPS Design offers over 10,000 patterns, all translated into English (UK/cm) and 16 other languages. To view the full range of free patterns along with yarn for sale, please visit www.garnstudio.com
As I promised last month, Bill’s sweater is on Page 23 and I’ve really enjoyed working with him on it. From our past shows in Nottingham I know that many of you spin, so perhaps Bill’s spinning, dyeing and knitting will ignite a spark? Many years ago I inherited a spinning wheel that’s yet to be used, so a lesson or two and some extra hours in a day need to go on my bucket list. His great suggestion that we use a mix of odds and ends in our stash for the thickness, or hand-feed the yarn through the carriage offers lots more possibilities. With the prospect of an even busier few weeks ahead, I hope you enjoy this month’s magazine and, until next month, knit happy!
NEXT ISSUE November 2023
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