LK Cover 83_Layout 1 18/07/2014 15:18 Page 1
TIPS • HOW TOs• EXPERT GUIDES
All your knitting needs covered! ISSUE 83 SEPT 2014
VERSATILE CARDI UP TO SIZE 20
THE UK’S BESTSELLING KNIT MAG
24 Fab Patterns FRESH KNITS
FOR THE NEW
SEASON SIMPLE SHAWL *CROSS-OVER **12 STYLISH TOP ACCESSORIES
Discover CROCHET BOBBLES!
QUICK BACK TO SCHOOL KNITS
We♥ Retro!
Make ith these w H
IS BRITO L!
COOL CUSHION
WO
ISSUE 83 SEPT 2014 £4.99
No1 for home knits
VAL PIERCE
Exclusive CUDDLY COW
READ THIS!
MACHINE KNITTING WHY IT’S COMING BACK
• CHIC DESK SET IN GREAT VALUE YARN • UPCYCLED CLOCK FOR UNDER £3 • PRETTY COSIES WE PICK THE BEST
VARIEGATED YARNS
YARNBOMBING
WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?
Contents 83 Qx_LK Project Template 18/07/2014 15:42 Page 1
WHAT’S INSIDE
67 SEPTEMBER 2014
CONTENTS 43
15
63
83 46
18
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PATTERNS 15 Electric Blue Try a fantastic new Rico yarn with Pat Menchini’s cross-over cardigan 18 MacTavish Make a new friend with an exclusive Highland cow pattern by Val Pierce 23 Sweet Simplicity This easy striped rib cardigan is an ideal addition to autumn wardrobes
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26 Vintage Moments Try Fair Isle colourwork with an exclusive pattern from blogger Karie Westermann 31 Tick Tock Upcycle your home with an easy i-cord clock pattern 32 Cosy Cables Practise cabling with a quick hat, snood and mitts set by Monica Russel 43 Twist Again Anniken Allis’ modern take on a classic fisherman’s sweater is right on trend!
04 www.letsknit.co.uk
46 Cloud Nine This simple hat and mittens set by Kelly Menzies is a great way to keep warm 53 Tween Dream Get them kitted out and ready to go back to school with these easy accessories! 57 Game On Lynne Rowe’s retro space invader cushion is a brilliant gift for gaming fans! 63 Hot Desk Personalise your study area with these cute knitted desk tidies 67 Violet Blossom These crocheted floral cosies are knitted in 100% wool, so your breakfast will stay warm! 71 Blue Lagoon Knit a stripy jumper on circular needles using beautiful Artesano yarn 78 Tequila Sunrise Jan Henley’s simple shawl pattern is so easy you could knit it with your eyes shut!
Contents 83 Qx_LK Project Template 18/07/2014 15:43 Page 2
WHAT’S INSIDE
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Your cover make!
This month’s
FREE GIFT!
23 Knit an adorable squirrel by Amanda Berry with an exclusive yarn kit!
80 Candy Stripe Make this cute knitted top for your little one in fabulous Phildar yarn
FOCUS
IN EVERY ISSUE...
10 Let’s Knit Loves Catch up with the latest news and gossip from the knitting universe
3 Welcome 10 September is the Month 49 Coming Next Month 52 Tea Break 62 Bookshelf 66 Giveaways 90 Subscriptions 92 Turn the Tables 93 Essential Information 94 Start Right 95 Final Stages
83 Hoodwinked Knit an adorable baby cardigan from Rico Design, complete with cute cables
35 Marvellous Machines Discover the amazing possibilities of machine knitting!
87 Orange County Use your free yarn to knit a stylish slip-stitch headband
42 British Knitting Awards Get voting for your favourite brands in this year’s awards!
SHOPPING
75 Knit School Learn the art of cabled knitting with Deputy Editor Adrienne Chandler
22 On Campus Get the college look with stylish back-to-school accessories 40 Over the Rainbow Discover eight fantastic variegated yarns for the new season 74 Colour Therapy This month we’ve chosen our favourite ocean-inspired yarn shades 89 What’s in Store Get the hot gossip from our favourite shops around the UK
PEOPLE 50 Stop and Share Catch up with the LK community 60 Stories With Stitches Amy Adams explores the brilliant world of yarnbombing 98 Last Word Sue Stratford reveals the secrets of her knitting stash!
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Who cares?
...We do!
At Let’s Knit we understand that nothing is more annoying than errors in knitting patterns. As part of our total commitment to ensuring that your experience of our magazine is as enjoyable as possible, we’re proud to offer THE LET’S KNIT PATTERN PROMISE: • Exclusive patterns featured in Let’s Knit have been professionally checked and reproduced with the utmost care. Updates can be found at www.letsknit.co.uk • 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 email: support@letsknit.co.uk By telephone: 01206 508622 (office hours only) By post: at the address on page 95 (please mark your envelope ‘Support’) (Please note we cannot offer assistance with patterns not published in Let’s Knit)
05 Back issues from Jan 2011 onwards are available on the Let’s Knit app! www.letsknit.co.uk
ElectricBlue (P) qx_LK Project Template 18/07/2014 12:19 Page 2
FLATTERING CASUAL CARDI EXCLUSIVE TO
Electric Blue We love the flecks of neon in this colourful cross-over top from Pat Menchini This loose-fitting cardigan has a lovely drape and is perfect for skimming over any of our least-favourite body areas. The yarn has a brilliant variegation which includes tiny spots of a vast range of shades. The threequarter length sleeves make this a good choice for autumn when the weather becomes changeable.
meet our
DESIGNER “A simple two-row pattern is worked on this design, with a slight variation of this on the lower borders. There is no shaping on the body, which allows it to open slightly for a stylish look!� PAT MENCHINI
15 www.letsknit.co.uk
MacTavish (P) qx_LK Project Template 18/07/2014 12:04 Page 2
CUTE CUDDLY TOY
“You can't just look at MacTavish – you have to stroke him and squeeze him and ruffle his hair! Normally cows with horns scare me but this chap is as loveable as a teddy bear! ”
EXCLUSIVE TO
LK Editorial Assistant Katie Wilding
Perfect project for eyelash yarn
meet our DESIGNER “This toy is not for the fainthearted as it takes quite a lot of time and patience to create. The making up is a bit tricky, especially when assembling the bagpipes. Take your time and don’t rush!” VAL PIERCE
19 Download hundreds of free knitting and crochet patterns today! www.letsknit.co.uk
SweetSimplicity (P) qx_LK Project Template 18/07/2014 12:27 Page 2
Sweet Simplicity
EXCLUSIVE TO
Siân Brown’s easy-knit rib edged cardigan is perfect for beginners Every woman needs a simple yet stylish cardi in her wardrobe; they're the ultimate in practicality, whether you're in the office or out for lunch with the girls. This sleek grey and pink number is really easy to knit as it's worked mostly in stocking stitch and has minimal shaping. Get the yarn for this project from your local yarn shop.
Easy knit cardi!
meet our DESIGNER “This is a simple design using a lovely soft yarn and feminine colours. The stripes on the deep rib give it a fresh look.”
SIÂN BROWN
23 www.letsknit.co.uk
Screenshot p26-28 (P)_LK Project Template 18/07/2014 15:26 Page 2
CLASSIC FAIR ISLE SET
Vintage Moments
SCREEN
By Karie Westermann
“Try not to strand your yarns too tightly on these projects as they will both need to stretch when worn.” LK Deputy Editor Adrienne Chandler
27 Download hundreds of free knitting and crochet patterns today! www.letsknit.co.uk
Cosy Cables p32-34 (P)_LK Project Template 18/07/2014 10:02 Page 4
QUICK AUTUMN ACCESSORIES
EXCLUSIVE TO
“Turn to page 75 for our Knit School Tutorial on cabling techniques”
Jacket £59.50 Uniqlo, trousers £19.99 TK Maxx
100% British wool
LK Editorial Assistant Amy Adams
Reader Offer Get the exact quantities of yarn to make these accessories for the special price of £14 per project, plus p&p, or £38 for all three. www.knitknacks.co.uk
33 Download hundreds of free knitting and crochet patterns today! www.letsknit.co.uk
MachineKnitting Feature Qx_LK Project Template 18/07/2014 15:25 Page 2
FEATURE | LOVE MACHINE KNITTING
Marvellous
MACHINES Deputy Editor Adrienne Chandler introduces you to the world of machine kntting
Let's get one thing straight before we begin: machine knitting is not cheating. It's just not. There's an art to mastering these clever contraptions and once you have, you'll be able to let your imagination run wild, manipulating stitches and fabric to create your own designs. However, for even the most experienced of handknitters, machine knitting can be a rather intimidating prospect. But fear not, we're here to demystify these machines and inspire you to try something new this autumn.
THE MECHANICS
Machine images Š Martin James Photography. Garments: Rowan Magazine 55 (right), Rowan Simple Shapes Handknit Cotton (top right)
THE YARN Knitting machines usually use cones or centre-pull cakes of yarn because the yarn flows more freely. If you try to knit straight from a regular ball of yarn, you'll quickly get in a tangle. Wool winders can be used to make cakes of yarn, where the yarn feeds from the centre. You can also make your own cones by fitting a cardboard tube over the bobbin on the
winder. This electronic winder from B. Hague & Co, model PDB 125, really speeds up the process so you'll be ready to knit in next to no time. Remember to wind all your yarn before you start knitting – you don't want to have to keep stopping once you're on a roll. You can thread the yarn through the tension mast on your knitting machine, or use a table top one, shown here. Find out more at www.b-hague.co.uk or call 0115 959 9028.
35 www.letsknit.co.uk
A knitting machine has a flat bed of needles; these can be in a single or double layer depending on the design of the machine. The finer the gauge of your machine, the more needles on the bed. A standard gauge will have around 200 needles. The needles are able to slide forward and back during the knitting process. After casting on, the yarn is threaded into the yarn carriage. As the carriage is moved back and forth across the needle bed, the needles hook the yarn and pull it through the loops to make your knitted stitches.The right side of your work will always be facing you, so to create a stocking stitch fabric, you just move the carriage backwards and forwards. One pass of the carriage makes one row of knitted stitches. A weight is then attached to your cast-on row to help keep your stitches and fabric nice and even as you work. Silver Reed's LK150 model (above) is aimed at beginners, so is a good place to start. It has 150 needles and is suitable for a range of yarns from medium weights through to super chunky. It's lightweight and compact, so is easy to transport and store. It is well suited to stocking stitch, tucked and slip stitch patterns, so you can really get creative! www.machine-knitting.co.uk
Cloud Nine p46-48 (P)_LK Project Template 21/07/2014 12:11 Page 4
EASY FAIR ISLE ACCESSORIES
EXCLUSIVE TO
knitwise Feeling stranded?
LK Editorial Assistant Amy Adams
Shirt £29.50 Marks & Spencer, gilet £39.90 Uniqlo
For a professional finish to Fair Isle colourwork, it is important to keep your stranding consistent. Instead of twisting your yarns together on the wrong side of the work, choose one yarn shade to always be stranded below the other. To create the neatest finish possible, this should be the most dominant colour – in this case, the blue.
“Be sure not to pull your unused yarn too tightly when stranding it across the back of your work, or the fabric may start to pucker.”
47 Download hundreds of free knitting and crochet patterns today! www.letsknit.co.uk
Tween Dream_LK Project Template 18/07/2014 15:39 Page 2
QUICK BACK-TO-SCHOOL KNITS EXCLUSIVE TO
Tween Dream Wrap your youngsters up nice and warm in this set by Susie Johns
Threepiece set
Knitted in double rib, this trio of autumn accessories will keep your kids warm as the weather gets colder. You'll only need two balls of yarn to knit all three items, plus a contrasting colour for the pompoms. Though each of the items is small, the ribbed fabric is stretchy, so they will fit a range of sizes.
meet our DESIGNER “Neat and small, these accessories can be stuffed into a bag or coat pocket, ready to put on when the weather gets a bit nippy.” SUSIE JOHNS
53 www.letsknit.co.uk
Game On (P) qx_LK Project Template 18/07/2014 15:49 Page 2
COOL RETRO HOMEWARES
Game On Lynne Rowe remembers the cult classic space invader game in this brilliant Fair Isle cushion Even if you weren't a fan of arcade games when this iconic motif first became popular, you're sure to appreciate the retro factor or know someone that does. There are lots of charts to follow, which look daunting, but you are only ever using two colours per row. Take your time and you'll be fine. For a reminder on how to follow colourwork charts, see our Knitwise panel. The cushion is worked in the round which makes Fair Isle much easier.
meet our DESIGNER “Here’s something for the men in your life – the ultimate gaming cushion. Great for those who love their consoles or retro toys. Knitted in the round, it’s the perfect project to help develop your Fair Isle skills” LYNNE ROWE
57 www.letsknit.co.uk
EXCLUSIVE TO
Hot Desk, pg63-65 (P) qx_LK Project Template 18/07/2014 14:54 Page 2
STYLISH PEN POTS
EXCLUSIVE TO
Hot Desk Soften up your office space with this set of desk tidies by Jane Burns Desks can be cold and plain, like a blank canvas, so decorating your work space makes the world of difference. Whether you work from home or commute to the office, adding soft furnishings adds a homely touch to an otherwise boring scene. These cosy-looking pen pots are practical and pretty, and won't look out of place around the house, so keep one near your recipe books, pop one by the phone and leave one out for the kids too!
meet our
DESIGNER “I am always looking for new ways to yarnbomb my desk. You can pop the covers off and wash them if you need to – I am a little accident prone!” JANE BURNS
63 www.letsknit.co.uk
Violet Blossom (P) qx_LK Project Template 18/07/2014 16:30 Page 2
STYLISH CROCHET HOMEWARES
Violet Blossom Jazz up the breakfast table with this flower-inspired cosy set from Susie Johns
Many of us need an early morning cuppa to kick-start the day, so make sure yours is piping hot with this charming crocheted teacosy and mug cosy.
meet our
There's also a cute little egg cosy so your brekkie stays warm while you're cutting the soldiers. All three items feature the same textured bobble design, which is achieved using treble crochet stitches.
DESIGNER “These items would make a lovely housewarming gift, accompanied by some raspberry or blackberry flavoured tea bags and a box of farm-fresh eggs.�
SUSIE JOHNS
67 www.letsknit.co.uk
EXCLUSIVE TO
Blue Lagoon 71-73 half (P) qx_LK Project Template 18/07/2014 14:52 Page 2
AUTUMN FASHION PIECE
Blue Lagoon Knit this cosy long jumper from Artesano This unique stylish sweater is ideal for the turn of the season. Mixing beautifully summery shades with a flattering cowl neck and long cuffs to keep off the breeze, this is a statement item to add to your autumn wardrobe. To win the yarn and needles to make this, enter our giveaway on page 66!
Luxury item!
71 www.letsknit.co.uk
Tequila Sunrise_LK Project Template 18/07/2014 10:57 Page 2
SIMPLE EVENING SHAWL
“This shawl is so stunning that you want it to be the standout piece of any outfit! Try wearing it with a simple floral dress in a muted shade to really let the yarn's colours shine.” LK Editorial Assistant Amy Adams
meet our
DESIGNER “I loved the way the lines came together to tell a story with the colours in this garment - the Louisa Harding yarn reminded me of autumn!” JAN HENLEY
79 Back issues from Jan 2011 onwards are available on the Let’s Knit app! www.letsknit.co.uk