In a year when we’ve not been able to give our loved ones all the hugs we usually do, it’s even more important to be able to give woolly embraces, so this issue is packed full of patterns you’ll love to make and share. If you can’t be with someone in person, keeping them cosy with a chunky scarf or cosy hat is the next best thing! There are lots of quick, chunky knits in this issue, like the Frida Scarf (page 44) and Pompom Hottie (page 88), which can be knitted up in no time. If there are any fans of Pusheen the Cat (page 25) in your family, why not send them a little friend in the post to keep them company?I’m definitely feeling a chill in the air now, so it’s time to start thinking about bigger knits as well. Garments needn’t take an age to knit – our cover star this month (page 15) is designed by Kristen TenDyke using West Yorkshire Spinners’s beautiful chunky Re:Treat yarn. I’ve also got my eye on the cosy unisex jumper (page 30) by Arne & Carlos – don’t miss our feature on this inspiring pair.There’s so much to read in this issue, I feel like we’ve somehow squeezed in an extra 20 pages! If you want to stretch your skills in the new year, check out our roundup of new stitches to try (page 20). We meet superstar designer Bristol Ivy (page 41) and yarn spinner extraordinaire John Arbon (page 87). Find out how our beloved local yarn shops are evolving (page 46) and what’s new in knitting (page 8).
