I love winter issues of magazines. There is something so tempting at the thought of hunkering down on a dark evening sipping a warm mug of hot chocolate. Letting your eye wander from project to project, enjoying the pages of endless inspiration before you. Laine is one of those magazines you can get lost in, sumptuously photographed and beautifully produced. These are magazines to treasure.

Issue 13 is titled Usnea (which I have discovered is a type of lichen). So think earthy tones and textures perfect for woodland walks or trips to the local parks. With a focus on gender-neutral designs that work as the foundation for any wardrobe. Inside are 11 designs, 10 knitted and 1 crocheted. Articles, interviews, recipes and book reviews. Featuring designs by Susan Chin, Susan Crawford, Sidsel Grau Petersen, Midori Hirose, Susanna Kaartinen, Inyoung Kim, Hanna Maciejewska, Mariya Matveeva, Paula Pereira, Maiju Räsänen and Griselda Zárate.

Laine 13 is published on 10 December, 2021. So while we wait here are some yarn pairings and a closer look at the designs inside:

Barchan by Susan Chin. This simple crescent shaped shawl looks pleasingly dense and cosy. Crocheted by holding two strands of lace weight that are marled together at the point the colour changes. A simple way of creating a mirage effect between colours. Because its one of the newer yarns we have started stocking and I love it I would try two strands of Hélène Magnússon Gilitrutt Tvíband.

Beloved by Griselda Zárate. This relaxed brioche cardigan is worked in half brioche stitch. Slouchy but still with nicely thought through details, like the shoulders. Worked seamlessly in the round from the top down. The button band utilises the wrong side of the half brioche stitch to give a contrast in colour and texture. I think something like Nua Worsted would add a nice tweedy look to this design.

Cassis by Midori Hirose - I like the relaxed shaping of this vest. It looks like a great layer to just slip on in a chilly moment. Starting flat with Gansey patterning that is then joined to work in the round for the remainder of the body. The Fibre CO Cumbria Worsted would be my choice for this.

Colour Chart by Sidsel Grau. This scarf is knitted using double knitting, making it double sided and also giving more fun to the colour play. I would choose the soft G-uld Alpaca with its range of beautiful naturally dyed colours that work perfectly together.

Dracena by Paula Pereira. The relaxed casual fit of this cardigan makes it a great layer to throw on when lounging about. The quirky stripes are complimented by the generous rib texture. It even has little afterthought pockets. Try this in the soft Fyberspates Vivacious DK.

Hutton by Susan Crawford. I love this cosy looking cardigan. The houndstooth pattern is created by working a simple two-colour slip stitch repeat and only one colour is knit per row. It even has the option to knit a belt to tie in at the waist. I think the Fibre Co Lore would be a nice choice for this.

Juoseppi by Maiju Räsänen. This oversized yoked jumper is knit from the top down. Large roomy sleeves are given structure at the wrist with tighter ribbing. Worked seamlessly from the top down with bands of geometric colourwork. I would choose G-uld No. 4.

Kodikas by Hanna Maciejewska. Worked from the top down this textural top has a comfy relaxed open neck. I have learnt this neck style is called Henley style, named after the Henley shirt worn by rowers in the English town of Henley-on-Thames for the Henley Royal Regatta. I would knit this in The Fibre CO Cumbria Worsted.

Simple Dimple by Maria Matveeva. A simple shawl with a simple texture. I really like designs like this to keep your hands busy, but don't require much thought. Perfect for the hectic holiday period. Garthenor Preseli would be luscious and comforting.

Viiva by Susanna Kaartinen. Worked from the bottom up holding two strands of yarn together for a fun marled project. The stripes are created with brooch and highlight a single colour. Try contrasting colours for a tv static look or more complimentary for subtle tones. Hillesvåg Sølje would work well here.

Wider by Inyoung Kim. Knit from the bottom up this jumper has interesting oversized features. Large dramatic cables and wide collar give this design impact. Knit in two strands of yarn held together try John Arbon Devonia DK paired with Fyberspates Cumulus.