Let%27s knit january 2017

AMAZING KNITS FOR LESS

TOP MAKES FOR UNDER A FIVER

ISSUE 114 Jan 2017

TWO-WAY OMBRE COWL

199

THE UK’S BESTSELLING KNIT MAG

New Year Ideas

ISSUE 114 JAN 2017

for every knitter Y PATTERNS, TIPS & INSPIRATION Y HAT AND SCARF SET Y CUTE DOLL’S OUTFIT BRAND NEW!

KNITALONG BLANKET! JOIN IN THE FUN

12 QUICK STASHBUSTERS

READ THIS!

£5.99

Exclusive Val Pierce Pattern

e p a c y s a E ! g n i p a h s no

CALL THE MIDWIFE

MAKE CRAIG THE PUFFIN KNIT THESE IN FRONT OF THE TELLY

DISCOVER THE KNITTING SECRETS OF THIS TOP SHOW

DISCOVER HYGGE THE RELAXING TREND THAT’S PERFECT FOR KNITTERS

BAG A BARGAIN OUR PICK OF THE BEST YARNS FOR UNDER £3

CUTE CROCHET MAKE A TOADSTOOL BABY HAT AND RATTLE

LETS KNIT SEPT 2016 ISSUE 114 master_LET'S KNIT 09/12/2016 14:45 Page 2

welcome to STASHBUSTING SORTED!

Plus!

For knitters, New Year is a great time for taking stock of your stash, and in this issue of Let’s Knit we’ve got plenty of projects for using up those endless leftovers. Check out Helen Ardley’s jolly pram blanket (above) – perfect for all those odd balls of DK. If it’s lots of smaller oddments you need to use up, Jacinta Bowie’s chevron hat and scarf (p29), Jane Burns’ fingerless mittens (p32) or Lucinda Ganderton’s teacosy (p36) could be just the thing.

However, if it’s stash enhancement you’re looking for turn to page 71 for our pick of great yarns for under £3.

Perfect for those of us feeling the post-Christmas pinch!

Remember our Secret Garden and Little 15% OFF Birds knitalongs? These two fantastically AT LOVE KNITTING! USE successful projects are now being joined by CODE 5568 a third – the Country Cottage blanket! On page 20 you’ll find the first two squares of this gorgeous six-part project, and we’d love to see your progress as you work on it. Share your photos with us on any of the platforms below using the hashtag #LKCountryCottage – we can’t wait to see them!

Happy knitting

Sarah

sarah.neal@aceville.co.uk

74

Tweet us @letsknitmag

Great offers for you in this issue YOUR FREE GIFT! Party Mice yarn kit & patterns!

Fantastic discounts from your favourite retailers – look out for this symbol throughout the mag

12 ball yarn bundle, needles and hook – see page 70 FREE FOR EVERY READER!

WIN! £££s of great prizes! (p88)

Follow us on Pinterest www.pinterest.com/letsknitmag

Instagram @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.

Find the pattern on page 48

Subscribe today and receive a FREE Crochet Bag Kit by Hoooked see page 74

Find us at www.facebook.com/letsknitmag

48

www

Visit us online at www.letsknit.co.uk

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 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. Prices are all correct at time of print.

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Welcome 114.indd 3

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contents

Cover Star

JANUARY 2017

This Month’s Patterns

38 WASHDAY WONDERS

13

41 STYLISH TWO - WAY SHRUG

STYLISH OMBRÉ COWL J ulie Ferguson's fashionable accessory is perfect for keeping cosy

16 CRAIG THE PUFFIN Val Pierce's

charming and chubby seabird toy

Charmaine Fletcher's fun knit will help you get organised

A beautiful multiway creation from Jo Allport

46 YOKE BABY Julie Ferguson's

adorable jacket is perfect for tiny tots

20 COUNTRY COTTAGE The first

48 STRIPY BABY BLANKET

24 DIAMOND LACE CARDIGAN

55 STYLISH CABLED CAPE Look

two squares of the Let's Knit 2017 knitalong blanket A smart-for-the-office number from Anniken Allis

Add a splash of colour to the nursery with Helen Ardley's cabled knit fashionable with this neutral number

29 ZIG ZAG HAT & SCARF Jacinta

59 STASH 'N' STORE Nicola Valiji's fab

32 LEND A HAND Colourful fingerless

67 SNUG WINTER WARMERS Warm

36 TEA'S A CROWD Lucinda

77 DOLLY DAYDREAM Play dress up

Bowie's warm and fashionable duo mittens from Jane Burns

Ganderton's gorgeous teacosy is perfect for break time

46

make is perfect for yarn hoarders

up with Siân Brown's bright hot water bottle cosies

with Susie Johns' adorable clothes

81 INTO THE WOODS Liz Ward's cute toadstool hat and rattle

84 WARM WINTER Fair Isle bobble hat by Helen Ardley

86 SLIP STITCH COFFEE SET

Learn to knit some gorgeous home accessories

89 OUTDOOR GLAM Pat Menchini's fabulous chunky statement knit

Problem with a pattern?

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 www.letsknit.co.uk/ patternupdates 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 on page 95­(please mark your envelope ‘Support’) (Please note we cannot offer assistance with patterns not published in Let’s Knit)

Useful contacts

55

67

8

Have another query?

Here’s how to get in touch l Subscription enquiries/ customer services: 01795 414715, www.letsknit@ servicehelpline.co.uk l Advertising enquiries: 01206 505913, claire. rogers@aceville.co.uk 01206 505114, samantha. dean@aceville.co.uk l Online registration/ website enquiries: webmaster@letsknit.co.uk

Quick & fun to knit

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Contents 114.indd 1

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r r

23

13

86

44 Shopping

16

32

76

23 STYLE SPOTLIGHT Get organised for the new year with these fun, essential finds

71

COSY YARNS FOR UNDER £3 Shop our favourite yarn bargains

76 COOL TONES Sport fresh and

fashionable sweet duck egg tones this new year

89

93 WHAT’S IN STORE News and products from your favourite stores

WIN OVER

Focus

10 LOOK WHAT’S NEW FOR YOU Our pick of January's news, yarns and more

£1,850 OF PRIZES

36 MAKES FOR UNDER £5 Stock up your stash with our affordable finds

20

ON PAGE 88!

Cosy & bright

44 CALL THE MIDWIFE Celebrate our favourite show's knitted style

63 HOT FOR HYGGE Explore the exciting Danish trend that everyone loves

People

50 STOP AND SHARE What you’ve been knitting this month

81

98 LAST WORD Christel Krukkert shares her fab toys and knitting inspiration

In Every Issue

05

29

3 WELCOME 7 THIS MONTH’S FREE GIFT 8 JANUARY IS THE MONTH 49 COMING NEXT MONTH 52 TEA BREAK 54 BOOKSHELF 73 CAN WE HELP? 74 SUBSCRIPTIONS 88 GIVEAWAYS 94 PRACTICAL GUIDES 96 STEP BY STEP

Back issues from Jan 2011 onwards are available on the Let’s Knit app! www.letsknit.co.uk

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LETS KNIT SEPT 2016 ISSUE 114 master_LET'S KNIT 09/12/2016 14:45 Page 6

LOVE YOUR This month's free gifts

KNIT OUR PARTY MICE FREE YARN KIT? TRIO WITH YOUR

Receive Two Kits!

You can order a bumper pack that includes 170g of yarn, for only £7.99*

free yarn kit!

Six balls of DK yarn inside!

– best for gifts!

Make&Share

Knitted up one of our great free gifts?

Show us what you’ve made on Facebook and Twitter, or email adrienne.chandler@aceville.co.uk

TO ORDER, SIMPLY CALL 0800 923 3007 or visit letsknit.co.uk/ partymice

You've been loving our fab toys, including Frosty the Polar Bear & Santa!

LK Reader DIANE DEL COCKEL

*T&C’s: postage charges apply.

Limited stock available.

Cute and easy toy pattern in your bonus leaflet!

LK Reader JO VINCE

COMING NEXT ISSUE LK Reader GURBACHAN JOHAL

Check out all the fantastic yarn bundles available now at The Craft Store

www.craft storeuk.com

LK Reader NICKY BROOKS

OUR BIGGEST FREE KIT EVER! FOUR BALLS OF GORGEOUS LACE YARN

LK Reader KITTY LEE

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This Month’s Free Gift 114.indd 1

09/12/2016 15:53

January

is the Month...

3 we L�VE

Share photos of your new year knits with us on our Facebook page!

BARGAIN BUYS FOR UNDER £4 To the point

On your marks

Pretty pins don’t have to be pricey! These bead-topped needles are hand-decorated by Funky Needles and come in three different lengths. From £2.49, www.funkyneedles.co.uk

Keep your place with HiyaHiya’s Knitters’ Safety Pin markers which are bright, colourful and snag-free. £2.40, www. brownberryyarns.co.uk

Case Study Stash your crochet hooks in this cute holder from Vanessa Bee Designs. £3.99, 01768 771447, www. vanessabeedesigns.co.uk

Y o u r F a b K n it s

LK reader Becki Sanders made our adorable soldier blanket from issue 106. It looks fabulous, Becki!

The pattern is now available to download for free at www.letsknit.co.uk

Meet Craig the Puffin byVal Pierce, complete with sou’wester hat!

Find the pattern on page 16!

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Jan is the month.indd 1

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Top Trims!

...TO LOOK AHEAD TO A BRIGHT NEW YEAR, MAKE RESOLUTIONS AND KNIT FOR YOURSELF!

Add a splash of colour to your project with a bold ribbon trim in an on-trend chevron print. £2.99 each, 01953 797200, www.candleand cake.co.uk

Knit your own!

Check out our super knitted veggies this new year! Download the FREE patterns from www.letsknit.co.uk

What to do,

WHERE TO GO

DON’T MISS THESE SPECIAL CRAFTY SHOWS AND EVENTS! STITCHING,

2ND- SEWING & 4TH HOBBYCRAFTS, FEB MANCHESTER www.ichf.co.uk

CRAFT 4

16TH- CRAFTERS, EXETER 18TH www.craft4crafters.co.uk FEB

17TH- UNRAVEL, 19TH FARNHAM www.farnham FEB maltings.com

Kind of magic Have your small people asked you to make them a unicorn?

If they haven’t yet, they surely will when they see this fine fellow. The kit comes with all the yarn you need, including the multicoloured shade for the mane and tail, needles, stuffing and beginner-friendly instructions. £12.99, www.craftykitcompany.co.uk

24TH- KNIT & STITCH IT, 25TH FARNBOROUGH FEB www.knitandstitch-it.org.uk SAVE THE DATE!

SAT YARN SHOP DAY 6TH NATIONWIDE MAY www.letsknit.co.uk

Don’t Miss THIS!

WALTHAM ABBEY WOOL SHOW This charming fair is back for its fourth year and is a lovely place to browse and buy your fibrecraft essentials.

It celebrates gorgeous yarns and goodies from independent retailers and there are some great workshops on a range of crafty techniques. There’s also a competition for funky neckwear, including knitted scarves, cowl and shawls.

Tickets cost £3.50 in advance or £5 on the door. Visit wwwwalthamabbeywoolshow.co.uk to book or find out more.

3 WORKSHOPS TO BOOK NOW!

TO KNIT FOR 1 HOW IMPROVERS

DATE: TUES 7TH, 21ST AND 28TH FEBRUARY, LOUGHBOROUGH PRICE: £45 Nicki Merrall’s course runs across three evenings and will show you everything you need to know to make your first garment, with instructions for all techniques 07904 437858, www.nickimerrall.co.uk

COLOURWORK 2 TWO-HANDED

DATE: SUN 22ND JANUARY, FORMBY PRICE: £30 Learn two-handed colourwork from Tricia Holman, niece of knitting guru Elizabeth Zimmermann who popularised the technique. You’ll need to be a competent knitter and will learn how to work using a colour in each hand. 01704 830465, www.thegoodwoolshop.co.uk

3ED’S ANIMAL BOOTIES

DATE: SAT 4TH FEBRUARY, DUNCHURCH, PRICE: £37 Crochet animal slippers inspired by TOFT’s popular Edward’s Menagerie designs. You’ll need to know the crochet basics, but you’ll learn all about amigurumi and how to switch from working in the round to working flat. 01788 810626, www.thetoftalpacashop.co.uk

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Jan is the month.indd 2

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Look what’s...

New for you!

Holly Gillespie brings you all the latest knitty news

Luxury KNITS

Here at LK HQ we love a good knit kit, they're just so convenient! The New Craft House has launched a range of new craft kits, including this luxurious ribbed hat. The kit has everything you need to make your own gorgeous winter warmer, including super-soft Terra yarn from The Fibre Company. It's a great gift for new and experienced crafters alike.

Browse the range of kits online at www.thenew crafthouse.com

New Gem In Town We are practically giddy with excitement as West Yorkshire Spinners has announced the release of the new Wensleydale Gems Collection yarn. The British grown and spun yarns are composed of 100% Wensleydale Fleece which gives the skeins a shiny appearance, perfect for eye-catching projects! The yarn is available in a beautiful range of 20 colours. For stockist information, call 01535 664500 or visit www.wyspinners.com

Did You

KNOW?

ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO ENSURE YOU STICK TO KNITTING RESOLUTIONS IS TO BREAK THEM UP INTO ACHIEVABLE STEPS. TRY KNITTING ONE SQUARE OF OUR COUNTRY COTTAGE BLANKET EVERY FORTNIGHT!

Under The Sea

The Charity WE LOVE SPANA

Animal charity, SPANA, needs us knitters to raise funds for sick and injured working animals this New Year!

SPANA's Big Knit for Vet Kit campaign is asking crafters to knit toy animals whilst getting sponsored. Pattern designs range from Duncan the Donkey to 2017's brand new Emma the Elephant. The campaign will help provide free veterinary treatment to working animals in developing countries across the world. If you'd like to get involved, free animal patterns can be ordered from 0207 831 3999, www.spana.org/knit

Just keep knitting! These fun knits designed by Amanda Barry make great gifts for little monsters. Reminiscent of Finding Nemo, this incredible knit kit contains all you need to make your fishy friends so it won't be long till your home is swimming with charming creatures, including Charlie the Clownfish and Willie the Whale! These makes are knitted with 100% acrylic yarn, so they're both hardy and incredibly cute. Purchase the Sea Creatures knit kit for £19.99 exclusively from 0845 519 4573, www.deramores.co.uk

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New for you 114.indd 1

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Puppy Love

It's official, the LK office are in love! This adorable creation named Bruno the puppy is part of Kawaii Design's new collection of crocheted pet patterns. This adorable pup has friends too, including Milo the Cat and Binky the Rabbit.

Luckily for us these cuties molt considerably less than a standard household pet, so they make great gifts for kids! The pattern for Bruno the Puppy costs £3.90 from www.etsy.co.uk/ shop/KawaiiDesignsUK

W e a sk ed o u r re a d er s. ..

“I would like to focus more on knit and crochet art rather than clothes and accessories.” @DANALOUO

FLURRY Fever!

“Time to knit a panda! I love them, so it's about time I made my favourite animal with my favourite hobby skills!”

The cold weather is showing no signs of easing, so we're delighted that Sirdar has released a beautiful range of patterns alongside its new yarn! Flurry Chunky is a wonderfully soft yarn available in a range of powdery colours. Sirdar has some exceptionally adorable designs for babies and children as well as gorgeous knits for women. Pattern 7961 is available to purchase for £2.99 from 01202 474449, www.thecraftyknitter.co.uk

WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING TO KNIT IN 2017?

“As I knit for the charity Help for Heroes, as soon as the New Year arrives I shall start making baby clothes to sell." @GRAHAMTRYAN2

“I am planning to knit my first jumper – in time for next Christmas probably!”

@MICHELEJAMESON

@CHRISITETT

3

OF THE BEST...

Sewing kits for knitters

Trailing Daisy Kit

Perfect for on-the-go crafting, this mini kit has beautiful patterning which makes it a fab addition to your handbag, tucked in next to your latest WIP! It's £16 from 0333 320 2663, www.cathkidston.com

The Makery Kit

By far the biggest of the bunch, this fab kit includes a selection of colourful buttons, perfect for adding to your recently finished cardigan. It's £15 from 0203 322 4788, www.paperchase.co.uk

Daisy Chain Kit

This ideal travelling companion covers all the basics for knitters. It comes with 12 rainbow shades, perfect for finishing off stylish projects. It's £11 from 03456 049049, www.johnlewis.com

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LETS KNIT SEPT 2016 ISSUE 114 master_LET'S KNIT 09/12/2016 14:45 Page 12

FUNCTIONAL FASHION

Be colourful and stylish in our

EXCLUSIVE TO

Ombrè Cowl

H

ere in the UK we’ve come to expect chilly days to continue well into January, so keep your spirits up by fashioning a gorgeous cowl to fight off the cold! This cosy number is simple to make, and features four interesting stitch patterns alongside a beautiful colour effect that’s sure to draw compliments. Pair with a warm coat and dark jeans for a simple, puttogether look.

PERFECT TV KNIT! 13 www.letsknit.co.uk

Ombre cowl.indd 2

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Measurements & Sizes

Length: 38cm from neck

Knit Kit Yarn: Jenny Watson Merino DK, shades (A) WM9 Beige, (B) WM2 Soft Pink, two 50g balls of each, (C) WM8 Heather, (D) WM3 Emperor, one 50g ball of each Needles: 4mm circular

Tension Square l l l l

22 sts x 30 rows 10cm x 10cm Stocking stitch 4mm needles

For abbreviations see page 94

About the Yarn Jenny Watson’s Pure Merino DK is a beautifully soft yarn, perfect for cosy accessories! It will knit up to any standard DK pattern, and is available in a selection of sophisticated colours. It has an RRP of £4.50 per 50g (124m) ball. For stockist information, call 01274 565959 or visit www.jamescbrett.co.uk

Need an Alternative?

Rico Essentials Merino DK is 15% OFF a superfine AT LOVE superwash wool KNITTING! USE CODE 5568 that can withstand machine washes at low temperatures and is available in a range of pretty colours. Knitting up on 4mm needles, it’s lovely and light, and costs £4.30 per 50g (120m) ball from 0845 544 2196, www.loveknitting.com

Start knitting here...

NOTE: Begin at lower edge Using 4mm circular needles and yarn A, cast on 301 sts. Do NOT join in the rnd – work back and forth in rows £ Row 1: k £ Row 2: p £ Row 3: k1, * yfwd, k3, sl 1, k2tog, psso, k3, yfwd, k1, rep from * to end £ Row 4: p £ Row 5: p1, * k1, yfwd, k2, sl 1, k2tog, psso, k2, yfwd, k1, p1, rep from * to end £ Row 6: k1, * p9, k1, rep from * to end £ Row 7: p1, * k2, yfwd, k1, sl 1, k2tog, psso, k1, yfwd, k2, p1, rep from * to end £ Row 8: as Row 6 £ Row 9: p1, * k3, yfwd, sl 1, k2tog, psso, yfwd, k3, p1, rep from * to end £ Rows 10-25: rep Rows 2-9 twice £ Row 26: p £ Row 27: k1, * k4, k2tog, rep from * to end. 251 sts £ Row 28: p £ Rows 29-34: k

Two ways to wear it!

Second section Change to yarn B £ Rows 1-8: work in st st £ Rows 9-10: k £ Rep Rows 1-10 once more £ Work eight rows in st st £ Next row: k1, * k3, k2tog, rep from * to end. 201 sts £ Next row: p £ K six rows

Third section Change to yarn C £ Row 1: k £ Row 2: p2, k2, * p4, k2, rep from * to last five sts, p4, k1 £ Rows 3-4: rep Rows 1-2 £ Rows 5-8: work in st st £ Rep Rows 1-8 twice more £ Next row: k1, * k2, k2tog, rep from * to end. 151 sts £ Next row: p £ K six rows

Fourth section Change to yarn D £ Rows 1-2: work in st st £ Row 3: p1, * k1, p1, rep from * to end £ Row 4: k1, * p1, k1, rep from * to end £ Row 5: p £ Row 6: k £ Rep Rows 3-6 five times more £ K four rows £ Cast off

coming next issue

TO MAKE UP

February issue of Let’s Knit on sale THURSDAY 19TH JANUARY

KNIT A STUNNING LACE SHAWL FROM YOUR FREE YARN KIT

Sew seam and block carefully LK

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LETS KNIT SEPT 2016 ISSUE 114 master_LET'S KNIT 09/12/2016 14:46 Page 15

Giza Sorbet 4Ply 100% Giza Cotton

King Cole Giza Sorbet 4ply, 50g Ball Found in all good wool Retailers For your local stockist call: 01756 703670 email: enquiries@kingcole.com | www.kingcole.com Join us on Facebook & Twitter For every King Cole pattern you buy, a donation will be made to the Pink Ribbon Foundation. Patterns featured: 4785 & 4786 & 4787

CUTE KNITTED PAL

Craig the PUFFIN

Measurements & Sizes Height: 24cm

Knit Kit Yarn: Cygnet DK, shade (A) White, (B) Black, one 100g ball of each Oddments of orange, red and yellow DK Needles: 4mm Crochet hook: 3.5mm Eyes: two Safety stuffing

For abbreviations see page 94

Tension square • 19 sts x 27 rows • 10cm x 10cm • Stocking stitch • 4mm needles

About the Yarn Cygnet DK is an incredibly versatile and colourful yarn with a 100% acrylic composition. Its smooth feel makes it easy and quick to knit with, and it’s machine washable too – this makes it a practical choice for toys. It costs £1.75 per 100g (298m) ball from 01376 743123, www.sconch.com

Need an Alternative?

If you’re not intending for Craig to be a present for a little one, why not opt for a more luxurious yarn? Try a pure wool such as King Cole Merino Blend DK. It knits to a similar tension and has a wide range of colours available. It costs £2.95 per 50g (112m) ball from 0845 033 0775, www.wool4less.co.uk

Knit Val Pierce’s chunky, cheery seabird!

K

nitted birds are all the rage this season, and this brightly beaked chap is certain to win you over! Craig is a relatively simple make that uses basic knitting and crochet stitches.

He’s also knit flat, meaning he’s suitable for beginners.

Here at LK we think his chubby body only adds to his charm, as it means he’s incredibly cuddly and perfect to gift a little one.

Start knitting here...

BODY AND HEAD Using 4mm needles and yarn B, cast on 12 sts £ Row 1: p £ Row 2: kfb to end. 24 sts £ Row 3: p £ Row 4: * k1, kfb, rep from * to end. 36 sts £ Rows 5-7: work in st st £ Row 8: * k2, kfb, rep from * to

end. 48 sts Join in yarn A NOTE: The letter following each instruction indicates yarn shade.

Twist yarns together at back of work £ Row 9: k12 B, k24 A, k12 B £ Row 10: p12 B, p24 A, p12 B £ Rows 11-12: rep Rows 9-10 £ Row 13: k11 B, k26 A, k11 B £ Row 14: p11 B, p26 A, p11 B £ Rows 15-16: rep Rows 13-14 £ Row 17: k10 B, p28 A, k10 B £ Row 18: p10 B, p28 A, p10 B £ Rep Rows 17-18 five times more £ Next row: k9 B, k30 A, k9 B £ Next row: p9 B, p30 A, p9 B £ Rep last two rows twice more £ Next row: k8 B, k32 A, k8 B £ Next row: p8 B, p32 A, p8 B £ Next row: k7 B, k34 A, k7 B £ Next row: p7 B, p34 A, p7 B £ Next row: k3 B, (k2tog B) twice, (k2tog A, k2 A) eight times, (k2 A, k2tog B) twice, k3. 36 sts £ Next row: p5 B, p26 A, p5 B £ Next row: k4 B, k28 A, k4 B £ Next row: p4 B, p28 A, p4 B £ Rep last two rows twice more Drop yarn A and cont in yarn B only

£ Work eight rows in st st Change to yarn A £ Work 18 rows in st st

Shape top of head £ Next row: * k3, k2tog, rep from * to last st, k1. 29 sts £ Work three rows st st £ Next row: * k2, k2tog , rep from * to last st, k1. 22 sts £ Next row: p £ Next row: * k1, k2tog, rep from * to last st, k1. 15 sts £ Next row: p £ Next row: (k2tog) to last st, k1. Eight sts Thread yarn through rem sts, cut, and fasten off

TOP SECTION Using 4mm needles and yarn B, cast on three sts £ Next row: p £ Next row: kfb, k to last st, kfb £ Next row: p £ Cont to inc one st at each end of alt rows until there are 21 sts £ Beg with a p row, work 21 rows in st st £ Cast off

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EXCLUSIVE TO

MAKE CRAIG FOR UNDER A FIVER!

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Puffin.indd 2

09/12/2016 12:10

£ Next row: dec one st at each end of row

£ Rep for every foll fourth row until 11 sts rem

£ Cast off

HAT Using 3.5mm hook and yellow DK, make 2ch £ Foundation rnd: work 6dc in second ch from hook, join into a ring with a sl st in first dc £ Rnd 1: 1ch, 2dc in each st to end, sl st in first dc to join. 12 sts £ Rnd 2: 1ch, * 1dc, 2dc in next dc, rep from * to end, join as before. 18 sts £ Rnd 3: 1ch, * 2dc, 2dc in next dc, rep from * to end, join. 24 sts £ Rnd 4: 1ch, * 3dc, 2dc in next dc, rep from * to end, join. 30 sts £ Rnd 5: 1ch, * 4dc, 2dc in next dc, rep from * to end, join. 36 sts £ Next five rnds: 1ch, 1dc in each st to end £ Next rnd: 1ch, work 2dc in each st to end, join. 72 sts £ Next four rnds: 1ch, 1dc in each st to end £ Fasten off

STITCH ON CRAIG’S WINGS AND TAIL LIKE THIS!

FEET(make two) Using 4mm needles and oddments of orange DK, cast on ten sts £ Work two rows in st st £ Next row: k3, p1, k2, p1, k3 £ Next row: p3, k1, p2, k1, p3 £ Next row: k3, pfb, k2, pfb, k3. 12 sts £ Next row: p3, k2, p2, k2, p3 £ Next row: p3, pfb, p1, k2, p1, pfb, k3. 14 sts £ Next row: p3, k3, p2, k3, p3 £ Cont to inc as set twice more. 18 sts £ Next row: p3, k5, p2, k5, p3 £ Work in patt for 18 rows £ Next row: k3, p2tog, p3, k2, p3, p2tog, k3. 16 sts £ Next row: p3, k4, p2, k4, p3 £ Next row: k3, p2tog, p2, k2, p2, p2tog, k3. 14 sts £ Next row: p3, k3, p2, k3, p3 £ Next row: k3, p2tog, p1, k2, p1, p2tog, k3. 12 sts £ Next row: p3, k2, p2, k2, p3 £ Next row: k3, p2tog, k2, p2tog, k3.

10 sts

TO MAKE UP

£ Next row: p3, k1, p2, k1, p3 £ Work in st st for two rows £ Cast off

BEAK (make two) Using 4mm needles and oddments of yellow DK, cast on 21 sts £ Rows 1-2: k Change to yarn B £ Row 3: k9, sk2po, k9. 19 sts £ Row 4: p £ Row 5: k8, sk2po, k8. 17 sts £ Row 6: p Change to yellow DK £ Row 7: k7, sk2po, k7. 15 sts £ Row 8: k Change to red DK £ Row 9: k6, sk2po, k6. 13 sts £ Row 10: p £ Cont in st st, rep dec on every foll RS row until three sts rem, p3tog £ Fasten off

LARGE WINGS (make two)

Using 4mm needles and yarn B, cast on three sts £ Row 1: inc one st at each end of row £ Rep for every foll alt row until there are 21 sts £ K 12 rows £ Next row: dec one st at each end of row £ Rep for every foll fourth row until 11 sts rem £ Cast off

SMALL WINGS (make two)

For Body and Head, sew seam, stuff and shape. Insert safety eyes into either side of Head. Using tapestry needle and yarn B, gather around neck and pull tight, fasten off. For Beak, sew together stripes, add stuffing and shape. Sew on front of Head. Position Top section at back of neck and top of beak, sew in place. Take needle threaded with yarn B, embroider line along each eye, pull in either side of eye to give shape to Head. Sew wings together in pairs, sew to sides of Body.

Sew Tail to back of Body. Fold Feet in half widthways, sew side seams. Stuff, shape, sew to body angling outwards.

Stitch brim of Hat to crown on one side, then place on puffin’s head LK

coming next issue CUDDLY CACTUS BY VAL PIERCE February issue of Let’s Knit on sale THURSDAY 19TH JANUARY

£ Work as for Large Wings but start dec after six rows of garter st

TAIL

Note: work in garter stitch Using 4mm needles and yarn B, cast on three sts £ Row 1: inc one st at each end of row £ Rep for every foll alt row until there are 19 sts £ K eight rows

Note: work in garter st

18

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Puffin.indd 3

09/12/2016 12:11

LETS KNIT SEPT 2016 ISSUE 114 master_LET'S KNIT 09/12/2016 16:57 Page 19

#LKCOUNTRYCOTTAGE

Measurements & Sizes

All squares: 20cm x 20cm 12-square blanket: 66cm x 86cm 24 square blanket: 86cm x 126cm

Knit Kit NOTE: amounts given are for the whole blanket Yarn: Stylecraft Special DK, shades (A) 1005 Cream, two 100g balls, (B) 1711 Spice, (C) 1422 Aspen, (D) 1080 Pale Rose, (E) 1712 Lime, (F) 1277 Violet, (G) 1823 Mustard, (H) 1432 Wisteria, (I) 1188 Lavender (J) 1084 Magenta, one 100g ball of each Needles: 4mm Tapestry needle

Tension Square l l l l

22 sts x 30 rows 10cm x 10cm stocking stitch 4mm needles

Special Abbreviations k1b: knit one below – insert needle through centre of st below next st on LH needle, k in usual way, slipping st above off LH needle at same time

For abbreviations see page 94

About the Yarn Stylecraft Special DK is a versatile acrylic yarn that knits to a standard DK tension and is machine washable. There are over 80 colourways to choose from. It has an RRP of £1.99 per 100g (295m) ball. Turn to page 22 for a selection of stockists.

What You Need To Know l Our Country Cottage blanket features 12 different square designs l Make two of each design for a full-size blanket or one of each for a 12-square blanket l Two new squares will appear in each of the next five issues of Let’s Knit

Country Cottage F

Part 1

ollowing on from the success of our Secret Garden and Little Birds knitalongs, we’re so excited to launch our brand new project series for 2017! This is the Country Cottage blanket, designed by Siân Brown. You can knit a 12 or 24 square version using the quantities given below, and we’ll be giving you the patterns for two squares each issue. Let us know your progress by using #LKCountryCottage on social media or emailing your pictures to adrienne.chandler @aceville.co.uk

Start knitting here...

BASKET PATTERN

NOTE: make one for a 12-square blanket or two for a 24-square blanket Using 4mm needles and yarn A, cast on 42 sts £ Beg with a WS row, k three rows Commence patt as folls: NOTE: letter foll instruction indicates yarn shade £ Row 1: k3 A, using yarn B, k to last three sts, k3 A £ Row 2: k3 A, using yarn B, p to last three sts, k3 A Keeping outer three sts in yarn A and centre 36 sts in yarn B, cont as folls:

Join our brand new knitalong and learn 12 new stitches!

£ Row 3: k3 A, using yarn B, k3, * p7, k5, rep from * to last 12 sts, p7, k2, k3 A £ Row 4: k3 A, using yarn B, p2, * k7, p5, rep from * to last 13 sts, k7, p3, k3 A £ Row 5: k3 A, using yarn B, k to last three sts, k3 A £ Row 6: k3 A, using yarn B, p to last three sts, k3 A £ Rows 7-10: rep Rows 3-6 £ Row 11: k3 A, using yarn B, p4, * k5, p7, rep from * to last 11 sts, k5, p3, k3 A £ Row 12: k3 A, using yarn B, k3, * p5, k7, rep from * to last 12 sts, p5, k4, k3 A £ Rows 13-14: rep Rows 5-6 £ Row 15-16: rep Rows 11-12 These 16 rows set patt £ Rep until work meas 19cm from cast-on edge £ Using yarn A, k four rows £ Cast off

BEE PATTERN Using 4mm needles and yarn A, cast on 45 sts £ Beg with a WS row, k three rows NOTE: letter foll instruction indicates yarn shade £ Foundation row 1 (RS): k3 A, using yarn C k to last three sts, k3 A £ Foundation row 2: k3 A, using yarn C k to last three sts, k3 A Commence patt as folls: £ Row 1: using yarn A, k4,

* k1b (see Special abbreviations), k1, rep from * to last three sts, k3 £ Row 2: using yarn A, k £ Row 3: k3 A, using yarn C, k2, k1b, * k1, k1b, rep from * to last three sts, k3 A £ Row 4: k3 A, using yarn C, k to last three sts, k3 A These four rows set patt £ Rep until work meas 19cm from cast-on edge, ending after a Row 2 or 4 £ Using yarn A, k four rows £ Cast off LK

coming next issue YOUR NEXT TWO GORGEOUS SQUARES February issue of Let’s Knit on sale THURSDAY 19TH JANUARY

BEE PATTERN

BASKET PATTERN

knitwise

The border is worked as an integral part to each square. To avoid having to strand the yarn across the back of the work, use a separate ball of yarn A to knit each side of the border.

Twist the strand together with your main shade whenever you change colour to avoid getting a hole.

20 www.letsknit.co.uk

Cottage knitalong part 1.indd 3

09/12/2016 09:53

“Share photos of your progress on our social media pages – find the details on page 51”

EXCLUSIVE TO

LK Deputy Editor Adrienne Chandler

Country Cottage Knitalong!

meet our DESIGNER “The basket pattern is a simple knit and purl textured stitch that a beginner could easily manage, while the bee stitch makes an interesting surface texture in a fresh aqua and cream colour combo” SIÂN BROWN

21 www.letsknit.co.uk

Cottage knitalong part 1.indd 4

09/12/2016 09:53

*022 STYLECRAFT STOCKIST GUIDE_LOVE YOUR YARN SHOP 09/12/2016 16:51 Page 22

Want to make our knitalong blanket?

Pop into your local stockist to purchase the yarn you need each month to complete the project and to discover further Stylecraft ranges.

BRISTOL

CAMBRIDGESHIRE

CHESHIRE

LEICESTERSHIRE

WoolyHippo Ltd Award winning store with a huge selection of yarns and needles to suit all budgets.

Fab range of workshops and regular Knit and Natter groups.

Open Monday-Friday 9.00-5.00 Saturday 10.00-5.00 39 Brislington Hill, Bristol BS4 5BE 0117 300 5211 www.getknitted.com

Stocking a wide range of yarns including: King Cole, Rico, James C Brett, Adriafil & Stylecraft plus patterns & accessories!

DMC Cross Stitch Kits, Buttons, Beads and Card Making supplies 24a High Street, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB7 4JU

Tel. 01353 969426 www.curtisyarns.co.uk

Black Sheep Craft Barn Warehouse Studios Glaziers Lane Culcheth Warrington WA3 4AQ

Stockists of James C. Brett, Stylecraft, Sirdar and our very own Woolyhippo brand of yarn, perfect for both knitting and crochet projects.

We also stock of range of haberdashery for all your crafting needs.

01925 764231

31A Regent St, Hinckley LE10 0BA Tel: 01455 634127

www.blacksheepwools.com

www.woolyhippo.com

ISLE OF WIGHT

ESSEX

DORSET

Yarns & Haberdashery

Premature baby knitwear

HAMPSHIRE

Pack Lane Wools

HANSONS

Fabrics and Crafts

One of the largest fabric & knitting warehouses in the south of England Open Mon-Sat 9am - 5pm 01258 472698

VISIT US TODAY hansonsfabrics.co.uk Station Road, Sturminster Newton, Dorset DT10 1BD

SCOTLAND

EXTENSIVE YARN RANGE 28 High Street, Clacton-On-Sea, Essex CO15 1UQ Tel: 01255 428352 Also at branch:

71 Connaught Avenue, Frinton, Essex CO13 9PP Tel: 01255 674456 YARN, HABERDASHERY, LINEN, FABRICS, CRAFTS & BABYWEAR sandra_woolcabin@hotmail.com

www.woolcabin.co.uk

Stocking yarns including King Cole, Stylecraft, DMC and much more!

Holliers Farm, Sandown, Isle of Wight PO36 0LT

171 Pack Lane, Kempshott, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG22 5HN Opening Hours - Monday - Saturday 9am - 5:30pm packlnwool

Tel: 01983 868123 Email: tajcrafts@outlook.com

01256 462590 www.packlanewool.co.uk

SCOTLAND

SCOTLAND

SUFFOLK

WALES

WARWICKSHIRE

YORKSHIRE

THREADS Wool Shop

Stocking yarns from Stylecraft, King Cole, Sirdar, James C Brett, DMC, Woolcraft, DY Choice and Cygnet A large range of haberdashery also available plus a Knitting group and Crochet classes

143 Glasgow Road, Dumbarton G82 1RQ Tel: 01389 761385

LANCASHIRE

Warwick Wools BOBBINS & LACE

Temptations Bentham 31 Main Street Bentham Lancaster LA2 7HQ 01524 261868 www.temptationsbentham.co.uk

Visit our new premises to see our range of beautiful yarns, patterns and handmade gifts.

Sign up for our lessons.

Join our customer reward scheme for discounts.

Join our Knit & Natter Group.

19-21 Hall Street, West End, Llanelli SA15 3BB 01554 751667 Email: trangeloons@outlook.com Follow us on facebook

A specialist wool shop with a large selection of knitting yarns and accessories.

17 Market Place, Warwick CV34 4SA Tel: 01926 492853 Email: mail@warwickwools.co.uk OPENING TIMES: MON – SAT: 9.30 – 4.30 THURS: 9.30 – 2.00

Unit 29, The Craft Clearance Centre, Hornsea Freeport Shopping Centre, Rolston Road, Hornsea, HU18 1UT 01964 535599 Craft Clearance Centre We stock a wide variety of yarns Well worth a visit. Open 7 days a week

STYLESpotlight TOP CRAFTY FINDS FROM OUR EAGLE-EYED SHOPPERS

This month Holly Gillespie finds the best products to help you get organised

SNUG SLIPPERS

Stay comfy and stylish this winter with this beautiful bag. It’s the perfect accessory for shopping in the January sales – and the striking colours look incredible!

Stylecraft Special XL Bags pattern book costs £3.99 from 01254 708068, www.minervacrafts.com

Make sure your toes are kept warm whilst organising your yarn stash this new year!

These gorgeous Fair Isle slippers cost £24 from 03456 049 049, www.johnlewis.com

NEEDLE CASE We’re all guilty of accidentally losing a pair of our favourite knitting needles, so avoid the panic and treat yourself to this gorgeous needle case. It costs £22 from 0333 320 266, www.cathkidston.com

Designer style!

Practical and pretty!

FUN FOLDERS

3

OF THE BEST...

Here at LK HQ, we’ve got knitting patterns hidden in every drawer, shelf and box, so investing in cute folders is a must! Ring binder, £5 from 0203 322 4788, www.paperchase.co.uk

STASH STAPLES These great choices from Cascade Yarns® will give you a fantastic range of options along with guaranteed quality. Cascade Yarns® Heritage is a 75% superwash merino and 25% nylon blend, meaning your creations will last! It’s £7.99 per 100g (400m) skein. Cascade Yarns® Cascade 220® is a beautifully soft 100% Peruvian highland wool which isn’t too bulky. It’s £5.99 per 100g (200m) ball.

Cascade Yarns® 220 Superwash® is a soft, light SPONSORED BY worsted yarn with a fab colour range. It costs £7.49 per 100g (200m) ball. These essential yarns can be bought from 0800 505 3300, www.woolwarehouse.co.uk

IN THE BAG Not only is this bag incredibly cute, it’s also completely waterproof so will keep your projects safe and dry! It’s £19.15 from 0115 987 4422, www.sewing-online.com

23

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Style Spotlight 114.indd 1

09/12/2016 10:44

ALL-SEASONS CARDI Measurements & Sizes

Beat the winter blues with Anniken Allis’s bold

Dress size (approx): 8-10 (12-14, 16-18, 20-22) To fit chest (cm): 81-86 (91-97, 102-107, 112-117) Actual chest (cm): 90 (101, 111, 121) Length to shoulder (cm): 55 (56.5, 58, 59.5)

Knit Kit Yarn: Drops Extra Fine Merino, shade 17, 11 (12, 14, 16) 50g balls Needles: 4mm, straight and (80cm) circular Buttons: 2cm, five Stitch markers Stitch holder Tapestry needle

Tension Square l l l l

21 sts x 28 rows 10cm x 10cm stocking stitch 4mm needles

Special Abbreviations WR3: * sl three sts to RH needle, wyif sl same three sts back to LH needle, yb, rep from * once, sl three sts back to RH needle Working wraps tog with st (on a k row): insert RH needle up through wrap then into st, k st and wrap tog Working wraps tog with st (on a p row): from RS side of work, lift wrap and place it in front of p st, p st and wrap tog

For abbreviations see page 92

About the Yarn Drops Extra Fine 10% OFF Merino is a soft, AT WOOL pure wool yarn WAREHOUSE! USE CODE with excellent LK114 stitch definition, making it a good choice for stitch patterns like this one. It’s a DK weight yarn that comes in 28 shades and can be machine washed. It costs £2.80 per 50g (105m) ball from 0800 505 3300, www.woolwarehouse.co.uk

D

DIAMOND LACE CARDI

istract yourself from the gloomy weather with a bright cardigan and a pattern you can really get stuck into! There’s lace, short-row shaping, a one-row buttonhole and a smocking technique to try and just look at the finished result. We’ve got both written and charted instructions for the lace design, so choose the one you find easiest to follow.

k2tog, (k1, yfwd) twice, k1, ssk, p1], p4, k2tog, k1, yfwd, k1 £ Row 12: p4, k4, [k1, p7, k4], k1, p4 £ Row 13: k2, yfwd, k1, ssk, [p3, k2tog, k1, yfwd, k3, yfwd, k1, ssk], p3, k2tog, k1, yfwd, k2 £ Row 14: p5, k3, [p9, k3], p5 £ Row 15: k1, yfwd, ssk, yfwd, k1, [ssk, p1, k2tog, k1, yfwd, k2tog, yfwd, k1, yfwd, ssk, yfwd, k1], ssk, p1, k2tog, k1, yfwd, k2tog, yfwd, k1 £ Row 16: p6, k1, p1, [p10, k1, p1], p5

WRITTEN CHART INSTRUCTIONS

BACK

Pattern rep is shown in [ ]

£ Row 1 (RS): k5, [WR3, k9], WR3, k5 £ Row 2 (WS): k3, p5, [p2, k5, p5], p2, k3 £ Row 3: p3, k2tog, k1, [(yfwd, k1) twice, ssk, p5, k2tog, k1], (yfwd, k1) twice, ssk, p3 £ Row 4: k3, p5, [p2, k5, p5], p2, k3 £ Row 5: p2, k2tog, k1, yfwd, [k3, yfwd, k1, ssk, p3, k2tog, k1, yfwd], k3, yfwd, k1, ssk, p2 £ Row 6: k2, p6, [p3, k3, p6], p3, k2 £ Row 7: p1, k2tog, k1, yfwd, k2tog, [yfwd, k1, yfwd, ssk, yfwd, k1, ssk, p1, k2tog, k1, yfwd, k2tog], yfwd, k1, yfwd, ssk, yfwd, k1, ssk, p1 £ Row 8: k1, p7, [p4, k1, p7], p4, k1 £ Row 9: k5, [k6, WR3, k3], k8 £ Row 10: p4, k4, [k1, p7, k4], k1, p4 £ Row 11: k1, yfwd, k1, ssk, p1, [p4,

Start knitting here…

Using 4mm needles, cast on 103 (115, 125, 137) sts £ Beg with a RS row, work eight rows in garter st Commence Lace patt as folls: £ Row 1 (RS): k33 (39, 38, 44), pm, work Row 1 of Chart working 12-st rep 2 (2, 3, 3) times, pm, k33 (39, 38, 44) £ Row 2 (WS): p33 (39, 38, 44), sm, work Row 2 of Chart working 12-st rep 2 (2, 3, 3) times, sm, p33 (39, 38, 44) These two rows set position of Lace patt

Shape waist Keeping Lace patt correct and working appropriate row from Chart, cont as folls: £ Next row: k to two sts before marker, k2tog, sm, work next row of Chart working 12-st rep 2 (2, 3, 3) Key RS: knit WS: purl

Need an Alternative?

RS: purl WS: knit

Why not opt for a British wool?

West Yorkshire Spinners Bluefaced Leicester DK is made from wool that’s reared and produced right here in the UK. Wash it by hand to avoid felting. It has an RRP of £4.95 per 50g (112m) ball. For stockists, call 01535 664500 or visit www.wyspinners.com

RS: k2tog RS: ssk Yfwd WR3 Pattern repeat

24 www.letsknit.co.uk

times, sm, ssk, k to end £ Work five rows in Lace patt without shaping £ Rep last six rows five times more.

91 (103, 113, 125) sts £ Work six rows in Lace patt without shaping £ Next row (RS): k to marker, m1, sm, work next row of Chart working 12-st rep 2 (2, 3, 3) times, sm, m1, k to end £ Work nine rows in Lace patt without shaping £ Rep last ten rows twice more. 97 (109, 119, 131) sts £ Cont in patt without shaping until Back meas 36 (35.5, 36, 35.5) cm, ending after a WS row

knitwise

This buttonhole method is called the ‘one-row buttonhole’ and gives you a sturdy opening with a neat and strong edge. Here’s how to do it: 1 Slip one stitch pwise, then take the yarn to the front between the needles.

2 * Slip the next stitch pwise then pass first slipped stitch over it and off the needle 3 Repeat Step 2 until you have cast-off the required number of stitches, in this case three, then slip the stitch remaining on the RH needle back to LH needle.

4 Turn the work, then with the yarn at the back, cable cast on the number of stitches you cast off plus one more, but before placing last stitch on the LH needle, first bring the yarn to the front between the needles.

5 Turn the work again, then slip the first stitch on LH needle kwise and pass the last cast-on stitch over it and off the needle to complete your buttonhole.

EXCLUSIVE TO

“Remember to read RS chart rows from right to left and WS rows from left to right.”

LK Deputy Editor Adrienne Chandler

meet our DESIGNER

SMART FOR THE OFFICE

“This is a classic cardigan with a striking, textured lace pattern.

It’s perfect for all seasons!”

ANNIKEN ALLIS

25 www.letsknit.co.uk

working 12-st patt rep once, sm, p25 (31, 36, 42) These two rows set position of Lace patt

Shape waist

Shape armhole Keeping Lace patt correct and working appropriate row from Chart, cont as folls: £ Cast off 4 (5, 6, 7) sts at beg of next two rows. 89 (99, 107, 117) sts £ Next row (RS): k2, ssk, patt to last four sts, k2tog, k2 £ Next row (WS): p2, p2tog, patt to last four sts, p2tog tbl, p2 £ Rep last two rows 1 (1, 2, 3) times more. 81 (91, 95, 101) sts £ Cont to dec on RS rows only 1 (1, 0, 0) times more. 79 (89, 95, 101) sts £ Cont in patt without shaping until Back meas 54 (55.5, 57, 58.5) cm, ending after a WS row

Shape right neck £ Row 1 (RS): k22 (26, 29, 31), turn Leave rem sts on holder £ Row 2 (WS): p2, p2tog, p to end £ Row 3: k to last four sts, k2tog, k2. 20 (24, 27, 29) sts

Shape right shoulder £ Row 1 (WS): p14 (16, 18, 20), w&t £ Row 2 (RS): k £ Row 3: p7 (8, 9, 10), w&t £ Row 4: k £ Row 5: p to end, working wraps

Blouse, £14.99, bracelet, £8.50, both Next; Skirt, £35, Oasis; Bag, £34.99, TK Maxx

Gorgeous back detail

tog with st Leave 20 (24, 27, 29) sts on holder

Shape left neck Leave centre 35 (37, 37, 39) sts on holder for Back neck, rejoin yarn at neck edge £ Row 1 (RS): k to end. 22 (26, 29, 31) sts £ Row 2: p to last four sts, p2tog tbl, p2 £ Row 3: k2, ssk, k to end. 20 (24, 27, 29) sts £ Row 4: p to end

Shape left shoulder £ Row 1 (RS): k14 (16, 18, 20), w&t £ Row 2 (WS): p to end £ Row 3: k7 (8, 9, 10), w&t £ Row 4: p to end £ Row 5: k to end, working wraps tog with st Leave 20 (24, 27, 29) sts on holder

LEFT FRONT Using 4mm needles, cast on 51 (57, 62, 68) sts £ Beg with a RS row, k eight rows Commence Lace patt £ Row 1: k25 (31, 36, 42), pm, work Row 1 of Chart, working 12-st patt rep once, k1 £ Row 2: p1, work Row 2 of Chart,

Keeping Lace patt correct and working appropriate row from Chart, cont as folls: £ Next row: k to two sts before marker, k2tog, sm, work next row of Chart working 12-st patt rep once, k1 £ Work five rows in patt without shaping £ Rep last six rows five times more.

45 (51, 56, 62) sts £ Work six rows in patt without shaping £ Next row (RS): k to marker, m1, sm, work next row of Chart working 12-st rep once, k1 £ Work nine rows in patt without shaping £ Rep last ten rows twice more. 48 (54, 59, 65) sts £ Cont in patt without shaping until Left front matches back to armhole shaping, ending after a WS row

Shape armhole Keeping Lace patt correct and working appropriate row from Chart, cont as folls: £ Next row (RS): cast off 4 (5, 6, 7) sts, patt to end. 44 (49, 53, 58) sts £ Next row (WS): patt to end £ Next row: k2, ssk, patt to end £ Next row: patt to last four sts, p2tog tbl, p2 £ Rep last two rows 1 (1, 2, 3) times more. 40 (45, 47, 50) sts £ Cont to dec on RS row only 1 (1, 0, 0) times more. 39 (44, 47, 50) sts £ Cont in patt without shaping until Left front meas 40 (41.5, 42.5, 43.5) cm, ending after a WS row

Shape left neck Place removable marker at neck edge of front for Buttonband £ Row 1 (RS): k to two sts before marker, k2tog, sm, work next row of Chart, working 12-st patt rep once, k1 £ Row 2 (WS): p1, work next row of Chart, working 12-st patt rep once, sm, p2tog, p to end £ Rep last two rows 3 (3, 4, 4) times more. 31 (36, 37, 40) sts £ Cont to dec on RS rows only 11 (12, 10, 11) times more. 20 (24, 27, 29) sts NOTE: For first two sizes, once you have 27 sts rem, cont to dec as set after first st, keeping patt correct

£ Cont in patt without shaping until Left front matches Back to shoulder shaping, ending after RS row

26 www.letsknit.co.uk

Shape left shoulder £ Row 1 (WS): p14 (16, 18, 20) sts, w&t £ Row 2 (RS): k to end £ Row 3: p7 (8, 9, 10) sts, w&t £ Row 4: k to end £ Row 5: p to end, working wraps tog with st Leave 20 (24, 27, 29) sts on holder

RIGHT FRONT Using 4mm needles, cast on 51 (57, 62, 68) sts £ Beg with a RS row, k eight rows Commence Lace patt as folls: £ Row 1 (RS): k1, work Row 1 of Chart, working 12-st patt rep once, pm, k to end £ Row 2 (WS): p25 (31, 36, 42), sm, work Row 2 of Chart, working 12-st patt rep once, p1 These two rows set position of Lace patt

Shape waist Keeping Lace patt correct and working appropriate row from Chart, cont as folls: £ Next row: k1, work next row of Chart, working 12-st rep once, sm, ssk, k to end £ Work five rows in Lace patt without shaping £ Rep last six rows five times more.

45 (51, 56, 62) sts £ Work six rows in Lace patt without shaping £ Next row (RS): k1, work next row of Chart, working 12-st patt rep once, sm, m1, k to end £ Work nine rows in Lace patt without shaping £ Rep last ten rows twice more. 48 (54, 59, 65) sts £ Cont in patt without shaping until Right front matches Back to armhole shaping, ending after a RS row

Shape armhole £ Next row (WS): cast off 4 (5, 6, 7) sts, patt to end. 44 (49, 53, 58) sts £ Next row (RS): patt to last four sts, k2tog, k2 £ Next row: p2, p2tog, patt to end £ Rep last two rows 1 (1, 2, 3) times more. 40 (45, 47, 50) sts £ Cont to dec on RS row only 1 (1, 0, 0) times more. 39 (44, 47, 50) sts £ Cont in patt without shaping until Right front matches Left front to neck shaping, ending after a WS row

Shape right neck Place removable marker at neck edge of front for Buttonband

PURPLELINDA 1.2_LETS KNIT 09/12/2016 12:58 Page 1

£ Row 1 (RS): k1, work next row of Chart, working 12-st patt rep once, sm, ssk, k to end £ Row 2 (WS): p to two sts before marker, p2tog tbl, sm, work next row of Chart, working 12-st patt rep once, p1 £ Rep last two rows 3 (3, 4, 4) times more. 31 (36, 37, 40) sts £ Cont to dec on RS rows only 11 (12, 10, 11) times more. 20 (24, 27, 29) sts NOTE: For first two sizes, once you have 27 sts rem, cont to dec as set before last st, keeping patt correct

£ Cont working in pattern as established until Right front matches Back to shoulder shaping, ending after a WS row

Shape right shoulder £ Row 1 (RS): k14 (16, 18, 20), w&t £ Row 2 (WS): p to end £ Row 3: k7 (8, 9, 10), w&t £ Row 4: p to end £ Row 5: k to end, working wraps tog with st Leave 20 (24, 27, 29) sts on holder

SLEEVES Using 4mm needles, cast on 43 (46, 49, 54) sts £ Beg with a RS row, k eight rows £ Beg with a k row, work two rows in st st £ Next row (RS): k2, m1, k to last two sts, m1, k2 £ Work 5 (5, 3, 3) rows in st st without shaping £ Rep last 6 (6, 4, 4) rows 12 (13, 16, 16) times more. 69 (74, 83, 88) sts £ Cont in st st without shaping until Sleeve meas 43.5 (44.5, 45, 46) cm, ending after a WS row

Shape sleeve cap £ Cast off 4 (5, 6, 7) sts at beg of next two rows. 61 (64, 71, 74) sts

£ Next row (RS): k2, ssk, k to last four sts, k2tog, k2 £ Next row (WS): p £ Rep last two rows 10 (12, 12, 16) times more. 39 (38, 45, 40) sts £ Next row (RS): k2, ssk, k to last four sts, k2tog, k2 £ Next row (WS): p2, p2tog, p to last four sts, p2tog tbl, p2 £ Rep last two rows 2 (2, 3, 2) times more. 27 (26, 29, 28) sts £ Cast off three sts at beg of next two rows. 21 (20, 23, 22) sts £ Cast off four sts at beg of next two rows. 13 (12, 15, 14) sts £ Cast off

LOVETOCROCHET

TO MAKE UP

Little Sweeties!

Block pieces to measurements. Join shoulders using three-needle cast-off. Set in Sleeves and seam underarm and side seams

BUTTONBAND £ Using 4mm circular needle, with RS facing and beg at bottom of Right front, pick up and k 84 (87, 89, 91) sts to marker, pm, pick up and k 37 (37, 38, 40) sts to right shoulder, five sts to Back neck, k35 (37, 37, 39) from Back neck holder, pick up and k five sts to left shoulder, 37 (37, 38, 40) sts to marker, pm, pick up and k 84 (87, 89, 91) sts along Left front. 287 (295, 301, 311) sts £ Row 1 (WS): k to end, remove marker from Left front £ Row 2 (RS): k £ Row 3: k to marker on Right front, k4 (4, 5, 5), * work one-row buttonhole casting off three sts (see Knitwise), k8, rep from * three times more, work one-row buttonhole casting off three sts, k to end £ Rows 4-6: k to end £ Cast off Sew on buttons to correspond with buttonholes LK

These cute balls of yarn with animal character toppers from Patons will make the most fabulous and fun hat's for your little ones this winter!

Each ball of yarn includes a free hat pattern and costs only

£4.95

www.purplelindacrafts.co.uk 27 www.letsknit.co.uk

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LETS KNIT SEPT 2016 ISSUE 114 master_LET'S KNIT 09/12/2016 14:46 Page 28

Telephone: 01274 743374 Email: sales@cygnetyarns.com

www.cygnetyarns.com

EASY FOUR-ROW PATTERN

Bustyour stashwithour ZIGZAG HAT & SCARF

EXCLUSIVE TO

M

ake a statement with Jacinta Bowie’s bold chevron design. It looks really impressive but the stitch pattern is actually pretty simple to work.

You pair two yarn forward increases with a double decrease, which means your stitch count stays constant but you get a fabulous pattern.

We’ve gone for rich, earthy tones but you could use any colours you like!

COLOURFUL AND COSY!

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Zigzag hat and scarf.indd 1

09/12/2016 16:35

Scarf: 19cm x 116cm Hat: to fit head circumference 48-52 (53-58) cm

Knit Kit Yarn: West Yorkshire Spinners Aire Valley DK, shades (A) 653 Brown, (B) 351 Cardamom, (C) 630 Nutmeg, (D) 587 Wine, one 100g ball of each; West Yorkshire Spinners Bluefaced Leicester DK, shades (E) 569 Pomegranate, (F) 201 Catkin, one 50g ball of each Needles: 4mm, 3.75mm Stitch holders Tapestry needle

Tension Square

22 sts x 28 rows 10cm x 10cm l stocking stitch l 4mm needles (Note: tension is from ball band) l l

For abbreviations see page 94

About the Yarn West Yorkshire Spinners Aire Valley DK is a great value blend of 75% British wool fibres and 25% nylon which adds strength and durability. It’s machine washable and costs £4.99 per 100g (230m) ball. West Yorkshire Spinners Bluefaced Leicester DK is a pure British wool yarn that’s wonderfully soft to wear. It costs £4.85 per 50g (112m) ball. Both yarns come in solid and print colourways.

For stockists, call or go to 01535 664500, www.wyspinners.com

Need an Alternative?

Use DK yarn from your stash!

knitwise

The rib section on the hat uses two shades and creates a great effect.

You’ll need to strand the colour not in use across the back of the work.

When moving the yarn to the front for the purl stitches, just move the yarn in the colour you need and leave the other yarn at the back of the work. On the next row, only move the yarn for the knit stitches to ensure your stranding is always on the wrong side.

Start knitting here...

STITCH PATTERN

Second size only

£ Row 1: k1, * yfwd, k4, sk2po, k4, yfwd, k1, rep from * to end £ Row 2: k £ Row 3: as Row 1 £ Row 4: p These four rows set patt

£ Row 10: using yarn A [rib 3, m1] 35 times, rib to end. 145 sts

All sizes

Start knitting here...

Shape crown

SCARF

Using 4mm needles and yarn A, cast on 61 sts Work in patt as set above, changing colour every two rows as folls: £ Rows 1-10: A, F, B, C, D £ Rows 11-20: F, E, B, A, E £ Rows 21-30: F, D, C, B, A £ Rows 31-40: F, E, C, B, D £ Rows 41-50: A, F, E, C, D £ Rows 51-60: B, A, F, E, B £ Rows 61-68: D, C, F, E £ Rep Rows 1-68 once more then Rows 1-10 again Leave these sts on a holder £ Work second side to match first side, but only rep Rows 1-8 on second rep £ Graft two sides tog using Kitchener stitch (see p96) and yarn C

TO MAKE UP Weave in all loose ends on WS and trim. On both sides of scarf, fold outer repeat in half and oversew to WS without covering the yarn forwards. Block to measurements

HAT Using 3.75mm needles and yarn A, cast on 102 (110) sts £ Row 1 (RS): * k2, p2, rep from * to last two sts, k2 £ Row 2: * p2, k2, rep from * to last two sts, p2 These two rows set rib NOTE: letter foll each instruction indicates yarn shade £ Row 3: * k2 A, p2 D, rep from * to last two sts, k2 A £ Row 4: * p2 A, k2 D, rep from * to last two sts, p2 A £ Rows 5-6: using yarn E in place of yarn D, rep Rows 3-4 £ Rows 7-8: using yarn F in place of yarn D, rep Rows 3-4 £ Row 9: using yarn A, as Row 1

Top, £24.90, coat, £69.90, both Uniqlo

Measurements & Sizes

Change to 4mm needles £ Work Rows 1-32 as for Scarf

£ Row 33: using yarn E, k1, * yfwd, k2tog, k2, sk2po, k2, ssk, yfwd, k1, rep from * to end. 121 sts £ Row 34: using yarn E, k £ Row 35: using yarn C, k1, * yfwd, k3, sk2po, k3, yfwd, k1, rep from * to end £ Row 36: using yarn C, p £ Row 37: using yarn B, as Row 35 £ Row 38: using yarn B, k £ Row 39: using yarn D, as Row 35 £ Row 40: using yarn D, p £ Row 41: using yarn A, k1, * yfwd, k2tog, k1, sk2po, k1, ssk, yfwd, k1, rep from * to end. 97 sts £ Row 42: using yarn A, k £ Row 43: using yarn F, k1, * yfwd, k2, sk2po, k2, yfwd, k1, rep from * to end £ Row 44: using yarn F, p £ Row 45: using yarn E, as Row 43 £ Row 46: using yarn E, k £ Row 47: using yarn C, as Row 43 £ Row 48: using yarn C, p £ Row 49: using yarn D, as Row 43 £ Row 50: using yarn D, k £ Row 51: using yarn B, k1, * yfwd, k2tog, sk2po, ssk, yfwd, k1, rep from * to end. 73 sts £ Row 52: using yarn B, p £ Row 53: using yarn A, k1, * yfwd, k1, sk2po, k1, yfwd, k1, rep from * to end £ Row 54: using yarn A, k £ Row 55: using yarn F, k1, * k1, sk2po, k2, rep from * to end. 49 sts £ Row 56: using yarn F, p £ Row 57: using yarn E, k1, (k2tog) to end. 25 sts £ Row 58: using yarn E, k £ Row 59: using yarn B, k1, (k2tog) to end. 13 sts £ Row 60: using yarn B, p £ Row 61: using yarn D, k1, (k2tog) to end. Seven sts £ Cut yarn, thread through rem sts, pull tight and fasten off

coming next issue STUNNING HAT FROM ROWAN February issue of Let’s Knit on sale THURSDAY 19TH JANUARY

TO MAKE UP

First size only £ Row 10: using yarn A, [rib 1, m1] twice, [rib 2, m1, rib 3, m1] 18 times, [rib 1, m1, rib 2, m1] twice, rib 1, m1, rib to end. 145 sts

Weave in ends and sew seam together using mattress stitch.

Wet block to measurements LK

30 www.letsknit.co.uk

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LETS KNIT SEPT 2016 ISSUE 114 master_LET'S KNIT 09/12/2016 14:46 Page 31

QUICK-KNIT MITTS

Lend a

Measurements & Sizes Plain mitts: 20cm circumference (excl. thumb gusset) x 27cm long

HAND

Knit Kit Yarn: King Cole Merino Blend 4ply, shades (A) 49 Clerical, 20g, (B) 903 Lavender, (C) 771 Kingfisher, (D) 1534 Violet, one 50g ball of each Needles: 2.5mm, 2.75mm, both double-pointed, sets of four Waste yarn Tapestry needle Stitch markers: two

Tension Square l 30 sts x 40 rows l 10cm x 10cm

l stocking stitch

l 2.75mm needles

Special Abbreviations Sewn cast-off: thread yarn tail through tapestry needle, * insert tapestry needle through first two sts pwise, pull tight, insert tapestry needle into first st kwise, pull tight, drop first st off knitting needle, rep from * until one st remains, fasten off last st

For abbreviations see page 94

Bust your 4ply stash with Jane Burns’ fingerless mittens

I

f you’re anything like us, you’ve got oddments and stray balls of yarn coming out of your ears. Well, this project is just perfect for using up those 4ply leftovers. The colour-block design is simple and stylish, and they’ve got a ribbed cuff around the fingers to make them snug and cosy.

Start knitting here…

MITTENS (make two) Using 2.75mm dpns and yarn A, cast on 60 sts, distribute over three needles, join in the rnd taking care not to twist sts, pm for beg of rnd £ Rnd 1: * k2 tbl, p2, rep from * to end

“These mitts have been knitted in the round on double-pointed needles to make them seam-free and super comfy”

meet our DESIGNER “These mittens are great for using up 4ply yarn stash and leftovers. Why not try adding some self-patterning sock yarn?”

JANE BURNS

EXCLUSIVE TO

LK Deputy Editor Adrienne Chandler

About the Yarn King Cole Merino Blend 4ply is a pure wool yarn that’s machine washable. It knits to a standard tension and is great for socks, shawls and accessories. It costs £3.05 per 50g (180m) ball from 0845 003 0775, www.wool4less.co.uk

Need an Alternative?

See what 4ply yarn is in your stash!

knitwise

Coat, £49.99, jumper, £19.99, both H&M

If you’re going to use leftover yarn from your stash, here are the exact quantities you’ll need for each colour: Yarn A: 20g Yarn B: 15g Yarn C: 20g Yarn D: 10g

32 www.letsknit.co.uk

Black Sheep 1.2_LETS KNIT ADS 08/12/2016 12:33 Page 1

£ Rep Rnd 1 until work meas 8cm from cast-on edge £ Next rnd: p Change to yarn B £ K until work meas 16cm from cast-on edge £ Next rnd: p Change to yarn C £ K five rnds

Thumb gusset £ Rnd 1: m1, pm, k to end. 61 sts £ Rnd 2: k to marker, sm, k to end £ Rnd 3: m1, k to marker, m1, sm, k to end. 63 sts £ Rep Rnds 2-3 nine times in total.

79 sts £ Rnd 20: sl 19 sts onto waste yarn for thumb, rm, k to end. 60 sts £ Rnd 21: k £ Rnd 22: p

£ Rnd 1: k to end, pick up and k three sts along opening. 22 sts £ Rnds 2-4: k

Thumb ribbing £ Rnds 1-4: * k1 tbl, p1, rep from * to end £ Cast off using sewn cast-off LK

coming next issue MORE STASHBUSTING MITTS FROM JANE BURNS February issue of Let’s Knit on sale THURSDAY 19TH JANUARY

Ribbed cuff Change to yarn D £ Rnd 1: k £ Next rnd: * k1 tbl, p1, rep from * to end £ Rep last rnd until ribbed cuff meas 5cm £ Cast off using sewn cast-off (see special abbreviations)

THUMB With RS facing, return 19 thumb sts to three dpns and rejoin yarn C

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LETS KNIT SEPT 2016 ISSUE 114 master_LET'S KNIT 09/12/2016 14:46 Page 34

BEAUTIFUL BERETS

AFFORDABLE MAKES

1

2

This stylish, neutral accessory is perfect for pairing with a thick coat on a frosty morning! The Lily Pond Beret pattern is free to download and we’d suggest using Patons Wool Blend Aran to achieve a soft natural look. It costs £4 per 100g (185m) ball, both pattern and yarn can be found at 0845 544 2196, www.loveknitting.com

COLOURFUL COSIES This fab knit is a wonderful addition to any afternoon tea! This pompommed teacosy can be knitted using any two balls of standard DK yarn as the middle section can be completed with oddments!

Download Ruth Cross’s pattern free from www.homemakermagazine.co.uk, and knit with Drops Karisma. It costs £2 per 50g (100m) ball from 01670 504045, www.treaclewoolshop.co.uk

3

Fab makes for

BOLD BAGS If you’re in the market for a new everyday bag, then look no further! This bright knit is the perfect size to carry all your knitting essentials. We’d suggest using James C. Brett Top Value DK, it has an RRP of £1.69 per 100g (290m) ball but can usually be bought for less. Stockist information is available from 01274 565959, www. jamescbrett.co.uk and Melissa Mitchell’s Boyds pattern can be downloaded free from www.knitrowan.com

UNDER 4 A FIVER

DELIGHTFUL DISHCLOTHS

There’s something so rewarding about gifting hand-made garments, accessories and toys to your loved ones. And better yet, it’s possible to knit a beautiful garment without breaking the bank by simply substituting expensive yarn so long as you match the tension! Read on for some gorgeous projects that you can knit at an affordable price!

TINY TOYS

COSY COWLS

5

Here at LK HQ we love winter warmers!

This beginner pattern uses basic purl and knit stitches to creates its ribbed edge. Jean Adel’s free pattern can be downloaded from www.redheart.com and we’d suggest using Stylecraft Special Chunky. It has a fantastic colour range and is super-soft to touch!

It costs £1.74 per 100g (144m) ball from 01789 773021, www.wisebadger.co.uk

Every knitter has leftover yarn but you can avoid the wastage by knitting these stash-busting dishcloths! They’re easily altered to different shapes and sizes! Find the free pattern online at www. chocolatemintsinajar.com/craft

SOFT SOCKS

We all know a toddler with a Miffy obsession so treat little ones to this adorable little bunny! The pattern is available to download free on the Let’s Knit website. Knit her in Wendy Mode DK for a great-value toy.

It costs £1.99 per 50g (142m) ball from 01782 862332, www.cucumberpatch.co.uk

7

PRETTY CARDIGANS

Baby cardigans are always adorable and this heart buttoned number is one of the cutest we’ve seen! The pattern can be completed with one ball each of Kiddies Supersoft DK which costs £1.79 per 100g (298m) ball and Fairy Isle DK which costs £1.85 per 50g (160m) ball. Both can be purchased from 01709 361221, www.craftyyarnshop.co.uk and the pattern for the Fairy Isle Angel Cardigan can be downloaded for free from www.cygnetyarns.com

6 35

www.letsknit.co.uk

Socks are a classic one-or-two-ball make. We’d suggest using Drops Fabel for this crocheted pair, working on a 3.25mm hook to achieve the desired gauge. The yarn costs £2 per 50g (205m) ball from 0800 505 3300, www.woolwarehouse.co.uk and the pattern for Bernat Basic Socks can be downloaded free from www.yarninspirations.com

8

USE YOUR STASH!

Tea’s a crowd

Measurements & Sizes Height: 20cm Diameter: 50cm

Knit Kit

Bring colour to the table with Lucinda Ganderton’s vintage-inspired teacosy

Yarn: King Cole Merino Blend Aran, shades (A) 1538 Raspberry, (B) 776 Aran, (C) 1537 Pistachio, (D) 1769 Rust, one 50g ball of each Needles: 5mm Pompom maker: 8cm diameter (optional) Tapestry needle

EXCLUSIVE TO

Tension square • 18 sts x 25 rows • 10cm x 10cm • Stocking stitch • 5mm needles (Note: tension is from ball band)

For abbreviations see page 94

About the Yarn King Cole Merino Blend Aran is made from 100% wool and has been treated to make it machine washable – that makes it a practical choice for this teacosy. It costs £2.99 per 50g (80m) ball from www.purplelindacrafts.co.uk

Need an Alternative?

Drops Nepal comprises 65% 10% OFF wool and 35% AT WOOL alpaca, and WAREHOUSE! comes in similar USE CODE LK114 shades to those used here.

It should be hand washed to avoid the risk of felting. A 50g (75m) ball costs £2 from 0800 505 3300, www.woolwarehouse.co.uk

meet our DESIGNER “To create the ruffled effect, strand the yarn across the back of the work, making sure you pull the yarn more tightly than usual to create a deliberate pucker in the fabric.”

LUCINDA GANDERTON

I

nvite your chums over for a cuppa and a chat, and keep your brew hot with our classic and colourful teacosy.

It’s knitted in a pure wool yarn which offers great natural insulation and the stranding pattern creates a doublethickness fabric to ensure your tea stays lovely and warm. Why not experiment with different colour combinations and effects to see which you prefer?

Start knitting here...

SIDES (make two) Using 5mm needles and yarn A, cast on 60 sts £ Rows 1-2: k Change to yarn B and yarn C NOTE: letter foll each instruction indicates yarn shade. Strand yarns across back of work, pulling more tightly than usual £ Row 3 (RS): k2 B, (k7 C, k7 B) four times, k2 C

£ Row 4: k2 C, (k7 B, k7 C) four times, k2 B £ Rows 5-8: rep Rows 3-4 twice more Cut yarn C, join yarn D £ Row 9: k2 D, (k7 B, k7 D) four times, k2 B £ Row 10: k2 B, (k7 D, k7 B) four times, k2 D £ Rows 11-14: rep Rows 9-10 twice more Cont in patt as folls: £ Rows 15-20: using yarn A in place of yarn C, rep Rows 3-8 £ Rows 21-26: using yarn C in place of yarn D, rep Rows 9-14 £ Rows 27-32: using yarn D in place of yarn C, rep Rows 3-8 £ Rows 33-38: using yarn A in place of yarn D, rep Rows 9-14 £ Row 39 (dec): k2 B, * (k2, k2tog, k3) C, (k2, k2tog, k3) B, rep from * three times more, k2 C. 52 sts £ Rows 40-42: cont in patt without shaping £ Row 43 (dec): k2 B, * (k2, k2tog, k2) C, (k2, k2tog, k2) B, rep from * three times more, k2 C. 44 sts £ Row 44: cont in patt without shaping £ Rows 45-46: using yarns D and

B, cont in patt without shaping £ Row 47 (dec): k2 D, * (k1, k2tog, k2) B, (k1, k2tog, k2) D, rep from * three times more, k2 B. 36 sts £ Rows 48-50: cont in patt without shaping £ Row 51 (dec): k2 B, * (k1, k2tog, k1) A, (k1, k2tog, k1) B, rep from * three times more, k2 A. 28 sts £ Rows 52-54: cont in patt without shaping £ Row 55 (dec): k2 B, * (k1, k2tog) A, (k1, k2tog) B, rep from * three times more, k2 A. 20 sts £ Row 56: cont in patt without shaping Cut yarn A and cont in yarn B only £ Row 57 (dec): k2, (k2tog) eight times, k2. 12 sts £ Cut yarn, thread through rem sts, pull tight and fasten off

TO MAKE UP Sew two sides together at top and bottom edges, joining Rows 1-4 and Rows 33-58 and hiding selvedge (adjust this to fit teapot if needed). Make an 8cm pompom from remaining yarns A, C and D (see knitwise) then sew it securely to top LK

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12/12/2016 10:19

knitwise

To make a multicoloured pompom, cut out your two rings of cardboard as normal, then group your different coloured strands together.

Using all the yarns held together, wrap the yarns around the outer ring until the inner hole is covered.

Then insert a sharp pair of scissors between the rings and snip the wrapped strands. Tightly tie a longer length of one colour between the rings then remove the cardboard. Plump your pompom, trimming any loose ends.

coming next issue SPRING WREATH BY LUCINDA GANDERTON FEBRUARY ISSUE OF LET’S KNIT ON SALE THURSDAY 19TH JANUARY

37 www.letsknit.co.uk

Teacosy.indd 2

09/12/2016 12:26

STORAGE ESSENTIALS

Washday WONDERS

Measurements & Sizes Width at widest point: 42cm Height: 32cm

Knit Kit Yarn: King Cole Bamboo Cotton DK, shades (A) 628 Mauve, (B) 516 Pink, (C) 536 Fuchsia, one 100g ball of each Needles: 4mm straight, 4mm double-pointed, set of four Crochet hook: 2.5mm (optional) Tapestry needle Stitch marker Wire coat hanger

Tension Square l l l l

22 sts x 27 rows 10cm x 10cm stocking stitch 4mm needles

Special Abbreviations m1l: insert LH needle into horizontal bar between sts from front to back, k into back of this loop m1r: insert LH needle into horizontal bar between sts from back to front, k into front of this loop

For abbreviations see page 94

About the Yarn King Cole Bamboo Cotton DK blends 50% cotton with 50% bamboo-sourced viscose. It’s a smooth, strong yarn with a pretty sheen, and comes in more than 30 shades. It costs £5.29 per 100g (230m) ball from 01829 740903, www.laughinghens.com

Knit Charmaine Fletcher’s sweet treat peg bag

A

place for everything and everything in its place, that’s what we like to see. After the chaos of Christmas, it’s good to get organised but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun while you’re at it. This peg bag uses a wire coat hanger to give it its cake-shaped structure, and the rib pattern is just perfect for replicating the case. Finish it off with a little knitted cherry.

£ Row 6: p1, * p2, k2, rep from * to last three sts, p3 £ Row 7: k1, m1r, * k2, p2, rep from * to last three sts, k2, m1l, k1. 50 sts £ Row 8: p1, k1, * p2, k2, rep from * to last four sts, p2, k1, p1 £ Row 9: k1, m1r, p1, * k2, p2, rep from * to last four sts, k2, p1, m1l, k1. 52 sts £ Row 10: p1, * k2, p2, rep from * to last three sts, k2, p1 £ Rep Rows 3-10 five more times.

92 sts

Start knitting here…

£ Row 1 (RS): k1, p to last st, k1 £ Row 2: p to end £ Row 3: k1, * yfwd, k2tog, rep from * to last st, yfwd, k1. 93 sts £ Row 4: p2tog tbl, p to end. 92 sts £ Cast off pwise

FRONT & BACK (alike)

Using 4mm needles and yarn A, cast on 44 sts £ Row 1 (RS): k1, * p2, k2, rep from * to last three sts, p2, k1 £ Row 2: p1, * k2, p2, rep from * to last three sts, k2, p1 £ Row 3: k1, m1r, * p2, k2, rep from * to last three sts, p2, m1l, k1. 46 sts £ Row 4: p2, * k2, p2, rep from * to end £ Row 5: k1, m1r, k1, * p2, k2, rep from * to last four sts, p2, k1, m1l, k1. 48 sts

Case Frill

CAKE NOTE: instructions are given for Back. For Front use one ball of yarn throughout and do not work garter st border

Wind a separate ball of yarn B until it meas 5cm in diameter £ Using 4mm needles and yarn B,

Need an Alternative?

Sirdar Snuggly Baby Bamboo blends 15% OFF 20% bambooAT DERAMORES! sourced viscose USE CODE with 80% wool KNIT13 and is a versatile and popular yarn.

Shades 110 Peony and 114 Candy would work well for the cake and case. It costs £4.09 per 50g (95m) ball from 0845 519 4573, www.deramores.com

meet our DESIGNER “To wash after use: simply do so as per blocking instructions.

However, if you’re planning on taking the peg bag off the hanger, use a folding travel hanger at the making up stage.

After sliding off the cherry, the hanger can be folded-up and drawn through the aperture.”

CHARMAINE FLETCHER with WS facing, pick up and p 92 sts in the p bumps of cast-off row of Case Frill £ Row 1 (RS): k £ Row 2: p £ Row 3: k46, pm, using second ball of yarn B, k to end, do not twist strands Use correct ball of yarn for each side of opening and work as folls: £ Row 4: p44, k2, sm, k2, p to end These two rows set st st with garter st border around opening £ Rows 5-6: rep Rows 3-4 £ Row 7: skpo, k to marker, sm, k to last two sts, k2tog. 90 sts £ Row 8: p2tog, p to two sts before marker, k2, sm, k2, p to last two sts, p2tog tbl. 88 sts

knitwise

When picking up and purling stitches for the cake, you might find it easier to use a crochet hook. With the wrong side facing, position your working yarn on the right and the tail on the left, then insert your crochet hook through the first purl bump on the frill cast-off row. Wrap the yarn around the hook and pull it back through, then place the stitch on your knitting needle. Keep doing this until you have picked up 92 stitches. If you use this method, make sure you knit the stitches through the back loop on the first row.

38 www.letsknit.co.uk

EXCLUSIVE TO

Get organised this new year!

£ Rows 9-11: rep Rows 7-8, then Row 7 again. 82 sts £ Row 12: (p2tog) twice, p to two sts before marker, k2, sm, k2, p to last four sts, (p2tog tbl) twice. 78 sts £ Row 13: (skpo) twice, k to marker, sm, k to last four sts, (k2tog) twice.

74 sts £ Row 14: as Row 8. 72 sts £ Rows 15-18: rep Rows 7-8 twice. 64 sts £ Row 19: as Row 13. 60 sts £ Row 20: as Row 12. 56 sts £ Rows 21-23: rep Rows 7-8, then Row 7 again. 50 sts £ Rows 24-30: rep Rows 12-13 three times, then Row 12 again. 22 sts Cut second ball of yarn and cont using one ball of yarn across row, removing marker when reached £ Row 31: skpo, k to last two sts, k2tog. 20 sts £ Row 32: p2tog, p to last two sts, p2tog tbl. 18 sts

£ Rows 33-34: rep Rows 31-32.

14 sts £ Row 35: cast off five sts kwise, k to end. Nine sts £ Cast off rem sts pwise Weave in ends

CHERRY Using 4mm dpns and yarn C, cast on eight sts and distribute over three needles, join in the rnd, pm for beg of rnd £ Rnd 1: (kfb) in each st to end.

16 sts £ Rnds 2-6: k £ Rnd 7: * skpo, k2tog, rep from * to end. Eight sts £ Cut yarn leaving a tail, thread through rem sts, pull tight and fasten off Stuff Cherry, sew running stitch around cast-on edge, pull tight to gather

PIPING (make two) Using two 4mm dpns and yarn B cast on three sts £ * K to end, do not turn, slide sts to other end of needle, pull yarn across back of work £ Rep from * until cord meas 27cm £ Next row: sk2po. One st £ Fasten off

TO MAKE UP Using mattress stitch, join side seams of ‘case’. Fold over top edge of ‘case’ to create faux picots and stitch in place. Sandwich coat hanger between layers, then join seams using mattress stitch.

Position i-cords, sew in place, then tuck in and sew down at beginning and end using yarn tails. Seam ‘case’ base using mattress stitch.

Slide Cherry over hook. When complete, rinse through and pin to shape. Allow to dry LK

39 www.letsknit.co.uk

coming next issue COTTAGE DOORSTOP BY SIÂN BROWN February issue of Let’s Knit on sale THURSDAY 19TH JANUARY

LETS KNIT SEPT 2016 ISSUE 114 master_LET'S KNIT 09/12/2016 16:38 Page 40

New Winter yarns now in stock

Patterns only £3.00!

Our craft bags make the most fabulous gifts or why not treat yourself?

Travelling in the New Year? Our bags are perfect for storing and carrying all your yarns and accessories FREE UK Delivery on all orders over £30

In store loyalty scheme

Stockists of Patons, King Cole, Stylecraft, Knitpro, Wendy, Sirdar + more Amazing workshops

Open Monday-Friday 9.00-5.00 Saturday 10.00-5.00 39 Brislington Hill, Bristol BS4 5BE 0117 300 5211 www.getknitted.com

New tote bags with embroidered sheep now in store!

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STOCKING: WENDY, ROBIN, WOOLCRAFT, JAMES BRETT and NEW IN ... WYS AND PATONS YARNS!

01273 424529 | www.thedroppedstitch.co.uk

113/115Victoria Road, Portslade, East Sussex, BN41 1XD.

EXCLUSIVE TO

GORGEOUS MULTIWAY KNIT

Stay stylish with Jo Allport’s

TWO-WAY SHRUG

L

ace at the top or lace at the bottom, which way will you wear yours? We love both looks!

This shrug is perfect for those of you who have made lace knitting your New Year’s resolution. It’s got all the essential techniques and no shaping to worry about. In fact, the whole garment is just a rectangle with sleeve borders. Now that’s what we call simply stylish!

41 www.letsknit.co.uk

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meet our DESIGNER

Measurements & Sizes NOTE: Measure from elbow to elbow to work out which size to make

“I love shrugs – they are so easy to wear! This one can be worn either way up, so you can have the lace section around your shoulders or lower hem.”

JO ALLPORT

Actual width (excluding sleeve edgings, cm): 83 (91, 99, 114, 121) Actual length to shoulder (cm): 46 (46, 55, 55, 55)

Knit Kit Yarn: Yeoman Panama DK, shades (A) Haze, (B) Denim, 2 (3, 3, 3, 3) 100g balls of each Needles: 4.5mm Stitch markers: four Tapestry needle

Make for under £18

Tension Square l 18.5 sts x 26 rows l 10cm x 10cm l Lace pattern

l 4.5mm needles l 17 sts x 24 rows l 10cm x 10cm

l stocking stitch

For abbreviations see page 94

About the Yarn Yeoman Panama DK is a blend of cotton and acrylic with a matte finish. This combination means it has lovely stitch definition but is still light to wear. It’s machine washable and costs £2.95 per 100g (200m) ball from 0116 240 4464, www.yeoman-yarns.co.uk

Need an Alternative?

Rico Creative Cotton DK is a 15% OFF pure cotton yarn AT LOVE that is soft, easy KNITTING! USE CODE 5568 to knit with and can be machine washed. There are 20 shades to choose from and it costs just £1.95 per 50g (115m) ball from 0845 544 2196, www.loveknitting.com

knitwise

This shrug is worked in one piece, which means you need to cast on a lot of stitches! We’d suggest placing markers after every 14 stitches to help you keep track.

This will then mean you can keep your place during the lace pattern too.

Necklace £18, Mood by Jon Richard, Dress £25 Benetton

l 4.5mm needles

LACE PATTERN Worked over a multiple of 14 sts plus one £ Row 1 (WS): p £ Row 2: * k1, yfwd, k3, ssk, yfwd, sl 1, k2tog, psso, yfwd, k2tog, k3, yfwd, rep from * to last st, k1 £ Rows 3-10: rep Rows 1-2 four times £ Row 11: k £ Row 12: p Rows 1-12 set Lace patt

Start knitting here...

Using 4.5mm needles and yarn A, cast on 155 (169, 183, 211, 225) sts £ Work Rows 1-12 of Lace patt 5 (5, 6, 6, 6) times, ending after a RS row Change to yarn B £ Next row (WS, dec): p5 (6, 7, 11, 13), * p2tog, p9 (10, 10, 9, 9), rep from * to last 7 (7, 8, 13, 14) sts, p2tog, p5 (5, 6, 11, 12). 141 (155, 168, 193, 206) sts

£ Beg with a k row, work in st st until yarn B section meas 1cm less than Lace patt section from side seam, ending after a WS row £ K five rows £ Cast off

SLEEVE EDGINGS (alike) Fold rectangle widthways, matching side seams. Measure 20 (21, 22, 23, 24) cm from fold along the two halves of the side seam. Pm at these points £ Using 4.5mm needles , yarn B and with RS facing, pick up and k 68 (72, 76, 78, 82) sts between markers £ Work in garter st (k every row) for 2cm, ending after a RS row £ Cast off

TO MAKE UP Sew side and Sleeve edging seams.

Weave in ends and block LK

coming next issue CASUAL CARDIGAN BY SIÂN BROWN February issue of Let’s Knit on sale THURSDAY 19TH JANUARY

42 www.letsknit.co.uk

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LETS KNIT SEPT 2016 ISSUE 114 master_LET'S KNIT 09/12/2016 14:46 Page 43

We Love

CALL THE

Amy Kember’s crocheted Trixie and Chummy

Can’t get enough of the knitters of Nonnatus House? As our favourite show enters its fifth year we celebrate its style

MIDWIFE

A

strange, muffled roar rang out last month as fans of Call the Midwife jumped to their feet, letting woolly WIPs fall to the floor, to cheer the BBC’s announcement that it has commissioned three new series. The enduring appeal of the show – essentially a Party Political Broadcast on behalf of darling lacework sweaters and heart-melting pram sets – could, of course, be down to the excellent storylines, top rate acting and flawless script. Or it could be due to the quite fabulous knits. The jury’s out.

Do you love the show?

Share your photos of your 50s knits! Find our details on p51

Nurse Trixie, ready for action

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TOP SHOW’S KNITTING SECRETS

The Kit...

Okay, so Sister Monica Joan nearly broke the internet when she appeared to be knitting what was clearly a crocheted granny square, unleashing the wrath of many an eagle-eyed viewer, but what’s a little slip between friends? “Even though the whole knitting/granny square debacle was a fiasco, I really liked that story line,” says Seattle-based blogger Allison Griffiths. “There is something that really resonates with me, and probably most knitters, about getting together with people you care about to work together on a large project.”

Community spirit is certainly a real forte for the show, which was based on the experiences of writer Jennifer Worth’s career as a midwife in the 1950s and 60s. “I love seeing all the knitted sweaters, layette sets and bootees,” says Allison, whose On The Needles blog pays homage to the endless procession of great designs.

The 50s and 60s were an amazing time for knitting – all that angora! The show gives us a way to see it all. The twinsets, cardigans and fitted sweaters on the nurses are fantastic, as well as the elaborate, personalised knitwear for the babies. When I was a kid, I loved looking at my grandma’s old Workbasket magazines from the era, and watching this show is a lot like getting a front row to the women who originally bought those magazines.”

Fitting tribute

In 2013 Canadian amigurumi fanatic Amy Kember spotted a knitted doll of lead character Jenny Lee on the show’s official Facebook page, and was inspired to design a crochet Chummy.

With the free pattern shared well beyond her original blog, Amy’s Gurumis, Crochet Chummy went viral, and encouraged Amy to tackle the rest of the cast. “The most surreal experience I had was when The One Show revealed photos of my Trixie doll during an interview with Helen George

(the actress, and real-life knitting fan – who plays the series’ longeststanding main character). The most rewarding has been the Royal College of Midwives using my pattern for their exhibition of knitted and crocheted midwives.”

“You can’t make a 50s design in an acrylic or synthetic yarn” SUE WEST

It’s easy to imagine a happy bank of handknitters working up garments for the show but alas, the reality is a little less romantic. “We hire the bulk of the costumes, including knitwear, from costumiers,” says the show’s costume designer Maggie Chappelhow. “We do buy some from vintage shops and are always thrilled if we find baby knitwear in vintage shops because we need lots of it. It was such a common tradition in this period.”

It’s showtime!

So what treasures can we expect in series six, which airs in the next few weeks and comes hot on the heels of a Christmas special set in South Africa? “We have used some really nice chunky-knit cardigans and, of course, our midwives still wear their hand-knitted cardigans,” says Maggie. “We’ve used lots of greens, yellows, blues and corals as the accent colours in our knitwear with neutral colours accompanying them. I use the stronger colours to bring out the colour in a patterned dress or make something richer or more jewel-like, especially on Barbara and Trixie. As the 1960s progressed there was more lurex and we’ve reflected that in the show. We still use Fair Isles on certain guest characters, as well as a lot of men’s sleeveless jumpers and zipped cardigans to evoke the era.”

If your knitting notebook is poised to receive this information, you may want to make a few more notes. “You can’t make a 50s design in an acrylic or modern synthetic yarn,” says Sue West who oversees a treasure trove of vintage patterns at her online shop, The Vintage Knitting Lady. “It has to be knitted in natural fibres so it’ll expand and contract. Those fitted waists and flicked collars of the era just don’t work in acrylic because you need a yarn that springs back. In the 60s new yarns such as nylon and acrylic came in and they were easier to care for and cheaper to produce.

In the 50s 3ply was popular but going in to the 60s things moved on to 4ply and double knitting. That made a big difference to garments because you can’t do a fine, lacy mist design in DK; you need a finer yarn to get the definition.”

Beware that patterns will have deceptive instructions, too. “The vintage patterns I’ve tried have been fairly straightforward, but seem to require a bit of instinct,” says Allison Griffiths. “When I write a pattern for a publication I make sure to write every stitch the knitter is supposed to make. When I look at a pattern from the 50s or earlier often there will be instructions such as ‘make the top of the hat in the usual way’ or ‘continue until you have achieved the desired result’. I think designers assumed a greater depth of knowledge in their knitters than they tend to today.”

“The patterns were a guide, not a blueprint,” agrees Sue. “If you needed to cast on a few more stitches, then you did. If you knit in wool, or a yarn with a high percentage of wool, it’ll have stretch to it. Nearly all the wools these days are machine washable.”

And, of course, the golden rule is to dry your knits naturally. After all, do you think Sister Julienne would be seen dead mucking around with a tumble drier?!

45 www.letsknit.co.uk

call the midwife.indd 3

Recreate the exact lace sweater worn by the show’s Jenny Lee with the Susan Crawford’s Ladys Evening Jumper Kit in Canary (£45, susancrawfordvintage.com)

The Pat terns...

“Pick elements that really define the design you saw on the show, put those details into the search filters on Ravelry and scroll to find the closest design.”

ALLISON GRIFFITHS

On call: Sister Bernadette

The Toys...

Find patterns to crochet the cast – and new Call the Midwife hand puppets – in the CTM section at amysgurumis.wordpress.com Turn over for more...

09/12/2016 15:55

HEIRLOOM CARDI

Yoke BABY

Measurements & Sizes To fit age (mths): 0-3 (3-6, 6-9, 9-12)

Knit Kit Yarn: Rooster Baby Rooster Shade 409 Pistachio, 3 (4, 4, 4) 50g balls Needles: 3.25mm straight, 3.25mm circular Stitch holders: five Buttons: three

Tension square • 24 sts x 32 rows • 10cm x 10cm • stocking stitch • 3.25mm needles

For abbreviations see page 94

About the Yarn Rooster Baby Rooster is an ethically sourced, 100% superwash merino wool that is soft enough for baby or children’s clothes. It’s a fantastically bouncy sport weight yarn that’s incredibly easy to work with. It comes in a selection of pastel and muted tones, and costs £5.15 per 50g (125m) ball from 01829 740903, www.laughinghens.com

Need an Alternative?

Drops Baby Merino is a 15% OFF great affordable AT DERAMORES! alternative, that’s USE CODE ideal for baby KNIT13 knits. It’s machine washable and costs £2.80 per 50g (175m) ball from 0845 519 4573, www.deramores.com

Treat little ones to Julie Ferguson’s adorable knit!

T

iny tots will look delightful in this timeless pastel number. If you’re looking for a twist on a classic cardigan, then incorporating a little shaping through a yoke is a great way of introducing a new element into your knitting. The top section is worked in one piece, meaning this pattern is certainly a lot simpler to knit than it appears, and it won’t take long to complete given its small size.

Start knitting here...

BACK Using 3.25mm needles, cast on 82 (86, 90, 94) sts £ Set up: k eight rows £ Rows 1-6: beg with a k row, work six rows in st st £ Row 7: k1, * yfwd, k2tog, rep from * to last st, k1 £ Row 8: p1, * yrn, p2tog rep from * to last st, p1 £ Rep last eight rows 4 (5, 6, 7) more times

Shape armholes £ Cont in patt, cast off two sts at beg of next two rows. 78 (82, 86, 90) sts £ Dec one st at each end of next and every foll alt row until 54 (58, 62, 66) sts rem £ Next row: p £ Next row: (k2tog) to end. 27 (29, 31, 33) sts Place sts on holder

LEFT FRONT Using 3.25mm needles, cast on 44 (46, 48, 50) sts £ Set up: k eight rows £ Row 1: k £ Row 2: k5, p to end £ Rep Rows 1-2 twice more £ Row 7: k1, * yfwd, k2tog, rep from * to last five sts, k5 £ Row 8: k5, * yrn, p2tog, rep from * to last st, p1

£ Rep last eight rows 4 (5, 6, 7) times

Shape armholes £ Cast off two sts at beg of next row, k to end. 42 (44, 46, 48) sts £ Next row: k5, p to end £ Dec one st at beg of next and every foll alt row until 29 (31, 33, 35) sts rem £ Next row: k5, p to end £ Next row: k1, (k2tog) to end of row. 15 (16, 17, 18) sts Place sts on holder

Right front Using 3.25mm needles, cast on 44 (46, 48, 50) sts £ Set up: k eight rows £ Row 1: k £ Row 2: p to last five sts, k5 £ Rep Rows 1-2 twice more £ Row 7: k5, * yfwd, k2tog, rep from * to last st, k1 £ Row 8: p1, * yrn, p2tog, rep from * to last five sts, k5 £ Rep last eight rows 4 (5, 6, 7) times more £ Next row: as Row 1

Shape armholes £ Cont in patt, cast off two sts at

every foll alt row until 12 (14, 16, 18) sts rem £ Next row: p Place sts on holder

YOKE

Using 3.25mm circular needle with WS facing, beg at Left front and k st from holders as folls: £ k15 (16, 17, 18) sts from Left front £ k12 (14, 16, 18) sts from Sleeve £ k27 (29, 31, 33) sts from Back £ k12 (14, 16, 18) sts from Sleeve £ k15 (16, 17, 18) sts from Right front.

81 (89, 97, 105) sts £ ** Next row: k2, yfwd, k2tog, k to end £ K seven rows ** £ Next row: k3, * k2, k2tog, rep from * to last two sts, k2. 62 (68, 74, 80) sts £ Next row: k £ Rep from ** to ** £ Next row: k2, * k1, k2tog, rep from * to last three sts, k3. 43 (47, 51, 55) sts £ Next row: k £ Next row: k2, yfwd, k2tog, k to end £ K two rows £ Cast off

TO MAKE UP

Sew side, Sleeves and raglan seams.

Sew buttons to correspond with buttonholes LK

beg of next row. 42 (44, 46, 48) sts

£ Next row: k £ Dec one st at beg of next and every foll alt row until 29 (31, 33, 35) sts rem £ Next row: k1, (k2tog) to end.

15 (16, 17, 18) sts Place sts on holder

SLEEVES Using 3.25mm needles, cast on 26 (28, 30, 32) sts £ Set up: k eight rows £ Beg with a k row, work in st st, inc one st at each end of fifth and every foll fourth row until 40 (42, 44, 46) sts rem £ Cont without shaping until work meas 12 (13, 14, 15) cm, ending after a WS row

coming next issue CUTE RABBIT HOODY FOR AGES 12 MTHS TO 9 YEARS February issue of Let’s Knit on sale THURSDAY 19TH JANUARY

Shape top £ Cast off two sts at beg of next two rows. 36 (38, 40, 42) sts

£ Dec one st at each end of next and

46 www.letsknit.co.uk

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EXCLUSIVE TO

47 www.letsknit.co.uk

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09/12/2016 11:35

W

e knitters could happily spend all day wrapped up snug, so why not treat your little ones to that luxury with this beautiful pastel blanket?

It’s simple to make, just be sure to keep your tension consistent when changing colours. It’s incredibly cuddly and makes for the perfect accompaniment to bedtime stories and early nights.

Measurements & sizes

Keep tots warm in Helen Ardley’s

STRIPY BABY BLANKET

Add some colour to the nursery with this pretty cabled knit

55cm x 63cm

Tension square

EXCLUSIVE TO

22 sts x 28 rows 10cm x 10cm Stocking stitch 4mm needles

You will need:

YARN: Sirdar Snuggly DK, shades (A) 303 Cream, (B) 252 Lemon, (C) 219 Lilac, (D) 321 Pastel Blue, (E) 190 Bless, (F) 188 Peaceful, (G) 429 Baby Beige, (H) 451 Mouse, (I) 304 Pearly Green, (J) 251 White, one 50g ball of each NEEDLES: 4mm

Special abbreviations C8F: sl next four sts onto cn, hold at front of work, k4, k4 from cn

Start knitting here

Note: twist yarns at back when changing colour Using 4mm needles, cast on 14 sts in each yarn in order. 140 sts Row 1: * p3, k8, p3, rep from * to end Row 2: * k3, p8, k3, rep from * to end Rows 3-6: rep Rows 1-2 twice Row 7: * p3, C8F, p3, rep from * to end Row 8: rep Row 2 Rows 9-10: rep Rows 1-2 These ten rows form patt Cont in patt until work meas 63cm Cast off

TO MAKE UP Weave in all loose ends LK

YARN SHOP

K QUIC

&

YN S A E TTER PA

Sirdar Snuggly DK costs £2.99 per 50g (165m) ball from 0800 505 3300, www.woolwarehouse.co.uk

For abbreviations see page 94 48 www.letsknit.co.uk

Baby blanket.indd 1

09/12/2016 09:50

COMING UP IN THE FEBRUARY ISSUE OF OUR BIGGEST FREE YARN KIT EVER!

BEAT THE WINTER BLUES WITH OUR BRILLIANT KNITS!

Two bright and beautiful colours inside!

KNIT A SPRING SHAWL AND MORE WITH YOUR FREE LACE YARN KIT! MAKE THIS GORGEOUS SHAWLETTE!

PLUS...

Flattering drapey cardi

Simple flowe r wreath

EASY-TO-KNIT ACCESSORIES WITH YOUR FREE GIFT!

Projects subject to change

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

CNM 114.indd 53

l Part two of our Country Cottage knitalong! l Easy doorstop l Topsy-turvy Cinderella doll l Knitted guinea pigs

Knits for kids

asy toys!

Fun and e

ON SALE THURSDAY 19TH JANUARY

49 Download hundreds of free knitting and crochet patterns today! www.letsknit.co.uk 09/12/2016 11:53

Star LETTER

Dear Let’s Knit,

WE LOVE TO HEAR YOUR STORIES!

My wife, Anna Howard loves the magazine, which I first bought for Wins a prize! her a few years ago. She now has a subscription. I thought I’d let you know about her ongoing charity activities. Last year she heard about a charity in Lincolnshire that supplies clothing for premature babies throughout the country.

Anna decided she wanted to support this worthwhile cause, so started frantically knitting teddies, blankets and baby clothes.

Her last contribution included 50 teddies (taking over an hour each), and a huge box-full of clothes for children who might have to go without, if it were not for the work of the charity. She also knitted 50 poppies for a charity to help celebrate Remembrance Day. So, I think my wife deserves a big shout out for all her hard work!

ANDY HOWARD

We agree, Andy! Anna has been absolutely amazing and it’s great that she has been able to use her crafty talents to help so many great causes. We hope she enjoys her prize!

STOP& Share STORIES AND MAKES GALORE FROM YOU, OUR WONDERFUL READERS

Here’s what you’ve been busy making this month: StarE MAK

Sensational Stripes

r

Little Helpe

“Elf on the Shelf Evie arrived at our house just in time!”

Adele Parr

“How do you like my Tiger Lily?”

Jenny Chambers

She’s adorable, Jenny! Thanks for sharing!

She looks fab, Adele, we love the colours

Animal Magic

What a corker!

“I thought you would like to see the animals I’ve made from Sachiyo Ishii’s book Mini Knitted Safari. The money raised from selling them will be donated to the MS Society”

“I came across some leftovers of Sirdar Foxy and a number of Prosecco corks in my recycling box which I hadn’t been able to make use of, so designed myself some little Santas and gnomes using the corks as the body!”

Niki Richards

Helen Moody

What a great way to upcycle your leftovers, Niki!

What brilliant makes for a fabulous cause!

Monkey Business

“A cheeky monkey for my friend’s cheeky baby” Jemma Yorke

Brilliant work Jemma!

50 www.letsknit.co.uk

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This month, our Star Letter winner, Andy, has won a Wendy Evolution Scarf kit!

PINS AND NEEDLES Happy New Year knitters!

We’re welcoming 2017 with our favourite bright and cheery beanies and berets.

January is a chilly month, so you’ll need to keep yourself well wrapped up. Check out our Winter Hats Pinterest board to get inspired!

WHY I LOVE MY LOCAL YARN SHOP

© Fidlstix/donnasmith designs.blogspot.co.uk

“STITCH SOLIHULL IS FABULOUS. HUGE RANGE, LOVELY YARNS. THERE ARE STITCH & SIP SESSIONS TWICE A WEEK. I WAS DELIGHTED WHEN IT OPENED A FEW YEARS AGO AND WOULD BE LOST WITHOUT IT.”

Our Star Make winner, Niki, has won two balls of King Cole Merino Blend 4ply and a pair of 3.25mm KnitPro needles.

WE ASKED ON TWITTER...

Mandy Gordon

© Letsknit.co.uk

© Christopher Auyeung/ Ravelry.com

Pinterest.com/letsknitmag

Let us know why you love your local yarn shop by emailing us at the address below

If you could send a message to your younger knitter self, what would you say?

“Don’t give up!!!”

Tip of the Month...

“Keep it up. You will be amazing one day”

“Learn how to fix mistakes and to properly finish.

Take classes.”

“Count every row as you go. Will save you time in the long run.”

“Keep all your patterns and/or photos to remind yourself of what you have achieved”

Lisa-Marie

“When you buy yarn for a specific project, choose a pattern PRINTED TIPS WIN idea to use up the leftovers, clipping a note to the ball A £10 VOUCHER TO band.

You’ll soon have an inexpensive batch of small items SPEND AT BLACK ideal for gifts” LESLEY BAMBRIDGE SHEEP WOOLS

Cari A

Leeann Kate Cuddly

Tracy Noll

Hello dolly

“Just finished this little Poppet Doll, pattern by Gypsy Cream. it was great to knit up.”

Caroline Power

Julie Scotney

We asked you on Facebook...

You’ve done a fantastic job here, Caroline, she’s so cute!

Home Sweet Home

WIN!

What new skill will you try in 2017?

Watch the birdie

“I thought you might like to see my Cotswold Cottage teacosy from issue 111. I’ve done it in different colours from my stash.”

Shirley Turner

“I made the Little Birds blanket as a Christmas present using yarn from my stash” Wendy King

Wow, great colour combo – we love the sparkly border!

What a charming make, Shirley, well done.

CROCHET

23%

SOCK KNITTING

21%

FAIR ISLE

CABLING

STEEKING

OTHER

18% 12% 10% 16%

Get in touch SEND US PHOTOS OF YOUR MAKES, TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCES, SHARE TIPS OR ANSWER QUESTIONS AND POLLS. @ adrienne.chandler @aceville.co.uk

Facebook.com/ letsknitmag

Twitter.com/ letsknitmag

Send tips and letters to Let’s Knit, 1 Phoenix Court, Hawkins Road, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8JY

51 www.letsknit.co.uk

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TEABreak SETTLE DOWN WITH A CUPPA TO READ, RELAX AND TEST YOUR KNITTY KNOWLEDGE!

Name that yarn

LET’S KNIT’S QUICK QUIZ How much do you know about our favourite hobby?

1 2 3 4 5

How does knitter’s graph paper differ from regular graph paper?

What is special about illusion knitting?

Why is wool ‘carded’ before being spun?

Which stop-motion film tells the tale of knitted naked people?

Who has recently released a pattern book called, A Bird In The Hand?

Here are three clues to our mystery yarn.

Is it one that’s in your stash? l It’s been on the market for over 10 years, and is made from pure wool, including merino fibres l Use 10mm needles for fabulously chunky projects l It’s perfect for superchunky accessories and quick-knit garments

Wordplay

We’ve jumbled up three yarn crafts. Can you work out what they are?

Inhibits golfer (7, 7) Now aim glove (4, 7) Mace arm (7)

Check out the answers below to see how many you got right!

Caption competition

Email adrienne.chandler@aceville. co.uk with your caption and we’ll publish the winning entry in our next issue!

Here’s our favourite caption from last issue ”Honestly darling it is only one ball of wool I bought this morning” Congratulations to Samantha Boreham

PURLS OF WISDOM

He decides to pursue this tentatively.

(Is it a brave decision or a foolhardy one?

I can’t decide.) “Well, if we go to the beach you get sunblock all over it. If we go to the city we keep having to stop for cups of tea and then you can’t set off walking again till you’ve turned the heel.

And do you remember that time you left two-thirds of a cabled scarf in the Rijksmuseum and only realised at the airport? Your knitting has taken over every holiday we’ve ever had. Maybe it’s time to have a holiday without knitting.

Just a holiday. Just us and the kids, without the ghost of Ysolda Teague forever leaning over your shoulder to spoil it. No knitting at all.”

I treat this absurd suggestion with silent contempt. It is the only way.

By Claire Thomas

Holiday in Style My husband and I are currently planning our next holiday. For some unfathomable reason we have decided to start this process by looking through the photographic record of our previous holidays.

“Where’s that?” he says, pointing at a picture of a squinting younger version of me in a rather ill-considered swimming cozzy in a shade of red which clashes with my sunburn.

“Ah,” I remember, “that’s when we went to Spain and I mastered knitting in the round and made that pink water bottle holster that looked like Ann Summers should sell it.”

“What about this one? You’ve got a jumper on. It looks like some sort of city break.”

“That was Edinburgh,” I explain with confidence. “I tried to develop a pattern for knitted Royal Stuart tartan and it was so hard that while I was concentrating

I ate my way through the three boxes of souvenir clotted cream fudge that we’d bought for your mother.”

“And this one? Goodness, you look moody on it. Had we argued?”

“Sock went wrong,” I reply shortly. It’s a painful memory. I don’t want to discuss it.

It’s at this point that he puts down the tablet and says the unsayable.

“Have you ever considered not bringing knitting on holiday?”

I eyeball him with my best gangster face on. “I don’t even understand what you just said.”

“MAYBE IT’S TIME TO HAVE A HOLIDAY WITHOUT THE GHOST OF YSOLDA TEAGUE FOREVER LEANING OVER YOUR SHOULDER TO SPOIL IT.”

After clocking my frosty demeanour, my husband hastily attempts to cover up his catastrophic mistake by saying, “And what kind of holiday would you like this year?”

“The same as every year since I’ve seen The Enchanted April – a month of wisteria and sunshine in an Italian castle with excellent food and three ill-assorted female companions who eventually grow into lifelong friends.”

He sighs. “Anything more affordable and realistic?”

“I dare to dream and make no apology for it.”

And so it goes on. Eventually, after several hours we settle on an idyllic Italian coastal village, with expat family members nearby to babysit one night while we have a ‘date night’ (dinner in a midpriced trattoria and more grappa than is good for anyone’s liver). We are agreed.

We are looking forward to it.

He sighs. “Will you at least consider not knitting, though?”

Will I heck. I’m already planning what to take!

Claire Thomas is a freelance journalist and founder of Stitch ‘n’ Bitch group, Knit Pickers

HOW DID YOU DO? QUICK QUIZ: 1. The boxes are wider than they are tall, just like knit stitches, 2. You can only see the motif when looking from a certain angle 3. Carding ensures the fibres all lay in the same direction, 4. Nudiknits, 5. Sue Stratford WORD PLAY: 1. Shibori felting, 2. Loom weaving, 3. Macrame NAME THAT YARN: Rowan Big Wool

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LETS KNIT SEPT 2016 ISSUE 114 master_LET'S KNIT 09/12/2016 16:38 Page 53

QUALITY YARN & EYE CATCHING PATTERNS FOR OPTIMAL FIT

Our kits provide all you could need to make the perfect project for 2017 and are available in a range of colour combinations and sizes XS/S (M/L) XL/2XL (3XL)

*Quick and easy to order *Delivered straight to your door * Next day delivery on Amazon Prime

Buy now on Amazon.co.uk or at DesignEtte.co.uk

THE Bookshelf CROCHET SPECIAL

OUR PICK OF THE BEST CURRENT BOOKS, BLOGS AND MORE!

HOT READS THIS MONTH LEARN TO CROCHET LINKED STITCHES

We also LOVE… � Blog

BOYS AND BUNTING

Dennis & Matt share their love of all things crafty with a fab selection of easy patterns!

Brandi Isham (£6.99, Search Press) This helpful book makes the whole process of reducing gaps in projects a lot simpler, with clear step-by-step instructions detailing how to create truly solid projects in all sorts of stitches.

This helpful skill will greatly improve many of your crocheted items! Brandi illustrates working in rows and rounds, and includes patterns for home décor items and fashion accessories, we can’t wait to make them all! 01892 510850, www.searchpress.com

WWW.BOYSANDBUNTING.BLOGSPOT.CO.UK HOMEMAKER BOOK AWARDS

HUGGABLE AMIGURUMI

Shannen Chua (£16.99, Martingale & Company) Here at LK HQ, we’re swooning over these adorable little projects! This lovely book uses basic stitches to crochet amigurumi softies ranging from an endearing elephant to a remarkable raccoon. Shannen’s tiny creatures can be made using your favourite yarns and stand 15-30cm tall, with their own unique colour combinations! This book is perfect for amigurumi fans who like larger projects, and anyone who loves to crochet toys. www.shopmartingale.com

QUICK CROCHET FOR THE HOME Tamara Kelly (£16.99, Interweave)

Tamara’s charming book highlights the importance of hand-made goods in making a house a home, with her contemporary designs for each room certain to kick-start inspiration. There are projects ranging from snuggly blankets to colourful mats and beautiful baskets so you’ll not be short of ideas. All her designs are not only quick to crochet, but they each incorporate attractive colours and styles. This is the perfect book for those looking to brighten up bland colour schemes! To buy a copy of Quick Crochet for the Home for only £11.99 inc free UK p&p, call 01206 255777, quoting ref AP716. Offer closes 21/02/17.

Pick up a skill!

POPCORNS, BOBBLES & PUFFS TO CROCHET Linda Zubairy (£9.95, Quarto Press) If you’ve got the basics of crochet underway, then this book is ideal for advancing your skills. The visual guides are clear and concise throughout, so you’re certain to be crocheting windmills and popcorns in no time at all! Linda’s projects are incredibly versatile meaning that you can incorporate them into a number of projects for either yourself or others. Here at LK we love the puffball bag and puff bolster cushion, perfect for adding a personal touch. 0207 284 9300, www.quartoknow.com

If you love crafty books and need some new reading recommendations, then check out the winners of the Homemaker book awards now! www.homemakermagazine.co.uk/awards

A quick chat with...

DORA OHRENSTEIN

Dora’s book Top-Down Crochet Sweaters is available to buy for only £11.99 with free UK p&p, contact EFC Bookshop on 01872 562327. Offer closes 21/02/17. Here she shares her inspiration, and top tips.

“Design inspiration can come from so many places, even a simple silhouette or fashion photo, but a professional designer can’t wait for inspiration to strike. I swatch constantly for new and interesting stitches and techniques to incorporate into my designs.

I find there are significant advantages to working a garment top down. You can make the garment in one piece and adjust the yoke as you go. I amplify in detail how to try on the yoke so that you can judge whether the fit is right in my book. My aim is to enable people to create gorgeous garments and understand how to obtain the fit they find most flattering. I have many favourite patterns within the book, and all the stitches are broken down in detail so you can master them. The cover jacket called Nanette uses an uncommon stitch, crossed trebles, to produce a cable-like look that’s also lacy.

For those knitting my designs, make sure to join my Ravelry group, and read all the introductory material about fit, yarns, gauge, and sizing carefully. Don’t be afraid of failure, the beauty of crochet is it’s easy to undo and start again – failure is a great teacher.”

54 www.letsknit.co.uk

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To b Cro £11 con 018 21/

STYLISH CABLES

EXCLUSIVE TO

Stay on trend in Jacinta Bowie’s

EASY-WEAR CAPE Y

ou won’t have missed the gorgeous grey hues that are all over the high street, but this cape also taps into the trend for easyto-wear fashion. It’s made up of simple knitted rectangles that come together to form a drapey and elegant garment – take a look at the schematic on page 56 to see how it’s all put together. The cable border is a lovely feature and also adds a nice weight to the front edge to help make it flattering and fabulous.

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Measurements & Sizes

Size: S-M (L / XL) Dress size (approx): 8-14 (16-22) To fit chest (cm): 81-97 (102-117)

Knit Kit Yarn: Katia Merino 100%, shade 505, 12 (14) 50g balls Needles: 4mm Stitch markers Cable needle Tapestry needle

Tension Square l l l l

23 sts x 30 rows 10cm x 10cm stocking stitch 4mm needles

Special Abbreviations rev st st: RS rows: p to end, WS rows: k to end RT: k into second st on LH needle, then into first st on LH needle and sl both sts off needle tog C8B: sl four sts onto cn, hold at back of work, k4, k4 from cn C8F: sl four sts onto cn, hold at front of work, k4, k4 from cn

For abbreviations see page 94

About the Yarn Katia Merino 100% is a wonderfully soft pure wool yarn that is sleek and smooth. It’s machine washable and comes in 50 fab shades. It has an RRP of £4.35 per 50g (102m) ball. For stockists, visit www.katia.com

Start knitting here...

LOWER BACK

Using 4mm needles, cast on 186 (202) sts £ Row 1 (WS): * k2, p2 rep from * to last two sts, k2 £ Row 2: * p2, RT, rep from * to last two sts, p2 These two rows set rib £ Cont in rib until work meas 8cm, ending after a WS row ** £ Beg with a p row, work in rev st st until Back meas 32cm, ending after a WS row £ Cast off kwise

FRONTS (make two) Using 4mm needles, cast on 70 (78) sts £ Work in rib as for back to ** £ Beg with a p row, work in rev st st until Front meas 72 (76) cm, ending after a WS row £ Cast off kwise

LK Deputy Editor Adrienne Chandler

CABLE TRIM Using 4mm needles, cast on 35 sts £ Row 1 and all WS rows: k2, p2, k1, p24, [k1, p2] twice £ Row 2 (RS): p3, RT, p1, k24, p1, RT, p2 £ Row 4: p3, RT, p1, [C8B] three times, p1, RT, p2 £ Rows 6, 8 and 12: as Row 2 £ Row 10: p3, RT, p1, k4, [C8F] twice, k4, p1, RT, p2 These 12 rows set patt £ Cont in patt until Cable trim meas 144 (152) cm or is long enough to go up right front and down left front, ending after a WS row £ Cast off in patt

meet our DESIGNER

TO MAKE UP Join Front panels at cast-off edges.

Pin and tack Cable trim evenly along one side of joined Front panels, then sew using mattress stitch. Measure 32cm up other side of each Front and place a stitch marker. Pin and tack back panel along this edge, positioning it evenly between markers, then attach using mattress stitch

£ Using 4mm needles and with RS facing, pick up and k 67 sts along cuff section from end of rib 32 + 80 + 32 = 144cm 32 + 88 + 32 = 152cm 72 + 72 = 144cm 76 + 76 = 152cm

72 (76) cm Left front

30.5 (34) cm

Right front

32cm Lower back 32cm 30.5 + 10 = 40.5 x 2 = 81cm 34 + 10 = 40 x 2 = 88cm

CABLE CHART

to seam then 67 sts from seam to end of rib on foll section. 134 sts £ Work ten rows in rib as for Back £ Cast off in rib Join hem ribs and Sleeve trims with mattress stitch. Weave in ends. Block to dimensions given in the schematic LK

knitwise

SLEEVE TRIMS (alike)

10cm

Need an Alternative?

Rico Essentials Merino DK is a similar yarn that would work well for this cape. Shade 098 Silver Grey is a good colour match. It costs £3.95 per 50g (120m) ball from 01376 743123, www.sconch.com

“Take a look at our Special abbreviations to familiarise yourself with the twists and cables.”

This cape is sewn together in a slightly unusual way, so you’ll need to look at the schematic. First, join the cast-off edges of the Front panels to make one long strip. Then stitch the cabled trim along one long edge. The Lower back section is then sewn to the opposite long edge, matching the centre of the Back to where the Fronts are joined.

To make the sleeve holes, match ribbed corner of Lower back to ribbed corner of Front. This is where you pick up for the Sleeve edgings.

80 (88) cm

Key

“Pin and tack the Cabled trim in place before attaching it to the Fronts, then remove the tacking bit by bit as the mattress seam is worked. Do the same with the Back panel to get the best results.”

JACINTA BOWIE

RS: knit WS: purl RSL purl WS: knit RT C8B C8F

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Jumper, £19.99, H&M; trousers, £19.90, Uniqlo; Necklace form a selection at Marks & Spencer

coming next issue STYLISH CABLED CAPE

BY PAT MENCHINI February issue of Let’s Knit on sale THURSDAY 19TH JANUARY

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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Home & Away

Why not treat yourself to a knitting or crochet holiday in 2017?

Here are our top picks!

Woolfish Knitting Retreats

Come and relax at a Scottish knitting retreat and enjoy a no-pressure knitting holiday in either St Abbs in the Scottish Borders or in New Lanark. The 2017 programme is available to browse and book. Some of the options available to try are continental knitting, colourwork, double knitting and various cast-ons. Prices start from £345 for a single occupancy and it’s cheaper if you share. If you’re a little undecided, take a look at the feedback page on the website to see glowing reviews from fellow knitters!

crochet holi & g n i t t day 2017 Kni s

Costa Brava Knitting Got the mid-winter blues? Why not treat yourself to a spring break with Costa Brava Knitting’s May Bank Holiday spa retreat?

Relax with likeminded folk on sun-dappled terraces, join daily knitting workshops and nightly knitalongs, pamper yourself at the Ayurvedic spa, go sightseeing, make new friends and knit as much or as little as you like. With their focus on each guest’s individual wishes and requirements they promise to send you home refreshed and reinvigorated.

Visit www.woolfish.co.uk for more details.

Stitchtopia Holidays from Arena Travel

Find out more at www.costabravaknitting.com

Stitchtopia has three fantastic knitting holidays lined up for 2017. l The Icelandic Knitting Adventure runs from 1-6 May with leading textile expert Helene Magnusson.

The five-night tour will include three knitting sessions with Helene where knitters will learn Nordic knitting techniques that will inspire them to create a new jumper, quilt or piece of art. l Knitting in the Faroe Islands takes place from 29 June to 6 July. This seven-night holiday will be based in Tórshavn, the picturesque harbour capital of The Faroes. Internationally-acclaimed knitter Katrina í Geil will be on hand to help visitors learn fresh techniques, and will run a series of knitting workshops. l Knit and Crochet in The West of Ireland runs between 1 - 6 October and is a fantastic way to learn traditional knit and crochet techniques. The five-night holiday includes visits to Galway, the Aran Islands, Connemara, Kylemore Abbey and the Sheep and Wool Centre, and one-and-a-half days of workshops with Carol Meldrum.

Gartmore House

Set in the beautiful Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Scotland, Gartmore House offers knitting and crochet retreats all year round. At this country house you can book in for a relaxing five day holiday which includes home cooked food (full board), magnificent accommodation (single, ensuite), professional knitting and crochet tutoring, a trip to Loch Katrine with cruise included and transport from Stirling railway station. The holiday is open to all skill levels and can be snapped up at the special price of just £299. This holiday is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the glorious scenery Scotland has to offer whilst perfecting your knitting and crochet skills!

For more information visit www.arenatravel.com

Take a closer look at www.gartmorehouse.com

58 www.letsknit.co.uk

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THREE-PIECE SET EXCLUSIVE TO

Stash ‘n’ Store Organise your living space with Nicola Valiji’s cunningly practical set

Y

ou know what they say about a tidy home equalling a tidy mind, well this trio is just what you need to get you sorted for the new year. There’s a rather nifty sofa tidy that’s perfect for stashing your remote controls, while the door hanger is ideal for keys. Pop yarn from your current WIP in our chunkyknit bowl, or you could use it for fruit if you’ve made one of those healthy-eating new year’s resolutions.

SPEEDY KNITS FOR HOME!

meet our DESIGNER “These home organisers can be knitted in different colourways to match your home décor. Use the yarn held double for the basket to make it more sturdy.”

NICOLA VALIJI

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Measurements & Sizes

Basket: 30cm diameter x 20cm deep Door hanger: 22cm deep x 15cm wide Sofa tidy: 51cm long x 31cm wide

Knit Kit Yarn: Hayfield Baby Chunky, shades (A) 416 Minty Mischief, (B) 403 Brook, four 100g balls of each Needles: 6.5mm straight, 8mm circular Stitch markers Tapestry needle Cable needle

Tension Square l l l l

14 sts x 19 rows 10cm x 10cm stocking stitch 6.5mm needles

Special Abbreviations C6F: slip next three sts on to cn, hold at front of work, k next three sts from LH needle, k3 from cn

For abbreviations see page 94

About the Yarn Hayfield Baby Chunky knits to a standard tension and comprises 30% nylon and 70% acrylic. It is a smooth yarn, which gives good stitch definition for cable patterns, and is machine washable. Choose from 20 shades. It costs £3.09 per 100g (155m) ball from 0845 003 0775, www.wool4less.co.uk

Need an Alternative?

King Cole Big Value Chunky is an acrylic yarn that would work well for this project. It comes in 36 colour options and can be machine washed and tumble dried. A 100g (152m) ball costs £2.29 from www.purplelindacrafts.co.uk

knitwise

When working in patterns like rib and moss stitch, it really helps to be able to identify your stitches so you can keep track of the pattern. Knit stitches look like v shapes and purl stitches look like little bumps. In rib, you knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches as they appear. For moss stitch, purl the knits and knit the purls to keep the pattern correct.

Start knitting here...

BASKET

Using 8mm needles and yarn A held double, cast on five sts £ Row 1 and all WS rows: p £ Row 2 (RS): (kfb) twice, k1, (kfb) twice. Nine sts £ Row 4: k1, (kfb) to end. 17 sts £ Row 6: k1, (kfb, k1) to end. 25 sts £ Row 8: k1, (kfb, k2) to end. 33 sts £ Row 10: k1, (kfb, k3) to end. 41 sts £ Row 12: k1, (kfb, k4) to end. 49 sts £ Row 14: k1, (kfb, k5) to end. 57 sts £ Row 16: k1, (kfb, k6) to end. 65 sts £ Row 18: (k1, p1) to last st, k1 This row sets moss st £ Rep last row 18 times more Change to yarn B £ Next row: k £ Work four rows in moss st £ Next row: moss 11, cast off ten sts, moss 23 (including rem st from cast-off), cast off ten sts, moss to end £ Next row: work in moss st to end, casting on ten sts over each cast-off gap £ Work four rows in moss st £ Cast off

TO MAKE UP Using one strand of yarn A, sew running stitch around cast-on edge, pull to gather. Sew row-ends together up colour change.

Continue in yarn B and sew row-ends to cast-off edge.

Weave in ends

DOOR HANGER Using 6.5mm needles and one strand of yarn B, cast on 20 sts £ Row 1 (RS): (k2, p2) to end This row forms rib £ Rows 2-6: cont in rib £ Row 7: k Change to yarn A £ Row 8: k7, p6, k7 £ Row 9: p7, k6, p7 £ Row 10: as Row 8 £ Row 11: p7, C6F, p7 £ Rows 12-13: rep Rows 8-9 Rows 8-13 set cable patt £ Work six rows more in cable patt £ Row 20: k7, p6, k7 Change to yarn B £ Row 21: k £ Beg with a WS row, work eight rows in rib Pm at each end of last row £ Next row: (k1, p1) to end £ Next row: (p1, k1) to end These two rows set moss st £ Work 36 rows in moss st £ Next row: moss 7, cast off six sts, moss to end £ Next row: moss to end casting on six sts over cast-off gap

Our fab hanger has identical pockets on both sides, providing space for no less than six remotes!

£ Work nine rows in moss st £ Cast off

TO MAKE UP Gently press work avoiding cable.

With WS together, fold work from markers to cast-on edge. Sew side seams. Weave in ends

SOFA TIDY Using 6.5mm needles and one strand of yarn B, cast on 42 sts £ Row 1 (RS): (k2, p2) to last two sts, k2 £ Row 2: (p2, k2) to last two sts, p2 Last two rows set rib £ Rows 3-6: cont in rib £ Row 7: k Change to yarn A £ Row 8: (k4, p6, k4) to end £ Row 9: (p4, k6, p4) to end £ Row 10: as Row 8 £ Row 11: (p4, C6F, p4) to end £ Rows 12-13: rep Rows 8-9 Rows 8-13 set cable patt £ Work 12 rows in cable patt £ Next row: (k4, p6, k4) to end Change to yarn B £ Next row: k £ Work six rows in rib Pm at each end of last row £ Next row: (k1, p1) to end £ Next row: (p1, k1) to end These two rows set moss st £ Cont in moss st until work meas 55cm, ending after a WS row

Pm at each end of last row £ Work six rows in rib Change to yarn A £ Next row: k £ Work cable patt three times £ Next row: (k4, p6, k4) to end Change to yarn B £ Next row: k £ Work six rows in rib £ Cast off

TO MAKE UP Gently press work avoiding cables.

With WS together, fold work from first markers to cast-on edge, and from second markers to cast-off edge. Sew side seams. Weave in ends. Sew vertical seams to make pockets for remote controls LK

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LETS KNIT SEPT 2016 ISSUE 114 master_LET'S KNIT 09/12/2016 15:00 Page 61

Ella Rae, designer Yarns, Debbie Bliss, C&B and Mondial.

At Damaris Crafts I stock a wide range of quality Yarns, fabrics and haberdashery, all at affordable prices.

We are the only stockist in this area of Amano Yarn which is Alpaca sourced from Peru.

We run a craft group every day for ÂŁ1 per session, including courses and workshops throughout the year which will be run either by myself or other experts.

Loyalty and membership cards offering discounts when you spend in store and online.

Open Wednesday's to Saturday's 10-4pm Phone: 0118 9712151 or 07736353839 Damaris Crafts Yarns and Fabrics WWW.DAMARISCRAFTS.CO.UK

LETS KNIT SEPT 2016 ISSUE 114 master_LET'S KNIT 09/12/2016 16:52 Page 62

Crafters ...

are your hands a real mess ...?

Use DermaGuard Skin Protection lotion! ’Tis the season to Loom Knit!

Knitting Looms, Yarns, Crochet, Books, Needlework, Haberdashery, Accessories, Gifts and more...

ands – a h r u o Treat y friends – to ur ! and yo e this winter bottl

ORDER NOW POST FREE! 250ml bottle - £6.50 500ml bottle - £12.00 FREEPHONE: 0800 917 2219 MAIL ORDER: The Skin Care Company, Bont Newydd Mill, St Asaph, LL17 0HH.

Shop online at KnitUK.com

www.dermaguard.com

WOOLFISH KNITTING RETREATS Come and relax at a Scottish Knitting Retreat and enjoy a no pressure Knitting Holiday held both in St Abbs in the Scottish Borders and our new venue NEW LANARK! The 2017 programme is already available to browse and book. Maybe try continental knitting, colourwork, double knitting, various cast one...,Prices start from £345 single occupancy (cheaper if sharing) If you're a little undecided, take a look at the feedback page on the website to see glowing reviews from fellow knitters!

To find out more call Louise on 07861 389224, Instagram@woolfishknittingretreats or visit www.woolfish.co.uk

REAL-LIFE STORIES

Hot for

Hygge

Adrienne Chandler explores the Danish trend that everyone’s talking about!

W

hen you last headed to the newsstand to pick up your favourite knitting mag, you might have spotted the word ‘hygge’ printed in bold letters across a range of home and lifestyle titles. No, it’s not a typo, it’s actually a traditional Danish way of living that has become a hugely popular trend here in the UK – and it’s absolutely perfect for knitters! Read on to find out why.

Language school

Hygge is pronounced hoo-ga and is used as a noun. You can also describe something as hyggelig, pronounced hoo-ge-ly.

Knitting Without Needles by Anne Weil, published by Potter Craft (£14.99, available from www.thegmcgroup.com)

Why we love it?

What is hygge?

As knitters, cosiness and comfort are our thing. It’s what we do best. We can make blankets, cushions, jumpers, socks, shawls, slippers, hottie covers, teacosies and more, all of which are just the thing for creating a hyggelig living space. That’s why winter is quite possibly our favourite season – it gives us a chance to use our chunkiest needles and warmest yarn to make hibernation-friendly projects to wear and for the home. But as we’ve said above, hygge isn’t just about objects.

In its simplest form, knitting is the skill of using sticks to turn string into something beautiful, practical or both, and that is a joy in itself. That is why, when we’re stressed or feeling low, we reach for our craft bag. We love the process as much as the end product. Knitting soothes our mind and soul and is the perfect hobby for hygge.

If you were to make a literal translation of hygge, the closest you would get is probably ‘cosiness’, but that doesn’t quite capture the wider lifestyle choices that are associated with the word. Imagine the dark days and long nights of winter in Denmark. It’s a time for retreating indoors with a big blanket, glowing candles and an open fire. For keeping your friends and family close and finding comfort in the people and things you love. For cooking warming meals for everyone to enjoy and getting as much satisfaction from the preparation and process as you do in the eating.

It’s about taking a step back and celebrating life’s simple pleasures. That’s hygge.

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“Knit something that makes you happy and content.”

Danish-born designer Karie Westermann tells us more about this great trend

“It has been really interesting seeing the concept of hygge take off in Britain over the last few years. I grew up in Denmark and it’s always fun trying to explain the word to non-Danes! Hygge is essentially about taking time out from a busy world. Spending time with good friends, curling up with a good book, or relaxing with knitting is what hygge is all about.

For me, visiting someone in their home and feeling welcome is an experience of hygge too. A hyggelig home is somewhere you are allowed to relax. Many people think that hygge is only something you can feel during the winter or the autumn, but as it’s a state of mind, hygge can be found all throughout the year.

Hygge cannot be bought but you can certainly make hygge! Rather than spending money on expensive candles or tonnes of throw pillows, sit down and allow yourself a break from the world. Knit something that makes you happy and content. I designed my Hygge Collection wanting to create that feeling. None of the patterns are particularly complicated, but they are all patterns that are enjoyable to make and easy-to-wear. You won’t achieve hygge if you fret about stitch counts or if you find you have to dress up to wear something you’ve made. Hygge is about celebrating the small joys in our everyday lives.”

Gorgeous homewares from Bergere de France Créations 16/17

Inspiration Station

Hygge is the perfect opportunity to let your creativity run wild and is an important time for many designers. “For me, hygge is to slow down,” says Camilla Ette Gotfredsen, the creative force behind Danish knitting and yarn company DesignEtte. “It’s about ease, and a comfortable feeling of well-being. Hygge is an anti-stress time. It’s a warm and cosy living room or somewhere you can sit with your loved ones, talk, eat sweets and cakes or fruit and enjoy a warm coffee, tea or hot chocolate. You can watch a movie or do other things like knit and crochet – I have come up with many new design ideas during hygge, and enjoyed it immensely!”

Head to www.designette.co.uk to see Camilla’s innovative knitting and crochet patterns, and yarn collection.

Karie’s Hygge Collection is available to buy as an e-book on www.ravelry.com, or visit www.kariebookish.net to see what she’s been up to on her blog.

Amazing Alpaca

Cosy cushion from Sublime book 706

Hygge is a time for surrounding yourself with warm, cosy knits and wonderful textures, so alpaca fibre with its gentle fuzzy halo is an ideal choice. “Alpaca fleece has many fantastic qualities,” explains Ruth Strickley from The Little Wool Company, who makes yarn from her own herd of alpacas. “Alpaca fibre contains very little lanolin, which is the substance in sheeps’ wool that people are often allergic to.” This means alpaca can be worn by those with sensitive skin, and as hygge is an all-inclusive time for your nearest and dearest, the whole clan can stay toasty from top to toe in gorgeous alpaca knits.

“The fibres are also semi-hollow so knitted fabrics are very good at absorbing moisture,” says Ruth. “It is lightweight too, and has insulating properties, which make it good for

socks and all your winter woollies.” Visit www.thelittlewoolcompany.co.uk to find out more and see the store’s exclusive yarns.

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3 Hyggelig Yarns To Buy

Stock up on these super snuggly yarns!

The Little Wool Company Chilla Valley Alpaca Colour is a 4ply yarn that blends 60% alpaca, 30% Shetland wool and 10% tussah silk. £6.95 per 50g (230m) ball, 01409 221699, www.thelittlewoolcompany.co.uk

Hooked on Hygge

Crochet is an ideal choice for homewares, which are in turn great for the hygge trend.

The classic granny square not only makes colourful blankets, but the technique is easy to master and they’re fun to make. When the weather’s rather bleak, we love curling up on the sofa, zoning out while we crochet a square or five. Get Knitted’s blanket kits come with all the yarn you need. This one’s called Cathy Come Home and features smaller squares within the main design, plus a decorative edge. To learn more and see the other blanket kits and patterns available, visit www.getknitted.com

Cosy Kits

We’ve already established that knitting is the perfect hygge hobby, so relax and unwind with a Stitch & Story knitting kit. The 100% pure wool chunky yarn is plump and warm, and the projects are super snuggly; choose from comfy cushions, soft slippers or stylish accessories.

Each kit also comes with sleek wooden needles and full instructions. This is the Masley Cushion Cover Kit and would bring a bold splash of colour to your craft room this winter. £42, www.stitchandstory.com

Katia Peru is a chunky-weight machine washable mix of wool, alpaca and acrylic.

RRP £5.65 per 100g (106m) ball, for stockists visit www.katia.com

DesignEtte Naturino is a 4ply pure wool yarn that’s coloured using natural plant dyes. £11.25 per 50g (240m) ball, www.designette.co.uk

Turn to page 71 for our pick of the best cosy yarns for under £3!

Wooden votive, £9.50, 01993 845559, www.garden trading.co.uk

Get the Look!

Ankle boot slippers, £20, 0808 202 0242, www.ewm.co.uk

Accessorise your craft room to create speedy hygge style!

Heart mug, £2.99, 0131 561 6406, www.dobbies.com

Go natural!

Natural materials are key to creating a hyggelig living space – and that includes your knitting corner. KnitPro’s Basix range is made from undyed birch wood and they’re sleek and smooth to knit with. They come as single, doublepointed or circular needles and go up to 15mm, making them a great choice for knitting up super cosy projects in next to no time. For stockists and more details, visit www.knitpro.eu

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H

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

HH The Knitter’s H Bucket List 2017!

Exciting ideas for the new year

Try loom knitting

Loom knitting is the latest crafting trend hitting the UK and it’s easy to see why. Knit in front of the TV, listen to your favourite radio programmes and chat to friends and family without losing a stitch! The KnitUK loom assortment set features three round and one straight loom, allowing you to create a variety of exciting projects such as garments, accessories and homewares quickly and easily. You can even accommodate different thicknesses of yarn and make projects for all seasons by adding or removing pegs. The looms are ideal for all skill levels including beginners and crafters of all ages, can be shipped worldwide and are exclusive to KnitUK. Pop over to its website to snap up a set! www.knituk.com

t ke c u B 7 1 0 2 list

• Loom knitting • Fibre festival • Luxury fibres • Knitalong Be Inspired At A Fibre Festival

Attending a show is a great way to discover something new and mingle with like-minded crafters, so make a date in your diary for Wonderwool Wales. The hugely-anticipated annual show is back on 22nd-23rd April at the Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells with a programme of Woolschool workshops filled with lots of ideas for creative endeavour. Fibre fans can learn techniques for felting, plying, beading, weaving and spinning amongst other things. As usual the show will burst at the seams with stalls and special exhibitions, and The Sheepwalk, a woolIy take on the catwalk, will add to the entertainment. www.wonderwoolwales.co.uk

Indulge in Luxury Fibres’

If you’re looking to introduce new fibres into your knitting projects that will add that touch of luxury then look no further than The Little Knitting Company’s award-winning knitting kits. These are a great way to sample yarns you may not have previously tried and end up with a beautiful finished project, with fibres ranging from cashmere, yak, kid mohair and Egyptian cotton plus many more. Each kit includes a pair of gorgeous hand crafted responsibly-sourced Indian rosewood or subabul hardwood knitting needles, yarn and a printed pattern which will also include additional lace, cable or colourwork charts, a cable needle or wooden buttons where required. The Little Knitting Company has something to offer everyone, with a fabulous range of baby knits, garments, accessory kits and toy kits (its Juggling Foxes are fun for the whole family!) www.thelittleknittingcompany.co.uk

H

H

Join a Knitalong

Do you struggle to finish big projects? Joining a knitalong is a great way to stay motivated, and we just happen to be launching one! Turn to page 20 for part one of Country Cottage, a six-part blanket design made up of individual squares. Each issue Let’s Knit will feature two new square designs; in the meantime you can share your progress with us via Facebook and see how others are getting on by using the hashtag #LKCountryCottage.

Even if you don’t use social media, taking part in a knitalong is a great way to keep up momentum on a long-term project – and by the end you’ll have a beautiful finished blanket!

66 www.letsknit.co.uk

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QUICK & EASY MAKES

Snug Winter T Warmers Cosy up with Siân Brown’s colourful hot water bottle covers!

his homely duo are the perfect addition to an evening spent with a cup of tea, working on your latest WIP! Available in two attractive designs, these moss stitched and striped projects are certain to add interest to your home décor, simply add a chunky blanket or throw to beat winter chills entirely.

The stitch patterns for both are simple to master, and they feature an easy drawstring fastening.

EXCLUSIVE TO

KNIT THEM IN A WEEKEND!

67 www.letsknit.co.uk

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Measurements & Sizes To fit a standard 1L hot water bottle Striped: 16 cm wide x 26 cm deep Moss stitch: 17 cm wide x 27 cm deep.

Knit Kit Yarn: Cascade 220, shades (A) 8010 Natural, (B) 8912 Lilac Mist, (C) 7808 Purple Hyacinth, (D) 7802 Cerise, one 100g skein of each Needles: 4.5mm

Tension Square Striped: l 18 sts x 26 rows l 10cm x 10cm l Stocking stitch l 4.5mm needles Moss Stitch: l 18 sts x 27 rows l 10cm x 10cm l Over patt l 4.5mm needles

For abbreviations see page 94

About the Yarn Cascade 220 is a 10% OFF 100% Peruvian AT WOOL highland wool. It’s WAREHOUSE! incredibly soft and USE CODE LK114 easy to work with, and is available in a gorgeous range of diverse shades from neutral hues to brights. It costs £7.49 per 100g (200m) ball from 0800 505 3300, www.woolwarehouse.co.uk

Make this from one skein!

Start knitting here...

STRIPED COVER FRONT AND BACK (alike) Using 4.5mm needles and yarn C, cast on 34 sts £ Row 1 (RS): k £ Beg with a p row, work in st st for four rows each in yarns C, A and B These 12 rows form patt £ Rep patt until you have 13 stripes in total Change to yarn A £ Next row: p £ Next row (eyelet): * k4, k2tog, yfwd, rep from * to last four sts, k4 £ Next row: p Change to yarn B £ K 16 rows Change to yarn A £ Next row: k, dec two sts evenly across row. 32 sts

£ Picot cast off: cast off two sts, * sl rem st from RH needle to LH needle, cast on two sts, cast off four sts, rep from * to end, fasten off rem st

MOSS STITCH COVER FRONT AND BACK (alike) Using 4.5mm needles and yarn D, cast on 34 sts £ Set up row: k £ Row 1 (RS): * k1, p1, rep from * to end £ Row 2: as Row 1 £ Row 3: * p1, k1, rep from * to end £ Row 4: as Row 3 These four rows form patt £ Rep patt until work meas 20cm £ Next row (eyelet): * patt 4, k2tog, yo, rep from * to last four sts, patt 4 £ Cont in patt until 6cm has been

worked above eyelets £ Next row: k, dec two sts evenly across row. 32 sts £ Picot cast off: cast off two sts, * sl rem st from RH to LH needle, cast on two sts, cast off four sts, rep from * to end, fasten off rem st

TO MAKE UP Press pieces. Sew bottom seam and side seams. Cut eight strands of yarn 70cm each. Plait to form a tie and thread through eyelets LK

coming next issue CABLED SHOPPING BAG

BY HELEN ARDLEY February issue of Let’s Knit on sale THURSDAY 19TH JANUARY

68 www.letsknit.co.uk

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LETS KNIT SEPT 2016 ISSUE 114 master_LET'S KNIT 09/12/2016 16:49 Page 69

Offering a fabulous range of home reared alpaca yarns, luxury yarns, gift sets and accessories.

We have everything you need to make those special projects in 2017!

www.thelittlewoolcompany.com Tel: 01409 221699

NEW WEBSITE LAUNCHED

For all your knitting, needlework, patchwork and quilting needs.

With over 20 years experience, Thread Bear is your one-stop shop for all your crafting needs, packed with over 2000 fabrics, 30 different types of knitting yarn, embroidery kits, cross stitch charts and haberdashery.

Hand Dyed Silks for Knitting and Crochet Luxury To get your exclusive 10% discount please use code KNIT10

www.willowknits.etsy.com

WillowKnits

International Yarns... Locally Cosy up this winter to these super soft seals created in the King Cole Luxe Fur. The perfect additions for any family!

Stocking yarns and patterns from Stylecraft, Woolcraft, King Cole, Debbie Bliss, Louisa Harding, Opal, Artesano, Schoeller & Stahl, James C Brett & Designer Yarns.

Visit our website where we hope you’ll find just what you’re looking for, or maybe something you didn't know you were!!

www.yarnpile.co.uk

Peachey Ethknits

Located in the historic town of Warwick

- All Stock Reduced Sirdar, Sublime, Rowan, Stylecraft, Regia, Patons – Knitting Yarns; Beth Russell, Historical Sampler, Heritage, Derwentwater, Vervaco – Needlework & Rug Kits; Denise Needle & Crochet Hook Sets

E: ethknits@gmail.com Tel: 44(0)1245 327006

www.ethknits.co.uk

A specialist wool shop with a large selection of knitting yarns and accessories including: Sirdar, Stylecraft, King Cole, Katia, Regia, Debbie Bliss.

Also stocking knitting & crochet patterns/ haberdashery/buttons/fabric/Butterick sewing patterns.

Opening times: Mon – Sat: 9.30 – 4.30 Thurs: 9.30 – 2.00 Warwick Wools, 17 Market Place Warwick CV34 4SA Tel: 01926 492853 Email: mail@warwickwools.co.uk

FREE BUMPER LEGACY YARN BUNDLE *

FOR ALL READERS!

FREE*

Here at Let’s Knit we have arranged a FREE* Bumper Legacy Yarn Bundle, including 240g of yarn, knitting needles and crochet hook! This beautiful kit includes warm and bright shades of yarn, allowing you to make a wide range of projects!

PLACE YOUR ORDER TODAY:

www.letsknit.co.uk/readerofferjan17 Enter Discount Code LKNJANRO in your Shopping Basket!

PLUS take advantage of The Fiesta 1500g Yarn Bundle! Includes 15 balls

ONLY £32.99!

of DK Yarn in 10 stunning bright colours, knitting needles, crochet hook, tapestry needle & Made With Love labels!

1500G

YARN! *T&C's: Orders must be placed by the 3rd February 2017. Subject to availability while stocks last. Postage charges apply. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. We can only replace damaged or faulty goods. Please allow 28 days for delivery.

HURRY LIMITED STOCK AVAILABLE! *Valid until May 16th

WWW.CRAFTSTOREUK.COM

Reader offer .indd 1

09/12/2016 15:50

Cosy yarns for under ÂŁ3 Get ready for the new year with these fabulously huggable and affordable yarns!

T

here are so many snug yarns on the market at the moment, ranging from bouncy acrylics to sophisticated mohair blends! And the best part? There are plenty within your budget, as all the lovely yarns on these pages can be bought for under ÂŁ3 a ball! Which will you pick for your new year knit?

Easy to knit Soft blends

Incredibly versatile

Great for toys

Big and beautiful 71 www.letsknit.co.uk

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1. Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky

2. Adriafil Azurra

3. Cygnet DK

4. King Cole Dollymix

5. James C. Brett DK with Merino

6. Stylecraft Special DK

7. Robin DK

8. Wooly Hippo Baby DK

This bright yarn has a 100% acrylic composition, making it perfect for children’s garments where hardwearing materials are essential! There’s a fab range of free accompanying patterns to knit up, and if you have especially mucky little ones, you’ll be glad to hear that it’s completely machine washable.

It costs £2.25 per 100g (136m) ball from 0845 544 2196, www.loveknitting.com

If you love fashioning bright colours then feast your eyes on this dazzling yarn! It’s a lovely 4ply yarn available in over 30 shades, with its wool blend composition showcasing striking colours wonderfully. Try knitting on 2.5-3mm needles for finely detailed projects. It costs £2.90 per 50g (185m) ball from 0131 558 1747, www.mcadirect.com

Lo and behold, this will soon be your new favourite yarn for knitting toys! This lovely mix stitches up beautifully on 4mm needles, and is perfect for projects like Craig the Puffin on page 16 of this issue! Due to its small size, it’s ideal for knitting small spots of colour in projects.

It costs 75p per 25g (73m) ball from 0115 947 4239, www.knitnottingham.co.uk

Knitting is best worked with smooth, reliable yarn, and this is certainly one of the favourites in our stash! This standard DK yarn is incredibly versatile and comes in an array of bright and subtle colours; perfect for any project this new year. It costs £1.69 per 100g (298m) ball from 0800 505 3300, www.woolwarehouse.co.uk

If you’re looking for a high quality merino blend, then we’ve got you covered.

Boasting 10% merino wool content, this yarn is beautifully soft to the touch and wonderful to knit or crochet with. It’s ideal for cardigans and jumpers, and knits to most DK patterns. It costs £2.70 per 100g (290m) ball from 01507 474430, www.thewoolfactoryonline.co.uk

Soft and easy to knit with, this lovely yarn should be a staple in any knitter’s hoard! We can think of a thousand sweaters, hats and blankets that we’d love to make in this high quality acrylic yarn and its low price means we can do so guilt-free! How about embarking on our Country Cottage knitalong on page 20? It’s available for £1.99 per 100g (295m) ball from 0845 519 4573, www.deramores.co.uk

This cosy yarn is great quality at a wonderful price! It’s well suited to thicker outer layers like heavy cardigans or timeless décor pieces like comfy cushions. It has a beautiful colour palette, and is available in shades that will complement your home. It costs £1.49 per 100g (300m) ball from 01273 424529 www.thedroppedstitch.co.uk

This versatile yarn is not only exquisite in colour, but incredibly soft to the touch. It’s easy to knit with and works well in baby garments due to its softness.

It’s a handy yarn to stock up on as it can often be substituted into patterns as a cheaper alternative. It costs £1.15 per 100g (270m) ball from www.woolyhippo.co.uk

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CAN WE Help?

YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP FOR ADVICE, TIPS, SHORT-CUTS AND MORE!

Hi there! This month we discuss the wonders of brioche stitch and mohair yarn

Ask Martine Q A

Is mohair difficult to knit with?

Mohair can certainly present a few challenges for the inexperienced knitter. The results, however, are often stunning, so it’s worth persevering. Mohair is particularly well suited to cold weather accessories. The fabric created has an elegant drape and is surprisingly warm, despite its delicate, gossamer appearance.

Here are my top tips for making your mohair knitting experience as painless as possible: 1. Select your yarn carefully. Mohair has a tendency to stretch out of shape quickly. Blending it with another fibre like silk helps it keep its shape. Try Rowan Kidsilk Haze or Debbie Bliss Angel.

2. Choose a simple pattern. I’ve knitted the Mohair Bias Loop

by Churchmouse Yarns and Teas several times and recommend it. Wisp, a free scarf pattern by Cheryl Niamath, is also very popular on Ravelry. A simple pattern will showcase your chosen yarn and make the knitting process enjoyable.

3. Knit in good light. It can be hard to see mohair stitches on your needle so combining good light with a simple pattern will give you the best chance of success.

4. Put it in the freezer! Mohair is notoriously difficult to rip back if you make a mistake as the long fibres tend to stick to each other.

However, if you put your knitting in a plastic bag in the freezer for a few hours the cold temperature helps the fibres shrink and makes ripping back far easier.

5. Check for allergies. Mohair fibre comes from the angora goat.

A knitted mohair accessory makes a luxurious gift, but people who are allergic to pets could well struggle to wear a mohair garment or accessory, regardless of how beautiful it looks.

DOWNLOAD FOR FREE! Find this gorgeous mohair-blend Sheer Sweater at www. letsknit.co.uk

WHAT IS… BRIOCHE STITCH? Brioche stitch is a clever technique that looks a bit like an extra-dense version of 1x1 rib. It uses a combination of slipped stitches and yarn overs to create the effect of one set of stitches layered over another, and is very effective when worked in two colours, as the top layer almost appears to be embroidered over the bottom layer. It's notoriously tricky to work. However, Nancy Marchant, known as the 'Queen of Brioche', has dedicated a whole website to it and published several books of brioche patterns.

Find all you need to know at www.briochestitch.com

What can I knit with...

Martine Ellis is a knitter, teacher, crafter, blogger and podcaster based in Guernsey. www.martineellis.com

ONE 100G BALL OF ARAN YARN

HOW ABOUT YOU? We asked if you had any tips for knitting with mohair “I like to combine it with another yarn so it's easier to use.”

Michelle Binton

Lady Grey by Claire Devine, £3.50 from www.ravelry.com

Antler Mittens by Tin Can Knits, $6 from www.tincanknits.com

Papaya Punch by Drops Design, free from www.garnstudio.com

“You can use pretty much any size of needles.

I prefer larger ones.”

Glenda Hamilton NEXT ISSUE: Email them to adrienne.chandler@aceville.co.uk.

Printed ones win a prize!

73 www.letsknit.co.uk

CanWeHelp114.indd 85

09/12/2016 11:49

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COMING UP NEXT ISSUE:

• Knit our spring shawl and more with your free lace yarn kit!

• Fun and easy toys • Flattering drapey cardi • Simple flower wreath

09/12/2016 16:41

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DMC NATURA XL JUST COTTON, shade 72. £4.49 per 100g (75m) ball from www.purplelindacrafts.co.uk

STYLECRAFT WEEKENDER, shade 3680 Duck Egg. £3.49 from 0845 519 4573, www.deramores.com

CARDIGAN, £16, 0333 014 8000, www. marksandspencer.com

DEBBIE BLISS Cable Top. Pattern DB003 costs £3.50 from 01782 862332, www. cucumberpatch.com

WEST YORKSHIRE SPINNERS ILLUSTRIOUS, shade Sea Glass. £10.95 per 100g (225m) ball from 01535 664500, www.wyspinners.com

SIRDAR WASH ‘N’ WEAR DK, shade 318 Duck Egg. £2.29 per 50g (130m) ball from 01925 764231, www.blacksheepwools.com

Cool TONES

DEBBIE BLISS ROMA, shade 009 Duck Egg. £8.95 from 03456 049049, www.johnlewis.com

KEEP FRESH AND FASHIONABLE IN SWEET DUCK EGG

DUCK EGG EARRINGS, £18, www.glitzysecrets.com

CASCADE YARNS® 220 SUPERWASH®, shade 1985 Duck Egg Blue. £7.49 per 100g (200m) ball from 0800 505 3300, www. woolwarehouse.co.uk

UK ALPACA BABY ALPACA SILK DK, shade Duck Egg. £9.30 per 100g (225m) ball from 01884 243579, www.ukalpaca.com SWEATER, £14, 0871 231 2000, www.fiftyplus.co.uk

L’OREAL PARIS COLOR RICHE EYE QUAD, shade Turquoise Spell. £7.99, 0345 671 0709, www.superdrug.com

76 www.letsknit.co.uk

SHOES, £19.99, 0344 499 6690, www.newlook.com

ERIKA KNIGHT BRITISH BLUE WOOL, shade 108 Ice Blue. £3.75 per 25g (55m) ball from 0161 217 0858, www.tangled-yarn.co.uk

FUN FOUR-PIECE SET

Dolly Daydream Knit a colourful outfit for the most stylish doll in town!

EXCLUSIVE TO

O

ur doll is all set for the new year with her fab knitted wardrobe, designed

by Susie Johns. There’s a dress, jacket and matching socks, we love the bright pink and yellow combo! You’ll need a few small stitch holders for the jacket and dress, but if you don’t have any, just cut a length of scrap yarn and thread it through the stitches to be held, then knot the yarn to make a loop and secure your stitches until you need them.

77 www.letsknit.co.uk

Measurements & Sizes

£ Next row: (k2tog) to end. 40 sts £ Next row: p

To fit doll: 36-40cm tall

Left back

Knit Kit

£ Row 1: k10, turn Leave rem sts on a holder £ Row 2: p to last two sts, k2 £ Row 3: k £ Rep Rows 2-3 seven times, then Row 2 once more £ Next row: cast off five sts, k to end. Five sts £ Next row: k2, p3 £ Cast off

Yarn: Stylecraft Special DK, shades (A) 1263 Citron, (B) 1257 Fiesta, one 100g ball of each Needles: 4mm Stitch holders Buttons: six Tapestry needle

Tension Square l l l l

Front

22 sts x 30 rows 10cm x 10cm stocking stitch 4mm needles

For abbreviations see page 94

About the Yarn Stylecraft Special 15% OFF DK is a good value AT LOVE acrylic yarn that KNITTING! USE is available in a CODE 5568 fantastic selection of colours, so you could make a whole wardrobe for your doll. It costs £1.95 per 100g (295m) ball from 0845 544 2196, www.loveknitting.com

Need an Alternative?

Try Rico Baby Classic DK. It 10% OFF blends polyamide AT BLACK SHEEP and acrylic and WOOLS! USE is soft and easy CODE LK114 to knit with. It costs £2.49 per 50g (165m) ball from 01925 764231, www.blacksheepwools.com

Start knitting here…

DRESS

Using 4mm needles and yarn A, cast on 80 sts using two-needle method £ Row 1: k each st tbl £ Row 2: k Join in yarn B, carry yarn A up side of work £ Using yarn B, k two rows Cut yarn B and cont in yarn A only £ K three rows £ Beg with a p row, work 21 rows in st st

Rejoin yarn A to sts on holder £ Row 1: k20, turn Leave rem sts on holder £ Row 2: p £ Beg with a k row, work 14 rows in st st, pm at each end of fourth row

Shape front neck £ Row 1: k8, turn £ Row 2: cast off two sts, p to end.

Six sts £ Row 3: k £ Row 4: cast off one st, p to end.

Five sts £ Cast off £ With RS facing rejoin yarn to rem front sts, cast off four sts, k to end £ Work to match left front neck, reversing shaping

knitwise

This pattern uses both k2tog and skpo decreases. That’s because they make the stitches lean in different directions. A k2tog slants to the right and an skpo tilts to the left.

This will give your work a neat and professional finish, especially when shaping the yoke on the jacket.

Right back Rejoin yarn A to rem ten sts £ Work to match left back, reversing shaping

ARMHOLE EDGING (alike) Stitch side seams between lower edge and markers £ Using 4mm needles and yarn A, with RS facing, pick up and k 19 sts around armhole edge £ K one row £ Cast off

NECKBAND Join right shoulder seam £ Using 4mm needles and yarn A, with RS facing and beg at top corner of left back, pick up and k six sts along left back neck edge, five sts down front left neck, four sts along centre, five sts up right front neck, six sts along right back neck. 26 sts £ K one row £ Cast off

TO MAKE UP Make three button loops on one side of back opening and sew three buttons along opposite edge, to correspond with button loops

JACKET BODY Using 4mm needles and yarn B, cast on 81 sts using the two-needle method £ Row 1: k each st tbl £ Row 2: k Join in yarn A, carrying yarn B up side of work £ Using yarn A, k two rows Cut yarn A and cont in yarn B only £ K three rows £ Beg with a p row, work 19 rows in st st

Right front

“Make sure your doll’s body is in proportion to its head or the jacket may not fit properly.”

LK Deputy Editor, Adrienne Chandler

78 www.letsknit.co.uk

£ Row 1: k17, k2tog, turn. 18 sts Leave rem sts on a holder £ Row 2: cast off two sts, p to end. 16 sts £ Row 3: k to last two sts, k2tog. 15 sts £ Row 4: p £ Rep Rows 3-4 twice more. 13 sts Cut yarn and leave sts on another holder

Back Rejoin yarn B to sts on first holder

meet our DESIGNER “These mini garments are not only easy to make but take such a small amount of yarn. You could knit all the items in a weekend, and have plenty of yarn left over to add to your stash.”

SUSIE JOHNS

£ Row 1: skpo, k39, k2tog, turn. 41 sts Leave rem sts on holder £ Row 2: p £ Row 3: skpo, k to last two sts, k2tog. 39 sts £ Rep Rows 2-3 twice, then Row 2 once more. 35 sts Cut yarn and leave sts on another holder

Left front £ Rejoin yarn B to rem 19 sts, cast off two sts, k to end £ Work to match Right front, reversing shaping

SLEEVES (make two) Using 4mm needles and yarn B, cast on 19 sts using the two-needle method £ Row 1: k each st tbl £ Row 2: k Join in yarn A, carrying yarn B up side of work £ Using yarn A, k two rows Cut yarn A and cont in yarn B only £ K three rows £ Beg with a p row, work 19 rows in st st £ Next row: skpo, k to last two sts, k2tog. 17 sts £ Next row: p £ Rep last two rows three times more. 11 sts Cut yarn and leave sts on a holder

YOKE Return sts from holders to needle as foll: Left front, Sleeve, Back, Sleeve and Right front so that the Right front sts will be worked first with RS facing £ Row 1: k11, k2tog, skpo, k7, k2tog, skpo, k31, k2tog, skpo, k7, k2tog, skpo, k to end. 75 sts £ Row 2: k £ Row 3: k10, k2tog, skpo, k5, k2tog, skpo, k29, k2tog, skpo, k5, k2tog, skpo, k10. 67 sts £ Row 4: k

£ Row 5: k9, k2tog, skpo, k3, k2tog, skpo, k27, k2tog, skpo, k3, k2tog, skpo, k9. 59 sts £ Row 6: k £ Row 7: k8, k2tog, skpo, k1, k2tog, skpo, k25, k2tog, skpo, k1, k2tog, skpo, k8. 51 sts £ Row 8: k £ Row 9: k7, k2tog, sl 1, k2tog, psso, skpo, k23, k2tog, sl 1, k2tog, psso, skpo, k7. 43 sts £ Row 10: k £ Row 11: k6, k2tog, k1, skpo, k21, k2tog, k1, skpo, k6. 39 sts £ K two rows £ Cast off

PANTS FRONT & BACK (alike)

£ Using 4mm needles and yarn B, with RS facing, pick up and k 28 sts along Left front £ K one row £ Cast off

Using 4mm needles and yarn B, cast on 32 sts using two-needle method £ Row 1: k each st tbl £ Rows 2-5: k £ Row 6: p £ Row 7: cast on two sts, k to end.

34 sts £ Row 8: cast on two sts, p to end.

36 sts £ Beg with a k row, work 12 rows in st st £ Row 21: skpo, k to last two sts, k2tog. 34 sts £ Rows 22-24: beg with a p row, work in st st £ Row 25: as Row 21. 32 sts £ Row 26: p £ Row 27: (k1, p1) to end This row sets rib £ Rows 28-30: as Row 27 £ Cast off in rib

BUTTONHOLE BAND

CORD

£ Using 4mm needles and yarn B with RS facing, pick up and k 28 sts along Right front £ Row 1: k2, yfwd, k2tog, (k4, yfwd, k2tog) twice, k12 £ Cast off

Using 4mm needles and yarn B, cast on 90 sts using the two-needle method £ Cut yarn and thread through last st, slide all sts off needle and pull tight

TO MAKE UP

TO MAKE UP

Join raglan seams and sleeve seams.

Sew buttons to Button band, to correspond with buttonholes

Join leg seams, and front and back seam. Thread Cord through eyelet holes

BUTTON BAND

79 www.letsknit.co.uk

SOCKS (make two) Using 4mm needles and yarn A, cast on 20 sts £ Row 1: (k1, p1) to end This row sets rib £ Rows 2-20: as Row 1 £ Row 21: (k2tog) to end. Ten sts £ Row 22: k £ Row 23: (k2tog) to end. Five sts £ Cut yarn leaving a tail, thread through rem sts pull tight and fasten off Use yarn tail to sew side seams LK

coming next issue TOPSY-TURVY CINDERELLA DOLL BY SUSIE JOHNS February issue of Let’s Knit on sale THURSDAY 19TH JANUARY

HOUSE AD JAN.indd 1

01/12/2016 16:08

EASY CROCHET BABY DESIGN

Into the Woods

EXCLUSIVE TO

Your little pixie will love Liz Ward’s crochet hat and rattle set

D

oesn’t baby Jack look adorable? This toadstool rattle and beanie are both easy to make, as they use a half treble stitch pattern and simple shaping. Make sure your rattle insert is well padded so it’s still soft to play with. We’d love to see photos of your little ones wearing this cute hat. You can find our contact details on page 51.

meet our DESIGNER

“To make the rattle, I used the plastic case from inside a chocolate egg, such as a Kinder egg, and filled it with small buttons. I then glued it securely closed.”

LIZ WARD

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Into the woods.indd 2

09/12/2016 10:16

Measurements & Sizes

Hat circumference (cm): 35 (39, 43)

Crochet Kit Yarn: James C. Brett Cotton On DK, shades (A) CO15 Red, (B) CO1 White, one 100g ball of each Hook: 4mm Safety toy stuffing Rattle insert Tapestry needle

Tension Square l l l l

14 sts x 13 rows 10cm x 10cm htr pattern 4mm hook

Special Abbreviations dc2tog: * insert hook into next st, yoh, pull through st, rep from * once, yoh, pull through all loops on hook htr: yoh, insert hook into next st, yoh, pull through st, yoh, pull through all loops on hook

For abbreviations see page 94

About the Yarn James C. Brett Cotton On DK is a great value cotton-blend yarn that comes in 25 solid and print shades. It can be machine washed too, so make sure you use machine washable toy stuffing. It has an RRP of £2.09 per 100g (145m) ball. For stockist information call 01274 565959, www.jamescbrett.co.uk

Need an Alternative?

Stylecraft Special DK is an acrylic 10% OFF yarn that is a AT BLACK SHEEP popular choice WOOLS! USE for crochet. It CODE LK114 costs £1.89 per 100g (295m ) ball from 01925 764231, www.blacksheepwools.com

Start knitting here...

HAT

Using 4mm hook and yarn A, make 3ch £ Rnd 1: 6htr in third ch from hook, sl st in first htr to form ring. Six sts £ Rnd 2: 2ch (counts as 1htr throughout), 1htr in same st, 2htr in each st to end, sl st in second of first 2ch. 12 sts £ Rnd 3: 2ch, 2htr in next st, (1htr, 2htr in next st) to end, sl st in second of first 2ch. 18 sts £ Rnd 4: 2ch, 1htr, 2htr in next st, (2htr, 2htr in next st) to end, sl st in second of first 2ch. 24 sts £ Rnd 5: 2ch, 2htr, 2htr in next st, (3htr, 2htr in next st) to end, sl st in second of first 2ch. 30 sts £ Rnd 6: 2ch, 3htr, 2htr in next st, (4htr, 2htr in next st) to end, sl st in second of first 2ch. 36 sts £ Rnd 7: 2ch, 4htr, 2htr in next st, (5htr, 2htr in next st) to end, sl st in second of first 2ch. 42 sts £ Rnd 8: 2ch, 5htr, 2htr in next st, (6htr, 2htr in next st) to end, sl st in second of first 2ch. 48 sts

Second and third sizes only £ Next rnd: 2ch, 6htr, 2htr in next st, (7htr, 2htr in next st) to end, sl st in second of first 2ch. 54 sts

Third size only £ Next rnd: 2ch, 7htr, 2htr in next st, (8htr, 2htr in next st) to end, sl st in second of first 2ch. 60 sts

All sizes £ Next rnd: 2ch, 1htr in each st to end, sl st in second of first 2ch. 48 (54, 60) sts Change to yarn B £ Next rnd: 2ch, 1htr in each st to end, join with a sl st in second of first 2ch £ Rep last rnd once more £ Fasten off Weave in ends

LARGE SPOT (make three)

£ Foundation rnd: 6dc into ring. Six sts £ Rnd 1: 2dc in each st to end. 12 sts Pull yarn tail to close hole in magic ring £ Rnd 2: (1dc, 2dc in next st) to end. 18 sts £ Rnd 3: (2dc, 2dc in next st) to end. 24 sts £ Fasten off

MEDIUM SPOT (make three) £ Work as for Large spot to end of Rnd 2 £ Fasten off

SMALL SPOT (make three) £ Work as for Large spot to end of Rnd 1 £ Fasten off

TO MAKE UP Weave in ends on Hat. Sew spots onto Hat in a random pattern

Using 4mm hook and yarn B, make a magic ring (see Crochet clever)

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Into the woods.indd 3

09/12/2016 10:16

RATTLE Using 4mm hook and yarn A, make a magic ring (see Crochet clever) £ Foundation rnd: 6dc into ring. Six sts £ Rnd 1: 2dc in each st to end. 12 sts £ Rnd 2: (1dc, 2dc in next st) to end. 18 sts £ Rnd 3: (2dc, 2dc in next st) to end. 24 sts £ Rnd 4: (3dc, 2dc in next st) to end. 30 sts £ Rnd 5: (4dc, 2dc in next st) to end. 36 sts £ Rnd 6: (5dc, 2dc in next st) to end. 42 sts £ Rnd 7: (6dc, 2dc in next st) to end. 48 sts £ Rnds 8-13: 1dc in each st to end, joining yarn B in last st £ Rnd 14: work through back loop only as folls: (dc2tog, 6dc) to end.

42 sts Cont working through both loops as normal £ Rnd 15: (dc2tog, 5dc) to end. 36 sts £ Rnd 16: (dc2tog, 4dc) to end. 30 sts Wrap rattle insert with stuffing and place into head of toadstool £ Rnd 17: (dc2tog, 3dc) to end. 24 sts £ Rnd 18: (dc2tog, 2dc) to end. 18 sts £ Rnds 19-33: 1dc in each st to end £ Rnd 34: (dc2tog, 1dc) to end. 12 sts Stuff firmly £ Rnd 35: (dc2tog) to end. Six sts £ Fasten off Sew hole at base closed. Weave in loose ends

SPOTS £ Make two Small spots and two Medium spots as for Hat Sew randomly to top of toadstool LK

Crochetclever

The spots begin with a magic ring, which allows you to completely close the hole at the start of the work. Here’s how you do it: Step 1: make a loop of yarn with the tail hanging downwards and the working yarn overlapping in front of the tail.

Step 2: holding the loop in place, insert the hook through the centre of the loop and pull the working yarn through the loop.

Step 3: make 1ch, then work into loop as instructed in Foundation round of the pattern, making sure you work over the tail for the first few of stitches.

Step 4: when the first round is complete, pull the tail to close the hole in the centre of the loop, then work into the top of the stitches as normal.

“Place a removable marker in the first stitch of each round to help you keep your place.”

LK Deputy Editor Adrienne Chandler

coming next issue LEARN TO KNIT TINA BARRETT’S DINOSAUR HOODY February issue of Let’s Knit on sale THURSDAY 19TH JANUARY

83 www.letsknit.co.uk

Into the woods.indd 4

09/12/2016 10:16

STASH-BUSTING KNIT! Measurements & Sizes

To fit: average woman’s head

Knit Kit Yarn: DK, shades (A) Gold, (B) Silver, (C) Blackberry, (D) Cream, (E) Orange, (F) Yellow, one 25g ball of each Needles: 4mm

Tension Square l l l l

22 sts x 30 rows 10cm x 10cm stocking stitch 4mm needles

For abbreviations see page 94

About the Yarn This yarn was produced exclusively for Let’s Get Crafting magazine, yet can be substituted with any standard DK weight yarn. As such small amounts are needed, see what is in your yarn stash.

Love this?

This gorgeous design was originally featured in our sister title Let’s Get Crafting Knitting & Crochet.

Every issue comes with six balls of yarn, needles, a crochet hook and a fantastic collection of patterns to make using your free yarn pack. Find out more at www.letsgetcrafting.com

Warm Winter Stay snug in Helen Ardley’s fab Fair Isle bobble hat

W

e love a good pompom-bedecked topper and this beanie is a great way to bust your stash while you’re at it! It uses small amounts of six different shades and the colour pattern is achieved with stripes and the Fair Isle stranding technique. When following the charts, read all knit rows from right to left and purl rows from left to right.

Start knitting here...

Using 4mm needles and yarn A, cast on 124 sts £ Rows 1-2: (k1, p1) to end £ Rows 3-10: working in two-row stripe sequence of yarns B, C, A, B, rep Rows 1-2 four times Change to yarn C £ Rows 11-12: beg with a k row, work in st st £ Rows 13-20: beg with a k row, work Chart A Change to yarn B £ Rows 21-22: cont in st st £ Rows 23-26: beg with a k row, work Chart B Change to yarn F £ Rows 27-28: cont in st st Change to yarn B £ Row 29: (k8, k2tog) to last four sts, k4. 112 sts £ Row 30: p Change to yarn E £ Rows 31-32: cont in st st £ Rows 33-38: beg with a k row, work Chart C Change to yarn C £ Rows 39-40: cont in st st Change to yarn A £ Row 41: (k6, k2tog) to end. 98 sts £ Row 42: p £ Rows 43-46: beg with a k row, work Chart D Change to yarn D £ Row 47: (k5, k2tog) to end. 84 sts £ Row 48: p Change to yarn C £ Row 49: (k4, k2tog) to end. 70 sts £ Row 50: p Change to yarn B £ Row 51: (k3, k2tog) to end. 56 sts Row 52: p Change to yarn E

CHART A

CHART B £ Row 53: (k2, k2tog) to end. 42 sts £ Row 54: p Cont in yarn A only £ Row 55: (k1, k2tog) to end. 28 sts £ Row 56: (p2tog) to end. 14 sts £ Row 57: (k2tog) to end. Seven sts £ Pass second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh sts over first st and off needle. One st £ Fasten off

TO MAKE UP Using yarns E and F, make a pompom. Weave in ends. Sew seam using mattress stitch. Sew pompom to top of hat LK

CHART C

CHART D

KEY Yarn B Yarn C Yarn D Yarn E Yarn F

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“Once you’ve made this hat, use the pattern as a template and play around with stripes or self-patterning yarn to see what effects you can create!”

LK Deputy Editor Adrienne Chandler

85 www.letsknit.co.uk

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WE SHOW YOU HOW

Learn to knit a slip stitch

COFFEE SET

Sponsored by

MAKE SIÂN BROWN’S MUG AND CAFETIÈRE COSIES!

Here’s what you need…

Two 50g balls of Rowan Felted Tweed Aran. One in shade 777 Clay (A) and one in 719 Granite (B). The yarn mixes 50% merino wool, 25% alpaca and 25% viscose, and is lightly prefelted to give it a wonderful texture. It costs £6.95 per 50g (87m) ball from 01829 740903, www.laughinghens.com A pair of 5mm needles Seven buttons. We’ve used ones that are 15mm in diameter We used knitting needles from HiyaHiya. For stockists, visit www.hiyahiya-europe. com/stockists When working in the slip stitch pattern using 5mm needles, you should be getting 19 stitches and 32 rows over a 10cm square.

The mug cosy measures 10cm tall by 24cm wide, and the cafetière cosy measures 15cm tall by 34cm wide.

Don’t forget to look on page 94 for our list of abbreviations.

Adrienne Chandler shows you how…

This month I’m excited to introduce you to slip stitch colourwork. You’ll be amazed how easy it is, as you’re essentially only working in stripes. You’ll need to know how to knit and purl, but I’ll show you the rest. Before you begin, wind half of yarn A into a separate ball as you’ll need this later on.

Start knitting here…

CAFETIÈRE COSY

Using 5mm needles and yarn A, cast on 61 sts See how to make a slipknot and cast on over on page 96. Remember your slipknot counts as your first stitch. £ Row 1 (WS): k This is the wrong side of your work – you may want to loop a thread of contrasting yarn through the fabric so you know that this is the reverse.

Insert the right needle into the next two stitches on the left needle as shown, then wrap the yarn around the needle and pull it through both stitches. Let both the original stitches drop from the left needle.

£ Row 2: k £ Row 3: k1, k2tog, yfwd, k to end This row features your first buttonhole. It’s made up of an increase (below) and a decrease (right) and gives you a deliberate hole.

YFWD (INCREASE)

Bring the yarn to the front of the work between the tips of the needles, then take it over the top of the right needle to make an extra stitch. Leave the yarn at the back of the work ready to knit the next stitch.

THIS TUTORIAL IS SPONSORED BY HIYAHIYA

We’ve used the brand’s interchangeable straight needles from the Sharp Pinnacle Plus Set. For stockists and to see the full range, visit www. hiyahiya-europe.com/stockists

K2TOG (DECREASE)

You’re now ready to start your slip stitch pattern. ** Commence patt as folls: £ Row 1 (RS): using yarn A k6, * sl 1, k5, rep from * to last st, k1

86 www.letsknit.co.uk

Slipping a stitch is really easy. Insert your right needle into the next stitch on the left needle as if you were going to purl it, then just move it to the right needle. That’s all there is to it.

£ Row 2: using yarn A k4, p2, * sl 1, p5, rep from * to last seven sts, sl 1, p2, k4 Join in yarn B £ Row 3: using yarn A k4, using yarn B * k5, sl 1, rep from * to last nine sts, k5, using yarn A k4 Knit the first four stitches in yarn A, then join in yarn B to work the next section of the pattern. When you get

to the last four stitches, use the ball of yarn A you wound earlier. When switching colours, give the two strands a little twist to avoid a hole.

£ Row 4: using yarn A k4, bring yarn A to the front between the needles, then take yarn B to the back between the needles, using yarn B * k5, bring the yarn to the front, sl 1, take the yarn to the back between the needles, rep from * to last nine sts, k5, bring yarn B to the front and take yarn A to the back, using yarn A k4 These four rows set patt £ Rows 5-13: rep Rows 1-4 twice, then Row 1 once more £ Row 14: using yarn A k1, k2tog, yfwd, k1, p2, * sl 1, p5, rep from * to last seven sts, sl 1, p2, k4 ** This is your next buttonhole £ Rows 15-25: beg with a Row 3, continue the four row pattern £ Row 26: as Row 14 £ Rows 27-40: beg with a Row 3, continue the four row pattern Cont in yarn A only £ Row 41: k £ Row 42: k1, k2tog, yfwd, k to end £ Row 43: k

£ Cast off

To cast off, knit two stitches as normal, then insert the left needle tip into the second stitch on your right needle. Lift this stitch over the nearest stitch and let it drop off the right needle. You have now cast off one stitch.

MUG COSY This is worked in a similar way to the cafetière cosy but is on a smaller scale.

Using 5mm needles and yarn A, cast on 43 sts £ Work as Cafetiere cosy until Row 24 has been completed Cont in yarn A only £ Work as Cafetiere cosy from Row 41 to end Lightly press the work according to the yarn ball band instructions. Sew on buttons to correspond with buttonholes LK

Knit the next stitch on the left needle, then again pass the second stitch on the right needle over the nearest stitch and off the right needle. Keep doing this until all your stitches have been cast off.

When you have one loop remaining on your right needle, cut the yarn, thread it through this last stitch and pull it tightly to fasten off.

Lightly press the work according to the yarn ball band instructions. Sew on buttons to correspond with buttonholes

87 www.letsknit.co.uk

CONGRATULATIONS!

You’ve just aced slip stitch colourwork and learnt to make a buttonhole! Well done you!

MiliStyle's needle storage

These luxurious silk bags are perfect for organising, storing and carrying your favourite knitting needles. Each bag is fully lined and features beautiful detailing. Made of hand-dyed silk, they will ensure that your needles are kept safe and sound. We've got two bundles of Milistyle goodies to give away. Visit www.hantex-europe.com for more information.

Needle cases

2

Funky Needles gift cards

3

to win

Bespoke, hand crafted and strong, these needles really are some of the the best in the business! There are four different lengths and over 100 bead options for you to choose from, meaning you can make them truly unique and personal! Alongside fab knitting tools, you can also stock up on cute mugs, coasters and mouse mats – soon you'll be able to squeeze knitting related goodies into every corner of your home.

We've got three £30 gift cards to give away. Visit www.funkyneedles.co.uk for more information.

Funky gift

JUL Designs

We love wrapping up in snuggly shawls at LK HQ, especially when they're knit with cosy super chunky yarn! What better way to secure your favourite accessory than with a simple, elegant pin. Not only are they practical, but they really pull together an outfit! We've got three Moroccan Shawl Pins to give away, perfect for adding the finishing touches to a stylish look. Visit www.juldesigns.com for more information.

Shawl pin

3

winners

to win

GIVEAWAYS

Nudinits book and calender

HAVE A PEEK AT THIS MONTH'S AMAZING PRIZES, WORTH OVER £1,850!

Knit Me, Dress Me, Love Me book

5

Sarah Simi's comedic knits are guaranteed to make you chuckle! The stop-motion feature Tickled Pink has been captured in this wonderful woolly book that's full of cheeky humour. The book reveals a day in the life of the most unusual of villages.

There are 20 exclusive knitting patterns so you can knit Bernard and Barbara alongside a selection of their accessories and accoutrements.

We've got five copies of Nudinits to give away, alongside five slim Nudinits calendars. For more information, visit www.nudinits.com Nudinits

to win

Giveaway FORM

to win

To enter our giveaways, just tick the box (or boxes) corresponding with the prize you want to win and send your entry to us, to arrive no later than 01/02/17. Mark your envelope: Let’s Knit January

Giveaways, PO Box 443, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP2 8WG

£ Needle cases £ Funky gift £ Shawl pin £ Nudinits £ Sue Stratford book What is your favourite project in this issue? ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ Please complete your contact details: Mr/Mrs/Ms/Other Forename Surname Address

£ £

£ £

£ ________________________ £ ________________________

Postcode Daytime telephone Email You may photocopy this form to avoid cutting your magazine. Full terms & conditions on page 95.

!

6

Sue Stratford's upcoming release Knit Me, Dress Me, Love Me is packed full of adorable patterns with a vintage feel that we love! Alongside seven animal knits, there are over 50 intricate patterns for the cutest accessories and garments which you can easily mix and match. We've got six copies of 'Knit Me, Dress Me, Love Me' to give away, the perfect book for using up oddments of yarn! Visit www.searchpress.com more information.

Sue Stratford book

Please tick here if you DO NOT wish to receive such information by Post q Phone q Email q SMS q. From time to time Aceville Publications will share details with other reputable companies who provide products and services that may be of interest to you. Please tick here if you DO NOT wish to receive such information

by Post q Phone q Email q SMS q.

TICKET GIVEAWAYS WORTH OVER £1,400 Enter at www.letsknit.co.uk until 01/02/17 l Five pairs of tickets to the Unravel Festival, Farnham, 17th-19th February. craft.farnhammaltings.com/portfolio/ unravel l Ten pairs of tickets to Make It and Knit It & Stitch It, Farnborough, 24th-25th February. www.knitandstitch-it.org.uk l 15 pairs of tickets to Stitching, Sewing & Quilting and Hobbycrafts, Glasgow, 2nd-5th March. www.stitchandhobby.co.uk l 20 pairs of tickets to Knitting & Stitching Show, Olympia, 2nd-5th March. www.theknittingandstitchingshow.com l 15 pairs of tickets to Craft 4 Crafters, Devon, 16th-18th February. www.craft4crafters.co.uk

88 www.letsknit.co.uk

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FYEA ARTN U RSEH |OYPADRANYS THIO CPK EDRA Y

Outdoor

EXCLUSIVE TO

Glam

Fashion Pat Menchini’s bright and fun jacket this new year!

T

his cuddly, chunky knit oozes charm with its eye catching fur collar and peacock blue shades. It’s incredibly versatile so can be fashioned anywhere from wintry walks to January sale shopping! It’s deceptively simple to make up as the main body is knit in one piece, meaning you only have to sew the sleeves and back neck together at the end, good news for us knitters!

Head along to your local yarn shop to find the buttons, yarn and needles to make this project.

89 www.letsknit.co.uk

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FYEA ARTN U RSEH |OYPADRANYS THIO CPK EDRA Y

Knit Kit Yarn: (A) Stylecraft Swift Knit Super Chunky, shade Teal 2048, 10 (10, 11, 11, 12, 12) 100g balls; (B) Stylecraft Eskimo DK, shade Petrol 5496, 1 (1, 2, 2, 2, 2) 50g balls Needles: 4mm, 10mm Buttons: two

Tension Square l l l l l

8 sts x 12 rows 10cm x 10cm Stocking stitch Yarn A 10mm needles

For abbreviations see page 94

About the Yarn Stylecraft Swift Knit Super Chunky is a beautifully cosy yarn whose subtle colour range delivers an overall exquisite appearance to projects. It knits up quickly, and is perfect for outerwear. It has an RRP of £3.89 per 100g (60m) ball. Stylecraft Eskimo DK is a fun and funky eyelash yarn that works wonderfully in cuffs, trims and toys.

It’s available in a range of bright colours and has an RRP of £1.99 per 50g (90m) ball. To find your nearest stockist of either yarn, call 01535 609798, www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk

Let’s Shop These buttons are from Duttons for Buttons, call 01423 502092 or email michelle@duttonsforbuttons.co.uk

Start knitting here...

RIGHT FRONT

Using 10mm needles and yarn A, cast on 28 (30, 32, 34, 36, 38) sts NOTE: first four sts form border £ Row 1 (RS): k4, * k1, p1, rep from * to end £ Row 2: p to last st, k1 £ Row 3: k £ Row 4: * p1, k1, rep from * to last four sts, p3, k1 £ Row 5: k £ Row 6: p to last st, k1 These six rows form patt £ Cont in patt until work meas 23cm from cast-on edge, ending after a WS row

Work buttonholes £ Next row: k4, cast off two sts neatly, patt 5 including st on RH needle after cast-off, cast off two sts neatly, patt to end £ Next row: patt across row, casting on two sts where sts were cast off £ Work two rows more in patt

Shape front slope £ Next row: k3, skpo, patt to end £ Next row: patt to last four sts, p3, k1 ** NOTE: four sts at side edge should now be worked in st st on every row to form armhole borders £ Cont working dec row on every RS row until 20 (23, 24, 26, 27, 29) sts rem, then on every foll fourth row until 17 (19, 20, 22, 23, 25) sts rem £ Cont without shaping until Front meas 52 (53, 54, 55, 56, 57) cm through centre of work, ending at side edge

Shape shoulder £ Cast off 4 (5, 5, 6, 6, 7) sts at beg of next row and foll alt row £ Work one row in patt £ Next row: cast off 5 (5, 6, 6, 7, 7) sts at beg of row £ Work 7 (7, 8, 8, 9, 9) rows in patt without shaping on rem four sts for half back neck border £ Cast off

LEFT FRONT

Pick up everything you need from your local yarn store. Check out our directory on pages 91-92

Dress, £25, Marks & Spencer

Measurements & Sizes

Dress size (approx): 6-8 (10-12, 14-16, 18-20, 22-24, 26-28) To fit chest (cm): 76-81 (86-91, 94-99, 104-109, 112-117, 122-127) Actual chest (cm): 92 (102, 112, 122, 132, 142) Length to shoulder (cm): 52 (53, 54, 55, 56, 57) Sleeve length (cm): 32cm

Using 10mm needles and yarn A, cast on 28 (30, 32, 34, 36, 38) sts NOTE: work in patt as folls, last four sts form border £ Row 1 (RS): * p1, k1, rep from * to last four sts, k4 £ Row 2: k1, p to end £ Row 3: k £ Row 4: k1, p3, * k1, p1, rep from * to end

£ Row 5: k £ Row 6: k1, p to end These six rows form patt £ Cont in patt until work meas same as Right front up to first dec row, ending after a WS row

Shape shoulders

Shape front slope

SLEEVES

£ Next row: patt to last five sts, k2tog, k3 £ Next row: k1, p3, patt to end £ Cont as Right front from ** to end

BACK Using 10mm needles and yarn A, cast on 39 (43, 47, 51, 55, 59) sts Work in patt as folls: £ Row 1 (RS): * p1, k1, rep from * to last st, p1 £ Row 2: p £ Row 3: k £ Row 4: as Row 1 £ Row 5: k £ Row 6: p £ Cont in patt until Back meas same as fronts to armhole borders, ending after a WS row NOTE: four sts at each end of rows should be worked in st st without shaping until Back meas same as fronts to shoulder shaping ending after a WS row

£ Cast off 4 (5, 5, 6, 6, 7) sts at beg of next four rows, then 5 (5, 6, 6, 7, 7) sts at beg of next two rows £ Cast off rem 13 (13, 15, 15, 17, 17) sts

Using 10mm needles and yarn A, cast on 41 (43, 45, 45, 49, 49) sts £ Work in patt as for Back without shaping until work meas 32cm £ Cast off

COLLAR Using 4mm needles and yarn B, cast on 28 sts £ Work in garter st until work meas 46 (46, 47, 47, 48, 48) cm £ Cast off loosely

TO MAKE UP Press yarn A portions lightly on WS. Join shoulders. Join ends of back neck border then stitch inner edge to cast-off sts of Back neck. With centre of cast-off edge of Sleeves to Shoulder seam, stitch Sleeves in place. Join side and Sleeve seams.

Sew one side edge of Collar to upper right and left front edges as in photograph. Sew on buttons LK

90 www.letsknit.co.uk

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*089-091 YARN SHOP CLASSI_LOVE YOUR YARN SHOP 09/12/2016 16:26 Page 91

Explore the UK’s finest Yarn shops Which shop will you be visiting?

CAMBRIDGESHIRE

CHESHIRE

DEVON

DEVON

Wool and Patterns and Accessories from Premature baby knitwear Stocking a wide range of yarns including: King Cole, Rico, James C Brett, Adriafil & Stylecraft

LOVE YOUR Yarn Shop

plus patterns & accessories!

Sirdar, Rico, King Cole, Patons

Specialising in exciting, unusual and natural yarns from around the world

Haberdashery and Fabric including exclusive licensed brands:

DMC Cross Stitch Kits, Buttons, Beads and Card Making supplies

Doctor Who, Marvel, Disney etc.

24a High Street, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB7 4JU

Bramhall Village Square, Bramhall, Stockport, SK7 1AW

Tel. 01353 969426 www.curtisyarns.co.uk

GLOUCESTERSHIRE

0161 440 0094

crookilleycrafts@gmail.com

CrookilleyCraftsEmporium

CC_Emporium

HAMPSHIRE

26 Fore St, Bovey Tracey, Devon TQ13 9AD

Visit our shop for all your fabric, haberdashery and craft supplies, tips and advice with a friendly service whatever you are making!

Tel: 01626 836203 www.spinayarndevon.co.uk

HAMPSHIRE

5 Mill Street, Bideford, Devon, EX39 2JT

01237 470575

KENT

AvicraftWool Knitting & Crochet Yarns, Katia, Sirdar, Stylecraft Jarol, Wyspinners etc., Ribbons, Lace and Accessories.

Vintage Buttons, wool, haberdashery and ideas to inspire you!

Coming soon ....

Woolyknit yarns

125 Winter Road Southsea PO4 8DP

023 9242 8230

LANCASHIRE

NORFOLK

Diss Wool & Craft Shop

Tel: 01379 650640 www.disswoolandcrafts.com

16c Front Street West, Bedlington, Northumberland, NE22 5UB

sales@disswoolandcrafts.com

❁ Arts & Crafts Supply Shop ❁ Artistic services ❁ Crochet Lessons ❁ Knit & Natter

15 Kingsway, Kirby-in-Ashfield, Notts, NG17 7BB 01623 758684

The Crafty gift shop

Open Tues to Sat 9am to 4pm

2 Cobbs Yard, Diss, Norfolk IP22 4LB

SCOTLAND

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

CRAFTS UNITED We offer a personal shopping experience when you visit our shop, with a warm welcome at all times.

Stockists of: DY Yarns, King Cole, Rico and Patons.

We also run lots of workshops and weekly craft groups.

Stocking a wide range of Winter yarns and patterns

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

NORTHUMBERLAND

15 Chatterton Road, Bromley, Kent. BR2 9QW 020 8290 1238 www.avicraftwool.com email: sharonthesheep@gmail.com Open 6pm-9pm every Wednesday

01670 821758 www.crafthive.co.uk

SCOTLAND

Explore our beautiful range of handmade gifts & yarns from brands such as: King Cole, Stylecraft, Sirdar, James C. Brett, Debbie Bliss, WYS & DY Choice yarns.

Visit us at: 62 Station Road, Sandiacre, Nottinghamshire NG10 5AP Tel: 07958 878131

www.crafts-united.co.uk

SHROPSHIRE

Sheepish Workshops held thoughout the year Pure Wool • Local spun wool Yarns • Haberdashery • Accessories • Felting and Beading supplies • Fabrics

Specialising in British and ethically sourced yarns, local crafts and UK produced giftware.

Dedicated space for courses and tuition High Street, Bishop's Castle, Shropshire http://www.shopsheepish.co.uk/ Tel: 01588 630421

*089-091 YARN SHOP CLASSI_LOVE YOUR YARN SHOP 09/12/2016 16:26 Page 92

Explore the UK’s finest Yarn shops Which shop will you be visiting?

SUFFOLK

SUFFOLK

For Beautiful Hand Knitting 14 St Peters Street, Ipswich, IP1 1XB

Tel 01473 805208 www.jennywrensyarns.co.uk hello@jennywrensyarns.co.uk

SURREY

We stock leading yarns from

James C Brett, Stylecraft, King Cole, Sirdar, Peter Pan and Wendy Knitting needles and Crochet hooks from Groves, buttons, patterns knitting bags and lots more.

7 Station Way, Cheam Village, Surrey SM3 8SD angela@whichcraftwools.co.uk

0208 643 3211

WALES

WALES

WALES

• Knitting and Crochet workshops • Knit and Natter group • Haberdashery

K&J CRAFTS Clwyd House, High Street, Rhuddlan, N. Wales, LL18 2TU 01745 590383

Shop online, or phone your orders on 01633 872619 or visit our shop at Unit 16 Inshops, The Mall, Cwmbran, Gwent NP44 1PX, Open 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday.

Second store now open! At 36 Lion Street Abergavenny, NP7 5NT.

We stock all your crafting needs

Visit our Website

www.caricrafts.co.uk WEST MIDLANDS

Stable Gallery, rear of 7 Belwell Lane, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield B74 4AA

0121 308 4205 rachel@sittingknitting.com www.facebook.com/SittingKnitting

Stocking yarn by: James C Brett, King Cole, Sirdar & Stylecraft Embroidery threads by DMC Haberdashery, Buttons, Ribbons, Needles, Hooks, Patterns, Craft Kits and Gifts.

Crochet Classes and Workshops.

Coming in 2017 - Knitting Classes and Workshops Find us on Facebook - RosiesRhuddlan

YORKSHIRE

Stocking a large range of yarns and patterns from Sirdar, Sublime, Rico, Debbie Bliss, Adriafil, Stylecraft & Wendy.

Also stocking a range of cross-stitch and haberdashery.

New winter yarns now in stock!

Tel: 01924 494 157 119-121 Nab Lane, Mirfield, WF14 9QJ

Open: Tues to Sat: 9am-6pm 9 Cross Street, Abergavenny NP7 5EH T: 01873 851551 Email: info@thewoolcroft.co.uk

www.thewoolcroft.co.uk Hear news first by signing up to our Email Newsletter

YORKSHIRE

Stockists of WYS, King Cole, Rico, Sirdar, Debbie Bliss, Stylecraft & much more Specialist 1ply local wool Hand crafted knitting bags, wool bowls & stitch markers

We stock wools, yarns and cottons plus all associated needs for knitting and crochet. Also a growing selection of fabric, needlecraft and other creative pursuits.

High Street, Cuckfield,West Sussex RH17 5JU 01444 455611 shop@sussex-crafts.co.uk www.sussex-crafts.co.uk

WEST MIDLANDS

Remember When Specialising in an array of vintage & modern yarns, patterns & accessories.

Stockists of Debbie Bliss, Colinette, Rowan, Bergere De France, Wendy, Sirdar, Adriafil, King Cole, Rico, Stylecraft & James C Brett.

80 High Street, Coleshill, West Midlands, B46 3AH

Tel: 01675 466418 www.rememberwhenshop.co.uk

WEST YORKSHIRE

Stockists of King Cole, Rico and Stylecraft. Huge range of patterns, books & accessories.

Knit n Natter every Saturday 10-12pm Beginners welcome

9a Milton Street, Saltburn By The Sea, Cleveland TS12 1DH

Can't make it to the shop then you can order online or over the phone.

12 Cross Square Wakefield WF1 1PH Tel: 01924 565740

01287 623154

www.woolnstuff.co.uk

At Let’s Knit you can keep up to date with your local yarn shops throughout the year!

If you own or work in a shop that would like to be part of the

‘Love Your Yarn Shop’ campaign then we would love to hear from you!

Please contact: samantha.dean@aceville.co.uk or call Sam on: 01206 505114 or contact: claire.rogers@aceville.co.uk or call Claire on: 01206 505913

LOVE YOUR Yarn Shop

Opening Hours 10am – 5 pm Mon – Sat

Stocking a wide variety of yarns including Rico, King Cole, Wendy, Peter Pan and Patons.

Beautiful range of baby yarns available!

SUSSEX

Store?

WHAT’S IN GET THE HOT GOSSIP FROM YOUR FAVOURITE SHOPS AND BRANDS

Spotlight on yarn shops!

The Association of Independent Yarn Shop Owners (AIYSO) was formed to help promote independent yarn stores and give owners a voice in the industry. Every issue we’ll be catching up with a member store. For more details on AIYSO, visit www.aiyso.org.uk or email aiysocommittee@gmail.com

We find out why Julie Beardwell from Wool Zone loves her yarn store!

Ever since my mother taught me to knit when I was about seven years old, I’ve dreamt of running my own wool shop.

I never really expected it to become a reality, however, after 30 years of working in HR, voluntary redundancy provided the opportunity for a rethink and here I am. It has been a steep learning curve but I love what I do and wouldn’t swap my shop for anything (except maybe a bigger shop!)

I love being part of the knitting and crochet community and feel privileged to be able to spend all day talking about yarn and projects with like-minded individuals.

I particularly love it when customers bring in their completed projects to show me. I also get a great buzz from teaching new skills and techniques at our workshops and from helping customers solve their knitting problems.

Wool Zone is a small shop but it’s filled to the brim with a wide variety of beautiful yarns, kits, needles and accessories. My main aim is to provide high quality products at everyday prices so that people can indulge their hobby without breaking the bank. Visitors to the shop can take inspiration from the frequently-changing display of sample garments, blankets and cushions. I am also expanding the workshop programme to include workshops for knitting socks, domino knitting and finishing techniques as well as beginners and intermediate crochet. This is what makes running a wool shop so much fun – there are always new projects and new skills to learn – what could be better?

Panda caps

We love a good beanie here at LK and these kits from Katia are so cute! Each one comes with a ball of yarn, plus a ready-made nose, eye patches and ears. They’re really straightforward to knit and there are five colourways to choose from. For stockists and to find out more, visit www.katia.com

DMC BABY HUG DESIGNETTE We all need a bit of cheering up in January and what better way to spruce up your work wardrobe that with a pretty crocheted jacket. This pattern is called Amanda and it’s coming soon from DesignEtte. You could also team it with wide-leg trousers for a more casual style. The own-brand yarn is a lovely mix of viscose and linen so it drapes well and looks fab! Find out more at www.designette.co.uk

How adorable is this yarn and buddy set?

Each ball of DMC’s new Baby Hugs yarn comes with a matching cuddly toy and as it’s a 200g ball, there’s enough yarn to make a charming baby blanket.

There are a few different designs available, including a lamb, bear, puppy, kitten and the hippo shown here. £19.99, www. purplelinda crafts.co.uk

Bergere de France Teddy

Who doesn’t love a bear in dungarees?

This well-dressed ted can be bought as part of a fab knitting kit from Bergere de France. He’s wonderfully soft and cuddly and his outfit is quick and easy to knit. £20.50, www.bergeredefrance.co.uk

Wool Zone, 10B Northgate, Oakham, LE15 6QS, 01572 868480, www.woolzone.co.uk

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PRACTICAL GUIDES

Turn the

Keep these pages handy to guide you on your way

TABLES

YARN WEIGHTS

sl 1 slip one stitch

sl st slip stitch

sm slip marker sp (s) space(s)

ssk one by one slip the next two stitches knitwise. Put your left needle through the front loops of both slipped stitches and knit them together st (s) stitch (es)

st st stocking stitch (k on RS row, p on WS row)

tbl through the back loop (s)

tr treble crochet

w&t (on knit rows) take the yarn between the needles to the front of the work, slip the next stitch from the Left Hand needle to the Right Hand needle purlwise, take the yarn between the needles back to its original position, slip the stitch back to the Left Hand needle and turn

(on purl rows) take the yarn between the needles to the back of the work, slip the next stitch from the Left Hand needle to the Right Hand needle purlwise, take the yarn between the needles back to its original position, slip the stitch back to the Left Hand needle and turn

WS wrong side

wyib with yarn in back

wyif with yarn in front

yb yarn back yfwd yarn forward (between knit stitches) yo work yfwd/yon/yrn as appropriate

yoh yarn over hook

yon yarn over needle (between a purl and a knit stitch)

yrn yarn round needle (between purl stitches and between a knit and a purl stitch)

y2rn wrap yarn twice around needle

* repeat instructions following the asterisk as many times as instructed

()[] work instructions inside ­ the brackets as many times as instructed

94 www.letsknit.co.uk

Lace

30-33 sts-36-50 rows

2mm-3mm

4ply

28 sts-36 rows

3.25mm

DK

22 sts-28 rows

4mm

Aran

18 sts-24 rows

5mm

Chunky

14 sts-19 rows

6.5mm

Super Chunky

9 sts-12 rows

10mm

NEEDLE SIZING Old UK/ Canada

skpo slip one, knit one, pass

slipped stitch over

sk2po slip next stitch purlwise, knit two together, pass slipped stitch over and off needle sl 2, k1, slip next two stitches knitwise at the same time, knit one, pass both p2sso slipped stitches over

STANDARD NEEDLE SIZE

U.S.A

0 no stitches, times or rows

- no stitches, times or rows for that size

alt alternate approx approximately

beg beginning

C4F (cable 4 front) slip two stitches on to cable needle, hold at front of work, k2, k2 from cable needle

C4B (cable 4 back) slip two stitches onto cable needle, hold at back of work, k2, k2 from cable needle

ch chain stitch ch sp chain space

cm centimetres

cn cable needle

cont continue (ing)

dc double crochet dc2tog (insert hook into next stitch, yarn over hook, pull through loop) twice, yarn over hook, pull through all three loops on hook

dec decrease (ing) dpn(s) double pointed needle(s)

dtr double treble crochet

foll following

htr half treble crochet

inc increase (ing)

k knit

kfb knit into the front and the back of the next stitch k2tog knit two stitches together kwise knitwise

m1 make one stitch, by picking up the horizontal loop before next stitch and knitting into the back of it

m1p make one stitch, by picking up the horizontal loop before next stitch and purling into the back of it meas measure (s)

mm millimeters N1 (2, 3) needle 1 (2, 3)

p purl

pb place bead

pfb purl into the front and back of next st

pm place marker p2tog purl two stitches together

prev previous

psso pass slipped stitch over and off needle p2sso pass two slipped stitches over and off needle pwise purlwise

rem remain (ing)

rep repeat (ing) rev st st reverse stocking stitch (p on RS row, k on WS row)

rm remove marker rnd(s) round(s)

RS right side

STANDARD TENSION

UK (mm)

ABBREVIATIONS

YARN TYPE

2 2.25

0 1

14 13

2.75

2

12

3

-

11

3.25

3

10

3.5

4

-

3.75

5

9

4

6

8

4.5

7

7

5

8

6

5.5

9

5

6

10

4

10 1/2

3 2

6.5 7

-

7.5

-

1

8

11

0

9 10

13 15

00 000

12 15

17 -

-

16

19

-

19

35

-

20

36

-

25

50

-

TENSION HEADACHE It’s really important to knit a tension square before you begin a project. Not everybody knits the same way – some knit more tightly than others – and this will affect how the stitch pattern looks and the finished size of the item. Tension squares are usually presented like this: 22 sts x 30 rows 10cm x 10cm stocking stitch 4mm needles To knit your tension square, cast on the instructed number of stitches, in this case 22, plus five more. Then, using the needle size and same stitch pattern given, work the instructed number of rows, plus five more. Using a ruler and taking your measurements from the centre of the square, count the number of stitches and number of rows over a 10cm square.

If you have more than you should do, it means your knitting is a little tight and you may need to use larger needles. Similarly, if you have fewer stitches and rows, use smaller needles to get the correct tension.

“Using the correct size of needles for the yarn weight helps to produce a taut, neat fabric”

PRACTICAL GUIDES

Pattern UPDATES Here at LK we try our hardest to make sure our patterns are free from errors, but sometimes they do slip through the net. You can find out pattern updates on our website at www.letsknit.co.uk.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused. If you have any queries about one of our patterns, please call 01206 508622 (office hours only) or email support@letsknit.co.uk and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

LK112 November Lace Detail Sweater, p69 The symbols for yfwd and k2tog have been accidentally switched on the Chart key. The circle symbol represents yfwd and the / is for k2tog.

AT A LOOSE END? Follow these steps for weaving in any tails of yarn: 1. Thread the yarn on to a tapestry needle and work with the WS of the project facing upwards.

2. Insert the needle under the loop of each stitch, and draw it through. Work it up

and down the loops of the stitches for 8cm. An alternative method is to weave through the back of the stitch, splitting the strand of yarn as you sew.

3. Cut the yarn close to the fabric.

NOTE: In colourwork, weave the yarn tails into the matching colour section.

SUBSTITUTION There are many reasons to want to substitute the yarn given in a project, from price to colour selection, but there are some important points to remember. n Choose a yarn with a similar tension to the suggested yarn. Match the tension given on the ball band of the yarns, as the pattern may use a different stitch. Remember to do a tension square in the new yarn before you begin. n Consider the fibre content of the yarn and how this might affect the finished project. For example, cotton yarn will knit up very differently to a wool yarn.

n Don’t forget to check the care instructions of your new yarn. Not all yarns are machine washable. n Look at the meterage of the new yarn, rather than the weight of the ball. Not all 50g balls have the same meterage and you don’t want to run short when nearing the end of your project.

ON THE BLOCKS Blocking is the process of stretching and shaping your finished items to create the correct dimensions from the pattern and even out your stitches. It is also really useful for ensuring that pieces to be joined fit well together. There are a few different ways to achieve this, so check the information on the yarn ball band and pick the most suitable option.

Wet blocking: dampen the pieces so that they are wet through and gently squeeze out the excess water. Lay out the pieces and pin them to the correct

measurements, then leave them to dry. For delicate fibres and lace projects, you can just spritz the pieces with a water spray, rather than submerging them fully.

Steaming: lay a damp cloth over your work and gently iron over the top – do not iron directly on to your knitting. Continue to iron until the cloth is dry. Another option is to gently hover over your work with the iron and apply steam until the knitting relaxes, this is good for delicate projects and textured stitches. Pin to the desired measurements and allow to set.

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PRACTICAL GUIDES

Step-BY-Step

GRAFT THE TOE

Learn to knit today with these clear guides Go to www.letsknit.co.uk for video tutorials and knitting how-to guides!

Kitchener Stitch is the method used to acheive this.

It is worked as follows: SET UP: Before starting you need to prepare the stitches on the needle. Hold the two needles with the remaining stitches parallel. The loose end of yarn should be coming from the back needle and lying to the right of the work.

1

Thread yarn end onto a tapestry needle and insert it purlwise into the first stitch on the needle closest to you. Pull the yarn through but leave the stitch on the needle.

KNIT STITCH

1

Once cast on, insert the tip of the right needle upwards and from front to back into the top stitch on the left needle. The right hand needle should sit behind the left hand one. Wrap the ball end of yarn anticlockwise around the tip of the right hand needle.

HELPING HAND

If you need a refresher on basic knitting techniques, visit our website www.letsknit.co.uk.

You’ll also find the following step-by-step instructions in the magazine: Swiss darning, leaflet Yfwd, p86 K2tog, p86 Cast off, p86 Slip stitch, p86 p86

2

Using the right hand needle, pull a loop of the wrapped yarn through the original stitch to create a new one on the right hand needle. Slide the original stitch off the left hand needle. Repeat from step one. You are now knitting!

The knit stitch can be combined with other stitches to create hundreds of different stitch patterns.

2

Insert the tapestry needle knitwise into the first stitch on the back needle and pull the yarn through, leaving the stitch on the needle.

MAKING A SLIP KNOT

3 1

Holding the yarn under your left thumb, wrap it twice around your left index and middle fingers, with the second loop closer to the base of the fingers.

With the backs of the fingers uppermost, insert the tip of the needle beneath the first loop and over the second, and pull the second loop under the first.

Having set up as shown in steps 1 and 2, repeat steps 3 and 4 until all stitches have been grafted.

Insert the tapestry needle knitwise into the first stitch on the front needle and slide the stitch off. Before you pull the yarn through this stitch insert the tapestry needle into the next stitch on the front needle purlwise and pull the yarn through, this time leaving the stitch on the needle.

4 2

Remove the two fingers and gently tug on both ends of yarn to tighten the slip knot around the needle.

96 www.letsknit.co.uk

Insert the tapestry needle purlwise into the first stitch on the back needle and slide it off. Before pulling the yarn through this stitch, insert the tapestry needle into the next stitch on the back needle knitwise and pull the yarn through, leaving the stitch on the needle.

PRACTICAL GUIDES

CAST ON

1

Create a slipknot on your left hand needle, pulling it taut (but not too tight). Carefully insert the right needle into the knot from front to back, passing under the left hand needle. Wrap the ball end of yarn anticlockwise around the point of the right needle.

2

Pull the loop that forms back through the original stitch (knot) and insert the tip of the left hand needle into the new stitch from underneath to transfer it from the right hand to the left hand needle.

There should now be two stitches on the left hand needle.

3

Repeat the above steps, knitting into the top stitch on the left needle and returning the new stitches from the right to the left needle until you have the required number of stitches.

BACK STITCH LET’S KNIT 1 Phoenix Court, Hawkins Road, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8JY EDITOR Sarah Neal, sarah.neal@aceville.co.uk DEPUTY EDITOR Adrienne Chandler, adrienne.chandler@aceville.co.uk EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Holly Gillespie, holly.gillespie@aceville.co.uk GROUP EDITOR Lynn Martin

1

Pin the pieces to be joined, with the right sides together. Thread the loose end of yarn onto a tapestry needle. Start by stitching the two outer edges together, then bring the needle through the two pieces 1cm from back to front ahead of the previous stitch.

2

Push the needle back through at the position where the yarn emerged from the previous stitch.

Return it to the front of the work, approx 1cm ahead of the stitch just made. Repeat this until the whole join is complete, working in a straight line.

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JOINING CAST OFF EDGES

ART EDITOR Richard Allen DESIGNERS Gemma Eales, Cat Morton & David Haddington AD PRODUCTION Emma Hamidi PHOTOGRAPHY CliQQ Photography, www.cliqq.co.uk HAIR AND MAKE UP Dottie Monaghan FASHION STYLIST Boo Hill

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PROMOTIONS OFFICER Fiona Burrows fiona.burrows@aceville.co.uk

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Lay the two pieces to be joined right side up and with Take the needle over to the first side the cast off edges touching. Thread a tapestry needle and insert where it previously exited, bringing with the loose yarn and push this through the centre of it out through the centre of the next stitch. Repeat the first stitch, and then in and out through the centres this process alternating sides and stitching single of two stitches on the opposite side. stitches until the pieces are joined.

BEGINNING A SEAM

MATTRESS STITCH

CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER Anne Marie Hartley 01206 505902, annemarie.hartley@aceville.co.uk SUBSCRIPTIONS EXECUTIVE Zöe Charge zoe.charge@aceville.co.uk MARKETING MANAGER Andrea Turner PUBLISHER Matthew Tudor NEWSTRADE SALES Marketforce 0203 148 3300 PRINTED In England © Aceville Publications Ltd GIVEAWAYS TERMS & CONDITIONS

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With the pieces placed next to each other with right side upwards, thread the yarn tail through the fabric after the first stitch, moving the needle from front to back.

Then, take the needle behind the first stitch on the second piece from the back of the work to the front. The yarn will form a figure 8. Tug gently to secure.

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With the two pieces to be joined lying next to each other, hook the horizontal bar of the first stitch with the tapestry needle. Move to the other piece and hook the first horizontal bar of the stitch on that side.

Repeat this moving from one piece to the next and pulling the yarn to tighten the join.

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97 www.letsknit.co.uk

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LAST WORD...

With our Party Mice designer Christel Krukkert

“The beauty of handmade objects lies in their imperfection.”

D

utch designer Christel Krukkert is the knitting genius behind our adorable Party Mice. She loves drawing animals and started her career illustrating children’s magazines and books.

Safari pals

Cuddly police car

Go online!

Christel has a gorgeous range of quirky toy patterns available to knit and crochet, ranging from fabulous farmyard friends to charming cars. For more information and to download Christel’s patterns, visit her website at www.christelkrukkert.nl/en/

When she noticed a lack of appealing patterns she began to experiment with knitting and crocheting. She started writing and selling her patterns online and to various publications, and is now working on her seventeenth book!

We got the lowdown from Christel on everything from what she finds inspirational to her knitting pet peeves!

My inspiration comes from all over. I love to go to the zoo with my sketchbook, but I also find inspiration in daily life. It can be something as simple as a beautiful ball of yarn that inspires me to make a little animal.

There are so many reasons I love knitting. I’m an incredibly creative person, and it’s an easy tool to use when I want to make the animals that are in my head. It’s like sculpting, but when it’s finished it’s a soft cuddly toy that can make a great gift!

Everybody has a knitting hero. For me it’s the Dutch designer Wieke van Keulen. I think her work is lovely.

I can’t pick just one favourite yarn! It all depends on what I’m working on, when knitting my animals I love to

work with a mercerised cotton yarn, but in the rare case that I find time to make a scarf or something else for myself, I work best with merino yarn.

There are so many projects I’m proud of. I was born and raised in the Dutch countryside, so I thoroughly enjoyed working on a book with a farm theme. If I had to pick a favourite project from that book, it’d definitely be my toy farmer Teun on his tractor (above) he’s adorable!

I love to travel. I crochet and knit in the plane, train and car – though not when driving obviously! I like being productive when travelling as it makes the journey go a lot faster.

Knitting at home can be difficult.

I live with a busy family who can be quite distracting. So the most useful piece of equipment I own is definitely my stitch markers.

Without them, I’d spend a lot of time recounting rounds and rows!

Everybody has a knitting pet hate.

I’m not the most patient person when it comes to my work. If I have an idea for a new design, I want to make it right there and then. I hate it when I don’t have the right colour of yarn as I then have to wait a couple of days before I can start.

I can’t think of anything I’d rather do than design. I have loved drawing since I was a little girl, so if I couldn’t get creative with yarn then I’d likely be experimenting with clay, wood or any other material I could get my hands on.

Knitting takes time. Make sure you don’t set the bar too high for yourself as the beauty of handmade objects lies in their imperfection. LK

98 www.letsknit.co.uk

Fuzzy friends

Christel’s Snuggle Buddies are available as a kit from www.craftstoreuk.com

coming next issue We chat with Taiga Hilliard February issue of Let’s Knit on sale Thursday 19th January

LETS KNIT SEPT 2016 ISSUE 114 master_LET'S KNIT 09/12/2016 15:01 Page 99

LETS KNIT SEPT 2016 ISSUE 114 master_LET'S KNIT 09/12/2016 15:01 Page 100