Theknitter35

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LUXURY LOOKS

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Top by Sarah Hatton

SOFT, PRETTY LAYERS & DELICATE STITCHES

ISSUE 35 £5.99

35

Issue 35 £5.99

Jean Moss discovers Morocco Judy Furlong’s

12 LUXURY LOOKS

Trouble-free lacework!

INSPIRATIONAL TEXTURES TO TRY

Entrelac, lace and cables to add interest to your knitwear

FAIR ISLE CARDIGAN

BABY JACKET

LACY TOP

BAG

MAN’S JUMPER

INTARSIA VEST

WELCOME

NEW SEASON INSPIRATIONS

This issue marks the beginning of the autumn season in The Knitter, and you may spot a few changes in the magazine over the next few issues. We always have so many gorgeous photographs from our shoots, so our incredibly talented art team have refreshed some of the pattern pages so we can include even more inspiring images for you. Our MASTERCLASSES are such an important part of The Knitter, and the feedback we get from you, dear reader, is always so positive. That’s why we have moved this section nearer to the front of the magazine, so that you can get your teeth into a new technique and some top tips even faster.

We’ve got a lovely collection of original designs in this issue to take you from summer into autumn

The Knitter’s new GALLERY is now open to everyone, not just knitting groups, so if you have a project that you are particularly proud of, do send us a photo. We love to see the rich variety of colours and styles that you are all knitting.

Our charity campaign for REFUGE is doing really well.

We have already published a few blanket square designs, and more are now available online (see page 8 for details).

Why not get together with your knitting chums to make a Comfort Blanket together? The knitting group I belong to is having a tea party to knit some squares. I’m sure there will also be lots of cake and laughter, all for a good cause.

Juliet Bernard Editor

Judy Furlong is the expert behind this month’s Masterclass, which offers in-depth advice on producing perfect lace, every time

The first batch of Comfort Blankets have been delivered to Refuge’s ‘safe houses’, and we now have lots more blanket square designs to inspire you to get knitting!

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24

66 above Graphic florals go large in this striking vest which flatters all sizes

above Pretty, cosy cape uses entrelac and lace for a beautiful effect

13 Collectable Patterns

14 Framboise by Sarah Hatton

Pretty lace tunic with an interesting construction and delicate trim

24 Calhoun by Annie Modesitt

Lace and textured entrelac combine in this deliciously cosy cape

35 Langdale by Lily France

Seamless set-in sleeves and mitred edging make this an elegant knit

43 Driftwood by Nick Atkinson

Cabled entrelac lends a rugged texture to this men’s knit

52 Brodie by Helen Ardley

Cheerful chequerboard handbag

55 Paloma by Mel Clark

Charming cotton summer blouse is worked top down from square motifs

59 Birgitta by Martin Storey

Fair Isle cardigan with a Nordic vibe

66 Floriana by Jon Dunn-Ballam

Striking vest has bold intarsia design

74 Electrify by Rhian Drinkwater

Slip stitch patterning lends a cheeky bubble effect to these fun socks The Knitter 04 Issue 35

76 Margot by Amanda Jones

Faux cabling and rib give this oversize cardigan a flattering fit

81 Lady’s Sweater by Wendy

Vintage fitted sweater with a sweetheart neckline

84 Whalsay by Sarah Hatton

Aran influences abound in our latest Refuge Comfort Blanket square

85 Rockin’ Reindeer by Sirdar

Sweet baby jacket with Fair Isle reindeer motifs

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74

76

55 85

43 59

81

52 Subscribe & Save! SuBSCRIBe todAy ANd get 13 issues for the price of 9 - PLuS you’LL ReCeIVe exclusive patterns see page 32 for further details The Knitter 05 Issue 35

right Jean Moss takes us on a knitter’s tour of Morocco

boutique PAG e 92

48

below All you need to know about knitting design competitions

20

above Avoid mistakes in your lace knitting with our in-depth guide

71

84

98

31

BeInspired

Regulars

8 The Knitter Loves…

30 In the Loop

News and views from readers, plus our new project photo gallery!

What’s setting our hearts aflutter in the knitting, craft and fashion world

20 Masterclass

Perfect your lace knitting with this in-depth two part series

40 Yarns

Stash some sublime sock yarn! From indie dyers and the big brands

48 Jean Moss: Morocco diary

the renowned designer finds inspiration in northern Africa

65 Great books

Work with colour, perfect your socks and improve garment fit

71 Design competitions

Why you should get involved…

84 Refuge Comfort Blanket

our latest square is by popular designer Sarah Hatton The Knitter 06 Issue 35

32 Subscribe!

91 Information page

Stockist details, pattern corrections and essential knitting abbreviations

97 Next month 98 Goody bag

Win our stash bag, worth £264, filled with yarn, accessories and more!

Cover photography: jesse wild. hair & make-up: sarah bee.

Cover model: juliane g at nevs.

40

Exclusive

Annie Modesitt

Calhoun

Modular cape mixing entrelac and lace is a challenging yet rewarding knit

The Knitter

Issue 35

this entrelaC Cape mixes reCtangles of laCe and stoCking-moss stitCh and is worked from the top down

SIZE

TENSION

YARN

SpECIAL ABBREvIATIONS

16 sts and 20 rows to 10cm over stockingmoss stitch pattern using 5.5mm needles (after blocking)

Neck circumference 70cm (28in) Hem circumference 137cm (54in) Finished length 52cm (20in)

Debbie Bliss Fez (Aran weight; 85% merino, 15% camel; 100m/50g balls) Shade 10; 7 x 50g balls

NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES

Annie Modesitt

Calhoun aNNie modeSitt’S designs often use unusual constructions or techniques that will challenge and entertain the experienced knitter - and, of course, produce a beautiful garment in return for all that hard work.

This entrelac cape mixes rectangles of lace and stocking-moss stitch, and is worked from the top down, starting with a provisional cast-on and a ring of triangles, to which the rectangles are knitted on. We suggest you try a simple entrelac project before working this cape, in order to familiarise yourself with the technique.

CApE

Provisionally cast on 88 sts. This may be achieved as follows: Chain 92 using a 5.5-6.5mm hook and a length of waste yarn. Leaving a stitch or 2 at each end of the chain, using main yarn, pick up and knit 88 sts along the bumps on the back of the chain.

Create 8 triangles as folls: Row 1: Knit all sts. *Row 2 (WS): P2, turn, leaving remaining stitches unworked.

Row 3 (RS): K2, turn.

Row 4 (WS): P3, turn.

Row 5 (RS): K3, turn.

Cont in the same manner, purling 1 more st on each WS row until 10 sts have been purled.

Row 19 (RS): K10, turn.

Row 20 (WS): P11, do not turn work.

Cont on WS with rem cast on sts, rep from * 7 more times. 8 triangles have been created

K2tog-L: Work a left-leaning single decrease of your choice (SSK, K2tog tbl or Sl 1, K1, psso). vDD: Vertical double decrease. Sl 2 sts as if to K2tog but do not knit them together, K1, pass the 2 slipped sts over.

1 set 5.5mm (UK 5/US 9) circular needles, 90cm long Crochet hook approx. 5.5-6.5mm (UK 5-3/US I/9-K/10.5) Waste yarn Safety pin

and the 88 sts are divided into 8 groups.

At the end of the final triangle turn work.

Next row (RS): K11. Yarn is now at the top corner of triangle H. Join first (A) and last (H) triangles with a safety pin at the cast-on edge to create a circle. Make sure that the knitting is not twisted. You are now ready to work in the round.

F

E

G

D H

A

C

B

LAYER 1

11-ST LACE RECTANgLES With RS facing, working from left to right and using the LH end of your circular needle, pick up (but don’t knit) 11 sts from the bottom corner of triangle G up the row-end edge of triangle H to the top point (22 sts between the tops of triangles G & H).

worked again until the next layer).

Working from left to right and using the LH end of your circular needle, pick up (but don’t knit) 11 sts from row-end edge of triangle G (as previous triangle). 22 sts between tops of triangles F & G. Beg at **, work lace rectangle as above.

Work a further 6 lace rectangles in the same way, ending with a RS row on rectangle P (first layer of rectangles are named I to P).

Repeat around all triangles, creating 8 lace rectangles (I - P), ending with a RS row.

I H

N

O

P

G

M

L

K J

B

A

LAYER 2

11-ST STOCKINg-MOSS ST RECTANgLES

G

H

**With RS facing, repeat rows 1-8 of lace chart A twice.

Row 17: K10, K2tog-L, turn.

Row 18: Sl 1, P10, turn.

Repeat these 2 rows once more, then work row 17 again but do not turn.

All of the 11 sts that were picked up have now been used to join the rectangle of lace to triangle G. Push the 11 lace sts just worked down the RH needle (they won’t be The Knitter 26 Issue 35

The second layer is worked around the cape in the opposite direction from the first layer of rectangles. It is worked from left to right around the cape.

Working from left to right using the LH end of your circular needle, pick up 11 sts down side edge of rectangle I.

I

P

Calhoun BLOCKINg DIAgRAM

ChARTS Chart A: Lace

35cm 8

Chart C: Lace 7

6

5

4

3

2

1 10

5

Chart E: Lace

12

11

10

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

52cm

1 10

Chart B: Stocking-moss 1 10

Create next rectangle: Working from left to right using the LH end of your circular needle, pick up 11 sts down side edge of rectangle P. Beg at ***, work stocking-moss stitch rectangle as above.

Repeat around all rectangles, creating 8 stocking-moss rectangles (Q-X). End final rectangle (X) with a RS row.

V X J

U Q

I G

11

10

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

Chart D: Stocking-moss 2

1

5

10

5

10

5

Chart F: Stocking-moss 2

1 15

10

5

KEY

Next row (RS): K11 (the sts you just picked up), turn. There are 22 sts between rectangles P & I. ***Next row (WS): P10, P2tog, turn.

Work Rows 1-2 of Chart B in stocking-moss pattern, decreasing on WS rows as directed, until row 2 has been worked for the 10th time. All of the 11 sts from rectangle P have now been used.

Push 11 sts just worked down needle to work in next layer.

W

10

12

15

2

68½ cm

5

14

T R

N

O

P H

S

A

B

LAYER 3

13-ST LACE RECTANgLES The third layer of rectangles is worked from right to left around the cape. With RS facing, working from left to right and using the LH end of your circular needle, pick up 11 sts from upper edge of rectangle X. †With RS facing, beg at upper right corner of rectangle X, work set-up rows (nonnumbered) of chart C. 13 sts now present in the working section.

K on RS, P on WS

ssk

M1R

P on RS, K on WS

K2tog

M1L

yo

Sl2 tog knitwise, K1, psso

Sl1

Pattern repeat

For stockists and abbreviations, see p91 Rectangles of lace and stocking-moss stitch interlock to form the cape

Calhoun in detail entrelac lace Annie has chosen a mixed pattern of lace and stocking-moss stitch for her cape.

This creates an edge not ideally suited to necklines, so a provisional cast-on is used, which is then picked up and a rolled edge is worked. Annie has also added a garter stitch border to prevent the bottom edge from rolling up, and adding to the balanced feel of the garment.

The cape is generously sized and, due to the drapey nature of the Debbie Bliss Fez yarn, will stretch to fit most body shapes.

Omit chart C rows 1 & 2 and work rows 3-10 once, then work rows 1-10 once.

Next row (RS): K12, K2tog-L, turn. 13 sts rem. Push the 13 sts just worked down needle to work in next layer.

Create next rectangle: With RS facing, pick up 11 sts along the edge of rectangle W. 22 sts between rectangles V & W on needle. Beg at †, work lace rectangle as above. Repeat around all rectangles, creating 8 lace rectangles, end last lace rectangle with a RS row.

LAYER 4

13-ST STOCKINg-MOSS RECTANgLES Work from left to right as for Layer 2.

Pick up 11 sts from upper edge of lace rectangle just worked.

Next row (RS): K11 (the sts you just picked up). 24 sts in this section. Turn work so WS is facing. ††Next row (WS): P10, P2tog, turn. 23 sts in current section.

Next row (RS): K1, knit and then purl into next st, K7, knit and then purl into next st, K1, turn. 25 sts in current section.

Next row (WS): (K1, P1) 6 times, P2tog, turn.

Work from chart D, rep rows 1 & 2, 11 times, thus ending with a WS row.

Pick up 11 sts from edge of next rectangle and repeat from ††. Repeat around all rectangles, creating 8 stocking-moss rectangles. End 8th rectangle with a RS row.

LAYER 5

15-ST LACE RECTANgLES Work from right to left as for Layer 3.

Using lace chart E, create 8 rectangles, each one beginning with picking up 13 sts and increasing to 15 sts in the foll manner: †††Next row (also shown on chart, RS): K1, YO, K11, YO, K2tog-L. Next row (also shown on chart, WS): Sl 1, P14.

Cont from chart E, work rows 3-12 once, then work rows 1-12 once.

Next row (RS): K14, K2tog-L, turn. 15 sts rem.

Push the 15 sts just worked down needle to work in next layer.

Pick up 13 sts for the next rectangle, and repeat from †††. Continue until all 8 rectangles in this layer have been worked.

End last lace rectangle with a RS row.

LAYER 6

15-ST STOCKINg-MOSS RECTANgLES

Work from left to right as for Layer 4.

Pick up 13 sts from upper edge of lace rectangle just worked.

Next row (RS): K13, turn. §Next row (WS): P12, P2tog, turn. 25 sts in this section.

Next row (RS): K1, knit and purl into next st, K9, knit and purl into next st, K1, turn.

27 sts in this section.

Next row (WS): (K1, P1) 8 times, P2tog.

Work from chart F, rep rows 1 & 2, 13 times, thus ending on a WS row.

The Knitter 28 Issue 35

Pick up and knit 13 sts from next rectangle and repeat from § for each remaining rectangle in the layer. End final rectangle with a RS row.

hEM With RS facing and continuing along side of rectangle just worked, pick up and knit 17 sts along rectangle side. (Knit live sts from next rectangle, then pick up and knit 17 sts along edge of same rectangle) 7 times. 256 sts. You should be at a “valley” between two rectangles, and you will now work in rounds, not rows. It isn’t recommended to use a start of the round marker, as the start of the round moves in the following section.

Next round: (P15, yo, P1, yo, P15, K1) 8 times. 272 sts.

Next round: K1, (K15, yo, K1, yo, K15, VDD) 8 times.

Next round: (P33, K1) 8 times.

Repeat last 2 rounds until 6 rounds of garter hem have been worked, or to desired length. Cast off all sts loosely.

NECKBAND If necessary, remove waste yarn from provisional cast-on edge and slip 88 sts onto circular needle. With RS facing, knit 12 rounds, creating a rolled neckline. Cast off all sts loosely.

FINIShINg

Weave in all ends and block gently to measurements. v

In the loop

Get in touch and share your photographs, tips, ideas and comments with other knitters on our new reader pages

star letter

stashbusting idea

I read Juliet’s article on stash-busting (Issue 34) with a rueful smile. I have the most fabulous pattern for using up all (and I mean all) oddments of yarn.

I inherited a 90-year-old aunt’s stash who sadly had to hang up her needles due to arthritis. After making up a few tea cosies, knitted cakes and so on, I too was left wondering what to make with the remainders.

A search on Ravelry led me to a free pattern, ‘Ten Stitch Blanket’ by Frankie Brown. Its beauty is fourfold: a) unlike knitting blankets out of traditional squares or similar, tension and measuring just don’t come into it; what had been putting me off was the thought of knitting endless tension samples out of the small fragments left, only to have to pull out and knit again for real; b) you only ever knit on 10 stitches at a time; because of this, it gets picked up for ‘just another row’ far more than complicated projects so gets knitted up surprisingly quickly; c) I mismatched DK, aran and 4ply yarn (worked double) and it didn’t seem to matter at all; d) there is no sewing!

Janet Padgett found a brilliant blanket pattern that uses up leftover yarn

The Ravelry pattern is found here: www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ ten-stitch-blanket My project gets used such a lot by my children as a blanket and playmat, and I’m pleased to have found a use for some of the leftovers from my aunt’s lifetime of knitting.

Janet Padgett via email juliet says: What a fantastic idea. I have looked at Frankie’s patterns before and they are all intriguing. I love how your blanket turned out and I will certainly have a closer look at the pattern.

Janet wins two 100g skeins of Artesano Aran yarn

a plan for odd balls

Just read Juliet’s article in Issue 34 on using up her stash, and it immediately struck a chord with me. I have been sorting out my own stash which I’ve accumulated over many, many years, even buying odd balls at charity shops not knowing at all what I would do with them. I am also a spinner and have been building up a variety of odd balls that haven’t yet found homes.

Recently I’d given them all a good sort out, arranging them into colours.

I’d just been making a feather-andfan baby blanket, and since I really do love this easy lace pattern, I thought it would be great to make some featherand-fan blankets from my stash.

I wanted to do it properly, though, and since I’m trying to get to grips with colour theory I looked at a colour wheel to choose some shades. I chose four complementary colours - pink and green, blue and orange - and then I looked at my stash and matched up some suitable yarns. They didn’t have to be exactly one shade, just generally in the right area, and even the thickness wasn’t that important because different textures are good as long as they blend with the rest.

I’m still on my first blanket which I’m making fairly large, but they can be any size or colour, and the lace The Knitter 30 Issue 35

Sylvie White is working through her stash by knitting this feather-and-fan blanket

pattern gives an interesting effect. I’m looking forward to making a neutral blend later on.

I obtained the stitch pattern from Barbara Walker’s book, A Treasury of Knitting Patterns: Multiple of 18 sts Row 1 (RS): Knit.

Row 2: Purl.

Row 3: *(K2tog) 3 times, (yo, K1) 6 times, (K2tog) 3 times; rep from *.

Row 4: Knit.

Repeat Rows 1-4.

Sylvie White via email

In search of loopy

I would like to knit the ‘Versatile Fleecy Gilet’ from Issue 2, but am struggling to find a supplier for the Rosarios 4 Loopy yarn needed for the shaggy collar. Can you help?

Rachel McGhie via email

rosee says: The UK distributor for Rosarios 4 yarns, Moral Fibre, has gone out of business, which means it can be hard to track down its yarns. What’s more, Loopy has now been discontinued.

However, when we contacted Rosarios 4’s head office in Portugal, they suggested trying the online shop LindenTea (www.lindentea.eu) which has stocks of Loopy available.

In the loop 3ply to try

In answer to Maureen Wood’s letter in issue 34, asking for sources of 3ply yarn, I’d recommend Knitwitches (07983 981317; www.knitwitches yarns.co.uk). It sells a gorgeous 100% pure cashmere Heavy Laceweight yarn which knits as 3ply and comes in a fabulous range of hand-dyed colours.

Jane Smith via email

Sally Barrett has already made two Clemency Corsages from Issue 31, and is planning another three! “I added the memory wire after I’d washed the corsage, as I found it didn’t stay put very well with my first attempt,” Sally advises.

to bag, or not to bag?

I’ve noticed that recent issues of The Knitter are being sold in plastic bags - but I remember you saying that the magazine would never be bagged?

Rachel Waters via email

This lovely cowl was designed by Lien Ngo. It uses one skein of Fyberspates Scrumptious and the design is available at Lien’s website, Platinumknits.com.

Reader gallery

Sizes 6–24

We love to see what you’re knitting, so share a photo and inspire other readers!

Phyllida

Jenny Raynor loved ‘Lilium’ from Issue 30, and tweaked the pattern slightly for a perfect fit. “I have received many compliments while wearing it!” says Jenny.

By Annie Modesitt

We now include free pattern books every month - this design came with Issue 34

HeleN says: We decided to present the magazine in a bag because we wanted to offer our readers even more value for money. Enclosing the magazine in a bag allows us to include extra pattern books each month, such as Kyoko Nakayoshi’s stunning ‘Miu’ cardigan with this issue.

We do realise this means people are no longer able to flick through the magazine, so we are now including more images of our patterns on the front cover.

Get iN touCH

We’d love to hear from you. Write to: The Knitter, Future Publishing, 30 Monmouth Street, Bath BA1 2BW or email TheKnitter@futurenet.com.

Unless otherwise specified, we will assume that you are happy for us to publish your emails and photographs. We reserve the right to edit all letters submitted.

“This is adapted from Elizabeth Zimmermann’s Seamless Hybrid sweater, and used a skein of Manx Loaghtan laceweight”, says Liz Ashdowne.