A provisional cast-on is usually worked in a contrasting waste yarn so the cast-on stitches can be easily removed later. The live stitches are then recovered so you can knit down from that point without the joining line you'd have if you picked up stitches along the edge.

You might be saying to yourself that this is something you will never do. I am knitting a new Fiber Trends pattern for a jacket knit cuff to cuff. You start with a provisional cast on so when the jacket is done, you remove the waste yarn and cast off where you started. This way both cuffs look the same.

There are many techniques for doing this but I found a great video online which shows an easy and foolproof way to do a provisional cast on.

This is one of the designs from her newest book, Noro Unlimited.

Jane Ellison has designed for magazines such as Woman's Weekly and Vogue Knitting, she has also worked for Twilleys and Rowan Yarns, and produced designs for Debbie Bliss the leading UK hand knit designer. You will recognize Jane's name because she currently writes pattern books for Noro as well as other yarn companies.

Jane will be teaching a full day workshop in the store at the end of October. Details to follow but it promises to be a great day.

Four new fall books from Louisa Harding arrived in the store this week.

• The Magical World According to Miss Millie
• Winter Muse Classic
• Winter Muse Landscape
• Winter Muse Potraits

There are 2 new yarns (Thalia and Grace-Silk and Wool) as well as lots of new colours in the existing yarns.