In the second of our mini series on yarn winding, we look at how to take your yarn from a skein into a ball ready to knit or crochet without any equipment at all. Perfect if you need to wind a ball of yarn on the go!

Our first in a mini-series of posts about all things to do with winding yarn asks why some yarn is sold in skeins or hanks rather than balls or cakes.

We’ve just added five new shades of &Make Aran to our shelves, so we thought it would be a great opportunity to take a more detailed look at this fabulous yarn from The Fibre Co, and see what makes it so perfect for both beginners and more experienced knitters.

The idea of unravelling your knitting might be enough to bring you out in a cold sweat, but with a bit of planning and care you will be able to make it (almost) painless. We look at Knitting Back (tinking) and ripping out (frogging) and how to use lifelines to prevent disaster.

A roundup of some of the most common knitting mistakes, how to fix them, and how to avoid them next time.

How to pick up dropped stitches in knitting. Instructions for stockinette stitch, garter stitch, and picking up dropped stitches at the edge of your knitting.

Some of the music that I’ve been enjoying recently whilst knitting. This one is perfect for curling up indoors with a hot drink while the wind and rain lashes down outside - something that’s been happening a lot these past couple of weeks!

September knitting and crochet pattern round up. We look at patterns and yarn suggestions from three of our favourite magazines this month: Making Stories, Pom Pom Quarterly and Moorit Magazine.

With the introduction of BC Garn’s Semilla Melange (GOTS) to our shelves I find out exactly what it means for a knitting yarn to be GOTS certified, and what assurance that label gives to consumers.

From fearsome Owlers to the seventeenth century Lookers of Romney marsh, wartime sheep evacuation and what makes them one of the most successful sheep breeds. We’re taking an in-depth look at the history, characteristics and wool of the Romney Sheep.

Ten essential tips that all beginner knitters should know. All the hints and tips that I wish somebody had told me when I was first learning to knit.

Our guide to choosing knitting needles for beginners.

Handy knitting needle conversion chart including metric and UK and US needle knitting needle and crochet hook sizes.

Stitch markers are one of the most useful knitting accessories you can buy. Here are ten ways that you can use them to make your knitting easier.

A step by step guide to sewing up knitted seams with mattress stitch

Pattern page for our Watch Cap Knitting Kit. Pictures, troubleshooting, tutorials and ideas for customisation.

Pattern page for our Beachcomber Wrist Warmers Knitting Kit. Pictures, troubleshooting, tutorials and ideas for customisation.

Pattern page for our Twisted Headband Knitting Kit. Pictures, troubleshooting, tutorials and ideas for customisation.