What happens when you bring literary plot and pattern design together? Margery Allingham was one of the undoubted queens of British detective fiction’s Golden Age, and this bringing together of novel-inspired handknits with critical, contextual essays offers an in-the-round celebration of her work. Kate Davies’ collection speaks to the detective author’s inventive spirit: a single, unbroken strand of yarn transforms itself into a three-dimensional slipper; hats and pullovers are knitted from side to side, while a triangular shawl up-ends itself to eventually become a cardigan. The techniques are all contemporary, but there’s a nod to classic twentieth-century knitting style as well: narrow garter-stitch stripes meet modern short row shaping, while slipped stitches and Art Deco chevrons are incorporated into light knits that will work in many wardrobes. Alongside this most mysterious collection, literary contributors explore themes that illuminate Margery Allingham’s creative world: from the relationship between patterns and plotting, to the fashion, film and popular culture of the 1930s and 1940s; from the wide ranging role played by knitting and knitters in detective fiction, to the distinctive Essex landscape that inspired Margery Allingham throughout her life. Chock full of revelations, plot twists, and (of course) the occasional red herring, this highly original exploration of one of detective fiction’s most ingenious authors is sure to surprise and delight. Contributors: Tom Barr, Caroline Crampton, Kate Davies, Veronica Horwell, Julia Jones, Sarah Mackay, Imogen Robertson.

The Knitter - Issue 155 September 2020

PRE-ORDERS ONLY. This magazine will be shipped on 14th January and will be available in store from the 16th January. If other items are ordered at the same time as this pre-order everything will be shipped together on the 3rd December. Finnish Knits is a fascinating one-off issue of Laine Magazine dedicated entirely to contemporary Finnish knitwear design. Featuring 164 pages and 18 knitting patterns from Finland’s top designers, interesting articles as well as beautiful photography, this special edition is a true collector’s item! Finnish Knits includes:

• 164 pages
• 18 knitting patterns: 9 sweaters, 1 slipover, 1 top, 2 hats, 3 pairs of socks, 1 pair of shorts and 1 shawl.
• An interview with the Finnish crime writer and avid knitter Satu Rämö. Her popular “Nordic blue” books — featuring a knitting police officer! — have gained international fame.
• A feature about Finland’s most renowned yarn store Titityy and its founder, Tiina Huhtaniemi, whose guiding principles have been fostering community and renewing the local knitting culture.
• Inspiring products for knitters from beloved Finnish brands.

The knits were created by the following designers: Jenny Ansah, Lee Esselström, Henna Haarala, Ronja Hakalehto, Anna Heino, Anna Johanna, Veera Jussila, Susanna Kaartinen, Meiju Kallio, Henna Ketonen, Jenna Kostet, Niina Laitinen, Paula Narkiniemi, Laura Pajula & Liisa Saarenmaa (Neuloosisko), Tiia Reho and Veera Välimäki.