Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2016 i Simply Knitting

Our festive countdown is well underway! With Christmas morning just around the corner there’s still time to cast on a few more special makes. From sweet stocking fillers to fun sparkly sweaters, we’ve got your needles covered! And if you haven’t spotted them already, imagine how great Alan Dart’s Holly and Ivy (page 31) would look sitting on top of your tree… We’ve fallen in love with textures this issue – can you really blame us? Learn how to work the irresistible honeycomb brioche stitch on page 47, in our stunning Simple Knits collection. And if that’s not enough, we’ve filled our bumper booklet with cute Christmas knits to help you decorate your home with festive cheer. If all this talk of Christmas has put you in a giving mood,…

Pat Menchini “This jumper has a really simple 16 row panel to work. Plus, you can just use a third needle or circular needle to hold the extra stitches from the yoke, until the right amount have been reduced.” YOU WILL NEED • King Cole, Galaxy DK (65% acrylic, 31% wool, 4% soft payette, 50g/175m) • A pair of 3¼mm needles • A pair of 4mm needles • 2 stitch holders For yarn stockists contact King Cole 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles 191/2 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over lace panel and rev st st using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full…

YOU WILL NEED King Cole, Pricewise DK (100% acrylic, 100g/282m) 1 ball of: Red9 King Cole, Cuddles DK (100% polyester, 50g/136m) 1 ball of: White1175 A set of 3¼mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) or a circular needle, 80cm long for Magic Loop method Red headband Sewing needle and thread Locking marker or waste yarn Cardboard Stuffing Pompom maker (optional) For yarn stockists contact King Cole 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 24 sts and 34 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3 mm needles MEASUREMENTS Santa hat: approximately 9cm tall ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Don’t know what to do with that little hank of leftover red yarn? Why not knit one of these sweet Santa headbands,…

“What a simply amazing weekend we had! At the end of September, Üi››i› ››ÕÀ›ÛiÀÞ›wÀÃÌ› reader holiday at the Majestic Hotel in Harrogate. Not only did we spend the whole weekend with 25 lovely readers (you all know who you are), we were also lucky enough to take a trip to the third annual Yarndale show. We nearly didn’t get there though! The hire car my colleagues Debora Bradley and Sara Huntington and I drove up in }>Ûi›Õ«›Ì›i›}››ÃÌ›wÛi››››iÛ›ÕÌÛ i› of Harrogate, and we ended up taking twice as long to get there as the reader attending from the furthest away – and Ûi½ ›y›Ü›››››>›››Ì›i›Ü>Þ›vÀ››››>ÀVi›››>t "ÕÀ›ÃÕ«iÀ›ivwV›i›Ì›Ì›ÕÀ››>›>}iÀ›››› >› offered to come and get us, but a taxi ride for Sara and I and a friendly visit from the AA for Deb, and we…

YOU WILL NEED Yarn Stories, Fine Merino and Baby Alpaca Aran (70% wool, 30% alpaca, 50g/95m) 1 ball of each: Cream2504 Rouge2515 A 5mm circular needle, 30cm long A set of 5mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) for top of hat A stitch marker A pompom maker For yarn stockists contact Yarn Stories 01484 848431 www.yarnstories.com TENSION Yarn used knits as aran to this tension: 18 sts and 27 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 5mm needles MEASUREMENTS To fit age 0mths (3mths: 6mths: 9mths) To fit head circ 35 (37: 39: 41)cm / 14 (14 : 15 : 16)in Actual head circ 32 (33: 35: 37)cm / 12 (13: 13¾: 41)in ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Make your little one’s first Christmas just…

Geo Knits Mary Jane Mucklestone (Apple Press, £12.99) Geometric shapes are all around us, in nature, maths, science and architecture – master some simple techniques and you can incorporate them into your knitting, too! Mary Jane Mucklestone’s book is a beginner’s guide to geometric knitting, with each section taking you from simple swatching to lessons in how to knit stripes, chevrons and polka dots, then introducing you to projects to make the most of your new skills. There’s also a handy Finishing Techniques section to refer to once you’ve cast off your masterpiece. The Knitted Hat Book Various (Interweave, £16.99) Addicted to hat knitting? We don’t blame you – you can never have enough berets, beanies, tams and cloches, especially in winter when your ears need a little extra protection…

A TRULY BRITISH KNIT I just thought you might like to see some of my Knit Your Own Britain by Jackie Holt knits. I’m currently working on The Beatles, but so far I’ve knitted Maggie Thatcher, the Beckhams, and Boris Johnson. I normally stick to the Alan Dart patterns that you print every month (I must have all of his patterns, I’m a great fan), but when I saw this Knit Your Own Britain book, I just couldn’t resist it. SCL of Bristol PIRATE POLDARK With the return of Poldark to our television screens, I just had to have him all to myself! I adapted my very own Poldark from Alan Dart’s Barnacle Bill pattern from issue 30. Janet Crinion, County Cavan, Ireland A FAIRYTALE CAST I thought that I…

Greetings from the tiny French islands of St-Pierre et Miquelon. For travel, I packed Simply Knitting issue 147 with a small skein of yarn to work on the tea light cosies by Sarah Dennis. But of course, I also contributed to my stash with the purchase of some local alpaca yarn! Beth Sherwood, Canada WE’D LOVE TO SEE MORE PICTURES OF YOU WITH SIMPLY KNITTING (OR EVEN JUST YOUR KNITTING!) IN FOREIGN LANDS. EVERY LETTER PRINTED HERE WILL WIN A KNITTING KIT FROM WE ARE KNITTERS.…

As knitters, we know that crafting with friends is a moment to be treasured. Barbara Grundy knew this when she joined the St Helens and Warrington Oddfellows. “Meeting the existing members, it seemed a lot of them enjoyed various crafts but did them in isolation,” says Barbara. “After >› ›ÃVÕÃÛ›››Ü›Ì››Ì›i›LÀ>›V›››vwV›>›Ã]››› iV› i › to start Crafternoon up in January this year.” With the help of the branch’s Social Organiser Julie Webster, Barbara gathered new members by email, word-of-mouth, newsletters and their regular tea and toast meet-ups. “Although we all have people to do things with, we don’t have anyone to do nothing with,” says Barbara. “The ›À>vÌiÀ›››››w››Ã›Ì›>Ì›}>«››ÕÃÌ›>›››ÌÌ›i›L›Ì°» Members are free to come and go as they please and the sessions give the ladies V››w i›Vi››››Ì›i›À››Ü›› skills, as well as a…

TREE PATTERN CAST ON 3 sts. ROW 1 & ALL ALT ROWS TO ROW 7 Knit. ROW 2 Kfb, K1, kfb. [5 sts] ROW 4 Kfb, K3, kfb. [7 sts] ROW 6 Kfb, K5, kfb. [9 sts] ROW 8 Kfb, K7, kfb. [11 sts] ROW 9 Cast off 3 sts, knit to end. [8 sts] ROW 10 Cast off 3 sts, knit to end. [5 sts] ROW 11 & ALL ALT ROWS TO ROW 19 Knit. ROW 12 Kfb, K3, kfb. [7 sts] ROW 14 Kfb, K5, kfb. [9 sts] ROW 16 Kfb, K7, kfb. [11 sts] ROW 18 Kfb, K9, kfb. [13 sts] ROW 20 Kfb, K11, kfb. [15 sts] ROW 21 Cast off 3 sts, knit to end. [12 sts] ROW 22 Cast off 3 sts, knit to…

If you’ve ever admired a beautiful twisted stitch hat or cable yoked jumper, you may have spotted that the stitch pattern seems to imperceptibly shrink as the circumference gets smaller. While this aspect of a design looks rather magical, like so much in knitting, it all comes down in the end to some pretty simple basic principles. CONTRAST IS KEY One of the key things when decreasing across cables is to make sure you keep a background to the main pattern for as many rows/rounds of the decreasing as possible. In Sarah Edwardes’ lovely hat (on page 82), she has maintained the 2 st reverse stocking stitch background to each cable almost to the very end of the hat. This allows the cables to stand out better against the background…

1 Work up to where the cable starts, then take the yarn to the back of the knitting. 2 Slip the first 2 stitches knitwise on to a cable needle. Hold these stitches at the front of the knitting. 3 Knit the next 2 stitches from the left-hand needle, then slide the stitches on the cable needle to the end of the needle and knit them on to the right-hand needle. 4 Bring the yarn to the front of your knitting, and pull the yarn tight to avoid ladders along the side of the cable. Purl the next stitch and continue in the pattern.…

INCLUDES ALL THIS… • Travel dates 28 November-1 December • Return flights London Heathrow to Cologne/Dusseldorf • 3 nights full-board stay on the 4* Switzerland cruise ship • Knitting and crochet workshops, with a kit included! • Explore Christmas Markets in Cologne, Koblenz, Boppard and Rudesheim • All visits as detailed in the itinerary • Coach transfers throughout • The services of an experienced Arena Travel Tour Manager YOU’LL GET ALL THIS FROM JUST £749 PER PERSON* To book or for more details, go to www.arenatravel.com/xmasmarkets or call 01473 660800…

MATTRESS STITCH Thread your yarn on to a needle, then weave along an edge to where you want to start. Bring it to the front between the first and second stitches of this edge, then insert the needle between the first two stitches of the other edge. Bring it back up through the opposite piece, between the two stitches and below the horizontal strand you just made. Keep stitching in this way, pulling the yarn tight every few stitches. BACKSTITCH First, pin your two pieces together and secure the yarn by making a couple of stitches over each other at the base of the seam. Now working from right to left, bring the needle up a couple of stitches away at 1 . Take the needle down at 2 and…

Come on in, put your feet up and cast on our extra special Christmas knits! We’re sure your festive knitting is well underway by now – but there’s always a little more to do and a stocking filler needed, so we’ve packed this bumper booklet with adorable Christmas knits for you and yours!Whether you need a last-minute gift for that special someone, or fancy whipping up a quick decoration for your home, there’s aYuletide project for everyone in our Christmas collection. Knit little ones the perfect stocking filler with our sweet robin purse. Decorate your mantel with our classic Scandi-style Advent bunting. Brew a pot of tea under our fuzzy penguin tea cosy. Even challenge yourself to create an entire Santa sleigh, complete with miniature presents, reindeer and a little…

YOU WILL NEED • Stylecraft, Special DK (100% acrylic, 100g/ 295m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Black (1002) Yarn B White (1001) Small amounts of: Yarn C Lemon (1020) Yarn D Apricot (1026) • Stylecraft, Eskimo (100% polyester, 50g/90m) 1 ball of: Yarn E Silver (5007) • A pair of 4mm needles • A pair of 5 mm needles • Stitch holder • Two pairs of 10mm black safety eyes • Stuffing For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft 01484 848435 www. stylecraft-yarns.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 14 sts and 23 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 5 mm needles, with yarn held double MEASUREMENTS To fit 6-8 cup teapot. Adult meas 35cm (13¾in) tall (excluding beak). MEASUREMENTS…

Jen Bartlett Technical Editor I really want a set of fast moving DPNs for sock knitting! I’ve got my eye on a set of KnitPro Zing DPNs.They look like they’ll be smooth and light to work with! Claire Watkins Art Editor I really need to get my yarn stash under control, so some storage would be fantastic and possibly some extra shelves in my craft room to house it all! Louise Day Group Art Editor I’m trying to knit a cover for my bean bag, and a rug. So I’m hoping for a LOT of dark grey and white Zpagetti yarn! (Other T-shirt yarns are available!) Kate Evans Digital Editor My wishlist item is a yarn swift (maybe one of the swifts from last issue), so I don’t have to…

Not content with being a one-stop shop for all our knitting essentials, LoveKnitting have created a rainbow of their own yarns, too! The Paintbox range has burst onto the scene with an unbelievable 60 shades to choose from in the DK, aran, chunky and cotton versions of the yarn. There are a handful of free knitting and crochet patterns available, with more to come very soon. For more info and to buy go to www.loveknitting.com  or call 0845 544 2196. A DEER FRIEND… WHAT? An irresistibly huggable, loveable reindeer, made from garter stitch squares which are then joined together – if you can make a square you’ll have this festive friend knitted, stuffed and wrapped up ready for Christmas morning in no time. We think it would make…

We loved it... LOCH NESS KNIT FEST What? /›i›ÛiÀÞ›wÀÃÌ›››V›› iÃÃ Knit Fest in Inverness, Scotland, 29 September – 2 October 2016. What did we do? Brushed up on our sock knitting with Catherine Sclater and learned some fun new colourwork techniques with Pernille Cordes. Plus, we had a close-up look at the amazing Christel Seyfarth’s stunning wraps. Who was there? There were lots of fresh new faces about, including the folks from Knockando and the lovely Julie Rutter from Black Isle Yarns. What did we buy? Far too much yarn (we’re just kidding!). We bought Scottish-spun yarn from J C Rennie & Co and mini skeins from DyeNinja. Show stats More than 220 Nessies were knitted and crocheted for the show – with two of those coming all the way…

YOU WILL NEED Hayfield, Bonus DK (100% acrylic, 100g/280m) 1 ball of each: Bottle Green (839), Grass (825), White (961), Flesh Tone (963), Walnut (927), Mint (956), Signal Red (977) and Black (965) Sirdar, Snuggly DK (55% nylon, 45% acrylic, 50g/165m) 1 ball of Wobble (403) 1g oddments of primrose yellow, old gold and chocolate brown DK yarn 50cm length of dusky pink DK yarn A pair of 3mm needles Stitch holder 25g washable toy stuffing Long tweezers Clear adhesive Pink pencil Hairspray Iridescent glitter glue 0.5mm transparent beading elastic (optional) Two 15mm diameter clear plastic rings (optional) For yarn stockists contact Sirdar 01924 231682 www.sirdar.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 26 sts and 36 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using…

YOU WILL NEED Wendy, Celeste DK (39% acrylic, 35% polyester, 13% mohair, 13% wool, 50g/112m) A pair of 3¼mm needles A pair of 4mm needles Stitch holders For yarn stockists contact Thomas B Ramsden 01943 872264 www.tbramsden.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 22 sts and 31 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over patt using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 With the long winter nights increasing our desire to snuggle up warmly, we simply can’t have too many jumpers! Thankfully, this gorgeous knit is warm enough to take away the chills, yet light enough to wear under coats and jackets. Knitted in Wendy Celeste DK it also comes with its own hint of sparkle, as sequins punctuate the yarn length…

The subtitle of this book is The Ultimate Guide to Using, Choosing and Enjoying Yarn and that’s exactly right! Although it’s nearly ten years old now, the information given is still invaluable, and Clara’s easy writing style will help you enjoy your quest to make the right decisions when choosing yarn for your projects. The book starts with an investigation of the different types of yarn available and an in-depth analysis of each. The second chapter looks at how yarn is processed, and the third contains a massive 40 patterns from designers as well-known and diverse as Norah Gaughan, Teva Durham and Cat Bordhi. Designs are mostly for accessories, shawls, bags and gloves, with a couple of tops sneaking in there for good measure. ›Ì›Ì›i›L>V››Þ›Õ›V>››w› ›>›››››› Û›v›…

A COLOURFUL TRIUMPH With the arrival of two new grandsons last year my needles were busy. I knitted two jackets and then lined each of them with yiiVi]›Ì›››ii«›Ì›i››V›ÃÞ°›/›i›w››Ã›››}› touches were the buttons spelling out Ì›i›À››>›iÃÆ›››i›v›À›››wi›>› ›››i›v›À› Ezra. I’m making plans for this winter! Ali Jones, Poole OUR LETTER OF THE MONTH WRITER WINS A SELECTION OF YARNS WORTH £76, COURTESY OF WE ARE KNITTERS! With stunning, on-trend kits to choose from, plus high-quality yarns and accessories, We Are Knitters has all you could need to start your next knitting project.www.weareknitters.co.uk, +1 (855) 676-3019…

Designer Angie Hartley discovered knitting in a rather unusual manner. “My father was a semi-pro bowler, so we spent a lot of time in bowling alleys,” she says. “When I was about nine, I was fascinated to watch one of the bowling wives knitting, and she took the time to set aside her project and teach me.” What a great beginning! Angie returned to knitting when her grandchildren were small. “After I made a few sweaters, my daughter saw that knitted photo props, like cocoons, were really getting popular,” she says. “When I looked at them, I thought, ‘That’s just an oversized, elongated beanie.’” Based on this, Angie quickly created a pattern for one, and posted it on Etsy. “I was very surprised how many sold!” Angie began to develop…

YOU WILL NEED • Yarn Stories, Fine Merino and Baby Alpaca Aran (70% wool, 30% alpaca, 50g/95m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Toffee Yarn B Cream Yarn C Leaf • A set of 5mm circular needles, 30cm long • A set of 5mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) • A stitch marker • Small pompoms for holly berries For yarn stockists contact Yarn Stories 01484 848431 www.yarnstories.com TENSION Yarn used knits as aran to this tension: 18 sts and 27 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 5mm needles MEASUREMENTS To fit age: 0mths (3mths: 6mths: 9mths) To fit head circ: 35 (37: 39: 41)cm / 14 (14 : 15 : 16)in Actual head circ: 32 (33: 35: 37)cm / 12 (13: 13¾: 14)in ABBREVIATIONS For a…

YOU WILL NEED Sirdar, Snuggly DK (55% nylon, 45% acrylic, 50g/165m) 1 ball of each: SoftBrown0428 PumpkinPatch0458 White0251 Sirdar, Snuggly Snowflake DK (100% polyester, 25g/85m) 1 ball of: RosyRed0655 1 pair of 3mm needles 15g of toy stuffing 50cm thin crochet cotton or strong sewing thread for hanging 1 pair of sew-in googly eyes For yarn stockists contact Sirdar 01924 231682 www.sirdar.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 24 sts and 35 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3mm needles using plain DK yarn 20 sts and 25 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3mm needles using Snowflake DK yarn MEASUREMENTS Approx 10cm (4in) tall (excluding hanging thread and legs) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Knit…

Treat yourself to the latest knitting goodies from The Knitting Gift Shop, including this luxury festive hamper! You can even spread festive cheer with their Christmas crackers, containing their bestselling Brooch Knitting Kit inside. Find fab gifts and more at www.the  knittinggiftshop.co.uk. News flash ! It’s time to say “that’s my favourite”! Head to www.britishcraftawards.com and vote for your craft heroes in The British Craft Awards 2017! READER POLL How often do you buy yarn? 49 % of you buy more yarn each month! Deramores + DROPS! If you needed another reason to head to Deramores’ flashy new website, then here’s one: they now stock those amazingly affordable DROPS yarns!…

The proof is in the Christmas pudding when it comes to our knitting! Whether it’s a cute button or fancy ribbon, ››Ü›Üi›w››Ã›››ÕÀ›«À››iVÌÛ can make all the difference. 1 Use beads to give your knits delicate details! You can either work the beads in as you knit or sew them ›››››Vi›Þ›Õ½Ûi›w››Ã›i °›7i›››Ûi› Ì›iÃi››µÕ>›››Õi›+Õ>ÀÌâ›Ìi›Li> ð› £3.95, www.jewellerymaker.com , 0800 6444 655 2 Let your loved ones know that their gift was “knitted with love” ܛ̛›Ì›iÃi›ÃÜiiÌ›ÃiÜ›››››>Li›Ã° 60p per metre, www.abakhan. co.uk , 01745 562100 3 7i½Ài›››Ì›Ã>Þ››}›Þ›Õ››>Ûi›Ì›› w››Ã›››vv›Þ›ÕÀ›V>À ›}>›Ã›Ü›Ì››››>›>› buttons, but why wouldn’t you? £6.54 per pack of 6, www.etsy. com/uk/shop/heydayhandmade 4 From completing a bobble hat to creating cute bunting, this heart pompom maker is a must-have! £10.10, for more info…

1 OWLS BY KATE DAVIES This pattern features fun ‘owl’ cables on the seamless yoke, which are decreased quickly to create the face and ears of the owls. Available from www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/owls-9 for £5 as a PDF download. 2 CARAMEL CABLE HAT BY IRIS WILDE You can never have too many cabled hats, so if Sarah’s pattern has given you the bug, why not try this fun make from Iris Wilde? The pattern even helps you use a new yarn. It’s free at www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/caramel-cable-hat! 3 RIALTO WRAP BY DEBBIE BLISS This gorgeous wrap features complex cable ‘columns’ mixed with normal and reverse stocking stitch. The shaping is taken care of by subtle decreases throughout the wrap. DB108 (01535 664222, www.designeryarns.uk.com)…

YOU WILL NEED • DROPS, Karisma (100% wool, 50g/100m) 2 balls of Yarn A Wine Red (48) 1 ball of Yarn B Off White (01) • A set of 2 mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) or a circular needle, 80cm long for Magic Loop method • A set of 3 mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) or a circular needle, 80cm long for Magic Loop method • Stitch holder • 2 stitch markers • 1m red silk ribbon for hanging For yarn stockists contact DROPS +47 2330 3220 www.garnstudio.com TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 23 sts and 32 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over patt using 3 mm needles MEASUREMENTS Sock height: 35cm (13¾in) Foot length: 25cm (9¾in) Foot circumference: 35cm (13¾in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full…

“The hats help patients feel love, warmth and dignity during a difficult time in their lives.” Like a cosy pair of slippers or a snuggly dressing gown, woolly hats can provide a sense of comfort. Founded by Christine Fabiani in June 2007 to help those suffering from injury-or treatment-induced hair loss, Knots of Love donates more than 3,000 knitted and knotted hats each month to patients undergoing cancer treatment, recovering from brain surgery or head trauma, and individuals with alopecia or burn injuries. The charity was inspired by Christine’s close friend, a 20-year cancer survivor. “She saw a cap I made for my son and mentioned how she would have loved one during her chemotherapy sessions,” says Christine. “The hats help patients feel love, warmth and dignity – they give…

LOUISE CROWTHER lives with her family in Northamptonshire, and loves knitting dolls, toys, decorations and socks – in fact, anything that’s small and neat! Dream knitting day On holiday relaxing by the pool. Daily knitting routine I don’t really have one – every day is a bit different and it depends if I’m designing or knitting for myself. Best knitting companions My knitting group ladies, as they are a constant source of fun, knowledge and inspiration. Favourite part of the day Early evening. I love to get my pyjamas on – the earlier the better! Happiest knitting memory Trying to teach my son how to knit. It didn’t last for long though! Favourite pattern My Mini Monkeys – they were great fun to design, are quick to make and can…

YOU WILL NEED 20m DK yarn Black thread Two buttons Pink thread Green felt Ric rac Striped ribbon Small bell A pair of 3½mm needles MEASUREMENTS Approx 17cm tall ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 With his cheeky smile and cute button eyes, what’s not to love about this decoration? We love the little bell! ELF HEAD (MAKE 2) Cast on 60 sts using 3½mm needles. Row 1 and every alternate row Purl. Row 2 *K4, k2tog; rep from * to end. [50 sts] Row 4 *K3, k2tog; rep from * to end. [40 sts] Row 6 *K2, k2tog; rep from * to end. [30 sts] Row 8 *K1, k2tog; rep from * to end. [20 sts] Row 10 K2tog to end. [10 sts] TO MAKE UP Break…

YOU WILL NEED Stylecraft, Life DK (75% acrylic, 25% wool, 100g/298m) Oddments of black yarn for Santa’s eyes Oddments of orange yarn for Snowman’s nose A pair of 3¼mm needles A pair of 4mm needles Stitch holders For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft 01535 609798 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 22 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Children and grown-ups alike will love this amazing pair of Christmas sweaters. Packed with brilliantly bright colours and the cutest of motifs, they’ll bring plenty of Christmas cheer to your festivities. Work the sweet designs on the back and front of your sweater, or leave the back plain to save time.…

1 Insert the tip of the right-hand needle into the front of the stitch and knit as normal, but don’t drop it from the left-hand needle. 2 Take the right-hand needle behind the left and insert tip of the needle down through the back of the stitch on the left-hand needle. 3 Wrap the yarn round the tip of the right-hand needle to knit the stitch. Bring the needle through to make the stitch, keeping it on the right-hand needle. 4 Take the stitch off the left-hand needle. You’ll have increased one stitch by knitting twice into the original stitch, first at the front, then at the back.…

1 Insert the point of the right-hand needle through the loops of the next 2 stitches as if to knit. 2 Wind the yarn round the tip of the right-hand needle and pull the yarn through the 2 stitches, knitting them both together. 3 Drop the 2 stitches from the left-hand needle and keep the new stitch on the right-hand needle. 4 Knitting two stitches together decreases your stitch count by two, and the decrease stitch leans to the right. This is how a series looks.…

CARDIGAN Try a new stitch with this open-fronted cardi from Rico Design. Honeycomb brioche is simple to master but looks so sophisticated – everyone will wonder how you created such a complex knit in such a small amount of time! YOU WILL NEED Rico Design, Linea Botanica (100% wool, 50g/130m) A pair of 5mm needles For yarn stockists contact your local Rico Design retailer or online stockist TENSION Yarn used knits as aran to this tension: 14 sts and 32 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over patt using 5mm needles ABBREVIATIONS K1b Knit into next stitch 2 rows below For a full list see page 95 BACK Cast on 95 (103) sts using 5mm needles and thumb method. Row 1 (WS) Knit. Row 2 K1, purl to last st, K1.…

POLKA DOT PEGS @RASDCHOICE IS WORKING ON HER COLOURWORK WITH MONICA RUSSEL’S PEG BAG FROM ISSUE 149. SHE’S PLANNING TO IMPROVE HER SKILLS BEFORE HER NEXT BIG PROJECT.WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE WHAT IT IS! TENTACLE CRAZY MOLLIE MAKES’ LAUREN MORRIS IS HAVING A BIT OF A FIDDLY NIGHTMARE WITH INKIE’S LEGS, FROM ISSUE 151. BUT SHE’S DETERMINED TO FINISH HIM OFF AND THEN KNIT ALL HIS UNDERWATER FRIENDS AS WELL! THE VERY FIRST GIVE @BEADLE.EMMA A HAND! SHE’S JUST FINISHED HER VERY FIRST TOY – LOUISE WALKER’S WALLIE THE WHALE FROM ISSUE 151. HOW AMAZINGLY CUTE DOES HE LOOK? WE’RE SURE THIS WON’T BE EMMA’S LAST TOY. KEEP IT UP!…

Update your knitting needle collection with KnitPro’s set of Zing multicoloured single point needles, worth £36.99! www.woolwarehouse.co.uk  01926 882818 SKMZING153 Three lucky readers will win an amazing “knit long and prosper” tote bag, worth £10 each! www.how-store.com.  SKMPROSPER153. Win one of three Jumbo Point Protectors, Small Pompom Makers and pairs of Takumi Single Pointed Needles, worth £17.20 per set! For stockist enquiries contact clover@stockistenquiries.co.uk . 01453 883581.SKMCLOVER153. Three readers can knit a luxury shawl or pair of socks using a skein of soft alpaca, Merino and silk yarn, worth £18 each! www.town-end-alpacas.co.uk , 01539 568341 SKMSKEINS153 You can never have.too much. yarn (or storage). One reader can. organise their.stash with these. 50 litre boxes, worth £38.60!. www.plasticboxshop.co.uk.  01609 760773..SKMBOXES153. Christmas is coming early!..Win a beautiful oak yarn..swift…

YOU WILL NEED Debbie Bliss, Fine Donegal (95% wool, 5% cashmere, 100g/380m) A pair of 3 mm needles A 3 mm circular needle, 100cm long, for button band Stitch holders 6 buttons, 15mm diameter For yarn stockists contact Designer Yarns 01535 664222 www.designeryarns.uk.com TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 18.5 sts and 31.5 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over lace pattern after blocking using 3 mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Knitted in a luxurious blend of wool and cashmere, this cardigan is a real treat for lace fans. The all-over pattern is gorgeous to look at and lots of fun to knit, working from either a chart or written instructions – take your pick! SPECIAL TECHNIQUES THREE-NEEDLE CAST OFF Hold…

YOU WILL NEED Stylecraft, Special Aran (100% acrylic, 100g/196m) 1 ball of each: Lipstick1246 Cream1005 Meadow1065 A pair of 5mm needles A chunky cable needle For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft 01535 609798 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as aran to this tension: Cover A 18 sts and 21 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 5mm needles Cover B 18 sts and 27 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 5mm needles Cover C 24 sts and 22 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 5mm needles MEASUREMENTS Cover A 9.5cm tall x 23cm circ Cover B 10cm tall x 24cm circ Cover C 10cm tall x 22cm circ ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 After the adorned, pine-scented tree,…

Knockando Woolmill Moray, Scotland TRADITIONALLY SPUN YARN from an original Victorian mill – how can we resist? Knockando 7›››››››››>Ûi›Ài›i>Ãi ›Ì›i›À›wÀÃ̛Û›› ›V›››ÕÀ› range, carded and spun on Victorian machinery. “It’s exciting to have modern colours next to our classic undyed shades,” says Emma Nicolson. “We’re also working on new natural ranges, with different sheep breeds, and will be collaborating on more hand-dyed yarns, too!” It looks like www.knockandowoolmill.org.uk is a space to watch, or you can take a trip to the mill and join one of their many fantastic workshops. Follow knockandomill on Twitter or call 01340 810345.…

“There’s far too much elitism in art history. A knitted figure of an artist pops the intellectual nonsense and lets everyone enjoy the art.” When SK reader and art historian Kirsty Stonell Walker got in touch, we couldn’t resist w› ››}››ÕÌ›››Àit›››ÀÃÌޛëiV›>››ÃiÛ›››Ì›i› Victorian era, but the detail that caught our >ÌÌi›Ì›››››Ã›Ì›>̛Ûi½Ã›ÃÌ>ÀÌ››}›Ì››LÕ›› ›Õ«› >›V›››iVÌ›››››v››››ÌÌi ›*Ài›,>«›>i››Ìi𛺛›V›>›Vi›V›››i›Ì› ›››Ã›V›>›››i`›>››>`i››i›«›V››Õ«››Þ››ii`›iÃ]»›Ã›i›iÝ«›>››Ã°› º-››i››i›Ã>› ›››Ü›vÕ››Þ››Ì›Ü›Õ› ›Li›Ì›››>Ûi›>›«›V›i̛Ûâi › ,›ÃÃiÌÌ››>› ›Ã››››}>Ûi››Ì›>›}›]›>› ››Ì½Ã›}À›Ü››vÀ›››Ì›iÀit»› Kirsty believes there’s a big crossover between the love of art and a love of knitting. “I enjoy using humour in my work, as it makes people laugh and they’re more likely to remember what I’ve been going on about. Also, there’s far too much elitism in art ››ÃÌ›ÀÞ]›Ü››V››«ÕÌÛ«i›«›i››vv°››››››ÌÌi ›w}ÕÀi››v›>››>ÀÌ›ÃÌ›«›«Ã› the intellectual nonsense and lets everyone enjoy the art.” Kirsty has been a Pre-Raphaelite art historian for 20 years,…

YOU WILL NEED • Rowan, Pure Wool Worsted (100% wool, 100g/200m) 1 ball of Soft Cream (102) • A set of 4 mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) • A 4 mm cable needle • A stitch marker • Tapestry needle • Pompom maker (optional) For yarn stockists contact Rowan 01484 950630 www.knitrowan.com TENSION Yarn used knits as worsted to this tension: 20 sts and 25 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over pattern using 4 mm needles 1 pattern panel meas 5cm MEASUREMENTS Actual circumference: 40 (48: 56)cm, 15¾ (18¾: 22)in after blocking To fit head circumference approx: 46 (53: 61)cm, 18 (21: 24)in ABBREVIATIONS C2F Slip 1 st to cable needle and hold at front, K1, K1 from cable needle C2B Slip 1 st to cable needle and…

Fancy the idea of getting some serious knitting time in? We know we do! What could be better than sharing a holiday with like-minded souls, taking time to knit, seeing some gorgeous sights, and perhaps learning some new skills along the way? This year, we are very excited to be working with Arena Travel on several holidays. Our next very special trip will be a reader cruise in Germany, exploring the famous Christmas Markets in Cologne, Koblenz, Boppard and Rudesheim. Why not bring a friend? It’ll be fun for you both and save on single supplements too! Come and join us – book your place today! This holiday will be operated in partnership with Arena Travel. *Find full payment details and options at www.arenatravel.com. Please ensure you check this website…

CAST ON: CABLE METHOD Use it for a firm edge, and when adding stitches in your work. 1 Make a slip knot. Insert right-hand needle into the stitch as if to knit. Wrap the yarn around the point and pull through, slipping the stitch on to the left-hand needle. 2 Push the point of the right-hand needle between the first and second stitches. Wrap the yarn anti-clockwise round the point of the right-hand needle. 3 Pull the loop out with the right-hand needle, then slip it over the tip of the left-hand needle. 4 Repeat steps 2 & 3 until you have the number of stitches you require. CAST ON: THUMB METHOD A great all-rounder, use it to cast on stitches quickly and easily. 1 Make a slipknot and place…

Issue 152 Christmas Fair Isle jumper Reindeer hoodie Lace hat Cable cardi Christmas wreath Alan Dart’s Grandpa Jolly Tree decorations Simple jumper, hat and cowl Blanket Seamless sweater Men’s jumper Cable bag PLUS! Winter Warmers pattern collection Issue 151 Autumn Lacy top Cowl Cardi Monster hoodie Alan Dart’s Mad Scientist Easy jumper Phone cosy Mitts Lace hem jumper Cable top Bag Cushion Socks Coffee set PLUS! Autumn knits book and sea creature patterns Issue 150 October 2016 Cabled jumper Unisex sweater Lacy wrap-around top Chunky shrug Alan Dart’s Rapunzel Toddler’s tunic and hat Back-to-school essentials Cactus trio Socks PLUS! The best of SK pattern collection Issue 149 September 2016 Lace cardigan Cable detail top Peg bag Kid’s active jumper Textured sweater Cable socks Sailor tee Baby hat and mitts Ladybird…

YOU WILL NEED • West Yorkshire Spinners, Aire Valley DK (75% wool, 25% nylon, 100g/230m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Brown Yarn B Wine • A set of 3¼mm DPNs or circular needles, 80cm long for Magic Loop method • Stitch marker • 10cm (4in) brown zip • Eyes • Yellow felt • Sewing needle & thread • A pair of googly eyes For yarn stockists contact West Yorkshire Spinners 01535 664500 www.wyspinners.com TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 24 sts and 34 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3¼mm needles MEASUREMENTS 20cm (7¾in) from wingtip to wingtip ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 of Simply Knitting MAIN PURSE (MAKE 2) Cast on 8 sts using Yarn A,…

Issue 152 Christmas* Fair Isle jumper Reindeer Tap on hoodie Lace hat Christmas and wreath Cable cardi Alan Dart’s Grandpa Jolly Simple jumper, hat and cowl Festive blanket Seamless sweater Tree decorations Men’s jumper Cable bag PLUS! Winter Warmers pattern collection † Issue 151 Autumn Lacy top Cowl Cardi Monster hoodie Alan Dart’s Mad Scientist Easy jumper Phone cosy Mitts Lace hem jumper Cable top Bag Cushion Socks Coffee set PLUS! Autumn knits book & sea creature patterns Issue 150 October 2016 Cabled jumper Unisex sweater Lacy wrap-around top Chunky shrug Alan Dart’s Rapunzel Toddler’s tunic and hat Back-to-school essentials Cactus trio Socks PLUS! The best of Simply Knitting pattern collection Issue 149 September 2016 Lace cardigan Cable detail top Peg bag Kid’s active jumper Textured sweater Cable socks…