Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 109 i The Knitter

The luminous and draping qualities of The Fibre Co.’s new Luma yarn are showcased in its April in Paris collection. The six patterns by Emma Wright and Hanna Maciejewska are designed as lightweight layering pieces, and include a cap-sleeved, back-buttoned top called ‘Carrousel de Paris’. Other designs include a lacy raglan cardigan with scalloped edges, and a seamless, top-down cardigan inspired by the classic Chanel jacket. ‘Rue St Antoine’ is a relaxed drop-sleeved sweater with a textured design, and ‘Grand Cerf’ is a long-line tunic with a slash neck and a contrast-colour yoke. The ‘Galerie d’Apollon’ wrap was inspired by a photograph of Audrey Hepburn, and uses a lace flower bud stitch. Luma is a blend of fine merino, organic cotton, linen and silk, and comes in a choice of…

Q My grandson now wants pockets on the jumper I’ve just finished for him - is there a quick way to add some? A Patch pockets are easy to add to a finished garment. Use DPNs the same size as the garment needles. 1 Decide where you would like the pocket to sit, and determine the height and width required. Pick up stitches either by using yarn at the back of the work and pulling it through to the front, or by holding the yarn at the front, folding the work and pulling the yarn through for each stitch. Pick up the required amount of sts down the right side of where the pocket will be, across the bottom and up the left side. Use a different DPN for each…

“THIS IS inspired by the stunning architecture of New York City, in particular I am fascinated by building arches of different depths,” says Emma Vining. “Beginning with an eyelet and garter stitch edge, the arches emerge from the cast-on edge and finish just below the neckline. The shoulders, upper body and sides of the garments are worked in reverse stocking stitch. The sweater sleeves have small arches at the wrist, then continue in reverse stocking stitch.” PATTERN NOTES Read the pattern through before beginning. Instructions for the waist, bust and armhole shaping are given at the same time as the arch pattern rows are worked. Work decreases and increases 2 sts in from side and neck edges. CHART NOTES All charts are for the section between the markers. Work the…

“THIS SWEATER is knitted from the top down in one piece,” says Jennifer Wood. “A compound raglan allows for a more flattering fit, because the rate of increase varies to more accurately follow the shape of the body. It increases more rapidly between the neck and shoulders and at the end to curve around the underarm, but more gradually in the section in between. It is designed with a slight negative ease in the bust and positive ease in the hips. The sleeves can be easily lengthened by adding more rows.” PATTERN NOTES In the Front and Back Chart, markers are moved out on certain rows to bring more sts into the chart. Repeat all 20 rows of Sleeve Chart for length of sleeve. YOKE Note: Markers are used to…

THIS INNOVATIVE design by Di Gilpin is made by sewing together a series of panels, in sequence, to create a spiral effect. “The fabric features a dropped stitch cable pattern, which is a 24-row repeat pattern,” explains Di. “Each panel is worked using three strands of yarn in different colour combinations, to produce an ombre effect.” PATTERN NOTES Before starting, make three equal-sized balls from each 100g hank of yarn of approx. 33g each. Don’t wind any more yarn than this until you need it. When holding 3 strands together, you may not use equal amounts of each strand, so you may not to need to wind on extra yarn in some shades. Each panel will be worked using 3 strands in different colour combinations. Each colour has a letter.…

CABLED JUMPERS for boys never seem to go out of style, do they? This design for boys aged five to ten has a classic design yet won’t make your young man feel old fashioned! It combines an array of ropes, braids, diamonds and moss stitch for a richly textured fabric that will be fun to knit. The yarn used is a DK-weight merinoacrylic blend from Rico Essentials, which is machine-washable on a 30°C setting, and comes in a range of neutral shades and warmer colours. STITCH PATTERNS 1x1 RIB Row 1: *K1, P1; rep from * to last st, K1. Row 2: P1, *K1, P1; rep from * to end. Rep rows 1 and 2. REV ST ST Row 1: Purl. Row 2: Knit. Rep rows 1 and 2. CABLE…

LOUISA HARDING has combined two of her aran-weight yarns to create her Fair Isle-effect jumper - a solid colour of Trenzar, and a self-striping shade of Amitola Grande. The body and sleeves are worked in the round, with bands of stranded colourwork around the lower edges. The pieces are then joined together to work the yoke, which also features the colourwork pattern. BACK AND FRONT (work in the round to armholes) Using 5mm circular needles and yarn A, cast on 132 (144:156:168) sts. Join to work in the round, taking care not to twist sts. Work 8 rounds in rib, setting sts as folls: Rnd 1: (K3, P3) 22 (24:26:28) times, pm to mark the beg/end of each rnd. Rnd 2: (K3, P3) 22 (24:26:28) times. The last round forms…

To advertise in The Knitter Boutique please contact Isabel Higuero on 0117 300 8539, or Jordana Widt on 0117 3008538 LONDON Luxury Yarns abby@luxuryyarns.co.uk www.luxuryyarns.co.uk Di Lusso meaning luxury in Italian, is a 5ply pure cashmere yarn from Luxury Yarns. With 12 shades, 6 vibrant and 6 muted tones this yarn is perfect for adults and babies alike with patterns and knit kits for both. Available wholesale and retail. SOUTH WEST The Wool Merchant www.thewoolmerchant.co.uk 01803 866499 Specialising in high quality, natural fibre knitting & crochet Yarns. Open Tues-Fri 10am-4.00pm and Sat 10am-3pm. Dart Studio Yarns at The Cider Press Centre Dartington. ONLINE Gorgeous Yarns www.gorgeousyarns.co.uk 01326 564211 07895116432 A range of exclusive hand dyed natural yarns to knit and crochet with. Plus quality accessories, needles, crochet hooks and project…

“THE PATTERNS for this stole have been taken from Knitting Lace by Susanna E Lewis, published by Taunton Books,” says designer Liz Lovick. “This book is a dictionary of the patterns in a 19th century lace sampler held at the Brooklyn Museum. Pi shawls are based on the mathematical principle that the circumference of a circle doubles as the radius doubles. In knitting terms, this means that if you knit a shawl where the number of rows doubles when the number of stitches doubles, you will end up with a circular shawl.” Liz’s shawl is knitted in a luxurious laceweight yarn from The Fibre Co., which blends wool, llama, silk and linen. STITCH PATTERNS INCREASE CHART Rnd 1: Purl. Rnd 2: (K1, yo) to end of rnd. Rnd 3: Purl.…

As part of its Selects limited-edition yarn ranges, Rowan has launched Breezed. It’s a worsted-weight blend of 80% cotton and 20% linen, and offers a cool handle and an interesting texture. Breezed is available in seven natural earth shades ranging from a watery blue, sage green and apricot, to sand and snow white. Sarah Hatton has designed a book of seven patterns showcasing the new yarn, all with a soft and summery feel. ‘Campana’ is a boat-necked, short-sleeved top with a textured fabric, while the nautical-themed ‘Calpine’ sweater is suited to cooler days. The feminine ‘Sattley’ jumper has cropped sleeves and a scoop neck, and features all-over lace patterning. Simple knit-and-purl patterning and short rows are used on the ‘Coloma’ lightweight poncho. There is also a vest top and a…

Wonderwool Wales is one of the highlights of the spring calendar, and this year’s fibre festival promises lots of inspiration for knitters, spinners, weavers and felters. It will be held on 22-23 April at Builth Wells, where the huge halls of the Royal Welsh Showground will be filled with exhibitors and workshops. Meet designers including Marie Wallin and Jane Crowfoot; discover yarns from British flocks such as Romney Marsh Wools, Wensleydale Longwool and Exmoor Horn Wool; delight in the hand-dyed yarns of Hilltop Cloud, The Knitting Swede; and browse the stands of favourite retailers such as Baa Ram Ewe and Purlescence. Exhibitions include the Centenary Textile Exhibition, which explores the role and development of handmade textiles during WW1. Also on display will be a textile model of Llareggub, the village…

SIZE To fit a square lampshade frame with an upper edge length of 14cm, lower edge length of 26cm and height of 19cm. Fabric stretches slightly over the frame, so a slight variation in these dimensions can be accommodated. YARN Stylecraft Life DK (DK weight; 75% acrylic, 25% wool; 298m/326yds per 100g ball) Cream (2305); 1 x 100g ball NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 set 3mm (UK 11/US 2-3) circular needles, 50cm long 1 pair 3mm (UK 11/US 2-3) knitting needles (for casting off) Stitch markers Lampshade frame: 26cm base, 14cm upper edge, height 19cm TENSION 20 sts and 31 rows to 10cm over lace pattern using 3mm needles YARN STOCKISTS Stylecraft 01535 609798 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk For general abbreviations, see p95 THIS LAMPSHADE would grace any drawing room, hallway or bedroom. It…

Style debate I would like to add my support to Lorna Irwin’s letter published in Issue 107, which asked for more patterns with higher necklines for older readers. Also over 70 but young at heart, I like a pattern but wonder how I can adapt the neckline so that I would not look like ‘mutton dressed as lamb’; ‘Naida’ by Jenny Watson is a very good example, I do not have the expertise to adapt the neckline, but love the overall design. Jenni Lewellyn via email I am of a similar age to Lorna Irwin and have to agree with her about the need for a few ‘keep me warm’ patterns. It seems pointless to knit something with yarn that gives warmth but leaves the mature lady shivering! Maureen Metcalf…

“THIS CARDIGAN is just right when you need something to take the chill off on a spring evening,” says designer Corrina Ferguson. “The simple construction and easy garter-cable pattern make it an ideal set-in-sleeve project for beginners.” Corrina has knitted her top using Green Mountain Spinnery’s Sock Art Forest yarn, a hand-dyed, plied blend of American Targee wool and Tencel fibre. BACK Using 3.75mm circular needles, 60cm long, cast on 100 (109:118:127:136) sts. Knit 4 rows. Inc row (WS): (K7, KFB) 12 (13:14:15:16) times, knit to end. 112 (122:132:142:152) sts. Work in Garter Cable Chart until Back meas 31_ (31_:33:33:34_) cm from lower edge, ending with a WS row. ARMHOLE SHAPING Cast off 5 (5:6:6:7) sts at the beg of next 2 rows, 4 (4:5:5:6) sts at the beg of…

A SLIP stitch pattern is used to create the smart mosaic fabric on this attractive bag by Siân Brown. Her handbag is fully lined with fabric, and incorporates a layer of wadding. It has been finished with a pair of ready-made wooden bag handles. Siân has knitted her bag in Rooster’s Almerino Aran yarn, which comes in a wide choice of soft and sophisticated shades. PATTERN NOTE Slip all sts with yarn on the WS of the work. FRONT AND BACK (both alike) Using 4.5mm needles and yarn A, cast on 69 sts. Knit 1 row. Foundation row (WS): Using yarn A, purl. Rows 1 and 2: With yarn B, K4, *Sl 1, K3; rep from * to last st, K1. Row 3: With yarn A, K4, *K1, Sl 1,…

A LOVELY lace pattern is used all over this feminine, cosy sweater. The lace stitch forms a scalloped edging to the body and sleeves, and a soft cowl neck complements the design. The fabric is very airy yet warm, as it is knitted in the fluffy Pure Douceur aran-weight yarn from Bergère de France. This kid mohair blend is available in a range of bright shades and neutral colours. BACK Using 4.5mm needles, cast on 110 (118:124: 140:150) sts. Work 2 rows in garter stitch. Next row (RS): K13 (17:20:11:16), work 84 (84:84:118:118) sts in Patt St following Chart for your size, K13 (17:20:11:16). Next row (WS): P13 (17:20:11:16), work 84 (84:84:118:118) sts in Patt St following Chart for your size, P13 (17:20:11:16). Last 2 rows set pattern. Cont in…

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) M1pw make 1 st purlwise: with RH needle lift the strand between next and last st from front to back and purl through the back loop M1L left leaning increase: with left needle tip, lift strand between needles from front to back. Knit lifted loop through back of loop M1R right leaning increase: with left needle tip, lift strand between needles…

DONNA DRUCHUNAS is fascinated by twisted travelling stitch patterns, the delicate textures traditionally used in Bavarian knitting. She has used twisted travelling stitches for her pretty hat, which features a double-thickness brim, and has been knitted in a classic guernsey wool from Frangipani. Here, the stitch patterns are worked using a cable needle, but if you’d like to try knitting them without a cable needle, turn over to page 4 for Donna’s instructions and advice. HAT Using 3.5mm circular needles, loosely cast on 118 sts. Rnd 1: (K1tbl, P1) to the end of the round. This rnd sets twisted ribbing. Cont in twisted ribbing for 4cm. Work 12 rounds in garter stitch as follows: (knit 1 round, purl 1 round) 6 times. Next round: (K8, M1) 14 times, K6. 132…

Would you like to become a more confident knitter? Then you should sign up to ‘A Year Of Techniques’! It’s a new project from knitting experts Jen and Jim Arnall-Culliford, and is designed to teach knitters new skills. Participants will receive 12 projects from world-class designers, each focusing on a different technique. The designs will be accompanied by detailed photo and video tutorials to help you master each skill. Designers contributing patterns to the project include Romi Hill, Sarah Hatton, Mary Jane Mucklestone, Bristol Ivy, Woolly Wormhead and Rachel Coopey - so we’re sure to see some stunning patterns! The series has launched with a tutorial on jogless stripes, accompanied by a pattern for armwarmers. £19.99 from www.acknitwear.co.uk Bowled over We love this yarn bowl from Little Wren Pottery, with its…

1 April Falkirk Brioche Stitch with Carol Meldrum www.mcadirect.com 0131 558 1747 2 April Oxford Colourwork Knitting www.oxfordyarnstore.co.uk 01865 604112 8 April Leeds Spring Into Wool www.springintowool.co.uk 8 April Eyemouth St Abbs Wool Festival http://bit.ly/stabbswf 8 April Cambridge Shaping the Future of Double Knitting www.sheepshopcambridge.co.uk 01223 311268 18 April Bovey Tracey Fair Isle and Steeking with Anniken Allis www.spinayarndevon.co.uk 01626 836203 18/25 April Aberdeen Finishing School www.woolforewe.com 01224 643 738 19 April Cleethorpes Jetson Mitts Workshop www.agoodyarn.co.uk 01472 508707 20 April Liss, Hampshire Beautiful Buttonholes with Fiona Morris 01730 893941 21 April Warrington Beginners Spinning Workshop www.blacksheepwools.com 01925 764231 22 April Ipswich Finishing Techniques www.jennywrensyarns.co.uk 01473 805208 22-23 April Builth Wells Wonderwool Wales www.wonderwoolwales.co.uk 25 April Bovey Tracey Lace of Northern Europe www.spinayarndevon.co.uk 01626 836203 27-30 April Edinburgh Spring Knitting…

THERE’S NO denying it: a pair of gloves is an essential accessory during the British spring! This design by Kyoko Nakayoshi is pretty yet cosy, with a cable and bobble pattern - the bobbles are worked using a crochet hook for a quick, neat result. As well as normal gloves, Kyoko has provided instructions for a fingerless version. She has used a bright red yarn from Blue Sky Fibers, called Baby Alpaca. It has a lovely sheen and good stitch definition, and comes in a range of solid and mélange shades. CABLE PANEL Rnd 1: K1 (2:4), P1, K8, P2, Tw5F, P2, K8, P1, K1 (2:4). Rnd 2: K1 (2:4), P1, K8, P2, K2, P1, K2, P2, K8, P1, K1 (2:4). Rnd 3: K1 (2:4), P1, C4B, C4F, P1, MB,…

“THE UPPER section of this cardigan is worked from side to side; then, from that section, stitches for the lower section are picked up and worked downward,” says designer Rosemary (Romi) Hill. “As a result, the lace panels appear in horizontal bands across the upper body and sleeves. It is knitted in a high-twist yarn with beautiful silken drape, and the relaxed asymmetrical closure adds an elegant finish.” NOTES It is extremely important to swatch for this sweater because the lace will relax substantially after washing and blocking, and there will be large differences in pre- and post-blocking measurements. Make sure to work the slipped edge stitches of Charts A-1 through A-3 and Charts F-1 through F-3 loosely, so they can be stretched firmly to create straight edges during blocking.…

Sumptuously photographed, this hardback book is a feast for the eyes. It has been written by Dominic Dormeuil, a French textile producer, who travelled the world accompanied by photographer Jean-Baptiste Rabouan to explore the farmers and herdsmen who produce “the world’s finest wools”. The book takes in a range of beautiful fibres from five continents, including the qiviut musk ox wool of Greenland and pashmina fleece of Ladakh, mohair from South Africa, and vicuña from Peru. Essays discussing the history and production different wools, and the lives of the people who produce them, make for fascinating reading. We meet the clans of nomad Kyrgyz herders who farm Taewit wool from their goats, the Himalayan artisans working with pashmina wool, and merino farmers in the mountains of New Zealand. But it’s…

About our expert Woolly Wormhead is a ‘hat architect’ with an instinctive flair for unusual construction and a passion for innovation, whose patterns are trusted and celebrated by knitters all over the world. You can find all her hat designs at www.woollywormhead.com KNITTING _OR designing) a sideways knitted hat is really rather different from knitting a vertical hat (which would be worked from the top down or bottom up). With a hat knitted side to side, your knitting is turned through 90 degrees; crown shaping is dealt with by short rows; any depth changes are created by increases or decreases. It can be a little tricky to get your head round at first, but once you’re into the flow, it’s a whole lot of fun. SLICING THE OTHER WAY To…

1. Homespunwonders Yorkshire Dale Yarns are hand dyed by mother and daughter team Heather and Katie. Inspired by the flora and fauna of the Yorkshire countryside, with both variegated and solid colours available in DK, 4ply, Aran, sock and lace plus Donegal and BFL there is something beautiful for everyone. www.homespunwonders.co.uk www.homespunwonders.etsy.com 2. Silk and Co. by Beautiful LOLA is a good choice for trendy summer beret and cardigan for fresh evenings or small fashionable vest. Soft mix of silk and cotton was twisted for comfortable knitting. Only fashionable in the summer pastel colors, reminding us of the charm of France. Made on the mountain lake in Alpes. 15% discount code - knitter15 www.knitlola.com 3. Perran Yarns 3. Perran Yarns 20% discount code - ‘PERRAN’ (orders over £10) www.perranyarns.etsy.com 4.…

DID YOU hear about a group of knitters who knitted their way around the Circle Line on the London Underground, or the one about the knitters being thrown out of the Savoy? Then you’ve already heard of Rachael Matthews. At the helm of the Cast Off Club for Girls and Boys, Rachael was the instigator of all that knitting in public, reclaiming public spaces. Back before blogs were a thing, I read a piece by Betsy Greer, then studying at Goldsmiths, which mentioned Rachael and Cast Off. I finally made contact with the artist herself and, on behalf of the publisher I was working for at the time, commissioned her to write a book, Knitorama, and later on Hookorama. Rachael turned the whole book-making process into a collaborative event, bringing…

IRISH DESIGNER Carol Feller has a talent for creating knitwear patterns with beautiful textures and interesting shaping and constructions, and she has recently launched her first-ever yarn, called Nua. We chatted to this popular designer about the people and places who inspire her own creativity. Who inspired you to take up knitting? “No one! I actually learned when I was in school, and don’t have a memory of learning! However, rediscovering knitting as an adult was due to online parent friends who were discussing a new online knitting shop, This Is Knit, which had just opened up. It brought up childhood knitting memories, and inspired me to restart so that I could knit for my children.” Do you have a favourite artist, writer, poet or musician who inspires you? “In…

BAVARIA IS famous for its knitwear featuring ornate textured patterns of twisted travelling stitches. In this region of Germany, knitters used these patterns on socks in the 18th and 19th centuries, and began using them on sweaters and jackets in the early 20th century. What is a twisted travelling stitch? First, it’s a twisted stitch. That is, a stitch knitted through the back loop so it twists and looks more like a small ‘x’ than a small ‘v’. Second, it’s a travelling stitch - it moves across the surface of the knitting on an angle, like a tiny cable, creating a delicate and intricate textured pattern. These designs are traditionally made up of twisted knit stitches forming vertical panels on a background of purls - much like Aran sweaters, but…