Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 179 i Simply Knitting

These days, as soon as the sun cream’s packed away and the kids have scooted off to school, everyone starts thinking about Christmas. I’m a big fan of warding off the summer blues by keeping happy events on the horizon, and getting super-organised for the festive season. It’s no surprise that many knitters have had Christmas on their radar since January, with project lists made and yarn bought much earlier in the year! Well…when you knit all your festive gifts it pays to be ahead of the curve, doesn’t it? And it seems knitters are not the only ones keen to smuggle a little homemade love into the holidays, and side-step the commercialism of modern Christmases. Only the other week I was watching Martin Lewis (of www.moneysavingexpert.com fame) on the…

ROWAN: 40 YEARS 40 ICONIC HAND-KNIT DESIGNS By Rowan (Sixth & Spring Books, £19.49) Fans of Rowan knitting patterns will not want to miss this great book! Packed with the very best from 40 years of Rowan designs, it has been launched to celebrate the brand’s 40th anniversary. Featuring work by Kaffe Fassett, Martin Storey, Louisa Harding and Sarah Hatton it is filled with irresistible jumpers, cardigans, wraps and more – a real feast for the eyes! THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF KNITTING TECHNIQUES by Lesley Stanfield and Melody Griffiths (Search Press, £12.99) This new and improved edition of the knitting guide is packed full of essential techniques, designs and styles. With more than 200 charts, tips, step-by-step instructions and examples, this comprehensive collection is sure to answer all your knitting questions.…

Bernat Baby Marly Fancy something soft and snuggly? New Bernat Baby Marly afghan yarn is perfect for your little ones. This yarn is super-soft, quick to work with and is machine wash and dryable. www.loveknitting.com. Rowan Alpaca Classic Made using a cotton net filled with alpaca fibres, this new yarn is beautifully soft and light. It’s £4.99 for 25g. www.knitrowan.com or call 01484 950630. Caron X Pantone This unique package delivers five soft 20g skeins in complementary colours, perfect for colour inspiration and more, for just £8.99. Visit www.woolwarehouse.co.uk or call 0800 505 3300. Wendy Noir Chunky Cast on a sophisticated knit with this new dark and mysterious yarn, woven through with a golden thread. It’s £3.79 for 100g. www.tbramsden.co.uk or call 01943 872264 for info. Stylecraft Cosy Chunky This…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Cascade 220 Superwash (DK, 100% wool, 100g/200m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ❏ A pair of 3.75mm needles ❏ A pair of 4mm needles ❏ A 3.75mm circular needle, 40cm long ❏ Stitch holders ❏ Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact LoveKnitting 01409 404 010 www.loveknitting.com TENSION 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 JUMPER Note Wind off an individual ball of contrast yarn for each motif worked across a row. You will use the intarsia method to get from motif to motif. However, you will use the Fair Isle method to work the stitches within each motif. BACK Cast on 106 (114: 118: 126:…

1 Holding the piece of knitting you are going to pick the sts up from in your left hand, and starting at the top-right corner, insert the right-hand needle between the first two stitches of the row. 2 Wind your yarn around the needle and ‘knit’ the first stitch... 3 ...And pull the new stitch through between the two stitches. 4 Continue to work like this along the row or until you have picked up the necessary number of stitches. Try to space your stitches evenly.…

SPARKLE, SPARKLE! Gilly knitted this cuddly cutie for her little girl’s fifth birthday! She used fun sparkly yarn and chunkier 6.5mm needles to create a bigger size. Gilly Popham Email FRIENDLY FIONA We just can’t get over how cute Janet’s Fiona the Flamingo is! She knitted her for a friend and did a brilliant job on the bouncy tutu. Janet Treanor Facebook STASH BUSTER Fondly nicknamed Fancy Feathers, this sparkly flamingo was knitted using yarn from Doreen’s stash. She left out the tutu to create a whole new look for her! Doreen Davis Facebook…

“ARE YOU A KNITTING GADGET HOARDER?” Not at all! All my knitting needles and whatever gadgets I need fit in a pencil case. I can knit anything using only what’s in there, other than the yarn. Now, that’s stored in many pleasing containers that fit in well with my furniture. Frances Lillie, via our Facebook group I seem to have so many knitting gadgets… If it is something cute and new I have to get it. Sort of matches my yarn stash. Suzanne Rife, via our Facebook group I’ve got stitch holders (like large safety pins) in toothbrush tubes and stitch markers in candy tins. I also keep my Chibi needles in chewing gum tins and then put everything in a gallon zip lock bag when I need to take…

When it comes to following patterns, we knitters are a diverse group. And let me say this right now: I see it as a thoroughly good thing. It’s not just about whether someone is a cautious beginner who needs detailed guidance, or whether they’re highly experienced, having knitted for years. THE OBEDIENT KNITTER Even amongst the most skilled knitters, you’ll find people who prefer to stick so closely to the instructions that if the designer had accidentally tacked their shopping list on to the end of Row 17 you’d find the knitter in the supermarket obediently hunting for stain-remover, superglue, coffee, and painkillers, as per the pattern. (Wow, that must have been some party the designer had last night!) THE OFF-PISTE KNITTER Occupying the mid-point of this scale of pattern-adherence…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ New Lanark Natural Undyed Aran (100% wool, 100g/160m) ❏ New Lanark Donegal Silk Tweed Aran (90% wool, 10% silk, 100g/160m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ❏ A 4.5mm circular needle, 80cm long for body ❏ A 5mm circular needle, 80cm long for body ❏ A set of 4.5mm double-pointed needles (DPNs), or long circular needle if working magic loop, for Sleeves ❏ A set of 5mm double-pointed needles (DPNs), or long circular needle if working magic loop, for Sleeves ❏ Stitch holders ❏ Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact New Lanark Mills www.newlanarkshop.co.uk 01555 661345 TENSION 16 sts and 22 rounds to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st, worked in the round, using 5mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list…

Debbie Bliss Knitwear Designer Famed for her effortlessly stylish knit creations and extensive knowledge of knitting. Kirstie McLeod Editor Queen of socks and gadget hoarder, Kirstie has many years of knitting knowledge to share. Faye Perriam-Reed Technical Editor Lace expert and exciting designer, Faye likes to tackle the trickiest of knitting problems. Lou Smith Production Assistant Product expert and all-round quirky knitter, Louise can find exactly what you’re looking for. 1 Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread yarn purlwise through the first stitch at the front and knitwise through the first stitch at the back. 2 Back to the front. Pass through first stitch knitwise, then slip the stitch from the needle. Sew into the next front st purlwise, pulling the yarn through both stitches. 3 Take the…

›:KDW›,›ORYH›DERXW›NQLWWLQJ›LV›ëH›FKDçHQJH›LW›RIIHUV›DQG› ëH›VHQVH›RI›DFFRPSOLVKPHQW›\RX›IæO›››7KLV›LV›DOPRVW›H[DFWO\› ëH›VDPH›UHDVRQ›,›ORYH›PDëHPDWLFV› Keeping handknitting alive in such a modern, technologically-advanced world seems more important than ever. Not only is knitting fun and useful, but there are many things it can be used for – for example, learning maths! We talked to Sara Jensen, Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Carthage College, Winconsin, USA, who uses knitting to teach her students – something she calls, ‘The Mathematics of Knitting’. Sara started knitting at a young age, but stopped during her teens. “I started again in graduate school as a relief from doing mathematics all day,” she tells us, and soon started seeing mathematics within her knitting. “When I would try a new skill or pattern I would try to work out why this particular pattern would yield the result I wanted.…

Black Sheep wools, warrington You don’t want to miss the chocolate cake here (see above)! Warehouse Studios, Glaziers Lane, Culcheth, Warrington WA3 4AQ 01925 764231 Janes of Fishguard, Wales Treat yourself to home-baked goods and delicous cappuccinos. 14-18 High Street, Fishguard, Pembrokeshire SA65 9AR 01348 874443 CloseKnit, Bournemouth Drop in for wonderful hearty food and fantastic company. 52A Southborne Grove, Bournemouth BH6 3RB 01202 433010 The Yarn Cake, Glasgow Visit Scotland’s only dedicated knitting café and grab a slice of cake! 148 Queen Margaret Drive, Glasgow G20 8NY 0141 946 5305 Homefront, Cornwall Indulge in scrumptuous cakes and speciality coffee. 2 Quay Street, Lostwithiel, Cornwall PL22 0BS 01208 872962…

YOU WILL NEED • Any green DK yarn from your stash • A pair of 3.5mm needles • Mini Christmas lights • Star buttons • Wooden button • Mini buttons • White pompom • Gold ribbon • Green and white sewing thread • Black marker pen • Glue TENSION 20 sts and 26 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3.5mm needles MEASUREMENTS Fairy Light Tree 13cm tall Button Tree 13cm tall Elf 7cm tall ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 FAIRY LIGHT TREE Cast on 41 sts using 3.5mm needles and green yarn. Knit the next 3 rows. Row 1 K1, sl1, K1, psso, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, K1. Row 2 Purl. Rep these 2 rows until you have 3 sts on the…

Meet Jane – farm owner, spinner of 100% Wensleydale wool and yarn shop owner Up early or slow to rise? Up early and out to see my sheep – even on Christmas Day! First job of the day? Breakfast for 500! Seriously, this is a fantastic time to check the sheep, which we typically keep in flocks of 50. So that’s 10 groups to feed and check each morning. I love it for three seasons of the year and don’t like to think about the fourth! Mid-morning pick me up? A lovely large mug of tea and some homemade cake. Fave time to sit back and take five? I’m still waiting for this one! Leisurely lunchtime? Eating my sandwich outside and being pestered by our guinea fowl. Post-lunch priorities? Sorting…

Stuck for gift ideas? Nothing wraps up your seasonal knitting more perfectly than a hat and scarf set. Choose colours to match your recipient’s favourite winter coat and we’re sure you’ll give Santa a run for his money! The Croft Shetland Colours Pattern Book by Sarah Hatton, £12.95 Visit www.wyspinners.com or call 01535 664500 Find this hat and scarf combo, plus many more glorious patterns in this bright knitting book. King Cole pattern 5263 hat and scarf, £2.99 For stockists visit www.kingcole.com or ring 01756 703670 King Cole have launched their popular Big Value DK in 50g balls, perfect for accessory knits like this one! Rowan Wilkie Hat and Scarf by Martin Storey, £4 Available from www.knitrowan.com or call 01484 950630 Knit up a little luxury in Rowan Cashmere Tweed.…

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

SKITTLES, ANYONE? knitted these from the basic I pattern in issue 175, but I adapted some of them for a lovely girl. She was very happy! Sharon Bryce, via our Facebook Group These are so adorable, Sharon. We love the little piggy. What a fab present! MINI MARYSOL I just wanted to say how inspiring your magazine is. I love the letters page, seeing all the fantastic things other, very clever, people have knitted. So, I thought you would like to see my Marysol from issue 172. I decided to experiment with colour and different weights of wool. The smaller doll, with red hair, is knitted using 4ply. The dark-haired doll is in DK. They are presents for my niece’s little girls, I hope they like them. Keep up the…

TAL-Y-BONT, WALES My husband and I were on the beautiful beach in Tal-y-bont, just in between Harlech and Barmouth, in Wales. As usual, I had my knitting with me. I was knitting a grandad-style sweater (an Erika Knight pattern called Pop and Treacle), using Stylecraft Cotton Classique in Leaf. It’s for my grandson, Trevor. Elaine Saul, Wales Our letter writer wins an ‘I Just Wanna Save the World and Knit’ knitting tote bag from Kelly Connor Designs, worth £12.95!…

We love hearing from our readers so don’t delay, pop up a post on Facebook, tweet us on Twitter, tag us on Instagram, follow us on Pinterest, add to our Ravelry Finished Projects Board, drop us an email or post us a letter! Here are all the details you need: WRITE TO US Stay in Touch, Simply Knitting magazine, Immediate Media Co, Tower House, Fairfax Street, Bristol BS1 3BN EMAIL US simplyknitting@immediate.co.uk FIND US AND FOLLOW US Facebook.com/simplyknitting @SimplyKnitMag ravelry.com/groups/simply-knitting-magazine @simplyknittingmag pinterest www.pinterest.com/simplyknitmag…

Visit www.theyarnloop.com/simply-knitting and click on the ‘Win & Save’ tab to find this issue’s giveaways. Then, enter the correct code (see below), along with your name and address. If you don’t have your own email address, feel free to use ours, simplyknitting@immediate.co.uk, to submit your giveaway entry form. Find terms and conditions at www.theyarnloop.com/competition-rules. Issue 179’s giveaways will close on Thursday 6 December 2018. GIVEAWAY CODES 1 SKMSUGARCREAM179 2 SKMBAMRAMEWE179 3 SKMEUCALAN179 4 SKMCHIAOGOO179 5 SKMROWANSUBS179 6 SKMWALTHAMABBEY179 7 SKMKNITPROBUNDLE179 8 SKMVIRIDIANKIT179 9 SKMKNITTINGMETAL179 10 SKMNOVITABUNDLE179 11 SKMKNITCRAFT179 12 SKMYARNBUNDLE179 13 SKMROMNEYMARSH179 14 SKMCICOBOOKS179 15 SKMCOUTURE179 16 SKMCUPCAKE179 Incorrect codes will not be counted as entries, take care when entering them. FOR MORE CHANCES TO WIN GREAT PRIZES, turn to page 70…

I’M LOVING… Rowan magazine’s back catalogue I had no idea how three beautiful issues ended up in my shopping basket last week. No idea at all… (if the truth be told, I’m a bit of a soft touch for Rowan patterns and find it hard to resist.) I’M MAKING… A bigger peg bag I like things to be practical as well as fun to knit. So because the peg buckets you can buy never seem to be big enough to supply the quantity of laundry generated by my family, I knitted my own. I’M SHARING… Progress on a cosy cardigan I’m designing a pretty, warm cardigan in Stylecraft’s new yarn, Life Heritage. It’s filled with lovely muted blues and is really simple to knit. I can’t wait to share it…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ West Yorkshire Spinners, The Croft, Shetland Colours Aran (100% Shetland Island wool, 100g/166m) 1 skein of Tresta (583) ❏ A 5mm circular needle, 60cm long ❏ Stitch marker For yarn stockists contact West Yorkshire Spinners  01535 664500 www.wyspinners.com TENSION 29 sts and 25 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st pattern using 5mm needles MEASUREMENTS Cowl circumference approx 54cm (21›in) and 17cm (6½ in) depth ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 ›7KH›JHQWOH››WH[WXUHG›SDWWHUQ›RI›ëLV›FRZO› ORRNV D OLWWOH OLNH FDEOH EXW LV FUHDWHG E\ ëH › › › › › › › › › › VLPSOHVW›VWLWFK›FRPELQDWLRQ››&DVW›RQ›DQG› UHOD[›LQWR›ëLV›FRV\›ZLQWHU›NQLW› SOPHIE JORDAN, OPERATIONS EDITOR TEXTURED COWL Cast on 160 sts using a 5mm circular needle, 60cm long, and join to work in the round, taking care not to twist sts.…

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 you always keep the floats of one colour above the other colour, your work will look neater.…

KITCHENER CALAMITY Q No matter how hard I try I can’t seem to get to grips with Kitchener stitch. can you explain how to do it, why it’s used and when to avoid it? Talli Court, Leicester Kitchener stitch (also known as grafting) is the process of merging two edges together seamlessly, by sewing a new row of stitches between the pieces you want to join. When working Kitchener stitch you need an equal number of stitches divided across two needles to work the graft. Break your yarn tail with enough length to work through all the stitches you are going to graft – give yourself plenty of length as you don’t want to run out mid-row. Kitchener stitch is most commonly used on sock toes, but you can use…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Sirdar Touch (super chunky, 50% nylon, 50% polyester, 100g/67m) 1 ball of Yarn A Eskimo (011) ❏ Hayfield Bonus DK (100% acrylic, 100g/280m) 1 ball of each: Yarn B Bright Lemon (819) Yarn C White (961) Yarn D Flesh Tone (963) Yarn E Sunflower (978) ❏ A pair of 4mm needles ❏ Stuffing ❏ Stitch holder ❏ Battery-powered tea light ❏ Bamboo skewer ❏ Glue ❏ Pins For yarn stockists contact Sirdar 01924 231682 www.sirdar.co.uk TENSION 20 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles MEASUREMENTS To fit a teapot that holds 6 to 8 cups ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 CHART KEY HOW TO USE OUR CHARTS Start at the bottom right-hand corner. Read…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ West Yorkshire Spinners The Croft Shetland Tweed (aran, 100% wool, 100g/166m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ❏ A pair of 4mm needles ❏ A pair of 5mm needles ❏ A set of four 4mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) ❏ A cable needle ❏ A stitch holder For yarn stockists contact West Yorkshire Spinners www.wyspinners.com 01535 664500 TENSION 18 sts and 24 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 5mm needles 1 repeat of the 31-st patt (see * to * section on Back) measures 13cm (5in) in width, after light pressing, using 5mm needles ABBREVIATIONS M1P pick up and purl into back of horizontal strand lying before next st C11 slip next 2 sts to cn and hold at…

THE BLUE ROOM KNIT AND NATTER Nailsea, England Like-minded crafters, tea and coffee, oh, and delicious cake – it’s all happening at The Blue Room. Join in the fun with your own project or just head along for a chat – there’s no pressure. Want to know more? The club meets on the first and third Wednesday of the month, 1.30-3.30pm, at The Sion, Crown Glass Place, Nailsea BS48 1RB. Visit www.theblue-room.co.uk for more. CRAFTY LADIES Halifax, England The clue’s in the name! This lovely group of knitters put their needles to good use and you can join in the charity knitting fun. Enjoy friendly chats and share your skills at the lively meetings. Want to know more? The club meets on alternative Mondays, 4-6pm at The Hub, Northowram Library,…

Justin Wylie, Head of Fundraising Charity The Donkey Sanctuary Established The Donkey Sanctuary was established as a charity in 1969 by Dr Elisabeth Svendsen MBE. What do you do? The Donkey Sanctuary’s vision is a world where donkeys and mules live free from suffering, and their contribution to humanity is fully valued. The international animal welfare charity has 10 sanctuaries around the UK and Europe providing lifelong care to over 7,000 donkeys and mules.We run a Donkey-Assisted Therapy programme across the UK, which benefits children and adults with additional needs, focusing on developing their key life skills such as self-esteem, managing emotions and empathy. The charity operates in over 40 countries around the world. Latest fundraising news The Donkey Sanctuary has several thousand champion knitters. Some knit regularly and some…

Support Marie Curie by buying hand-dyed yarns and fab knitting goodies… What is the Flower Power Fund? The Flower Power Fund is a project I started to raise money for Marie Curie. Across 12 months, 12 British independent dyers create 12 limited-edition yarns inspired by flowers. Each skein of yarn sold will see a donation go towards Marie Curie. There are also flower-inspired project bags each month, and beautiful botanical prints of every flower – again, with a donation from each going to Marie Curie. There are raffles and giveaways to win, too! How many dyers are involved this year? There are 12 independent dyers involved, but there have been a few extra surprise dyers and goodies along the way, too. What can we do to help? Join in and…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Patons Baby Smiles Fairytale Fab 4 ply (100% acrylic, 50g/184m), 1 ball of each: Yarn A Sundance (01022) Yarn B Black (01099) Yarn C White (01001) Yarn D Lilac (01047) Yarn E Violet (01049) Yarn F Chestnut (01011) Yarn G Beige (01005) Yarn H Denim (01052) Yarn I Pale Blue (01054) Yarn J Camel (01010) Yarn K Apple Green (01072) Yarn L Grey (01090) Yarn M Jade (01070) ❏ A pair of 3.25mm needles ❏ A 3.5mm crochet hook ❏ Two 3.25mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) ❏ Toy filling 150g ❏ Black embroidery thread ❏ Blusher or crayon ❏ 5 cocktail sticks For yarn stockists contact Patons www.knitpatons.com  or call 01484 950630 TENSION 28 sts and 36 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st…

There are many different cable needles to choose from these days. Most shops will have the standard straight option but you can also get bent cable needs that come with a dip in them, and more recently the hooked cable needle, which is bent double. But the cable needle differences don’t stop there. What your cable needle is made from can also affect your knitting enjoyment – we recommend wooden cable needles for those tricky ‘slippery’ yarns and metal ones for ‘sticky’ yarns.…

You may see these great finishing touches in our patterns! KITCHENER STITCH The best way to graft your sock toes together Arrange your stitches so that the ones for the top of the foot are on one needle, and those for the bottom of the foot are on the other, with both needle tips pointing to the right. Cut a 40cm (15¾in) tail of yarn and thread onto a tapestry needle. Using your needle, thread the tail purlwise through the first stitch on the front needle, and then knitwise through the first stitch on the back needle. Thread the tail knitwise through the first stitch on the front needle and drop off the needle. Thread the tail purlwise through the new first stitch on the needle closest to you.Thread the…

Christmas Ribbon Jolly up those handknitted gifts with a festive ribbon from Berisfords! Prices start from 75p. For stockists information call 01260 274011 or visit www.berisfordsribbons.co.uk. Dera-Dog Patterns & Kits The Dera-Dogs 2 Kit comes with the yarn and pattern to knit four new pooches, from Buster the Jack Russell and Flash the Greyhound to Shep the Border Collie and Freddie the Schnauzer. Yarn and pattern kit costs £20.60 from www.deramores.com. Gold Scissors Bling up your knitting kit with these Pierced Embroidery Scissors – they’re just £6 from www.johnlewis.com! Visit the website or call 03456 049049 for information. Drops Sky Yarn Squish this supersoft newbie! DROPS Sky is filled with 74% baby alpaca and just £4.20 for a 50g ball. Visit www.garnstudio.com for details and stockists. Angel Tea Cosy Herald…

WHAT IS IT? This easy-to-use tool removes lint from your treasured jumpers in a straightforward, simple way. For use on natural fibres including cotton, wool, cashmere, angora, silk, hemp and alpaca. HOW DO I USE IT? Hold the affected garment on a firm surface and, applying moderate pressure, sweep Lilly Brush across the pilled areas in any direction. Make sure you brush off any tufts every now and then so you can see what remains to be removed. WHY DO I NEED IT? If you’ve ever rejected a forlorn-looking jumper or cardigan, this tool could be for you. Designed to refresh unloved handknitted garments in just a few moments you’ll soon be able to wear those great knits over and over again. WHY WE LOVE IT! For a reasonable cost…

Pull together a picture-perfect Christmas and prepare to break Instagram with your photo album of great makes, gift buys, bakes and days out with Simply Christmas magazine. Packed to the brim with only the best ideas from the top experts, you can find foodie ideas from Delia Smith, The Hairy Bikers and more. Not to mention a festive platter of craft ideas to make your house look more festive than Lapland. Find this top magazine in your nearest WHSmith, top supermarkets, by visiting www.buysubscriptions.com or calling 03330 162138.…

“The number one reason knitters knit is because ëH\›DUH›VR›VPDUW›ëH\›QæG› NQLWWLQJ›WR›PDNH›ëH›EèLQJ› ëLQJV›LQWHUHVWLQJ›Ó› STEPHANIE PEARL-MCPHEE Go on! Treat yourself to the ultimate yarn indulgence with The Fibre Lounge’s My SecretYarn Stash Advent Calendar. Inside you’ll receive 24 mini yarn parcels that are numbered and ready to be opened on their allocated days.You can choose from sock, DK or aran yarn for your special yarn calendar. All calendars will be dispatched on 15 November and UK postage is free of charge. Visit www.thefibrelounge.com for more information.…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Debbie Bliss Rialto DK Heathers (100% Merino wool, 50g/105m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ❏ A pair of 3.25mm knitting needles ❏ A pair of 4mm knitting needles ❏ Stitch holder ❏ Stitch marker ❏ 9 buttons, 17mm diameter For yarn stockists contact LoveKnitting 0845 544 2196 www.loveknitting.com TENSION 22 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 CARDIGAN STITCH PATTERNS PANEL Note Worked over 30 sts. Row 1 (RS) P2, *K2, P2; rep from * to end. Row 2 K2, *P2, K2; rep from * to end. Rows 3 to 4 As Rows 1 to 2. Row 5 K1, (P2, K2) 3 times, P4, (K2, P2)…

A TREASURED GIFT My lovely 93-year-old friend gave me this book today. Her mum gave it to her in 1940 – inscribed in the front is “To … from Mother, December 1940”. I love it and shall treasure it always. It’s incredible to think that adults and children alike wore knitted vests and pants, and that the women were so slim! Sizes above a 36-inch bust were called “outsize” and were for “the older lady”. Also, the baby clothes were all approved by the Government Health Authority! Sally Jane Pillinger, via Facebook Thank you for sharing this with us, Sally! It really tells a story of how society and fashion has changed over the years. I actually have this book myself, along with some others from that era – it’s…

Every month, three subscribers win a prize as a thank you for their loyalty to Simply Knitting. This month, the winners (below) will each receive 7 balls of the best-selling Stylecraft Jeanie yarn, to make this gorgeous jumper, worth over £36! Or you can make the cardigan version instead – spoilt for choice! Ms Smith, Dundee Ms Atkinson, Halifax Ms Gibson, Bishop Auckland IMMEDIATE MEDIA COMPANY, PUBLISHERS OF SIMPLY KNITTING, SUBS STARS GIVEAWAY TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Prizes were dispatched before the on sale date of this issue. There are no cash alternatives. Three winning entries will be chosen at random from all current subscribers. The draw is final and no correspondence will be entered into.…

Karen only started knitting 18 months ago. “I took a one-time class about 15 years ago, but the cheap yarn and short needles exacerbated a chronic tendon injury, so I thought I’d never be able to knit,” she explains. Put off by the pain from her injury, Karen abandoned the needles for years. Then, one day, her loving husband encouraged her to give knitting another go. “He took me to a craft store and helped me choose nicer yarn and bigger needles,” remembers Karen. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT Determined not to be defeated this time, Karen set about re-learning the basics of knitting. “I searched online for GIFs, because they show you one motion, over and over again on a loop,” says Karen. “With videos, you have to put down your…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ DROPS Baby Merino (4ply, 100% wool, 50g/175m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ❏ A pair of 3.5mm needles ❏ A pair of 4mm needles ❏ Tapestry needle For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION 23 sts and 27 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 THE SNOWMAN JUMPER BACK Cast on 70 (74: 80: 84: 88: 94) sts using 3.5mm needles and Yarn A. Row 1 Knit. Row 2 (K1, P1) to end of the row. Last 2 rows set 1x1 garter rib. Continue in 1x1 garter rib for 10 more rows. Change to 4mm needles, continue in stocking stitch until work meas 24 (25.5: 28:…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Scheepjes Stone Washed (4ply, 78% cotton, 22% acrylic, 50g/130m), 7 balls of: Yarn A Moon Stone (801) 2 balls of each: Yarn B Coral (816) Yarn C Blue Apatite (805) Yarn D Peridot (827) Yarn E Beryl (833) 1 ball of each: Yarn F Garnet (810) Yarn G Amazonite (813) Yarn H Rose Quartz (820) ❏ Scheepjes River Washed (78% cotton, 22% acrylic, 50g/130m) 2 balls of Yarn I Danube (948) 1 ball of each: Yarn J Nile (944) Yarn K Mekong (943) Note Each square uses approximately 20 to 22g of yarn and there are 36 squares in total. The border uses 1 ball each of Yarn A, Yarn B and Yarn C. Tassels and duplicate stitch can be made with any colours of left…

Our wellbeing pattern features The Croft Shetland Colours Aran, a favourite from the West Yorkshire Spinners’ yarn fold. It’s made from 100% Shetland Island wool and is fine, warm, strong and wonderful to knit with. It also comes in a range of eight complementary Shetland Tweed colours for that classic country finish, giving you the perfect choice for a desirable quality garment. Each hank weighs 100g, measures 166m and costs £8.50. Once knitted and worn it can be popped into the washing machine for a 30°C wash too! For yarn stockists visit www.wyspinners.com  or call 01535 664500.…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Scheepjes Woolly Whirl (2ply, 70% cotton, 30% wool, 215g/1000m) 1 cake of Bubble Lickcious (474) ❏ A pair of 3.75mm needles For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes by visiting www.scheepjes.com/en TENSION 21 sts and 33 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over pattern using 3.75mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 SHAWL Cast on 94 sts. Work 2 rows in garter st. Now work in pattern as follows: Row 1 K1, *yo, K1; rep from * to last st, K1. Row 2 K1, purl to last st, K1. Row 3 K1, *k2tog; rep from * to last st, K1. Row 4 and 5 K1, *yo, k2tog; rep from * to last st, K1. Row 6 and 7 Knit. These 7 rows form the…

SINGLE BALL IDEAS Q I have drawers full of single balls and skeins of yarn. Any ideas on what I can knit with them? Anne Shale, via email It depends on the type and weight of the yarn. A thick yarn with not much length will not give you many options unless it is a 100g ball. And even then you may be restricted to a hat or short scarf. A ball of lace weight or 4 ply could make a fine lace scarf or a pair of socks. Debbie Did you know...? The word ‘set’ sometimes causes confusion. It’s used when a panel’s rows are included elsewhere in the pattern and the knitter needs to know where the panel sits in the row, ie ‘These 4 rows set the…

1 Insert the point of the right-hand needle through the loops of the next two stitches as if to knit. 2 Wind the yarn round the tip of the right-hand needle and pull the yarn through the two stitches, knitting them both together. 3 Drop the two stitches from the left-hand needle and keep the new stitch on the right-hand needle. 4 Knitting two stitches together decreases your stitch count by one, and the decrease stitch leans to the right. This is how a series of k2tog decreases will look.…

Knitting plays an important role in our lives, so we’ve created this page to celebrate all the things you can do with this fantastic craft locally and across the globe. Casting on for charity? We’ve got you covered! Looking to join a new group, look no further – we have a fab selection of knit and natter sessions for you. Knitting on the road? Don’t miss our guide to the yarn-filled landscapes of Lancashire. This month, we say hello to brand-new shop Wool Couture, drool over delicious cakes from favourite yarn shop cafés and catch up with Sarah Holmes from the Flower Power Fund. Plus, discover how you can help Farfield Mill! Don’t forget to tell us about any shop or club recommendations you may have and send in your…

Every month we explore one of our favourite UK yarn shops! Who’s in charge? Me, Claire Gelder! Where can we find you? We’re in Brierley, Barnsley. See details below. When did your doors first open? 18 September, this year! What is your shop like? It’s full of lots of beautiful, pastel and pink things – definitely a good place to go if you want to squish cosy things! Popular products? The Lulu blanket (which you could win on page 33), our macramé kits, and the small rectangular weaving loom, too. Any special events? Oh yes! We have all of our new training sessions coming up. Keep an eye out for them on our website… Who shops at your shop? Generally, ladies who are around 25 years or older. Top shopping…

This is our favourite time of year, we love the rich, warm hues associated with the season. So, mustard had to be our number-one colour. We love the shade so much that we introduced it into two of our ranges, Bellissima and Life DK. Perfect to use on its own or combined with others. Annabelle Hill Sales and Marketing Director The trend for easy knits with spectacular effects from the yarn is big for the season. Our Creative Dégradé yarn is a ‘shawl in a ball’ and easy to knit with a range of stunning gradients (£16.99 per ball). For the season ahead we have added Creative Degrade Super Six, available in eight beautiful colours. Nicola Tack PR and Marketing Manager Faux fur was a major trend forecast for autumn/winter,…

Keep them warm, even if there are a million snow flurries this Christmas, with Monica Russel’s sweet sweater YOU WILL NEED ❏ Sublime Extra Fine Merino DK (100% wool, 50g/116m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ❏ A pair of 3.5mm needles ❏ A pair of 4mm needles ❏ A 4mm cable needle ❏ 2 buttons, 16mm diameter For yarn stockists contact Sublime 01924 369666 www.sublimeyarns.com TENSION 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 CHART KEY Yarn A Yarn B 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…

cable CAST-ON method Use it for a firm edge, and when adding stitches to your work 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. Push the point of the right-hand needle between the first and second stitches. Wrap the yarn anti-clockwise around the point of the right-hand needle. Pull the loop out with the right-hand needle, then slip it over the tip of the left-hand needle. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until you have the number of stitches you require. thumb CAST-ON method A great all rounder, use it to cast on stitches quickly and easily Make a slip knot and place it on a needle, leaving…

“Don’t rush the sewing!” MATTRESS STITCH Place your knitted pieces RS up side by side. Thread your yarn on to a needle, anchor the end and weave along an edge to your start point. Working from back to front, push your needle up between the first and second stitches of the left piece’s edge, then insert the needle down between the first two stitches of the right piece’s edge (on the equivalent row). Moving upwards, bring the needle back up on the right piece, scooping up the bar that lies at the back of the stitch. Return to the opposite piece and repeat. BACKSTITCH Pin your two pieces together and secure your sewing yarn tail a stitch length to the right of where you are starting. Now working from right…

ESTABLISHED IN UK 17th century CATEGORY Naturally coloured LOCATION Throughout the UK HANDLE Soft/medium COLOUR Cream and brown FLEECE WEIGHT 1.75-2.75kg DID YOU KNOW? 1 Jacobs commonly have four horns, but can have anywhere between two and six – this is why they’re also known as the Many-Horned Sheep. 2 Thanks to their hardy natures, Jacobs are sometimes used as guard animals on farms. 3 The Jacob sheep is a piebald animal, which refers to their brown and white spotted colouring.…

ISSUE 178 CHRISTMAS Jumper dress Cable cardigan Polar bear jumper Cable jumper Green cardigan Fun Christmas wreath Festive mouse Tree decorations Mindful mittens Santa stocking Christmas pudding hat Scandi-style winter set Boot toppers PLUS! Christmas knits booklet ISSUE 177 NOVEMBER Raccoon bag charm Casual cardi Girl’s rainbow dress V neck lace jumper Kid’s Halloween jumper Lace & stripes jumper Diamond lace top The Halloween Collection Under the sea mobile Cool denim T shirt PLUS! Woodland friends pattern booklet ISSUE 176 OCTOBER Aqua lace jumper Two-colour short-sleeved jumper Stripy i-cord detail jumper Navy cardigan for him Striped jumper Cocktail tea cosies Flamingo toy Dress-up boy doll Home collection PLUS! Sweet home knits booklet ISSUE 175 SEPTEMBER Pebble stitch cardigan Two-colour jumper Lacy green jumper Mesh short-sleeved jumper Child’s bee dress Graphic…