Spring! The days begin to lengthen, the sun shines just that little bit stronger and nature reminds us it’s still there and bursts into life. The days are still cool, but there is a hint of warmth in the air. So much so we may shun our winter overcoats and choose a favourite hand knit as the only warming layer needed for a trip to the shops. This is a season our knit wear really shines, before the heat of summer pushes the wooliest of our garments back into the wardrobe.

The theme of this issue is Air. Celebrating the lightness of fibres, with a focus on the space between stitches. Think mohair, lace and open textures. Featuring designs by: Amalia Sieber, Brontë Swannick, Camila Larsen Esveile, Joji Locatelli, Lana Jois, Mara Licole Taylor, Meghan Fernandes, Nataliya Sinelshchikova, Rosemary (Romi) Hill and Wencke Petermann. As usual Pompom delights us with more than just the patterns. With a how-to flower arranging guide by Ocean Rose, meringue recipe by Kat Goldin and interview with body-postive activist and designer Jacqueline Cieslack. Without further ado let us delve between the cover of Pompom 23.

Aloft by Brontë Swannick. This is a simple but effective use of an all over fisherman’s rib on a classic boxy shape. Worked in the round from the bottom up and separated for the sleeves. Large puff sleeves soften the look and create an informal shape to what could be quite a stiff square body. Knit using two yarns held double with just one singularly for the rib I would try a combination of The Fibre Co Cumbria and The Fibre Co Meadow for luscious softness and structure.

Aperture by Mara Licole. This is the epitome of a classic shawl and great for two special skeins of hand dyed 4ply. Knit sideways in garter stitch, broken up by simple eyelet rows. You begin at the tip and get wider and wider to finish with a stunning lace border. This would look great in Garnsurr Søkke Merino.

Aubade by Nataliya Sinelshchikova. The amazing graphic slip stitch pattern on the yoke of this design can be equally striking or subtle depending on your colour choice. Worked top down, the sleeve length and body is customisable. After the yoke, contrast garter stripes continue the interest down the body. If I were to knit this and I am really tempted, I think the combination of Garthenor No 1 and Fyberspates Cumulus would be dreamy.

Cairie by Wencke Perterman. The simple shape of this jumper allow the subtle but effective twisted stitch pattern repeat to really shine. Worked in the round from the bottom up and dividing for the back and front at the armholes. Sleeves are picked up and knit in the round to the cuff. A more woolly hand dyed yarn would look great here like Kettle Yarn Ramble.

Chapman by Meghan Fernandes. This large scarf has an almost tartan look to the fabric, but with yarn over eyelets. Cosy, colourful and a clever looking stitch pattern. Knit this in a fun combination of colours. Hedgehog Fibres Merino DK paired with Hedgehog Fibres Kidsilk Lace held double to get a thicker mohair/silk strand.

Lacuna by Rosemary (Romi) Hill. This is the perfect spring layering top. An intriguing all over lace repeat is worked top down from the shoulder. Shoulder straps are knitted first to give the garment structure. Try this in the sophisticated merino and silk combination that is Fyberspates Scrumptious 4ply.

Niebla by Camila Larsen. This is a jumper that instantly says hug. Mohair and brioche is a recipe for comfort and this brioche yoke hugs your shoulders in the best possible way. The body is knit in only the mohair lace creating a light and airy garment but still with warmth. I think the large range of colour possibilities would make Socks Yeah 4ply paired with Fyberspates Cumulus a good choice.

Solasta by Amalia Sieber. This fun project uses leftover scraps knit together with the alpaca/silk main colour to give flashes of colour amongst the fluffy halo of the alpaca. Knit from the top down in the round, the body is divided towards the hem to give a stylish slightly lower back. Puff sleeves cinched in at the wrist make the most of the airy light quality of the body. I would choose Fyberspates Cumulus for the body and stash dive for leftover scraps in contrasting colours for real pops.

Susurrus by Joji Locatelli. This jumper celebrates texture through the use of different yarns and the use of different stitches. Lace panels are interspersed with mohair stocking stitch. Knit seamlessly from the top down, it’s a fibre and structure enthusiasts project. Interesting textures and techniques run through your hand as you knit and always keep you interested. Try in a combination of Black Elephant Merino Singles and Hedgehog Fibres Kid Silk Lace.

Vayu by Lana Jois. I love the strong geometric lines in this crochet piece. It makes the most of crochet’s ability to hold structure. With large solid sections edged with a trellis like lace border. Try a yarn that will give good definition and shape like Hedgehog Fibres Twist Sock.