Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2016 i Simply Knitting

The nautical trend is back this season, and we can’t get enough of it! If you love the cute octopus motifs on the high street at the moment, you won’t want to miss Alan Dart’s very own seafaring cephalopod on page 47. There’s also a blue and white striped top on page 40 to add some classic maritime style to your own look. Have you planned your holidays yet? I’m looking forward to visiting Florence with Arena Travel – turn to page 12 to find out how to join me. Get ready for your trip by casting on our trio of travel knits, starting on page 67, and a scrumptious ice cream beach bag on page 55. We’ve also got a cheerful spot and stripe cardigan for kids (page 19),…

Q I’m trying to get into the habit of knitting tension squares. Do you have any advice on how to make them? Angie Preston, Cornwall A It’s a really good habit to get into, Angie! When shopping for yarn consider buying an extra ball for swatching, as you might need to make a number of squares. Cast on more stitches than the pattern tension requires to ensure the swatch will be big enough, and give it a garter stitch edging so it doesn’t curl up. This will make it easier to measure. Wash and dry your square before taking the final measurements, just in case the yarn shrinks or stretches. If it’s not the right size, try again with different needles.…

ERIKA KNIGHT: THE COLLECTION Erika Knight (Quadrille, £18.99) A must-have for any knitter’s bookcase, this compilation showcases 50 of Erika Knight’s favourite designs. The chapters are cleverly organised to reflect elements of her signature style. In the Classic sections you’ll find contemporary, minimalist looks for you and your home – such as the textured Patchwork Throw and chunky Bardot Sweater. The Glamour sections, meanwhile, are all about opulence, with lace, beads and beautiful colourwork to catch the eye. Whatever your skill level, and whatever your style, there’s a pattern in this book for you! KNITTED TOYS Tatyana Korobkova (Tuva Publishing, £14.95) Don’t show this book to the kids – they’ll want you to knit everything in it! Among Knitted Toys‘ 14 cute and cuddly projects are simple playtime friends for…

Smart enough for birthday parties but comfy enough for long days playing in the park, this girl’s knit is the best of all worlds. The yarn, Patons Merino Extrafine, is a great choice for little knits. Not only does it come in a wide range of primary and pastel colours, but it’s also machine washable and can even be tumble dried. Parents will love this cardi just as much as kids! YOU WILL NEED Patons, Merino Extrafine DK (100% wool, 50g/120m) A pair of 3¼mm needles A 3¼mm circular needle, 60-80cm long A pair of 4mm needles 3 (3: 4: 4: 4) buttons For yarn stockists contact Coats Crafts 01484 681881 www.makeitcoats.com TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 22 sts and 28 rows to measure…

Dan Sattler-Reimer and his wife Virginia have always been keen crafters. “There’s something very appealing and fulfilling about the act of creating from scratch, be it food, clothing, crafting and fun,” says Dan. So when Dan decided to launch an Etsy shop in 2008, ScratchCraft was the perfect name. “When my wife started to knit in earnest, my interest in the process was from a materials perspective, so I learned how to spin yarn before I learned how to knit,” Dan explains. Before long he felt confident enough to dip in and out while travelling to his day job. “Knitting on the bus was the perfect way to make the commute more bearable,” he says. “About eight years ago Virginia thought that, in addition to knitting and spinning, I might…

Every month, three subscribers win a prize as a thank you for their loyalty to Simply Knitting. This month, the winners (below) will each receive this handy Craft Bag from Docrafts, worth £19.95. Keep all of your knitting supplies in one stylish place. Enjoy! Mrs Lynne Mcneil, Dunfermline Mrs Christine Russell, Halifax Mrs Lois Cunningham, Stockport IMMEDIATE MEDIA COMPANY, PUBLISHERS OF SIMPLY KNITTING, SUBS STARS GIVEAWAY TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Prizes were dispatched before the on sale date of this issue. There are no cash alternatives. Three winning entries will be chosen at random from all current subscribers. The draw is final and no correspondence will be entered into.…

Anchors aweigh! We’ve spotted your new summer party top on the horizon. Its eye-catching stripes and stunning ocean colours make this a must-knit for the season’s barbecues and garden gatherings. If blue’s not your colour, mix and match a range of cool pastels, rich accents and soft berries to create the right look for you. We just love the little pockets, too! YOU WILL NEED King Cole, Bamboo Cotton DK (50% cotton, 50% bamboo, 100g/230m) A pair of 4mm needles A 4mm double-pointed needle to add pocket flaps 5 stitch holders Stitch and row markers 2 brass effect buttons, 1.9cm 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…

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 Then take the right-hand needle behind the left and insert the 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.…

Let your festival goddess out with this crossover crop top. With challenging cables and fun tassels, this is a must-knit for summer. For a bit of a twist, try making both the straps and the tassels in a contrasting colour. It looks perfect with a breezy white skirt! YOU WILL NEED Rico Design, Fashion Pixel DK (65% cotton, 35% polyester, 50g/115m) A pair of 4mm needles 16 buttons, 15mm in diameter Stitch holders For yarn stockists contact Rico Design +49 05 272 6020 www.rico-design.de/en/home TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles 1 cable pattern repeat (16 rows) measures 6.5cm ABBREVIATIONS Dec5 P2tog, P3togtbl, pass the first of these sts on RH…

Whether you’re planning a big summer holiday or a low-key staycation, this cosy pillow is a must-have. Pop it around your neck and you’ll be ready for a nap anywhere. The finished pillow might help send you to sleep, but the knitting definitely won’t – there’s loads to enjoy in Monica Russel’s colourful Fair Isle design! YOU WILL NEED Sirdar, Cotton DK (100% cotton, 100g/212m) 1 ball of each: Pomegranate530 MillWhite501 Seashell533 Citrus531 Lotus532 A pair of 4mm needles 3 stitch holders A travel cushion, 28cm wide x 32cm high For yarn stockists contact Sirdar 01924 231682 www.sirdar.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles SIZE To fit a 28cm wide…

WILD ROSE, P14 PICK UP STITCHES Used for edgings and button bands 1 Holding the piece of knitting you are going to pick the sts up from in your left hand, and starting at the top-right corner, insert the right-hand needle between the first two stitches of the row. 2 Wind your wool around the needle and ‘knit’ the first stitch… 3 …And pull the new stitch through between the two stitches. 4 Continue to work like this along the row or until you have picked up the necessary amount of stitches. Try to space your stitches evenly. MARITIME , P40 THREE-NEEDLE CAST OFF Creates a seam without sewing 1 Hold your knitting so both pieces have the WS facing out. Put the tip of a third needle knitwise through…

DIAMOND LATTICE Cast on a multiple of 8 sts. Row 1 (RS) *K3, yo, sl1, K2, psso, yo, K2; rep from * to end. Row 2 Purl. Row 3 *K3, k2tog, yo, ssk, K2; rep from * to end. Row 4 Purl. Row 5 *K2, k2tog, yo, K1, yo, ssk, K1; rep from * to end. Row 6 Purl. Row 7 *K1, k2tog, yo, K3, ssk; rep from * to end. Row 8 Purl. Rows 1–8 form pattern. RISING LINES Cast on a multiple of 8 sts plus 1. Row 1 (RS) *K6, k2tog, yo; rep from * to last st, K1. Row 2 P1, *K1, P7; rep from * to end. Row 3 *K5, k2tog, yo, P1; rep from * to last st, K1. Row 4 P1, *K2, P6;…

BEST KNITTING MEMORY A knit night project. Three of us were all making the same jumpers. One ended up with one sleeve too long, one sleeve too short, the other had a neck too big and then altered it so the neck was so small she couldn’t get her head through it, the other made the jumper so long it went down to the knees. I think nearly all ended up as dog blankets. It still makes me laugh out loud. BEST KNITTING HERO It has to be my mum. She’s sorted out most of my knitting disasters for much of my life and she’s still an avid knitter at 85. BEST ADVICE FOR NEW KNITTERS Both knitting and crochet can be insular and social at the same time, but…

SAVE Sweet spots A pretty polkadot pair handmade by Dolly What Not, £5.50. www.skeinqueenyarns.co.uk SPEND Wise owl Owl print design by Melanie Ann Green, £8.50, 07854 824173. www.feltmeupdesigns.com SPLURGE Ooh la la Luxurious La Maison silk pillow filled with fragrant French lavender, £17. www.emilymaude.com You can subscribe to the digital edition of Simply Knitting from just £3.99. For details see www.theyarnloop.com/magazine/simply-knitting/digital.…

1 This is what happens to the yarn that you carry over on the wrong side. Work a stitch in the first colour as usual. To change colour, twist the two yarns together before working the next stitch. 2 Work the next stitch in the new colour as normal. When working alternating stitches of two colours, try and keep an even tension and do not pull the yarn too tight. 3 Change back to the original colour, not forgetting to twist the two yarns together before you work the stitch. 4 A completed row shows the yarn ‘floats’ carried across the back of the work. If the floats of one colour always stay above the other colour, your work will look more even.…

KNITTING MITTENS I’ve just knitted the mittens from the free kit in issue 145. They’re so lovely and summery, and an ideal accessory to my cousin’s wedding in June. I don’t always complete the free kits, but this one begged to be knitted! Thanks for a great mag. Saranna Watkins, Welwyn What a perfect pair! They’ll look fantastic at your cousin’s wedding. BLESS YOU! I’ve just finished knitting 28 tissue box covers. The secretaries were the hardest to sew up, but now I can get the Tiny Clanger from issue 146 finished for a friend’s mum. I’m planning some bags for my next projects! The tissue boxes are for my cousin who is a physiotherapist at our children’s hospital. She is retiring this month and asked me to knit them…

FOR MIBS BAYLISS, there’s only one downside to knitting: not having enough time in the day. That’s why when floods swept through her home city of York late last year she knew exactly what to do. “I wanted to help, but I couldn’t see how,” says Mibs. “That’s when I realised that I could knit blankets!” Mibs posted the idea on the York Floods Facebook page before setting up a separate appeal page. The page caught the attention of Alice Riley, who had recently set up an online craft community. “I promoted the group on the appeal’s page, and when I got talking to Mibs we decided to join forces,” says Alice. “We became one big community, working on charity knits and yarn bombings. Thus The York KnitWits was born!”…

1 Whenever possible, join in a piece of yarn at the beginning of a new row. Holding both strands of yarn, insert your needle in the first stitch of the row. 2 For the first stitch, wind both yarns around the needle and pull both through as usual. On the following row, knit the two strands for this stitch as one. 3 Now drop the ‘old’ yarn and continue working along the row, winding just the ‘new’ yarn around the needle for each stitch. 4 The wrong side shows the new yarn worked in. Tie off the ends of the yarn loosely until you finish the piece and then weave in the ends.…

This fun-filled tea cosy takes us back to the sounds and smells of summer fêtes. The hint of candy floss in the air, the ring of laughter from the merry-go-round, the jangle of Morris dancers in the marquee – what’s not to love? Summer really wouldn’t be complete without a trip to a village fête! We love that this cosy also doubles up as a great stashbusting project. Mix and match a rainbow of DK yarns to create your very own tea tent. Plus, with a few personal touches, the cosy will make a thoughtful gift for a friend. With all of its colourful flags, bright balloons and pretty flowers, this might just be our favourite tea cosy yet! YOU WILL NEED Hayfield, Bonus DK (100% acrylic, 100g/280m) 1 ball…

Carry a tablet or e-reader in style and shield it from little scratches with this bright and cheerful cover. The Fair Isle pattern is ideal for beginners and will knit up in a flash. Why not make one for each of your gadgets? YOU WILL NEED Sirdar, Cotton DK (100% cotton, 100g/212m) 1 ball of each: Seashell533 MillWhite501 Pomegranate530 Citrus531 A pair of 4mm needles For yarn stockists contact Sirdar 01924 231682 www.sirdar.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles SIZE 14.5cm wide x 20cm high ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 90 TABLET COVER COLOURWORK (WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS) Row 1 K1A, *K2A, K1B; rep from * to last st, K1A.…

There’s still a place for socks in the summer, especially this stunning design! Decorated with a delicate colourwork daisy chain and an intricate mock rib, say hello to your perfect pair. The beautiful yarn from Eden Cottage Yarns is dyed by hand in small batches, so if you can’t find the exact shades used here there will be plenty of other gorgeous colours to choose from. YOU WILL NEED Eden Cottage Yarns, Oakworth 4ply (100% New Zealand Polwarth wool, 100g/400m) 1 skein of each: Buddleja Dahliausesapprox5g) A set of 3mm double-pointed needles (DPNs), or 80cm long circular needle for magic loop method 3 stitch markers Tapestry needle For yarn stockists contact Eden Cottage Yarns www.edencottageyarns.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as 4ply to this tension: 32 sts and 42…

Double-pointed needles are perfect for knitting smaller projects in the round, such as socks and hats. From therapeutic copper to colour-coded plastic and smooth bamboo, here are just a few of our favourite sets. 1. The super-slick nickel surface and tapered tips of these DPNs will turn you into a knitting whiz. From £4.20, www.knitpicks.com, 0808 234 6084 2 & 3. Addi’s fine Colibri needles come in handy identifiable colours with one lace and one basic tip on each pin. Their thicker Champagne Glitter needles are surprisingly light and perfect for those chunkier knits. Colibri: £8, Glitter: £5.50, www.artyarn.co.uk, 01529 240510 4. KnitPro Trendz’ brightly coloured plastic will help you easily find the needle size you need. £3.35, www.woolstack.co.uk, 01242 300280 5. You’ll have things knitted up in a flash…

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. KNIT Follow our simple steps to make the most important stitch you’ll learn. 1 Hold the needle with the stitches on it in your…

Abbreviations & Useful Info NEEDLE SIZES HOOK SIZES YARN WEIGHTS CHOOSE THE RIGHT YARNS TO KNIT WITH. 1, 2 & 3ply Knit on 2-3½mm needles. Use for delicate lace knitting and baby garments. Good for socks and gloves. 4ply Knit on 3-4mm needles. Great for baby clothes, heavier socks and lightweight tops. Double knitting (DK) Knit on 3½-4½mm needles. Usually double the weight of 4ply, this is the most widely used weight. Suitable for most garments and quick to knit up. Aran Knit on 4-5½mm needles. Originally created for fishermen’s jumpers. Use when DK isn’t heavy enough, and chunky is too bulky. Perfect for outdoor or warm clothing. Chunky Knit on 5½-7mm needles. Associated with outdoor wear and winter jumpers, great for oversized garments. Super chunky Knit on 7-12mm needles.…

CANDY COVER-UP Rico Design, 139. An easy-knit tie-front cardi that’s ideal for wearing over a swimsuit. www.ricodesign.de/en/home LITTLE MARINER Sublime, 6077. We think these adorable sailor suits would be fit for a royal baby! www.sublimeyarns.com, 01924 369666 PACK A PICNIC! Patons, ‘Knitted Blanket’. Knit up a lightweight cotton picnic blanket. www.makeitcoats.com, 01484 681881 SOCK IT TO ’EM Jane Ellison, ‘Calza Sock’. Discover a new skill! Try socks with this beginner design. www.purlandjane.co.uk, 01756 228247 CATCH A WAVE Bergère de France, Mag 179, 03. Budding surfers will love this short-sleeved slogan top. www.bergere defrance.co.uk LOVE THESE? KNIT OUR HANDY TRAVEL ACCESSORIES, STARTING ON PAGE 67!…

Favourite knitting technique? Twined (or two-ended) knitting. This is a technique in which the knitter uses both ends of the same ball of yarn and then twists the two yarns after each stitch, producing a lovely double-thick yarn that’s smooth, warm and hardwearing. Desert island yarn? It would have to be Ullcentrum’s pure wool 2ply yarn, produced by Ann Linderhjelm on Öland, an island just off Sweden’s coast. How did you learn to knit? I was taught to knit by a very patient auntie when I was about five years old and haven’t really stopped since. What inspires you? All sorts of things, from folk tales, myths and legends to vintage knitwear and textiles, children’s book and toys, and especially folk art and old Nordic handicrafts. Biggest knitting ambition? I…

From a distance you could mistake this gorgeous ’70s-style vest for crochet, but it’s definitely knitting! We love how the lace pattern produces the effect of polka dots on a mesh background – and it’s a joy to knit, too. Choose your favourite shade from the 12 colours available in Sublime Cotton Silk DK and cast on your new top today. YOU WILL NEED Sublime, Cotton Silk DK (75% cotton, 25% silk, 50g/125m) A pair of 3¼mm needles A set of 3¼mm double pointed needles (DPNs) A pair of 4mm needles Stitch holder For yarn stockists contact Sublime 01924 369666 www.sublimeyarns.com TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 23 sts and 25 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over patt using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS Dec 4 Sl…

The arrival of summer doesn’t mean our needles are getting tucked away for a season – not with a stunning lightweight jumper like this waiting to be cast on! We can’t resist its neatly twisted stitches and airy but snuggly fabric. It’s perfect for wearing with your favourite patterned skirt. YOU WILL NEED Rowan, Wool Cotton 4ply (50% wool, 50% cotton, 50g/180m) A pair of 2¾mm needles A pair of 3¼mm needles Stitch holders For yarn stockists contact Rowan 01484 681881 www.knitrowan.com TENSION Yarn used knits as 4ply to this tension: 31 sts and 38 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over patt using 3¼mm needles ABBREVIATIONS Tw2 K into front of 2nd st on left needle, then K first st and slip both sts off left needle together…

I finally got round to making the What a Hoot set from the Hand Knits for Baby free booklet that came with Simply Knitting issue 109. This was in Fyberspates Vivacious DK. I also made the Little Imp hat from the same booklet, but in cotton. This is the Little Imp hat on my desk at work. I made this for the same colleague’s nephew as the What a Hoot set and that bear is there because it was the middle of the international rugby and despite living in London, I’m a proud Scot. And here is the young man wearing his hat. Keep up the great work! Maureen Arthur, London This is owl-some, Maureen! We love the colours, and that hat is adorable. You’ve got a really lucky colleague.…

GREAT DAYS OUT YORK Famous for being one of the oldest cities in the UK, York’s walls are bursting with history. Find out all about the city’s claim to chocolate fame, take your pick from dozens of stately homes and gardens to stroll around, plus discover more than 2,000 years of history at one of York’s many museums. And no visit would be complete without a train ride to the National Railway Museum. For more details go to www.visityork.org. THE MINSTER Don’t miss out on a visit to York Minster. It’s been ablaze no fewer than four times, had its central tower collapse in 1407, has its very own police force, and has an asymmetrical Kings’ Screen! For more information visit www.yorkminster.org.…

We’re suckers for Alan Dart’s latest creature-creation here at SK Headquarters! Take a dive into the deep blue sea with this adorable ocean-dwelling octopus. He’s well-armed to give a cosy cuddle or two, and we just love his jaunty sailor hat. Ideal for mini maritime fans, he’s shore a seaworthy fella to us. So what are you waiting for? Get kraken! YOU WILL NEED Hayfield, Bonus DK (100% acrylic, 100g/280m) 1 ball of each: Fox (779), Apricot (721) and White (961) 2g oddments of powder blue and royal blue DK yarn 50cm length of black DK yarn A pair of 3mm needles 80g washable toy stuffing Long tweezers Wooden spoon For yarn stockists contact Sirdar 01924 231682 www.sirdar.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 26…

The trio of treats on this tote bag look good enough to eat! As well as sewing these fun motifs onto a plain bag, you could also use them to customise a T-shirt or brighten up a nursery. Wherever you are, they’ll make you feel like you’re at the seaside. YOU WILL NEED Stylecraft, Malabar Aran (78% cotton, 22% silk, 100g/165m) 1 ball of each: Buttermilk2520 Lime2524 PetalPink2528 Fuchsia2522 Mandarin2521 White2527 A pair of 5mm needles A small amount of embroidery thread in shades: blue, pink, purple, green and yellow A small amount of light brown and dark brown felt Fabric glue A plain canvas tote bag measuring 45 x 38cm For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft 01535 609798 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension:…

“Jump in and do it. There are so many easy ways to get started and you never know where it will take you. Through blogging I’ve met new friends, been able to share ideas and learn new techniques, and grown a little business.” Julie Williams www.littlecottonrabbits. typepad.co.uk “Write like you talk. Some of my favourite bloggers write as if I’m in the room with them and they’re sharing their latest ventures and happenings. Think about what you want to write about beforehand. And interact with the blogging community – visit other blogs and take part.” Andi Gallegos www.mysistersknitter. typepad.com “If you use a communication platform that requires too much effort, you’ll put off blogging in favour of just about anything else. It’s…

Use up some of your yarn stash with this quick-knit travel case. It would make a thoughtful gift for a commuter or music fan, too! YOU WILL NEED Sirdar, Cotton DK (100% cotton, 100g/212m) 1 ball of each: Citrus531 Seashell533 A pair of 4mm needles For yarn stockists contact Sirdar 01924 231682 www.sirdar.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles SIZE 7.5cm wide x 9cm high ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 90 HOW TO USE OUR CHARTS Start at the bottom right-hand corner. Read right side rows from right to left and wrong side rows from left to right. A row of squares represents a row of knitting. EARPHONE…

1 Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread yarn purlwise through the first stitch at the front and knitwise through the first stitch at the back. 2 Back to the front. Pass through first stitch knitwise, then slip the stitch from the needle. Sew into the next front st purlwise, pulling the yarn through both stitches. 3 Take the sewing needle to the back needle and ‘purl’ a stitch, then slip that stitch from the needle. ‘Knit’ into the next stitch on the back needle. 4 Repeat steps 2-3 across until all the stitches have been grafted and weave the yarn in to finish off neatly.…

KING COLE CLICKETTY CLACK W clickettyclack.co.uk T 01844 273739 Specialists in the gorgeous King Cole yarn and pattern range. Fibres, prices and designs to suit all discerning knitters. Visit our shop in Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, browse online or ring us for mail order. STYLECRAFT & SIRDAR FORGET ME NOT W forgetmenot247.co.uk T 01329 668915 Forget Me Not is saving your unfinished projects across the country; check instore to our ‘stitch surgery’ or visit the ‘crochet clinic’ and let us help. We have everything you might need. Stockists of Sirdar, Stylecraft, James Brett and so much more. KING COLE NEEDLES & PINS W needles-pins.co.uk T 01455 285800 Needles and Pins stock a variety of yarns, visit our website and have a browse to see what we do. New…

CHAIN STITCH This is the foundation of all crochet stitches. 1 About 15cm (6in) from the end of the yarn, make a loop with the ball end on top. Insert the hook through this loop and catch the yarn, pulling it through the loop. Slide the slipknot up to the hook. 2 With the hook in your right hand, hold the slipknot between thumb and finger of the left hand. Move the hook under and over the yarn. 3 Pull the hook and yarn back through the slipknot loop to form your first chain (ch) stitch. Now repeat steps 1-2 until you’ve formed a chain. 4 This is what your row of chains will look like. Keep going until you have the number of chains that are stated on your…

Tucked away in a secluded valley in South West Wales, Skanda Vale Monastery has been home to Valli, the temple elephant, for more than 34 years. Valli has enriched the lives of countless patients and volunteers at the Monastery’s off-site Hospice. That’s why, in 2015, the Hospice’s Clinical Nurse Manager Cath Thompson was inspired to pick up her knitting needles and create a little woolly Valli, known as Ellie the Elephant. “I think the Hospice can make a big difference in what we see as small ways,” says Cath. “But the impact that it has on patients and their families can be vast.” Little Ellie was so popular that the Hospice decided to sell her to raise funds for their new six-bedroom Inpatient Hospice, which Cath now manages. Although the…

HIGH TEA We adore Susan Evans’ royal tea set from issue 146. She knitted a crown instead of a party hat and even crocheted the plate as well. GREEN SOUP Pat Deighton had only just put the finishing touches on her fab Soup Dragon when she spotted her next project in issue 146, Tiny Clanger. COSY FRILLS How sweet is Ann Graham’s baby blanket for Sands? Her needles have barely cooled down and she’s already got a new one on the go!…

Issue 147 July 2016 Cable top Baby’s hat and dungarees set Colourful T-shirt top Kid’s watermelon jumper Casual lace cardigan Wedding gifts Lace top Textured socks Alan Dart’s Spaceman PLUS! Bag pattern and Commit to Knit collection Issue 146 June 2016 Swing top Summer cardigan Textured jumper Royal tea set Quick-knit tote bag Child’s slipover Tiny Clanger toy Men’s slippers Beer cosies Men’s colourwork socks Alan Dart’s Green Man PLUS! Cushion pattern Issue 145 May 2016 Lace panel jumper Easy-knit gilet Baby jumper Trinket bag Men’s textured jumper Lace mittens Sleeveless top Scarf Cushion covers Teen’s jumper Bed socks Alan Dart’s Lumberjack Beaver PLUS! Headband pattern Issue 144 April 2016 Lacy edge-to-edge cardi V-neck jumper Legwarmers Hot water bottle cover Kid’s cardi Lace panel jumper Quick-knit hat Fair Isle cushion…

Relax and unwind with a simple stocking stitch knit. This casual tunic would look great worn over jeans or leggings for easy summer style. YOU WILL NEED Conway & Bliss, Cleo (62% cotton, 38% polyamide, 50g/90m) A pair of 4mm needles A 4mm circular needle, 40cm long A pair of 5mm needles Stitch holder Stitch marker For yarn stockists contact Designer Yarns 01535 664222 www.designeryarns. uk.com TENSION Yarn used knits as aran to this tension: 19 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 5mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 90 of Simply Knitting magazine Presented with issue 148 of Simply Knitting. Printed in the UK. BACK Cast on 105 (115: 125: 135) sts with 4mm needles and Yarn…

Colourblocking is huge this season, so get on trend with Fran Morgan’s colourwork T-shirt top. Customise the look with your favourite shades or use the pretty pastels chosen here. Either way it’ll be just beautiful! YOU WILL NEED Woolyknit, Blue Faced Leicester (100% Blue Faced Leicester, 50g/102m) A pair of 3aemm needles A pair of 4mm needles Stitch holder For yarn stockists contact Woolyknit 01457 877984 www.woolyknit.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 ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 90 of Simply Knitting magazine PATTERN LEFT PANEL Rows 1–59 Yarn B. Rows 60–65 Yarn A. Rows 66–79 Yarn C. Rows 80–85 Yarn A. Row 86 and all foll rows…

Perfect for wearing when the weather can’t make up its mind, the tank top is a style staple. This one knits up in a flash using DK yarn – and there’s a colour to suit everyone in Classique Cotton. YOU WILL NEED Stylecraft, Classique Cotton DK (100% cotton, 100g/184m) A pair of 3¼mm needles A pair of 3¾aemm needles A pair of 4½mm needles FOR YARN STOCKISTS CONTACT STYLECRAFT 01535 609798 WWW. STYLECRAFT-YARNS.CO.UK TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 20 sts and 24 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4½mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 90 of Simply Knitting magazine FRONT CAST ON 97 (107: 117: 127: 137) sts using 4½mm needles. Row 1 *K1, P1; rep…