Innholdsfortegnelse for Christmas 2019 i Simply Knitting

There’s one thing we would probably all agree on – there’s simply never enough time to do everything we want in life, especially when it comes to knitting. So here at SK towers, we always try to give you as much time as possible to get inspired and started on your Christmas knitting. This issue is a two-way treat because it has a flutter of wonderful festive designs to get your Christmas mojo going, alongside some traditional autumnal knits that you’ll adore, just in case you’re not quite ready to think about the big day just yet. In fact, many of the knits in this packed issue would work well in either camp! Our cover jumper is the perfect example of a modern, sophisticated festive knit; it will look as…

Meet Joanne, top craft addict who works in King Cole’s pattern department Up early or slow to rise? Early! I don’t like to be too rushed in the morning, I’m up at about 6am and leave for work at around 8am. First job of the day? Could be anything from emptying the washing machine to sorting out tea to opening my greenhouse. In the office it’s email checking, answering pattern queries, proofing and approving new patterns for King Cole. I also order garments from our knitters and update our launch sheets according to what will be arriving in stock. Mid-morning pick-me-up? Coffee and chocolate is my favourite. Fave time to sit back and take five? At 9pm I take half an hour with my crochet or knitting. Leisurely lunchtime? I…

Dive into this wonderful mix of wool and acrylic and create some wonderful knits while you’re at it! New Sirdar Country Classic yarn (£2.80 for 50g) comes in a medium weight DK that makes it suitable for all kinds of patterns and projects. Available in 24 gorgeous colours which match well tonally, you’ll find yourself able to experiment with amazing colourwork and so much more. Check out their classic pattern collection for some fashion inspiration! Visit www.sirdar.co.uk for stockists . Ladies cardigan The waterfall design is both versatile and classic (10087). Plain and simple An elegant pattern with truly timeless appeal (10088). Swirly scarf Cast on a gorgeous swirly 70s themed pattern (10089). Shawl-Collar This trendy pattern is both warm and practical (10090). Men’s classic A cosy men’s sweater – just…

1 NEW DROPS PONCHO How fab is this DROPS poncho pattern from www.garnstudio. com? Visit www.woolwarehouse.co.ukfor a top selection of DROPS yarn too! 2 RICO MODERN ARAN TWEED Enjoy small bobbles of colour contrast when you knit with this soft and light wool, polyamide and viscose mix. Its 50g balls come in a 10-colour range, including pastels and darks. Visit www.rico-design.de to find your nearest stockist. 3 WYS CHLOE BIRCH COLLECTION Loose looks in autumnal colours characterise the wonderful Chloe Birch collection. Each piece has been knitted in West Yorkshire Spinners Re:Treat Chunky Roving. Visit www. wyspinners.com for more details. 4 KING COLE NATURAL ALPACA Made from 100% superfine alpaca, this stunning, light-yet-warm DK yarn comes in eight undyed natural colours and is wonderfully luxurious to wear. It’s now available…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ King Cole Glitz DK (97% acrylic, 3% polyester, 100g/290m) ❏ King Cole Big Value (DK, 100% acrylic, 50g/145m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ❏ A pair of 3.25mm needles ❏ A pair of 4mm needles ❏ A 3.25mm circular needle, 40cm long ❏ Stitch markers ❏ 6 (6: 6: 6: 6) grey buttons, (Hemline H040/042221) ❏ Oddment of mustard yarn for beak and legs ❏ Small black button or oddment of black yarn for eye TENSION 22 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles 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…

ANNIVERSARY JOY This adorable pair of dolls was made as a 16th wedding anniversary present for my daughter and son-in-law. I can definitely say that this was not an easy project to make! It took me about four months to get the pattern right and perfecting the faces was a challenge. The facial shapes required a great deal of attention and work in order for them to look nice, smooth and round. I adapted Alan Dart patterns for the forms – Juliet from Romeo and Juliet and The Kissogram. I also used the doctor’s coat from Alan’s Doctor and Nurse pattern using larger needles. I used a mixture of both DK and worsted yarn and I’m so pleased with how it all came out! Alan Dart has seen my other…

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 worth £21.99 – the must-have companion for any knitter, making it easy to customise jumper patterns to suit your style! B Hooper, Redruth W Bezer, Wales S Morgan, Bournemouth 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.…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Wool and the Gang Shiny Happy Cotton (aran, 100% cotton, 100g/142m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ❏ A pair of 5mm needles ❏ A 5mm circular needle, 40cm long ❏ Stitch holders ❏ Stitch markers TENSION 15 sts and 21 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over patt using 5mm 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. LATTICE JUMPER BACK Note At the end of a row 1 of the pattern don’t forget to make a double YO before the selvedge sts, or you’ll end up with less stitches than you need. TUBULAR HEM Cast on 63…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ King Cole Comfort Chunky (60% acrylic, 40% nylon, 100g/106m), 1 ball of each: Yarn A Claret (1506) Yarn B White (421) Yarn C Aqua (427) ❏ A pair of 6mm knitting needles TENSION 14 sts and 20 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over stocking stitch using 6mm needles MEASUREMENTS Length 58cm (23in) Width 16cm (6½in) 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. FAIR ISLE STOCKING Note This Christmas stocking is knitted flat and is generously sized to allow room for plenty of stocking fillers! It uses the Fair Isle…

A few years ago my sister and I decided not to buy each other Christmas presents anymore and it has proven to be quite the life-affirming moment! We’ve always been avid crafters and assumed our love of knitting would find its place in this new arrangement.Along with a commitment to be seasonal ‘helping hands’, we weren’t wrong. My favourite holiday The truth is I LOVE Christmas, the chilly weather, the food, the traditions, the warm family gatherings and all that joyful present giving. I adore it all. But I’d been finding it more difficult and stressful to get the perfect gift for friends and family and strangely, found I had an awful lot less time to locate them (where does the time go?!) Can you believe my Christmas prep usually…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Hayfield Bonus DK (100% acrylic, 100g/280m), 1 ball of each: Yarn A White (0961) Yarn B Bright Orange (0981) Yarn C Lemongrass (0699) ❏ Oddment of black yarn for embroidery ❏ A pair of 3mm knitting needles ❏ 2 black glass eye beads, 9mm diameter ❏ 2 white buttons, 1cm diameter ❏ 5 tiny black buttons ❏ Toy filling ❏ Stitch holder TENSION 22 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in)cm over stocking stitch using 3mm needles MEASUREMENTS 30cm (12in) tall ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 © Snowman Enterprises Limited 2019 THE SNOWMAN™ Snowman Enterprises Limited HOW TO ATTACH THE BUTTON LIMBS THE SNOWMAN ™ HEAD Note Head starts at neck. Cast on 16 sts using 3mm needles and Yarn A.…

TALKING THRUMS Q Someone mentioned thrums in my knitting group but I have no idea what they are? Can you help? Natalie Glebe, London Thrumming is a simple knitting technique that creates incredibly warm fabric by knitting with lengths of unspun fleece along with your main yarn. Originating in Newfoundland, it’s a great way to create warm garments such as fleece-stuffed mittens, slippers or hats which provide the wearer with fluffy, insulating warmth during the coldest months. Sophie CONTACT US! Got a question for our experts? Then email us at simplyknitting@immediate.co.uk or write to us at Simply Knitting, Eagle House, Colston Avenue, Bristol, BS1 4ST.…

I’M LOVING… Knitting two at a time socks A new tutorial is coming up on my blog soon! The bold colourful yarn pictured is West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4ply in Winwick Mum Wildflower. I’M MAKING… Socks for my husband I’m slowly trying to tempt him away from black! The beautiful yarns that I am using are British Skies by Sheepish Fibre Art and Sarsaparilla by West Yorkshire Spinners. I’M SHARING… My circular needle storage system Much organisation went into sorting out my overwhleming stash. Read all about my latest knitting stash decluttering mission over on my blog, www.winwickmum.co.uk…

LOOP KNITTING SHOP Loop offer a range of knitting classes, including a cool new beginner sock class. For more information on the dates and prices of classes visit www. loopknittingshop.com. Prices start from £90. BACK STITCH STORE Back Stitch offer a range of knitting classes, including a cool new beginner sock class. The cost of the course includes three two-hour classes which are run instore with tea and biscuits included. For more information and to book visit www. backstitch.co.uk. Prices start from £60 per person. TEA AND CRAFTING This group’s brilliant sock knitting lessons held later this year in November are aimed at improvers. So if you’re new to knitting, you might want to book onto a beginners class beforehand. At Tea and Crafting you’ll always find unlimited tea and…

ISSUE 185 * JUNE Chunky cable cardigan 3D daisy jumper Cool cable shrug Cute whale cushion Golf club covers Linen stitch bag Men’s textured jumper Spaceman, rocket and dog Fair Isle floor cushion PLUS! Super Sock measurer and pattern booklet* ISSUE 186 * JULY Lace green jumper Fair Isle bathroom tidy Kid’s cat jumper Mosaic pattern jumper Ballerina doll Pretty flower clips Men’s honeycomb jumper Cable slippers Moss stitch cushion PLUS! Family Knits and brilliant Baby pattern booklets* ISSUE 187 * AUGUST Lacy short-sleeved cardi Ladybird game Textured beach bag Dog pencil case Vintage car and caravan Owl tea cosy Cosy cat bed Rainbow socks Floral hair clips Baby blanket PLUS! A handy storage box in a gorgeous pink* ISSUE 188 * SEPTEMBER Sequin summer vest Baby cardi Gorgeous cushion…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ King Cole Comfort Chunky (60% acrylic, 40% nylon, 100g/106m), 1 ball of each: Yarn C Aqua (427) Yarn B White (421) Yarn D Navy (1507) Yarn A Mandarin (1965) ❏ A pair of 6mm knitting needles ❏ A crochet hook (optional, for adding tassels to the Scarf) TENSION 14 sts and 20 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over stocking stitch using 6mm needles MEASUREMENTS Length 58cm (23in) Width 16cm (6›in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 SNOWMAN STOCKING Note This Christmas Stocking is knitted flat and is generously sized to allow room for plenty of stocking fillers! STOCKING FOOT Cast on 8 sts using 6mm needles and Yarn A. Row 1 (RS) K1, *kfb; repeat from * to last st, K1. [14 sts] 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…

ISSUE 190 SEPTEMBER Lace panel jumper Stylish poncho Textured throw KAL Men’s cable jumper Delicate pink cardigan Pretty Fair Isle hat Kid’s monster jumper Halloween keyrings Cuddly cow cushion PLUS! A handy quick guide to rib stitch ISSUE 189 AUGUST Aqua short-sleeved jumper Child’s hoody Geometric cushion Throw KAL Teddy bear Beehive tea cosy Frilly shoulder bag Fishbone jumper Striped lacy socks Pretty cardigan PLUS! Stylecraft Simply Classics and Knitdark pattern books ISSUE 188 AUGUST Sequin summer vest Three little kittens Simple textured cushion Striped child’s pinafore Grey lace socks Throw KAL Cool solar system mobile Herringbone rucksack PLUS! UK Yarn Shop Guide and Amanda Berry favourites 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…

New Novita Hygge Yarn Wonderfully soft and airy, this super chunky yarn (£6.30 for 100g) comes in five colours and knits quickly on 10mm needles. For stockists visit www.novitaknits.com. New go-to DK Yarn This acrylic yarn (100g for £1.69) available in 20 shades, will soon be one of your ‘go-to’ yarn stash staples! Pop it in the machine and tumble dryer! From www. theknittingnetwork.co.uk. New Knit Gifts from House of Wonderland Settle down and extract your makes from this knitter’s drawstring bag, just in time for your tea, served in a knitter’s mug and resting on a knitter’s coaster! Gifts from £4 at www.how-store.com. New Stylecraft Starlight Yarn Add a delicate twinkle to your knits with this festive-feeling aran yarn from Stylecraft. Available in five shades from Bergman Blue to…

Check out the new Debbie Bliss Diamonds in the Sky collection! Using amazing yarns from the Debbie Bliss collection, such as Cotton DK, Paloma and Baby Cashmerino, this gathering of themed knits comprises of a distinct but different diamond theme each time. Choose from the super soft Carnagie jumper and cardi, Skye Sweater with its Argyle style, Barra Sweater for a lacy look and Dunbar Top with a modern colour-block look. Patterns are £3.50 each and are available from www.lovecrafts.com, or by calling 01409 404010.…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Wendy Aran With Wool (80% acrylic, 20% wool, 400g/800m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ❏ A pair of 4.5mm needles TENSION 19 sts and 24 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4.5mm needles ABBREVIATIONS K2B K2 in Yarn B K2A K2 in Yarn A 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. FAIR ISLE SWEATER Note When working Fair Isle, the yarn strand not in use sits loosely at the back of the work. BACK Cast on 85 (89: 95: 99: 105: 109: 115: 119: 125: 129) sts using 4.5mm needles and Yarn A. COMMENCE RIB…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Hayfield Bonus DK (100% acrylic, 100g/280m), oddments of each: Yarn A Ladybird (0698), 12g Yarn B Bright Lemon (0819), 10g Yarn C Azure (0824), 8g Yarn D Cupid (0944), 10g Yarn E Pink (0992), 8g Yarn F White (0961), 12g Yarn G Iced Pink (0958), 27g Yarn H Lime (0882), 8g ❏ A pair of 3mm knitting needles ❏ 24 gold jump rings, 6mm diameter ❏ A piece of cardboard or plastic sheet, 24x24cm ❏ Yellow satin ribbon, 110x10mm wide ❏ Pink satin ribbon, 70x10mm wide ❏ Green satin ribbon, 40x10mm wide ❏ White satin ribbon, 30x5mm wide ❏ 6 green glass baubles, 20mm diameter ❏ 24 snap fasteners, 7mm ❏ A piece of white felt, approx 10x2cm ❏ 24 small wooden hearts with holes, for…

SUNNY JOY This bookmark from issue 175 was knitted by Margaret Warm for a friend’s birthday. She left off the face and plans to use the googly eyes in another project! Margaret Warm via email AYE AYE! Gill Garner’s latest project is the Alan Dart pirate from issue 30 of Simply Knitting. She has loved making him for her friend’s son, who happens to be simply mad about pirates! Gill Garner via email POTTER FAN This Harry Potter doll was made for Rebecca Lee’s sister. As you can probably tell, she really adores knitting and enjoys working on toy patterns in particular. Rebecca Lee via email…

“TOP TIPS ON DROPPED STITCHES” I always use a crochet hook and then proceed to knit it back up and correct the error. If I notice that I’ve gone wrong and it’s possible, rather than ripping the whole lot back, I’ll deliberately drop a stitch or two and correctly crochet back up. Beth Holmes, via Facebook I always opt to use a crochet hook. Lynda Taylor, via Facebook My favourite go-to tool has to be a crochet hook. It is slim enough to slip through the stitch and I always make sure that I have one handy in my project bag – it is an essential item! Jenny C, via email If you have no crochet hook to hand straight away, then grab a safety pin and pop it in…

1 SHOWING OFF Head to the Westpoint Centre, Exeter in February for a fabulous selection of knitty delights! The Craft4Crafters show will be packed with textile displays, demos and workshops plus over 170 incredible craft stalls selling everything you could ever need for your yarn stash! It’s held 13-15 February 2020 and we have ten pairs of tickets to give away to lucky readers worth £18 per pair. So you can take a crafter friend out for the day with you! Visit www.craft4crafters.co.uk for more information on this and other shows. 2 SIMPLE SOLUTIONS Paintbox Yarns Simply DK is the perfect workhorse yarn – available in a huge range of colours in great value 100g balls, it’s machine washable and ideal for blankets and homewares, kids’ knits, toys and more.…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Rico Luxury Magic Mohair (aran, 34% polyester, 28% mohair, 28% polyamide, 10% wool, 50g/200m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ❏ A pair of 5mm needles ❏ Stitch holders TENSION 20 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over patt using 5mm 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. COLOUR-BLOCK JUMPER BACK AND FRONT Cast on 99 (105: 111: 117) sts using 5mm needles and Yarn A. Rows 1 to 4 Knit. Cut Yarn A. Join Yarn B. TEXTURED PATTERN A Rows 1 and 3 (RS) Using Yarn B, K45 (51: 57: 63), using Yarn C,…

1 Buy a selection of lucky dip presents and let your recipients dive in and pick one at random on the big day 2 Book your Christmas meal at a restaurant – it’s a perfect way to spend stress-free time together and there’s no washing up! 3 Bake and cook all your sweet treats in advance and then pop it all in the freezer 4 Suggest everyone donates to a heart-felt charity instead of giving gifts one year 5 Ask family to bring one Christmas dinner course each to ease pressure on the host…

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 Make cross insert needle purlwise into 1st st on LH needle, K 2nd st on LH needle as normal, pulling made st through the 1st st, then K into back of 1st st, drawing both sts off needle together MB (make bobble) knit into the front, back and front of the next st (3 sts made from 1 st), working on the 3 sts, (turn and P3, turn, K3, turn, P3, turn work, sl1, k2tog,…

CORRUGATED RIB RAGE Q I’ve tried over and over again to add that beautiful multicoloured Fair Isle rib to the cuffs of some jumpers I’m adapting but I just can’t seem to get it right. Do you think you could help explain it a little bit for me? Do I just change colour with every stitch? I’m sorry I’m really lost. Greta, via Facebook Corrugated ribbing is often seen as a border around the hem on Fair Isle garments and accessories. The fabric is somewhat different from that of normal ribbing, in that it doesn’t provide any stretch or an elasticated edge, so it doesn’t really serve a practical purpose – such as helping your cuffs or hems stay in place. However, it does make a pretty edging or ‘frame’…

This month we chat to Jen Arnall-Culliford about her latest book Tell us about A-C Knitwear… Since we published our first book, A Year of Techniques, back in 2017, we have been creating technique-led publications that use patterns from a range of brilliant talented designers, supported by photo and video tutorials, to empower hand-knitters to learn new skills and unlock their full knitting potential. We genuinely love to help knitters find their ’Ah-ha!’ moments. What can knitters find on your website? Over on our website you will find lots of video and photo tutorials to help you learn new skills, as well as sharing the trials and tribulations of my knitting life over on the blog. We also sell a selection of books, patterns and yarns to support you in…

Our back issues sell out fast! Why not subscribe and get every packed issue delivered direct to your door? Plus you’ll save on the shop price too! Turn to page 30 to see our current offers. † UK calls will cost the same as other standard fixed line numbers (starting 01 or 02) and are included as part of any inclusive or free minutes allowances (if offered by your phone tariff). Outside of free call packages call charges from mobile phones will cost between 3p and 55p per minute. Lines are open Mon to Fri, 8am-6pm and Sat, 9am-1pm for orders only. For enquiries call Mon to Fri between 8am-6pm. * While stocks last. Free gifts may not always be available. Please note digital back issue orders do not receive…

EDWARD’S MENAGERIE: THE NEW COLLECTION by Kerry Lord (TOFT, £16.99) This latest edition by Kerry Lord features an impressive selection of 50 cute animal designs. Each cool design is new and exclusive to this sequel to the bestselling ‘Edward’s Menagerie’. Although geared slightly more towards crocheting, the intricate designs will also appeal to knitters. We love the varied projects in this enchanting little book which is jam-packed with inspiration! TYPOGRAPHIC KNITTING: FROM PIXEL TO PATTERN by Rüdiger Schlömer (Princeton Architectural Press, £19.99) Aimed at the professional knitter, this book will take you on a journey through both classic knitting and cool typography motifs, that will add a stylish and modern edge to any knit. Absolutely bursting with warm winter knits such as hats, gloves and scarves and more, this is…

Oxbow Scissors Special scissors make us smile and this Oxbow option (£12) from www. idashouse.co.uk makes our eyes twinkle too! Unique and quirky with lovely sharp cutting blades, they’ll make your kit bag cool! Bruno & Jessie Dress up dolls are hugely popular and this Stylecraft duo come with the sweetest set. Available as a knit or crochet pattern for £3, Visit www. stylecraft-yarns.co.uk for your nearest stockist. Rainbow Ring Counter Add a flurry of colour to your knitting day with a KnitPro rainbow row counter ring (£20) made from surgical grade stainless steel. For stockists visit www.knitpro.eu. Scheepjes Chunky Monkey Enjoy 93 incredible shades when you choose Chunky Monkey aran (100g for £2.49). Perfect for toys, blankets and homewares, buy this machine washable option at www.woolware house.co.uk. Eucalan Gift…

1 These images show what happens to the yarn that you carry over on the wrong side of the work. Work a stitch in the first colour as usual. To change colour, twist the two yarns together before working the next stitch. 2 Work the next stitch in the new colour as normal. When working alternating stitches of two colours, try and keep an even tension and do not pull the yarn too tight. 3 Change back to the original colour, not forgetting to twist the two yarns together before you work the stitch. 4 A completed row shows the yarn ‘floats’ carried across the back of the work. If you always keep the floats of one colour above the other colour your work will look neater.…

NEW TO THE CLUB I have recently retired from work and my two friends, Helen and Karen, bought me a subscription to Simply Knitting. The first issue that I received was issue 185 and I made a handbag based upon Sian Brown’s bag from this issue. This was a present for my old school friend Sandra and I’m very glad to say that she was delighted with it! Susan Ridings, via email What fabulous colours, Susan! SUPER SOCKS I only learnt how to knit socks a few years ago, but I have always enjoyed cabling. So when I saw your ‘Do the Twist’ sock pattern by Rhian Drinkwater in the Super Socks pattern booklet (issue 185), I just knew that I had to have a go and knit a pair!…

AUSTRALIA I love reading Simply Knitting. I visited the Warrumbungle National Park in Western New South Wales and had to climb an arduous 1200m on a bush track to reach the top of Mount Bluff. Being an avid knitter I just had to take my work with me. This is me at the top with a freezing cold wind and icicles hanging off the trees as I tried to keep my fingers warm by working away on my latest project! Wendy King Now that’s dedication, Wendy!…

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 www.pinterest.com/simplyknitmag…

Visit www.theyarnloop.com/ simply-knitting and click on the ‘Win & Save’ tab to find this issue’s giveaways. Then, enter the correct code (see below), along with your name and address. If you don’t have your own email address, feel free to use ours, simplyknitting@immediate. co.uk, to submit your giveaway entry form. Find terms and conditions at www.theyarnloop.com/ competition-rules. Issue 192’s giveaways close 11.55pm GMT, Thursday 14 November 2019. GIVEAWAY CODES 1 SKMCRAFT191 2 SKMPAINTBOX191 3 SKMSIRDAR191 4 SKMDERAMORES191 5 SKMWATG191 6 SKMSTITCHERS191 7 SKMPONY191 8 SKMSCHEEPJES191 9 SKMBERGERE191 10 SKMSEARCH191 11 SKMBLACKER191 12 SKMROWAN191 13 SKMWAREHOUSE191 14 SKMEDEN191 Incorrect codes will not be counted as entries, take care when entering them. FOR MORE CHANCES TO WIN GREAT PRIZES, turn to page 69…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ The Yarn Collective Rivoli Sport (35% Merino wool, 35% alpaca, 30% mulberry silk, 100g/250m) 1 skein of Henri Plum (503) ❏ A set of 3.25mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) ❏ Stitch markers ❏ Tapestry needle TENSION 23 sts and 36 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over twisted rib using 3.25mm needles MEASUREMENTS To fit foot circumference 22-24cm (8½-9½in) Actual foot circumference 21cm (8¼in) Leg length adjustable Foot length 11.5cm (4½in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 YOGA SOCKS Notes The socks start at the toe end and are worked in the round. SEWN CAST OFF 1 Cut yarn leaving a length about 3 times the circumference of the sock and thread it onto tapestry needle. 2 *Insert tapestry needle into first 2 sts on the…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Rowan Softyak DK (76% cotton, 15% yak, 9% nylon, 50g/135m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ❏ A pair of 3.25mm needles ❏ A pair of 4mm needles ❏ Stitch holders TENSION 22 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 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. CARDIGAN BACK Cast on 142 (152: 162: 172: 182) sts using 3.25mm needles. Row 1 (RS) P2, *K1, P1, K1, P2, rep from * to end. Row 2 *K2, P3, rep from * to last 2 sts, K2. These 2 rows form rib. Work…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Rico Essentials Mega Merino Chunky (55% wool, 45% acrylic, 100g/125m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ❏ A pair of 5mm needles ❏ A pair of 6mm needles ❏ 2 stitch holders TENSION 14.5 sts and 21 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over 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. CHART WOVEN RIB JUMPER Notes For the Chart, odd rows are right side and even rows are wrong side but are worked in opposite directions for back and front to reverse the pattern. Work only the stitches within the section for your particular size.…

Do you have any plans to tidy up your study at all this year? It’s something that’s asked regularly by my husband. As I look around at the bookshelves stuffed with yarn, books of patterns and stitch dictionaries and the desk, covered with half-written pattern notes, samples and the detritus of family life (which seems to get swept up and dumped into my space), I have to concede that he may be asking a legitimate question... CREATIVE CHAOS I am the first to admit that I am rather untidy. I blame my creative mind, always keen to explore new ideas when they occur to me which can have the unfortunate effect of causing me to leave something half-finished in pursuit of the new and shiny. This isn’t something recent; I’ve…

In association with the Keep Yarn on our Streets campaign We have a jam-packed Knit Together for you this month! With the winter season fast approaching, we tell you about some exciting sock-knitting classes, brilliant yarn shops in Suffolk and list some of our favourite autumnal yarns. Plus, Norfolk Knitters and Stitchers pop in for a chat about their fab knitting group, Jen Arnall-Culliford updates us on her latest book and Leena Sahloul from Hand in Hand for Aid and Development drops in to tell us about their amazing charity, its global mission and how you can help! Our Shop of the Month, Horncastle Hobby House, gives us the latest on their products. Plus, we bring you some fantastic charity knits that you’ve all been busy working on. Remember to…

Who’s in charge? Dinah Ward. Where can we find you? We are in Horncastle, on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds. When did your doors first open? October 2005. What is your shop like? Lots of yarn, shelves overflowing, everything for the crafter, haberdashery, craft kits and even a cake decoration section! Popular products? We stock lovely yarn cakes from Katia, King Cole, Peter Pan, Jarol and Wendy. We also stock lots of needle felting materials, ribbons and buttons. Who shops at your shop? Regular customers from the local area and a 25-mile radius, vistors to the coastal towns, children for crafts and school projects and men for velcro. Top shopping tip? Always make sure that you check the meterage on a ball of yarn if you are using a…

Leena Sahloul Media, Advocacy and Fundraising UK Manager Charity Hand in Hand for Aid and Development Established 2011 What do you do? Our initial purpose was to deliver humanitarian assistance to civilians impacted by the conflict in Syria. The charity has grown to now serve Syrian communities both inside Syria and in neighbouring countries. Employing over 700 staff, we focus on delivering multi-sectoral, reintegrated programmes to the most vulnerable. We work in partnership with independent organisations or via direct funding from organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO). What can we do to help? Over the years, we’ve received tens of thousands of items, from all over the world. We regularly transport knitted items to Syria where they are distributed to internally displaced people, or to children in our…

I’m a big fan of DROPS Lima (DK), which is just lovely for autumn knits. Lima is spun from a luxurious blend of wool and alpaca, so it’s hardwearing as well as super-soft – the perfect combination for garments and accessories! Its colour palette includes lots of gorgeous autumnal shades, which all have a very natural look and are priced at just £2.20-£2.30 per 50g ball. Gill Bailey Marketing Manager Rico Petit Lapin DK super-chunky yarn is designed for the colder seasons. So fluffy, plush and utterly gorgeous, this yarn can be used to make a variety of winter knits such as warm blankets, snuggly jumpers and more. Petit Lapin DK is now available in eight delicious shades which will inspire you and is priced from just £7.49 per ball.…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Hayfield Bonus DK (100% acrylic, 100g/280m), 1 ball of each: Yarn A Black (0965) Yarn B White (0961) Yarn C Signal Red (0977) Yarn D Light Grey Mix (0814) Yarn E Oatmeal (0964) Note Approx 2m is needed of Yarn A (for Santa mouse) ❏ A pair of 3.5mm knitting needles ❏ Two 3.5mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) ❏ Toy filling, 100g ❏ 2 safety eyes per mouse, 6mm diameter ❏ 2 wooden coffee stirrers or lolly sticks, for skis ❏ 3 cocktail sticks, for ski poles and wand ❏ Black stranded cotton ❏ Superglue ❏ A 5x3.5cm rectangle of white felt fabric, for the hymn book, ❏ White cotton thread and sewing needle, to make the hymn book ❏ 4 small white pompoms for the hats…

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…

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…

Who wouldn’t fall in love with the Boreray’s glorious horns!?The inward curled horns of the ram are spectacular, not to mention its super-fluffy coat. Despite being a rare breed, the Boreray’s numbers have steadily increased over the last few years and the popular breed is now considered to be ‘vulnerable’ instead of the previous higher rating of ‘critical’ by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST). Its fleece and yarn are most famous for producing quality tweed and are, unsurprisingly, fairly hard to track down due to their rarity. But the spinners at www.blackeryarns.co.uk sell a lovely Boreray aran blend yarn that’s a real delight. Discover more about the wonderful world of British sheep and wool at www.britishwool.org.uk. DISCOVER MORE! Find out more about the Boreray breed at www.rbst.org.uk/boreray-sheep-25 or visit…