Innholdsfortegnelse for January 2017 i Simply Knitting

We’re excited to plan our projects for 2017! Needles at the ready? We’ve packed this issue with fantastic projects to take you from this year to the next, so you’ll be well set up to start another yarn-packed year.We have party tops for you to suit dos from casual to formal, and we haven’t forgotten the little ones – see our bow tie and braces jumper on the left! If you’re looking for last-minute treats or gift suggestions other people can buy you, we have plenty.There’s a fab selection of last-minute festive presents for you to cast on – we love a pair of flip-top mittens (see page 67) – and we’ve taken inspiration from the shows we’ve been to this autumn to bring you a selection of mini skeins…

Knitting on the go just got even easier with Wendy’s new Evolution shawl-in-a-box kit! It includes a 150g/600m ball of 50% cotton, 50% acrylic colour-change yarn, packaged so you can use it straight from the box, plus instructions to make a beautiful knitted or crocheted shawl. Evolution comes in six colours, and costs £15. We’ll be packing one›in our suitcase for our next holiday! Find out more by calling 01943 872264, or go to www.tbramsden.co.uk . JUST AN ILLUSION … WHAT? Your new favourite sweater! This V›ÃÞ›À›››››iV›]›vÀ››››>Þwi› ››i>yiÌ›Çnx›]› Ü›››››ii«›Þ›Õ›Ü>À››>›››Ü››ÌiÀ››››}°››Ì½Ã› ›››ÌÌi ›››››>Þwi› ››››ÕÛ›››››]›>›vÕ›››iÜ› colour-effect yarn that combines a black base with a pop of bright colour. Why not go for bold pink and yellow to really stand out from the crowd? This 100% acrylic yarn ›Ã››>V›››i›Ü>Û>L›i]›Ã›››Ì½Ã›>›v>L›V›››Vi› v›À››› Û>›…

YOU WILL NEED • King Cole, Merino Blend DK (100% wool, 50g/112m) • A pair of 3¼mm needles • A set of 3¼mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) • A pair of 4mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) • Stitch markers • Darning needle • 4 small red buttons, 25mm diameter For yarn stockists contact King Cole 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com 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 A knitted bowtie, trendy braces and oh-so-cute buttons? This adorable jumper is a definite party-time winner! For extra brownie points, knit it in your little one’s favourite colours for a sure place as parent of the year! BACK *Cast on…

YOU WILL NEED JULBOCK • Hayfield, Bonus DK (100% acrylic, 100g/280m) 1 ball of each: Wheat (816) and Signal Red (977) • A 50cm (18in) length of black DK yarn • A pair of 3mm needles • 75g washable toy stuffing • Long tweezers • Clear adhesive GARNTOMTAR (EACH) • Hayfield, Bonus DK (100% acrylic, 100g/280m) 2g in Signal Red (977) and 1g in Flesh Tone (963) • Hayfield, Bonus Chunky (100% acrylic, 100g/137m) approx 3g in either Signal Red (977), White (961), Light Grey Mix (814) or Cinder (786) • 1g oddment of white or pale grey eyelash yarn • Oddments of black and pale grey DK yarn • A pair of 3mm needles • 2g washable toy stuffing • Dark green cotton perlé embroidery thread • Stiff card…

KOALA CUDDLES This little koala will be travelling to Adelaide, Australia very soon. My daughter has settled down there and wanted me to knit a gift for one of her friends. Her friend is iÝ«iVÌ››}››iÀ›wÀÃÌ›L>LÞ›>› ›Ì›iÞ››>Ûi› painted koalas on one of the nursery walls. I decided to use a Jean Greenhowe pattern from her Knitted Animals book, which I purchased in the 1980s! Here is the room, awaiting the Cuddly Koala! Gill Henn, Bromsgrove What an adorable koala toy, Gill – it’s going to look so cute in the nursery! 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…

Nelly was drawn to try knitting through a desire to make irresistible toys. º›Ì›wÀÃÌ›››Ü>Û>ÌÌÀ>VÌi ›Ì›› ›>› ›> i› ›››Ã›>› ›Ì›ÞÛ ›››}i›iÀ>›]»›Ã›i›Ã>Þð› º››ÌÀ›i ›ÃiÜ››}]››ii ›i› vi›Ì››}›>› ›«>«›iÀ››@V›j°›/›i››››V>›i›>VÀ›ÃÛ Û›i›«››Ì›Ã››v››››ÌÌi`›Ì›ÞÛÛ››› iV› i`›Ì›› ÌÀޛ̛›Ãi›>› ››iÛiÀ›ÃÌ›««i`°» i››Þ››>ÛLii›››››ÌÌ››}›v›À›Ã›Ý›Þi>ÀÃ]›LÕÌ› ›>ÛܛÀ›i ›Ü›Ì››Ì›i›1›À>››i›«›››Vi›v›À›››Ài› Ì›>››Óä°›º›Þ›››L››>Û>›Ü>ÞÛ i›>› i › ViÀÌ>›››Ìi›Ã››››vÀ››››i]»›Ã›i›V›››i›Ìð› º/›>̽Ûܛޛ›››> ›Ì››w› ›>›Ü>ޛ̛›V>››› ›Ü›› >› ›ÀiÃÌ›Ài››ÞÃi›v°››››ÌÌ››}››>ÛLiV››i›>› Ã>Û››ÕÀ°›7›››i› ›››}››Ì›››V>››}››››Ì››Ã››i› ››› ››v››i>›››}›ÌÀ>›Vi›q›Ì›i›››› ››Ã›vÀii › vÀ›››>›Þ›Õ››iViÃÃ>Àޛ̛›Õ}›Ìð» i››Þ› iÃVÀ›LiÛ›iÀÃi›v›>Û>››>VÌ›Ûi›>› › V›iiÀvÕ››«iÀÛ›°›-›i›iÝ«›>››Ã›Ì›>Ì››iÀ› Ì›ÞÛ>Ài››vÌi››››Ã«›Ài ›LÞ›>››ÕÀ}i›Ì›› Û>Ài›ÃÕ››Þ›i››Ì›››Ã°›º››››Ûi›Ì›ÞÛ Ü››V›››>›i›Þ›Õ›Ã›››i›>› ›Ü>›Ì›Ì›› ›Õ}›Ì›i››LiV>ÕÃi›Ì›iÞ›Ãii››Ã›› ÛiÀÞ›V›ÃÞ›>› ›Ã›vÌ]»› i››Þ›Ã>Þð› º› i>ÛV››i›Ì›››i›Ü›››i›››››››}› >Ì› ›vviÀi›Ì›Þ>À›Ã°›"›i›V>›› Li›ÕÃi ›Ì›››>›i›>›››Vi› ››ÌÌÞ››À›>›v›Ý]›>››Ì›iÀ›V>›› Li›ÕÃi ›v›À›>›L>LÞ››Ü›o»› 7i½Ài›À>Ì›iÀ›«>ÀÌ›>››Ì›› i››Þ½Ã›››ÕÃi›››ÛiÃ]›LÕÌ› i››Þ› w› ̛ۛ››«›ÃÛL›i›Ì›› V›››Ãi›v>Û›ÕÀ›ÌiÛ>›››}› ›iÀ›VÀi>Ì›››Ã°›º››>`›Ài› Ü›>Ì››› ›°››>V››Ì›Þ››Ã›ÛiÀÞ› V>ÀivÕ››Þ›Ì››Õ}›Ì››ÕÌ°›››«ÕÌ› >›«›iVi››v››Þ›Ã›Õ››>› ›>› ››Ì››v››Þ›i›iÀ}Þ›››Ì›› iÛiÀÞ›››i››v›Ì›i›°» i››Þ››>Û›«i›i ›>›› ›ÌÃޛÛ›«›Ü›iÀi›Ã›i›Ãi››Ã››iÀ›> ›À>L›i› ›››ÌÌ››}›>› ›VÀ›V›iÌ›«>ÌÌiÀ›Ã°›º›› iV› i › Ì›>Ì›››Ü>›Ìi`›Ì››Ã›>Ài››Þ›› i>Û>› ››Þ› Ì›ÞÃ]›>› ›Ü>Û››ÌiÀiÃÌi ›Ì›››››Ü››v›Ì›iÞ› ܛ՛ ›Li›>ÌÌÀ>VÌ›Ûi›Ì›››››ÌÌiÀÛvÀ››››Ì›iÀ› «>ÀÌÛ›v›Ì›i›Ü›À› ]»›Ã›i›iÝ«›>››Ã°›º››››Ûi› Ì›i›Ì››Õ}›Ì›Ì›>̛̛i›Ì›ÞÛ››Ûi›Ìi ›LÞ››i› V›Õ› ›LÀ››}›V››v›À̛̛›Ã››i››i°» i››Þ½Ã›v>Û›ÕÀ›Ìi›ÃÌi«›Ü›i››VÀi>Ì››}››iÀ› V›>À>VÌiÀۛÛ›>›››}›>› ›w››Ã›››}›Ì›i› v>Vi𛺛›ÕÃÕ>››Þ›Ài› ›››Ì›ÃiÛiÀ>››Ì››iÛ՛̛›› Ì›i›v>Vi›Ì›>Ì›››››Ã›L>V››>Ì››i››>Û›Ìۛܛ› ›› ›Û› Õ>››V›>À>VÌiÀ›>› ›››› °»› ›› ›› ›››9›› ››››,››,››/›" -››/› 777°› ›/›››,››››°›/-9°›"›° FIND…

YOU WILL NEED • Sirdar, Moonstone (70% acrylic, 30% glass beads, 50g/100m) • A 5mm circular needle, 100cm long • A 12mm circular needle, 100cm long For yarn stockists contact Sirdar 01924 231682 www.sirdar.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as aran to this tension: 20 sts and 24 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over 2x2 rib using 5mm needles 14 sts and 18 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over Long and Short Stitch using 5mm and 12mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Say hello to the shrug your shoulders have been missing! With open stitches worked on large needles and the beads already in the yarn, this eye-catcher is minimal effort, maximum style. LONG & SHORT STITCH K 1 row with 12mm needles. K 3…

YOU WILL NEED • The Fibre Co., Cumbria (60% Merino wool, 30% Brown Masham wool, 10% mohair, 100g/218m) • A pair of 4 mm needles • Stitch holders • Cable needle For yarn stockists contact A Yarn Story 01225 429239 www.ayarnstory.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as worsted to this tension: 20 sts and 26 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over Woven Slip Stitch using 4 mm needles ABBREVIATIONS Make loop Knit the next stitch but instead of dropping stitch off left-hand needle bring yarn forward between stitches, make a 13cm long loop bringing yarn back between stitches on needles and knit into the back of the stitch on left-hand needle (2 sts on right-hand needle), pass 1st st over 2nd st. Loop made. For a full list…

TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEW BOOK Monster Hats is a collection of 15 knitting patterns inspired by old comic book creatures. The instructions are in both children’s and adults’ sizes, so all the family can keep warm in a ghoulish design. WHAT INSPIRES YOU? All sorts of things. I live in the countryside and the colours of the landscape and the changing seasons provide me with ideas for new projects. I love theatrical and historical costume, vintage children’s book illustrations and fashion photography, >› ›››i›››Þ›}›››}›Ì››>ÀÌ›iÝ››L›Ì›››Ã°› MUST-HAVE GADGET? I always have a tape measure to hand, which I use to check my tension, as well as measuring the piece I’m working on. I often count and recount rows, then forget where I am, so I should start using the row counters…

Entries are now open for the annual Bradford Textile Society Design Competition. Categories include woven, knitted and printed textiles, and there’s total prize money of over £10,000 up for grabs! The closing date is 10 March 2017, and you can find out how to enter at www.bradford  textilesociety.org.uk. News flash ! Knit up some super stripes with Stylecraft’s durable new Head Over Heels sock yarn. It comes in 100g/400m balls and six eye-catching colours (£6.99). Visit www.stylecraftyarns.co.uk READER POLL How many projects did you knit in the last year? 56 % of you have finished up to 10 projects! Luxury yarn Designer Yarns are now the exclusive UK distributors of Amano, beautiful yarns made ›om natural, luxurious fibres. www.designeryarns.uk.com/brands/amano…

YOU WILL NEED • King Cole, Comfort Chunky (60% acrylic, 40% nylon, 100g/106m) Yarn A Lime (1733) Yarn B Silver (461) Yarn C Raspberry (419) • A 6 mm circular needle, 40cm long • A set of 6 mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) • A tapestry needle • A hot water bottle For yarn stockists contact King Cole 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com TENSION Yarn used knits as chunky to this tension: 12 sts and 22 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 6 mm needles MEASUREMENTS To fit a hot water bottle Length: 27cm (with neck 33cm) Width: 22cm ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Winter nights were made for cuddling up with a toasty hot water bottle! You’ll feel warmer in no time at…

ROWAN CRICKLADE NEEDLECRAFTS A 89A High St, Cricklade, Wilts, SN6 6DF T 01793 750604 We stock quality yarns and hundreds of patterns from major suppliers, including Rowan, Debbie Bliss, Sirdar & King Cole. Rowan Yarns stocked include Alpaca Merino DK, Brushed Fleece, Cocoon, Fazed Tweed, Fine Lace, Hemp Tweed and of course my favourite yarn Kidsilk Haze. SIRDAR RUDDOCKS OF LINCOLN A 287 High St. Lincoln, LN2 1AW T 01522 528285 Independent Department Store selling Art & Craft Materials including wool, patterns, haberdashery and more, all located on the 1st floor. Earn points with our Loyalty Scheme and a free Chat & Craft session on the 1st Saturday of each month 10am – 12pm.www.ruddocksoflincoln.co.uk SIRDAR BELLA KNIT A 5 Balcony Parade, Corby, NN17 1NL T 01536 267 344 Bella Knit,…

SUE STRATFORD designs patterns for cute knitted animals. Until recently she ran a yarn shop, The Knitting Hut, but has given it up to spend more time on other projects. Dream knitting day I think I may have just had it! Recently, I stayed with knitty friends in London. We visited a craft fair in the morning, a yarn festival in the afternoon, a networking event in the evening, then spent the rest of the time in pyjamas knitting together. There may have been gin and tonic too! Guilty secret The amount of money I spend on yarn. Happiest knitting memory My book signing in Liberty’s department store a few years ago. It’s one of my favourite shops and I couldn’t believe I was there. First project At primary…

Knitting lace is easy when you know how! In this guide we’ll explain all the basics to get you started, as well as offering some handy hints and tips to help you improve your skills. Lace is all about creating decorative holes in your fabric that are arranged to create intricate, attractive patterns. The most common stitch you’ll use to make a hole is called a yarn over (yo). The yo is an increase stitch, so it will often be paired with a decrease stitch, such as the left-leaning slip, slip, knit (ssk) or right-leaning knit two together (k2tog), to ensure that the total stitch count remains the same. With just these three stitches you can create some amazingly complex-looking patterns! Other stitches you’ll encounter when working lace include double…

Sarah Edwardes Production Editor I guess my resolution is to get in as much knitting time as possible before my baby arrives! I have a blanket, cardigan and jumper that still need finishing… Debora Bradley Editor-in-Chief This year I’d like to learn some new techniques, as well as make more time to knit.And picking up my knitting before the cat sits on me would help! Faye Perriam-Reed Technical Editor I’ve been designing a lot lately and too many of my friends have been having babies to knit for, so I’ve decided I’m finally going to knit myself a brand new jumper. Louise Smith Production Assistant I say this every year (and I always mean it), but I’m not going to cast on any new knits until I’ve finished all of…

YOU WILL NEED • Lotus Yarns, Tibetan Cloud Worsted (100% yak, 100g/300m) • A pair of 3¼mm needles • A pair of 4mm needles • 8 buttons For yarn stockists contact Intercontinental Yarns 01535 664222 www.intercontinentalyarns.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as worsted to this tension: 22 sts and 26 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Have you tried knitting with yak yarn before? If not, you’re in for a treat! Light but warm, this fibre is ideal for luxurious winter garments. Lotus Yarns Tibetan Cloud Worsted comes in 12 colours, including jewel brights and neutrals, so there’s a shade to suit everyone. LEFT FRONT Cast on 48 (54: 62: 68: 76: 84) sts using 3¼mm…

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.…

WINTER WARMER WE JUST LOVE THIS ZESTY KNIT, FRESH OFF SALLYANN’S NEEDLES! THE WARM COLOUR CHOICES MAKE IT A FAB VERSION OF THE BLUE AND CREAM RURAL COAST BY MARTIN STOREY, FROM ISSUE 150. OCTO-FAMILY CUTENESS ALERT! DOREEN CREATED A WHOLE INKY FAMILY. HOW ADORABLE ARE THESE TENTACLED SWEETIES? DOREEN MADE THE SMALLER INKIES AS NORMAL, BUT WENT UP A NEEDLE SIZE FOR THE BIGGER TWO. FLORAL TEA TIME WE’D LOVE A CUPPA! CINDY’S BEEN BUSY KNITTING HERSELF THE FLOWER GIRL TEA COSY FROM ISSUE 151’S AUTUMN KNITS BOOKLET. WE’RE BIG FANS OF THE BRIGHT YELLOW. CAN WE COME FOR TEA?…

Update your collection with one of these three fantastic bamboo needle rolls, worth £17 each! www.sehlbach.co.uk  01844 258080 SKMSEH154 Win one of two luxury gift hampers with yarn, needles and more inside, worth £24.95 or £54! www.theknittinggiftshop.co.uk   07528 812731 SKMTKGS154 Welcome a new baby into the world with this Merino knit set for 0-3 months old, worth £25! www.romneymarshwools.co.uk  01233 721800.SKMBABY154 Knit your feet a treat with this Self Striping DK hand-dyed yarn plus a cosy sock pattern, worth £17 50 www.theknittinggoddess.co.uk  07801 997750.SKMSOCK154 Carry your knitting in style with a chance to win one of three blossom and bird bags worth £28.50 each. For stockist enquiries contact  groves@stockistenquiries.co.uk  SKMGROVES154 Win yourself a copy of 35 Knitted. Animals and.Other Creatures by CICO Books (£12.99), Knitted Animal Hats…

YOU WILL NEED • Caron, Simply Soft Party (99% acrylic, 1% metallised polyester, 85g/150m) 1 ball of Fuchsia Sparkle (0002) • A set of 4 mm DPNs • A set of 5mm circular needles • A cable needle For yarn stockists contact Readicut 0116 271 3759 www.readicut.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as aran to this tension: 15 sts and 24 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over patt using 5mm needles MEASUREMENTS To fit a 750ml wine bottle ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Keep a bottle of red wine at the perfect temperature and add a touch of glam to your dinner table with this quick-to-knit cable cosy. Caron’s Simply Soft Party yarn is subtly sparkly, and it’s machine washable in case there are any spills!…

NOTE All the patterns are worked in a slip stitch pattern, in stripes. On the slip stitch rows or rounds, the contrast colour is worked by slipping the stitches with the contrast colour in the back or front of the next three stitches. For the jumper, the only stitches that are knitted on these rows are the first and the last stitch to secure the yarn. These slip stitch rows are not included in the row count. It is important to maintain an even tension when working the slip stitch rows. This pattern allows for little or no stretch. Try not to pull the yarn too tightly as it will cause the knitting to pucker. Make sure that on those rows you stretch the slipped sts so that the contrast…

YOU WILL NEED • Rowan, Kid Classic (70% lambswool, 22% kid mohair, 8% polyamide, 50g/140m) Yarn A Tattoo (856) Yarn B Drought (876) • A pair of 5mm needles • Stitch holders For yarn stockists contact Rowan 01484 950630 www.knitrowan.com TENSION Yarn used knits as aran to this tension: 19 sts and 25 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 5mm needles 19 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over patt using 5mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 There’s more than one way to create gorgeous colourwork, so if you’ve had your fill of Fair Isle and intarsia, why not try some slipped stitches instead? This stylish two-tone design will take you from day to night with ease, and…

“My fiend’s little girl said ‘Where’s the seesaw?’ when she saw the playground, so now I’m making one, and more children to play on the swings. ” W›e discovered Linda thanks to a video sent to us by her brother, revealing the wonders of her knitted city, Knittingham. The woolly metropolis is so spectacular that we had to }iÌ››››Ì›ÕV››Ü›Ì›››iÀ›Ì››w› ››ÕÌ›››Àit “I’ve been knitting since I was three,” she says. “My grandma Ì>Õ}›Ì›>›››ÕÛ}À>› V››› Ài››q››Ì›Ü>Û>Û›>ÌÕÀ>››Ì››ÕÛ>ÛÜ>››››}t» Linda taught her own child to knit aged two, and it was her daughter who helped her to take her skills in a new direction. “My daughter was always wanting this item but done in that Ü>Þ°›››Ü>Ûv›ÀiÛiÀ›>›ÌiÀ››}›«>ÌÌiÀ›Ã›Ì››Ã՛̛›iÀt»›››› >›ÀiV>››Ã°› “Then I thought, why bother with patterns at all?” From then on Linda has mostly knitted her own…

NEW PRODUCTS? We’re about to introduce a new range: Alpaca 4ply – 100% alpaca in 20 fantastic colours in 100g hanks. It’s a versatile yarn which can be used for anything from lace projects to shawls and wraps to socks. We’re also excited to be introducing new colours in our Almerino Aran range – this yarn is perfect for winter as the Merino and baby alpaca blend is particularly warm and soft. WHAT ELSE IS NEW? We’re supporting the designer Jem Weston, who is doing a Mood Blanket KAL in 2017 using Almerino DK. It’s a great idea as every knitter will make a different blanket. WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN 2017? The main focus for 2017 is to continue our support on patterns, in particular crochet patterns. Look out…

YOU WILL NEED • Rowan, Fine Art (45% wool, 25% polyamide, 20% mohair, 10% silk, 100g/400m) 3 skeins of Otter (002) • A set of 2mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) or circular needles, 80cm long for Magic Loop method • A set of 2 mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) or circular needles, 80cm long for Magic Loop method For yarn stockists contact Rowan 01484 950630 www.knitrowan.com TENSION Yarn used knits as 4ply to this tension: 37 sts and 62 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 2 mm needles MEASUREMENTS To fit foot circumference: 20 (23: 26)cm, 8 (9: 10)in ABBREVIATIONS S2kpo Slip next 2 sts knitwise together, knit 1 st, pass 2 slipped sts over [2 sts dec’d] For a full list see page 95 As…

“The nests provide comfort and increase the animals’ chances of being released.” Can you think of anything cuter than a fuzzy (or feathered) little creature curled up in a woolly nest? During the spring of 2013, Katie Deline-Ray noticed that there were no charities providing nests for wildlife rescues in Canada and decided to set one up herself. “Over the last four years we’ve grown tremendously,” says Katie. “Now, we provide nests to over 340 wildlife rescues in 13 countries!” Wildlife Rescue Nests aims to provide warm, cosy and, most importantly, safe nests for wildlife. Volunteers are asked Ì››v››››Ü›Ã«iV›wV› guidelines and patterns when making nests. “Some of the rehabilitations had received nests before,” says Katie. “But they were poorly made and unsafe for wildlife, as they were made too loosely…

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 153 December Sparkly jumpers Lace cardi Tree decorations Stocking Alan Dart’s woodland fairy and elf Festive baby knits Kids’ Christmas sweaters Santa headband Cable hat Simple Knits set Candle cosies PLUS! Christmas knits booklet Issue 152 Christmas Fair Isle jumper Lace hat Reindeer hoodie Cable cardi Wreath Alan Dart’s Grandpa Jolly Tree decorations Simple jumper, hat and cowl Blanket Men’s jumper Sweater 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…

Worked in soft alpaca-blend yarn, this knit is a great choice for lace newbies wanting to master the basics. Lace is generally a drapey fabric, but this wavy pattern has quite a firm structure, making it perfect for cowls, which need to be able to stand up on their own. Learn to ‘read’ your knitting by paying careful attention to where the yarn overs and decreases fall on each successive row, and you’ll find it easier to spot any little mistakes as you go. Once you’ve mastered this stitch pattern we’re pretty sure you’ll be hooked! STITCH PATTERN FISHTAIL LACE Worked over 6 rounds and 21 sts. Round 1 K1, yo, K3, ssk, K10, k2tog, K3, yo. Round 2 K2, yo, K3, ssk, K8, k2tog, K3, yo, K1. Round 3…

Knitting your very first shawl is a milestone for every lace knitter, so make it something really special! We love this gorgeous design from DROPS, with its practical half-moon shape and pretty diamond pattern. The shawl begins in stocking stitch with yarn overs to add detail and shaping, so you’ll be able to get into the swing of things before you start on the main lace design. There’s no need to be intimidated by the size of the charts – use colour-coded stitch markers to mark the pattern repeats and a lifeline in case you need to rip back, and you’ll be just fine! SHAWL Cast on 3 sts using 3mm circular needles. Then work and inc as follows: Row 1 K1, yo, K1, yo, K1. Place a locking marker…

Jo Allport “I love this hat and the sparkly yarn! It combines easy yet effective patterns, and is finished off with a great flower.” YOU WILL NEED • Stylecraft, Cabaret (98% acrylic, 2% polyester, 100g/230m) 1 (1: 2) balls of Aurora (3573) This shade has been discontinued but you may still be able to find it. If not, there are lots of other colours available in this lovely yarn range. • A pair of 4mm needles 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 19 sts and 40 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over Lace Patt using 4mm needles 19 sts and 46 rows…

A WOOLLY UPLIFT I thought I would share with you and your readers the yarn bombing we did at the local high school, where I work. It takes pride of place between the buildings for everyone to see and be cheered up. The idea came when we were starting the summer holidays, for it to be up and ready in time for September. I love getting your magazine on subscription! Jan Whitehead, Lowestoft CHECKMATE! It might have taken me ages, but I got there in the end with Alan Dart’s knitted chess set from issue 80. I think it was worth it and I hope that you agree! I have made it for my granddaughter for Christmas; she is 9 and has just got into chess. It is lovely the…

This is me knitting on a very small island, just off the north coast of Iceland, called Viday. The weather was lovely and the scenery was magnificent: tall mountains, glaciers and clear sea. It is easily the best place I have ever knitted. The rest of the tour members went for a walk. I decided to sit and knit, what else? The other photo is of my lovely husband helping me out when my wool became knotted. Wendy Martindale, via email 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.…

YOU WILL NEED • Stoff & Stil, Metallic Mix (62% acrylic, 22% polyester, 16% nylon, 50g/105m) 1 ball of Petrol/Silver • A pair of 4 mm needles • A button, 27mm diameter For yarn stockists contact Stoff & Stil 333 1559 855 www.stoffstil.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 24 sts and 22 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over patt using 4 mm needles MEASUREMENTS 13cm tall x 19cm wide ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 No party outfit would be complete without a matching bag! This sparkling clutch purse is worked in an easy-peasy lace pattern and finished with a shiny metal button. The yarn catches the light beautifully and at just £2.25 per ball it’s a real bargain too. Why not…

“Here we are, in the midst of winter, and I couldn’t be happier about it! Don’t get me wrong – I love spring and summer, but to be honest I get a bit bored by the end of ›Ì°››½››››Ài››v›>›wÀiÛ i]›L›}››Õ›«iÀ›››› › of gal, which you’ve probably guessed LÞ›››Ü›q›››ÜÀ›Ìi›>›V››Õ›››v›À›>››››ÌÌ››}› magazine, after all! So, while everyone else is lamenting Ì›i›À>›››>› ›«>V›››}›>Ü>ޛ̛i›À›Ü>À›› weather wardrobe, I’m happily sorting Ì›i››>ÌÛ›½Ûi››››ÌÌi ››ÛiÀ›Ì›i›ÃÕ››iÀ› ›LÕÌ›››Ì›Lii››>L›i›Ì››Üi>À®›››Ì››>›Üii››Þ› rota, circling the great autumn and winter telly in the Radio Times (hello Poldark ) and frantically trying to complete my ››À›ÃÌ›>Û›Õ›«iÀ››ÌÜ››››À›ÃÌ›>ÃiÛ ›Ü››>› ››Ì½Ã›ÃÌ››››››Ì›w››Ã›i ®°› ›Ì½Ã›››Ì››ÕÃÌ›V››Ì›››}›Ì›>Ì›VÀi>ÌiƯ̂>Ì› V›Ãޛܛ›ÌiÀ›vii›››}]›››››››q›L›>››iÌÛ and cushions are equally important. I’ve ›››ÌÌi ›>›viÜ›L›>››iÌÛ››››Þ›Ì››i]›LÕÌ››½›› ÌÀ>}›V>››Þ››>V›››}››››i›> i›VÕÛ›››Ã°› I plan to rectify this over the coming ›››Ì›Ã›>› ›Ã›››››Ã›®›››Ü›››››>Ûi››››ÌÌi › so many cushions I doubt you’ll be able to tell what colour my sofa is.…

Monster Hats Vanessa Mooncie (GMC Publications, £14.99) Boo! This spooky collection is bound to be a hit with your little monsters. Create a buzz with a Fly, chill with the Yeti or become an out-of-this-world Alien – there are 15 fun and frightful ›>Ì› iÛ}›Ã›Ì››V›››Ãi›vÀ››t›9›Õ½›››w› › guides to the knitting and embroidery techniques used, plus instructions ››››››››}›Þ›ÕÀ›w››Ã›i ››>Ì›v›À›iÝÌÀ>› warmth. And don’t worry: each pattern also comes in an adult size, so grownups can join in the fancy dress fun too! My Knitted Doll Louise Crowther (David & Charles, £15.99) We all remember our most cherished cuddly toy, and with Louise Crowther’s ›i›«›Þ›Õ›V>›››>›i›Ì›>Ì››i››ÀÞ›iÝÌÀ>› special for a little one in your life. This charming book features 12 doll designs >› ›››Ài›Ì›>››xä›››Ý›>› ››>ÌV›› garments and accessories to go with…

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 three stitches together decreases your stitch count by two, and the decrease stitch leans to the right. This is how a series looks.…

YOU WILL NEED • Jamieson’s Shetland Spindrift (100% wool, 25g/105m) 2 balls of Yarn A Granite (122) 1 ball of each: Yarn B Sea Bright (1010) Yarn C Ginger (462) • A pair of 2¼mm needles • A pair of 2¾mm needles • A set of 2¼mm DPNs • Stitch holders • Stitch markers • A length of waste yarn For yarn stockists contact Jamieson’s of Shetland 01595 693114 www.jamiesonsofshetland.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as 4ply to this tension: 36 sts and 42 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over colourwork using 2¾mm needles MEASUREMENTS Palm circumference: 21cm ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Come winter, there’s nothing more welcome than slipping your hands into a pair of warming gloves. These flip-top mittens, with their contemporary pattern…

Chunky Row Hook, Hampshire FANCY A FETLAR THROW? No, it’s not a martial arts move but a knit design inspired by an island in the Shetlands. Chunky Row’s Super Chunky Yarn is 100% British, processed from ÃÌ>À̛̛›w››Ã›››››Ì›i›1››>› ››> i›vÀ›››-›iÌ›>› › wool direct from the Shetland Isles. “Our yarn comes in three lengths of ‘kidney bean’ balls,” says Charlotte Claridge. “30m, 50m and a Ü››««››}›£{䛛ܛ›V››Üi›}›Ã›£°Ó›}t›7i½Ûi›}›Ì›wÛi››iÜ›››ÌÃ]›>››››>›i ›>vÌiÀ› places or islands within the Shetland Isles.” Follow Chunky Row on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, go to www.chunkyrow.co.uk or call 0118 932 4154.…

BUNTING PATTERN CAST ON 35 sts. ROWS 1 & 2 Knit. ROW 3 K1, skpo, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog. K1. [2 sts dec’d] Rep rows 1–3 until 5 sts remain. NEXT ROW K1, sl1, k2tog, psso, K1. [3 sts] NEXT ROW Sl1, k2tog, psso. [1 st] Draw yarn through st and fasten off. Weave in ends. Lay out all bunting pieces side by side and measure the total width of their top edges. Cut a piece of ribbon approx twice this length. Sew the bunting pieces onto the ribbon using sewing thread, spacing them evenly. Alternatively, weave a piece of yarn or narrow ribbon through the stitches of the top garter stitch ridge on each triangle. Repeat until all pieces are attached. Kate Selene RAINBOW SHERBET DK WEIGHT…

Show off the subtle depth of colour in a beautiful variegated yarn with this men’s textured sweater. It’s the little details, such as the cable edging on the cross-over collar, that make it a genuine showstopper! Dress it down with a pair of jeans or chinos and it’ll be perfect for casual everyday wear. BACK Cast on 99 (111: 125: 137: 151: 163) sts using 3¼mm needles. Row 1 (RS) K2, (P1, K1) to last st, K1. Row 2 K1, (P1, K1) to end. Rep the last 2 rows 10 times more.** Next row (RS) K4 (10: 8: 5: 3: 9), *M1, K5 (5: 6: 7: 8: 8); rep from * to last 5 (11: 9: 6: 4: 10) sts, M1, K to end. [118 (130: 144: 156: 170: 182)…

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…

If you’ve always wanted to master the art of knitting lace, this is the collection for you! Whether you’re a complete beginner or you already know your yo from your k2tog, we have all you need to help you improve your skills. Start by turning to page 6 for our masterclass on lace knitting, which will take you from your first stitches to blocking a finished project, with lots of handy hints and tips along the way. The yarns we’ve chosen are fantastic value – the hat and the cowl can be knitted for under a fiver each, and the most expensive project here (the shawl) can be knitted for under £10. It’s a very cheap way to keep yourself happily occupied! When you’re ready to cast on, turn to…

Leaf lace is a really popular pattern, and there are many variations of it. This slouchy hat shows it off to great effect and is a fun project for anyone looking to improve their lace skills. Take your pick from written instructions or the chart, and don’t forget to add contrasting stitch markers to make the pattern repeats really easy to spot. DROPS Karisma is a machine washable wool yarn that comes in a dazzling range of colours, so you can match your new hat to your favourite cold-weather outfit. It has great stitch definition too – perfect for showcasing that fabulous lace pattern! STITCH PATTERN FERN LACE Round 1 *Yo, K2, k2tog, K1, ssk, K2, yo, K1; rep from * to end. Round 2 and all even-numbered rounds Knit.…