Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2019 i Simply Knitting

As the summer holidays draw to a close, we knitters are lucky folk. The shorter days, chilly nights and brisk mornings are the perfect time to get excited and inspired by our autumn knits! I’m a huge fan of 100% real wool and love that I come from a country that produces some of the world’s best wool yarns, from exceptional heritage spinners. The autumn/winter season is the best time to celebrate their natural warmth, comforting texture and hugely varied colour palettes. But wool’s not all there is to love during the cooler months – the UK’s passion for yarn crafts delivers shelf upon shelf, and online page upon page, of the most wonderful, varied yarn mixes to buy, and we’re lucky to be able to find a plethora of…

COLOR BLOCK KNITS by Nicki Trench (CICO Books, £12.99) Sure to inspire, with its colourful cover and equally colourful and vibrant patterns, this book was written to celebrate cake yarns and zingy self-striping designs. There are 35 fun and colourful projects to choose from, ranging from original home knits to fabulous garments. The added bonus is that most of the designs featured only require one ball of yarn to make. JAPANESE KNITTING STITCHES FROM TOKYO’S KAZEKOBO STUDIO by Yoko Hatta (Tuttle Publishing, £14.99) If you are searching for unique cultural inspiration, this exquisite book delivers an excellent range of oriental knitting projects. Yoko Hatta has inspired knitters around the world with her studio and design work. This detailed work includes a conversion table at the back and also a quick…

Woolly Hangings These bold woolly wall hangings from www.woollymahoosive.com make a brilliant statement on the plainest of walls (from £12.99). Just search wall hangings when you’re on the site. Tassel Throw Word on Knitting Street is that bulky tassels are the new pompoms, and who wouldn’t love this tassel-tastic throw kit in contemporary colours (£125) for their own home? Find the kit at www.stitchandstory.com Vibrant Cushions Pick up Rowan’s Magazine 65 or download the patterns individually online if you fancy treating your sofa to one of these neat Arne and Carlos cushions. Visit www.knitrowan.com Jellybean Blanket Knits get squishy with this Jelly Bean and Yummy blanket from King Cole. Pop to www.woolwarehouse.co.uk or call 0800 505 3300 for the pattern (no. 5512, £2.99) and yarn (£3.99 and £7.22). Moon Cushion…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Debbie Bliss Piper (DK, 50% cotton, 50% viscose, 100g/200m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ❏ A pair of 3.25mm needles ❏ A pair of 3.75mm needles ❏ A pair of 4mm needles ❏ Stitch holders For yarn stockists contact Love Crafts www.lovecrafts.com TENSION 22 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st on 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 FIND YOUR SIZE SIZING COLOUR KEY So you can re-use this pattern, we’ve colour-coded the sizing instructions. Simply follow our colour-coded measurements and you’re off. JUMPER STITCH PATTERNS FIRST TRIANGLE (WORKED OVER 26 STS) Row 1 (K2, P2) 6 times, K2. Row 2 P2, (K2, P2) 6 times. Row 3 (P2, K2) 6 times, P2. Row 4…

SUPER SOCK MEASURER I cannot thank you enough for the special sock tool enclosed with issue 185 of Simply Knitting! I have struggled for years with Kitchener stitch and never managed to complete a sock without bodging the toe. Last Sunday I used your instructions to complete a ‘perfect’ sock! Here are the pictures to prove it. I’ve nearly finished its pair and it’s such a relief to know I won’t be messing it up. The pattern is Winwick Mum’s basic 4ply sock and it knits up very quickly. I highly recommended this pattern if anyone is looking for a simple sock pattern. Alison Walker, Fife We’re so pleased to hear that you have enjoyed our cover gift in issue 185, Alison. We designed the tool as a versatile and…

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, Eagle House, Colston Avenue, Bristol BS1 4ST. EMAIL US simplyknitting@immediate.co.uk FIND US AND FOLLOW US Facebook.com/simplyknitting @SimplyKnitMag ravelry.com/groups/simply-knitting-magazine @simplyknittingmag www.pinterest.com/simplyknitmag…

The other day, I picked up my current knit-in-progress and felt distinctly uninspired. There was nothing wrong with the pattern (a cardigan called ‘Trip To Town’) and nothing wrong with the yarn or the needles: I just wasn’t feeling the love. So I put it down again, because this is knitting, not my tax-return, and is thus both non-compulsory and supposed to be fun. MOVING ON Instead, I grabbed needles and some oddments of yarn, and began to play. There was no pattern, and no plan other than to cast on a swatch and see what emerged. For the first few rows, all that appeared was rather ordinary stripes, as I swapped two colours in and out. Then I added sets of increases and decreases to every right-side row and…

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 189’s giveaways will close on Thursday 19 September 2019. GIVEAWAY CODES 1 SKMBINKY189 2 SKMWYS189 3 SKMBERGERE189 4 SKMROWAN189 5 SKMPAINTBOX189 Incorrect codes will not be counted as entries, so please take care when entering them.…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Sirdar Snuggly Snowflake DK (100% polyester, 25g/85m) 2 balls of Yarn A Wuzzy (0634) ❏ Hayfield Bonus DK (100% acrylic, 100g/280m) 1 ball of Yarn B Denim (994) ❏ A pair of 4mm needles ❏ Toy filling ❏ 2 toy safety eyes, 12mm diameter ❏ Stitch holder ❏ Oddment of black acrylic 4ply yarn, to embroider the nose For yarn stockists contact Sirdar 01924 231682 www.sirdar.co.uk TENSION 20 sts and 29 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st in Sirdar Snuggly using 4mm needles 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st in Hayfield Bonus using 4mm needles MEASUREMENTS 29cm (11½in) tall ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 TEDDY BEAR ARMS (MAKE 2) Cast on 22 sts using 4mm…

These baby dungarees, from Simply Knitting issue 185, is a fairly simple shaped project. It’s knitted straight until the armholes when shaping begins with ‘sk2po’ (sl1, K1, pass slipped st over) decreases. The neckline isn’t shaped; instead the centre stitches are cast off and each strap is worked straight. With raglan-sleeved garments, such as this cardi from Simply Knitting issue 188, the slope shape of the sleeves is the same as the front and back panels. This makes it easy to join them together. Often the decreases occur at a set number of stitches into the rows to create a patterned ridge at the join. Once you’ve mastered the basics of increasing and decreasing, you’ll be able to make more complex 3D shapes, such as toys. The body parts of…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Sirdar Hayfield Bonus DK (100% acrylic, 100g/280m), 1 ball each of: Yarn A Pumpkin (766) Yarn B Sunflower (978) Yarn C Bright Lemon (819) Yarn D Black (965) Yarn E Light Grey Mix (814) Yarn F White (961) ❏ A pair of 4mm knitting needles ❏ A pair of 5.5mm knitting needles ❏ Stitch holder ❏ Toy filling ❏ Tapestry needle For yarn stockists contact Sirdar 01924 231682 www.sirdar.co.uk TENSION 17 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over Honeycomb stitch using 5.5mm needles and yarn held DOUBLE 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over stocking stitch using 4mm needles MEASUREMENTS To fit a 2 pint/6-8 cup teapot ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 BEEHIVE TEA COSY Note Divide yarn…

DOUBLE DILEMMA Q I am new to knitting and have recently decided to step out of my comfort zone of using circular needles. Have you got any tips for using double-pointed needles (DPNs)? Janie via email For someone who is fairly new to knitting, I would advise to cast on an extra stitch and knit the first and last stitch of the first round together. This will help to make it easier to create a secure, gapless join. Debbie SLIP-ON SOCKS Q I am hoping to start my first sock project. Do you recommend a special cast on for knitting socks? Lucy Steele, London If you are knitting the socks from top down you will need a stretchy cast on, like the thumb method. Otherwise you won’t be able to…

In association with the Keep Yarn on our Streets campaign Where better to go in late summer, than the rolling green hills of the countryside? Lincolnshire provides the perfect escape, with its glorious surroundings and pretty little towns bursting with yarnspiration – it’s great for exploring. This issue, our shop of the month is Wool Couture, and we also hear all about fab yarn shop, Northern Yarn. Our Charity of the Month, Action for M.E., and we’re super-excited to show you their knitting project. We also chat with the brilliant Oxford Drunken Knitwits and hear their story too. Plus, we have a brilliant Yarndale feature and competition! Phew! Please do tell us about any shop, club or charity recommendations you may have, and remember to send in your community stories…

Baldellia is a gorgeous pullover in Kettle Yarn Co’s Islington DK – perfect for summer knitting with relaxing stockinette and ribbed detailing. Marie-Amélie Madignier chose Copper for her design in this British Bluefaced Leicester. The sheer lustre of this stunning yarn will take your breath away. Linda Lencovic Brand Owner Bernat Blanket is a luxuriously soft, chenille-style yarn that’s ideal for plush blankets and home accessories. It knits up quickly, making it a great choice for large projects. It’s available in a wide range of fab colours, including variegates. Available from The Range at £14.99. Stephen McAllister Sales Director Gabrielle is a unique layering piece for any season. Wear it alone with high-waisted trousers or skirt in the summer, or with a turtleneck or collared shirt and boots in the…

cable CAST-ON method  Use it for a firm edge, and when adding stitches to 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 around 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 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 1 Make a slip knot and place…

Black face, short legs and a squidgy cream fleece – it has to be the original Suffolk sheep! Although its fleece is only short (at just under two inches in length) it certainly has its advantages – it doesn’t matt and tangle too easily, plus its quality is fine with a lovely bouncy feel.The uses of this popular yarn are varied to say the least – normally the wool is blended to produce both cloth and knitwear yarn – however, it is also used in the production of larger items such as Japanese futons. Suffolk wool is also frequently earmarked for spinning as it’s ideal in length and doesn’t clump together.We love the Suffolks’ noble-looking face and floppy ears! Discover more about the wonderful world of British sheep and wool…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Stylecraft Life DK (75% acrylic, 25% wool, 100g/298m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ❏ A pair of 3.75mm needles ❏ A pair of 4mm needles ❏ Cable needles ❏ 7 x buttons For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft 01484 848435 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk TENSION 22 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS Tw2 P into front of 2nd st on the left-hand needle, then P first st, dropping both sts off needle together Cr2R K into front of 2nd st on left-hand needle, the P first st, dropping both sts off needle together Cr2L P into back of 2nd st on left-hand needle, then K first st, dropping both sts off needle together C4F slip next 2 sts…

If you are a resident of Carcroft in Doncaster, chances are you have bought yarn from 80-year-old Phyllis Yapp at The Wool Shop in Owston Road. Phyllis opened her doors in 1986 and has been a Stylecraft stockist since the brand launched. “I have stocked Special DK for as long as I can remember and Stylecraft’s baby yarns have always been popular with my customers,” she says. Over the last 30 years her customers have changed quite a lot. “It used to be mums popping in to get yarn for school jumpers, but now I get a lot of people buying yarn for charity projects.” Preemie traffic light hats are especially popular at The Wool Shop and the knitting and crochet group Phyllis runs. They help hospital staff see at…

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 righ t. This is how a series of k2tog decreases will look.…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Stylecraft Wondersoft DK (100% acrylic, 100g/294m) Yarn A Denim (1312) Yarn B Snow White (1001) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table Note Yarn shades have been changed from sample due to yarn discontinuation, therefore colours will not match photography exactly ❏ A pair of 3.25mm needles ❏ A pair of 4mm needles ❏ A cable needle ❏ 6 buttons For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft 01484 848435 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk TENSION 22 sts and 30 rows to 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles 28 sts and 32 rows to 10x10cm (4x4in) over pattern using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 of Simply Knitting magazine FIND YOUR SIZE SIZING COLOUR KEY So you can re-use this pattern, we’ve colour-coded the sizing instructions.…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Stylecraft Special XL (100% acrylic, 200g/136m) in Mushroom (1832) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ❏ A pair of 10mm needles ❏ A pair of 8mm needles ❏ A cable needle ❏ A button For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft 01484 848435 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk TENSION 9.5 sts and 13 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 10mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 of Simply Knitting magazine FIND YOUR SIZE SIZING COLOUR KEY So you can re-use this pattern, we’ve colour-coded the sizing instructions. Simply follow our colour-coded measurements and you’re off. CHUNKY CABLE WAISTCOAT LEFT FRONT Cast on 31 (33: 37: 39: 41) sts using 8mm needles and thumb method. Work in 1x1 rib for 8cm, ending with a RS…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Stylecraft Special Chunky (100% acrylic, 100g/144m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ❏ A pair of 5mm needles ❏ A pair of 6mm needles ❏ Stitch holders For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft 01484 848435 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk TENSION 14 sts and 20 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 6mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 of Simply Knitting magazine FIND YOUR SIZE SIZING COLOUR KEY So you can re-use this pattern, we’ve colour-coded the sizing instructions. Simply follow our colour-coded measurements and you’re off. JUMPER LACE PATTERN Row 1 K4, *yfwd, s1, k2tog, psso, yfwd, K3; rep from * to last st, K1. Row 2 Purl. Row 3 K1, *yfwd, s1, k2tog, psso, yfwd, K3; rep from * to last…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Stylecraft Bellissima (DK, 100% acrylic, 100g/268m) in Mellow Yellow (3925) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ❏ A pair of 3.75mm needles ❏ A pair of 4.5mm needles ❏ 2 buttons For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft 01484 848435 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk TENSION 22 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4.5mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 of Simply Knitting magazine FIND YOUR SIZE SIZING COLOUR KEY So you can re-use this pattern, we’ve colour-coded the sizing instructions. Simply follow our colour-coded measurements and you’re off. HEART CARDIGAN BACK Cast on 67 (73: 79: 83: 89) sts using 4.5 mm needles and thumb method. Work 28 (38: 46: 56: 70) rows in st st. SHAPE ARMHOLES Work 5…

1 Bring the yarn to the front of the needles before you work the next stitch. 2 Insert the right-hand needle into the next stitch, and wrap the yarn around the right-hand needle to knit the stitch. 3 This will bring the yarn between the needles to the front, and you can then pull it through the stitch as normal. 4 Slip the stitch off the needle. You will notice that the yarn over forms an extra loop to the right of the stitch you have just worked.…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Stylecraft Batik DK (80% acrylic, 20% wool, 50g/138m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ❏ A pair of 4mm needles ❏ A 4mm circular needle ❏ 6 x buttons ❏ Cable needle (cn) For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft Yarns 01484 848435 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk TENSION 22 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS C4F slip next 2 sts onto cn and hold at front, K2, then K2 from cn LT (left twist) With right needle behind left needle, k into back of 2nd st on left needle, then into back of 1st and 2nd sts and k2tog RT (right twist) k2tog leaving sts on left needle, insert right needle between these 2 sts from front and k into…

SLOUCHY BE GOOD If your plan is to book in the best wintry woollies for your to-knit list as early as possible, we thought we’d give you a head start with this wonderful chunky cardi from Lauren Aston. This £60 kit comes with all the luxurious Merino yarn you’ll need to make it and there’s a real bounty of yarn shades to choose from too. Buttons and needles are optional. Check out the rest of Lauren’s brilliant jumbo knits and homeware kits over at www.notonthehighstreet.com/ laurenaston…

This issue we take a breather with Victoria, owner-dyer at Eden Cottage Yarns Up early or slow to rise? A bit of both, I am up early, but need coffee to get going! First job of the day? Every morning I check in with Laura who works remotely and then I make a list of tasks for my helpers; this could include picking orders, organising yarn for twisting or printing labels. Then it’s on to dyeing. Mid-morning pick-me-up? A nice brew and a healthy snack while catching up on tasks on the computer – social media, emails etc. Fave time to sit back and take five? When I get to sit back with some knitting, normally first thing in the morning and again in the evening. Leisurely lunchtime? If Claire…

Chunky Monkey From the tips of her floppy ears to her stripy pins, this monkey likes to chill. Kit £15, www.gifthorsekits.co.uk. Pixie Hood Panda Looking snuggly – all pandas should don a pixie hood cardi. Pattern, £5, Susan B Anderson, Ravelry. Tearoom Girl Cat We love the button detail on this pretty kitty’s pinafore dress. Pattern £3.42, maryjanestearoom, Etsy. Baby Elephant Easy to love, simple to knit, so why not knit a whole herd? Pattern, £3.50, ClaireFairallDesigns, Etsy.…

ColourLab DK self-striping shades are ideal for knits for children, as they produce flashes of multi-colour, creating unique hand knits with every make. Each self-striping shade has been developed using the solid range of ColourLab DK, making mixing and matching super fun! Choose from playful garments including Carousel, Helter Skelter and Merry-go-round – this range has all the fun of the fair! Made with 100% British wool, those folk at West Yorkshire Spinners have launched this exciting new range with their usual passion. Colour Lab Kids Book, £8.50 Colour Lab DK Yarn, £6.50 per 100g www.wyspinners.com…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Wool Couture Beau Baby DK (50% Merino wool, 50% acrylic, 50g/90m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ❏ A pair of 3.25mm needles ❏ A pair of 4mm needles ❏ Stitch holders ❏ Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact Wool Couture 01226 414950 www.woolcouturecompany.com TENSION 20 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles 22.5 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over pattern using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS T2R knit into front of second st on LH needle but do not slip off needle, then knit into front of first stitch on needle, then slip both sts off LH needle together For a full list see page 95 FIND YOUR SIZE SIZING COLOUR KEY So you can…

DOG BLANKET It looks like Ashley’s new blanket has a fan already – her adorable pooch! We bet that this blanket must be as lovely and cosy as it looks. Ashley Lafreniere, via email BABY BLANKET This delicate blanket was knitted for Rita’s second grandchild. The bright baby blanket pattern is from issue 47 by Julia Hopson. Rita Curtis, via email CABLE WORK Knitted in a lovely light cream yarn, the cable work pattern that runs through Bev’s blanket adds a really subtle and stylish finish. Bev Murton, via email…

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 Melissa Leapman’s 6000+ Pullover Possibilities book, the must-have companion for any knitter, helping you to customise jumper patterns to your style. Doris Armstrong, Manchester Christine Carter, Spalding Helen Graham, Dover 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.…

I’M LOVING… Short rows I’m having lots of fun experimenting with using short rows to shape my knitting as I design a set of hats – you should try it if you get a chance in between your WIPs! I’M MAKING… Colourwork motif charts Lots and lots of stranded colourwork charts to be completely honest, I’m then swatching the results. It’s all part of my keen plan to boost my knitting mojo. I’M SHARING… A love of vintage pattern books I’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for old pattern books and these two are both from the 1970s. I find that vintage and retro patterns can be so inspiring.…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Sirdar No.1 Chunky (50% acrylic, 50% nylon, 100g/135m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ❏ A pair of 5mm needles ❏ A pair of 6mm needles ❏ A 5mm circular needle, 80cm long ❏ Stitch holders ❏ 5 medium buttons For yarn contact The Knitting Network on 01795 570303 or www.theknittingnetwork.co.uk TENSION 18 sts and 22 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over body patt using 6mm needles 16 sts and 22 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over sleeve patt using 6mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 FIND YOUR SIZE SIZING COLOUR KEY So you can re-use this pattern, we’ve colour-coded the sizing instructions. Simply follow our colour-coded measurements and you’re off. CARDIGAN BACK Cast on 89 (97: 109: 119: 131)…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ DMC Natura XL (100% cotton, 100g/75m), 2 balls each of: Yarn A (01), Yarn B (71) ❏ A pair of 7mm knitting needles ❏ 2.5m of ribbon, 1.5cm wide ❏ Wicker or paper rope baskets from Primark For yarn stockists contact DMC 01924 231669 www.dmc.com TENSION 12 sts and 16 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over stocking stitch using 7mm needles MEASUREMENTS Large cover To fit basket 23.5cm (9¼in) long x 17.5cm (7in) wide x 12cm (4¾in) high Small cover To fit basket 15cm (6in) long x 10cm (4in) wide x 10cm (4in) high ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 BASKET COVERS STRIPE PATTERN Row 1 Using Yarn A, knit. Row 2 Using Yarn A, purl. Row 3 Using Yarn B, knit. Row 4…

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.…

When shaping at both ends of a row, it’s important to work ‘matching decreases’ or ‘matching increases’. This is because each type of shaping stitch has a matching partner, which creates the same sort of shaping effect, sloping in the opposite direction. By working a matching pair of shaping stitches, you will create a neater and more balanced look at both ends of a row. Small details like the shaping stitches make a big difference to the look of your finished item. INCREASE VITAL FOR SHAPING YOUR KNITS… SLOPE LEFT If you’re not sure whether a shaping stitch will slope left or right, experiment with some spare yarn first, to see the effect. SLOPE RIGHT If you’re increasing at both ends of a row, make sure you use two different…

TIGHTENING LOOSE STITCHES Another problem some people have when knitting cables is that the last stitch of the cable is often slightly looser than the first stitch of the reverse stocking stitch background, and it can look a little baggy at this point. This phenomenon not seem to happen to everybody, and again in some cases it is remedied when the stitches even themselves out with the first wash or when they’re wet blocked. Another solution is to knit until you’re ready to cast off your knitting, work to the purl stitch after the offending stitch and drop it down to a few rows above the beginning of your cable (it’s best not to go right to the very bottom unless you are very brave). Turn your work over so…

I’M YARN OVER IT! Q What is a yarn over, and exactly how do I do it? Sophie Davidson, Rye When you work a yarn over (or yo) it creates a hole in your fabric. It can be used for practical purposes, like buttonholes, or when paired with increases, to create a pretty pattern in lacework. Follow our step by step below on how to work a good yarn over! Sophie 1 First of all, make sure that you bring the yarn round to the very front of the needles, before you then can begin to proceed to work on the next stitch. 2 Now, proceed to insert the right-hand needle into the next stitch, and wrap the yarn nice and tightly around the right-hand needles to knit the stitch.…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Rico Essentials Cotton DK (100% cotton, 50g/130m), 2 balls each of: Yarn A Mauve (17) Yarn B Berry (15) Yarn C Dusty Pink (19) ❏ A 4mm circular needle, 50cm long ❏ A 7mm circular needle, 40cm long ❏ A set of 7mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) ❏ 2 stitch markers ❏ Sewing thread and needle ❏ A pair of black rolled-leather bag handles, 71cm long (www.bag-clasps.co.uk) ❏ A brass sew-on magnetic bag clasp (www.bag-clasps.co.uk) For yarn stockists contact Rico Design www.rico-design.de/en TENSION 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles and 1 strand of yarn 14 sts and 20 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 7mm needles and 3 strands held together MEASUREMENTS 20x5x21cm (7 ¾…

PURL A ROW Nominated for the British Knitting and Crochet 2019 awards, this cool shop has a handy little coffee machine in-store. They also hold an annual ‘Crafting the mind and body’ retreat in Bodmin during late summer. For more information visit www.purlarow.co.uk. THE YARN CAKE How does German-style baking sound? You’ll find plenty of yarn and yummy sweet German treats inside this hub in Glasgow, which stocks a variety of British yarns. For more information contact 01419 465 05 or email info@theyarncake.co.uk. THE BLACK SHEEP WOOL Located in Cheshire, this craft barn hosts workshops, and has a tea shop too. Black Sheep Wool holds regular knitting classes and workshops, and has an online store too. To contact call 01925 764231. Or for more information visit www.blacksheepwools.com. DID YOU KNOW?…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Rowan Denim Revive (DK, 95% cotton, 5% other fibres, 50g/100m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ❏ A pair 3.25mm needles ❏ A pair 3.75mm needles For yarn call Black Sheep Wools on 01925 764231 or visit www.blacksheepwools.com TENSION 22 sts and 29 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3.75mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 FIND YOUR SIZE SIZING COLOUR KEY So you can re-use this pattern, we’ve colour coded the sizing instructions. Simply follow our colour-coded measurements and you’re off. FISHBONE JUMPER Note As the number of sts increases, you may prefer to work on a circular needle. BACK Cast on 155 (165: 177: 187: 199) sts using 3.25mm needles and Yarn A. Row 1 (RS)…

kitchener stitch  The best way to graft your sock toes together 1 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. 2 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 tail knitwise through the first stitch on the front needle and drop off the needle. 3 Thread the tail purlwise through the new first stitch on the needle closest to you.Thread the tail purlwise through the first stitch on the…

ISSUE 188 AUGUST Sequin summer vest Three little kittens Simple textured cushion Striped child’s pinafore Grey lace socks KAL baby throw Cool solar system mobile Herringbone rucksack Speedy phone cover PLUS! Poldark doll booklet and Stylecraft 30th anniversary booklet ISSUE 187 JULY Lacy short-sleeved cardi Ladybird game Textured beach bag Dog pencil case Owl tea cosy Child’s striped cardigan Floral hair clips Textured beach bag Cosy cat bed Rainbow socks PLUS! Fab creative homewares ISSUE 186 JUNE Green lace jumper Mosaic pattern cardigan Fair Isle bathroom tidy Kid’s cat jumper Cute summer mobile Men’s honeycomb jumper Casual striped vest Cable slippers Ballerina doll PLUS! Family and baby pattern booklets ISSUE 185 JUNE Chunky cable cardi 3D daisy jumper Cool cable shrug Cute whale cushion Golf club covers Linen stitch bag…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Stylecraft Special XL (100% acrylic, 200g/136m), 3 balls of Duck Egg (1820) Note Yarn shades have been changed from sample due to yarn discontinuation, therefore colours will not match photography exactly ❏ A pair of 10mm needles ❏ Cushion pad, 50x50cm (20x20in) ❏ 4 wooden buttons ❏ A tapestry needle For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft 01484 848435 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk TENSION 10 sts and 12 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 10mm needles MEASUREMENTS 50x50cm (20x20in) ABBREVIATIONS LT (left twist) knit into the back of 2nd st on LH needle, knit into front of 1st st on LH needle, remove both sts from LH needle RT (right twist) insert RH needle into next 2 sts on LH needle as if to knit tog, knit both…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Stylecraft Special DK (100% acrylic, 100g/295m) 1 ball of Gold (1709) ❏ A pair of 3.5mm needles ❏ A 3.5mm crochet hook ❏ A button For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft 01535 609798 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk TENSION 28 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3.5mm needles MEASUREMENTS 7.5x14cm (3x5.5in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 of Simply Knitting magazine PHONE COVER Cast on 43 sts using 3.5mm needles. Row 1 (RS) K1, *K1, P1, K1, P1; rep from * to last 2 sts, K2. Row 2 P1, *P1, K1, P1, K1; rep from * to last 2 sts, P2. Repeat these 2 rows once more. [4 rows of rib] Row 5 (RS) K1, *P1, K3; rep from * to last 2…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Stylecraft Life Vintage Look DK (75% acrylic, 25% wool, 100g/298m) ❏ Stylecraft Life DK (75% acrylic, 25% wool, 100g/298m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table Note Yarn shades have been changed from sample due to yarn discontinuation, therefore colours will not match photography exactly ❏ A pair of 3.25mm needles ❏ A pair of 4mm needles ❏ Stitch holders For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft 01484 848435 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk TENSION 22 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 in Simply Knitting magazine FIND YOUR SIZE SIZING COLOUR KEY So you can re-use this pattern, we’ve colour-coded the sizing instructions. Simply follow our colour-coded measurements and you’re off. SWEATER BACK Cast on…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Stylecraft Batik Elements DK (80% acrylic, 20% wool, 50g/138m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ❏ A pair of 4mm needles ❏ A pair of 3.25mm needles ❏ 4 buttons For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft 01484 848435 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk TENSION 22 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 in Simply Knitting magazine FIND YOUR SIZE SIZING COLOUR KEY So you can re-use this pattern, we’ve colour-coded the sizing instructions. Simply follow our colour-coded measurements and you’re off. RAINBOW CARDIGAN BACK Cast on 85 (91: 97: 103: 109) sts using 3.25mm needles and thumb method (see page 92 in Simply Knitting magazine). Work 7 rows in 1x1 rib. Row 8 P3…

TENSION 25 sts and 48 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3.75mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 of Simply Knitting magazine YOU WILL NEED ❏ Stylecraft Special DK (100% acrylic, 100g/295m) Yarn A Aspen (1422) Yarn B Spring Green (1316) Yarn C Shrimp (1132) Yarn D Saffron (1081) ❏ A pair of 3.75mm needles For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft 01484 848435 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk SUNGLASSES CASE STRIPE PATTERN Work stripe pattern in four rows of each colour in this order: Yarn B, Yarn C, Yarn D, Yarn C, Yarn B, Yarn A, Yarn B, Yarn C, Yarn D, Yarn C, Yarn B, Yarn A, Yarn B, Yarn C, Yarn D, Yarn C. CASE Cast on 41 sts using 3.75mm needles and Yarn A. Row 1…

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.…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Stylecraft Special DK (100% acrylic, 100g/295m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Grey (1099) Yarn C Copper (1029) Yarn D Mocha (1064) ❏ Stylecraft Life DK (75% acrylic, 25% wool, 100g/298m) 1 ball of each: Yarn B Mixtures Charcoal (2323) Yarn E Cream (2305) ❏ A set of 3.25mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) ❏ A 2.5mm crochet hook ❏ Darning needle ❏ Toy stuffing For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft 01484 848435 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk TENSION 26 sts and 26 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3.25mm needles MEASUREMENTS Each puppet is approx 9cm (3½in) tall excluding ears ABBREVIATIONS s2kpo slip next 2 sts as if to knit, knit next st, pass both slipped sts over this knitted st (2 sts dec’d) For a full list see…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Stylecraft Special DK (100% acrylic, 100g/295m) 2 balls of Yarn A Gold (1709) 1 ball of Yarn B Copper (1029) Note Yarn shades have been changed from sample due to yarn discontinuation, therefore colours will not match photography exactly ❏ A pair of 4mm needles ❏ A 5mm circular needle, 80cm long For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft 01484 848435 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk TENSION 20 sts and 36 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over garter st using 5mm needles MEASUREMENTS 4-8yrs (8-14yrs: adult) Length of scarf 145 (170: 180)cm ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 of Simply Knitting magazine ANIMAL SCARF STRIPE PATTERN Rows 1 and 2 Yarn B. Rows 3 to 6 Yarn A. Rows 7 and 8 Yarn B. Rows 9 and 10 Yarn A.…

1 Work up to where the cable pattern starts, then take the yarn to the back of the knitting. 2 Slip the first 2 stitches knitwise on to a cable needle. Hold these stitches at the front of the knitting. 3 Knit the next 2 stitches from the left-hand needle. Slide the stitches on the cable needle to the right-hand end of it and knit them on to the right-hand needle. 4 Bring the yarn to the front of your knitting, and pull the yarn tight to avoid ladders along the side of the cable. Work the next stitch and continue in the pattern.…

We were absolutely delighted when Angela Blay of Kwerkyknits agreed to let us print a few of the patterns she’s made for her wonderful ‘Knitdark’ characters. Some of you may have seen her make an appearance on The Graham Norton Show, with several of her dolls - and she introduced them to their TV equivalents, who were thrilled! We’re big fans of Winston Graham’s wonderful Poldark novels and the TV adaptation that inspired Angela’s ‘The Knitdarks’. Set in a windswept Cornwall in the late 1700s and early 1800s, the stories have shipwrecks, drama, romance and intrigues a-plenty. Here you’ll find patterns included for Captain and Demelza Knitdark, Dr Dwight and Caroline Enknyts, and the dastardly Reverend Knitworth. We’d love to see how you get on! Find more from Angela by…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Stylecraft Special DK (100% acrylic, 100g/295m) 1 ball of each: Dark Brown (1004) Silver (1203) Apricot (1026) White (1001) Copper (1029) Midnight (1011) Gold (1709) ❏ A pair of 3mm needles ❏ A pair of 4mm needles ❏ A stitch holder ❏ Toy filling ❏ Sewing thread in brown and dark pink ❏ Sewing and darning needles ❏ Small piece of brown felt For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse. co.uk MEASUREMENTS 22cm (8½in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 of Simply knitting magazine DEMELZA KNITDARK LEGS (MAKE 2) Cast on 12 sts using 3mm needles and Dark Brown. Rows 1 to 6 Starting with a knit row, work in st st. Cut yarn. Change to Silver. Rows 7 to 24 Continue…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ James C Brett Baby Shimmer DK (90% acrylic, 10% viscose, 100g/280m), 1 ball of BS1 (pale blue) ❏ Stylecraft Special DK (100% acrylic, 100g/295m) 1 ball of each: Cream (1005) Apricot (1026) Stone (1710) Buttermilk (1835) Midnight (1011) ❏ A pair of 3mm needles ❏ A pair of 4mm needles ❏ A stitch holder ❏ Toy filling ❏ Sewing thread in pale blue, dark pink, black ❏ Sewing and darning needles ❏ Small piece of pale blue felt ❏ Small piece white ribbon ❏ 2 small white buttons ❏ A gold spacer bead, 4mm diameter For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse. co.uk MEASUREMENTS 20cm (8in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 of Simply knitting magazine CAROLINE LEGS (MAKE 2) Cast on…

Astronaut Mittens Pattern Celebrate the moon landing with this stellar mitt pattern from Kuki Knits on Ravelry for just £7. www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/astronaut-dream-mitts. Stolen Stitches Nua Worsted by Carol Feller Stow a little heritage into your knitting bag with this gorgeous new Irish-inspired yarn range (£9.30 per 50g skein). For stockists visit www.fyberspates.com/stolenstitches-nua-worsted. Lily Sugar ‘n Cream Tote Bag Pattern Ditch the plastic and knit up your own handy tote bag with this simple pattern from www.readicut.co.uk/knitting-pattern-shopping-tote.html for just 50p. Kelly Connor Knitting Pin Brighten up your knitting bag with a pin you’ll be super proud to wear. It’s available for just £7.95 from www.kellyconnordesigns.com. Purl Soho Corrugated Hat & Cowl Pattern Get into the corrugated vibe with this matching hat and scarf set. The pattern’s free, too, on www.purlsoho.com/create/2019/03/06/corrugated-hat-and-cowl Amanda Berry…

Colour has a great influence on our sense of personal wellbeing and these gorgeous Pony pins are no exception. Brightly coloured, they are bound to generate a feeling of contentment and are a must-have for knitting and crochet enthusiasts with attitude! You’ll soon want the full set of sizes in these high quality, anodised aluminium and plastic knitting pins and crochet hooks. The needles are available in different colours and come in a range of single-pointed, double-pointed and circulars, in both adonised and plastic and in a variety of sizes. Needle prices start from just £2.75. For further information, visit www.ponyneedles-europe.de/index.php/en/. For stockist information, email groves@stockistenquiries.co.uk.…

If, like us, you wish online stores would ditch their plastic packaging, then check out The Knitting Network. Every order is dispatched in plastic-free wrapping that’s kind to the environment, and it’ll be hand delivered by your postman or postwoman. This website has a heritage of more than 100 years of experience behind it, which is why you’ll find patterns from all your favourite designers as well as a wealth of carefully curated knitting and crochet supplies. Online prices are tracked to make sure items remain great value. Plus, pay just £9.99 and then pay nothing for UK delivery for a whole year – and you can order as many times as you like. For more, find their ad on page 20 and go online www.theknittingnetwork.co.uk.…

We do like to be beside the seaside – even in autumn – especially if we’re wearing one of these gorgeous seashore knits created in Rowan Denim Revive. This exciting new cotton yarn is recycled from waste denim textiles and has a subtle tweedy effect. Opt for Cream, Lipstick, Airforce (all pictured) or any other of the eight muted shades. With its eco-friendly credentials, this yarn is the smart option for autumnal woollies and it would look superb knitted up as a traditional gansey, proper ocean style. We love. www.lovecrafts.com…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ King Cole Sprite DK (100% acrylic, 100g/300m), 2 balls Yarn A Capri (1908) ❏ King Cole Panache DK (50% wool, 50% acrylic, 100g/312m), 1 ball Yarn B Cream (2077) ❏ A pair of 4mm needles ❏ 6 buttons, 27mm diameter ❏ Cushion pad, 45x45cm For yarn stockists contact King Cole 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com TENSION 22 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles MEASUREMENTS To fit a 45cm x 45cm cushion pad 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. KEY Yarn A yarn…

THE JOY OF TOYS I am an avid fan of Simply Knitting and always look forward to it arriving through my letterbox each month, thanks to my subscription. It is always so delightful to see what fellow knitters are making! I happen to think that hand-made toys are incredibly special, so have been merrily working away on making knitted gifts for the younger members of my friends’ families, as well as my own. Inspired by my love for wildlife, the dragonfly and bee were designed to hang in a pram or above a cot. I made both with leftover yarn from my stash and then inserted little rattles. Experimenting with different yarns is endlessly entertaining, and it was a real joy to discover the perfect fur yarns to create both…

“GREATEST KNITTING CHALLENGE?” I knitted a jumper for my daughter a few years ago. It was in navy blue, and with a cable pattern. Luckily she loved it, and still wears it now! Alison Shuttleworth, via Facebook It would have to be knitting 50 medieval mice kings by genius designer Alan Dart for my son’s pre-school graduation ceremony. @BobFranHolden, via Twitter I knitted a lovely lacy circular shawl for my fist baby. My sister also borrowed it for hers, and washed it in hot water! Unfortunately it came back the size and texture of a tray mat! Marion Edwards, via Facebook Probably the jumper I made for my Dad. I designed the intarsia myself and the whole thing took what felt like forever to complete! Lauren McHale, via Twitter My…

1 SUPER SNUGGLY! Peter Pan has launched a fabulous new yarn range that’s just perfect for baby knits! Peter Pan Binky DK is a gorgeously soft and cosy yarn that comes in eight pastel shades. There’s also a selection of patterns to show off the yarn, ranging from snuggly toys and blankets to a onesie, jumpers and cardigans. We particularly love this adorable giraffe jacket little ones are sure to love! We’ve got five kits to give away, worth £22.74 each, containing the pattern and all the yarn you need to make the largest size. Visit www.tbramsden.co.uk for more great yarns and patterns. 2 DO IT BRIGHT Made from pure British wool, ColourLab DK from West Yorkshire Spinners is one of our favourite go-to yarns. It has the added bonus…

YOU WILL NEED • Deramores Studio Baby DK (100% acrylic, 100g/270m) 6 balls of Oyster (005) • A 4.5mm circular knitting needle, 80cm long • A cable needle • Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact Deramores 0845 519 4573 www.deramores.com TENSION 18 sts and 24 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4.5mm needles MEASUREMENTS Length 127cm (50in) Width 90cm (35½in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 TEXTURED THROW Note Many of the stitch patterns used in this throw may have a slightly different tension (particularly row count) from the tension given for stocking stitch. However, there is no need to complete a separate tension square for each stitch pattern; as long as the tension for stocking stitch is correct, the overall sizing will be as…

Watching a textile expert dyeing wool at Butser Ancient Farm in Hampshire was mesmerising. Her hands were plunged into a bowl of muddy brown water, swirling and kneading a ball of wool to distribute the dye evenly.As I watched transfixed I was reminded of the games my sisters and I played as children, where we would gather bundles of herbs from the garden and stir them into witches’ potions, daring each other to drink another horrible glass of minty-rosemary-nettle-water. Nature’s rainbow Dyeing with plants is known to be an untidy but rewarding and therapeutic process. There’s an almost infinite rainbow of colours available from the millions of plants found in nature around the world. Here in Britain, aside from native plants like weld, chamomile, tansy and woad – the latter…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Rico Design Creative Sport Print DK (50% acrylic, 50% cotton, 50g/145m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ❏ A pair of 3.25mm needles ❏ A pair of 4mm needles ❏ A cable needle (cn) ❏ 2 stitch holders For yarn stockists contact Rico Design www.rico-design.de/en TENSION 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over stocking stitch using 4mm needles 28-st cable and eyelet Panel measures 11cm wide ABBREVIATIONS C12F slip 6 sts to cn and hold at front of work, K6; K6 from cn For a full list see page 95 FIND YOUR SIZE SIZING COLOUR KEY So you can re-use this pattern, we’ve colour-coded the sizing instructions. Simply follow our colour-coded measurements and you’re off. CABLE PANEL JUMPER PANEL (WORKED OVER…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ King Cole Curiosity DK (100% acrylic, 150g/480m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ❏ A 3.25mm circular needle, 60cm long ❏ A 4mm circular needle, 60cm long ❏ A set of 3.25mm double-pointed needles (DPNs, optional) ❏ A set of 4mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) ❏ Stitch markers ❏ Scrap yarn or stitch holders For yarn stockists contact King Cole 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com TENSION 22 sts and 30 rounds to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 JUMPER FRONT AND BACK NECKBAND Cast on 88 (92: 92: 96: 100: 104) sts, using 3.25mm circular needle or DPNs and Yarn A, join to work in the round, PM for beg of round. Round 1 Knit. Round…

COULD IT BE MAGIC? Q I’m really keen to try magic loop but I keep getting in a bit of a tangle. Help! Felicity Hogan, Bournemouth Knitting using the magic loop method eradictes the need for double-pointed needles and makes an easy alternative, once you get the hang of it. First cast on your stitches using a long circular needle. Push the stitches into the middle of the cable, then pinch the cable in the middle of the stitches and pull it out so that it forms a loop (1). Push the two sets of stitches towards the two tips of the needles (2). Make sure the last cast-on stitch is sitting on the tip end of the BACK needle, and the first cast on stitch at the tip end…

Janey Messina founded the Oxford Drunken Knitwits in May 2012, after moving from the USA. “Moving to a brand new city by myself was difficult, so I looked around for knitting groups, but in the end I decided to create my own,” Janey told us. “I wanted it to be clear that the group was about using knitting and crocheting to come together and make friends, and that it wasn’t exclusive to serious knitters. The name Drunken Knitwits seemed perfect!” Healthy beginnings At the first meeting more than 10 showed up, and seven years later there are about 75 members with mixed skill levels, though not all of those people show up each week. The average is around 15 per week. They’ve carried out projects across Oxford for Restore, Crisis,…

Emily Sinclair Community Fundraiser Charity Action For M.E. Established 1987 What do you do? Action for M.E. is the only UK charity to support children and adults with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.), sometimes diagnosed as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Our Information and Welfare Support Service offers one-to-one support by phone and email on all aspects of living with M.E. People with M.E. can access information 24/7 on our website, where our peer-support forums also help young people and adults make friends, and feel less isolated. We campaign for improved care and support services, better awareness and understanding of M.E. and more biomedical research, too. What can we do to help? Every year, our Christmas Angels project supports people with M.E. to share cards with each other via our office. Some are…

KATE MAKIN Northern Yarn This month we chat to Kate Makin from local shop, Northern Yarn. Tell us about Northern Yarn… Northern Yarn is an independent wool shop based in Lancaster. We stock locally sourced British wool and we love our selection of unique, breed-specific farm yarns. We have our own line that has been processed from local flocks – helping to promote British wool and support local farmers, giving them a better price for their fleeces. We like to source yarn with a low carbon footprint from ethical companies! We hold workshops and social events throughout the year. We also have an online shop and we send worldwide. What will knitters find at your shop? We have a wide range of wool from West Yorkshire Spinners to Daughter of…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Gründl Hot Socks Madena (75% wool, 25% polyamide, 100g/420m) 1 ball of Tutti-fruitti mix (03) ❏ A set of 2.5mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) or a 2.5mm circular needle, 60-80cm long (if using the magic loop method) ❏ Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact Gründl Wool www.gruendl-wolle.de TENSION 32 sts and 44 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 2.5mm needles MEASUREMENTS S ( M: L) To fit foot circumference 20.5 (22: 23)cm, (8 (8½: 9)in) Actual foot circumference 18.5 (20: 21.5)cm, (7¼ (8: 8¼)in) Actual foot length 22.5 (23: 23)cm, (8¾ (9: 9)in) Length from heel to toe adjustable ABBREVIATIONS Sssk slip 3 sts knitwise one at a time, knit 3 slipped sts together through back loops For a full list see page 95…

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 to left, bring the…

Founded in 1989, Stylecraft has been a part of the UK yarn industry for a whopping three decades, and we’ve been lucky enough to work alongside them on projects and collaborations for many of those 30 years. Dedicated to bringing knitters and crocheters a huge, varied range of yarns, they’ve delivered treats like Cabaret, Special, Life DK and Eskimo – the first eyelash yarn to hit the UK. To help celebrate Stylecraft’s ‘Purl’ Anniversary (did you see what they did there?) we’ve created this packed pattern book filled with 30 favourite Stylecraft projects to knit for you, your family and your home.There really is something here for everyone, with a mix of vintage, modern and more contemporary options.We’ve also got all the skill levels covered too, with knits that beginners…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Stylecraft Batik Swirl (DK, 80% premium acrylic, 20% wool, 200g/550m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ❏ Apair of 4mm needles ❏ Apair of 3.25mm needles ❏ 4 buttons For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft 01484 848435 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk TENSION 22 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 of Simply Knitting magazine FIND YOUR SIZE SIZING COLOUR KEY So you can re-use this pattern, we’ve colour-coded the sizing instructions. Simply follow our colour-coded measurements and you’re off. LACY CARDIGAN BACK Cast on 69 (72: 78: 81: 90) sts using 4mm needles and the picot method. Row 1 (RS) K7 (4: 7: 4: 4), *yfwd, skpo, K7; rep from * to last…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Stylecraft Special XL (100% acrylic, 100g/295m) 11 balls of Yarn A Emperor (1425), 5 balls each of Yarn B Claret (1123) and Yarn C Lime (1712) ❏ A pair of 9mm needles ❏ A pair of 10mm needles For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft Yarns 01484 848435 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk TENSION 10.5 sts and 18 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over honeycomb stitch using 10mm needles MEASUREMENTS 80cm height, 99cm width ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 of Simply Knitting magazine BLANKET Cast on 96 sts using 9mm needles and Yarn A. Set up row Knit. Row 1 (RS) Knit. Row 2 Knit. Rep Rows 1 to 2 once more, ending with a WS row. Change to 10mm needles. Work in honeycomb pattern as follows: Row 1…

1 Push the point of your right-hand needle through the first two stitches on your left-hand needle, going from right to left as you would for a purl stitch. 2 Bring yarn anti-clockwise around the needle, between the two needles. 3 Pull the yarn through both stitches, as you would when working a purl stitch, and drop both stitches from the left-hand needle. 4 Purling two stitches together decreases your stitch count by one, and the decrease stitch leans to the right. This is how a series looks on the right side of stocking stitch.…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Stylecraft Special Aran (100% acrylic, 100g/196m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Aster (1003) Yarn B Cream (1005) ❏ A pair of 5mm needles ❏ A 5mm crochet hook (optional) ❏ Stitch holders ❏ 3 small buttons For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft 01484 848435 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk TENSION 16 sts and 36 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over garter st using 5mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 of Simply Knitting magazine TEATIME SET STRIPED COASTER Cast on 16 sts using 5mm needles and Yarn A. Rows 1 to 3 Knit. Change to Yarn B. Rows 4 to 9 Knit. Change to Yarn A. Rows 10 to 15 Knit. Change to Yarn B. Rows 16 to 21 Knit. Change to Yarn A. Rows 22 to…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Stylecraft Classique Cotton DK (100% cotton, 100g/184m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Greek Blue (3095) Yarn B White (3660) ❏ A pair of 3.25mm needles For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft 01484 848435 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk TENSION 30 sts and 32 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3.25mm needles MEASUREMENTS To fit jars with a circumference of 32cm ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 of Simply Knitting magazine 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. CHART 1 CHART 2 CHART 3 KEY STORAGE JAR LABELS Note The instructions given are for labels that will…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Stylecraft Special for Babies DK (100% acrylic, 100g/275m) 2 ball of White (1001) ❏ A set of 3mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) ❏ A 3mm circular needle ❏ Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft 01484 848435 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk TENSION 24 sts and 31 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3mm needles MEASUREMENTS Vase wrap To fit vase circumference of 36cm Lampshade To fit lampshade circumference of 65cm (diameter approx 20cm) and height of 26cm Picture frame To fit clip frame of 10x15 (18x13)cm ABBREVIATIONS s2kpo sl 2 sts as if to k2tog, K1, pass slipped sts over For a full list see page 95 of Simply Knitting magazine VASE WRAP Note These instructions are for a vase with a circumference of 36cm; however, the…

This wonderful knit for kids can be as versatile as you like – change the colours from browns to greys to create a mouse version, or perhaps try rainbow stripes to suit fantasy fans. You could also replace the ears with a bright pompom, adding little pompoms to the pockets to match! We love that this great accesssory combo means hats, scarves and gloves are never lost, and everything is immediately winter ready! Why not cast on in advance for brilliant Christmas or birthday presents for your little loves this year?…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Stylecraft Life Aran (75% acrylic, 25% wool, 100g/198m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ❏ A pair of 4mm needles ❏ A pair of 5mm needles ❏ A cable needle (cn) ❏ Stitch holders For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft 01484 848435 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk TENSION 18 sts and 24 rows to 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 5mm needles 18 sts and 25 rows to 10x10cm (4x4in) over Irish moss stitch using 5mm needles Cable panel (52 sts) measures 20x20cm (8x8in) ABBREVIATIONS C8F Sl next 4 sts onto cn and hold at front, K4, K4 from cn For a full list see page 95 of Simply Knitting magazine FIND YOUR SIZE SIZING COLOUR KEY So you can re-use this pattern, we’ve colour-coded the sizing instructions. Simply…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Stylecraft Special DK (100% acrylic, 100g/295m) 1 ball of each: Black (1002) Dark Brown (1004) Khaki (1027) Camel (1420) White (1001) Apricot (1026) ❏ A pair of 3mm needles ❏ A pair of 4mm needles ❏ A stitch holder ❏ Toy filling ❏ 2 small green buttons ❏ 4 black pipe cleaners ❏ Sewing thread in green, black and dark pink ❏ Sewing and darning needles ❏ Small piece of black felt For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse. co.uk MEASUREMENTS 22cm (8½in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 of Simply Knitting magazine ROSS KNITDARK LEGS (MAKE 2) Cast on 14 sts using 3mm needles and Black. Rows 1 to 14 St st, starting with a knit row. [14 sts] Cut yarn.…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Stylecraft Special DK (100% acrylic, 100g/295m) 1 ball of each: Black (1002) Graphite (1063) Apricot (1026) Silver (1710) Denim (1302) ❏ DROPS Puna (100% alpaca, 50g/110m) 1 ball of Brown (03) ❏ A pair of 3mm needles ❏ A pair of 4mm needles ❏ A stitch holder ❏ Toy filling ❏ Sewing thread in black and dark pink ❏ Sewing and darning needles ❏ Small piece of black felt ❏ 4 small black buttons or beads, 4mm For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse. co.uk MEASUREMENTS 20cm (8in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 of Simply knitting magazine DWIGHT ENKNYTS LEGS (MAKE 2) Cast on 14 sts using 3mm needles and Black. Rows 1 to 14 St st, starting with a knit…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Stylecraft Special DK (100% acrylic, 100g/295m) 1 ball of each: Black (1002) White (1001) Midnight (1011) Apricot (1026) Camel (1420) ❏ Stylecraft Wondersoft Stardust DK (95% acrylic, 5% polyester, 100g/270m), 1 ball of Poppy (3307) ❏ A pair of 3mm needles ❏ A pair of 4mm needles ❏ A stitch holder ❏ Toy filling ❏ Sewing thread in black and dark pink ❏ Sewing and darning needles ❏ Small piece of black felt ❏ Small length of white lace (optional) ❏ 4 small gold spacer beads, 4mm For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse. co.uk MEASUREMENTS 22cm (8½in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 of Simply Knitting magazine OSSIE KNITWORTH LEGS (MAKE 2) Cast on 15 sts using 3mm needles and Black.…