Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 95 i The Knitter

WONDERFUL! Wonderwool Wales returns for its 11th year to Builth Wells on 23 and 24 April - and its organisers promise it will be bursting at the seams with stalls, special exhibitions, daily demonstrations and have-a-go sessions. The Woolschools programme will include workshops on dyeing, drop spindling, needle felting, upcycling old jumpers, and selecting fleeces for spinning with Sue Blacker. Classes fill up fast, so visitors are advised to book early! There’ll also be the popular livestock demonstrations and the chance to meet sheep and alpacas, including this year’s star breed, the Balwen Welsh Mountain. As usual, the marketplace will be packed with vendors from around the UK, including Baa Ram Ewe, John Arbon, Purl Alpaca, The Knitting Swede, Hilltop Cloud and Easyknits. For details call 01938 820495 or visit…

A celebration of the endless possibilities offered by the knitted stitch, the latest Yarn Stories pattern collection is a real treat for experienced knitters. Called Minerality, the collection of 16 women’s patterns was inspired by crystalline structures, and blends classic shapes with sophisticated details, Emma Vining’s ‘Feldspar’ jumper has a strikingly modern, V-shaped cable pattern on the upper body and shoulders. The elegantly fitted ‘Alabaster’ jumper by Charlotte Johnson uses cables along the raglans and long cable cuffs to make an impact. Charlotte also designed ‘Opal’, a striped, cableneck tunic with stud-fastened side seams. The open-fronted ‘Cinnabar’ jacket by Amanda Crawford is decorated with smocked cable panels and Irish moss stitch, while Katya Frankel’s timeless cabled sweater looks stunning in a bright shade of merino yarn. The collection also includes…

Discover the best places to go for crafty things in our capital with The London Craft Guide, launched in February. This handy book will inspire both Londoners and visitors alike, and contains a guide to thirty yarn, sewing and haberdashery shops. It has been put together by Allison and Rachel from Yarn In The City, the team behind The Great London Yarn Crawl. They also offer ideas for shops to visit on short daytrips from London, including Bath, Brighton, Cambridge and Oxford. The book contains nine patterns for knitting, crochet and sewing projects, photographed by Juju Vail. We love the cheery red, white and blue ‘Waterloo Mitts’, the textured ‘La Ville de l’Amour’ socks by Fiona Hamilton-MacLaren, the zigzag hat and cowl set by Reneé Callahan, and Kate Atherley’s ‘Because…

Stunning images I am writing in praise of knitting magazine photography teams - yours in particular! I have been knitting for many years and one thing I enjoy is looking at knitting magazines each month, building up a ‘wish list’ of designs I’d like to try, soaking up images and pattern details. And one of the main delights in these magazines are the clear, crisp photographs of the designs, especially in your magazine. If only the same could be said for the images in some knitting books! I’ve been wanting to knit a fisherman’s gansey for some time, and have bought a number of books covering gansey designs, trying to decide which design I prefer to use. However, I’ve been generally disappointed with the standard of the photographs displayed in…

Pat Menchini Peveril THIS RAGLAN sweater by Pat Menchini has a lace body and stocking stitch sleeves, and a wide neckline. The upper sections of the front raglans are left open for a decorative touch, but you can stitch up the whole raglan seams if preferred. The intricate stitch patterning is well defined and has a soft sheen, thanks to the use of King Cole’s Smooth DK. This yarn is available in a wide range of neutrals, pastels and saturated shades. SIZE YARN King Cole Smooth DK (DK weight; 100% acrylic; 216m/236yds per 100g ball) NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 pair 3.25mm (UK 10/US 3) knitting needles 1 pair 4mm (UK 8/US 6) knitting needles 2 stitch holders TENSION 22 sts and 28 rows to 10cm over st st on 4mm…

Jem Weston Ginger Blanket THIS CHEERFUL blanket by Jem Weston would make a lovely gift for a new baby, with its bright background and contrasting squirrel silhouettes. The main fabric is knitted in Rowan’s beautifully soft Baby Merino Silk DK yarn, with the motifs worked in Felted Tweed. The blanket is knitted in panels which are then stitched together, and has two size options. You can find the pattern for the squirrel toy pictured on the previous page in Jem Weston’s lovely book, The Knitted Nursery Collection. SIZE Small blanket: 55cm x 60cm (21¾ x 23¾in) Large blanket: 80cm x 90cm (31½ x 35½in) YARN Rowan Baby Merino Silk DK (DK weight; 66% superwash wool, 34% silk; 135m/148yds per 50g ball) Small blanket: A Emerald (685); 3 x 50g balls…

Deborah Helmke Wye Valley “THIS JUMPER was inspired by simple shapes, but features a surprise elegant detail at the back,” says Deborah Helmke. The garment is worked from the hem up in pieces, then seamed at the sides. All edges are rolled to create a casual feel, paired with the unusual textured sections on the back of the garment. Deborah has used Rowan’s Kid Classic yarn, which provides a fabric with a soft handle and a subtle halo from the mohair content. SIZE YARN Rowan Kid Classic (Aran weight; 70% wool, 22% mohair, 8% polyamide; 140m/153yds per 50g ball) NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 pair 5mm (UK 6/US 8) knitting needles 1 set 5mm (UK 6/US 8) circular needles, 60cm long Tapestry needle Stitch markers Stitch holders TENSION 18 sts and…

About our expert Jen Arnall-Culliford is a technical knitting editor and knitwear designer with an encyclopaedic knowledge of knitting techniques PLEASE DON’T talk to me about the two months I spent knitting a pair of ‘Glynis’ socks by Cookie A, only to felt them on the first wash: it’s still painful seven years later! Having spent hours knitting a beautiful design, it’s vital that the finished item is properly cared for. There’s little in knitting that is more distressing than ruining something that you’ve spent so long creating. Whether it’s spillage of bolognese sauce down a child’s jumper, or the dreaded moths nibbling a hole in a treasured Fair Isle sweater, this article will help you to avoid some of these pitfalls. WASHING Washing can be hazardous for knitwear! Two…

To advertise in The Knitter Boutique please contact Matt Rushton on 0117 314 7385 EAST Purl Alpaca Designs www.purlalpacadesigns.com/knitting-workshops info@purlalpacadesigns.com Knitting Workshops with Purl Alpaca Designs includes starting a knitting project, one-to-one tuition, fabulous lunch and meeting and feeding the alpacas. BOOK NOW for 2016: 30th April 16th July 27th August UK WIDE Westcliffe on Tour westcliffeontour.co.uk enquiries@westcliffeontour.co.uk 07896429800/01253 352943 Knitting in the Lake District 9 - 16th April Price £850 Includes quality accommodation, meals, workshops, excursions and exclusive knitalong project. SOUTH CENTRAL Liss Wools www.lisswools.co.uk hilary@lisswools.co.uk 01730 893941 With big comfy sofas and loads of lovely knitting and crochet things, why not treat yourself to a visit? 38 Station Road, Liss Hants, GU33 7DP Oxford Yarn Store www.oxfordyarnstore.co.uk info@oxfordyarnstore.co.uk 01865 604112 Exquisite yarns and notions for all tastes. Rowan, Debbie Bliss, Isager,…

PAT MENCHINI Pat is a prolific designer whose work regularly appears in many of the UK’s top knitting magazines, including our sister title Simply Knitting. She has also created a range of designs for Artesano Yarns. Her latest design for us is an elegant jumper with an intricate lace pattern reminiscent of medieval armour. Turn to page 32. JEN ARNALL_CULLIFORD Technical editor Jen works with top designers such as Kate Davies, Susan Crawford, Gudrun Johnston and Rachel Coopey. She’s also a designer in her own right, and has an in-depth knowledge of knitting techniques. In the first of her new Masterclass series for The Knitter, she explores the issue of caring for your handknits, on page 80. EMMA VINING Emma honed her knitwear design skills through the City & Guilds…

Rowan has been inspired by Japan to create ‘Kyoto’, a ravishing collection of patterns in its latest seasonal Knitting & Crochet Magazine. An exciting array of designers has contributed to the collection, including the legendary Zandra Rhodes, whose ‘Yamanashi’ pattern is a draping coat with an unusual construction and bold floral intarsia patterns. Martin Storey brings his skills with texture to the collection; ‘Saitama’ is a beautifully fitted lace cardigan knitted in Kidsilk Haze and fine lace, while ‘Miyagi’ is a delicately cabled, round-necked sweater. We love the tropical blooms decorating Lisa Richardson’s linen ‘Mie’ cardigan, and the ornate, origami-style pleats on her incredible ‘Niigata’ wrap. Ethereal lacework adorns Heather’s Dixon’s ‘Ibaraki’ top, while Kaffe Fassett has used dusky shades of orange and sand for his lightweight striped jumper. 36…

With balmy spring days on the horizon, now is a good time to knit up some pretty layering pieces in delicate stitch patterns and ice-cream shades. We’ve been admiring the designs in Sublime’s pattern book created to showcase its brand-new Evie yarn, which is spun from extra-fine cotton with a chainette construction to produce a soft, lofty fabric. Garments include fresh knitted T-shirts with stylised leaf motifs, a draping waterfall cardigan with a mesh fabric, and a feminine jumper with a modern, off-centre lace pattern. We also like elegant simplicity of the tie-front waistcoat, and the bias-stripe scarf in candy colours. The First Sublime Evie Design Book (ref 700) costs £8.50. For stockists, call 01924 369666 or visit www.sublimeyarns.com. Starman! Knit your own Tim Peake, with removable spacesuit, courtesy of Deramores www.deramores.com…

11 March Warrington Continental Knitting and Fair Isle www.blacksheepwools.com 01925 764231 11/12 March Braintree Cecelia Campochiaro’s Sequence Knitting www.warnertextilearchive.co.uk 01376 557741 12 March Cambridge Two at a Time Socks www.sheepshopcambridge.co.uk 01223 311268 12 March Warrington Double Knitting with Juliet Bernard www.blacksheepwools.com 01925 764231 12 March London Brioche Stitch with Bristol Ivy www.loopknitting.com 020 7288 1160 12 March London Shawl Shapes with Bristol Ivy www.loopknitting.com 020 7288 1160 13 March Skipton Professional Finishing www.purlandjane.co.uk 01756 228247 17-19 March Edinburgh Edinburgh Yarn Festival www.edinyarnfest.com 18/30 March Warrington Professional Finishing www.blacksheepwools.com 01925 764231 18 March Reading Two At A Time Socks with Anniken Allis www.artesanoyarns.co.uk 0330 124 1821 19 March Leeds Knitting with Colour www.baaramewe.co.uk 0113 278 1788 19 March Ipswich Brioche Knitting www.jennywrensyarns.co.uk 01473 805208 19 March Cambridge Made to Measure with…

“I have several - Alice Starmore and Elizabeth Zimmermann to name just two.” Ripping Yarns @RYarns “Alice Starmore.” Donna Druchunas @druchunas “Anniken Allis for sure - what a talented lady she is.” Helen Jones @spinBobbin “Ysolda Teague.” Topsy cat @Topsy_Cat “Amy Herzog.” Maureen @Iammo_25 “Can’t choose just one!!!” Sara Milburn @SaraMilburn What our favourite knitters have been saying… “Please help support a lovely yarn shop devastated by the Yorks floods by buying this pattern: https://t.co/SgEps4Ot8x” Marie Wallin @WallinMarie “Van piled with Gotland fleece off to get scouted. 5am start to beat the M1 traffic” Emma Boyles @thelittlegreysh “Knitting a lace-every-row 1ply shawl swatch this morning on one cup of coffee. Don’t try this at home, kids. Trained professional.” Karie Westermann @kariebookish “Do the benefits of Ravelry outweigh the problems? Discuss.”…

Amanda Jones Honiton SOFT AND enveloping, this cardigan by Amanda Jones is ideal for chilly spring days. It features a striking all-over lace pattern worked in a cream yarn, whose undulating panels are emphasised by thin stripes of colour. The neat collar is shaped using short rows and, like the button bands, is edged with i-cord. The garment is worked in one piece to the armholes. Amanda has used an undyed colour of Blacker Swan yarn paired with over-dyed shades for the stripes. SIZE YARN Blacker Yarns Swan Naturally Coloured Falklands Merino Wool DK (DK weight; 100% wool; 110m/119yds per 50g ball) Blacker Yarns Swan Over-Dyed Falklands Merino Wool DK (DK weight; 100% wool; 110m/119yds per 50g ball) 1 x 50g ball of each: B Sky Grey, C Sea Green,…

DESIGNER JANE Ellison has created more than 70 books of knitting patterns, and in recent years has fulfilled a lifelong dream of opening a knitting shop in the Dales town of Skipton, and launching her own Yorkshire yarn range. We chatted with her about life in the knitting industry. When did you learn to knit? “My mother taught me when I was seven years old. She came into my school where she taught a small group of us to knit.” What was the first original piece of knitwear you ever created? “My first ever original handknit design was a knitted scarf for my Snoopy toy! It was burgundy and 100% wool. It was made from garter stitch, which is a stitch I still love now and often use in my…

Clare Devine Stride “DELIGHTFULLY SOFT yarn and an easily remembered pattern will have you finding your stride in a flash!” says designer Clare Devine. “These socks are easy to knit, but the little mock cable adds interest so you don’t get bored. The wide rib makes for a great-fitting sock – perfect for everyday wear. “The mock cable pattern is easy to remember and slowly decreases after four repeats. The sock is mirrored, so please be sure to follow the correct instructions for each side. The heel is worked in ribbing for a snug fit; if you prefer a more hard-wearing heel, you could use a slipped stitch heel instead.” SIZE YARN Ginger’s Hand Dyed Bleating Velvet (4ply/fingering weight; 80% merino, 10% cashmere, 10% nylon; 400m/437yds per 100g skein) Lady…

CHART SIZE Circumference: 54cm (21_cm) YARN Snældan 2-ply (4ply weight; 100% wool; 360m/394yds per 100g undyed skein; 180m/197yds per 50g dyed skein) A Basalt; 1 x 100g skein B Fleece White; 1 x 100g skein NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 set 4mm (UK 8/US 6) circular needles, 40cm long 1 set 4mm (UK 8/US 6) double-pointed needles (DPNs) TENSION 28 sts and 28 rows to 10cm over patt on 4mm needles. Tension note: Snældan yarn is designed to be knitted with a slightly looser tension than you might expect for a yarn of this weight, to allow for a little fulling to happen in the washing process. YARN STOCKISTS Snældan c/o Island Wool Company 0845 200 1162 www.islandwool.co.uk For general abbreviations see page 95 of the main magazine KEY STRANDED COLOURWORK…

Emma Vining Little Paisley “THIS DESIGN was inspired by paisley print swirls,” says Emma Vining. “The little paisley motifs are made using cables and twisted stitches, with moss stitch texture in the centre.” There are four columns of paisley motifs on the fronts and back of the cardigan, divided by mirror-image rope twists. The front band rolled edging is knitted at the same time as the main knitting for the fronts. SIZE YARN Cascade 220 (Aran weight; 100% Peruvian Highland wool; 200m/220yds per 100g skein) NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 pair 4mm (UK 8/US 6) knitting needles 1 pair 4.5mm (UK 7/US 7) knitting needles Cable needle (cn) Tapestry needle 4 stitch markers Hook and eye set (sample uses Prym Fur hooks and eyes, ref. 261 456) TENSION 19 sts and…

BEST FOOT FORWARD Be inspired to create colourful slippers with Scandinavian duo Arne and Carlos http://bit.ly/arnecarlos FABRIC KNOW_HOW Assess whether a hand-knit fabric will make a good sweater with Amy Herzog http://bit.ly/herzogfabric FREE UP YOUR CABLES KnitPurlHunter brings us her top tips on cabling without a cable needle http://bit.ly/cablenoneedle KNITTING & TEA The TeaHouseKnits podcast shares pattern inspiration and tea recipes http://bit.ly/teahouseknits…

When the sample arrived in our office for Anniken Allis’s ‘Jade’, the half-hap shawl featured in The Knitter issue 94, I knew I had to knit it for my Mum’s Christmas present. I’d not made a hap shawl before, and looked forward to the many rows of garter stitch I could enjoy while catching up with TV box sets on the sofa. I used the yarn specified, Mabel & Ivy’s Coast, and chose a bright geranium colour. This yarn was lovely to work with, and the range features a fantastic colourful palette, so I’ll definitely be using it again. The pattern was fun, the centre garter triangle being just the right size before you stop and change to work the more interesting lace pattern. The best thing is, due to…

Amanda Jones Gwyneth “THIS IS a generously sized cardigan, ideal for cool days or just snuggle days at home,” says Amanda Jones. “Knitted with a variety of stitch patterns incorporating lace and cables, it should be an interesting project to make.” The garment is knitted in Artesano’s Nebula DK yarn, which is a blend of wool and alpaca with a lovely slubby texture, giving it a tweedy look to the finished fabric. SIZE YARN Artesano Nebula (DK weight; 33.5% alpaca, 50% wool, 16.5% viscose; 90m/98yds per 50g skein) NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 pair 3.75mm (UK 9/US 5) knitting needles 1 pair 4mm (UK 8/US 6) knitting needles 1 set 3.75mm (UK 9/US 5) circular needles, 100cm long Cable needle (cn) Stitch holders Stitch markers 5 x 25mm buttons TENSION 22…

Nicki Merrall Mischa Bag “I LOVE the combination of inky blues and earthy colours that were popular on 1970s printed fabric,” says Nicki Merrall. “I’ve used these shades and three slip stitch patterns to mix colour and texture. Slip stitch patterns make this easy to do, since only one colour is used per row. I chose Spindrift yarn from Jamieson’s of Shetland, which comes in an amazing colour palette.” The bag is made from an identical front and back, and a one-piece gusset and strap. SIZE Bag: 30cm (12in) long, 28cm (11in) wide, 5cm (2in) deep Strap: 80cm (31½in) long YARN Jamieson’s of Shetland Spindrift (4ply weight; 100% Shetland wool; 105m/114yds per 25g ball) A Peacock (258); 3 x 25g balls B Rust (578); 1 x 25g ball C Paprika…

Sarah Hatton Victoria Plum COMFORTABLE AND well fitting, this raglan sweater for girls by Sarah Hatton has a timeless style that should appeal to both parents and children. It features a lace stitch which adds texture and interest without being too fussy. Sarah has knitted her sweater in Patons Merino Extrafine 4ply, a pure merino yarn that comes in a range of beautiful colours and can be machine-washed. SIZE YARN NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 pair 3.25mm (UK 10/US 3) knitting needles 1 pair 2.75mm (UK 12/US 2) knitting needles Stitch holders TENSION 28 sts and 36 rows to 10cm over st st on 3.25mm needles. 25 sts and 37 rows to 10cm over patt on 3.25mm needles. YARN STOCKISTS Patons c/o Coats Crafts 01484 681881 www.makeitcoats.com For general abbreviations, see…

Jo Sharp Mohair Cable Poncho THIS SOFT comfortable poncho by Australian designer Jo Sharp can be worn as a drapey scarf, wrap or poncho. It’s knitted in Jo’s aran-weight Rare Comfort Kid Mohair yarn, which knits up quickly on 6mm needles. An alternative yarn more easily available in the UK would be Bergère de France’s Pure Douceur. SIZE Measurements before sewing together: Width: 69 (93) cm [27 (36) in] Length: 130 (150) cm [51 (59) in] YARN Jo Sharp Rare Comfort Kid Mohair (Aran weight; 80% kid mohair, 5% wool, 15% polyamide; 87m/95yds per 25g ball) Metal (642); 7 (11) x 25g balls NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 pair 6mm (UK 4/US 10) knitting needles Cable needle (cn) SPECIAL ABBREVIATIONS 5/5 RC: Slip 5 sts to cn and hold at back,…

Rico Design Jonas THIS CLASSIC rollneck sweater is smart and comfortable, and boys should enjoy wearing it! A mix of cable patterns is worked on the front, back and sleeves. The sweater is knitted in an aran-weight merino yarn from Rico Essentials, which is light yet warm, and can be machine-washed on a cool setting. It comes in a wide choice of neutral, pastel and bright shades. SIZE YARN Rico Essentials Soft Merino Aran (Aran weight; 100% wool; 100m/109yds per 50g ball) NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 pair 5mm (UK 6/US 8) knitting needles 1 set 5mm (UK 6/US 8) circular needles, 40cm long Cable needle (cn) TENSION 18 sts and 28 rows to 10cm over st st on 5mm needles. Cable panel over 58 sts meas 25cm, slightly stretched. YARN…

Bergère de France Yolande THIS ‘BOYFRIEND’ style sweater has a boxy, relaxed fit for lazy weekends; the pattern is accompanied by a snood for added cosiness. The sweater is decorated with a slip stitch pattern and finished with simple rolled edgings. It’s knitted in Bergère de France’s Norvege yarn, which is a soft blend of combed wool and mohair that drapes well. SIZE YARN Bergère de France Norvege (DK weight; 40% wool, 40% acrylic, 20% mohair; 140m/153yds per 50g ball) Snood: Rocheuses (29293); 4 x 50g balls NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES Sweater: 1 pair 3.5mm (UK 10-9/US 4) knitting needles 1 pair 4mm (UK 8/US 6) knitting needles Snood: 1 set 5mm (UK 6/US 8) circular needles, 80cm long TENSION Sweater: 20 sts and 25 rows to 10cm over st st…

Abbreviations alt alternate approx approximately beg beginning cn cable needle cont continue dc double crochet (US single crochet) dec decrease (work two stitches together) DK double knitting DPN double-pointed needle dtr double treble (US treble crochet) est established foll following inc increase K knit KFB knit into front and back of stitch K2tog knit the next two stitches together kwise knitwise meas measures M1 make one (inc 1 stitch) M1L Left leaning increase. With left needle tip, lift strand between needles from front to back. Knit lifted loop through back of loop M1L Left leaning increase. With left needle tip, lift strand between needles from front to back. Knit lifted loop through back of loop MB make a bobble mrk marker P purl patt pattern(s) PB place bead PFB purl…

SIZE YARN Schoppel Wolle Zauberball 6ply (Baby/Sport weight; 75% wool, 25% polyamide; 400m/437yds per 150g ball) Cafe Flair (2083); 1 x 150g ball NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 set 3.25mm (UK 10/US 3) double-pointed needles (DPNs) Cable needle (cn) Waste yarn Stitch markers TENSION 28 sts and 36 rows to 10cm over st st on 3.25mm needles YARN STOCKISTS Schoppel Wolle c/o Love Knitting 0845 544 2196 www.loveknitting.com SPECIAL ABBREVIATIONS Tw4B: Sl 2 onto cn, hold to back of work, K2, P2 from cn. Tw4F: Sl 2 onto cn, hold to front of work. P2, K2 from cn. For general abbreviations, see p95 of the main magazine CHARTS KEY A SUBTLE self-striping yarn and cable patterning add interest to these practical fingerless mitts by Jane Burns. The cable panel flows neatly…

SIZE Circumference: 110cm (43_in) Width: 15cm (6in) YARN Rico Design Essentials Cashlana DK (DK weight; 80% wool, 20% cashmere; 62m/68yds per 25g ball) A Dark Grey (006); 4 x 25g balls B Mid Grey (005); 4 x 25g balls NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 set 4mm (UK 8/US 6) circular needles, 100cm long or longer TENSION 16 sts and 24 rows to 10cm over patt on 4mm needles YARN STOCKISTS Rico Design www.rico-design.co.uk For general abbreviations see page 95 of the main magazine CHART KEY “I HAVE been been intrigued by Moebius scarves for many years - I’m talking about a true Moebius created using the Moebius cast-on technique, not one that you put a twist in,” says designer Juliet Bernard. “The only problem with this kind of cowl is that…