Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 156 i Simply Knitting

Mother’s Day is a great time for knitting. It’s wonderful to show you care, isn’t it? We have loads of gift ideas for mums (and other friends and relatives!), from gorgeous garments to goodies for the home. Check out the cushion in our free How to Knit Fair Isle booklet, which includes a bit of history, a technique guide and beautiful patterns to try.You’ll love it if you’re fascinated by Fair Isle or have been yearning to master this beautiful colourwork style. Try out Fair Isle on a smaller scale on page 9. We know you love to knit for charity, and this issue you can use yarns from your stash to knit mini hats for innocent smoothie bottles, to raise funds for Age UK.Turn to page 49 to find…

Siân Brown “This design is based around large-scale intarsia, using strong colours for maximum effect. The yarn was really light to work with, making this jumper ideal to wear throughout spring.” YOU WILL NEED • Debbie Bliss, Baby Cashmerino (55% wool, 33% acrylic, 12% cashmere, 50g/125m balls) • A pair of 2¾mm needles • A pair of 3mm needles • A 3mm circular needle, 60cm long • Safety pin or locking marker For yarn stockists contact Designer Yarns 01535 664222 www.designeryarns.uk.com TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 25 sts and 34 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3mm needles ABBREVIATIONS dec 1 Work k2tog or p2tog depending on next st in rib For a full list see page 95 If you’re looking…

YOU WILL NEED • Stylecraft, Alpaca Chunky (80% acrylic, 20% alpaca, 100g/135m balls), 2 balls of Orchid (6012) • A pair of 6mm needles • A pair of 6 mm needles • A large cable needle, preferably one with a notch in the centre For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft 01484 848435 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as chunky to this tension: 21 sts and 14 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 6 mm needles MEASUREMENTS Approx 27cm (10 in) deep x 58cm (22¾in) circumference ABBREVIATIONS C15B Slip next 5 sts onto cn at back of work, (K10, turn work; P10, turn work) 4 times, K10, do not turn work; K5 sts from cn. C15F Slip next 10 sts onto cn at front of work, K5;…

YOU WILL NEED • Rowan, Baby Merino Silk DK (66% superwash wool, 34% silk, 50g/135m balls) • 1 pair 3¼mm needles • 1 pair 4mm needles • Stitch holders For yarn stockists contact Rowan 01484 950630 www.knitrowan.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 and 23 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over rib using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 If our experience is anything to go by, knitting for older kids can often be a bit hit and miss, which is why we believe simple and stylish is the best option. With that in mind, this sensationally cool blue sweater is bound…

YOU WILL NEED • Cascade Yarns, Eco Cloud (70% undyed Merino wool, 30% undyed baby alpaca, 100g/150m) • A set of 5 mm circular needles, 40cm long • A set of 6mm circular needles, 60cm long • Stitch marker • Tapestry needle For yarn stockists contact Love Knitting 0845 544 2196 www.loveknitting.com TENSION Yarn used knits as aran to this tension: 16 sts and 19 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 6mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Knit up this cowl-neck capelet with its geometric pattern and you’ll feel cosy round the neck and shoulders all day long. A capelet is easier to wear than a shawl – just pull it on and go! The bold triangle pattern is made…

I actually picked this book up in a charity shop in the seaside town of Tenby, and although I probably wasn’t expecting much (I didn’t really ›>Ûi›>›«À›«iÀ›y›V›› Ì›À›Õ}››Liv›Ài›LÕÞ››}®›››››Ü›w› ››Ì› my go-to book for classic shapes and easy-knit gifts. I’ve knitted three different patterns from it...so far! The reason I haven’t knitted everything is because of those old chestnuts, time and money, but everything I have knitted has been perfect q›>› ››› ››½Ì›ÕÃi›Ì›>̛ܛÀ ›››}›Ì›Þ°›››w› › ›ÕL›i›«›››Ìi ››ii ›iÛw ›Þ›Ã›››½››››Ì› a traditional sock fan, but this book has a }›À}i›ÕÛ«>ÌÌiÀ››v›À›>À>››Üi›}›Ì›Ã››ÕV›Þ› ÛV›Ã››››ÃÌÀ>›}›Ì››ii ›iÛܛ›V›››½Ûi››> i› about ten times in various different yarn combinations – they remain my absolute favourite stashbuster. Other than that, I’ve made the super-easy gloves and the deep, 6››iV›i ››Õ›«iÀ°››ÛiÀÞ›«>ÌÌiÀ››V››iÛ ܛ̛› Ài>›Þ›››>}iÛ>› ››Ã›V›i>À›Þ›ÜÀ›ÌÌi›°› ›Ỡ̛i›Ài>››››Þ››v›Ì››Ã›L›››››Ã››ÌÛÛiÀÃ>Ì›››ÌÞ› q›V›››Ã››}›V›>ÃÛV›Þ>À››Üi›}›ÌÃ]›Ã››«›i› «>ÌÌiÀ›Ã›>› ›V››v›ÀÌ›wÌ›}>À›i›ÌÛ›i>›Ã› changing up the yarns…

Every year, innocent’s Big Knit campaign recruits talented crafters like you from all over the UK to make fun little hats for smoothie bottles. This year, we’re helping innocent reach their target of 2 million hats for the biggest big knit ever. It’s fun, it’s easy and it’s a great cause. For every behatted smoothie sold, the Big Knit campaign donates 25p to Age UK to help keep older people warm and well over winter. The colder months can be tough for a lot of people – as many as 25,000 older people’s lives are at risk because of the cold. But we can help and whether you’re new to knitting hats or have made a hundred before, it’s simple to get involved. Thanks to knitters like you, the Big…

TO INFINITY AND BEYOND I hope you and your readers like this photo of my astronaut doll from issue 147. It is the first time I’ve actually attempted to knit an Alan Dart pattern (incidentally, when card is suggested for the soles as stiffeners, plastic (such as milk bottles) also works). It’s a present for my grandson, Austin, who’s eight years old with a keen interest in space and a very vivid imagination. All the ladies at each knit ‘n’ natter group I attend, that have seen this doll, all say he looks like Buzz Lightyear! Can you see the likeness? Keep up the good work Alan Dart and Simply Knitting team. I hope to make more Alan Dart toys now that I’ve proved I can do one! Elaine Hicklin,…

This picture shows my mother wearing a shawl I knitted for her. In the background you can see Wertheim Castle, one of the most picturesque ruins in Germany. My mother taught my sister, Yara, and me how to crochet at an early age. We used to crochet clothes and accessories for Walter and Günter, my favourite cuddly toys. I only started knitting a few years ago and I’m seriously hooked. I’m practically never not knitting and you hardly see me without my knitting needles or at least wearing a hand-knitted item. I got to know your wonderful magazine during our holiday in Cornwall and I have treated myself to a subscription this year. I can t wait for the next issue to arrive. Myrna Hildebrandt, Germany WE’D LOVE TO SEE…

Wi›>››››››Ü››v›>Ì›wÀÃÌ› Þ›Õ› ››½Ì›ÃÕVVii ]›ÌÀÞ]› ÌÀÞ›>}>››t›7i››]›Ì›>̽Û iÝ>V̛ޛܛ>Ì››>À}>ÀiÌ› ›>›«Li›››››>}î› ›v››››Ü›››››}]›čÞÀÛ›Ài› › ›Ü›i››Ã›i› iV› i ››Ì›Ü>Û>L›Ỡ̛›i›Ã›i›ÃÌ>ÀÌi ››iÀ› ›Ü›››››ÌÌ››}›}À›Õ«°› During a period of ill health, Mags spent her time knitting almost non-stop (something we fully support, with the occasional rest of course) for various charities. Having long wanted to belong to a knitting group, Mags realised now was the time to get one going herself! º››viÜ›wÀÃÌ›>ÌÌi›«ÌÛ › ›½Ì››>ÃÌ› long,” says Mags. “But one day I was speaking to the senior librarian assistant in Kilwinning Library about how knit ¼›½››>ÌÌiÀ›}À›Õ«Ã›ÜiÀi›Ã«À››}››}›Õ«›››› ››LÀ>À›iÛ››››ÞÀÛ›ÀiÆ›¼9›Õ› ›››Ìt½›Ã›i›Ã>› °» As it turned out, this was just what Mags needed to spur her on, and within a few short weeks she had half a dozen eager knitters ready to natter. “A few faces came and went,” says Mags. “But now, 18 months…

Check out the latest exciting collaboration between Cygnet and Sincerely Louise… Mythically Chunky is a super chunky 100% acrylic yarn in a range of pretty colours, perfect for creating a world of toys and homewares. Find pattern, inspiration and a blog at www. cygnetyarns.com . News flash ! Visit Fareham Maltings during February and donate a knitted bird to their charity aviary. Go to www.farnhammaltings.com for more. READER POLL Yarn heaven Say hello to Two Flocks, a mix of BFL and Dorset Poll ›om The Knitting Goddess. Available in ten semi-solid shades. www.theknittinggoddess.wordpress.com…

YOU WILL NEED • Bergère de France, Filomèche (44% wool, 34% acrylic, 22% polyamide, 50g/60m balls), 16 balls of Spéculos (54594) • A pair of 7mm needles • 5 brown buttons, 31mm diameter (sample uses ref 42384 from Bergère) For yarn stockists contact Bergère de France 00 33 1 800 361 0090 www.bergeredefrance.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 13 sts and 17 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 7mm needles; 13 sts and 24 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over g st using 7mm needles MEASUREMENTS 240cm (94 in) hem circumference, 75cm (29 in) long, 40cm (15¾in) around neck ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Capes and ponchos are some of the most popular items to knit, and we…

How frustrating it is when the size info wears off all your needles! Luckily, we have a selection of practical and quirky gauges for you. 1 This pocket-sized 0.7-10mm gauge includes space for a keyring, two rulers, plus US-to-metric sizes. £3.80, www.brownberryyarns. co.uk , 01603 418605 2 Complete with a pop-out knife for yarn ends, Addi’s 1½-10mm cool and functional gauge really has it all. £4.49, www.loveknitting.com , 0845 544 2196 3 Ranging from 3-10mm and also available as a sweet heart or a snowy sheep, this chic woodland gauge is a real hoot to check needles with. £4.95, www.theknittinggiftshop. co.uk , 07528 812 731 4 Functional and fun? What more can you ask for! Plus, this…

YOU WILL NEED • Hayfield, Bonus DK (100% acrylic, 100g/280m), 1 ball of each: Yarn A White (961) Yarn B Black (965) A small amount (2g) of Yarn C Cerise (984) • A pair of 5mm knitting needles • A pair of 5 mm knitting needles • 1 pair of brown 18mm safety eyes • Stuffing 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 ABBREVIATIONS  mlr Make a loop RS row – knit into the stitch but don’t slide the stitch off the left-hand needle, bring the yarn through the middle of the needles to the front of the work and down under the…

Ida's House idashouse.co.uk  jayne@idashouse.co.uk Learn to knit socks and stock up on sock yarns at a small friendly shop 10 minutes from Junction 6 on the M25. West Yorkshire Spinners, Debbie Bliss Luxury Sock Yarn, Zauberbaul and Rico are always in stock as well as an ever changing selection of indie yarns. Please subscribe to our mailing list via the website to receive details of upcoming Sock Workshops or telephone 01883 345220 for more information. We host a social night every Tuesday and Thursday evening between 7.00 and 9.00pm. The session costs £4 and includes tea, homemade cake and a helping hand if needed. We look forward to meeting you!…

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…

Discover the fun of traditional Fair Isle and its exciting history in this timeless collection. Whether you’ve cast off countless colourful knits or have always wanted to cast one on, this Fair Isle book will have you knitting rainbows in no time. All you need to do is pick a few of your favourite colours, grab a quick cup of tea and read on to find out how to knit flawless Fair Isle projects. Let’s start with the basics – our easy-to-follow guide on page 12 will walk you through how to hold your yarns and follow charts when knitting with colours. Plus, turn to page 26 for our top-ten tips for Fair Isle knitting - number five is a must! Did you know Fair Isle played an important role…

Knitwear’s popularity fluctuated throughout the 20th century, but Fair Isle, became hugely fashionable in the 1920s. Vintage pattern specialist Susan Crawford says, “The rise in popularity of knitting and knitwear in the 1920s can probably be credited to a single sweater. In 1922, James A Smith, a firm of drapers in Lerwick, Shetland, presented a hand-knitted Fair Isle sweater to the then Prince of Wales [right]. Designed to be worn when playing golf, it created a huge surge of interest in hand-knitted garments as a fashion statement.” During the 20s the androgynous look came into vogue, and the long lines and V-neck shape of the sweater appealed to women as much as to men. Both sexes wore similar sweaters for outdoor pursuits like golf, shooting and walking, and Susan Crawford…

The time has come to give Fair Isle knitting a go! ››››Ài›››››››}›i›Û››ÕÛޛ>̛̛i›yÕÀÀÞ››v› v>Û›››>L›i››>›À››Ã›i››››ÌÜi>À››››››}››ÃÌÀiiÌ› Û›«Ã]››À›Ì›i›«>}iÛ›v›ÃÌÕ››››}›«À››iVÌÛ›››*››ÌiÀiÃÌ°› With our expert advice and tempting inspiration Üi½Ài›ÃÕÀi›››Vi›Þ›Õ›ÃÌ>À̛̛›Ã›Ü›› iÀvÕ››ÌiV›››µÕi› Þ›Õ½›››w› ››Ì››ÕV››i>ÛiÀ›Ì›>››Þ›Õ›iÛiÀ›››>}››i °› ››"ÛiÀ›Ì›i››iÝÌ›viÜ›«>}iÛÜi›LÀ››}›Þ›Õ›Ì›i›iÃÃi›Ì›>›› }Õ› i›Ì››ÃÌ>ÀÌ››}›Þ›ÕÀ››>›À››Ã›i›››ÕÀ›iÞ°››iÀi›Þ›Õ½››› ›i>À››>L›Ỡ̛i›Ì›Àii› ›vviÀi›Ì›Þ>À›››iÌ›› Ã]›››Ü›Ì›› Ü›À››Ì›i›››››L›Ì››Ì›i›ÜÀ››}›Ã› i›>› ›Ì›i›À›}›Ì›Ã› i› ›v›Ì›i›v>LÀ›V]›>› ›Ü›››Ì›iÞ››>Þ›Ã՛̛LiÃÌ°›9›Õ½››››i>À›› Ì›>Ì›ÕÛ›}›Ì›i›À›}›Ì›ÌiV›››µÕi›V>››À>`›V>››Þ›V›>›}i› Ì›i›ivviVÌ›Ûi›iÃÛ›v›Þ›ÕÀ›V›››ÕÀÛ>› ›Þ›Õ½›››Õ›V›ÛiÀ› Ì›i›Ü›› iÀvÕ››Ü›À› ››v››>›À››Ã›i›V›››ÕÀÜ›À››>› › V››ÃÌÀÕVÌ››››q›Ì›iÞ½Ài›Ài>››Þ›››Ì›››}›Ì››vi>À° ›››/››Ã›}Ài>Ì›ÌiV›››µÕi]›ÃÌii«i ›››››iÀ›Ì>}i]› ›À›}››>Ìi ›››››>›À››Ã›i››Ü›iÀi›i›Ãi¶®›>› ››>ÛLii›› «>ÃÃi › ›Ü››vÀ›››}i›iÀ>Ì››››Ì››}i›iÀ>Ì››››>› › V›››Õ››Ìޛ̛›V›››Õ››ÌÞ°››Ì›Ü>ÛÌÀ>`›Ì›››>››v›À› ›› ›Û› Õ>›Ã›Ì››VÀi>Ìi›Ì›i›À››Ü››«>ÌÌiÀ›Ã]››ii«››}› Ì›i››ÜÀ›ÌÌi›› ›Ü›››››«iÀÛ›>››Ã›iÌV››L›››Ã°›/›iÃi› >ÞÃ]›Ü›Ì›››>›Þ›«>ÌÌiÀ›Ã›> >«Ìi ›vÀ›››ÌÀ> ›Ì›››>›› Û>«iÛ>› ›››Ì›vƯ̂›››Ài››› iÀ›››«Ì›››Ã]›Ì›iÀi½Ã› «›i›ÌÞ›v›À›Ì›i›i>}iÀ››>›À››Ã›i››››ÌÌiÀ›Ì››V›››Ãi›vÀ››°› ››››››V››Ì››«>}i›£È›v›À›}Ài>Ì›››Ã›}›Ì›››Ì››V›››ÕÀ› ››››>›Vi›>› ›ÃÌii›››}]›Ü›iÀi›Ì››Ã›iÝV›Ì››}]› ÌÀ> ›Ì›››>›››››ÌÌ››}›Ài>››Þ›V››iÛ››Ì›››Ìۛܛo› THE TWO-YARN TECHNIQUE As with most techniques, working with two yarns (as in Fair Isle) requires practice. There are several ways of holding the yarn; the easiest is to hold the working yarn and drop the unused yarn, changing yarns as you need to change colours. The second way is to hold both yarns in one…

1 These images show what happens to the yarn that you carry over on the wrong side of the work. 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.…

1 About 6in (15cm) 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 2-3 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 pattern (make sure you ommit the slipknot in your count.)…

Issue 155 February Cabled Poncho Baby Cardigan Stripy Shawl Red Cable Jumper Sir Lancelot Fringed Scarf Purple Cardigan Teddy Bear Cushion Fingerless Mittens Boyfriend Cardi Man’s Diamond Jumper PLUS! Quick & Easy Knits booklet Issue 154 January Colourblock top Party vest Shrug Child’s jumper Man’s sweater Hat Socks Bag Mitts Alan Dart’s Yule goat and gnomes Lace cardi Wine cosy Easy knits Hot water bottle cosy Spotty jumper PLUS! Lace patterns 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…

Debora Bradley Editor-in-Chief I keep saying I’m ‘mid-boob’! I’m knitting for a friend who volunteers on a local maternity ward – knitted breasts help new mums to learn about attachment. Claire Watkins Art Editor I’ve actually been knitting little woolly hats for innocent’s Big Knit this month! I think I’m going to have to give Kirstie’s hats a go on page 9 – they’re adorable. Sophie Jordan Production Editor I’m getting ahead of the game a bit and knitting some little chicks for Francis House Children’s Hospice this Easter. My daughter’s been helping me put them together. Faye Perriam-Reed Technical Editor My father-in-law knits hats for the homeless and on our last visit I added a few to the collection! It definitely put me in the mood to knit more…

Prepare to snuggle up the stylish way with the exciting launch of Rowan’s Soffili Yak yarn (£9.95). Its super-soft brushed mix of 32% nylon, 27% wool, 25% alpaca and 16% yak makes it light and airy, yet notably warm. Choose from Dessert, Dark Red, Jewel, Nightly or Dark Iron shades and work your patterns on 5mm needles. Take a peek online at Rowan Selects Soffili Yak collection book for inspiration. For Rowan stockists call on 01484 950630 or visit www.knitrowan.com . PERFECT FOR MUM… WHAT? Aren’t these adorable sheep and teapot sweater kits gorgeous? Both are worked in beautiful 100% British natural ryeland wool, kindly donated by sheep who graze on Dartmoor’s National Park. Each kit includes yarn, a pair of British-made 4mm needles with pretty beaded…

“Sitting down with a cup of tea to write this column, it occurred to me that you don’t have to be a mum to enjoy Mother’s Day. In my view, it’s a time to ÀiyiVÌ››››>›››Ì›i›››Ì›iÀ››}›>L›››Ì›iÛ that we have as women (which I’m sure you’ll agree are many) and I believe that of all our skills, we are especially good at comforting and nurturing. KNITTING WITH LOVE It goes without saying that knitting goes hand in hand with our nurturing qualities, and what other craft gives us the opportunity to share so much love with something that we’ve created? 7››i›››››wÛ››}›V›››Õ››Ì›iÛ knitted cabled sweaters not just to keep their men warm and dry on the boats – they also incorporated patterns Ì›>Ì›V›Õ› ›› i›Ì›vޛ̛i›wÛiÀ›i››››› the case of an accident. Even in one…

Sarah Hatton “This design was all about incorporating nature. I looked at garden vines and the way they twisted together, to help me create the cables. It would be interesting to see it in other colourways.” YOU WILL NEED • Rowan, Pure Wool Superwash Worsted (100% wool, 100g/200m) • A pair of 4mm needles • A pair of 4 mm needles • Stitch holders • Cable needle For yarn stockists contact Rowan 01484 950630 www.knitrowan.com TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4 mm needles ABBREVIATIONS C2B Slip next st onto cn and hold at back of work, K1, then K1 from cn C2F Slip next st onto cn and hold at front…

YOU WILL NEED • Hayfield, Bonus DK (100% acrylic, 100g/280m) 1 ball of each: Bluebell (969), White (961), Walnut (927), Wheat (816), Aran (993) and Powder Blue (960) • 2g oddments of pink, pale pink, pale yellow and silver grey DK yarn • 1m length of black DK yarn • 50cm length of pale green DK yarn • A pair of 3mm knitting needles • Stitch holder • 3 mm crochet hook • 25g of washable toy stuffing • 4m of 0.5mm clear beading elastic • 2.5cm diameter white plastic ring • 4 x 12.5cm white pipe cleaners • Stiff card • Scrap of thin card • Long tweezers • Ruler • Craft knife • Clear adhesive • Hair spray For yarn stockists contact Sirdar 01924 231682 www.sirdar.co.uk…

Marjorie “I like the Big Knit because it provides an income for Age UK Bromley & Greenwich.” Marjorie’s been knitting for 75 years. She attends local knitting groups and always has her knitting with her, so she can whip up a hat on the bus on the way to the shops. She’s knitted hundreds over the years, including snowmen, cups of tea and owls, as well as regular hats embellished with pompoms, bells and beads. These days Marjorie goes into a school with her local Age UK and teaches children to knit, something she loves to do. Sara “The Big Knit is an idea that makes you smile. How can you not smile at little hats on bottles?” Sara was given her first set of knitting needles for her 18th…

SAUSAGE-TROOPERS! I was asked by my cousin to knit winter coats for her fur babies. As you can see it was quite a challenge finding a pattern ! Once found, I had the lengths of the ‘girls’ sent to me. The family are all big Star Wars fans and I have previously knitted themed beanies for them all. I had to keep this theme for the dogs as well and so I adapted the pattern to incorporate some of the pattern from the beanie. Dot and Dash seem to love their aran roll-neck jumpers, which will hopefully keep them nice and warm during their walks. I have now started to work out what the next styles will be. Anne Rixen, via email OUR LETTER OF THE MONTH WRITER WINS A…

Coming up with the perfect character for her children’s picture books was easy for Amanda Brandon – a grandmother sheep who knits! Granny Mutton has featured in three beautiful books, A Scarf and a Half , A Box of Socks and the latest tale A Knit and a Knot , each of which celebrates the relationship between Granny Mutton and her grandson Little Lionel. We’re particular fans of the latest one, in which Granny Mutton teaches Lionel to knit! “Grandparents play an important role in creating happy childhood memories and I had a special bond with my grandmother,” says Amanda. “Like the character Granny Mutton in my book she enjoyed knitting and every Christmas my brother and I would receive a pair of handmade gloves.” 7›Ì››Ì›i›wÀÃÌ›L›››› featuring a scarf that…

1 Insert the point of the right-hand needle through the loops of the next 2 stitches on the left-hand needle, as if to knit. 2 Wind the yarn around the tip of the right-hand needle as normal 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 like this decreases your stitch count by one, and the decrease stitch leans to the right. The picture above shows how a series looks.…

YOU WILL NEED • Rooster, Almerino Aran (50% baby alpaca, 50% Merino, 50g/94m), 3 balls of Yarn A Shimmer 1 ball of each: Yarn B Gooseberry, 1 ball Yarn C Ocean, 1 ball • A pair of 5mm needles • 6 buttons For yarn stockists contact Rooster Yarns 01829 740903 www.roosteryarns.com TENSION Yarn used knits as aran to this tension: 19 sts and 23 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 5mm needles MEASUREMENTS 40cm x 40cm ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 There’s no better way to breathe new life into an old sofa than with a few contemporary cushions. And the geometric look is huge right now – simply change the colours to make this knit fit in with your home decor.…

YOU WILL NEED • Yarn A White DK yarn from your stash • Any DK yarn from your stash • A pair of 31/2 mm needles TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 25 sts and 26 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over Fair Isle pattern using 3 mm needles MEASUREMENTS 8.5cm (3¼in) tall x 10cm (4in) wide, after sewing up ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 This pretty mug hug is a perfect project for using leftover yarns from your stash, making sure you have some white yarn for the background. The Fair Isle pattern sets off the cheerful colours of the yarn beautifully, as they look perfect together. It’s designed in a sleeve shape, without a fastening, so it’s quick and easy. The cosy…

SIRDAR HOURS KNIT AND STITCH W hoursknitandstitch.co.uk T 01795 599 442 Come in and see Caroline or Jean for a great range of knitting wool, cross stitch and tapestry kits and a variety of sewing notions. Knowledgeable and friendly service, receive 10% off full price stock, valid until end of February 2017 on production of this voucher. WEST YORKSHIRE SPINNERS NEATH VALLEY WOOLS W nvwools.com A 75 High Street, Glynneath, SA11 5TB Stockist of a range of quality wools and yarns by WYS, BaaRamEwe, Adriafil, Debbie Bliss, DMC, Manos, Opal and so much more as well as a range of needles by Knit Pro and Brittany. Situated in the beautiful Neath Valley. ROWAN CRICKLADE NEEDLECRAFTS A 89A High St, Cricklade, Wilts, SN6 6DF T 01793 750 604 We…

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…

Fallen in love with Fair Isle? You can find out much more about it and have a lovely time at these events this year. STITCHTOPIA HOLIDAYS Knitting in The Faroe Islands 29 June - 6 July 2017 Join like-minded crafters for knitting workshops and explore the stunning landscapes of The Faroe Islands. The Spirit of Shetland knitting holiday 20-25 July 2017 With Hazel Tindall, Kathleen Anderson A fabulous textile infused journey of discovery on this six-day knitting holiday to the breathtaking Shetland Islands. FANØ INTERNATIONAL KNIT FESTIVAL 15-17 September 2017 www.strikkefestival.dk/en/ Fanø is the westernmost island of Denmark. Organisers Christel and Jørgen Seyfarth have been running this festival for 12 years, and say, “On this picturesque island with cobblestoned streets and houses with thatched roofs, you will find a spectacular…

YOU WILL NEED • Use spare DK yarn from your stash • A pair of 4mm needles TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 20 sts and 25 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over Fair Isle patt using 4mm needles MEASUREMENTS 5cm (2in) tall (excluding pompom) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 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. Kirstie McLeod’s little hats, designed to fit onto innocent smoothie bottles, are fun to knit and a great way to try out Fair Isle. Use a selection of yarn from your stash, and knit them for innocent’s…

What makes your lace workshop different? Our knitting workshops deliver the full package: you get a kit of your choice, individual attention and tuition, a home-cooked meal, cake and treats and a meeting with our gorgeous alpacas! Three things we’ll learn? Spit splicing (it’s really not quite as yucky as it sounds), why alpaca yarn and knitting with it is so brilliant, as well as continental knitting (if you want). Why do you love teaching? It’s brilliant to start someone off on a journey, build Ì›i›À›V››w`i›Vi›>› ›››«ivÕ››Þ›Ãii›Ì›i›À› knits on their Ravelry page! Your top 3 tips If you’re attending one of our workshops bring a set of needles of different sizes in case you change your mind on what you want to make. Wellies come in handy for muddy >›«>V>›wi›…

Jo Allport “This bright yarn inspired me to create a cardigan that could be worn both ways, throughout spring and summer, to match its unique colours. The lace panels remind me of flower petals.” YOU WILL NEED • Conway and Bliss, Lolli (80% cotton, 20% polyamide, 50g/110m balls) • A pair of 4 mm knitting needles • 5 stitch holders • 11 ( 11 : 11 : 11 : 11 : 12 : 12 : 12: 12 : 12 ) small 1cm buttons For yarn stockists contact Designer Yarns 01535 664222 www.designeryarns.uk.com TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 21 sts and 43 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over moss st using 4 mm needles 21 sts and 32 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st…

Garter Stitch Revival Interweave Editors (£20) With }>ÀÌiÀ›ÃÌ›ÌV››Li››}›Ì›i›wÀÃÌ›ÃÌ›ÌV››Üi› ever learn as knitters, it can be a gleeful homecoming to discover a pattern using this robust staple. This book, endorsed by top designer Holli Yeoh, is «>V›i ›Ü›Ì››Ü›› iÀvÕ››Þ›i>ÃÞ››››ÌÛv›À› }>ÀÌiÀ›ÃÌ›ÌV››>››››VÃ]›>› › ›Ã«›>ÞÛ››Ü› easy it is to use garter stitch to add contemporary details. Whether you’re ››››››}›v›À›ÃÕ››iÀ››À›Ü››ÌiÀ››>›iÃ]› ›››w›i››À›V›Õ››Þ›Þ>À›Ã]›Ì›iÀi½Ã›«›i›ÌÞ› ›iÃÌ›i ›Ü›Ì››››Ì›iÃi›V›››ÕÀvÕ››«>}iƯ̂› }i̛ޛÕÀ››››ÌÌ››}››ii ›iÛÌÜ›ÌV›››}°› Topsy-Turvy Knitted Dolls Sarah Keen (GMC, £14.99) Help children embrace imaginative play ܛ̛›Ì››Ã›iÝV›Ì››}›L›››››v››››ÌÌi › toys. Harking back to the charming double-ended dolls of our childhoods, the comprehensive patterns in this L››››V››i›Ü›Ì››››VÀi ›L›i› iÌ>›››>› › additional accessories to boot. Based ›››Üi›››››Ûi ›V›>À>VÌiÀÛvÀ››››ÕÀÃiÀÞ› rhymes and fairy tales, they make Ü›› iÀvÕ››}›vÌÛv›À›Þ›Õ›}›vÀ›i› ð››› › ܛ̛›Ìi››«À››iVÌƯ̂››>›i]›Þ›Õ½››››>Ûi› 2017’s birthday gifts sorted too! Knitted Animal Nursery Fiona Goble (CICO Books, £12.99) We love spoiling babies and…

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.…

“The Big Knit campaign couldn’t happen without the support of thousands of amazing people across the UK who take part and knit woolly hats to adorn innocent smoothies each year.”Doug las Lamont, CEO at innocent As many as 25,000 older people’s lives are at risk because of the cold. And innocent wanted to help. Back in 2003 they asked people to knit little woolly hats. They put the hats on their smoothies, and for each one sold made a donation to Age UK. innocent has put little hand-knitted hats onto smoothie bottles for over 13 years now, and in that time donated £1.9 million to Age UK. This year, they’re aiming for an enormous, record-breaking two million hats to raise more money than ever before. KEEPING IT LOCAL All the…

NOTE TO SELF... SWATCH, SWATCH, SWATCH! @SEALVER HAS LEARNED A VITAL KNITTING LESSON: SWATCHING IS KEY! UNFORTUNATELY SHE’S ENDED UP WITH A HAT THAT’S A BIT ON THE BIG SIDE, BUT PRACTICE DOES MAKE PERFECT. TOASTY TOES @CVWEYMOUTH’S BEEN BUSY KNITTING CLAIRE DEVINE’S ISLAND MIST SOCKS FROM ISSUE 137. SHE’S USING WARM AND SNUGGLY YARN GIVEN TO HER FOR CHRISTMAS LAST YEAR – WE REALLY LOVE THOSE CABLES! PAWS OFF! WE’VE FALLEN HEAD OVER HEELS FOR @MILLYAKELLY’S UTTERLY ADORABLE DOGGY HAT – WE ALL WANT ONE IN THE OFFICE! FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MILLY’S KNITS AT WWW.THE SELFISHKNITTER.WORDPRESS.COM.…

Three winners can tidy away all their crafty bits and bobs in one of these adorable Sass & Belle Spring Forest Fox set of three suitcases, worth £23 per set. www.sassandbelle.co.uk  020 7346 0117 SKMFOX156 Prepare for the season ahead with Debbie Bliss’ luxury lace cowl and mitts! Five winners will receive two skeins of Botany Lace, plus the accompanying patterns, worth £15.94 per pack. www.designeryarns.uk.com 01535 664222 SKMBOTANY156 Cast on a stunning, lightweight set of eyelet handwarmers this spring! Three lucky readers have a chance of winning a kit worth £10, including a custom-made set of 3mm bamboo needles. www.theknittinggiftshop.co.uk  07528 812 731 SKMEYELET156 There’s nothing like cosying up with a really good book, especially . if it’s a knitting . one! Three knitters can relax with Hygge .…

YOU WILL NEED • Rico Design, Fashion Alpaca Dream (64% wool, 30% alpaca, 6% polyamide; 100g/240m), 2 balls of 08 • A pair of 6mm needles • A pair of 7mm needles For yarn stockists contact Rico Design www.rico-design.de TENSION Yarn used knits as chunky to this tension: 18 sts and 24 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over lace patt using 7mm needles MEASUREMENTS To fit Small/Medium (48-54cm) and Medium/Large head ( 55-60cm ) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Here’s a nice little project to get your needles into. If you’re already a whizz at knitting lace it’s a nice quick knit you can finish in a fairly short time. On the other hand, if you need a bit of practice, it’s small enough to…

TEEN JUMPER Knit a jumper that your teenager will simply love to wear. Worked mainly in black with just a pop of 3D colour, Fran Morgan’s interesting ribbon stitch technique adds a ‘woven-in’ look to your make. Use our choice of colours or hunt out new aran shades to suit your recipient’s wardrobe. YOU WILL NEED • West Yorkshire Spinners, Aire Valley Aran (75% wool, 25% polyamide, 100g/200m balls) • West Yorkshire Spinners, Bluefaced Leicester Aran (100% wool, 50g/83m balls) • A pair of 4 mm needles • A pair of 5mm needles For yarn stockists contact West Yorkshire Spinners 01535 664500 www.wyspinners.com TENSION Yarn used knits as aran to this tension: 18 sts and 24 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 5mm needles ABBREVIATIONS…

FLOWER PATTERN CAST ON 56 sts. ROW 1 P1, K4, *P1, K8; rep from * to last 6 sts, P1, K4, P1. ROW 2 K1, P4, *K1, P8; rep from * to last 6 sts, K1, P4, K1. Rep these 2 rows five more times. NEXT ROW P1, K4, *drop next stitch and unravel to row above cast on then knit this stitch as normal, K8; rep from * to last 6 sts, drop next stitch and unravel to row above cast on then knit this stitch as normal, K4, P1. [6 sts dropped in total] NEXT ROW (P1, p3tog) to end. [28 sts] Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread through sts on needle and pull tight. Sew up side seam using mattress stitch to create sixth petal. Weave…

“One of the first thing we do in the morning is pull up our socks. It’s just a joy to start with a ›esh pair of beautiful socks to funk up the day!” When Vahan and Vahagn Hovhannisyan sat down in a coffee shop to think of a business idea, they made two lists: things they were passionate about and people they wanted to work with. The London-based brothers wanted to marry the small pleasures in life (such as a smart pair of socks) with the big things (such as art and fashion). They came up with Look Mate, a designer sock emporium. º"›i››v›Ì›i›wÀÃ̛̛››}ÛÜi› ›››››Ì›i›››À›››}››Ã›«Õ›››Õ«››ÕÀ› socks,” Vahan comments. “It is just a joy to start with a fresh pair of beautiful socks to funk up the day.” The pair collaborated…

CHARTS FOR KALEIDOSCOPE JUMPER ON P10 Over the next few pages you’ll find all the charts you need to knit the Kaleidoscope geometric jumper on page 10. These include charts for the front and back of the jumper and the diamond shape for the lower portion of the sleeves. This great knit by Siân Brown uses the intarsia method of changing colour, and if you would love more brilliant inspiration for knitting with colour, check out our 28-page Fair Isle knitting supplement – it’s packed with beautiful projects and great advice for all knitters. 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…

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…

First knitting project I was taught to knit by my nana when I was about seven, and I made some memorable knits in my teens. One was a slip-stitch cardigan in royal blue, fuchsia and black – totally inspired by the 80s. Dream knitting day Wandering through a yarn shop, picking up lovely yarn and chatting with everyone I meet. Then sitting with friends and working on a project for myself. Knit alone or with others? I think it depends on what I’m doing. If I’m working on a design, then I prefer to knit alone, as I need to concentrate. But if I’m just following a pattern for myself, then I love to be with other people. Happiest knitting memory Always with my mum and nana working on either…

Traditional Fair Isle patterns include OXO patterns, stars, crosses and many geometric designs. Lots of other colourwork designs exist, even featuring people and animals (sheep, obviously!), but what makes Fair Isle so distinctive is the definite types of patterns used for the knitting. CORRUGATED RIBBING This idea is often used to introduce the colours of the main Fair Isle pattern used into hems, cuffs, neck or button bands of garments. To make it, you knit the stitches of the rib in one colour, and work the purl stitches in a different colour. You can keep colours the same for vertical stripes, or if you change them every few rows, this will produce checked patterns. The yarns are stranded at the back of the work, so the ribbed fabric has less…

YOU WILL NEED • Jamieson and Smith 2ply Jumper Weight (100% wool, 25g/115m balls) 2 balls of each: Yarn A Shade 132 Yarn B Shade 91 • A pair of 3mm knitting needles • A pair of 3 mm knitting needles For yarn stockists contact Jamieson & Smith 01595 693579 www.shetlandwoolbrokers.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as 4ply to this tension: 26 sts and 27 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3mm needles MEASUREMENTS 19cm (7½in) palm circumference and 20cm (8in) long ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 in the main magazine. Do you need a gorgeously bright morning pick-me-up? These Fair Isle wristwarmers are sure to brighten up your Monday morning. Made in 100% pure Shetland wool (the first choice of most…

YOU WILL NEED • Jamieson and Smith 2ply Jumper weight (100% wool, 25g/115m balls) 3 balls of Yarn A Shade 29 1 ball of each: Yarn B Shade 101 Yarn C Shade 14 Yarn D Shade 91 Yarn E Shade 1A Yarn F Shade FC22 • A pair of 3mm needles • A pair of 3¼mm needles • 9 x 1cm buttons • 40cm cushion pad For yarn stockists contact Jamieson & Smith 01595 693579 www.shetlandwoolbrokers.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as 4ply to this tension: 26 sts and 27 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3 mm needles MEASUREMENTS To fit a cushion, 40cm (15¾in) square ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 of Simply Knitting With tweeds and folk style littering the…

YOU WILL NEED • Jamieson and Smith 2ply Jumper weight (100% wool, 25g/115m balls) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Shade 101, Yarn B Shade 142, Yarn C Shade FC24, Yarn D Shade FC22, Yarn E Shade 1A • 3mm crochet hook • Toggle For yarn stockists contact Jamieson & Smith 01595 693579 www.shetlandwoolbrokers.co.uk FOR KNITTING FLAT • A pair of 3¼mm needles • A pair of 3mm needles FOR KNITTING IN THE ROUND • A set of 3¼mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) or a circular needle, 50cm long. • A set of 3mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) or a circular needle, 50cm long. • Split ring marker TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 26 sts and 29 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over pattern using…

1 WOOD IS GOOD Try wooden knitting needles instead of metal. Wood grips the stitches better, preventing them slipping and can help you get a more even tension. 2 CABLE CAST-ON The cable cast-on is the ideal one to use for Fair Isle. This method will give you hem and cuff edges that are nice and stretchy but firm enough to support the garment. 3 EXPERIMENT! Try all the different Fair Isle methods as well as wrapping the yarns round your fingers in different ways until you find the style that suits you. The best method is the one you’re the most comfortable with that keeps the most even tension throughout. 4 STICK WITH IT! Be consistent once you’ve found your favourite style, and use one method of knitting Fair…