Last week Emma and I managed to get up to Earls Court for our first visit to Graduate Fashion Week – where the cream of British fashion and textile degree course students show their collections with the hope of being snapped up and starting their dream career in the industry.

It was here, last year, that Grace Melville showed her 'David Attenborough' sweater dress and got snapped up by Rowan. Now she is already on her second studio collection for them.

(yes this pic is a little blurry, I just wanted to prove we really were there. And that I need a new camera to capture all of the glamorous shindigs!)



We saw some amazing knitwear in the exhibition hall and had invitations to Kingston's catwalk show, which was fantastic – as professional as any of those we saw at London Fashion Week. My favourite designs were the one's pictured below by David Stoneman-Merret, whose chunky, sparkly men's knits included an all-in-one green diamond pyjama thing, a HUGE black sparkling floor length cardigan and a pink and white flowery jumper with sequins. And of course the crazy sock/scarf things they had on their heads.



We failed a bit on the celeb-spotting (Vivienne Westwood had just left when we arrived) but we did bump into Hilary Alexander, fashion writer and director of The Telegraph, in the press area, who seemed to think she might know us. We smiled winningly back. And my exciting 'spot' was seeing Susie Bubble of brilliant style blog http://stylebubble.typepad.com.

She looked up and smiled when I nudged Emma. Note: must be cooler next time.

I love going to these things, surrounded people who are passionate and inspired (and inspiring!) about design, textiles, knitwear, fashion and supporting homegrown talent. We will do a proper review of the exciting new crop of knitwear designers to keep an eye on in our September issue, so don't forget to check that out when it comes out!

It's so nice to have a really summery issue about to hit the news stands and for it to actually be hot and sunny in real time too! So many issues are put together with a lot of imagination when it comes to seasons – think putting together the Dec issue and thinking about Christmas, cold and snow, when it's actually September and still summery and warm (I've even come back from a holiday in St Tropez lazing by a pool, and gone straight into a Christmas issue).

Knitting in the summer can be controversial as lots of people think of thick wool and warm jumpers when they think of knitting. The truth is, summer months are excellent for making light summery garments, little and quick projects, gifts or getting a head start on your Christmas presents, and there are lots of lovely light weight yarns out there – cotton, linen and bamboo springing to mind straight away.

So, here's a sneak peek of our Lazy Days of Summer gallery...

This lacy Gedifra cover up can be worn on the beach in the day or as a sophisticated jacket at night. Erika Knight's flower headband can also be worn as a belt too!



Coral is THE colour of the summer and this cute vest with flattering rib waist is a great everyday top.



Every girl wants to look gorgeous for a party and this lovely butterfly print shrug by Rowan is perfect for English Roses.



Also in this issue

– Meet colourful Norwegian designer Fam Irvoll

– New Erika Knight series 'More Stash than Cash'

– A good old yarn - your winning knitting stories

– Toys to Knit and Love pattern supplement

Don't forget to let us know what you think of this issue in our forums!