Author: Susan Cropper

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1000 Knitting Patterns and

We love holding classes at Loop – from guiding beginners through their first tentative stitches to revealing new skills to improve even the most experienced knitters techniques. We are also proud to have many talented designers visit from all over the world and very soon we are playing host to Kirsten Kapur. Teaching two classes, one on her classic pattern ‘Andrea’s Shawl’ and another on understanding Japanese stitch patterns, we were able to catch her for a quick chat to find out more.

Cashmere for many is the epitome of comfort and luxury and it is true that there is nothing quite like the super softness and warmth that it is famous for. A new treat that has found its place on the shelves at Loop is the 28 sumptuous shades of Lotus Cashmere Fingering.

When working with luxury yarns it is only right to have tools that are as well crafted and considered as your knits. Made with precision from high quality materials, we love the beautiful range from Chiaogoo.

Dropped stitches – not the most exciting or satisfying part of knitting, but a somewhat inevitable annoyance we have all had to battle with at some point. Do you find yourself debating with agony whether to frog back and rescue lost stitch, or do you fudge and fiddle with it to hide the mistake? Well, worry no more as we have a fabulous little tool that will solve all these problems – the Fix-a-Stitch! Plus, we have one of each size to give away! Read to the end of the post to find out how to enter our competition on …

Fix-A-Stitch To The Rescue! Read more →

Once you have mastered knit and purl a whole world of different combinations are literally at your fingertips. That must be part of the magic of stitch dictionaries, revealing and explaining how knitted fabric can be shaped. Conventionally, instructions are charted for working back and forth in rows – but what about converting this for the yoke of your top down jumper? Or inserting these instructions to change a pattern knit in the round? Here to solve all your stitch pattern problems is the new, and appropriately named, Up, Down, All-Around Stitch Dictionary. Be sure to read to the end of …

Up, Down, All Around Stitch Dictionary Read more →

Crisp, smooth and light  – linen is a fibre that was made for summer. Organically grown and dyed in the most tempting fresh shades, Sparrow by Quince & Co. is next on our needles for drapey, airy garments.

Fancy taking a peek behind the scenes and finding out more about one of people that make up our extensive team of Loopettes? We caught up with technical editor, designer and talented baking friend Rachel Atkinson to find out more about her life in knitwear…. *This competition is now closed – but keep an eye out for more giveaways in the future!*  Plus we have a great pattern giveaway for three lucky readers! Check at the end of the post for how to enter!

The saying ‘good things come in small packages’ rang true when a tiny box of delights arrived at Loop the other week. You certainly know what huge fans we are of Madelinetosh’s sumptuous colours and quality fibres and now we have mini versions of their Merino Light  – the appropriately named Unicorn Tails!

Loop’s own pattern range is steadily growing as we have another special pattern to introduce – Hygge. This time something for the little ones in your life, an adorable unisex cardigan with a beautiful textured stitch pattern and a buttoned seam. **This competition is now closed – Congratulations to Sue Johnston who chose the shade Moonless!*** Make sure to read to the end of the post to find out how you can win a copy of our new pattern and a skein of Jill Draper Hudson in the colour of your choice!

The textile history of a country is as rich and varied as the garments and fabric produced. It is always fascinating to discover the traditional crafts and costumes that are part of everyday life and to be inspired by the skill. In the shop we have books and yarns from all around the world and now we have the textile history of Muhu Island, Estonia to show you.