Why I Love Simply Knitting

From my Santa’s Sleigh Ride tea cosy in Issue 140 to my Highland Cow dancing a Celtic jig in Issue 280, Simply Knitting has been the home of TeaCosyFolk for over a decade.

Simply Knitting has always been the magazine I feel most aligned with, both as a reader and as a designer. It’s one of those rare publications that genuinely has something for everyone. Each issue brings a mix of jumper patterns for all the family, smaller projects like gloves, hats and cowls, and a steady stream of home items. They often throw in a curve ball too: lampshades, picture frames, plant pots, blankets and cushions. The range is amazing, and the photography is always colourful, inspiring and full of energy.

What I enjoy most is that the magazine isn’t just patterns. It has interesting pages about charity knitting, agony‑aunt style advice, and features on what’s new and trending in the knitting world. There’s always news about new yarns coming to the market, from the big brands to the indie dyers, which keeps you in touch with what’s happening across the craft.

Simply Knitting is also the home of TeaCosyFolk from time to time. I first appeared in the magazine in Issue 140, when my Santa’s Sleigh Ride tea cosy was featured. Since then I’ve designed cushions, lampshades, egg cosies, bags, cowls, hot water bottle covers, bunting and even a coin purse for them. My most recent design was the World Cup Goal Tea Cosy, featured in Issue 277 on sale 12 May 2026. I have another pattern coming next month in Issue 280, out 6 August 2026: the Scottish Dancing Highland Cow tea cosy, an amusing composition of a Highland cow standing on its back legs, wearing a kilt and performing a Celtic jig. He’s full of fun and energy, and I think people are going to love him.

I’m currently working on more TeaCosyFolk designs, so you’ll keep seeing them appear in Simply Knitting right up into 2027. It’s a magazine that celebrates creativity in all its forms, and I’m proud to be part of it.

Browse my published TeaCosyFolk patterns to see the designs featured in Simply Knitting.





Tags: knitting publication