34 FAB PATTERNS TO CAST ON TODAY! ISSUE 159 July 2020
Your
ULTIMATE SHAWL KNITTING
Guide
THE UK’S BESTSELLING KNIT MAG
EXPERT TIPS!
Knit your style!
3 STUNNING LACE DESIGNS
10 SUMMER WARDROBE UPDATES you’ll love!
MAKE THIS FOR AGES 1-9 YEARS IDEAL FIRST GARMENT
PERFECT FOR TV KNITTING!
up to size 26
COASTAL CHARM
nautical knits for home
ALL THIS & MORE
INSIDE!
01 LK July20 Cover 159.indd 1
EMMA VARNAM
TOP DESIGNER SHARES HER SECRETS
SEIZE THE DAY! ACHIEVE YOUR KNITTING GOALS CRAFT WITH CARE
YARNS THAT MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE
HUGGABLE FRIEND FOR LITTLE ONES £6.99 | July 20 Issue 159
JOIN OUR KNITALONG
BRILLIANT BLANKET KAL INSIDE!
22/05/2020 14:05
EDITOR’S Letter
Welcome!
14
At the beginning of the year when I planned the collection for this issue, with its theme of fresh, outdoorsy surfer style and beachy vibes, I little imagined that by the time it went to press, planning a holiday or going to the beach would be temporarily on hold. However, I think that’s all the more reason to turn to knitting as a way to keep our spirits up and remind ourselves that eventually this will pass, and in the meantime we can still create beautiful, joyful things that call to mind the good things in life. Our Point Break collection starts on page 14, featuring five gorgeous makes with a coastal vibe. I love this shale stitch sweater in crisp cotton by Jo Allport. But if toys are more your thing, the seaside theme continues with our round-up of underthe-sea critters on page 52 followed by Val Pierce’s beautiful Ophelia The Seahorse on page 53. We’re urging you to Seize the Day and set yourself some knitting goals on page 40, and if you need an idea then look no further than our fantastic 14-page Lace Special, guest edited by Anniken Allis and featuring three beautiful shawl patterns, which starts on page 67. Voting opens in the British Knitting & Crochet Awards this month. Turn to page 47 to see the shortlist and details of the prizes you can win.
52 53 67
ABOVE RIGHT: Point Break Collection, p14 ABOVE LEFT: Under The Sea, p52 CENTRE: Ophelia The Seahorse , p53 LEFT: The Amazing Lace Collection, p67 BELOW: the British Knitting & Crochet Awards, p47
VOTE AND WIN!
47
Sarah
sarah.neal@aceville.co.uk
SUBSCRIBE TODAY! Get Let’s Knit delivered straight to your door
GI
F
T
Go to page 28 and sign up! Find us at facebook.com/ letsknitmag
ST
Follow us on pinterest/ letsknitmag
Tweet us @letsknitmag
All items from patterns published by Let’s Knit are for personal use only and cannot be sold. Multiple copies of any part of this publication may not be made, and no part of this publication whether in its original form or a reproduction thereof may be sold. All patterns featured within Let’s Knit are reproduced in good faith that they do not infringe any copyright. DISCLAIMER: We recommend that readers use the main specified yarn for every project as this will produce the best results. The alternatives given are suggestions only, and as no two yarns
OM
O SH P
12 ball, 1200g yarn bundle when you subscribe to Let’s Knit
.
C
28
Happy Knitting
OYOU
Instagram @letsknitmag
www
Visit us at letsknit.co.uk
are exactly the same we advise readers to swatch an alternative yarn carefully before choosing to use it for their project. The publishers are not responsible for any safety issues arising from any items knitted from patterns contained within Let’s Knit magazine. Please note that toys with small parts are not suitable for children under three years of age. If making a toy for a very young child, omit any buttons and embroider the details instead. Babies should be supervised when playing with toys. Prices are all correct at time of print.
03
letsknit.co.uk 003 Welcome .indd 1
22/05/2020 15:38
34 July 2020
In this issue
21
35
SHOPPING
8 See It, Want It, Love It! Our top picks for July
34 Absolutely Aqua
Embrace seaside style with these lovely yarns
49 Feel Good Yarns
Discover the ultimate range of uplifting fibres
67 This Month We’re Loving... Knitting Lace
Join us as we celebrate this beautiful technique
86 Newsflash
Catch up with the latest news in knitting
FOCUS
40 Seize The Day! Mosaic Cushion and Wallhanging
76
Inspirational knitting goals to help you step up your skills this summer
47 The British Knitting & Crochet Awards 2020 Now is the time to vote for your favourites
52 Under The Sea
Dive into this fabulous selection of patterns
79 Lessons In Lace
Cover Star
Our guest editor Anniken Allis shares her expert advice
83 Keep Calm & Cast On
Sit back and relax with our mindfulness special
85 Craft Corner Essentials
Enhance your projects with these exciting accessories
PEOPLE
10 Knit It, Write It, Share It! Your incredible makes and letters
Evergreen Dream Shawl
Border Stripe Jumper
12 Handmade at Home
Discover how to stay in and get creative
64 Charity Corner
Let us help you! WE UNDERSTAND THAT NOTHING IS MORE ANNOYING THAN ERRORS IN KNITTING PATTERNS, SO HERE’S OUR PROMISE TO YOU l Exclusive patterns featured in Let’s Knit have been professionally checked and reproduced with the utmost care. Updates can be found at letsknit.co.uk/pattern-updates l Should you encounter any problems we are more than happy to provide support and assistance. Contact us and we will endeavour to respond as soon as possible.
BY PHONE: 01206 508622 (office hours only) BY EMAIL: support@letsknit.co.uk BY POST: at the address at the top of page 94 (please mark your envelope ‘Support’) (Please note we cannot offer assistance with patterns not published in Let’s Knit)
Contact us HAVE ANOTHER QUERY? HERE’S HOW TO GET IN TOUCH l Subscription enquiries/ customer services: 0800 904 7000, aceville@dctmedia.co.uk l Advertising enquiries: 01206 505114, samantha.dean@aceville.co.uk l Online registration/website enquiries: webmaster@letsknit.co.uk
Knitters using their needles to make a difference
98 My Life In Patterns
We hear from knitting and crochet expert Emma Varnam
IN EVERY ISSUE 3 Welcome 7 Just For You This Month 28 Subscriptions 50 Teabreak 51 Coming Next Month 63 Read & Relax 87 Reader Offer 92 Giveaways 93 Knitter’s Know-How
04
letsknit.co.uk 4-5 Contents.indd 4
22/05/2020 14:27
74
57 WIN! WIN! WIN! OVER
£1,000
OF GREAT PRIZES ON PAGE 92
PATTERNS
e Racing Car Sweater
88
True Romance Shawl
31
54
l
Beach Hut Teacosy
Drawstring Top
Quilt Stitch Cushion
Dropped Stitch Top
16 Shale Stitch Sweater 19 Diamond Tote Bag 21 Dropped Stitch Top 23 Border Stripe Jumper 26 Drawstring Top 31 Beach Hut Teacosy 35 Mosaic Cushion and Wall Hanging 38 Nautical Mug Cosy 42 Nautical Knitalong Part Two 44 Chic Cardigan 53 Ophelia the Seahorse 57 Racing Car Sweater 70 Fuchsia Delight Shawl 74 True Romance Shawl 76 Evergreen Dream Shawl 88 Quilt Stitch Tutorial 90 Crocheted Summer Top
Shale Stitch Sweater
Diamond Tote Bag
1 SE 4-P CT AG IO E N
THE POINT BREAK COLLECTION
Starts on page 14
05
letsknit.co.uk 4-5 Contents.indd 5
22/05/2020 14:28
JUST FOR YOU THIS MONTH
CLASSIC TOYS & PASTEL YARN KIT
No. 1 for gifts
Meet Henrietta Hippo! She’s just one of the heritage-inspired projects you can make with your Toybox Treasures yarn pack. The kit includes three pretty pastel shades and the instructions for Henrietta are in the box with your yarn. The extra patterns for Eric the Elephant and cute mice trio can be downloaded for free at letsknit.co.uk/toyboxtreasures. We love seeing your photos so share them using the details on page 11. This summer we are celebrating the joys of colour with our Knit The Rainbow bonus pattern collection, featuring ten top designs from CICO Books. What will you make first?
THIS MONTH’S
YOUR BONUS PATTERN BOOK! Ten bright and joyful knits from
LOVE YOUR YARN KIT? GET MORE!
146g bumper kit with soft toy yarn for only £7.99*! Simply visit giftstoyou.com or call 0800 904 7000 *T&Cs: postage charges apply. Limited stock available. UK customers only
FREE* YARN PACK WORTH £7.99!
*UK customers only, just pay postage
Add a little texture to your craft collection with our super soft mini pom-pom yarn! In this fab pack, you’ll get one ball of this limited edition special effect yarn, plus five other complementary colours. This set is ideal for toy making and you can get it for free*. Find out how you can claim this brilliant offer over on page 87.
EXCLUSIVE
Treats you’ll love ONLY IN LET’S KNIT
Vintage-inspired toys to knit Super soft yarn in heritage shades Knit The Rainbow pattern book FREE* pack with pom-pom yarn Exclusive shopping discounts
Find over 1,700 fabulous knitting patterns at letsknit.co.uk
Coming next issue! KNIT BIG WITH OUR FAB NEEDLES!
We think your tools of the trade should be as vibrant as you are, so take a look at these beauties! At 15mm in diameter they are just the thing for speedy knits and statement projects. Look out for our fantastic selection of mega chunky patterns to use with these needles inside your magazine.
DON’T MISS
AUGUST ISSUE OF LET’S KNIT ON SALE THURSDAY 2ND JULY
07
letsknit.co.uk 007 Gift page.indd 1
22/05/2020 14:13
YOUR 14 PAGE FASHION SPECIAL
The Point Break
Collection
HAVE A GO AT A CLASSIC RIPPLE STITCH EFFECT
T
CHANNEL BEACH CHIC WITH OUR COMFY PATTERN PICKS
PAGE
19
Diamond Tote Bag
ADD A LINING TO THIS HANDY ACCESSORY FOR A PRO FINISH
PAGE
16
Shale Stitch Sweater
pretty T E L E Y E motif
S tash your s essent ial
D A DR P
Nautical favourite!
14
Surfer style appears effortless and lucky for us, it’s one of the comfiest looks around. Embrace your inner wave chaser with this easy-to-wear collection featuring simple shapes and classic colours. Choose cool cotton yarns to ensure your knits are warm weather-ready. Although you might not be able to get out to the coast right now, this trend is perfectly suited to relaxed home living too!
letsknit.co.uk
14-27 Fashion Edit.indd 14
22/05/2020 14:34
THE STYLE
Edit
PAGE
26
TWO DESIGNS TO CHOOSE FROM!
PAGE
23
Drawstring Top
Border Stripe Jumper
Fuss-free style
S imple shape
PAGE
21
CHOOSE RAGLAN SLEEVES FOR A RELAXED AND COMFY FIT
Dropped Stitch Top DISCOVER A CLEVER DROP STITCH PATTERN
bamboo BLEND yarn
Cool stonewashed look 15
letsknit.co.uk
14-27 Fashion Edit.indd 15
22/05/2020 14:35
HOME
Beside the
pattern
SEASIDE
TAKE YOUR TEA BREAKS TO THE NEXT LEVEL Trips to the beach may be a little while away, but Nicola Valiji has designed the perfect solution – a cheerful cosy with everything needed to lift your spirits and brighten up your living space. This is a fantastic project to pick up and put down, as there are lots of individual elements for you to work on. Just remember to label your knitted pieces, as this will help you to avoid confusion further down the line!
• EXCLUSIV
E
T
LU
SIVE TO • E X
CL
31
letsknit.co.uk
• E XC
US
O
IVE
TO
HOME
• EXCLUSIV
E
pattern
T • E XC
US
O
IVE
TO
LU
SIVE TO • E X
CL
Mosaic MAKE
ENHANCE YOUR INTERIOR WITH THESE BEAUTIFUL ACCESSORIES As we are currently spending more time at home than ever before, it makes sense to invest in our living spaces. Thanks to the fantastic mind of Jane Burns, you can decorate your house with a gorgeous cushion and a distinctive wall hanging. The Mosaic Chart works for both pieces, so your finished projects should be a perfect match. Just remember to take your time if this is your first attempt at following charted instructions.
35
letsknit.co.uk 35-37 Cushion and Wallhanging.indd 53
21/05/2020 16:39
Sizes 8-26!
“Find top tips about lace knitting over on page 79!� LK Deputy Editor Adrienne Chandler
45
letsknit.co.uk 44-46 Stylecraft Cardigan.indd 2
22/05/2020 11:31
Vote here or online at letsknit.co.uk/awards
VOTE NOW win prizes! T
he British Knitting & Crochet Awards return for 2020, and it’s time to have your say! These awards are special because they’re voted for entirely by you, and with over 24,000 votes cast last year they’re the biggest and most important in the knitting and crochet world.
The first round of voting has closed and the shortlist of nominees compiled, so now here comes the juicy bit. Simply tick your favourites on the form below or enter online at letsknit.co.uk/ awards. Every voter will be in with a chance of winning prizes including an 1800g bundle of yarn, subscriptions to top titles My Weekly and People’s Friend, knitting and crochet books and more – a total prize value of over £200! See below for more details on the prizes.
1800G OF YARN
SUBSCRIPTIONS TO TOP TITLES TO BE WON!
The People’s Friend is the magazine of choice for anyone who loves feel-good quality fiction. Every issue contains seven short stories and two exclusive serial instalments, as well as recipes, knitting patterns, gardening advice, health, travel and so much more. My Weekly prides itself on being your feel-good read – every issue is packed with engrossing fiction, delicious recipes and fantastic advice from a range of experts. Whether it’s fashion, beauty, health, or money, My Weekly has it covered. There are interviews with all the celebrities who matter to you, brain-teasing puzzles and much more.
LK Editor Sarah Neal with winners from last year’s British Knitting & Crochet Awards: (top) James McIntosh and Dr Thomas Ernst from Knit And Nibble, (above) Lisa from For The Love of Yarn
WHAT TO DO
Please send completed forms to: British Knitting & Crochet Awards 2020, Marketing Dept, 21-23 Phoenix Court, Hawkins Road, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8JY
VOTE HERE OR ONLINE AT LETSKNIT.CO.UK/AWARDS YARNS AND BRANDS
Nominate Now!
STAR BABY YARN BRAND
BEST VALUE YARN BRAND
BEST INDIE HAND DYER
ULTIMATE TOY YARN BRAND
.......................................................................
.......................................................................
.......................................................................
.......................................................................
TOP INDEPENDENT YARN BRAND
MOST LUXURIOUS YARN BRAND
BEST SOCK YARN BRAND
NUMBER ONE OVERALL YARN BRAND
.......................................................................
.......................................................................
.......................................................................
☐ Marriner Yarns ☐ Sirdar ☐ West Yorkshire Spinners ☐ Stylecraft ☐ Sublime
☐ West Yorkshire Spinners ☐ John Arbon ☐ Made by Penguins ☐ Marriner Yarns ☐ Siobhanscrafts
☐ Stylecraft ☐ Marriner Yarns ☐ Drops ☐ King Cole ☐ West Yorkshire Spinners
☐ Debbie Bliss ☐ King Cole ☐ Made By Penguins ☐ Marriner Yarns ☐ Rowan
☐ Made By Penguins ☐ Brambles & Me ☐ For the Love of Yarn ☐ Old Maiden Aunt ☐ Mothy and the Squid
☐ King Cole ☐ West Yorkshire Spinners ☐ Drops ☐ Made By Penguins ☐ Rico
☐ King Cole ☐ Marriner Yarns ☐ Rico ☐ Stylecraft ☐ Toft
☐ King Cole ☐ Marriner Yarns ☐ West Yorkshire Spinners ☐ Sirdar ☐ Stylecraft
....................................................................... PTO FOR MORE CATEGORIES
47-48 Knitting Awards 2020.indd 2
22/05/2020 14:33
Don’t miss our...
Next issue
Quickto-make designs
AUGUST ISSUE OF LET’S KNIT ON SALE THURSDAY 2ND JULY
FREE*
MEGA CHUNKY LEOPARD PRINT NEEDLES! 15mm wooden needles + 8 easy patterns to make
SIX-BALL PACK WITH SPARKLE YARN!
Worth
£7.99! ALSO! MONEY OFF DISCOUNTS JUST FOR YOU
THE QUICK & STYLISH SUMMER COLLECTION
Bright and breezy garments to knit in next to no time!
PLUS
Projects subject to change. *Just pay postage, UK customers only
4 ONE-SKEIN WONDERS 4 SCHOOL HOLIDAY SAVES 4 NEWS, YARN REVIEWS AND MORE
PLUS!
LOVE YOUR PATTERN BOOK EXTRA FROM
pattern picks novelty alpaca hats for adults and tots ing tch Ma 2 les ed ne m 15m ur yo for 1 Speedy homewares icorn playset from Val Pierce un l rfu lou Co 4 n hio cus ork rw ou col 3 Step-by-step ple stripe and lace cardigan Sim 6 s day r me sum for ks soc r ine tra y 5 Sunn 51
letsknit.co.uk 51 CNM.indd 51
22/05/2020 10:19
TOY
pattern
• EXCLUSIV
E
T • E XC
US
O
IVE
TO
LU
SIVE TO • E X C
L
OPHELIA The Seahorse TREAT YOUR YOUNGSTER TO A FABULOUS NEW FRIEND
Val Pierce has created yet another irresistible character for your little one to fall in love with. Proving yet again that colour-changing yarn is an essential for any knitter’s stash, this project is surprisingly simple to complete. The trick is to keep a close eye on your shaping and to take care when stuffing your finished make. Although we love the stunning details, if your seahorse is going to a tiny tot, it would be a good idea to switch out the butterfly sequins for French knots.
53
letsknit.co.uk
ONLINE VIDEO COURSE DISCOUNTS
FROM
£4.99
A MONTH That's the same price as a ball of yarn!
COMPETITIONS
UNLIMITED ACCESS TO
1,000 PATTERNS! JOIN THE LET'S KNIT TOGETHER COMMUNITY TODAY!
Patterns for all abilities!
COMMUNITY HUB
Do you dream of a pattern library that has all the designs you could ever wish for? Well, your dreams are now a reality thanks to our brand new knitting club – say a big hello to Let’s Knit Together!
TAKE PART IN OUR COMMUNITY KNITALONGS!
PLUS NEW DESIGNS ADDED EVERY DAY!
EXCLUSIVE DESIGNS! SHH, KEEP THESE A SECRET
TOYS BABY KNITS HOMEWARES GARMENTS
& MORE FROM YOUR FAVOURITE DESIGNERS
SIGN UP TO OUR EXCLUSIVE CLUB TODAY
VISIT LETSKNIT.CO.UK/LKNJULYLKT CALL 0800 904 7000 TO JOIN SUPERA4 LKT house ad PATTERNS.indd 1
21/05/2020 15:48
Racing
KID’S
pattern
STRIPES SURPRISE YOUR YOUNGSTER WITH THIS LOVELY SWEATER
E
IVE
• EXCLUSIV
T
US
• E XC
LU
SIVE TO • E X C
L
57
letsknit.co.uk
TO
O
How incredible is this super-cute garment from Jane Burns! A smart and trendy design that also offers plenty of fun, it can be made in five sizes ranging from age one to nine years. For a personal touch, why not give your little one the opportunity to choose the colour of the cars? Alternatively, you could take a look through your stash to see if you already have some suitable options on hand. Just remember, if your make is for a tiny tot, you will need to replace the buttons with embroidered wheels.
EXCLUSIVE! GUEST EDITED BY ANNIKEN ALLIS
The Amazing Lace
Collection EXPLORE THE WORLD OF BEAUTIFUL SHAWLS AND CAST ON A GORGEOUS HEIRLOOM KNIT TODAY
To curate our lace knitting special we asked none other than lace expert Anniken Allis, author of two books and designer of countless beautiful shawls, to give us the benefit of her wisdom. The three incredible designs in this collection, including one by Anniken herself and one created by her specially chosen designer Karen Butler, are a great introduction to the range of shapes, styles and techniques you’ll find in shawl knitting. If you’re a newbie looking to knit your first lace shawl then Anniken’s comments on each design and her expert tips will help you choose one that’s right for you, but before you cast on, turn to page 79 where you’ll find Anniken’s essential guide to lace knitting.
PAGE
74 Anniken says: This beautiful shawl has an all over lace pattern which looks more complex than it is to knit. The rectangular shape means you can focus on the lace pattern without worrying about complex shaping.
True Romance by Jacinta Bowie
No-shap ing wrap
68
letsknit.co.uk
68-69 Lace intro.indd 2
22/05/2020 14:40
Anniken says: The crescent shape of this shawl makes it sit perfectly across your shoulders but you can also wear it bundled around your neck as a scarf. The fine lace yarn and all over lace pattern may make it slightly more daunting but take it one stitch at a time and you will be rewarded with a beautiful, featherlight lace shawl.
PAGE
70 Fuchsia Delight by Anniken Allis
PAGE
76 Evergreen Dream by Karen Butler
Crescentshaped classic
c i r t e mm Asy beauty
Anniken says: I asked Karen to design a shawl for this issue because I like her design style. She alternates between stranded colourwork and lace accessories, which also happen to be my favourites! She has a lot of technical knowledge about knitting and is the technical editor for my self-published patterns. I love encouraging knitters to try lace. Karen's shawl is perfect for beginners and shows off the beautiful self-striping colours with some easy lace and a shape which is very wearable.
About Anniken Allis
Regular LK designer Anniken is an authority on lace knitting and the author of two books on the subject, Easy Lace Knits and Beaded Lace Knitting. Hailing from Norway but resident in Cornwall, she teaches workshops on all aspects of knitting including a programme of online courses - perfect for lockdown! Signed copies of her books and information on her courses can be found on her website yarnaddict.co.uk
69
letsknit.co.uk
68-69 Lace intro.indd 3
22/05/2020 14:40
LEARN WITH US
GREAT FOR IMPROVERS
ARAN YARN
Try
4MM, 4.5MM NEEDLES
THIS!
MEASUREMENTS & SIZES 40cm x 40cm
KNIT KIT
Yarn: Lily Sugar ’n Cream, shade 04 Ecru, four 70.9g balls Needles: 4mm, 4.5mm Cable needle Cushion pad: 40cm square Buttons: 2cm, eight Tapestry needle
I V E TO •
EXCLU S TO •
FOR ABBREVIATIONS SEE PAGE 97
E
IV
E TO
•
LUS
E X C L US
n 21 sts x 30 rows n 10cm x 10cm n Over pattern n 4.5mm needles
C EX
IV
TENSION SQUARE
ABOUT THE YARN
Lily Sugar ’n Cream is an aran-weight cotton yarn with a soft finish. It comes in neutral, bright and self-pattern shades so you could get really creative! It costs £2.99 per 70.9g (109m) ball from 0116 271 3759, readicut.co.uk
NEED AN ALTERNATIVE?
Rico Creative Cotton Aran is a similar yarn that would work well for this project. It costs £1.89 per 50g (85m) ball from 01925 764231, blacksheepwools.com
A LOCAL YARN SHOP IS A GREAT PLACE TO BUY ALL YOUR KNITTY ESSENTIALS FIND YOURS ON P84
Quilty PLEASURES LEARN A NEW STITCH WITH JO ALLPORT
Sorry, we couldn’t resist a pun, but this cushion does make us happy. It’s a comfy addition to your living space and features a brilliant stitch effect. The quilted design is achieved by a smocking technique that involves wrapping the yarn around a group of stitches held on a cable needle. Follow Jo Allport’s step-by-step photo guide to see how it’s done.
88
letsknit.co.uk
88-89 Quilt Stitch tutorial.indd 84
22/05/2020 15:05