Knitting know-how

Write to our accomplished Q&A experts and have your tricky knitting queries and questions answered in no time!

QUESTION OF THE MONTH

NOVELTY KNITS

Q My sister's been having a tough time so I wanted to knit her something to make her smile. Her old teapot is looking pretty battered now, so I thought a tea cosy might be a good idea. Can you suggest a funky pattern for me? Angela Montgomery, Birmingham

Absolutely! I am sorry to hear about your sister, but a thoughtful gift made with love will show her that you are thinking of her. Fortuitously, I stumbled upon a sweet snail design while looking for a new project recently that might be just what you are looking for.

It is available as a kit from Rupert's House on Etsy (www.etsy.com/uk/shop/RupertsHouse) for £22.50 plus P&P, and makes two cosies so you can keep one for yourself if you like! I've also always wanted to knit Ann Franklin's flower basket tea cosy from issue 186 (available to purchase as a digital download here www.gathered.how/digital-issues).

It features roses, geraniums, petunias and gerberas knitted in bold shades, and will certainly brighten dark days. Rachael 

SUPERSOFT CHENILLE

Q I've found an old pattern for a chenille baby blanket but the suggested yarn has been discontinued. Do you know of another one I can use? Camille Warner, via Twitter

Some of my favourite yarns are chenille they're so squishy and huggable. You will have to check the tension and yardage of the recommended yarn to make sure you don't get a nasty surprise halfway through, but King Cole's Yummy (RRP £4.49) or James Brett's Flutterby (RRP £4.30) would make good alternatives, and are available in both pastel and brighter shades. Jen

Faye Perriam-Reed answers your questions!