Dear Readers

The captcha box is used on any page where you upload content to the site. It shows a word that you have to enter in order for the form to submit properly, and is used to prevent spam.

However, AOL users will have found that they were unable to enter the word correctly. This is because the first time that an AOL user visits a page, AOL will store a copy of that page on its server. Then, when the AOL user goes back to see that page, instead of showing them a page from the site, AOL shows them the one stored in its memory instead. It does this to save money, and unfortunately it causes problems on pages where certain bits of content change (such as the captcha box).

So, until Matt can find a way of getting round this problem, we’ve removed the captcha box from the site.

I’m sorry for the trouble it’s caused you, and thank you for letting us know about the problem – we’re ‘on the case’, so to speak!

Best wishes
Anne

The exhibitor list is looking good and new additions this month are Carl Boyd coming along with his new patterns and Jane Woodward back in her usual classroom. As we’ve mentioned, Carl is working on a new collection and you may also remember that Jane was on holiday last year and couldn’t make it. She’s back this year with Wendy’s help and the sleeved wrap featured on page 35 is the first of Wendy’s designs for MKM. It’s been much admired, so we snapped it up for the magazine. You can belt it, button it, pin in or let it drape into soft folds and points. It’s a very flattering shape to cover all manner of ‘lumps and bumps’ and the length takes it well past any ‘thunder thighs’!

When I went to the Isle of Wight last autumn, I spent a lovely morning with the Newchurch Knitters. Jan’s coffee and cake went down a treat and Linda showed me lots of her designs. Amongst the goodies was a pile of Tan-o’-shanter hats, which she makes by the dozen for young and old alike. The pattern is ever so easy and you can add a brim or pon-pon if you wish. Best of all, they can be knitted from any oddments and take next-to-no-time. The base of the hat needs to be picked up on a circular needle for eight rows of garter stitch but you can vary the number of stitches you pick up, to fit different head sizes. It’s a fabulous pattern I’m sure you’ll want to cut out and keep.

As the days get longer, spring will soon be here and the cover girl on our latest issue (February 2009) wears a lovely jacket from Anne Baker knitted in Charlotte, from Chris Brennan. It’s very soft yet holds its shape beautifully and, when knitted in Fair Isle, makes a gorgeous warm garment. You can use Anne’s stitch pattern, or chose one of the hundreds you must have stored away. If haven’t used Charlotte before, raid Chris’ stand at Machine Knitting LIVE! (Sorry, he doesn’t do mail order.) At his knock down prices, every cone will be a bargain!

How was your Christmas and New Year break, and what are your plans for the New Year? Let me know by leaving a comment!

All the best
Anne

The changes are only to the checkout process. There are now 4 steps to checking out your order, once you’ve chosen your items:

1. View cart
2. Select postal region
3. Confirm you’re happy to pay the postal charges
4. Checkout your order on the PayPal site

I hope it makes things easier for you, but – as ever – Matt is on hand to help you with any queries. Just email him and he’ll try to answer you within 24 hours (but not on weekends!).

That’s all for now!

Anne”