Innholdsfortegnelse for November 2019 i Simply Knitting

Celebrating Halloween wasn’t so much of a big thing when I was a child, but these days it’s huge in the UK and when I say huge, I mean HUGE! As soon as summer is over and the kids are back at school you can’t move for ghost, witch and monster costumes at your local supermarket, not to mention spooky cakes and decorations for all those parties and get-togethers. It’s no surprise that kids get so excited about trick or treating – you can always see hilarious gangs of giggling ghouls wandering around the streets on that special evening (fuelled by sugared eye balls, or fizzy jelly worms). Whether it’s for a ghoulish gathering at your house, or a scary disco at school, kids and grown-ups around the world are…

We meet the flock and company owner at Doulton Border Leicester Yarns Up early or slow to rise? Depends on the day! Sheep have to be looked after every day. There’s always something to do. First job of the day? If it’s not a sheep day, I wake up, look at Instagram and Ravelry, add any new info that needs to go up there and then have the first of my many cups of tea, before packaging and posting orders off to customers. Mid-morning pick-me-up? Tea! Fave way to sit back and take five? Watching re-runs of The Bill on TV. Leisurely lunchtime? If only! Lunchtime dissolves into teatime. A quick Jacobs cream cracker and that keeps me going. Post-lunch priorities? Checking social media, website, Etsy and snail mail and…

Rowan has launched MODE Collection One for autumn/winter 2019. The idea behind this collection is to bring timeless quality and design that will last well beyond the winter season using beautiful muted pink hues and dusty lilac shades. Collection One features a range of yarns including Alpaca Classic, Cashmere Tweed and Brushed Fleece and a collection of 18 gorgeous knits by designers such as Martin Storey and Lisa Richardson, which can be layered up and worn through the seasons. If you’re a beginner knitter, or fairly new to Rowan, then MODE has been designed as a practical collection with easy-to-knit yarns and versatile patterns. Why not experiment with the beautiful neutrals, chic navy and muted mauve? Rowan’s MODE Collection One features 18 designs for just £7.95. Find out more by…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Scheepjes Whirligig (80% wool, 20% alpaca, 450g/1000m) 1 cake of Sapphire to Blue (212) ❏ A pair of 4mm knitting needles TENSION 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles MEASUREMENTS Width 50cm (191/2in) wide Length (when worn) 70cm (271/2in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 PONCHO Cast on 106 sts, using 4mm needles and taking the yarn from the inside of the cake. Rib row 1 (RS) K2, P3, (K5, P3) to last 5 sts, K5. Rib row 2 K2, P3, (K3, P5) to last 5 sts, K5. These 2 rows form the rib. Repeat the two rib rows, three more times. Work in patt as follows: Row 1 (RS) K2, P3, (K5, P3) to last…

“FAVOURITE KNITS FOR MEN” I have decided to knit my husband a neon yellow hat for the winter season later this year. It’ll be something different and new to knit! Shane, via Twitter I have knitted an old favourite for my Dad, who only wears V-neck raglans. Catherine Donley, via Facebook For men, it would be a big chunky aran jumper. Gail McCluskey, via Facebook My husband is actually not a big fan of my knitting, so that means I have more time to make things for myself and the house! Patricia McGuire, via Facebook I think it would have to be knitted socks. My husband loves my hand-knitted socks because they keep his feet nice and warm! Anne Landser, via Facebook It’s usually items related to football such as,…

Since I’ve been writing these pages, I have debuted a number of, let’s say, different projects in this column. There was the 1950s era shawl that I had to make using a piece of pipe after I forgot my knitting needles on a trip away; the 70s tank top; and even the knitted bikini (for pool side use only, it turns out). For a while now though, there has been one thing in my mind that I have wanted to make: a jumper. What with the upcoming season, it seems the perfect opportunity to finally knuckle down and knit that sweater. I love my vintage knitwear – the requisite aran jumpers in a yarn so thick and heavy you can practically smell the sheep it came from, the lightweight knit…

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 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 "A KAL like this is a really good way of learning a multitude of exciting stitch patterns at a leisurely pace, many of which we hope you’ve never tried before."KIRSTIE MCLEOD, EDITOR 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…

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 190’s giveaways close 11.55pm GMT, Thursday 17 October 2019. GIVEAWAY CODES 1 SKMBERGERE190 2 SKMCROSS190 3 SKMROWAN190 4 SKMADVENT190 5 SKMCLOVER190 6 SKMCABLES190 7 SKMROBIN190 8 SKMTRENCH190 Incorrect codes will not be counted as entries, take care when entering them. FOR MORE CHANCES TO WIN GREAT PRIZES, turn to page 86…

Like it or loathe it, this is a spooky time of year.The nights are drawing in and nature is hunkering down for the coming cold.And of course, Halloween and Bonfire Night are almost upon us, with their scariness and thrills. (On the plus side, it’s time to get all your warmest knitwear out. That scarf and hat really suit you, by the way.) Things that go bump… The reason it can be fun – especially for children – to dress up as our worst nightmares once a year is because it’s a safe way of facing our anxiety.And by facing fear, we reduce it.As a species, our wariness of the dark and what horrors it might conceal goes deep.Who hasn’t felt a jolt of fear at an unexpected bang in…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Novita 7 Brothers North/ 7 Veljestä Pohjola (aran, 45% wool, 30% Finnish wool, 25% polyamide, 100g/200m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ❏ A pair of 4.5mm knitting needles ❏ 2 stitch holders ❏ 1 toggle button, 1cm wide, 3.5cm long TENSION 18 sts and 24 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4.5mm needles 20 sts and 24 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over main patt using 4.5mm needles ABBREVIATIONS S2kpo slip 2 sts as if to k2tog, K1, pass slipped sts over MB worked over 1 st: M1, K1, M1, turn, P3, turn, K1, M1, K1, M1, K1, turn, p2tog, P1, p2tog, turn, s2kpo For a full list see page 95 FIND YOUR SIZE SIZING COLOUR KEY So you can…

FAIR ISLE FAIL Q Do you have any tips for how to cover up mistakes when knitting in Fair Isle? I find that I am making quite a few errors each time! Helen, Norwich My go to is always Swiss darning, or duplicate stitch as it is known in the US. It’s not applicable for large areas, as you are doubling up the fabric, but it’s perfect for covering up the odd mistake in Fair Isle and intarsia. Debbie ON THE EDGE? Q I saw a reference to a ‘selvedge’ in a recent pattern, but I have no idea what that means. Can you help? Linda, via email The selvedge is the edge of a piece of knitting. The stitches on the selvedge are the ones that are sewn together,…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Sirdar Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed (74% acrylic, 20% wool, 6% viscose, 400g/840m) 1 ball of Yarn A Goldfish (662) ❏ Sirdar Hayfield Bonus DK (100% acrylic, 100g/240m) 13g of Yarn B Pecan (677) ❏ A pair of 5mm knitting needles ❏ A pair of 4mm knitting needles ❏ 3 wooden buttons, 3cm in diameter ❏ 2 brown football shank buttons, 15mm in diameter ❏ Toy stuffing ❏ 38x38cm (15x15in) cushion insert TENSION 21 sts and 25 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over loopy patt using 5mm needles 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles MEASUREMENTS To fit 38x38cm (15x15in) cushion ABBREVIATIONS ML (make loop) purl into st as if you were going to purl the st, but don’t…

KNIT WITH ATTITUDE Knit With Attitude hold a monthly knit night with wine and nibbles all included, the group just ask for a £3 donation. For future dates and other events please visit www.knitwithattitude.com/ shop/workshops-and-events.html. WILD AND WOOLLY LONDON Held on the second Wednesday of each month, Wild and Woolly hold a fab ‘Knitty Lock-In’! There is a suggested contribution of £5 to cover the essentials, yarn, cake and wine of course... For more information and to help keep you up to date with upcoming events and dates, visit www.wildandwoollyshop.co.uk/events/. IDA’S HOUSE, CATERHAM ON THE HILL The brilliant Ida’s House Social Club meets twice a week on a Tuesday and Thursday 7-9pm. A contribution of ›5 is required to cover the club tea, cake and the tutor who is on…

Kerry Kimber is the founder of Knitting For All. This brilliant organisation offers award-winning knitting and crafting classes for all ages: Kids Knit for children, Young People Knit for teens and Knit Night & Day for adults. PURE PASSION Kerry’s passion for getting people knitting started several years ago when she decided to teach her four children how to knit. Knitting had been an important part of her childhood and she wanted them to experience the same calming, creative and therapeutic benefits that she had enjoyed. She had previously been an art and design teacher, so drawing on her knowledge of how children learn and what motivates them she created an approach to teaching knitting that would encourage and ensure success. HOW IT ALL STARTED Kids Knit was launched in…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Sirdar Hayfield Bonus DK (100% acrylic, 100g/280m), 1 ball of each: Yarn A Light Grey Mix (0814) Yarn B Black (0965) Yarn C White (0961) Yarn D Peaches (0888) Yarn E Signal Red (0977) Yarn F Lime (0882) Yarn G Walnut (0927) Yarn H Pumpkin (0766) ❏ A pair of 3.5mm needles ❏ Toy filling ❏ 2 safety eyes per character, 6mm diameter ❏ Black and white embroidery thread ❏ 4 buttons for Frankenstein’s Monster, 8mm diameter ❏ Split ring keychain TENSION 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3.5mm needles MEASUREMENTS Between 5 and 10cm tall ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 92 HALLOWEEN KEYRINGS PUMPKIN BODY Cast on 13 sts using 3.5mm needles and Yarn H. Row…

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…

With its longwool fleece, and natural colouring, the Blue Faced Leicester (BFL) is a popular breed, frequently used in hand-spinning.The fleece of the BFL is soft and strong and is blended into a 4ply yarn, which means it is an attractive choice of yarn for hand-knitting. It’s also a popular option for knitting garments such as traditional cardigans and sweaters, thanks to its undyed colour and texture.What’s more, as it’s 100% natural, it’s suitable to be worn next to the skin, just like Merino wool. If you look closely you might also notice the striking physical similarities to the Borderline Leicester breed, with its trademark long nose! Discover more about the wonderful world of British sheep and wool at www.britishwool.org.uk. DISCOVER MORE! Find out more about the Blue Faced Leicester…

New Needlecraft Department Wool Warehouse have a brand new needlecraft department, so if you need sewing-up needles or fancy embellishing your knitting with embroidery, you can order these at the same time as your yarn! www. woolwarehouse.co.uk/needlecraft Lovecrafts Paintbox Colour Packs Check out Lovecraft’s Simply DK 10-ball colour packs. Each of the 5 packs’ colourways were chosen by customers through their Paintbox Colour Your World campaign (£22.50 Countryside combo seen here). Visit www.lovecrafts.com/ en-gb/p/paintbox-yarns-simply-dk-10-ball-colour-pack-designed-by-you Love Knitting For Baby Magazine Indulge your love of knitting with this great mag! Love Knitting For Baby (£8.99) is packed with the coolest knits and a huge Rory the Lion kit. Order on 03330 162 138. New Stylecraft Blog Looking for knitting inspiration, skills advice and fun? Then check out the new packed Stylecraft blog!…

You’ll find beautiful yarn additions at Wool Warehouse this autumn. We kick off with King Cole Zig Zag (£4.79 for 100g) – a wonderful 4ply with a selection of sock-friendly jazzy colour ways. Or perhaps super-bobbly King Cole Jelly Bean (£8.49 for 200g) is your thing – this fun baby yarn is machine washable too! You may want to indulge in sophisticated Malabrigo Susurro (£14.49 for 100g) – its mulberry silk and linen mix make it lovely and light! And finish off with machine-washable Malabrigo Washted (£11.99 for 100g) – a colour changing aran that will weave a rainbow into your knits. For more details visit www.woolwarehouse.co.uk.…

Do you love to peruse a luscious, packed craft site? (We do!) Then you’ll love to hear that Black Sheep Wools have re-launched their exciting site for you to explore! Black Sheep Wool’s Website Manager, Lucy Jones, says, “We hope we have reflected the personality of the shop into our online site. When you visit you’ll find more emphasis on great photography and project inspiration. In addition, the functionality is improved with much simpler search and checkout tools too!” Check it out and fill up your baskets right here... www.blacksheepwools.com…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Hayfield Bonus DK (100% acrylic 100g/280m) Little Poppy Apple Yarn A Ladybird (0698) Yarn B Sunflower (0978) Yarn C Lemongrass (0699) Large Poppy Yarn A Ladybird (0698) Yarn B Black (0965) Yarn C Lemongrass (0699) ❏ A pair of 3mm knitting needles ❏ 21 black glass seed beads ❏ 2 brooch pins TENSION 13 sts and 18 rows to measure 6x6cm (2½x2½in) over st st using 3mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 FLOWER BROOCHES LITTLE POPPY APPLE FLOWERS (MAKE 3) Cast on 20 sts, using 3mm needles and Yarn A. Row 1 (RS) Knit. Row 2 Purl. Row 3 Knit. Row 4 Purl. Row 5 (K5, twist the right needle back to front) to end. Row 6 Purl. Change to Yarn B.…

FAIR ISLE DELIGHT This fab sweater for Jayne’s son is one of her first proper Fair Isle projects. She found it quite tricky as there were lots and lots of ends to sew in! Jayne Stumbles Via Facebook KNIT PURL This is the sweater that Elisabeth knitted from issue 183 of Simply Knitting, by designer Jane Burns. We think that the black and pink yarn combo works well! Elisabeth Sture Via email JOLLY JUMPER Here is the finished project that Carol has been busy working on. In fact, she’s already halfway through her second one and her daughter has asked her to make one, too! Carol Armstrong 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 this gorgeous mint chevron patterned bag worth £27.99 –perfect for when you want to knit on-the-go! M Wells, Cardiff E Bright, Southampton J Watkins, Glasgow 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… My pink cable knit I’m so glad that I took my time with this and managed to make something I’ve long wanted – an item that will become an enduring part of my knitted wardrobe. No fast fashion here! I’M MAKING… A useful cardigan Continuing my mission to make what I really need and reduce waste, I am making a cardigan. I tend to live in my cardigans, whatever the weather! I found this gorgeous pattern on eBay. I’M SHARING… A great resource… … for finding patterns. This fab website (https://bit.ly/2Yt4uoY) has put together a collection of vintage patterns, including jumpers. Why not choose one of these beauties to knit for the autumn?…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran (55% wool, 33% acrylic, 12% cashmere, 50g/90m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ❏ A pair of 4mm needles ❏ A pair of 5mm needles ❏ A cable needle (cn) ❏ 2 stitch holders TENSION 18 sts and 20 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 5mm needles ABBREVIATIONS T4B slip next 2 sts on cn and hold at back, K2; P2 from cn T4F slip next 2 sts on cn and hold at front, P2; K2 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 JUMPER STITCH PATTERN Note Panel is…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Rowan Softyak DK (76% cotton, 15% yak, 9% nylon, 50g/135m) ❏ A 3.75mm circular needle, 100cm long ❏ A 4mm circular needle, 100cm long ❏ 1 set of 3.75mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) ❏ 1 set of 4mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) ❏ 7 pale pink shell buttons (A1457 from paviyarns.co.uk) 12mm wide ❏ 7 stitch markers TENSION 22 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS Indian cross stitch this technique crosses elongated stitches over 2 rows. Work as instructed in the pattern. In the first row you will triple-wrap stitches (Kw3), then in the second row you drop the extra wraps and re-order each group of 4 stitches by passing 2 sts over 2 sts but keeping them on…

1 On the moon. No seriously, hear me out. Imagine being the first ever person to knit on the moon (whilst trying to stop your yarn tangling in low-gravity conditions – some challenge). 2 On a yacht, far, far out to sea, away from the hustle and bustle of the land and city. 3 In my own dedicated yarn studio, with staff on hand to weave in all my ends. (A lass can dream, can’t she?) 4 Camping in the forest, two days’ hike away from civilisation. 5 Everest Base Camp, getting high on knitting and adventure.…

WIND THE BOBBIN UP Q How do you make an intarsia bobbin that doesn’t unravel? Pat Menchin, via Facebook Wrap the yarn around two fingers in the form of a figure eight 1 . Remove the yarn from your fingers and cut the yarn. Wind this end of the yarn around the centre of the figure of eight 2 and secure tightly with a knot. When using the bobbin pull the yarn from the centre of the bobbin (not the knotted end) a little at a time and keep it as close to the work as possible 3 . For larger areas you may want to wrap your yarn in plastic bags secured with elastic bands. Jen SMOOTH AS SATIN Q I need to add satin stitch to a toy…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Hayfield Bonus DK (100% acrylic, 100g/280m), 1 ball of each: Yarn A Lemongrass (0699) Yarn B Cupid (0944) Yarn C White (0961) Yarn D Bright Lemon (0819) ❏ A pair of 3mm needles ❏ Stitch holder ❏ 2 black glass eyes, 9mm diameter ❏ 1 tiny red button ❏ Thin red ric rac, 11cm length ❏ Navy blue ric rac, 6cm length ❏ 5cm square of white felt ❏ 2 green buttons, 1cm diameter ❏ Tapestry needle ❏ Toy filling ❏ Pompom maker or cardboard circles, 2cm diameter TENSION 25 sts and 33 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3mm needles MEASUREMENTS 32cm tall ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 92 BEASTLY BEAR HEAD & BODY (MAKE 1) Note Begin at the…

Claire Hoyle, Commercial Director Charity BBC Children In Need Established The first telethon was broadcast in 1980 and it became a registered charity in 1998. What do you do? We’re aimed at making a positive change to the lives of disadvantaged children and young people facing a range of challenges such as living in poverty, being disabled or ill, or experiencing distress, neglect or trauma. With the support of our incredible fundraisers, we’re able to fund and support over 3,000 local charities and projects. Latest fundraising news What’s brilliant about BBC Children In Need is how it unites the UK and encourages everyone to come together to raise funds for disadvantaged children and young people. Ahead of our 2019 Appeal show on Friday 15 November, we’ll be inspiring people across…

Tell us about Eden Cottage Yarns… Eden Cottage Yarns (ECY) was born in the summer of 2011, when I moved to a cottage in Eden Valley in Cumbria. Having previously taught myself to knit, spin and dye yarn and with no other source of income, I decided to try selling yarn dyed myself in the kitchen sink. Since then the business has grown and moved to Wetherby in Yorkshire. The dyeing is now done in a purpose built dye shed and I have four employees to help keep up with demand. What can knitters find and do at your shop? At ECY you will find beautifully hand-dyed yarns, original designs and much more. The yarn is dyed with an emphasis on simple but gorgeous colours, as well as sustainability. ECY…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Regia Silk 4ply (55% wool, 25% polyamide, 20% silk 100g/400m), 1 ball Feige (00045) ❏ A set of 2.75mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) or a 2.75mm circular needle, 80cm long (if using the Magic Loop method) ❏ Stitch holder or spare needle ❏ Stitch markers TENSION 40 sts and 36 rounds to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over unstretched st patt using 2.75mm needles 30 sts and 36 rounds to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 2.75mm needles MEASUREMENTS To fit foot circumference 20.5 (22: 23)cm, 8 (8›: 9)in ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 SOCKS CUFF Cast on 60 (60: 68) sts using 2.75mm needles, and join to work in the round, taking care not to twist stitches. PM to mark beg of round. Round…

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…

ISSUE 189 AUGUST Aqua short-sleevedjumper Child’s hoody Geometric cushion Throw KAL Teddybear Beehive tea cosy Frilly shoulder bag Fishbone jumperStriped lacy socksPretty cardiganPLUS! Stylecraft SimplyClassics and Knitdarkpattern books ISSUE 188 AUGUST Sequin summer vest Three little kittensSimple textured cushion Striped child’spinafore Grey lacesocks Throw KAL Cool solar systemmobile HerringbonerucksackPLUS! UK Yarn ShopGuide and AmandaBerry favourites booklet ISSUE 187 JULY Lacy short-sleevedcardi Ladybird game Textured beach bag Dog pencil caseOwl tea cosy Child’sstriped cardiganFloral hair clipsTextured beach bagCosy cat bed Rainbow socksPLUS! Fab creativehomewares ISSUE 186 JUNE Green lace jumper Mosaic patterncardigan Fair Islebathroom tidy Kid’scat jumper Cutesummer mobileMen’s honeycombjumper Casualstriped vest Cableslippers Ballerinadoll PLUS! Family andbaby pattern booklets ISSUE 185 JUNE Chunky cable cardi 3D daisy jumperCool cable shrugCute whale cushion Golf club covers Linen stitch bagMen’s textured jumper Spaceman,…

BOOST YOUR KNITTING: ANOTHER YEAR OF TECHNIQUES Published by Arnall-Culliford Knitwear (£22) Boost Your Knitting is a much-anticipated release for the current knitting season, described as a knitting programme within a book, it’s been especially created and designed with a great level of attention to detail. This comprehensive read features 12 patterns by 12 designers, with 12 projects – that’s one for each month – and should definitely keep you busy all year and beyond! DOGS IN JUMPERS by Debbie Humphreys (Collins & Brown, £9.99) Author Debbie Humphreys has included 12 carefully chosen projects in this delightful little book filled with cosy canine cover-ups. Dogs of many shapes, size and breed have been covered in this fun pattern book. Ahead of the upcoming winter, knit your dog a lovely, woolly…

Halloween Bags Never be without somewhere to stash your favourite sweeties this Halloween with this spooky bag pattern (£4) by Wendy Phillips on Ravelry. www. ravelry.com/patterns/library/ bags-of-halloween-fun. Halloween Stocking We love this fun new tradition of having a Halloween stocking, especially for those who can’t trick or treat. Find the pattern at www. ravelry.com/patterns/library/ halloweenstocking-kp4319. Sparkly Spiders These spiders (King Cole pattern 9086, £2.50) are simply too cute to overlook. How could anyone be afraid of these sparkly darlings? Find King Cole stockists here www.kingcole. com or by calling 01756 703670. Scary Eyeballs Dawn Finney’s eyeball pattern (£2) is one of the funniest Halloween knits we’ve ever seen! Cast on these bloodshot beauties using this great pattern www.ravelry.com/ patterns/library/halloween-eyeballs. Skeleton Gloves Warm those hands while trick or treating with a…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ West Yorkshire Spinners ColourLab DK (100% wool, 100g/225m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ❏ A pair of 3.5mm needles ❏ A pair of 4mm needles ❏ 6 split ring stitch markers ❏ 2 stitch holders TENSION 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS s2kpo sl 2 sts tog to right needle as if to k2tog, K1, then pass both slipped stitches over sk2po sl 1 st purlwise, k2tog, pass slipped stitch over 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. LACE-PANEL JUMPER STITCH PATTERNS SINGLE RIB Worked over an odd…

THROUGH GENERATIONS I was given a copy of your magazine recently and it inspired me to learn how to knit. Both my grandmother and my mother were avid knitters. But being a lefty made it hard for them to teach me. Sweaters, dolls, blankets, I watched in awe as these beautiful creations came to be. Wanting to be as quick and talented I self-taught myself how to knit a while back, as my mother died when I was 18. Just like her, once I started I became quicker and more intricate with my work, feeling that it kept me close to her. I felt I was missing a part of my heritage by not being able to knit. Now I spend my Sunday knitting on the water. I will definitely…

NORWAY I took my knitting with me on my recent trip to Norway! I couldn’t resist slipping it in my bag and taking it on our walk (more like climb) up Dalsnuten, a 323m mountain in Rogaland! It was 10pm when this picture was taken and I wanted to make the most of the light! I love reading your magazine, I get it from my local library and always look forward to reading it. Christiane Hitchcock What a stunning ‘white night’ you witnessed in Norway, Christiane! Our letter writer wins a mystery prize of yarny goodies worth £15!…

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, 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 pinterest www.pinterest.com/simplyknitmag…

1 FRENCH FANCIES Snuggle up into September with some delightful knitted fashion – we adore this colourwork jumper design from Bergère de France, worked in their 4ply wool blend Calinou yarn. With a classic boxy fit, a round neckline and deep ribbing at the waist and cuffs, it’s the perfect transitional piece for the autumn months. Three lucky readers will win the brand new Bergère de France Creations 2019-2020 pattern book, containing this design, plus enough Calinou yarn to make the jumper, with each kit worth £76.70. Visit www.bergeredefrance.co.uk for more great yarns and patterns. 2 BOWLED OVER! Treat yourself in the new year to a fabulous new yarn bowl – made by you! Emily Cross Ceramics offers a beautiful range of tools for textile artists including super-useful yarn bowls,…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Novita Isoveli (75% wool, 25% polyamide, 100g/130m), 1 ball each of Yarn A Stone (043) and Yarn B Off White (010) ❏ A 5mm circular needle, 40cm long ❏ A 5.5mm circular needle, 60cm long ❏ A set of 5.5mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) TENSION 15 sts and 18 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 5.5mm needles MEASUREMENTS To fit head circumference 53-58.5cm (21-23in) woman’s head Actual head circumference 48cm (19in) Length from crown to hem 20cm (8in) Diameter width after blocking 27cm (10›in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 KEY HOW TO USE OUR CHARTS Start at the right-hand corner. Read all rows from right to left. A row of squares represents a row of knitting. CHART FAIR ISLE HAT Note…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ King Cole Merino Blend DK (100% pure new wool, 50g/104m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ❏ A pair of 3.25mm needles ❏ A pair of 4mm needles ❏ Stitch markers ❏ Stitch holder ❏ Small amount of stuffing TENSION 22 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS S2kpo Sl 2 knitwise as if to k2tog, K1, pass slipped sts over 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. MONSTER JUMPER Note This sweater has a close fitting neck, so be careful not to cast off too tightly. We highly recommend using Elizabeth Zimmerman’s sewn bind off – www.purlsoho.com/create/…

LOOKING FOR A LIFELINE Q I’ve read a lot about lifelines in lace recently, but I’m not 100% sure how to go about using one. Can you help? Carolyn Clarke, Hayle I’m so glad you asked about lifelines Carolyn, as they are one of my favourite knitting techniques – they prevent hours of frustration and discarded knits, especially when it comes to the tricky art of lace knitting! Lifelines are well named, as they make ripping back your knitting so much less frustrating! They are absolutely invaluable with some stitch patterns that don’t have a ‘friendly’ knit row, but are instead lace on every row. To insert a lifeline into your knitting, choose any row in your lace pattern repeat and make a note of it. Work to that row…

Farmer’s sib Cast on a multiple of 4 sts plus 1 (try 21 sts). Row 1 (RS) P1, *K3, P1; rep from * to end. Row 2 K2, P1, K3, P1; rep from * to last 2 sts, K2. Repeat these 2 rows to desired length. Chunky sib Cast on a multiple of 5 stitches (try 25 sts). Row 1 K3, P2. Row 2 K2, P3. Repeat these 2 rows to desired length. Speckled sib Cast on a multiple of 5 sts (try 20 sts). Row 1 P2, *K3, P2; rep from * to end. Row 2 K2, *P1, K1, P1, K2; rep from * to end. Repeat these 2 rows to desired length. Twisted sib Cast on a multiple of 3 sts (try 24 sts). Row 1 *K1, K…

In association with the Keep Yarn on our Streets campaign We have so much to tell you about this issue in knit Together! First up, our featured charity, BBC Children In Need, points us in the direction of their fab charity knitting pattern, designed in conjunction with King Cole, and we reveal a whole host of great community knitting stories in our charity knits section. Kerry Kimber pops in to talk about Knitting For All – her amazing project to motivate children to get knitting and ViNE Knit & Natter have been busy knitting up some great makes too – read about their group on page 77. Victoria Magnus, from Eden Cottage Yarns, fills us in about her business and gorgeous products and our Shop of the Month, Knit Knacks,…

Every month we explore one of our favourite UK yarn shops! Who’s in charge? Vanessa Standen. Where can we find you? Lake, Isle of Wight (between Sandown and Shanklin). When did your doors first open? October 2016. What is your shop like? The most common thing I hear is, ‘friendly and welcoming.’ Popular products? I stock Stylecraft and James C Brett yarns, mainly. I find that Special DK is very popular and I stock all of the fabulous 92 shades of yarn available in the range. In fact, I think I’m the only yarn shop on the Isle of Wight to do this. Who shops at your shop? Mainly locals who also attend the three times weekly Stitch n B***h sessions. I also get holidaymakers who have seen my adverts…

FAR, FAR AWAY I like to knit blankets for both dogs and cats to sell for Nowzad, which is an animal charity based in Kabul. They have a special saying which is, ‘Winning the war for animals,’ and this is at the heart of what they aim to achieve. Their main mission is to provide and improve animal welfare. However, they also work hard to reunite service personnel with the animals they were with whilst serving in Afghanistan. I’ve attached a photo of one of my items for you to see. Others that are ready to go at the moment include crochet blankets, a knitted hat set and a knitted mobile from an issue of Simply Knitting magazine. I’m unable to make things quickly as I’m partially sighted and have…

Our Rico Design Essentials Mega Wool chunky yarn is an extremely thick uni virgin wool blend and is being launched in 16 strong colours. The yarn is great to work with and allows you to achieve great results fast. Besides creating fashionable knitted and crocheted items, the yarn is also perfect for the popular handwork technique, needle punching. Kathrin Ratajczak Marketing Assistant Ethically sourced Kettle Yarn Co. Islington DK is a luscious blend of British Bluefaced Leicester and silk that will see you through autumn and beyond. It’s available in 18 hand-dyed hues, including the newly released Magpie – a glorious riot of olives, pinks and blues, inspired by magpie feathers. Linda Lencovic Brand Owner Fibre Co.’s Terra is a delicious blend of merino, alpaca and silk and can be…

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…