Why Newsknit? When I started knitting seriously in 2016, I found the best time of day was 1030pm: everyone else was in bed, the house was quiet and I was sitting on the sofa watching Newsnight. The most turbulent news stories about Brexit and Donald Trump were unfolding as I knitted scarves, jumpers, hats and discovered the addictive joy of Nordic and Fair Isle. I am still a beginner, learning new techniques all the time.  My blog is the story of how I am learning to knit.

I will credit the source of all patterns and yarn where appropriate, but for copyright reasons I cannot reproduce someone else’s patterns. Any patterns I write here in full will be my own.

My name is Jane Merrick and I used to be a political editor. I am now a freelance journalist writing for The Daily Telegraph, The Independent, The Guardian, The Times, CNN International, The International Business Times and The Dulwich Diverter.

I also write about my allotment on my other blog: http://www.heroutdoors.uk