From my own stranded knitting efforts, I have seen just how using different colours can completely change the look of a project. So it’s not surprising that two finished Frances berets means two completely different hats.

turtlegirl76’s Frances is knit using Rowan Felted Tweed and Tapestry as specified in the pattern. But the darker background yarn makes the heart motifs really stand out.

SusieW’s (Ravelry link) Frances is different again. Knitted with Jaeger Extra Fine Merino DK and Twilley’s Freedom Spirit, Susie has altered the pattern to finish the crown with a star motif.

Both hats are gorgeous and I expect there’ll be a few more cold, hat-wearing days yet this spring.

The first pair of Jules socks are finished!

Sam has earned my undying respect by knitting them in black Lang Yarns Jawoll, just because her boyfriend asked for black socks. I suspect there was much swearing going on while she knit them, but it looks like the end result was appreciated.

I battled through wind and rain this morning to be able to announce that all the prizes for The Inside Loop prize draw have now been posted.

When we had the draw, we pulled two extra names out of the hat “just in case”, and after trying to contact the original winner of the Trondra Scarf Kit for a couple of weeks without any result, we’re pleased to give the prize to our first reserve, Janeen (purlsjunkie on Ravelry), instead. Enjoy your prizes, everyone!

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank the companies who supported The Inside Loop before it launched. They all took a leap of faith when two enthusiastic crafty people emailed raving about a non-existent online magazine and responded with offers of support and yarn. Their belief in us helped us create a fantastic prize draw and give our lovely contributors something squishy as well.

So, a HUGE thank you to:

we couldn’t have done it without you!

Emmms promised me she was going to cast on immediately and I was thrilled to see her finished Express Lane socks so quickly! I love the colourway and will be trying to hunt down some of this yarn I think

Yarn: Madelinetosh Luxury Sock (the lamentably no longer available merino/tencel blend) in Cinnabar