Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2023 i Simply Knitting

This issue we're proud to collaborate with Black Sheep Wools to celebrate their 40th anniversary and bring you a quartet of stunning garment knits designed by Sarah Hatton, including Fernhead, a v-neck top; Woolston, the cable jumper; Birchwood, a men's textured number and Appleton, with a Fair Isle yoke Black Sheep Wools 40th Anniversary Collection! Simply knitting Better, greener gifts! THIS ISSUE'S UNMISSABLE TREATS! only in Simply knitting ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION Black Sheep Wool garment knits ADVENT CALENDAR KAL Start Christmas early with part 1 HUGGABLE TURTLE TOY Another fab Amanda Berry knit REMEMBRANCE SOLDIER A poignant make for November MEN'S ROLL NECK JUMPER Cast on a Christmas gift! MOSAIC CUSHION And technical feature OVER 100 FREE PATTERNS online at www.gathered.how With more added every month! (No subscription necessary)…

COZY COASTAL KNITS by Rosann Fleischauer (£18.99, Stackpole Books) If you love the vibe of carefree coastal living, this collection of knits is for you! From the knitting to the wearing, each of the 21 pieces is designed to relax and bring comfort. All designs are beginner to intermediate level and you'll find just the right amount of complexity for interesting yet stressfree knitting. Knit in your favourite yarns and colours to make your new beach-life wardrobe! CUTE & EASY BABY KNITS by Susie Johns (£14.99, CICO Books) Learn how to make beautiful garments and accessories for newborns to three-year-olds, from booties and hats to a textured tunic sweater and a pretty skirt. Illustrated with clear step-by-step artworks, the knitting know-how chapter guides you through all the techniques you will…

Introducing Grace, a light, elegant yarn in a selection of jewel tone colours. This aran-weight yarn is light as a feather, and the dreamy blend of acrylic, wool and mohair creates a beautifully soft fluffiness that is not only luxuriously warm but machine washable too. Alongside this exciting new yarn launch, Stylecraft are offering knitters a number of garment and accessory patterns to browse too. Yarn £4.79 for 100g, www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk. We Love…

Simply knitting loves IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED ■ Rowan Handknit Cotton (DK weight, 100% cotton, 50g/85m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ■ A pair of 3.75mm needles ■ A pair of 4mm needles ■ A 3.75mm circular needle, 60cm long TENSION 20 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS S2kpo Slip 2 stitches together as if to knit 2 together, K1, pass 2 slipped stitches over For a full list see page 87 SEEDED CHECK CHART (SIZES 10, 14, 18, AND 22 ONLY) 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…

Find these patterns in issue 235 STITCHES OF LOVE I knitted Madame Cholet for my friend, Lynne. Lynne has recently been diagnosed with cancer and Madame Cholet will accompany her to chemotherapy. Tina Wittorf KEEP OUR VILLAGE CLEAN The Wombles™ patterns really inspired me and the Yarn Bombers of Needingworth. We each chose one to knit for our June postbox display. Jackie Norris A HOST OF WOMBLES I love Orinoco and enjoyed making him. My daughter liked mine so I made her one too – here they are together. I will definitely be making more, Madame Cholet is next! Melanie Tolson…

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MEN'S JUMPER MASTER Cable Stitch TAKE ON A CHALLENGE YOU WILL NEED □ King Cole Majestic DK (50% superwash wool, 30% acrylic, 20% polyamide, 50g/121m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table □ A pair of 3.25mm needles □ A pairof 4mm needles □ A set of 3.25mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) or a 3.25mm circular needle 60cm long □ A cable needle (cn) □ 2 stitch holders TENSION 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles Each 17-st cable meas 5.5cm wide ABBREVIATIONS M1K(P) Pick up and knit (purl) into back of horizontal strand lying before next st C10 Slip next 3 sts on cn and hold at front of work, K2, then K3 from cn, now slip next 2 sts on…

GET INVOLVED Remember us angels This issue, we talk to Rachel Lowe about the Facebook group she set up in memory of her daugher, Paisley Eloise Rachel's daughter was sadly stillborn on 5 July 2017, and on 21 March 2021 she created a Facebook group so that she could help other parents facing the same struggles. LITTLE CLOTHES FOR LITTLE LOVES “I set this group up to involve more people in my mission to provide special bundles to hospitals for families who experience stillbirth or early baby loss,” says Rachel. “I found that when I lost my daughter at 32 weeks, the midwives struggled to find a hat small enough for her. So I wanted to create a bundle that had everything needed to dress the baby, and also another set…

Remembrance Sunday is on 12th November IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED □ Cygnet DK (100% acrylic, 100g/298m) 1 ball of each Yarn A Kiwi (0303) Yarn B Beige (0240) Yarn C Mocha (0432) Yarn D Chocolate (2297) Yarn E Daffodil (0145) Yarn F Red (1206) Yarn G Black (0217) □ A pair of 3.25mm needles □ Toy filling TENSION 24 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over stocking stitch using 3.25mm needles MEASUREMENTS 15cm (6in) tall ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 Embroider vertical stitches for the eyes and a ‘U’ shape for the mouth in black yarn “I'm always looking for different ways to commemorate significant milestones, and Rebecca Roberts’ sweet soldier made me think fondly of all those who fought for us.” KIRSTIE…

We love EASY TO KNIT YOU WILL NEED □ 200g (220m) of chunky yarn □ A set of 8mm DPNS TENSION 12 sts and 18 rows to meas 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 8mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 BOOT TOPPERS Cast on 48 sts using 8mm DPNs and chunky yarn. Place 16 sts on 3 needles. Join into the round, placing a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round. Round 1(K2, P2); repeat to end of round Repeat Round 1 until the knitting measures 11cm. Next round Knit. Continue to knit each round until the knitting measures 22cm from the cast-on edge. Cast off BOW (MAKE2) Cast on 8 sts using 8mm DPNs and chunky yarn Row 1 Knit. Row 2 Pur!…

Try broken RIB! IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED □ King Cole Merino Blend DK (100% pure superwash wool, 50g/104m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table □ A pair of 3mm needles □ A pair of 3.75mm needles □ A pair of 4.5mm needles □ A 3mm circular needle 40cm long or a set of 3mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) for neckband □ A stitch holder □ Button, 15mm diameter □ A tapestry needle anda length of yarn approx 60cm long (either the same or contrasting) to work the button loop Broken rib and eyelet pattern are combined to create a warm and cosy tunic fabric TENSION 26 sts and 32 rows to 10x10cm (4x4in) over broken rib patt using 4.5mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page…

AMANDA BERRY… THE BEST BRAND Q What is your favourite brand of knitting needle? Tiffany Wilks I have a favourite pair of needles that I have been using for years… they are from Pony and are single pointed aluminium needles. As they were designed for children to use, they are 18cm long, and this makes them perfect and really comfortable to use for knitting smaller pieces when making my toys. An added bonus is my pair have cute bobbly hearts on the ends! Amanda REST AND RESET Q Have you ever lost your knitting mojo? How do you get it back? Maureen Friday Oh yes! I am very self-critical and if a knitting project is not working out I can find it really hard on my self esteem. I have…

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

EASY TO KNIT YOU WILL NEED ■ MillaMia Naturally Soft Aran (100% Merino wool, 50g/80m) 3 balls of Heirloom (250) ■ A 5mm circular needle, 25cm long ■ Stitch marker TENSION 18 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over slip-stitch rib pattern using 5mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 MEASUREMENTS Circumference 27cm (10½in) Length 33cm (13¼in) STITCH of the month LEG WARMERS (MAKE 2) Cast on 48 sts using 5mm circular needle, 25cm long, and join to work in the round, taking care not to twist stitches. PM to mark beg of round. Round 1 *P2, sl1 purlwise, rep from * to end. Round 2 *P2, K1, rep from * to end. Rounds 1 and 2 form the slip-stitch rib pattern. Rep Rounds 1…

GREAT FOR layering IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED □ King Cole Homespun DK (23% polyamide, 23% acrylic, 22% alpaca, 22% wool, 10% viscose, 50g/175m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table □ A pair of 3.25mm needles □ A pair of 4mm needles □ A 3.25mm circular needle for neckband □ Stitch holders □ A cable needle (cn) TENSION 23 sts and 32 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over stocking stitch using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS C2B knit into front of 2nd st on LH needle, then knit into front of 1st st and slip these 2 sts off together T2B slip next st onto cn and hold at back of work, K1, then P1 from cn OR knit into front of 2nd st on LH needle, then purl…

MEN'S JUMPER GREAT GIFT idea! IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED ■ Rico Essentials Mega Wool Chunky (55% wool, 45% acrylic, 100g/125m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ■ A pair of 5.5mm needles ■ A pair of 6mm needles ■ Stitch holders TENSION 14 sts and 19 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st on 6mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 in Simply Knitting magazine CHART KEY 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 MEN'S JUMPER BACK Cast on 74 (82: 90: 98: 106: 110) sts using 5.5mm needles. Row 1 (RS) K2,…

Get ready for your craftiest Christmas ever! From Santas and stockings to wreaths and Christmas trees, there are 56 wonderful projects to uncover in this crafty book. Whether you're a life-long knitter, or love to dabble in other crafts, you'll be bowled over by the amount of inspiration this bright and cheerful book contains. Bring joy and wonder to your home this Christmas with Amanda Berry's sleighride bunting. This knit is sure to be a festive heirloom, with intricate details such as the sleigh's candy cane runners and tiny Christmas tree. Hang the bunting over your mantelpiece or drape it over the tree for the most adorable decor. Save the date! ISSUE 243 OF SIMPLY KNITTING ON SALE THURSDAY 5 OCTOBER…

Introducing the new Yarnsmiths Create Aran – the perfect new member to join the Yarnsmiths family and a great way to celebrate Yarnsmiths’ 1st birthday! Yarnsmiths Create yarn has become a great option for knitters, but there was something missing… aran yarn! Now available in a range of 24 colours, from calming neutrals to mood-boosting brights, Yarnsmiths Create Aran is an affordable and versatile yarn that is perfect for every type of knitter. Did we mention it is super soft and easy to care for too? Check out the free patterns available online. £1.99 for 100g, www.woolwarehouse.co.uk…

Cool COLOUR WORK TAKE ON A CHALLENGE YOU WILL NEED ■ Rowan Felted Tweed DK (50% wool, 25% alpaca, 25% viscose 50g/175m) 1 ball of each Yarn A Scarlet (222) Yarn B Electric Green (203) Yarn C Lolite (208) Yarn D Phantom (153) Yarn E Sulfur (220) Yarn F Seasalter (178) Yarn G Fjord (218) Yarn H Zinnia (198) ■ A 3.25mm circular needle, 40cm long ■ A 4mm circular needle, 40cm long ■ Pompom maker, approx 6cm in diameter ■ Locking stitch marker TENSION 24 sts and 32 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over Fair Isle pattern using 4mm needles MEASUREMENTS To fit head circumference 56-61cm (22-24in) Actual head circumference 52cm (20½in) Length from top of crown to hem 22cm (8¾in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87…

KNIT FOR 1 to 11 years! TAKE ON A CHALLENGE YOU WILL NEED ■ King Cole Big Value DK (100% acrylic, 50g/145m) ■ King Cole Big Value DK (100% acrylic, 50g/145m) ■ King Cole Big Value DK (100% acrylic, 50g/145m) □ A pair of 3.25mm needles ■ A pair of 3.25mm needles □ A3.25mm circular needle, 40cm long □ Tapestry needle □ Stitch markers □ Stitch holders □ Oddment of pink DK yarn TENSION 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 KIDS’ MONKEY JUMPER Note This sweater has a nice close fitting neck, be careful not to cast off too tightly. We highly recommend using Elizabeth Zimmermann's sewn bind off. For the monkey pattern…

TRY A NEW stitch! TAKE ON A CHALLENGE YOU WILL NEED □ Scheepjes Chunky Monkey Aran (100% acrylic, 100g/116m) 3 balls of Yarn A Stone (2017) 1 ball of Yarn B Aqua (1422) ■ A pair of 5mm needles ■ A 45x45cm (173/4x173/4in) cushion pad ■ 5 buttons, 2cm diameter TENSION 16 sts and 20 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 5mm needles 18 sts and 26 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over mosaic st using 5mm needles MEASUREMENTS 42x42cm (16½x16½in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 83 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 KEY…

Small business shout out! Tell us about yourself… My name is Nicola Inns, the owner of Twinkknits. Twinkknits started off by making knitted items and knitting patterns all the way back in 2010. In 2018, Twinkknits branched out and began making handdyed yarn and a year later we began creating knitting kits. Since late 2020 I have also been appearing on Yarn Lane TV to sell my products. We'd love to learn more about your business… Twinkknits is a homerun yarn and knitting business based in West Yorkshire, England. Here at Twinkknits we sell many different items ranging from handdyed yarn (4ply sock yarn, DK sock yarn, laceweight etc) to knitting kits and a range of handknitted accessories. What are you most excited for this year? I'm working on new…

WHERE TO BUY □ For yarn stockists contact Cygnet on 01274 743374 or www.cygnetyarns.com OR YOU COULD TRY… □ Wool and Crafts 01455 238768 or www.woolandcrafts.co.uk □ Wool Warehouse 0800 505 3300 or www.woolwarehouse.co.uk…

LACE CARDIGAN LEARN A NEW stitch! TAKE ON A CHALLENGE YOU WILL NEED □ DROPS Nepal (aran, 65% wool, 35% alpaca, 75m per 50g balls) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table □ A set of 4mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) □ A set of 4mm circular needles, 80cm long □ A set of 5mm double-pointed needles DPNs □ A set of 5mm circular needles, 80cm long □ A cable needle (cn) □ 7 buttons, 20mm diameter □ Stitch markers □ Stitch holders TENSION 17 sts and 22 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS Cable inc Slip next 3 sts onto cn and hold at back of work, K2, kfb, kfb in first st from cn, K2 from cn Cable dec Slip next 4…

FOR MORE CHANCES TO WIN GREAT PRIZES, turn to page 70 GOODIES UP FOR GRABS WIN PRIZES! Hobbii (www.hobbii.co.uk) have given us five of their Friends Wheel 4ply yarn cakes worth £10 each to give away to crossword winners, and Maryna Shevchenko is kindly offering five PDFs of her fascinating book ‘Neat Side Edges’ (£22 softcover, £15 digital download, www.10rowsaday.com) for our sudoku winners. Once you've completed the puzzles, go to www.gathered.how/simplyknitting and follow the links to the giveaways to enter. Find terms and conditions at www.gathered.how/competition-terms-and-conditions. Competitions close on Thursday 19 October 2023. Prizes sent within 28 days of closing date when possible. UK entrants only. SUDOKU TIME ISSUE 240 SOLUTION 5 PDFS OF NEAT SIDE EDGES BY MARYNA SHEVCHENKO TO WIN JOIN THE SK PUZZLE CLUB! New puzzles…

WIN knitting goodies worth over £ 444! 1 POMPOM PARTY! Up for grabs are three fantastic knitting bundles from Clover, worth £33 each! Create projects galore with these fab products, including a Pom-Pom Maker Set, DPNs, Needle Protectors and a bag of colourfully assorted Wonder Clips. The fab set of four pompom makers is a must-have tool for any knitter looking to add a whimsical touch to their crafting. With four different sizes included, get ready to make lots of different-sized pompoms in all your favourite colours – perfect for decorating, gifting, or accessorising. To find out more about Clover products visit www.clovermfg.com and for stockists contact clover@stockistenquiries.co.uk. 2 WONDERWOOL Brand new from KnitPro for 2023, this interchangeable set is sure to brighten your woolly world! Inside you will find their…

KNIT in a weekend! IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED ■ Sirdar Hayfield Bonus Aran (100% acrylic, 100g/256m) 1 ball of each Yarn A Bottle Green (839) Yarn B Gentle Jade (604) Yarn C Lemongrass (699) Yarn D Cream (812) □ A pair of 4mm needles □ Two 4mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) □ Toy filling □ Two domed black buttons, 15mm □ Locking stitch markers □ Pins for making up TENSION 20 sts and 24 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over stocking stitch using 4mm needles MEASUREMENTS 37cm (14½in) long x 37cm (14½in) wide x 15cm (6in) tall ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 Not suitable for children under three years old due to small parts. TURTLE TOY Notes Unless otherwise specified, use the long tail cast on…

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

ISSUE 241 SEPTEMBER * Fair Isle jumper* Fingerless chevron gloves * Forever Friends™ kids’ jumper * Men's cable tank top * Loop-stitch sheep cushion * Boo the ghost decoration * Crew-neck jumper * Monster romper suit * Birdhouse bunting * Shire horse toy * Angler fish tea cosy PLUS! Home designs booklet BUY IT NOW! RETURN TO THE APP TO BUY BACK ISSUES ISSUE 240 AUGUST * Lace tunic * Garden chair cushion * Kids’ star jumper * On the bias scarf * Strawberry patch tea cosy * V-neck cardigan * Stashbuster bag * Elephant backpack * Lace and bobbles jumper * Kids’ pirate playset * Nautical striped jumper * PLUS! Burda Magazine and Knitted Toy Collection ISSUE 239 JULY * Short-sleeved lace cardi * Elmer™ kids’ jumper * Cable…

CABLE JUMPER 100% WOOL yarn TAKE ON A CHALLENGE YOU WILL NEED ■ West Yorkshire Spinners Croft Aran (100% Shetland Islands wool, 100g/166m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ■ A pair of 4.5mm needles ■ A pair of 5mm needles ■ Stitch holders ■ A cable needle (cn) TENSION 18 sts and 24 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 5mm needles 24 sts and 24 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over cable patt using 5mm needles ABBREVIATIONS C3B Slip next st onto cn and hold at back of work, K2, then K1 from cn C3F Slip next 2 sts onto cn and hold at front of work, K1, then K2 from cn T3B Slip next st onto cn and hold at back of work,…

KNIT IN THE round TAKE ON A CHALLENGE YOU WILL NEED ■ James C Brett DK with Merino (70% acrylic, 20% polyamide, 10% Merino wool, 100g/290m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ■ A 3.25mm circular needle, 80cm or longer ■ A 4mm circular needle, 80cm or longer ■ A 3.75mm circular needle, 80cm or longer ■ A set of 3.25mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) ■ A set of 4mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) ■ Stitch holders ■ Stitch marker TENSION 22 sts and 28 rows to meas 10x10cm (4x4in) over stocking stitch using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 in Simply Knitting magazine HOW TO USE OUR CHARTS Start at the bottom right-hand corner. Read all rows from right to left. A row of squares…

Fabulously flecked chunky yarn, Halloween delights, exciting yarn crawls and top UK shop events quick & easy colour Yarnstravaganza Enjoy UK Hand Knitting's second Yarnstravaganza – encouraging shoppers to visit their local yarn shops. Bigger and better in its second year, it takes place from 30 Sept to 7 Oct 2023. Visit your local participating yarn shop, or even visit stores further afield. This year's event promotes the main benefits of yarn shops – the support and expertise they offer, and a place to get together, learn and have fun. www.ukhandknitting.com King Cole Halloween Book Step into a world of whimsy and wonder with ‘Halloween Knits Book 1'. It's a captivating knitting pattern book that will ignite your imagination and bring a touch of enchantment to your needles. Delve into…

STAR LETTER COASTAL COSIES I picked up crocheting during the pandemic and wanted to start knitting as well, but no pattern had struck me – then I glimpsed the octopus tea cosy on the cover of issue 226 of Simply Knitting! As a coastal dweller with more than their fair share of loose leaf tea, the pattern (and the subsequent coastal-themed tea cosies) couldn't have been more of a perfect start to learning. My only problem now is where to store them all (and my growing stash!). Thanks for sharing the patterns, they've been great fun to make! I've also knitted a bunch of other things, and created some of my own (Star Wars influenced) accessories. I'm pleased to say I've also managed to make several pairs of socks, and…

“WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE KNIT OF ALL TIME AND WHY?” The Alice in Wonderland display piece I made for a library display a few years ago – it now sits in pride of place on my dresser. Susan Evans It used to be a self-designed large snakes and ladders game, but has since become The Farmyard Playset KAL (from issues 235-238), I am on my second one currently. Sharon Bryce Next month… “WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE STITCH OR KNITTING TECHNIQUE?” Tell us your opinion of our hot topic question on Facebook. Contact details can be found at the bottom of the page.…

Nina, who lives in Brighton with her partner Matthew and their two children, worked in the University sector for many years, but now devotes her time to knitting, as well as travel. “I remember loving knitting so much when I was a child, that I smuggled wool and needles up to my bedroom and knitted in the dark when I was supposed to be asleep,” she tells us. As an avid lover of Eurovision, Nina creates a ‘euro knit’ most years, but decided to aim a bit bigger, incorporating all the flags into one garment. “There was no real aim at all to start with”, Nina explains, “it was just for me for fun to wear for my numerous Eurovision parties. Everyone I knew told me it was a ridiculous…

TURN to page 44 for more charity stories! Charity of the MONTH Each issue we find out more about one of the good causes you could help out with your knitting… Charity Westmorland Red Squirrels Established 2005 What do you do? We raise awareness about red squirrels and the importance of protecting them from extinction. We work closely with landowners and conservational organisations such as the National Trust, the Forestry Commission and the Woodland Trust in order to achieve this. Fundraising has been a challenge for us over the past three years, but our members are vitally important to us as a source of regular donations as well as for their support, and we continue to raise funds with our merchandise. In March 2023, we reached an important milestone of…

CAST ON OUR KAL Collect all three parts to create this Christmas essential Fun for the festivities! PART ONE IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED □ Yarnsmiths Create Chunky (100% acrylic, 100g/150m) 2 balls of each Yarn A Christmas Green (5210) Yarn B Grass Green (5200) 1 ball of Yarn C Mustard Yellow (5140) □ Yarnsmiths Create DK (100% acrylic, 100g/290m) 1 ball of each Yarn D Bright Orange (3130) Yarn E Opal Green (3220) Yarn F Primrose Yellow (3160) Yarn G Light Turquoise (3250) Yarn H Bright Red (3110) Yarn J Peachy Pink (3420) Yarn K Parchment (3060) Yarn L White (3040) Yarn M Royal Blue (3300) Yarn N Chocolate Brown (3080)  Yarn O Black (3000) Yarn P Brown Bear (3070) □ A pair of 3mm needles □ A…

CONTACT US! Got a question for our experts? Then email us at simplyknitting@ourmedia.co.uk or write to us at Simply Knitting, Eagle House, Bristol BS1 4ST. KNIT GURU Amanda Berry Toy Designer What Simply Knitting contributor, Amanda, doesn't know about knitting toys isn't worth knowing! Sophie Jordan Deputy Editor Passionate about colour combinations and Fair Isle, Sophie has 40 knitting years under her belt. Jen Bartlett Technical Editor Stitch expert and technical whizz, Jen likes to tackle the trickiest of knitting problems. guest expert Susan Cowper Designer Owner of www.teacosyfolk.co.uk, Susan creates cute cosy patterns for Simply Knitting and her website. QUESTION OF THE MONTH CASTING ON AND OFF Ql usually use the same cast on and off for everything – are certain ones best for specific designs? Debbie Pavlis Yes,…

GREAT GIFT idea! IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED ■ West Yorkshire Spinners Bo Peep DK (52% Falkland wool, 48% nylon, 50g/112m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ■ A pair of 3.25mm needles ■ A pair of 4mm needles ■ 2 stitch holders ■ 4 split ring stitch markers ■ 2 ring stitch markers ■ 3 small buttons with matching sewing thread and needle TENSION 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS dec 1 st (RS) work K1, ssk at the beg of a row and k2tog, K1 at the end of a row. (WS) work P1, p2tog at the beg of a row, and p2tog tbl, P1 at the end of a row For a full list…

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

Kirstie McLeod Editor Not three, but all the designers who work with SK, I couldn't think of a better way to spend the evening!” Jen Bartlett Technical Editor “Maya Angelou for her empowering wisdom, my grandma Viv for her humour and knit skills, and Audrey Hepburn, my fave old-Hollywood actress.” Sophie Jordan Deputy Editor “Marilyn Monroe, River Pheonix and Sidney Poitier – for fascinating conversation and knitting laughter'.” Rachael Prest Technical Editor Michelle Obama for her integrity, Miriam Margolyes for top aging tips and Angelina Jolie because I think she could do with a giggle.”…

Black sheep Wools is a yarn shop and online store based in the village of Culcheth, near Warrington in Cheshire. Run by Sara Mulvey and her brother Stephen, the business was originally established by their parents in the 1980s, and this year the family is celebrating the 40th anniversary of Black Sheep Wools. We chatted with Sara at the Craft Barn, which not only hosts a huge range of yarns, but also includes a tea shop and workshop space. Tell us about the team you have working with you at the Craft Barn. “We have a wonderful team here at Black Sheep. Obviously there's me – I look after the creative side, and our make-alongs. I work with my eldest brother Steve, who deals with the figures and logistics. “The…