GH ’s Simon Swift takes up a familial hobby — and with it a familiar habit of not finishing what he started…

Tip for long-tail cast-on Join two yarn ends with a knot, insert the needle under the knot with strands either side and begin casting on. Once the total number of stitches has been cast on, cut one of

Emma Leith’s fabric and yarn combo makes adding detail easy. Pick a floral print and you’re already halfway there! ■ Yarnsmiths Create DK (100% acrylic, 100g/290m), 2 balls of Yarn A Cream (3050), 1 b

CLEVER TRICKS TO MINI DECOR PROJECTS… WE ROUND UP THE SIMPLEST, QUICKEST WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HOME MORE BEAUTIFUL NOW

■ Cascade 220 (100% wool, 100g/200m) 3 skeins of Yarn A Cotton Candy (9478) 1 ball of Yarn B Ruby (9404) ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook ■ 6 buttons, 20mm ■ A cushion pad, 40x40cm For yarn stockists contact www

These glamorous ladies with their wide brimmed hats and prettified accessories are the ideal way to tell your mum, grandma, aunt and any other special lady on Mother’s Day how chic they are. Designed