This is the very last day I am going to languish with this cold (are you reading this, cold?!), so while I am sitting here with ear-ache and sinus pain – feeling like there is a steel bar through my head –  I though I could cheer myself a little bit by sharing with you some exciting things I have seen that are starting this week!

The first pattern in Clare Devine’s Head to Toe collection, featuring the hand-dyed yarn from Ginger Twist Studio. The Montrose hat is lace beret, which has been knit in Splendor –  a stunning, sumptuous merino-silk 4ply dyed by Jess James. There is a slouch version ans a fitted version, and there is a real vintage feel.

A contemporary slouch with a vintage feel                                      Photo: Clare Devine (used with kind permission)

Clare will be launching a Montrose KAL in her group later today and if you are in or around Edinburgh there will be a workshop on the Montrose pattern at GTS on the 10th and 17th of August, from 11.30-1pm and there will be more details on the GTS blog later today.

KnitBritishers can get a 25% discount in the Head to Toe ebook – which normally costs £10 –  until 13th July by using discount code KNITBRITISH25

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I spied on twitter this morning that Kirsty from Wharfedale Wool Works is extending her sign ups for her British sock yarn club til tomorrow. The Flora Sock Yarn Club costs £44.89 and from July to September you will receive 3 x 110g of British BFL sock yarn, dyed by Kirsty; you can also choose from variegated or semi solid. Kirsty is a big fan of using British wool and the wool for this club is sourced just a few miles from her home in Yorkshire.

If you think your stash needs some summery sock yarns then join up in her etsy shop before tomorrow!

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I was delighted to see that West Yorkshire Spinners have brought out some new colours in their Aire Valley DK. They have chosen some of the most popular colours from their spice and sweet Signature ranges and don’t they look beautiful?

 The yarn is 75% British wool and 25% Nylon – there is 230m per 100g ball and at £4,75 the yarn is fantastic value. WYS also have a new pattern book called Quintessential DK, should you need inspiration. You might want to buy some for a Lush KAL that I discussed on the podcast, which casts on on the 20th July for 8 weeks. Another post and a rav group sign up thread coming very soon.

Right, I think I might do what the Blockheads say and “get back into bed” – but more soon!