Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 164 i Simply Knitting

It’s the time of year we knitters secretly love! Yes, we know we have to say goodbye to sunny days and holidays, but that means it’s time to dig out all our favourite, cosy jumpers and cardis – and, of course, knit a few more winter woollies to add to our collection! This issue we’re bursting at the seams with fabulous seasonal knits to inspire you, from stylish autumn cover-ups you can throw on as the weather gets cooler, to fun Halloween projects the kids will love. Look out for our exclusive Alan Dart design too – though we think his spooky cat is just too sweet to have you shaking in your boots! Talking of autumn makes, your free 10mm bamboo needles and Chunky Knits for Autumn pattern book…

AUTUMN ACTIVITIES… WHAT? Make the ultimate connection with your craft using this amazing sock Þ>À›› Þi››}›››Ì›w››i ›Ü›Ì››iÝV›Ì››}]›LÀ›}›Ì]› mixable dyes. It comes with everything you could need to create ten truly unique skeins of yarn. After just one practice we’re sure you’ll consider yourself a yarn dyeing expert! Included in your kit is a set of primary colours, a paintbrush and pipettes. All you need to add is a microwave or ›Ûi›]›V›››}›w››]›>› ›>›››Ûi››Ã>vi› ›Ã›° WHERE? This creative kit (which would make a brilliant gift for a crafty friend) comes from the yarn colouring experts at Devon Sun Yarns and is available from www.devonsunyarns.co.uk for just £20. For more details and inspiration take a look around their great website. Sirdar No 1 is the latest addition to their classic range of yarns.…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Jane Burns “I love designing for Halloween – the possibilities for quirky sweaters are endless. I designed this sweater especially for those of you who aren’t big fans of intarsia. The facial pieces are all appliquéd on after!” YOU WILL NEED King Cole, Merino Blend DK (100% wool, 50g/112m) A pair of 3¼mm needles A pair of 4mm needles A 3¼mm circular needle A tapestry needle Stitch markers Stitch holder For yarn stockists contact King Cole Yarns 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS S2kpo Sl 2 sts tog as if to knit, K1, pass 2 slipped sts over the knit stitch For…

“Those of us who take our knitting seriously (and by seriously, I mean almost on a par with breathing), are apt to view the materials and objects around us mostly in terms of whether they’d be any use for knitting. I’ve certainly spent many a moment daydreaming about new and exciting materials to use for knitting, viewing common everyday things in the most useful way, well, useful to the most adventurous of knitters. FLUFFY BEGINNINGS... ››wÀÃÌ›Ài>››Ãi`›µÕ›Ìi›››Ü››ÕV›››› ››Ì››Ã› when a non-knitting friend showed me her pet rabbits. “They’re adorable!” I said to her, and being an animal-lover, I certainly meant it. But I was also hopelessly distracted by the >VVÕ›Õ›>Ì›››››v›LÕ››Þ›yÕvv››››Ì›i› grass beside where we sat, left over from where she’d been gently brushing the animals’ fur. She saw me looking, and…

A TASTY CHALLENGE I have been receiving Simply Knitting since day one and I thoroughly look forward to receiving each copy. I do lots of knitting all the time and when I visit my three young grandchildren, they always ask me to knit something for them and think up some unusual items. When I returned home after a recent visit I found a note in my case from Kamran, asking if I would «›i>Ãi››››Ì›v›ÕÀ›wÛ›w›}iÀÃ]›V››«Ã]›>››i}}]› three apples, a bunch of grapes, plus a plate. I think he was trying to catch me out, but I decided I was up for the task and rummaged around for ideas and eventually managed it. This is the picture of Kamran when he received them – he was thrilled to bits. Hazel George, via email…

For Tracey Clifford, rediscovering some knitting skills provided the means to celebrate her HCXQWTKVG›UEK›››CPF› fantasy characters, as well as create a few of her own. “My mum originally taught me when I Ü>Û>L›ÕÌ›wÛi]›LÕÌ››››iÛiÀ›Ãii›i ›Ì›› }i̛̛i››>›}››v››Ì]»›/À>ViÞ›Ã>Þð›º-›››› ÌÕÀ›i ›Ì›››Ì›iÀ›VÀ>vÌÛq››Þ››>››Ì>Õ}›Ì› ›i›Ì››ÃiÜ›>› ›i›LÀ›› iÀ]›Ü››V›››››>Ûi› V››Ì››Õi`›>››››Þ›››vi°» /›>Ì›Ü>۽̛̛i›i› ›v›À››iÀ››››ÌÌ››}]› ››ÜiÛiÀ°›º7›i››››Ü>Û>À›Õ› ›Ón›››Ü>Û ›››>›VÀ>vÌ›ÃÌ›Ài›>› ›Ã>Ü›>›››ÌÌ›i›L››››Ì›>Ì› ›> ›Óä³››››Ì›ÃÌ›ÌV›iÃ]»›Ã›i›ÀiV>››Ã°›º›Þ› ››Ì›iÀ›«>ÃÃi ›>Ü>ޛܛi››››Ü>Û›››i]› >› ››› iV› i ›Ì›>̛Û›Vi›Ã›i½ ›Lii›› ÃÕV››>›Ü›› iÀvÕ›››››ÌÌiÀ]››››ÕÃÌ››>Ûi››Ì› ››››Þ›}i›ið» ›Õââ››}›Ü›Ì›› iÌiÀ›››>Ì›››]›/À>ViÞ› }À>LLi ›>›L>››››v›Þ>À››>› ›Ã››i› ›ii`›iÛ>› ›Ã>Ì› ›Ü››Ü›Ì››Ì›i›››ÌÌ›i› ÃÌ›ÌV››L›››°›º›››››ÌÌi ›>›ÃÜ>ÌV›››v›>› ›vviÀi›Ì›ÃÌ›ÌV››iÛiÀÞ›››}›Ì›>› › Û›i››Ü›Ã››iÌ›››}›V››V›i ›q››››ÕÃÌ› ÃÕ i››Þ›}›Ì››Ì›>››]›iÛi››Ì›i›V>L›iÃ]»›Ã›i› iÝV›>››Ã°›º›½Ûi››iÛiÀ›››››i ›L>V›]›>› ››› i›››Þ››››ÌÌ››}›Õ›ÕÃÕ>››Ì›››}Ư̂i›››ÃÌ°» /À>ViÞ›V>Õ}›Ì››ÕÀ›iÞi›Ü›i››Ã›i› «›ÃÌi`›>›Li>ÕÌ›vÕ››-Ì>À›7>ÀƯ̂i›i`› ÃV>Àv›››››>ViL›››°› >ÌÕÀ>››Þ]›Üi››> ›Ì›› }iÌ››››Ì›ÕV››Ü›Ì›››iÀ›››››ÕÃÌÀ>››>° º›››››i›>›V›>››i›}i›Ü›i›››››››Ì]»›Ã>ÞÛ /À>ViÞ°›»›››vÌi›››>›i›ÃÌÀ>›}i›››ÌÌ›i› ›››ÌÌi ›}›vÌÛv›À›«i›«›i]›ÃÕV››>Û>›«ÕÀ«›i› >››i›››››ÃÌiÀ››››> i›v›À››Þ››ÕÃL>› ›v›À› ›ÕÀ›Üi ››}›>›››ÛiÀÃ>ÀÞ›Þi>ÀÛ>}›°››› ›› ›>›Þ›VÀ>vÌÛ>ÛÜi›››>ÛV›ÃÌÕ›››}]› Ài›i›>VÌ››}›>› ›ÌÀ> ›Ì›››>››>ÀV›iÀÞ]›LÕÌ› ›››ÌÌ››}››>Û>›Ü>ÞÛÃÌÕV››Ü›Ì›››i°›››w› › ›Ì›ÛiÀÞ›Ài›>Ý››}°» ,iVi›Ì›«À››iVÌÛ›>Ûi›››V›Õ i ›>› Ài›› iiÀ›Ã››› ›v›À›>›vÀ›i› ½Ã›Ü››««iÌ› ››>›i ›,Õ ›®]›>› ›>›Ìii›Þ›Ì››Þ› ››V››››V›››>› ›v›Ý]›Ü››V››››Ü› ÃiÀÛiÛ>Û>›«››VÕÛ›››°› º››ÃÌÀÕ}}›i›Ü›Ì›››*/-››q›V››«›iÝ› «›ÃÌ›ÌÀ>Õ›>Ì›V›ÃÌÀiÃÛ ›Ã›À iÀ›q›>› ›w› › ›Þ››››ÌÌ››}›ÛiÀÞ›V>››››}›>› › iw››Ìi›Þ› Li›iwV›>›]»›Ã>ÞÛ/À>ViÞ°›º›Þ› v>Û›ÕÀ›Ìi›ÌiV›››µÕi››Ã››››ÌÌ››}››››Ì›i› À›Õ› ]›LiV>ÕÃi››½››››Ì›>›v>›››v›Ì›i›…

YOU WILL NEED Hayfield, Bonus DK (100% acrylic, 100g/280m) 1 ball of each: Black (965), Paprika (700), Classic Red (833), Bright Orange (981) and Dark Grey Mix (790) 1g oddments of white, grass green, primrose yellow and camel DK yarn A pair of 3mm needles Stitch holder 80g washable toy stuffing Stiff card Long tweezers A pair of compasses Clear adhesive Hairspray For yarn stockists contact Sirdar 01924 231682 www.sirdar.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 26 sts and 35 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3mm needles MEASUREMENTS 30.5cm (12in) tall ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Halloween is the time of year for all things spooktacular! Whether you’re planning an evening of roaming the streets dressed as a…

North Sea Marie Wallin ( www.mariewallin.com  £13) Inspired by the nautical cables >› ›«>ÌÌiÀ›Ã››v›wÛiÀ›i›½Ã›}>›ÃiÞÛ >› › ›À ›V›ÃÌÞ›i]››>À›i›7>››››½Ã››>ÌiÃÌ› collection turns traditional techniques ››Ì›››>ÃÌiÀ«›iVið›››››i ›Ü›Ì››V›>ÃÛV› }>À›i›Ì›Ã›>«iÛ>› ›››ÌÛ›v›V>L›i› Û>À›iÌ›iÃ]›i>V››«>ÌÌiÀ›››Ã›››ÌiÀÜ›Ûi›› ܛ̛›i›Ì›iÀ›À›LÃ]›ÃÌ›V›››}›ÃÌ›ÌV›››À››>›À› ›Ã›i›Ì››VÀi>Ìi›>›V›>ÃÛV››››››«iÀviVÌ›v›À› Ì›i›Ã›«››ÃÌ›V>Ìi ››››ÌÌiÀ°››Ý«iÀ››i›Ì› ܛ̛›>››Õ›LiÀ››v›«›i>Û›}›ÌiV›››µÕiÃ]› ››V›Õ ››}›«›«Õ›>À›Þ››iÃ]›>› ›VÀi>Ìi› Û›iÌ›››}›Þ›Õ½›››ÌÀi>ÃÕÀi›v›ÀiÛiÀ° AlterKnit Stitch Dictionary Andrea Rangel (Interweave £16.58) ¼›››Ì››ÕÌÛ i›Ì›i››››iý››Ã›Ì››Ã›iÝV›Ì››}› L›››½Ã››>›ÌÀ>]›i›V›ÕÀ>}››}››>›À››Ã›i› v>›>Ì›VƯ̂››››››LiÞ›› ›ÌÀ> ›Ì›››>›› ››Ì›vÛ>› ›ÌÀޛÛ›iÌ›››}›V››«›iÌi›Þ› ›iÜ°›7›iÌ›iÀ›Þ›Õ½Ài››››ÌÌ››}›}>À›i›ÌÛ v›À›Þ›ÕÀÃi›v››À››››iÜ>ÀiÛv›À›Ì›i› v>›››Þ]›V›››Ãi›vÀ›››Óää›}À>«››V› «>ÌÌiÀ›Ã]›vÀ›››Ã››«›i›LÕÌ›ivviVÌ›Ûi› Ài«i>ÌƯ̂›Ã›ii«›>› ››i>v›››Ì›vƯ̂› VÀi>Ìi›>›V››Ìi›«›À>ÀÞ›w››Ã››v›À›Þ›ÕÀ› ›››ÌÌi ›v>LÀ›V°›››ÃÌ›>Ài›Ü›À›i ›››› ›ÕÃÌ›ÌÜ››V›››ÕÀÛ›>›››}›Ì›i››i>Ãޛ̛› ›>ÃÌiÀ›››Vi›Þ›Õ›}iÌ›ÃÌ>ÀÌi`° Gradient Knits Tanis Grey (Search Press £12.99) ›Ài›Þ›Õ›››ÌÀ›}Õi`›Lޛ̛i›VÕÀÀi›Ì›››yÕÝ› ›v›}À> ›i›Ì›Þ>À›Ã›LÕÌ› ››½Ì››››Ü›››Ü› Ì››ÕÃi›Ì›i›¶›/››Ã›}Ài>Ì›L››››V››Ì>››Ã› £ä›Õ››µÕi››iÃۛÛv›À›}À> ›i›Ì››››ÌÌ››}]› vÀ›››V>L›››}]››>Vi]›ÃÌÀ›«iÛ>› ›Ì›À՛Û Ì››››Ì>ÀÛ>]›Ã››ÀÌ›À›ÜÛ>› ›Ã››«›i› ›››Ì›>› ›«ÕÀ››V››L››>Ì›››Ã]›>›››ÕÛ›}› }À> ›i›Ì›Þ>À›Ã°›7›À››Ü›Ì›››Õ›Ì›«›i› V›››ÕÀÜ>ÞÛ›À››i>À››››Ü›Ì›››››Ì›Þ›ÕÀ› Ü>ޛ̛À›Õ}››Ì›i›À>››L›Ü° Crafting The Resistance Heather Marano and Lara Neel (Skyhorse Publishing £13.80) ›À››}›Þ›ÕÀ››››ÌÌ››}›wÀ››Þ›››Ì››Ì›i›Ó£ÃÌ› Vi›ÌÕÀޛܛ̛›Ì››Ã›iÝV›Ì››}›«>ÌÌiÀ››L›››› v›À› iÛ›Ìi ›Ü››i›½Ã›À›}›ÌÛVÀ>v̛ۛÃÌð› 9›Õ½Ài›i›V›ÕÀ>}i ›Ì››ÀiV›>›››Ì›i› ¼ ››iÃÌ›V½›>ÀÌÛ›v››››ÌÌ››}›>› ›ÃiÜ››}› Ì››V›>››i››Þ›ÕÀ›vi››››Ã››LÞ› ›Û››}›››Ì›› >›Ãi›iVÌ›››››v›Îx››i>›››}vÕ›››>›ið› ›>V››«À››iVÌ›V››iÛܛ̛›«›VÌÕÀiÃ]› step-by-steps, bonus patterns and tips v›À›VÀ>vÌiÀÛ›v›>›››Ã››››››iÛi›Ã]›vÀ›››››Û›Vi› Ì››> Û>›Vi °›››V›Õ ››}›iÃÃ>ÞÛ>› › µÕ›ÌiÛ›››Ì›i›››«›ÀÌ>›Vi››v›VÀ>v̛ۛÛ]› Ì››Ã›L›››› i››ÛiÀÛ>›Ài>››V›>›Vi›Ì››Ì>›i› «›››Ì›VÛ››Ì››Þ›ÕÀ››Ü›››>› Û>› ›}iÌ›…

YOU WILL NEED Rico Design Essentials Cotton Glitz DK (78% cotton, 3% polyester; 50g/130m): 1 ball of Raspberry (003) A pair of 3¼mm knitting needles For yarn stockists contact Rico Design www.rico-design.de TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 22 sts and 40 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over patt using 3¾mm needles MEASUREMENTS To fit head size 48 ( 53 : 58 )cm ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 If you’re a fan of trying out new stitches then this quick-and-easy knit could be for you. Worked in a superb stretchy ‘concertina’ stitch and mixed with simple purl and knit rows, it makes a snug fit for everyone. It’s so speedy you could cast it on and off in just one sitting!…

Check out Bergère de France’s latest catalogue for all things autumn/ winter and woolly! From simple garter stitch cardis, rompers and sleeping bags for babies to Fair Isle jumpers for him and her, there really is something for everyone this season. Lacking tools? Dip into their wide selection while you’re there too! READER POLL What new knitting skill do you want to learn? 52 %  would like to try colourwork News flash ! Fall in love with new Wendy Purity (£3.60 for 50g)! It’s 70% cotton and 30% superwash merino and has a chainette construction. Visit www.tbramsden.co.uk for more. Knit Club! Visit the new Rowan Knit Club at John Lewis Oxford Street, London. It runs on the first Mon of the month in the Haberdashery Depar›ent at 10.30am. HOLIDAY…

FIREWORK PATTERN ABBREVIATIONS Kfbf Knit into the front, back, and then front of the stitch Kbf Knit into the back and then front of the stitch Pbf Purl into the back and then front of the stitch FIREWORK BASE CAST ON 1 st. ROW 1 (RS) Kfbf. [3 sts] ROW 2 Purl. ROW 3 Kfb, K1, kbf. [5 sts] ROW 4 Purl. ROW 5 Pfb, p to last st, pbf. [7 sts] ROW 6 Knit. Repeat Rows 5 & 6. [9 sts] Repeat Rows 3 & 4 twice. [13 sts] ROW 13 Ssp, P to last st, pbf. ROW 14 Knit. Repeat Rows 13 & 14. ROW 17 Ssk, k to last st, kbf. ROW 18 Purl. Repeat Rows 17 & 18. ROW 21 Ssp, P to last 2 sts,…

“Even a small gesture can make such a vast GL›HUHQFH›WR›WKH›VHDIDUHU› ZKR›LV›UHFHLYLQJ›LW›µ Put your knitting skills to work for a fantastic cause and knit hats for the Sailors’ Society to give to seafarers working in extreme weather conditions. Every year an army of knitters donate 10,000 hats that not only keep the seafarers warm but also make them feel cared for. As one seafarer says: “We know the hats are sent with love. They’re knitted by kind souls who don’t even know our names. How can we ever thank them?” Sailors’ Society is an international maritime charity which for nearly 200 years has been transforming the lives of seafarers and their families at home, in port and at sea through the delivery of chaplaincy, education and the relief of poverty and…

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…

Pop the kettle on, put your feet up, and settle in for seriously cosy knits! I’m a year-round knitter but I have to admit, autumn is my favourite time to cast on new projects.When the leaves are changing colour and the evenings are cooling down, it’s always a joy to snuggle up with a good WIP on your needles – especially if that project is a chunky one! Whether you’re looking for a quick update for your sofa or your new go-to cowl for those woodland walks, we’ve got you covered with this collection! And for those essential must-haves on days out, try our trendy two-tone bag – complete with a sturdy leather strap.To top it all off, each of these fab textured projects can be knitted up (in no…

YOU WILL NEED DMC, Natura XL Just Cotton (100% cotton, 100g/75m) 2 balls of Cedar71 1 ball of Cream31 A pair of 10mm needles A 19mm leather bag strap – ours is from A tapestry needle Fabric for lining (optional) For yarn stockists contact DMC 0116 275 4000 www.dmc.com TENSION Yarn used knits as chunky to this tension: 10 sts and 20 rows to 10x10cm (4x4in) over patt using 10mm needles MEASUREMENTS 29cm wide x 38cm long ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 of Simply Knitting magazine It’s hard to beat a good handbag! We’re loving this chunky take on the classic shoulder bag. These woven-effect stitches are sure to keep all your must-have bits and bobs safe, and all the while looking super on-trend!…

YOU WILL NEED Stylecraft, Super Chunky Special XL (100% acrylic, 200g/136m) 3 balls of Sage (3056) A pair of 10mm needles A 50 x 50cm (20 x 20in) cushion pad 4 large wooden buttons A tapestry needle For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft 01535 609798 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as chunky to this tension: 10 sts and 12 rows to 10x10cm (4x4in) over patt using 10mm needles MEASUREMENTS 50 x 50cm (20 x 20in) ABBREVIATIONS LT Left twist - knit into the back of the second stitch on the LH needle, then knit into the front of the first stitch on the LH needle, remove both stitches from the LH needle. RT Right twist - insert RH needle into next 2 sts on LH needle, as if…

Sophie Jordan Production Editor Lace! I cannot get my head around it. Oh and it’s not a technique, but socks. Lace and socks! Don’t get me started on lacy socks… knitting nightmare for me. Louise Smith Production Assistant I keep seeing all this brioche floating around the office! I really want to get my needles stuck into some, but I’m not sure my brain’s up to it… Kate Evans Digital Editor I know everyone says they’re not as tricky as they look, but I still haven’t got around to trying cables. I imagine dropping all my stitches off the needles! Claire Watkins Art Editor I’d really love to knit a proper Fair Isle jumper, but the idea of all those yarns getting in a tangle is a bit intimidating. I’ll…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Siân Brown “I wanted this top to combine a vertical stitch with a lace border. Rather than a rib I used a delicate open stitch, and added a lattice stitch border.” YOU WILL NEED Debbie Bliss, Eco Baby Prints (100% organic cotton; 50g/125m) A pair of 3mm needles A pair of 3¼mm needles A set of 3mm circular needles, 60cm long (optional, but recommended for ease when working neckband) For yarn stockists contact Designer Yarns 01535 664222 www.designeryarns.uk.com TENSION Yarn used knits as sportweight to this tension: 25 sts and 34 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3¼mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Multi-season knits are often best knitted in a gorgeous breathable cotton, and this one’s…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Sarah Hatton “This soft yarn inspired me to create an easy-to-work, cosy cardigan. The yarn has great stitch definition so I used simple lace patterning to create a cardigan for an English autumn evening.” YOU WILL NEED Rowan, Softyak DK (76% cotton, 15% yak, 9% nylon, 50g/135m) A pair of 3¼mm needles A pair of 4mm needles A set of 3¼mm circular needles, 80-100cm long for buttonband Stitch holders Stitch markers 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 stocking stitch using 4mm needles 26 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over pattern using 4mm needles when lightly blocked ABBREVIATIONS Cluster 3 Sl1, K1,…

LATEST WIP @CROCHET_AND_ KNIT_STUD IS FLYING THROUGH HER WIP! SHE’S OPTED FOR A SET OF CIRCULAR NEEDLES TO MAKE KNITTING A LOT OF STITCHES JUST THAT BIT EASIER. GREAT THINKING! WE LOVE THAT PURPLE YARN. HELLO HEDGIE WE SPOTTED OUR FAVOURITE LITTLE HEDGHOG AGAIN! @YVETTESKNITS LOVED KNITTING OUR SPIKY LITTLE PAL FROM ISSUE 161 – WE THINK SHE’S DONE A FABULOUS JOB, THAT’S SUPER NEAT KNITTING. NEEDLES & HOOK NOT ONLY IS @DIANA WILLIAMS6696 A SKILLED KNITTER, SHE’S A WHIZZ WITH A CROCHET HOOK TOO. DIANA PICKED A COOL NAVY BLUE FOR HER BABY’S DAY OUT DRESS, FROM ISSUE 159. CHECK OUT THAT CUTE DAISY BUTTON!…

In 2018, Lion Brand celebrates its 140th anniversary. Through five generations of the Blumenthal family, Lion Brand has become a global brand, known for its thought leadership in the craft industry. As a family business, Lion Brand focuses on its people, its culture and the consumer experience. The company is known for its accessibility to consumers all over the world, its premium quality products, and its large, passionate community of yarn lovers. Through email marketing and social media, the company reaches millions of people in this niche weekly with inspiration and education. A unique feature of the company’s products is outstanding colour development and exquisite palettes, making product design a major selling point of the brand. With a relentless focus on the customer at every step of the way, Lion…

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Knits & Pieces by Danielle Holke is a great guide to the history of knitting. Ten of you can curl up with a copy, worth £10.99 each. www.unicornpublishing.org 01273 812066 SKMUNICORN164 Cast on for sophisticated knits with one of four ten-packs of Sirdar’s beautifully silky Flirt yarn, worth £31 per pack. www.sirdar.co.uk 01924 231682 SKMSIRDAR164 Five lucky winners can make the adorable Blodywn Sheep with a knitting and felt kit worth £18. www.knit2felt.co.uk 07473 150547 SKMSHEEPKIT164 Knit up a chunky jumper for >ÕÌÕ›››Ü›Ì››››i››v›wÛi›› Knitcraft Hug It Out patterns and yarn packs worth £22. www.hobbycraft.co.uk 0330 026 1400 SKMKNITCRAFT164 Ten lucky winners get their hands on a bag of 15 balls of this irresistibly bright King Cole Dollymix DK yarn, worth £11.85 per pack. www.minervacrafts.com 01254 708068 SKMDOLLYMIX164 We’ve a real treat for ten of you…

NEW PRODUCTS? We’ve just launched Baby Pure DK, a blend of premium acrylic and polyamide for a really super-soft feel. Available in six tonal baby shades it’s supported by six baby «>ÌÌiÀ›››i>yiÌÃ]›i>V››Ü›Ì››>Ì››i>Ã̛̛Àii› projects, so great value for money too. WHAT ELSE IS NEW? Our 4ply Baby yarns – Big Value Baby 4ply Print and Big Value Baby 4ply Spot – a wonderful family of yarns. The four pattern designs supporting them feature a continental design using all three yarns worked together to produce a beautiful 4ply baby garment. WHAT ELSE IS NEW? Over the next six months we’ll be launching 100% acrylics and wool blends and luxury pure merino yarns. We’re particularly excited about a new cake yarn coming soon called Carousel Chunky, so look out for this one! EVENTS?…

Whether you’re a new knitter building up your needle collection, or you’re replacing ancient, well-used «››Ã]›Þ›Õ½Ài›ÃÕÀi›Ì››w› › a set to tempt you here… 1 Made of lightweight bamboo and at 23cm long, these single point needles from Bobbin Box are ideal for popping in your handbag for knitting on the go. With 17 different sizes, it’s a great value set! £22.99, www.woolwarehouse. com , 01926 882818 2 If you haven’t got any circular needles yet, KnitPro’s Zing Deluxe Interchangeable set makes a great starter collection in a handy case. We love the zingy colours of these sturdy aluminium needles. £40, www.woolstack.co.uk , 01242 300280 3 The Sharp Magic Loop set contains the most popular circular needle sizes for sock knitting and comes…

WENSLEYDALE WENSLEYDALE LONGWOOL SHEEP SHOP W wensleydalelongwool.co.uk T 01969 623558 Established in 1989. We sell our own ‘Sheep Shop’ brand Wensleydale Wool which is commission spun, dyed and finished exclusively for us in Yorkshire. Sheep Shop patterns, garments, tops, fleece and more. Shop, web sales and mail order available. KING COLE/STYLECRAFT/SIRDAR THE KNITTING MARKET A Birmingham Rag Market, B5 4RB T 07834 898627 Stocking a wide range of the latest on-trend quality yarns. 4ply, DK, chunky, aran, to mega chunky. Knitting patterns, knitting needles, crochet hooks and all accessories. A helpful and friendly service. Visit my website www.theknittingmarket.co.uk SIRDAR & DEBBIE BLISS SEASIDE YARNS W seasideyarns.co.uk T 01964 530473 Situated in the seaside town of Hornsea. A family run business stocking a fantastic range including Sirdar, Designer Yarns,…

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…

YOU WILL NEED DROPS, Andes (65% Wool, 35% Alpaca, 100g/96m) 1 ball of each: Seagreenmix7130), Orange2920 A pair of 10mm needles A tapestry needle For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as chunky to this tension: 16 sts and 24 rows to 10x10cm (4x4in) over patt using 10mm needles MEASUREMENTS 28cm (11in) wide x 18cm (7in) deep when laid flat ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 of Simply Knitting magazine Not a fan of colourwork? Not a problem! This trendy cowl uses clever slip stitches to create its colourful look – you’ll only knit with one colour per row. Fashionable and practical, it’s made from a mix of wool and alpaca so is warm and beautifully soft. COWL Note…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Fran Morgan “I saw this stitch pattern in a Barbara Walker stitch dictionary and it jumped off the page. I like the way it creates an almost 3D effect. Crisp cotton was the obvious choice of yarn.” YOU WILL NEED Wendy, Supreme Luxury Cotton DK (100% cotton, 100g/201m balls) A pair of 4mm needles Stitch holder For yarn stockists contact Thomas B. Ramsden 01943 872264 www.tbramsden.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 24 sts and 32 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over pattern using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Looking for a simple stitch pattern with loads of fab detail? Look no further! Once you’ve got your head into these stitches, knitting up this stylish jumper…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Ann Franklin “Autumn has always been my favourite time of the year, and these keyrings were inspired by the thought of the beautiful colours of fallen leaves in September and October.” YOU WILL NEED King Cole, Dolly Mix DK (100% acrylic; 25g/73m), 1 ball of each: Chocolate273 Flame87 Taupe37 Red9 Shamrock39 20g toy stuffing A pair of 3mm needles 3 key rings For yarn stockists contact King Cole 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 24 sts and 40 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over stocking stitch using 3mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95. As much as we miss the warm summer months, we're lucky that autumn is waiting in the wings with its rich,…

OVER THE RAINBOW I couldn’t wait to knit this jumper from issue 160! The wool is absolutely fabulous, the pattern is very easy to follow, and it’s adaptable – I made the length and sleeves longer. It only took just under a week to do and I really enjoyed knitting it. Keep up the good work and keep the patterns coming! Christine Smith, Lymington FANCY FELINES I always look forward to receiving my copy of Simply Knitting. Usually the first thing that I do is turn to the Alan Dart page to see what the project is. I have made a lot of Alan’s creations over the years, so I thought you might like to see my latest effort. The Feline Flappers pussycats was just the project for me. A…

I take my knitting on all holidays with me and it always pleases me that in these days of high security, no one ever stops me! Recently, I went to Palermo in Sicily. It was warm enough to knit on the terrace of the B&B, where I worked on a sock. I also managed to get a few stitches in on a moss stitch scarf, by the beautiful fountain in Piazza Pretoria. I couldn’t resist posing with a Cinquecento too! I hope you can share this with your other readers – hurray for global knitters! Ottavia Moll, Edinburgh WE’D LOVE TO SEE MORE PICTURES OF YOU WITH SIMPLY KNITTING (OR YOU AND YOUR KNITTING!) ON HOLIDAY. THIS MONTH’S LETTER WRITER WINS A BUNDLE OF KNITTING BOOKS * TO TOP UP…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Fran Morgan “I love to experiment with different needle sizes to get exciting effects. This set is worked on two different sized needles which creates a slouchy fabric that’s great for teens.” STRIPED JUMPER For a quick and easy knit with a modern texture, this great jumper swaps needles each row to create the perfect sloppy joe! YOU WILL NEED Lily, Sugar ‘n’ Cream (100% cotton, 71/109m balls) A pair of 4 mm needles A pair of 8mm needles For yarn stockists contact LoveKnitting 0845 544 2196 www.loveknitting.com TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 12 sts and 20 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using one 4 mm needle and one 8mm needle ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Martin Storey “For this slipover design, I wanted to create a simple stitch that evoked the natural ripple pattern effect of shifting sands, and bleached and eroded driftwood on the beach.” YOU WILL NEED Rowan, Softyak DK (76% cotton, 15% yak, 9% nylon, 50g/135m) A pair of 3¼mm needles A pair of 4mm needles Stitch holders For yarn stockists contact Rowan 01484 950630 www.knitrowan.com TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 23 sts and 35 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS Work 2 tog K2tog or P2tog depending on the next pattern st for your size For a full list see page 95 This delightful slipover is just the right combination of traditional shape and style, and…

YOU WILL NEED Hayfield Bonus DK (100% acrylic, 100g/280m), 1 ball of each: Black965 25gFlowerPower (689), 14gBrightOrange (981), 13gLemongrass(699), 8gLime(882), GalaGreen704 A pair of 4mm needles A pair of 5 mm needles Stitch holder 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 14 sts and 23 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 5 mm needles and yarn held double ABBREVIATIONS MB Make Bobble. Knit into the front and back of the stitch twice to make 4 sts, turn, P4, turn, K4, turn, P4, turn, k4tog For a full list see page 95 With Halloween just around the corner this…

“People with specific skills taught those without, and others tried knitting stitches they’d never attempted before.” Measuring 80 metres long, Whitchurch-on-Thames Bridge was the ideal setting for a colourful, yarn-based community art project, engaging local crafters to create items inspired by the town. “The project took six months, incorporating the work of 500 people, including 350 school children,” says Gill Williamson, who masterminded the venture. Gill is the talent behind Art Café, a local organisation showcasing local crafts and other creative activities, as well as supporting charities at Saturday coffee morning fundraisers. “For the yarnbomb, we held knit and stitch sessions on Thursday afternoons and evenings,” says Gill. “People with skills taught those without, and others tried stitches they’d never attempted before.” While some people created a few knitted squares,…

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…

ALANA DAKOS is a talented knit designer living on the Central Coast of California. She runs a small boutique knitting shop and loves to incorporate nature into her knitting designs. Home life I live on the beautiful Central Coast of California with my husband and two children. I am the proud owner of a tiny knitting boutique in downtown Atascadero called Never Not Knitting, where I get to surround myself with gorgeous yarns and pretty things every day. Dream knitting day My ideal knitting day would include ÛÌÌ››}››››vÀ››Ì››v›>›wÀi]›Ã›««››}›Ìi>›>› ››››ÌÌ››}›Õ«›>›L›}› cozy sweater, with friends all around. Daily knitting routine I usually knit in the evenings once the kids go to bed. It’s a time of day that I look forward to, where I get to unwind and process the day while…