Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 6 i Homespun Knitting

Hello and welcome to Homespun Knitting Beginners & Beyond issue #6! This is my third knitting issue as your Editor and I’ve absolutely loved putting this magazine together. I’ve met so many talented and inspiring designers and some truly incredible people within our knitting community. Thank you so much to all who have been involved so far. I’m looking forward to working with everyone again and meeting some wonderful new crafters too. There is a fun collection of projects in this issue, including a range of summer wares, unique makes for your home, projects to take out and about, something for the littlies and a handful of winter warmers. There is definitely something for every knitter in this edition. We’ve also introduced a new article highlighting a small business each…

“A quick and easy project that is good for you and the environment! Keep your coffee warm, your hands cool, and avoid the need to ‘double cup.’ This coffee (or tea) cup sleeve comes in three different designs and fits standard size disposable coffee cups. It’s also easily adaptable for larger cups.”- Sandra YARN • 4 Seasons Brighton Cotton Blend 8 ply 50g/95m: approx. 12g of each in colours of your choice OR • You can use almost any yarn for this project as long as the tension is correct, but avoid 100% cotton yarn as it will stretch with use and become too loose for your cup EQUIPMENT • 3.75mm straight needles• Yarn needle TENSION/GAUGE 22 sts x 30 rows = 10cm in ss using 3.75mm needles FINISHED MEASUREMENTS…

Bamboo Knitting Repair Hook These repair hooks are used for fixing incorrect knitted stitches. They can be used as a small crochet hook to pick up stitches for a quick repair which can be used on a wide range of yarn sizes from super fine to bulky. Made with ‘Takumi’ quality bamboo, the sharp needle tips will easily pass through stitches and the bamboo will prevent the hook from slipping down, even if you accidentally let go of it. This set contains two different sized hooks to help any situation. The needle tip can also be used for detangling yarns such as mohair. Knitting Bobbing Set These knitting bobbins are used to stop yarn from tangling when working with multiple yarns, making your project easier to manage and control. The…

“This knitted picnic basket full of treats is perfect for pretend play and is a great stash buster! The set as a whole makes a great gift for the lover of soft and squishy snacks in your life, but the pieces individually also make great brooches or even Christmas decorations.”– Claire YARN • Fiddlesticks Peppin 8 ply 100% Australian fine merino superwash wool 50g/110m: 1 ball each in colours Toffee, Mustard, Butter, Cherry, White and Forest • Bellissimo 8 ply merino extra fine 50g/125m: 1 ball of Apricot • Misc. 8 ply from knitter’s stash for strawberry tops and sandwich filings OR • 50g of dark brown • 100g of light brown • ½ ball of colours: eggshell/very light brown, yellow, red, white, olive green • Small amount of dark…

“The design on the placemats is of a table setting, making it both a cute table decoration and a great way to teach kids to set the table. Choose from Placemat 1 (plate, knife and fork) or Placemat 2 (plate, knife, fork and spoon). There is also a pattern for a matching coaster to use up your remaining yarn. You could make a set in one colour to match your décor, or make one for each family member in their favourite colour.”– Sandra YARN • 4 Seasons Brighton Cotton Blend 8 ply yarn 50g/95m: 2 balls each of colours Denim Melange and Mustard EQUIPMENT • 3.75mm straight needles• Yarn needle TENSION/GAUGE You can use any cotton or cotton blend yarn for this project as gauge is not critical FINISHED MEASUREMENTS…

“The squish and floof factor of Andy is off the cuddly scale! He’s as snuggly and soft as a teddy bear which is lovely for little and big ones alike. I used Katia Polar which is a delightfully fun yarn to work with and I used only garter stitch for his head, arms and body. This pattern has been written specifically for textured yarns.” “Andy has been inspired by a gorgeous fellow crafter and her stunning cat, who is of course, named Andy. When I saw the colour of the yarn I was immediately inspired to create a knitted cat in honour of him. He’s one of the coolest cats I know, aloof but cuddly and he doesn’t skip a beat as he watches over his neighbourhood from his many…

“This is a versatile tote bag knitted in a chunky cotton blend, so it’s ideal for the environmentally-conscious knitter who wants a touch of colour in their day. It can be used as a beach or carry bag, and by inserting a solid base, it can also be used as a funky grocery bag. The pattern dimensions are designed so that the base of the bag matches the standard supermarket re-usable bag, that means that you can just grab the removable base from a supermarket bag and pop it in your tote!”- Sandra YARN • Caron Cotton Cakes 10 ply 60% cotton 40% acrylic 100g/193m: 4 balls in the colour of your choice OR • Any 10 ply yarn: 4 balls in the colour of your choice EQUIPMENT • 8mm…

The Sutherland Shire Spinners and Weavers (SSSW) are a group of fibre fans who meet once a week in Como, NSW. Group members love to share skills, techniques and knowledge, as well as a boundless enthusiasm for all things relating to fibre crafts. The SSSW isn’t just about spinning and weaving yarn, our members relish learning about different types of fibres, from beautifully soft merino fleeces to hardier fleeces and all the other suitable animal and plant-based fibres. We love the whole process: knowing where the fibre comes from and how to prepare it to get the best results and create beautiful knitted, crocheted or woven items. Members enjoy designing their own unique knitting and weaving yarns, providing a lot of scope for creativity. Our interests cover a variety of…

Source: Craft Yarn Council Website: YarnStandards.com, craftyarncouncil.com/standards 0 LACE YARN (2 ply) • Knitting needles: 1.5 to 2.25mm, or sizes 000 to 1 • Crochet hooks: steel hooks that are 1.4 to 1.6mm or a regular hook that is 2.25mm or size B-1. (Steel hooks are sized differently from regular hooks – the higher the number, the smaller the hook, which is the reverse of regular hook sizing) Always follow the gauge stated in your pattern). • Suggested gauge: 33 to 40 knit sts; 32 to 42 crochet sts (Lace weight yarns are usually knitted or crocheted on larger needles and hooks to create lacy, openwork patterns. Accordingly, a gauge range is difficult to determine. Always follow the gauge stated in your pattern). • Types of lace yarn: fingering, 10-count crochet…

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF. WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND WHAT DO YOU DO FOR WORK? Hi everyone! I’m Lisa, and I live in Newcastle, NSW, with my husband and my two daughters. I’m the designer and maker behind EleventyOne Windmills – my own brand of knitting, crochet, spinning and weaving tools and accessories. HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN CREATIVE? WHEN DID YOU START? Honestly, I feel like it’s been my whole life! I’ve always loved making and creating things. My mum taught me embroidery and how to use a sewing machine when I was little. At some point my grandmother taught me crochet. I’m not too sure where I picked up knitting but it was somewhere on my creative journey that has included beading, silversmithing, hand-blown glass, resin, polymer clay, spinning,…

"A lightweight and airy knitted cowl, perfect for summer! This versatile accessory combines style and comfort, allowing you to add a touch of warmth to your outfit without overheating. This project is an easy introduction to lace knitting and chart reading whilst producing a light airy cowl for a cool summer night."- Sharyn YARN • Fibra Natura Papyrus 8 ply 78% cotton 22% silk 50g/120m: 2 balls of colour Light Pink (229-06) OR • Moya Shimmer DK 50% bamboo 50% cotton 50g/125m: 2 balls of colour Antique EQUIPMENT • 5mm needles (circular or straight)• Wool needle FINISHED MEASUREMENTS Before joining and blocking, the fabric should measure approx. 60cm long NOTES Supporting video’s for this pattern are available on www.sharynbrock.com/videos and her YouTube channel KNITTING TERMS co - cast on fo…

"The Rainbow Burst Cami is a fun summer project that allows you to use your leftover yarn or minis in your stash to create colourful garter sections. Let your imagination run wild with as many colour combinations as you like. The pattern suggests one main colour and 7 contrast colours; however, you may choose fewer or introduce more. For the garter striped sections, you could even introduce texture by using mohair or slub yarn."- Karla YARN • 400 (500, 570, 700, 830, 930)m of 4 ply yarn in the colour of your choice (mc) • 7 x 25g minis or 85m of 4 ply yarn in varying colours (cc) EQUIPMENT • 3.5mm circular knitting needles 60cm cables• 2 stitch markers• Yarn needle TENSION/GAUGE 25 sts x 24 rows in ss…

We spoke with our amazing technical editor, Tegan Shepherdson, about her creative process, working and crochet life. Tegan tech edits all of the projects you see in our issues, which is an integral part of the magazine process from the start of an issue to publication. She’s not only fluent in pattern writing, but is a crocheter and designer herself and also hosts a fun crochet podcast, Hard Rock Crochet, with fellow podcast star, Kate Fox of Tall Foxes. If you have a question about a stitch or pattern in or outside of this issue, Tegan welcomes you to connect with her for assistance no matter how big or small it may be! TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF. WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND WHAT DO YOU DO FOR WORK? Hey, I’m…

If ever there is a good story about a knitting yarn range that ticks all the boxes, it has to include the Zealana range – a luxury yarn made in New Zealand from carefully constructed blends of the highest quality brushtail possum down, combined with fine merino, cashmere and silk. Zealana yarns provide an incredibly soft, warm and durable finish for that special project. There’s an environmental advantage as well. Since its introduction to New Zealand by fur traders in the late 19th century, the non-native brushtail possum population has reached staggering proportions, largely due to the lack of natural predators. The consequences of their rapidly increasing numbers are many and include damaging impacts on New Zealand’s native flora and fauna. Zealana is committed to the responsible management of the…

Fibre Frolic is a boutique yarn shop located in the beautiful Kurrajong Village in the Hawkesbury area of NSW. Sharon, the owner, learnt to knit and crochet from her beautiful grandmother when she was young. She trained as a chef after leaving school and worked in various positions in the hospitality industry, but owning a yarn shop had always been a dream of hers. “When you finally find what you consider to be the ideal location after many years of looking and your husband says, “Go for it,” I didn’t wait for him to change his mind so a lease was signed and Fibre Frolic’s doors opened in August 2020.” Fibre Frolic showcases a selection of hand-dyed yarns from indie dyers around Australia, beautiful commercial yarns, patterns, accessories and handcrafted…

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF. WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND WHAT DO YOU DO FOR WORK? I’m an autistic author, artisan, academic and advocate from Healesville in Victoria. When I’m not knitting, I divide my time between writing and providing consultancy services to support autistic people. I published my first book last year and have several more on the go. As a consultant I provide career mentoring, advice and advocacy, tailored supports for autistic people and their families as well as education sessions, workshops, resource development, and other services for organisations. WHAT SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN BECOMING A KNITTING DESIGNER? When I started knitting I had a bad habit of seeing knitting patterns as ‘suggestions.’ I would start knitting something and then think, “wouldn’t it be cool if it had longer…

“Who doesn’t love pockets? Keep your hands and your ears warm with this set. This project uses a broken rib stitch to create effect, but it’s very easy to do. The adult version uses variegated purple while the child’s version is made in stripes measuring 12cm. It’s also a great stash buster project: just put all your leftover 8 ply yarns together and end up with a one of a kind scarf and beanie set.”– Susan YARN • 250g of 8 ply yarn in your choice of colours (Susan used Spotlight’s Gradients in her samples) EQUIPMENT • 4mm straight needles• Yarn needle FINISHED MEASUREMENTS Beanie: Small (Medium, Large) Circumference approx. 50cm (55cm, 60cm) Scarf: Child (Adult) NOTES There are 3 sizes included for the beanies – small which is suitable…

"This incredibly easy lace wrap has a one row repeat. It’s so lovely and light that it works equally well with a summer outfit but is deceptively warm to add a touch of glamour to a winter coat or dress. It’s a delicate and elegant wrap that can be accessorised throughout the seasons to any of your outfits."- Jay YARN • Rowan Kidsilk Haze 70% mohair 30% silk 25g/210m: 1 ball each of colours Apple (720), Electric (705), Apricot (719), Flamingo (713) Note: This yarn will make 2 wraps. 2 colours are used for each. EQUIPMENT • 9mm straight needles• 10mm straight needles• Tapestry needle TENSION/GAUGE 17 sts x 21 rows = 10cm in ss worked in the rnd using 6mm needles FINISHED MEASUREMENTS Total wrap length approx. 170cm Width…

"An adorable romper to make for your next baby shower gift or for a new little bundle in your life. A garter stitch, mock cable and no sew knit."- Lynnie YARN • Concept by Katia Cotton Cashmere 90% cotton 10% cashmere 50g/155m: 2 balls each of colours Light Mauve (64) and Denim (65) OR • Any 4 ply cotton blend yarn: approx. 310m EQUIPMENT • 2.75mm straight needles• 2.75mm circular needles 40cm• 2.75mm crochet hook• 4 stitch holders• 4 x 12mm buttons TENSION/GAUGE 27 sts x 36 rows = 10cm in garter stitch FINISHED MEASUREMENTS One size to fit newborn to 3 months. Chest size approx. 38cm circumference NOTES This romper is knitted in one piece without any seams, so on completion all you need to do is sew on…

“The Barbie Bandana is the perfect accessory for summer windswept days. It’s a quick and fun project for someone wanting to try out simple lacework that can be finished in one afternoon.”– Christine YARN • Bendigo Woollen Mills 10 ply 100% cotton 200g/360m: 40g each of colours Hot Pink and Pretty Pink EQUIPMENT • 4.5mm straight or circular needles• Stitch holder (scrap yarn can also be used or a spare 4.5mm needle)• Yarn needle• Scissors TENSION/GAUGE 19 sts x 25 rows = 10cm in ss using 4.5mm needles FINISHED MEASUREMENTS One size (decreasing or increasing rows can make the banana smaller or larger) Approx. 26cm length (from tip of bandana to front) Approx. 42cm width (minus ties) Approx. 20cm each tie NOTES This headwear piece is knitted from the back…

Blocking is the process of wetting or steaming a knitted item to align borders and patterns, even out stitches, and stretch to a finished size. Blocking before seaming together will make seaming easier and result in a better, more professional looking finish. There are different types and degrees of blocking. The degree is a personal choice based on the desired feel and look of the blocked fabric. Wet blocking is when the item is soaked/washed, semi-dried between towels and stretched out to dry. Hard blocking is when the item is soaked for longer, taking up more water and stretched further. The wetter the fibres and the more they’re stretched, the more defined the pattern and the firmer the fabric will feel. Light blocking is when the item isn’t left to…

“This fun and brightly coloured bath mat is the perfect project to make this summer season to spruce up your bathroom. You could even make one to give as your next housewarming gift or as a present for any occasion. This project is beginner-friendly, but colourwork could be introduced for intermediate to advanced knitters.”– Jess YARN • Lincraft Giggles 100% polyester 100g/140m: 1 ball each of colours White, Pink, Orange and Yellow OR • Any eyelash or textured yarn in the colours of your choice EQUIPMENT • 9mm straight needles• Yarn needle• Scissors TENSION/GAUGE 10 sts x 20 rows = 10cm in garter stitch using 9mm needles, although specific tension/gauge is not required for this project. FINISHED MEASUREMENTS Approx. 52 x 36cm NOTES The yarn used in the sample suggests…

"Bring a splash of colour and style to your dining table with this Straying Chevrons Table Runner and Coasters knitting machine project - perfect for those who want to expand their circular knitting machine skills. The table runner features an off-centre chevron design that will impress your guests. The set also includes matching coasters that add a coordinated touch to your table setting. Made with 8 ply yarn, this set adds a layer of heat protection, keeping your table safe from hot pots and pans whilst elevating your dining experience!"- Kate YARN • Hobbii Tweed Dreams premium acrylic yarn 50g/100m: 3 balls of Dark Mint (c1 – 2 for table runner, 1 for coasters), 3 balls of Golden Spices (c2 – 2 for table runner, 1 for coasters), 4 balls…

“This is a great blanket design for someone looking to learn basic cable stitches. To build confidence, there is a doll size pattern to practise with. This is a simple honeycomb pattern, and by starting with something small, you can then progress using the same easy to remember cable pattern to make a cuddly pram size gift for someone special.”– Susan YARN • 4 Seasons Spot Saver USA 10 ply 100% acrylic 200g/312m: 1 ball of Violet (doll size) • 4 Seasons Marvel 8 ply 100% acrylic 100g/283m: 2 balls of Lemon Sorbet (pram size) EQUIPMENT • 4.5mm straight needles• 5mm straight needles• Cable needle FINISHED MEASUREMENTS Doll size approx. 40cm x 37cm Pram size approx. 70cm x 64cm NOTES Please note the cable pattern is a 4 row rep…

“These cowls are made in super bright and fun contrasting colours to brighten up any chilly day. They are soft and super snuggly, like wearing a cloud around your neck! You won’t want to take it off in the cooler months. A quick chunky knit and a great gift idea.”- Jess YARN • Wool and The Gang Alpachino Merino 60% merino 40% baby alpaca 100g/100m: 1 ball each of colours Cornflower Blue, Chalk Yellow, Bubblegum Pink and Lime Sorbet Note: This yarn will make 2 cowls. 2 colours are used for each. EQUIPMENT • 6mm straight needles• Yarn needle• Scissors TENSION/GAUGE 10 sts x 18 rows = 10cm in ss using 6mm straight needles FINISHED MEASUREMENTS Approx. 25cm length x 18cm width when sitting flat NOTES You can substitute the…