Winter knitting -- who can resist it?  Tweedy textures, cozy cables and colorwork, luxury yarns, and quick knit hats and mitts.

End of year knitting can be stressful, so we've given you a bunch of gift-worthy knits for you to choose from -- mittens, socks, scarves and hats.  Texture is big this year so you'll see plenty of cables, twisted stitches and knit/purl combos too.

Of course, if gift knitting isn't your thing, you can treat yourself to a little something as well -- a soothing eye pillow, a pair of cabled mittens, or a vintage-inspired hat.

And, if you want to make yourself a new garment we've got several of those too -- cardis, a coat, a vest and a dress (yes, a dress!).

If you're new to Knotions -- welcome!  And if you've been with us since Issue 1, you'll notice we've been listening to your feedback.  Here are a few of the things we've done to spruce up the site this season:

• You asked for more garments so we've included 6 in this issue.
• You asked for more patterns; you've got more than twice as many to choose from as last time.
• You asked for some projects with less expensive yarns; you've got 'em.
• You asked for more info in the preview; alll designs have yarn and yardage lists.
• Many of you said the font size was too small when you printed a pattern so we've increased the font size. While I can't promise you won't need your reading glasses any more, our patterns should be a bit easier to read.

Feedback is very important to us -- so tell us what you think.  Leave a comment on our blog, in our Ravelry group, or .  I'd love to hear what you think.

As the end of year approaches I wish you and your family a holiday season filled with good food, great company, and no UFOs.

Knit Smarter!

Jody

November 5, 2008