simpknitt1972020

Sim ly INSPIRATION YARN EXPERTS STORIES

SPRING KNITS YOU’LL LOVE

156

designs & IDEAS

Floral Stitch!

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Exper tip & trick !

New Skill!

PLUS! More inside...

ISSUE 197

Collection One by Jenny Watson

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+HçR ...and welcome to our Easter issue, packed with exclusive designs!

At long last, Easter is here and it is utterly glorious! It’s such a wonderful feeling to see all those pastel shades, spring flowers and delicious chocolate eggs making their way into our house (mainly via the younger generations). I’ve taken to putting up an Easter tree in order to make this celebration, which in my book is on a par with Christmas these days, feel beautiful and welcomed. It’s simply a selection of thin branches painted white, but when I unwrap my Easter decorations and display them on there for all to see, it’s a real joy. In fact, I find it particularly difficult to take them down after the celebrations are over! This year I’ll definitely be adding one or two from the Amanda Berry collection in this issue (page 41). I love projects like these, where you can choose one or two decorations to knit in a weekend, or go all out and cast on every one for yourself, or as a gift for someone who’s just as fond of Easter as you are. Pop them in a tissue-filled box and they’ll look so special. They don’t have to be just for Easter either of course, they make really good keyrings or bag charms for friends and family. I even thought of popping them in party bags if you find yourself hosting a kid’s birthday or two!

PLUS!

Happy Easter knitting everyone!

10

top bird

itor

GET IN TOUCH! S H O P S M A RT SHOP LOCAL! Turn to page 87

We’d love to hear from you.

Email us at simplyknitting@immediate.co.uk Write to us at Stay in Touch, Simply Knitting magazine, Immediate Media Co, Eagle House, Colston Avenue, Bristol BS1 4ST Find us on Instagram @simplyknittingmag Find us on Facebook Facebook.com/simplyknitting

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Simply In this issue

Discover more Easter tree decos on page 41

14 ER V O C !

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Knitting for Easter?

48 Fun to knit! k

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88

57

38 PATTERNS 14 21 33 38 41 48 51 57 61 67 71 83 88

Block and stripe cardigan Kid’s fluffy sheep sweater Zig-zag and stripe jumper Concentric pompom throw Bright Easter decorations Squishy chick toy Easter bonnet rabbit Men’s cable jumper T-shirt and cowl set Garter stitch baby cardigan Double knitting coasters Chic Grecian tunic Scattered flowers socks

GREAT BUYS & TOP PRIZES 7 Wishlist Browse our gorgeous goodies, exciting events, brilliant books and much more

30 Bumper giveaways Enter our fabulous knit freebies

66 Prize puzzles Quizzy ways to win knit-tastic goodies!

61 76 The latest yarn reviews Hot new yarns to tempt your needles

GOOD READS & MORE 26 Stay in touch The place where you show us yours…

32 Purls of wisdom Kath Garner decides to experiment

92 How to knit Our practical guide delivers all the stitches and tips to get you started

96 Next issue Find out what you can look forward to knitting and reading next month

98 NEW Stitch of the month Add a new stitch to your library – this issue we’re trying out mock cable!

40 Knitter’s world Read about a very special festive project in Wrexham

46 Best buys for Easter Our extra-special shopping guide delivers a wealth of spring treats

SUBSCRIBE!

q

54 Ask the experts We get to grips with your queries

73 Discover double knitting Learn about an exciting technique

78 Knit together Our packed community round-up

86 Back issues Complete your set with our directory

Take your fave mag with you with a digital subscription!

Turn to page 32 to subscribe now Subscribe at www.gathered.how/simplyknitting405

New Moomin x Novita pattern book 2 %( (! *+3

MAJAKKASAARI Follow us on: NOVITAKNITS

Free patterns & Nordic inspiration at www.novitaknits.com

Nordic Yarns and Design since 1928

WHAT’S NEW

Wishlist a Shopping 0 Events 0 Inspiration 0 People 0 Views

SPRING FLING The ever-popular Rowan denim yarn is now sustainable too thanks to Denim Revive. Made from recycled cotton fibres, which give a light touch of tweed to your knits, Steel by Quail Studio is a light, easy knit that’s just perfect for spring.

Shown here in classic Denim Blue, the capsule colour palette now includes Coral, Pistachio, Jade and more. £4.95 per 50g from Rowan stockists.

To find your nearest Rowan stockist, visit www.knitrowan.com or call 01484 668200.

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WHAT’S NEW

Editor’s choice This issue’s spring must-buys chosen by SK Edi ir i

eod

Simply

ove SEAMS Silk Touch Hand & Nail Oil We’re all a’tingle at this silky-smooth softening treat and the thought of indulging our hands with SEAMS Silk Touch Hand & Nail Oil. Not only is it nourishing to the skin, your nails will thank you too, for its incredible natural oils and their restorative and conditioning properties. Priced £22, www. seamsbeauty.co.uk.

We Are Knitters Merida Blanket Knitted in Pima Cotton, in natural, olive and khaki shades, the Merida Blanket Knitting kit (£85) from We Are Knitters is the complete package, there’s even an embroidered label. We love!

Find out more at www.weareknitters.co.uk.

Opal Hundertwasser Sock Yarn This gorgeous sock yarn is inspired by an artist, and we love Hundertwasser’s colour palette in the Opal Hundertwasser collection (£8.99 for 100g). Choose from eight colourways. www.woolwarehouse. co.uk, 0800 505 3300.

Rico Design Knitting Idea Compact Patterns Knitted in Luxury Alpaca Superfine aran, which has a loosely spun thread, this pliable yarn from Rico Design makes super-comfy and stylish garments like this wraparound cardi with a vertical rib pattern and chunky knitted waist tie.

For more knitting idea compact patterns, go to www.rico-design.de/en.

Clover’s Circular Stitch Holder The new Stitch Holder from Clover (£5.70) has a soft, pliable cord and will keep the shape of your work without messing up the stitches.

For stockists, email clover@ stockistenquiries.co.uk or 01453 883581.

Love Knitting for Baby magazine Cutie-pie knits for little ones, a rainbow jumper and quick-knit baby socks are just some of the patterns on offer in our sister mag, Love Knitting for Baby. Priced £9.99 and you get a Wilbur the Polar Bear kit too!

Visit www.buysubscriptions.com/specialeditions to order your copy today.

......................... BUY-ME-NOW BOOKS .........................

CHUNKY KNITS

by Alyssarhaye Graciano

ENTRELAC KNITTING

by Mette Hovden and Heidi Eikeland

WORN AND WILD

(Search Press, £12.99)

(Berrcoft Books, £15.99)

If you’re searching for inspiration for something that little bit different, this book is the answer.

With a fabulous selection of over 40 entrelac patterns there’s plenty here to fire up your needles. Entrelac is a technique that creates a beautiful plaid-like textured effect, think stunning garments and gorgeous blankets. This book covers patterns for knits for both women and men.

by Kerry Lucas This inspiring selection of vintage-themed knitted gifts has patterns for a child’s tank top, felted elephant, knitted Christmas decos and more. Kerry Lucas incorporates her love of crochet and cooking into this book, making it appealing to all craft lovers! With simple makes for beginners and more intricate projects for advanced crafters, there is something for every devout crafter to enjoy.

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(Page Street Publishing Co, £16.99)

Teacher and designer, Alyssarhaye Graciano, has put together this brilliant book of patterns that use chunky yarns and large knitting needles, there are even some arm knitting patterns. With 30 big-knit projects to choose from, this book is ideal for both beginners and experienced knitters. From full-size blankets, fashionable motifs and smaller gifts, you’ll be spoilt for choice!

WHAT’S NEW

top 3

a day in the life of…

DR PHIL SAUL Knit writer, designer, clinical psychologist Phil is a regular contributor to Simply Knitting writing our Purls of Wisdom column Up early or slow to rise? It varies – I’m really not a creature of routine.

First job of the day? I try and use my most alert morning hours for writing and planning new patterns. The actual knitting gets done later, when I can set my brain to ‘cruise’.

Mid-morning pick-me-up? Going for a run.

Much as I love knitting, it’s a very sedentary, indoors activity, so I run 20 miles per week in the Oxfordshire countryside.

Fave time to sit back and take five?

After walking the children to school and before

22

starting work, I wander around the garden, noticing what the wildlife and the plants are up to. Patterns in nature are a big inspiration when I’m designing, so this counts as work, right?!

Clocking-off time? I’ve got a deadline for a book coming up terrifyingly fast, so it’s hard not to feel as though I should be working all the time at the moment. But I keep evenings for fun things, like knitting and blogging.

You can read Phil’s brilliant blog at thetwistedyarn. com, and follow her on Instagram at @ thetwistedyarn.

STRIPES AHOY! Get on board with Regatta DK from www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk

The Hiking Reindeer cowl pattern, available for free on Phil’s blog

Regatta DK Skipper Zesty lemon and lime are served up in this shoulder-peeping top that’s perfect to wear in the summer breeze. Pattern 9739, £2.99.

IS THE AMOUNT OF NATURAL COLOURS THAT ALPACAS COME IN! Source: en.wikipedia.org

HAVE YOU SEEN…

Bo Peep Pure DK? A luxuriously soft, modern but classic yarn for baby

With the new Bo Peep Pure DK collection West Yorkshire Spinners has treated us to a beautiful bundle of baby knits. Designer Jenny Watson has used pure Falkland wool to create timeless classics like the Isabella lace cardigan and blanket and Bobbins accessory sets (both shown here). Bo Peep Pure (£6.50 for 50g) is soft and luxurious and knits up into heirloom gifts and gorgeous keepsakes in vintage colours.

Call 01535 664500 or view the collection (£12.95) at www.wyspinners.com.

Regatta DK Harbour Bathe in beachy brights with swathes of sea blue and coral in a cardi knitted with Regatta DK Harbour yarn. Pattern 9738, £2.99.

Bo Peep Pure is spun with care from 100% Falkland Islands yarn

Regatta DK Oarsman Candy pink and neon blue add eye-catching style to a preppy V-neck knitted in Regatta DK Oarsman. Pattern 9735, £2.99.

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WHAT’S NEW

This month we’re loving…

Cute Comfort Knits

by Jemma Weston

Make crafty friends at a show or workshop this May

Cosy projects to cuddle up with, from homewares to squish to s ou’ll love

Simply Knitting’s GUIDE TO MAY

all the BEST CRAFT events!

16 May, 6.30pm

KNIT WITH ATTITUDE KNIT NIGHT 127 Stoke Newington High Street, London N16 0PH The popular monthly knit night is back! If you’re in the London area, why not pop along to one of these fab social knitting evenings? Be sure to take your project bag, yarn and knitting needles. All skill levels are welcome, and wine and snacks are provided. A suggested donation of £3 is recommended.

Visit www.knitwithattitude.com for more details and information.

From a family of hedgehogs (with three cute baby hoglets – eek!) to squishy cushion covers, plus knitted blankets and socks, this is a delightful and varied selection of comforting knits. We’re giving a special mention to Smudge the cat because, as the author Jem says, no-one is too old for a cuddly toy and you’ll find this knitted kitty the perfect size for a tight squeeze. The 64-page paperback book features 10 patterns all knitted with Rowan yarn, including Cocoon, Felted Tweed and Kid Classic. The book is available for £19.99 from www.lovecrafts.com or call 01409 404010 or buy Smudge the cat pattern for £4.

20 May

WILD WOOLLY Routen Farm, Ennerdale, Cleator, Cumbria CA23 3AU Each wonderful woolly workshop is run by Susan and is based on a different woolly craft each month. For up-to-date details of workshops, please visit the main website below.

Prices start from £20 per workshop. For more visit www.wildwoolbarn. co.uk/wild-woolly-wednesday-workshops or contact Susan on 01946 861270.

17-22 May

KNITTING AND CROCHET West of Ireland

listen up!

Trust Bernat to come up with a pillow that’s huggable, squishy and perfect for the nursery. With their velvet-soft ears, these grabbable cushions are knitted in Baby Velvet yarn (£10.69 for 300g), which is a soft, worsted weight with a texture that doesn’t pill or shed, making it ideal for stylish bambino knits. Choose from a yarn colour palette of Restful Rose, Joyful Gold, Bunny Brown and Ever After Pink.

You can discover the full range at www.woolwarehouse.co.uk.

If you’re looking for a relaxing break this May, then this stunning knit-cation could be just what you need. Take a relaxing break in the city of Galway and attend friendly workshops led by Sarah Hazell. Learn how to turn an infinity loop into a scarf and cover techniques such as twists and bobbles, wandering cables and more! Plus, take time out to explore the Connemara countryside.

Prices start from £1,495 per person. For more information and to book visit www.arenatravel.com.

23-25 May

WOOLLY WEEKEND AND SHIPSTON WOOL FAIR Sheep Street, Shipston on Stour, Warwickshire CV36 4AB What a fabulous and varied woolly weekend is in store here! Enjoy live shearing demonstrations, a range of live entertainment and fab food. You couldn’t wish for a better atmosphere while browsing the many stalls selling local crafts.

For more info, visit www.shipstonwoolfair.co.uk.

23-24 May

FESTIWOOL POP-UP, HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTY SHOW The Showground, Redbourn, Hertfordshire AL3 7PT

Snuggle up to luxe Bernat Baby Velvet

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This year there will be room for various yarn brands to exhibit at the pop-up event, Festiwool, which is held at the huge Hertfordshire County Show. Town End Yarns – famed for their luxury Alpaca-based products – is just one of the companies to have signed up to this exciting festival. For more, keep an eye on the exhibitor list featured on the website below.

For more visit www.festiwool.com.

makers noun (may-kers)

The advocates of mindfulness, the makers of community, the creators of self expression, the inventors of can-do.

You are the knitters, the makers, the dreamers.

Together, we make. lovecrafts.com - your home to shop materials, find free patterns & feel the joy of making.

FREE delivery on orders over ÂŁ25

+ 15% OFF with this code

IMAMAKER3 *terms & conditions apply

WHAT’S NEW

cast on for the summer with…

…King Cole Paradise Beaches Summer will be here before you know it so try these cocktail-inspired colours and pretty beachy knits from the Paradise family of yarns at King Cole

SUMMER SORBET SURPRISE For knitters who can’t get enough of King Cole’s Beaches yarn, they’ve just released a new branch of the family, a range of delicious sorbet colours called Paradise Beaches. The new yarn is the same soft blend of premium acrylic and polyamide, which is soft to handle with a lovely lightness and each is named after a cocktail. We’re loving Electric Lemonade, Pink Gin and – of course – Pina Colada!

Ladies’ and kids’ wear, including vest tops, sweet cardigans and slinky jumpers are just some of the patterns showing off these intoxicating yarns, which cost £3.99 for 100g. Visit your local King Cole stockist, find your nearest at www. kingcole.com or call 01756 703670.

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Knit a koala beanie Knit a cute hat and help to protect Australian wildlife Designers in the Scheepjes studio have come together to create the Crying Koala Hat for knitters and crocheters. Having close ties with Australia, they were moved to try and help raise money to help koalas and all other wildlife affected by the bushfires. The hats can be made for babies, children and adults and they are priced around £2.50, with all profits in 2020 going to the Zoos Victoria Bushfire Emergency Wildlife Fund. Patterns for the Scheepjes #CryingKoala Project can be found on Ravelry and are available in English and Dutch. www.ravelry.com

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ARAN WEIGHT YARN | MASSIVE RANGE OF COLOURS 100% COTTON | PERFECT FOR ALL KINDS OF PROJECTS MACHINE WASHABLE AND DRYABLE NOW AVAILABLE FROM HOBBYCRAFT | THE RANGE | WOOL WAREHOUSE | THE SILK ROAD | LOVE CRAFTS SEAN’S WOOL CABIN | PEACH UNICORN | WOOLFULL READICUT | OH SEW CRAFTY | PLUS MANY MORE

Strawberry milk Pretty pink shades combine to make an adorable, very wearable cardigan you’ll never take off this spring and summer. By Pat Menchini

0 Page 18

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STRIPY CARDIGAN

ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95

Q Rico Essentials Merino DK

(100% wool, 50g/120m) For measurements and quantities see size table Q A pair of 3.25mm needles Q A pair of 4mm needles Q A stitch holder Q 7 buttons

TENSION

WHERE TO BUY Q For yarn stockists

SLEEVE

visit Rico Design at www.rico-design.de

OR YOU COULD TRY… Q Wool Warehouse Call

0800 505 3300 or visit www.woolwarehouse.co.uk Q The Wool Factory 01409 404010 or www. thewoolfactoryonline.com

22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles

STRIPY CARDIGAN BACK Cast on 103 (115: 127: 139: 151: 163) sts using 3.25mm needles and Yarn A. Row 1 (RS) K2, *P1, K1; rep from * to last st, K1.

Row 2 P2, *K1, P1; rep from * to last st, P1.

The last 2 rows form rib.

Rep these 2 rib rows twice more, then Row 1 again.

Next row Purl.** Change to 4mm needles.

Cont in st st throughout starting with a knit row until Back measures 41cm, ending with a WS row.

SHOP SMAR SHO LOCAP L!

T

FRONTS & BACK

58 (59: 60: 61: 62: 64)cm 22 (23 : 23 : 24 24 : 25 )in

YOU WILL NEED

43 (44: 44: 45: 45: 46)cm 17 (17 : 17 : 17 : 17 : 18)in

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS

47 (52.5: 58: 63: 68.5: 74)cm 18 (20 : 22 : 25: 27: 29)in

Turn t page 8o7

[45 (49: 54: 59: 63: 68) sts] Dec 1 st at armhole edge on every row until 38 (42: 45: 50: 52: 55) sts rem, then on every RS row until 35 (38: 41: 44: 47: 50) sts rem.

Cont straight until 20 (22: 22: 24: 26: 28) rows fewer have been worked than on Back to start of shoulder shaping, ending at the centre front edge.

SHAPE NECK Cast off 12 (13: 14: 15: 16: 17) sts loosely at beg of next row.

[23 (25: 27: 29: 31: 33) sts] Dec 1 st at neck edge on next 5 rows. [18 (20: 22: 24: 26: 28) sts] Work 15 (17: 17: 19: 21: 23) rows straight, ending at the armhole edge.

SHAPE ARMHOLES Cast off 5 (7: 8: 9: 11: 12) sts loosely at beg of next 2 rows.

[93 (101: 111: 121: 129: 139) sts] Dec 1 st at each end of every row until 79 (87: 93: 103: 107: 113) sts rem, then on every RS row until 73 (79: 85: 91: 97: 103) sts rem.

Cont straight until Back measures 58 (59: 60: 61: 62: 64)cm, ending with a WS row.

SHAPE SHOULDERS Cast off 6 (7: 7: 8: 9: 9) sts loosely at beg of next 4 rows, then 6 (6: 8: 8: 8: 10) sts at beg of next 2 rows. [37 (39: 41: 43: 45: 47) sts] Slip rem sts onto a stitch holder.

RIGHT FRONT Cast on 49 (55: 61: 67: 73: 79) sts using 3.25mm needles and Yarn B. Work 7 rows in rib as for Back.

Next row P1, M1P, P to end. [50 (56: 62: 68: 74: 80) sts] Change to 4mm needles.

Cont in st st starting with a knit row until front measures 41cm, ending after a RS row.

SHAPE ARMHOLE ***Cast off 5 (7: 8: 9: 11: 12) sts loosely at beg of next row.

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SHAPE SHOULDER Cast off 6 (7: 7: 8: 9: 9) sts at beg of next and foll alt row.

[6 (6: 8: 8: 8: 10) sts] Work 1 row straight.

Cast off rem sts.

LEFT FRONT Cast on 49 (55: 61: 67: 73: 79) sts using 3.25mm needles and Yarn B. Work 7 rows in rib as for Back.

Next row P to last st, M1P, P1. [50 (56: 62: 68: 74: 80) sts] Change to 4mm needles.

Cont in st st starting with a knit row and joining in and breaking off colours as required, work the foll stripe sequence: (2 rows in Yarn C, 2 rows in Yarn A) twice, 2 rows in Yarn C, 10 rows in Yarn A, (2 rows in Yarn C, 2 rows in Yarn B) twice, 2 rows in Yarn C, 10 rows in Yarn B. These 40 rows form stripe sequence.

Cont in stripe sequence throughout until Front measures 41cm, ending after a WS row.

Complete from *** to end as for Right Front, noting that 1 row fewer than stated will be worked before shaping shoulder.

STRIPY CARDIGAN

FIND YOUR SIZE 6-8

10-12

14-16

18-20

22-24

26-28

cm

76-81

86-91

97-102

107-112

117-122

127-132

in

30-32

34-36

38-40

42-44

46-48

50-52

cm

94

105

116

126

137

148

in

37

41

45

49

54

58

cm

58

59

60

61

62

23

23

24

SIZE TO FIT BUST ACTUAL BUST LENGTH SLEEVE LENGTH

in

22

64

24

25

cm

43

44

44

45

45

46

in

17

17

17

17

17

18

YARN

Rico Essentials Merino DK (50g/120m)

Yarn A Nude (69)

5

5

6

6

7

7

Yarn B Pearl Pink (16)

5

5

6

6

7

7

Yarn C Elder (80)

1

1

2

2

2

3

SIZING COLOUR KEY So you can re-use this pattern, we’ve colour-coded the sizing instructions. Simply follow our colour-coded measurements and you’re off.

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Carefully match your buttons with the button holes for the perfect fnish

KIRSTIE MCLEOD, EDITOR

gwq RIGHT SLEEVE Cast on 43 (45: 47: 47: 49: 51) sts using 3.25mm needles and Yarn B. Work as for Back to **.

Change to 4mm needles.

Cont in st st starting with a knit row, working stripe sequence as given for Left Front AT THE SAME TIME shape Sleeve by inc 1 st at each end of 3rd row, then on every foll 8th (8th: 6th: 6th: 4th: 4th) row until there are 51 (53: 65: 77: 57: 69) sts, then on every foll 10th (8th: 8th: 8th: 6th: 6th) row until there are 67 (73: 79: 83: 89: 95) sts.

Cont straight until Sleeve measures 43 (44: 44: 45: 45: 46)cm, ending after a WS row.

SHAPE TOP Cast off 5 (7: 8: 9: 11: 12) sts at beg of next 2 rows.

[57 (59: 63: 65: 67: 71) sts] Work 0 (2: 4: 6: 8: 8) rows straight.

Dec 1 st at each end of next row and every foll RS row until 31 (33: 37: 39: 41: 45) sts rem, then on every row until 21 (23: 27: 29: 31: 35) sts rem.

Cast off very loosely.

LEFT SLEEVE Work as for Right Sleeve, using Yarn B only throughout.

MAKING UP NECKBAND

! f o % 10

Wool Warehouse are offering 10% off Rico Essentials Merino DK! Quote offer code SK197 when you order. To place your order call 0800 505 3300 or visit www.woolwarehouse. co.uk. Offer ends 6 May 2020.

Join shoulders. Using 3.25mm needles and Yarn B, with RS facing,

Subscribe at www.gathered.how/simplyknitting 17

STRIPY CARDIGAN

pick up and K32 (34: 35: 38: 40: 43) sts evenly round right front neck, K across 37 (39: 41: 43: 45: 47) sts of Back, pick up and K32 (34: 35: 38: 40: 43) sts evenly round left front neck.

[101 (107: 111: 119: 125: 133) sts] Beg with Row 2, work 6 rows in rib as for Back.

Cast off evenly in rib.

RIGHT BORDER Using 3.25mm needles and Yarn B, with RS facing, pick up and K 145 (147: 149: 131: 133: 133) sts evenly along right front edge.

Beg with Row 2 work 2 rows in rib as on Back.

Next row (WS) Rib 3, (cast off 2 sts, rib 16 – including st on right needle after cast off) 6 times, cast off 2 sts, rib to end.

Next row Work in rib as set, casting on 2 sts neatly over those cast off.

Work in rib for 2 more rows.

Cast off evenly in rib.

LEFT BORDER Commencing at neck edge and omitting buttonholes, work as for right border.

FINISHING Weave in ends and block gently to measurements, following any yarn care instructions on the ball band. Sew in Sleeve tops. Join side and Sleeve seams. Sew on buttons.

GET THE LOOK!0

00

Team your knit with the latest trends

Accessorisewithpretty two-tonedpinkstuds Oliver Bonus, £12.50

Apureandsimplewhite blousemakesagreatbase White Stuff, £48.95

Dreamof summerwith thisrafia-styleshopper Marks and Spencer, £17.50 Pickupaperkypairof sash-embellishedtrousers Bonprix, £29.99

Preppypinktrainerswillbe yourgo-tosummer footwear F&F, £10

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This loose-fit cardigan is comfortable enough to wear every day

yarn

patterns & books

needles & hooks

fabric

haberdashery

buttons

Get

10%

OFF EVER YTHING! *

Discount code:

SK197

£4.59 per 100g ba

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£11.99

per 100g sk ein

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www.gathered.how

UP TO SIZE 11 ye r

k

Only for ewe Our latest knit by Jane Burns is packed with character and the fluffiest fleece-like yarn! Cast it on today for your little lambs

KID’S SHEEP JUMPER

22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles

YOU WILL NEED

ABBREVIATIONS

Q King Cole Big Value DK

For a full list see page 95

SLEEVE

(100% acrylic, 50g/145m) Q King Cole Truffle (fashion, 100%

polyamide, 100g/180m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table Q Oddments of red and white DK yarn Q A pair of 3.25mm needles Q A pair of 4mm needles Q A 3.25mm circular needle, 40cm long Q A set of 3.25mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) Q Stitch markers Q Stitch holder

WHERE TO BUY

32 (36: 42: 46: 50)cm 12 (14 : 16 : 18: 19 )in

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS

31.5 (33.5: 37: 41: 45)cm 12 (13 : 14 : 16: 17 )in

TENSION

FRONT & BACK

Q For yarn stockists

contact King Cole on 01756 703670 or www.kingcole.com

OR YOU COULD TRY… Q Deramores Call 0845 519

4573 or visit www. deramores.com Q Wool4less 07395 589202 or www.wool4less.co.uk

! f o % 20

31.75 (33.5: 37.25: 39: 41.75)cm 12 (13 : 14 : 15 : 16 )in

Deramores are offering 20% off when you spend £20 or more! Quote offer code LAMB when you order. To place your order call 0845 519 4573 or visit www.deramores. com. Offer ends 30 June 2020.

SHOP SMAR SHO LOCAP L!

T

Turn t page 8o7

KID’S SHEEP JUMPER Leave your neck cast off nice and loose so that it’s easy to get it over your child’s head

Note Be careful not to cast off the neck too tightly.

BACK Cast on 72 (76: 84: 88: 94) sts using 3.25mm needles and Yarn A. Row 1 (RS) *K1, P1; rep from * to end.

Row 2 (WS) *P1, K1; rep from * to end.

These 2 rows form moss st.

Work in moss st a further 7 (9: 11: 13: 13) rows, ending after a RS row.

Next row (WS) Purl.

Change to 4mm needles.

Beg with a knit row, cont in st st until work meas 19.5 (22: 27: 29: 31.5)cm.

Change to Yarn B. Cast off 3 (4: 5: 6: 6) sts at beg of next 2 rows.

[66 (68: 74: 76: 82) sts] ** Cont in st st until Back meas 32 (36: 42: 46: 50)cm from cast-on edge, ending after a RS row.

Next row (WS) P17 (17: 19: 18: 21), PM, P32 (34: 36: 40: 40), PM, P17 (17: 19: 18: 21).

Cast off, keeping markers in place to mark shoulders.

FRONT Work as for Back to **. [66 (68: 74: 76: 82) sts] Cont in st st until Front meas 24.5 (28.5: 34.5: 38.5: 42.5)cm from cast-on edge, ending after a WS row.

SHAPE LEFT NECK Next row (RS) K28 (28: 31: 31: 34) turn and cont on these sts for left side neck and leaving rem 38 (40: 43: 45: 48) sts on a stitch holder. *** Next row (WS) Purl.

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KID’S SHEEP JUMPER

FIND YOUR SIZE 2-3yrs

4-5yrs

6-7yrs

8-9yrs

10-11yrs

cm

56

61

67

71

76

in

22

24

26

28

30

cm

63.5

67

74.5

78

83.5

in

25

cm

32

36

42

46

50

in

12

14

16

18

19

cm

31.5

33.5

37

41

45

in

12

13

14

16

17

SIZE TO FIT CHEST ACTUAL CHEST LENGTH SLEEVE LENGTH YARN

26

29

30

33

King Cole Big Value DK 50g (DK, 50g/145m)

Yarn A Jade (4046)

3

3

4

4

5

Yarn B Turquoise (4044)

3

3

4

4

5

Yarn C Grey (4052)

1

1

1

1

1

King Cole Truffle (fashion, 100g/180m)

Yarn D Coconut (4365)

1

1

1

1

1

SIZING COLOUR KEY So you can re-use this pattern, we’ve colour-coded the sizing instructions. Simply follow our colour-coded measurements and you’re off.

.LQJ &ROH 7éXIáH KDV EæQ XVHG WR FUHDWH ëH VKæS V áXII\ WXPP\ RQ ëLV JèJHRXV NQLW ,W V VR VRIW WR ëH WRXFK DQG DGGV ëH VHQVè\ SOD\ OLWWOH RQHV HQMR\ VR PXFK

A simple stocking stitch fabric in just blue and green creates the back of the sweater

SOPHIE JORDAN, DEPUTY EDITOR

gwq Dec 1 st at neck edge on next row and the foll 4 (4: 5: 5: 5) rows, then on next RS row and foll 5 (5: 5: 6: 6) alt rows.

[17 (17: 19: 18: 21) sts] Cont in st st until work meas 32 (36: 42: 46: 50)cm from cast-on edge, ending after a WS row.

Cast off.

SHAPE RIGHT NECK With RS facing, slip 10 (12: 12: 14: 14) sts onto a stitch holder for neckband, rejoin Yarn B to rem sts and knit to end.

[28 (28: 31: 31: 34) sts] Complete as for Left Neck from *** to end.

SLEEVES (MAKE 2)

RIGHT SLEEVE ONLY

Cast on 40 (44: 48: 52: 56) sts using 3.25mm needles and Yarn A. Row 1 (RS) *K1, P1; rep from * to end.

Row 2 (WS) *P1, K1; rep from * to end.

These 2 rows form moss st.

Now cont in st st and stripe patt of 6 rows of Yarn B, 6 rows of Yarn A throughout, as instructed below.

BOTH SLEEVES Starting with a knit row, work 2 rows in st st and stripe patt.

Work in moss st for a further 7 (9: 11: 13: 13) rows, ending after a RS row.

Next row (WS) Purl.

SHAPE SLEEVE Inc 1 st at each end of next row and 2 (3: 0: 4: 4) foll 6th rows, then on 5 (5: 9: 7: 8) foll 8th rows. [56 (62: 66: 76: 82) sts]

Change to 4mm needles and Yarn B.

LEFT SLEEVE ONLY Now cont in st st and stripe patt of 6 rows of Yarn B, 2 rows of Yarn A throughout as instructed below.

Cont in patt until Sleeve meas 31.5 (33.5: 37: 41: 45)cm from cast-on edge, ending after a WS row.

Cast off.

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KID’S SHEEP JUMPER

The sheep’s bright red boots are made using a pair of DPNs

MAKING UP Join right shoulder seam.

NECKBAND With RS facing and using Yarn B and 3.25mm circular needle, 40cm long, pick up and knit 23 (23: 24: 23: 23) sts down left front neck, K10 (12: 12: 14: 14) sts from Front holder, pick up and knit 23 (23: 24: 23: 23) sts up right front neck, and 32 (34: 36: 40: 40) along Back cast-off edge. [88 (92: 96: 100: 100) sts]

BODY Cast on 13 sts using 4mm needles and Yarn D. Row 1 (WS) Purl.

Row 2 K1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, K1. [15 sts] Row 3 Purl.

Row 4 K1, kfb, (K3, kfb) 3 times, kfb. [20 sts] Row 5 Purl.

Row 6 K1, kfb, (K3, kfb) 4 times, kfb, K1. [26 sts] Row 7 Purl.

Row 8 Knit.

Row 9 Purl.

Row 10 K1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, K1. [28 sts] Row 11 Purl.

Row 12 Knit.

Row 13 Purl.

Row 14 K1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, K1. [30 sts] Row 15 Purl.

Row 16 K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, K1. [28 sts] Row 17 Purl.

Row 18 K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, K1. [26 sts] Row 19 Purl.

Row 20 K1, (K2, k2tog) 6 times, K1. [20 sts] Row 21 Purl.

Row 22 K1, (k2tog, K2) 4 times, k2tog, K1. [15 sts] Row 23 Purl.

Row 24 Knit.

Row 25 Purl.

Row 26 K1, ssk, K9, k2tog, K1. [13 sts] Cast off.

EARS (MAKE 2) Row 1 (WS) *K1, P1; rep from * to end.

Row 2 (RS) *P1, K1; rep from * to end.

These 2 rows form moss st.

Work in moss st a further 5 (5: 5: 7: 9) rows, ending after a WS row.

Next row (RS) Knit.

Cast off using a stretchy method.

SHEEP HEAD Cast on 11 sts using 3.25mm needles and Yarn C. Row 1 (WS) Purl.

Row 2 (RS) K1, M1, knit to last st, M1, K1. [13 sts] Row 3 Purl.

Row 4 Knit.

Row 5 Purl.

Row 6 K1, M1, knit to last st, M1, K1. [15 sts] Row 7 Purl.

Row 8 Knit.

Row 9 Purl.

Row 10 K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, K1. [13 sts] Row 11 Purl.

Row 12 K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, K1. [11 sts] Row 13 Purl.

Row 14 K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, K1. [9 sts] Row 15 Purl.

Row 16 Knit.

Row 17 Purl.

Row 18 K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, K1. [7 sts] Row 19 P1, p2togtbl, P1, p2tog, P1. [5 sts] Cast off.

Using oddment of white, embroider eyes, nose and mouth.

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Cast on 3 sts using 3.25mm needles and Yarn C. Row 1 (WS) Purl.

Row 2 K1, M1, K1, M1, K1. [5 sts] Row 3 Purl.

Row 4 Knit.

Row 5 Purl.

Row 6 Ssk, K1, k2tog. [3 sts] Row 7 Purl.

Row 8 K3tog. [1 st] Break off yarn and pull tail through rem st to form tip of Ear.

LEGS (MAKE 2) Cast on 3 sts using two 3.25mm DPNs and Yarn C. *Do not turn, slide these 3 sts to other end of needle, pull working yarn tight behind, K3; rep from * until work meas 12cm.

Cast off.

Fold work in half to form one pair of Legs and secure at fold with sts.

BOOTS (MAKE 4) Cast on 7 sts using two 3.25mm DPNs and oddment of red DK yarn. *Do not turn, slide these 7 sts to other end of needle, pull working yarn tight behind, K7; rep from * another 9 times.

Cast off.

Fold Boot in half to form L shape and secure at fold with sts. Sew Boots to ends of Legs.

FINISHING Using the photograph as a guide, sew on Sheep Body, Head, Legs and Ears to front of Jumper. Join left shoulder and neckband seams. Lining up centre of Sleeve cast-off edge to shoulder seam, sew in Sleeves. Weave in ends. Block gently to measurements, following any yarn care instructions on the ball band.

NEW!

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www.woolwarehouse.co.uk Order online: www.woolwarehouse.co.uk Phone us: 01926 882818 or 0800 505 3300 Email us: hello@woolwarehouse.co.uk No minimum order. FREE delivery on UK orders over £25. £2.95 delivery charge for UK orders under £25.

YOUR KNITS

Stay in touch!

We love seeing what you’ve all been knitting, doing and saying over the past few weeks…

Julie chose to add a pop of colour to the original pattern

TEA COSY DELIGHT I thought you might like to see my latest finished items. I added some extra details and colour to the original design, which is by Tea Cosy Folk from issue 189 of SK. Julie, via email Both projects look stunning, Julie!

STAR LETTER DINO WITH A TWIST

PRETTY PENCIL CASE

I thought I would share my recent project with you all! It was my friend’s 30th birthday, previously I made her daughter a Dinky Dino and she was asking if I could make her one. So on her 30th birthday I gave her a hand-made Dinky Dino, but with a Hogwarts’ scarf. As she happens to be a huge fan of Harry Potter, I was inspired to do something special that she’d love and treasure. I used Robin DK wool for the main body in shades 132 and 63. The pattern is from www.knittingbypost.com and called Dinky Dino. Although applying the glasses was quite fiddly, I found the project easy to knit. It took me a week to knit and I really enjoyed it!

Emma Ainscow, via email You’ve done such a great job at adapting the original pattern to Emma added her own creative twist to the original pattern to create this lovely toy! create this unique present

*Prizes subject to change

I have been collecting the past few issues of SK and have found the Christmas edition (Issue 191) to be particularly special. I have since been inspired to knit smaller objects such as gloves and pencil cases.

I completed this pencil case using 5mm needles but with DK wool, the tension is not quite right. I am now using the 4mm needles to knit this design with DK wool. I hope you like my pencil case!

Yvonne Cheung, via email Another great project, Yvonne! Please do keep sending your pictures into us.

Our star letter writer wins a mystery bundle of fabulous knitting goodies to boost their stash with, worth £50! Included is a yarn bundle in a stunning mix of colours, fibres and weights.

This pretty pencil case could also be used as a purse

...............what’s trending this month...............

We love keeping up with what you’re knitting – this month it’s 191’s The Snowman™ SECOND SNOWMAN

PERFECT PRESENT

DEDICATED KNITTER

Patrysha is already busy making a second Snowman and plans to make a larger one by using a worsted weight yarn.

This beautiful Snowman was knitted

by Hilary as a festive present for a loved one last Christmas. We love her careful attention to detail on the face.

Gillian’s mum, Dorothy, did a brilliant job here.

She’s a huge fan of SK with 84 years’ worth of knitting experience.

We think her work looks amazing. Well done!

Patrysha O’Keefe, via email

Hilary Fountain, via email

Gillian Banham, via email

26 Subscribe at www.gathered.how/simplyknitting

YOUR KNITS

*Prizes subject to change

WHERE ARE YOU KNITTING? NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA Greetings Simply Knitting! I thought I would share a picture of my son, Jacob, wearing a sweater which I completed after one year. I was relieved he hadn’t put on weight since I took the measurements! He actually chose the pattern himself from Simply Knitting’s April 2012 issue,

by Sirdar. This was a challenging project but it helped me during a difficult period.

Beth Sherwood Nova Scotia, Canada What hard work – you should be proud!

Our letter writer wins a mystery prize of yarny goodies worth £15!

What do YOU think?

)LQG ëLV knit in LVVXH

“HAVE YOU TRIED MACRAMÉ? WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN?” I have never got round to trying it, but am interested in trying, I’d give it a go for sure!

Ruth Smith, via Facebook

This jumper looks supersnug and cosy

Oh, I used to macramé a long time ago. It was fun and I would do it again for small projects such as ornament covers or plant hangers.

LaVelle Nott, via Facebook I saw some lovely examples at Yarndale last year and would like to try at some point in 2020.

Sara Elcock, via Facebook

WORTH THE WAIT Well, it has taken me many months and a total of 81 knitted squares to complete a kingsize version of Lynne Rowe’s stunning blanket KAL. However, I have thoroughly loved making it and learned new stitches and techniques along the way. A big thank you to Simply Knitting and Lynne Rowe as my Heart’s Desire blanket makes me smile each time I walk into our bedroom!

Nicky Clifford, via email I’m impressed that you managed to create your own, king-size version of this project. It’s a huge achievement – well done, Nicky!

SUBS STARS Check your issue next month to see if you’re selected as a lucky winner!

Every month, three subscribers win a prize as a thank you for their loyalty to Simply Knitting.

This month, the winners (below) will each receive a 3-ball yarn bundle of Stylecraft’s gorgeous Jeanie yarn, worth over £14! Perfect for topping up your stash!

D Smith, Reading A Doherty, Uckfield M Elsden, Hyde

I did macramé in the girl Scouts during the late 70’s and found it to be really fun.

Anne Rimkunas Edmunds, via Facebook I recently picked up some yarn to make a curtain set through macramé. I have completed one, now I just need to work on my second one.

Penny Carrington, via Facebook I remember managing to make a dog lead through macramé many years ago!

Erica Vivienne Norman, via Facebook

Nicky made a bumper king-sized version of Lynne Rowe’s KAL

Next month…

‘DO YOU KNIT WINTER PROJECTS DURING THE SUMMER?’

YARN STASH BUSTER I managed to knit this blanket all from scraps of yarn that I had lying around. I used the mitred square and then crocheted around the edge to stabilize it. I have taught this simple pattern to several people. It’s a great way to use up all your oddments of yarn!

Helen Stevens, via email What a brilliant idea, Helen. A really economical and sustainable project which looks amazing and so colourful!

WORTH £14!

I made quite a lot of macramé things in the early 70’s. My favourite was a pair of owls sitting on a branch.

Suzanna Barnes, via Facebook

Tell us your opinion of our hot topic question on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram! Contact details can be found at the bottom of the page.

SAY HELLO! We love hearing from our readers so don’t delay, pop up a post on Facebook, tweet us on Twitter, tag us on Instagram, follow us on Pinterest, add to our Ravelry Finished Projects Board, drop us an email or post us a letter! Here are all the details you need: WRITE TO US Stay in Touch, Simply Knitting magazine, Immediate Media Co, Eagle House, Colston Avenue, Bristol BS1 4ST.

EMAIL US simplyknitting@immediate.co.uk FIND US AND FOLLOW US IMMEDIATE MEDIA COMPANY, PUBLISHERS OF SIMPLY KNITTING, SUBS STARS GIVEAWAY TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Prizes were dispatched before the on sale date of this issue.

There are no cash alternatives. Three winning entries will be chosen at random from all current subscribers. The draw is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

Proof that your scraps of yarn can be put to good use!

Facebook.com/simplyknitting @SimplyKnitMag ravelry.com/groups/simply-knitting-magazine @simplyknittingmag www.pinterest.com/simplyknitmag

Subscribe at www.gathered.how/simplyknitting 27

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SAVE TIME AND MONEY WITH A DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION The digital version of the magazine does not include the cover gift that you would find on newsstand copies, nor does it include access to Craft Circle. Current issue included as a bonus with a subscription direct from Apple or Google Play App Stores.

GIVEAWAYS

Just for you!

Win yarns, books, vouchers, needles and more in our exciting collection of giveaways this month…

WIN knitt

ing goodies

wort

ove

£1,021!

k

Worth ! h c a e 5 o 1 £ AWE-INSPIRING ALPACA BUNDLE

1

Alpacas are not only extremely cute, but their fibre is also very useful because it is warm and even hypoallergenic, so that people with wool allergies can wear it! UK Alpaca have paired baby alpaca from farms in the UK and Ireland with Tussah silk for the softest, warmest, most luxurious yarn ever! This wonderful combination is also anti-pilling and anti-shedding to give your knitwear even longer life. Four lucky readers will win 10 x 50g balls each, worth £105.

Visit www.ukalpaca.com to find out more.

2

SOCK IT TO ME! We are firmly of the belief that sock yarn doesn’t count as stash (at least that’s what we keep telling ourselves), so we don’t think we’re going to be able to resist this scrumptious new sock yarn from MillaMia. Naturally Soft Sock is a brilliant blend of 75% wool and 25% polyamide, making it beautifully soft but also hardwearing. It is available in a range of subtle solids such as Falu Red, vibrant Marmalade and bold Baltic Blue. Plus, its excellent stitch definition makes it perfect for techniques such as Fair Isle, cable and lace. This fabulous range has been designed to be both fashionable and practical as it can even be machine washed. Five lucky winners will each receive seven 50g balls of MillaMia Naturally Soft Sock yarn, each fab bundle is worth £31.50.

For more inspiration and products visit www.lovecrafts.com.

3

BLOCKING MADE EASY

COLOUR CRAZY

We all know how blocking is important to the look of a finished garment. Luckily, Julie, the founder of Cocoknits, discovered this while teaching finishing methods, and took it upon herself to create the ideal blocking mats. Cocoknits’ Knitter’s Block has a carpet-like finish that firmly grips your knitting, doesn’t absorb water so your garments will dry even faster, and is even heat resistant – making it simply perfect for steam blocking. We have one Knitter’s Block set of 18 tiles to give away to a lucky reader worth £80. To discover more fabulous products visit www.cocoknits.com.

We love these rainbow needles from Knit Picks. Made from strong laminated birch wood with smooth joins, tapered tips and flexible cables, these provide the ultimate knitting experience. Each needle is also handily colour-coded! One reader will win a Mosaic Options Interchangeable Circular Set with nine needle sizes and two cables; along with an embossed needle case to keep them in, worth £72.78 in total.

To view more needles and notions visit www.knitpicks.com.

30 Subscribe at www.gathered.how/simplyknitting

4

GIVEAWAYS

One lu winnecky r!

ECO-FRIENDLY KNITS

TOYTASTIC We all love a simple acrylic yarn and Deramores has stunned us with their Studio DK. This yarn is wonderfully soft, containing anti-pilling technology, has great stitch definition and comes in a beautifully diverse range of colours – making it perfect for all your projects! At just £1.99 per ball, this yarn doesn’t break the bank either, so is great for colourwork, toys and blankets. One lucky reader will win 16 x 100g balls (each a different gorgeous colour) worth £31.84, plus a £25 Deramores gift voucher. For more inspiration visit www.deramores.com to view all the colours in the Studio DK range.

hatever your favourite yarn-y hobby Wool Couture have a cute kit for you. m giant crochet fairy bunny toys (yes lly!), to weaving looms and pom-poms, re’s something for everyone. We’re her fond of Robyn the Octopus – just k at all those legs! The kit contains erything you need (except a hook) to ake your new friend, including a Merino d acrylic blend yarn exclusively created r Wool Couture by a Yorkshire mill. One lucky reader will win a Robyn the Octopus and a Mabel Bunny kit, worth £51.98.

To find out more information and view all their fantastic kits visit www.woolcouturecompany.com.

9 MAD FOR MOOMIN! Novita’s popular Moomin bookazine is back for a third instalment! Little My’s Favourites, which features seven brand new knitting and crochet patterns, is inspired by the Tove Jansson classic book series.

The patterns include Hattifattener socks, a pixel crochet blanket and an amigurumi Moomin! We have a copy of the bookazine and enough yarn to make Little My’s cushion to give away to a reader, worth £40.

Visit www.novitaknits.com to view their whole Moomin range.

Find terms and conditions at www.gathered.how/ competition-terms-andconditions.

6

RAFTY CROCHET KITS

7

It’s easy to enter these giveaways via our new website. Simply visit www.gathered.how/ competitions/and click on the giveaways you’d like to enter. You will need to sign in or register on the site and answer a multiple choice question to enter the giveaways.

Issue 197’s giveaways close on 6 May 2020.

IMPROVE YOUR KNITTING KNOW-HOW

8

Whether you’re a novice knitter or an experienced expert, this brandnew release from Cico Books is a must-have. With step-by-step instructions and clear colour illustrations, it couldn’t be easier to learn new techniques! Knitting Know-How is packed with so many tips and tricks, you’ll be achieving a perfect finished project in no time! We have five books to give away worth £9.99 each. You can find more fantastic books at www.rylandpeters.com.

A LITTLE BIT OF LUXURY Independent retailer Loop, is an absolute gem of a shop in London, and well known for its large variety of gorgeous handdyed yarns, natural fibres and vintage haberdashery. It’s truly a knitter’s haven packed with exciting brands! One of the fantastic ranges they stock is from The Border Mill – a small Scottish spinning mill that specialises in natural handdyed yarns and luxury fibres, all made in the UK! The Border Mill have created special 50g balls of their popular North Coast Tweed 4ply exclusively for Loop, and we have a brilliant bundle to give away! One reader will win 3 x 50g balls, worth £34.20. To see all 40 shades in the range, visit www.loopknittingshop.com.

1o

op Knitting Lt d

5

Fab Fabrics’ Mighty Weave is an 100% fabric wool made in the UK from products saved from landfill – so it has an extremely low carbon footprint. As well as being planet-friendly, this extra-chunky yarn creates fabulously sturdy cushions, rugs and bags in next to no time – one cake can make a cushion in an hour! We have four cakes, as well as a range of other goodies to give away to one reader, worth £57.96. For more information visit www.lovefabfabrics.com or visit their stand at Wonderwool in April!

HOw to enter

Image: © Lo

Yarn review in issue 198

Subscribe at www.gathered.how/simplyknitting 31

PURLS OF WISDOM

Pushin

th

imit

by experimenting Kath Garner finds the perfect excuse to step out of her comfort zone and try something new... t’s been a frustrating few months!

The Accomplished Knitter was not impressed by my apparent over reaction to my last project – lacy fingerless gloves. I’d followed a pattern, worked with ultra-fine wool and actually completed a project, but then I put the two gloves side by side! Despite the care I took, keeping notes of each finished row to avoid mistakes, I somehow managed to produce two completely different gloves, which the Accomplished Knitter found hilarious!

I

FROM THE VERY SMALL…

A BRIEF RESPITE

...TO THE VERY BIG!

Since then my knitting has been curtailed due to nerve damage in my right arm and wrist. Twisting, turning and even holding knitting needles has been impossible for several months, which has increased my frustration. It’s only recently that I’ve felt able to pick up my needles once more but even knitting a few rows has been painful.

After some research I’ve realised that pain in fingers, wrists and arms is a common problem for serial knitters. After searching on YouTube, I’ve found a wide range of exercises and I can honestly say that stretching, twisting and manipulating my fingers and wrist every twenty minutes or so is keeping the pain at bay and enabling me to knit in short sharp bursts. Hopefully, practising the exercises regularly will continue to improve my condition.

Bearing in mind The Accomplished Knitter’s comment of taking things to extremes, I did wonder what I could try next. The answer came to me on a walk through a local wood with my other half. Stepping over a fallen branch and knowing that he can’t resist a challenge, I couldn’t help but comment, “I wonder if it would be possible to make a pair of knitting needles from something like that?” “Of course,” he responded, hoisting the branch over his shoulder without another word. Several hours later I was presented with a pair of rather long (and very heavy) needles, carefully carved to a point and sanded thoroughly. Choosing a thick wool, I cast on and found it surprisingly satisfying as my creation grew. But the weight of the needles put extra pressure on my wrist and I soon found that a few rows at a time were all that I could possibly manage! So, what have I learnt from all this? Well, I would tell the Accomplished Knitter that I do listen to her every word and that taking things to extremes can be both fun and rewarding!

EXCITING EXPERIMENTS I decided that rather than pick up a project and be frustrated by lack of progress, I’d use the time to experiment using different-sized needles – taking things to extremes since I had already been accused of that! I may not be producing anything useful but it’s been fun exploring and comparing the results.

I’M LOVING… Exploring and experimenting I’m trying out unusual and different-sized needles, including cocktail sticks and needles made from a tree branch! There is no time like the present to experiment!

I started with a variety of needles I already had, mixing and matching sizes for different results but that led me to thinking about what else I could use. At a party buffet I spotted a pair of unusually large cocktail sticks pinning sandwiches together which were very quickly pocketed! They look like mini knitting needles and being so small, put no pressure on my painful wrist. However after pushing the wool over the rough surface I ended up with a number of painful splinters in my thumb!

Got a story to tell? Share your knitting world with us by contacting us at the address on page 26.

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I’M MAKING… Miniature knitting cards These special makes are for my crafty friends, inspired by a project found at a local wool show. It’s such as simple idea, but it makes a lovely change to a standard card.

I’M SHARING… The importance of exercise I’m having to do finger, hand and wrist exercises to avoid or ease annoying aches and pains. I recommend checking out YouTube for lots of helpful examples.

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ZIGZAG JUMPER

Q For yarn stockists contact

Rowan on 01484 668200 www.knitrowan.com

YOU WILL NEED

OR YOU COULD TRY…

Q Rowan Felted Tweed

Q Deramores 0845 519 4573

(DK, 50% wool, 25% viscose, 25% alpaca, 50g/175m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table Q 1 pair of 3.25mm needles Q 1 pair of 3.75mm needles Q Stitch holders

TENSION 23 sts and 32 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3.75mm needles

ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95

SLEEVE

or www.deramores.com Q Colourway 01994 241333

or www.colourway.co.uk

! f o % 20 Deramores are offering 20% off orders of £20 or more!

Quote offer code LAMB when you order. To place your order call 0845 519 4573 or visit www.deramores.com.

Offer ends 30 June 2020.

62.5 (64: 65: 66.5: 67: 68.5: 69.5)cm 24 (25 : 25 : 26: 26 : 27: 27 )in

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS

46 (46: 46: 46: 46: 46: 46)cm 18 (18: 18: 18: 18: 18: 18)in

WHERE TO BUY

FRONT & BACK

43.5 (46: 48.5: 51.25: 54: 56.5: 58.5)cm 17 (18: 19: 20 : 21 : 22 : 23)in

HOW TO USE OUR CHARTS Start at the bottom right-hand corner. Read right side rows from right to left and wrong side rows from left to right. A row of squares represents a row of knitting

CHART 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9

DID YOU KNOW…

8

The ‘raglan’ sleeve was named after Englishman, Fitzroy James Henry Somerset, who was the 1st Baron Raglan. He lost his arm in the Battle of Waterloo and afterwards asked his tailor to change the shape of his sleeves to make them more comfortable for him to wear.

6

7

KEY K on RS; P on WS in Yarn A

5 4 3 2 1

P on RS; K on WS in Yarn D

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10

5

ZIGZAG JUMPER STITCH PATTERNS BODY STRIPE PATTERN 2 Rows in Yarn A. 2 Rows in Yarn B. 4 Rows in Yarn A. Repeat last 6 rows another 7 times.

2 Rows in Yarn B. 2 Rows in Yarn A.

BACK Cast on 98 (106: 110: 118: 122: 130: 134) sts using 3.25mm needles and Yarn A. Rib row 1 (RS) K2, (P2, K2) to end.

Rib row 2 (WS) P2, (K2, P2) to end.

Rep the last 2 rows another 15 times, inc 3 (1: 3: 1: 3: 1: 3) sts evenly across last row. [101 (107: 113: 119: 125: 131: 137) sts] Change to 3.75mm needles.

Beg with a RS (knit) row, work in st st until body stripe pattern is complete, ending after a WS row.

The chunkier K2, P2 rib at the collar, bottom and cuffs helps balance out the longer length of the jumper

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Work in patt from Chart as folls: Row 1 (RS) Beg with st 15 (12: 1: 14: 11: 16: 13), work from right to left across 16-st Chart rep until you have worked st 16. Rep sts 1 to 16 of Chart to last 3 (6: 1: 4: 7: 2: 5) sts on needles, then work sts 1 to 3 (6: 1: 4: 7: 2: 5) on Chart.

Row 2 (WS) Beg with st 3 (6: 1: 4: 7: 2: 5), work from left to right across 16 st Chart rep until you have worked st 1. Rep sts 16 to 1 to last 2 (5: 0: 3: 6: 1: 4) sts on needles, then work sts 16 (16: -: 16: 16: 16: 16) to 15 (12: -: 14: 11: 16: 13) on Chart.

ZIGZAG JUMPER

FIND YOUR SIZE 8

10

12

14

16

18

20

cm

82

86

92

97

102

107

112

in

32

34

36

38

40

42

44

cm

87

92

97

102.5

108

113

117

40

42

44

46

68.5

69.5

SIZE TO FIT BUST ACTUAL BUST LENGTH SLEEVE LENGTH

in

34

36

cm

62.5

64

in

24

25

cm

46

46

46

46

in

18

18

18

18

YARN

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Rowan Felted Tweed (DK, 50g/175m)

Yarn A Clay (177)

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Yarn B Vaseline Green (204)

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Yarn C Mineral (181)

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Yarn D Pink Bliss (199)

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SIZING COLOUR KEY So you can re-use this pattern, we’ve colour-coded the sizing instructions. Simply follow our colour-coded measurements and you’re off.

ABOUT THE YARN Rowan Felted Tweed is available in a whopping 40 colours, and is a magical combination of 50% lightly felted wool, 25% viscose and 25% alpaca, making it great for blocking, warm and filled with a healthy drape – it’s light and wonderfully easy to wear too.

"This jumper is timeless, colourful and fun, DQG OHQGV LWVHOI åLçLDQWO\ WR ëH ODWHVW JUDSKLF WUHQG , ORYH ëH ZDUP FRçDU Iè NæSLQJ RXW ëRVH SHUVLVWHQW VSULQJ åæ]HV

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[45 (47: 49: 51: 53: 55: 57) sts] Leave these sts on a holder.

FRONT Work as given for Back to **, ensuring you end on same row of stripe. [101 (107: 113: 119: 125: 131: 137) sts]

SOPHIE JORDAN, DEPUTY EDITOR

gwq

These 2 rows set the Chart.

Cont in patt to end of Row 18.

Rep Rows 1 to 18 twice more.

Work in stripes of 2 rows A, then (2 rows B, 4 rows A) throughout until Back measures 45 (46: 46: 47: 47: 48: 48)cm from cast-on edge, ending after a WS row and noting which row of stripe you end on **. This should be just a few more rows.

SHAPE RAGLAN ARMHOLES Cast off 4 (5: 6: 7: 8: 9: 10) sts at beg of next 2 rows.

[93 (97: 101: 105: 109: 113: 117) sts] Next row (RS dec) K2, skpo, knit to last 4 sts, k2tog, K2.

[2 sts dec’d] Next row Purl.

Next row Knit.

Next row Purl.

Rep the last 4 rows twice more. [87 (91: 95: 99: 103: 107: 111) sts] Next row (RS dec) K2, skpo, knit to last 4 sts, k2tog, K2.

[2 sts dec’d] Next row Purl.

Rep the last 2 rows another 20 (21: 22: 23: 24: 25: 26) times.

SHAPE RAGLAN ARMHOLES Cast off 4 (5: 6: 7: 8: 9: 10) sts at beg of next 2 rows.

[93 (97: 101: 105: 109: 113: 117) sts] Next row (RS dec) K18, skpo, knit to last 20 sts, k2tog, K18.

[2 sts dec’d] Next row Purl.

Next row Knit.

Next row Purl.

Rep the last 4 rows twice more. [87 (91: 95: 99: 103: 107: 111) sts] Next row (RS dec) K18, skpo, knit to last 20 sts, k2tog, K18.

Next row Purl.

Rep the last 2 rows another 20 (21: 22: 23: 24: 25: 26) times.

[45 (47: 49: 51: 53: 55: 57) sts] Leave these sts on a holder.

SLEEVES (MAKE 2) Cast on 50 (54: 58: 62: 66: 70: 74) sts using 3.25mm needles and Yarn A. Rib row 1 (RS) K2, (P2, K2) to end.

Rib row 2 (WS) P2, (K2, P2) to end.

Rep the last 2 rows another 15 times.

Change to 3.75mm needles.

Beg with a RS (knit) row, work in st st for 2 rows, ending after a WS row.

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ZIGZAG JUMPER

Now, cont in stripes of (2 rows C, 4 rows A) throughout, shape Sleeves as foll: Next row (RS inc) K3, M1, K to last 3 sts, M1, K3. [2 sts inc’d] Work 7 rows straight.

Rep the last 8 rows another 12 times and the inc row again.

[78 (82: 86: 90: 94: 98: 102) sts] Work straight until Sleeve measures 46cm from cast-on edge, ending after a WS row and ensuring this is the same stripe row as on Back and Front (this may require a very slight adjustment in Sleeve length to ensure stripes match).

SHAPE SLEEVE TOP Cast off 4 (5: 6: 7: 8: 9: 10) sts at beg of next 2 rows.

[70 (72: 74: 76: 78: 80: 82) sts] Next row (RS dec) K2, skpo, knit to last 4 sts, k2tog, K2.

[2 sts dec’d] Next row Purl.

Next row Knit.

Next row Purl.

Rep the last 4 rows twice more. [64 (66: 68: 70: 72: 74: 76) sts] Next row (RS dec) K2, skpo, knit to last 4 sts, k2tog, K2.

[2 sts dec’d] Next row Purl.

Rep the last 2 rows 19 (20: 21: 22: 23: 24: 25) times and the dec row again. [22 sts] Next row P10, p2tog, P10. [21 sts] Leave these 21 sts on a holder.

MAKING UP NECKBAND Using 3.75mm needles and Yarn A work across left Sleeve, front, right Sleeve and Back as folls: Row 1 (RS) K19, skpo, k2tog, K41 (43: 45: 47: 49: 51: 53), skpo, k2tog, K17, skpo, k2tog, K43 (45: 47: 49: 51: 53: 55).

[126 (130: 134: 138: 142: 146: 150) sts] Row 2 (WS) P2, (K2, P2) to end.

Row 3 K2, (P2, K2) to end.

Rep the last 2 rows another 7 times.

Change to 3.25mm needles.

Work a further 15 rows in rib as set.

Cast off in rib.

FINISHING Join raglan seams. Join side and Sleeve seams. Block gently to measurements, following any instructions on the ball band.

NEXT MONTH If feminine knits are your thing you won’t want to miss next issue’s top offering! Bronagh Miskelly’s delicate lace knit in a vintage pink shade comes with a pretty stitch pattern. Issue 198 of Simply Knitting is on sale on 23 April 2020 in all good supermarkets and newsagents.

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This super-casual knit looks perfect with a pair of vintage jeans

Discover beautiful sweaters & accessories to cast on and love in our new issue

ISSUE 148

ON SALE NOW

decor delight decor delight Muted tones add a decadent touch to this clever throw by Siân Brown. Cast it on today and breath life into a tired chair

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WHERE TO BUY IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS

Q To buy your yarn visit

Bergere de France at www.bergeredefrance.co.uk

YOU WILL NEED Q Bergere de France Filomeche

(chunky, 44% wool, 34% acrylic, 22% polyamide, 50g/60m) 8 balls of Yarn A Vareche (54601), and 6 balls of Yarn B Pepite (54606) Q A 6.5mm circular needle, 100cm long Q Pompom maker or card

TENSION 14 sts and 18 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over stocking stitch using 6.5mm needles

MEASUREMENTS 90x132cm (35 x52 in)

ABBREVIATIONS

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TOP TIP A quick way to calculate how much yarn you need for your intarsia section is to loosely wind the yarn around your needle for each stitch, then add a further 25% plus 30cm.

For a full list see page 95

POMPOM THROW Note Intarsia technique is used for side edges. Use separate balls of yarn for each colour indicated. Twist yarns at the colour change to avoid holes.

CONCENTRIC SQUARES STITCH Worked over a multiple of 30 sts plus 2 sts.

Row 1 (RS) Knit.

Row 2 Purl.

Row 3 Knit.

Row 4 P2, *K28, P2, rep from * to end.

Row 5 Knit.

Rep last two rows.

Row 8 P2, *K4, P20, K4, P2, rep from * to end.

Row 9 Knit.

Row 10 Rep Row 8.

Row 11 K11, *(P1, K1) five times, P1, K19, rep from * ending last rep K10.

Row 12 P2, *K4, P5, (K1, P1) five times, K1, P4, K4, P2, rep from * to end.

Rep last two rows.

Row 15 K11, *P1, K1, P1, K5, P1, K1, P1, K19, rep from * ending last rep with K10.

Row 16 P2, *K4, P5, K1, P1, K1, P5, K1, P1, K1, P4, K4, P2, rep from * to end.

Rep last two rows.

Row 19 and 21 Rep Row 11.

Row 20 and 22 Rep Row 12.

Row 23 Knit.

Row 24 P2, *K4, P20, K4, P2, rep from * to end.

Rep last two rows.

Row 27 Knit.

Row 28 P2, *K28, P2, rep from * to end.

Row 29 Knit.

Rep last two rows.

Row 32 Purl.

These 32 rows form the pattern.

Cast on 126 sts, using 6.5mm needles and Yarn B. Knit 3 rows.

Starting with a WS row, work in st st as follows: Row 1 (WS) K3, purl to last 3 sts, K3.

Row 2 Knit.

Continue as set until work measures 12cm from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.

COMMENCE PATTERN Use intarsia technique for side edges.

Row 1 (RS) K17 with Yarn B, change to Yarn A, work Row 1 of patt. rep to last 17 sts, K17 with Yarn B. Row 2 K3, P14 with Yarn B, change to Yarn A, work Row 2 of patt to last 17 sts, P14 Yarn B, K3 Yarn B. Continue in pattern as set, keeping K17/K3, P14 in Yarn B at both sides of each row, until 6 full pattern reps have been completed.

Work Rows 1 and 2 of the pattern once more.

With Yarn B only, work in st st, as given for the lower border, until border measures 11cm.

Knit 3 rows.

Cast off.

MAKING UP Weave in all yarn ends. If blocking is required, please follow the manufacturer’s yarn band instructions. With Yarn B, make 4 pompoms sew them onto the four corners of the throw.

NEXT MONTH Don’t miss next issue’s bright maypole tea cosy from Tea Cosy Folk – it’s the perfect addition to your collection. Issue 198 is on sale Thursday 23 April at all good supermarkets and newsagents.

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KNITTER’S WORLD

“We designed a label to attach to the angels that had a message of hope” Captains Sandy and Ian Davis of The Wrexham Salvation Army

The Salvation Army in Wrexham tell us about the success of their festive knitting project, which reaches out to those in who are vulnerable The knitted angels are dotted about where anybody can pick one up

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The project helped raise the festive spirit within the local community

nitting can bring joy to people’s lives in so many unexpected ways. One fine example of this was done by the team at The Salvation Army in Wrexham, who co-ordinated a mass knit project which first started back in the spring of 2019. The project saw members of their church and community centre, along with members of other churches in the town, take up the challenge of making hundreds of little knitted ‘angels’ to spread around Wrexham. All in the hope of giving comfort to the local community ahead of the festive season, which can be a lonely and isolating time of year for some.

“We designed a label to attach to each of the angels that had a Christmas blessing and a message of hope,” explains Karen Edwards, who works as Community Manager and is based at the community centre and, hugely important, regional Salvation Army church in Wrexham.

“It also had a link to a Facebook page that we created. When people logged onto Facebook, they were able to let us know where they had found the angels, but more importantly, where they could access support from us if needed.”

The idea originally came from one of Karen’s colleagues who had done it the previous year in Carlisle. “As a church and charity, we liked how it offered a way of reaching out to the local community and thought we would give it a try,” says Karen. “You never know what someone is

Captain Ian Davis and Karen Edwards of the Wrexham Salvation Army

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Anyone can find and take a knitted angel

Written by Colette Earley

going through and when they might need a little encouragement to see that there is hope, even at the toughest of times.” Christmas can be a particularly difficult time for many and by tying the angels to key parts of the town, it meant that the charity could reach people who might otherwise have been isolated and vulnerable, or those that just want to enjoy a bit of festive cheer within the community. “If someone was in need, we hoped that they would find comfort in the angels and know where we are to offer help and support, comforted in the knowledge that someone is always there and willing to listen,” Karen explains.

One of the 850 angels They had a team of people knitting throughout the year, as well as others who helped knitted by The Wrexham with the design and creation of the labels. The church members shared lunch together one Salvation Army Sunday in November, where they attached the labels and got them ready to go. When this project originally started there was then a team of only 15 people who met at 7am on the last Friday of November. The team then headed out into the town centre to tie the angels in a variety of places so that they could be found as the town woke up and started the day. In the end a incredible total of 850 angels were knitted.

Fortunately, all the hard work and dedication really did pay off for the team. The overall reaction was bigger than the team could ever have expected – the public really seemed to embrace the idea, leaving lots of lovely messages on the Facebook page. This positive feedback has encouraged the team for future projects. One person wrote: “Thank you!

What a lovely idea and especially on what is such a busy shopping day today, this act of kindness reminds us of what Christmas is all about.” While another commented: “How beautiful are these? Just when I needed a bit of hope, I found this, so thank you.”

“We were so pleased with the way the project went this year, and have been talking The team with just about what we may do next,” Karen enthusiastically tells us. “However, we would not want some of the hundreds to spoil any surprises, so watch this space!” of knitted angels Find out more on the team’s Facebook page @WrexhamChristmasAngels

Due to the success, the team are planning to run a similar project in 2020

EAster treats Welcome Easter with knits filled with fun! These decorations add the perfect finishing touch to your celebrations. By Amanda Berry

GREAT GIFT ! ide

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EASTER DECORATIONS

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS

YOU WILL NEED Q Hayfield Bonus DK

(100% acrylic, 100g/280m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Light Grey Mix (0814) Yarn B Bright Lemon (0819) Yarn C White (0961) Yarn D Pumpkin (0766) Yarn E Grass (0825) Yarn F Signal Red (0977) Yarn G Iced Pink (0958) Yarn H Black (0965) Q A pair of 3.5mm needles Q A 3.5mm crochet hook Q Toy filling, 100g

Q 2 x black domed buttons per

ABBREVIATIONS

animal for eyes, 8mm diameter Q Black and pink embroidery thread to embroider Bee, Pig, Sheep and Rabbit features Q White pompom for Rabbit’s tail, 2cm diameter Q Split ring keychain, one per character

For a full list see page 95

SHOP SMAR

Unless stated our patterns are not copyright free, however, if you’re thinking of knitting other toys or projects for charity, or to sell, please refer to our information on page 97.

TENSION

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WHERE TO BUY

22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3.5mm needles

Q For yarn stockists contact

Sirdar at www.sirdar.com

OR YOU COULD TRY…

MEASUREMENTS

Q Deramores 0845 519 4573

Bee 7cm long; Carrot 12cm long; Animals 10cm tall (excluding ears)

or www.deramores.com Q The Wool Factory www. thewoolfactoryonline.com

EASTER DECORATIONS

Step 6 Cast off.

Note Use the long-tail cast on unless otherwise specified. You can find a tutorial here: www.wikihow.com/Do-the-Long-Tail-Cast-On.

BEAK Follow the Chick Beak pattern using Yarn B.

CHICK Start at the base.

Cast on 8 sts using 3.5mm needles and Yarn B. Row 1 (WS) Purl.

Row 2 (RS) K1, (kfb) 7 times. [15 sts] Row 3 Purl.

Row 4 K1, (kfb, K1) 7 times. [22 sts] Rows 5 to 15 Starting on a WS purl row work in st st.

Row 16 K1, (k2tog) 10 times, K1. [12 sts] Row 17 Purl.

Row 18 K1, (kfb) 10 times, K1. [22 sts] Row 19 Purl.

Row 20 K1, (kfb, K1) 10 times, K1. [32 sts] Row 21 Purl.

Row 22 K1, (kfb, K7) 3 times, kfb, K6. [36 sts] Rows 23 to 29 Starting on a WS purl row work in st st.

Row 30 K1, (k2tog, K3) 7 times. [29 sts] Rows 31, 33 and 35 Purl.

Row 32 K1, (k2tog, K2) 7 times. [22 sts] Row 34 K1, (k2tog, K1) 7 times. [15 sts] Row 36 K1, (k2tog) 7 times. [8 sts] Break yarn and thread through rem sts. Pull tight to fasten.

RABBIT

BEAK

BODY

Use the cable method (page 92) to cast on 3 sts using 3.5mm needles and Yarn D. Cast off.

Start at the base.

Cast on 8 sts using 3.5mm needles and Yarn A. Row 1 (WS) Purl.

Row 2 (RS) (Kfb) 7 times, K1. [15 sts] Row 3 Purl.

Row 4 K1, (kfb, K1) 7 times. [22 sts] Rows 5 to 15 Starting on a WS purl row work in st st.

Row 16 K1, (k2tog) 10 times, K1. [12 sts] Row 17 Purl.

Cast off.

CHICKEN Follow the Chick pattern using Yarn C.

COMB (MAKE 1) Step 1 Use the cable method (page 92) to cast on 3 sts using 3.5mm needles and Yarn F. Step 2 Cast off 2 sts. [1 st] Step 3 Use the cable method to cast on 3 sts. [4 sts] Step 4 Cast off 3 sts. [1 st] Step 5 Use the cable method to cast on 2 sts. [3 sts]

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HEAD Start at the back.

Cast on 10 sts using 3.5mm needles and Yarn A. Row 1 (WS) Purl.

Row 2 (RS) (Kfb) 9 times, K1. [19 sts] Row 3 Purl.

Row 4 (K1, kfb) 9 times, K1. [28 sts] Row 5 Purl.

Row 6 (K2, kfb) 9 times, K1. [37 sts] Rows 7 to 11 Starting on a WS purl row work in st st.

Row 12 K6, (ssk, K2) 3 times, K1, (K2, k2tog) 3 times, K6. [31 sts] Row 13 Purl.

Row 14 K3, (ssk, K1) 4 times, K1, (K1, k2tog) 4 times, K3. [23 sts] Break Yarn A and join Yarn C. Rows 15 to 17 Starting on a WS purl row work in st st.

Row 18 K2, (k2tog, K1) 7 times. [16 sts] Row 19 Purl.

Row 20 (K2tog) 8 times. [8 sts] Break yarn and thread through rem sts. Pull tight to fasten.

EARS (MAKE 2) Start at the bottom edge.

Cast on 9 sts using 3.5mm needles and Yarn A.

EASTER DECORATIONS

Row 1 (WS) Sl1 purlwise, P8.

Row 2 (RS) Sl1 purlwise, K8.

Rows 3 to 8 Rep Rows 1 and 2 three more times.

Row 9 Rep Row 1.

Row 10 Sl1 purlwise, (k2tog) 4 times. [5 sts] Row 11 Sl1 purlwise, P4.

Row 12 Sl1 purlwise, (k2tog) twice. [3 sts] Break yarn and thread through rem sts. Pull tight to fasten.

SHEEP HEAD Start at the back.

Cast on 10 sts using 3.5mm needles and Yarn C. Row 1 (RS) Knit.

Row 2 (WS) (Kfb) 9 times, K1. [19 sts] Row 3 Knit.

Row 4 (K1, kfb) 9 times, K1. [28 sts] Row 5 Knit.

Row 6 (K2, kfb) 9 times, K1. [37 sts] Rows 7 to 13 Knit.

Row 14 K6, (ssk, K2) 3 times, K1, (K2, k2tog) 3 times, K6. [31 sts] Break Yarn C and join Yarn A. Row 15 Knit.

Row 16 Purl.

Row 17 K3, (ssk, K1) 4 times, K1, (K1, k2tog) 4 times, K3. [23 sts] Rows 18 to 20 Starting on a WS purl row work in st st.

Row 21 K2, (k2tog, K1) 7 times. [16 sts] Row 22 Purl.

Row 23 (K2tog) 8 times. [8 sts] Break yarn and thread through rem sts. Pull tight to fasten.

BODY Cast on 8 sts using 3.5mm needles and Yarn C. Row 1 (WS) Knit.

Row 2 (RS) (Kfb) 7 times, K1. [15 sts] Row 3 Knit.

Row 4 K1, (kfb, K1) 7 times. [22 sts] Rows 5 to 17 Knit.

Row 18 K1, (k2tog) 10 times, K1. [12 sts] Row 19 Knit.

Cast off.

EARS (MAKE 2) Start at the bottom edge.

Cast on 5 sts using 3.5mm needles and Yarn A. Row 1 (WS) Sl1 purlwise, P4.

Row 2 (RS) Sl1 purlwise, K4.

Rows 3 to 4 Rep Rows 1 to 2.

Row 5 Rep Row 1.

Row 6 Sl1 purlwise, (k2tog) twice. [3 sts] Break yarn and thread through rem sts. Pull tight to fasten.

PIG HEAD Start at the back.

Cast on 10 sts using 3.5mm needles and Yarn G. Row 1 (WS) Purl.

Row 2 (RS) (Kfb) 9 times, K1. [19 sts] Row 3 Purl.

Row 4 (K1, kfb) 9 times, K1. [28 sts] Row 5 Purl.

Row 6 (K2, kfb) 9 times, K1. [37 sts] Rows 7 to 11 Starting on a WS purl row work in st st.

Row 12 K1, (K2, ssk) 4 times, K3, (k2tog, K2) 4 times, K1. [29 sts] Row 13 Purl.

Row 14 K1, (K1, ssk) 4 times, K3, (k2tog, K1) 4 times, K1. [21 sts] Rows 15 to 18 Starting on a WS purl row work in st st.

Row 19 Knit.

Row 20 (K1, k2tog) 6 times, k2tog, K1. [14 sts] Row 21 Knit.

Row 22 (K2tog) 7 times. [7 sts] Break yarn and thread through rem sts. Pull tight to fasten.

BODY Start at the base.

Cast on 8 sts using 3.5mm needles and Yarn G. Row 1 (WS) Purl.

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EASTER DECORATIONS

Buy a pompom from a craft store to add the perfect rabbit tail

Row 2 (RS) (Kfb) 7 times, K1. [15 sts] Row 3 Purl.

Row 4 K1, (kfb, K1) 7 times. [22 sts] Rows 5 to 15 Starting on a WS purl row work in st st.

Row 16 K1, (k2tog) 10 times, K1. [12 sts] Row 17 Purl.

Cast off.

EARS (MAKE 2) Follow the Sheep Ears patt using Yarn G.

BEE BODY Start at the bottom end.

Cast on 9 sts using 3.5mm needles and Yarn B. Row 1 (WS) Purl.

Row 2 (RS) K1, (kfb, K1) 4 times. [13 sts] Row 3 Purl.

Row 4 K1, (kfb, K2) 4 times. [17 sts] Row 5 Purl.

Row 6 K1, (kfb, K3) 4 times. [21 sts] Break Yarn B and join Yarn H. Row 7 Purl.

Row 8 K1, (kfb, K4) 4 times. [25 sts] Break Yarn H and join Yarn B. Row 9 Purl.

Row 10 K1, (kfb, K5) 4 times. [29 sts] Break Yarn B and join Yarn H. Row 11 Purl.

Row 12 Knit.

Break Yarn H and join Yarn B. Row 13 Purl.

Row 14 Knit.

Break Yarn B and join Yarn H. Row 15 Purl.

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Embroider a large Y on the sheep’s face to create the nose and mouth

Row 16 Knit.

Break Yarn H and join Yarn B. Row 17 Purl.

Row 18 Knit.

Row 19 Purl.

Row 20 K1, (k2tog, K2) 7 times. [22 sts] Row 21 Purl.

Row 22 K1, (k2tog, K1) 7 times. [15 sts] Row 23 Purl.

Row 24 K1, (k2tog) 7 times. [8 sts] Break yarn and thread through rem sts. Pull tight to fasten.

WINGS (MAKE 2) Start at the bottom edge.

Cast on 5 sts using 3.5mm needles and Yarn C. Row 1 (WS) Sl1 purlwise, P4.

Row 2 (RS) Sl1 purlwise, (kfb, K1) twice. [7 sts] Row 3 Sl1 purlwise, P6.

Row 4 Sl1 purlwise, kfb, K3, kfb, K1. [9 sts] Row 5 Sl1 purlwise, P8.

Row 6 Sl1 purlwise, K8.

Rows 7 and 8 Rep Rows 5 and 6.

Row 9 Rep Row 5.

Row 10 Sl1 purlwise, (k2tog) 4 times. [5 sts] Row 11 Sl1 purlwise, P4.

Row 12 Sl1 purlwise, (k2tog) 2 times. [3 sts] Break yarn and thread through rem sts. Pull tight to fasten.

MAKING UP SHEEP, PIG AND RABBIT 1 Make up each toy in the same way. Sew the side edges of the Head tog, adding stuffing and gather the cast-on sts tog at the back of the Head. The seam runs down the centre underside of the Head.

2 Sew the cast-on edge of the Ears onto the head.

3 Sew on buttons for eyes.

4 Sew the side edges of the Body tog, add stuffing. The seam runs down the back of the Body.

5 Sew the cast-on edge of the Body onto the underside of the Head.

6 For the Rabbit and Sheep, embroider the nose in a Y shape in embroidery thread using photos as a guide.

7 For the Pig, embroider the nostrils in 2 vertical lines in embroidery thread using photos as a guide.

8 For the Rabbit sew a pompom onto the back of the Body for the tail.

EASTER DECORATIONS BONUS KNIT!

CAST ON A SQUISHY EASTER CARROT TOO! Add our bright orange carrot to your Easter cakes, trees and trimmings this spring…

CARROT

The hanging loops have been made with crochet chains which are then sewn onto the top of the animal’s head

CHICK AND CHICKEN 1 Make up each toy in the same way. Sew the side edges of the Body tog, adding stuffing and gather the cast-on sts tog at the bottom of the Body. The seam runs down the centre back.

2 Cut a 20cm length of yarn in the Body colour and tie firmly around the neckline (Row 19) and bury the yarn ends inside the toy.

3 Sew the Beak onto the front of the Head.

4 Sew on buttons for eyes.

5 For the Chicken, sew the Comb onto the top of the head and embroider the wattle in chain stitch and Yarn F below the Beak.

6 For the Chick, knot a strand of Yarn D onto the top of the Head, separate the yarn strands, fluff out and trim.

BEE

Start at the top.

Cast on 8 sts using 3.5mm needles and Yarn D. Row 1 (WS) Purl.

Row 2 (RS) (Kfb) 7 times, K1. [15 sts] Row 3 Purl.

Row 4 K1, (kfb, K1) 7 times. [22 sts] Rows 5 to 9 Starting on a WS purl row work in st st.

Row 10 K1, (k2tog, K5) 3 times. [19 sts] Rows 11 to 15 Starting on a WS purl row work in st st.

Row 16 K1, (k2tog, K4) 3 times. [16 sts] Rows 17 to 21 Starting on a WS purl row work in st st.

Row 22 K1, (k2tog, K3) 3 times. [13 sts] Rows 23 to 27 Starting on a WS purl row work in st st.

Row 28 K1, (k2tog, K2) 3 times. [10 sts] Rows 29 to 33 Starting on a WS purl row work in st st.

Row 34 K1, (k2tog, K1) 3 times. [7 sts] Rows 35 to 37 Starting on a WS purl row work in st st.

Row 38 K1, (k2tog) 3 times. [4 sts] Break yarn and thread through rem sts. Pull tight to fasten.

LEAVES Step 1 Use the cable method (page 92) to cast on 12 sts using 3.5mm needles and Yarn E. Step 2 Cast off 11 sts. [1 st] Step 3 Use the cable method to cast on 14 sts. [15 sts] Step 4 Cast off 14 sts. [1 st] Step 5 Use the cable method to cast on 17 sts. [18 sts] Step 6 Cast off.

Sew the side edges tog, add stuffing, and gather the cast-on sts tog at the top. Sew the Leaves onto the top of the Carrot.

Sew the side edges tog, add stuffing and gather the cast-on sts tog at the bottom end. Sew buttons for eyes on the front of the head and embroider the mouth in embroidery thread using photos as a guide. Sew the cast-on edge of the Wings onto the top of the Body.

KEYCHAINS/HANGING LOOPS For each deco, using a 3.5mm crochet hook, crochet a chain stitch (page 94) 15cm long in the deco colour. Sew the ends onto the top of the deco to make a loop. Attach keychain to this loop.

SAVE 1O% ON A DECOS YARN PACK Fed up of hunting down the yarn to knit that favourite item? Then you’re in luck!

Deramores are offering a yarn pack filled with all the yarn you need to knit Amanda Berry’s Easter decos. With a few clicks and for just £13.30 (saving 10% off the RRP) your treasured package could be winging its way to you! For details and to order visit www.deramores.com/ collections/simply-knitting.

Cast on this squishy vegetable as a special Easter treat this month

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EASTER Specia !

SHOPPING

Best Buys

! e t s a fo E k

Spring is in the air and we’re brimming with ideas for Easter knitting, from sweet bunny toys to beautiful blankets

Top toy treats

This newborn baby gift set is a toy and blanket in one! Featuring a mother bunny and her little ones, it’s knitted in cosy Deramores Studio Baby Soft DK yarn.

Kit, £13.79 from www.deramores.com

Fa

Adorable toys in wonderful yarns your little ones will love this Easter

These cute toys from Love Knitting for Baby issue 84 are perfect for tiny tots, knit them in superwash Merino yarn! Magazine, £9.99 from www. buysubscriptions.com/special-editions

kid ’ clothe

Celebrate the Easter holiday with the sweetest knits in the colours and shapes of the season

Your little one will be full of sunshine in this pretty yet practical dress by Jane Burns. With its stylish monochrome edgings and handy pockets, it’s sure to be an Easter hit! YARN The After Party 28, £1 from Scheepjes stockists.

Looking for a gadget?

This ‘maker’s keep’ comes in spring colours and has a magnet for metal needles and stitch markers, while the slap bracelet includes inches and cm. £20 from www.ayarnstory.co.uk

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We can’t resist these little chaps, with their cheery expressions and stylish clothes. Kids will adore their removable outfits, and you’ll love the detailed pattern with step-by-step photographs.

Pattern, £4 from www.ravelry.com/patterns/ library/small-rabbit

Go all out for Easter with this Elise Hooded Vest by Weiyan Huang.

It’s a simple pattern worked flat and is ideal for Easter egg hunts, complete with pouch on the front for storing treasures!

Pattern £4.84 from www.ravelry.com/ patterns/library/ elise-hooded-vest

This funky, lightweight striped sweater is just the thing for active kids this springtime, with a fresh 80s look that’s right on trend!

It’s knitted in Sirdar’s new Replay yarn, a cotton/acrylic blend especially for children.

Pattern, £2.99, kit, from £12.99, from www.sirdar.com

Check out all the great knitty bits and pieces you could fill your kit bag with!

Finish a stylish shawl with a simple wooden shawl pin! This sweet and fun floral shape will hold your knitting perfectly in place. £6.49 from www.lovecrafts.com

Splash out with this indigo interchangeable needle set from Lykke. The set contains nine pairs of needles from 3.25mm to 6.5mm, and four cables in three different lengths. £74.99 from www.woolwarehouse.co.uk

SHOPPING

Fashio

favo rite

Dad will love this striking Fair Isle sweater, worked in Rowan Softyak DK which contains 76% cotton for the perfect cool spring knit. Combe by Martin Storey is a fun make too – can you resist knitting just one more row in its addictive pattern?

Pattern, £4 from www.knitrowan.com

Try a new technique this holiday with a stunning wrap top worked in entrelac knitting. It’s a great way to add texture and style to a classic design, and we love this lightweight pure wool in a fresh olive green.

Entrelac Knitting book by Mette Hovden & Heidi Eikeland, £12.99, Search Press

Super-quick knits

This adorable hat is a super-fast knit that’s sized from newborn to toddler, perfect for when you need an Easter topper with time to spare! The sweet chick is knitted flat and appliquéed onto the finished hat at the end. It comes with a 3D wing for extra cuteness too!

Pattern, £4.82 from www. littleredwindow.etsy.com

Sensational seasonal garments filled with texture and colour – perfect to indulge in!

This Spring Blossom Cardigan is just the thing for transitional weather – ideal for throwing on for a spot of gardening. We love its cosy long length and deep ribbed cuffs, all worked in a super-soft alpaca blend yarn. Knits From Nature book by Dee Hardwicke, £15.95, Stackpole Books

Short on time but buzzing with creativity? These speedy makes tick all the boxes when you’re up against the clock

Knit these fabulous-looking socks in your favourite spring colours this Easter.

They use a wonderfully fun twisted stitch pattern to create a striking celtic knotwork design – ideal for showing off on Easter walks in the park, or while warming your feet after lunch!

YARN The After Party 53, £1 from Scheepjes stockists

For cooler days, this stunning scarf in a hot pink lace design, filled with chunky eyelets and finished with tassels, is just the thing for spring! Co-ordinate with a neutral coat or throw it on over your favourite slouchy top for instant cosiness on a seasonal stroll.

Scarf Kit, £10.99 from www. theknittingnetwork.co.uk

Handy for your home Add pretty shades and fun creations to your house this Easter

For the bicraftual among you, give this gorgeous crocheted blanket a try this Easter – full of the colours of springtime and an easy make in lacy square motifs. Nature’s Walk blanket was inspired by the countryside and is finished with a pretty heart edging.

Kit, £39.99 from www.blacksheepwools.com

We just love the fresh colours in this useful basket design – it’s worked in garter stitch using a fabric yarn and colourful cotton held together, so it will knit up quickly on 15mm needles. It’s the perfect buy for your stash and WIPs! Kit, £49 from www.weareknitters.co.uk

Decorate your home with these sweet Easter chickens, inspired by Norwegian craft traditions. They’re worked in stranded colourwork in the round and you’ll love bringing them out year after year!

Pattern, £2.91 from www.ravelry.com/ patterns/sources/bente-presterudsravelry-store/patterns

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CHeep, cheep Cheep, Knitted in pretty spring colours, this tiny friend makes the cutest companion no matter where you’re going. By Angela Turner

KNIT iend! week

k

CHICK TOY

TENSION IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS

24 sts and 34 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3mm needles

YOU WILL NEED

MEASUREMENTS

Q Deramores Studio Baby

18cm (7in) tall

(DK, 100% acrylic, 100g/270m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Buttercup (002) Yarn B Apricot (014) Yarn C Midnight (013) Yarn D Lagoon (006) Yarn E Peppermint (008) Q A pair of 3mm needles Q Toy stuffing Q Tapestry needle Q Stitch holders Q Length of white thread

WHERE TO BUY Q To buy the yarn visit

Deramores www. deramores.com or call 0845 519 4573

ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Unless stated our patterns are not copyright free, however, if you’re thinking of knitting toys or other projects for charity, or to sell, please refer to our information on page 97.

SHOP SMAR

TOP TIP Believe it or not, a crochet hook can be a knitter’s best friend! It’s the best tool for saving your work from the dreaded dropped stitch.

Simply knit to where the stitch has been dropped, take out your crochet hook and use it to loop the loose bars of yarn strung at the back of the stitches through the dropped stitch. Repair all stitches up to the top and pop the last one on the needle!

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gwq Next row (Kfb, K3) to end. [60 sts] Beg with a purl row, st st 19 rows.

CHICK TOY WAISTCOAT RIGHT FRONT Cast on 22 sts using 3mm needles and Yarn D. Row 1 Kfb, knit to end. [23 sts] Row 2 Knit to last st, kfb. [24 sts] Row 3 Kfb, knit to end. [25 sts] Row 4 Purl to last 2 sts, K1, kfb. [26 sts] Rep last 2 rows until there are 30 sts.

Place on a stitch holder.

LEFT FRONT Cast on 22 sts using 3mm needles and Yarn D. Row 1 Knit to last st, kfb. [23 sts] Row 2 Kfb, knit to end. [24 sts] Row 3 Knit to last st, kfb. [25 sts] Row 4 Kfb, K1, purl to end. [26 sts] Rep last 2 rows until there are 30 sts.

Place on a stitch holder.

BODY AND HEAD Cast on 12 sts using 3mm needles and Yarn D. Next row Purl.

Next row Kfb to end. [24 sts] Next row Purl.

Next row (Kfb, K1) to end. [36 sts] Next row Purl.

Next row (Kfb, K2) to end. [48 sts] Beg with a purl row, st st 3 rows.

Continuing in Yarn D, place Left Front (then Right Front) waistcoat base in front of Body and knit into both sts at the same time: Next row (K4, k2tog) to end. [50 sts] Next row P24, K2, purl to end.

Next row Knit.

Rep last 2 rows again.

Next row P24, K2, purl to end.

Next row (K3, k2tog) to end. [40 sts] Next row P19, K2, purl to end.

Next row Knit.

Next row P19, K2, purl to end.

Next row (K2, k2tog) to end. [30 sts] Next row P14, K2, purl to end.

Next row (K1, k2tog) to end. [20 sts] Change to Yarn A. Next row Purl.

Next row Kfb to end. [40 sts] Next row Purl.

Next row (Kfb, K3) to end. [50 sts] Beg with a purl row, st st 19 rows.

Next row (K3, k2tog) to end. [40 sts] Next row Purl.

Next row (K2, k2tog) to end. [30 sts] Next row Purl.

Next row (K1, k2tog) to end. [20 sts] Next row Purl.

Next row (K2tog) to end. [10 sts] Cut yarn and thread through.

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CHICK TOY

Pull up sts tightly and secure. Gather round cast-on sts and pull up tightly. Sew seam, leaving a 3cm gap in Head. Turn right-side out and stuff with filling. Run a length of Yarn A around neck shaping and pull up tightly. Tie in ends securely.

BEAK Cast on 10 sts using 3mm needles and Yarn B. Row 1 K3, k2togtbl, k2tog, K3. [8 sts] Row 2 Purl.

Row 3 K2, k2togtbl, k2tog, K2. [6 sts] Row 4 Purl.

Row 5 K1, k2togtbl, k2tog, K1. [4 sts] Row 6 P2tog twice. [2 sts] Row 7 Kfb in each st. [4 sts] Row 8 Purl.

Row 9 Kfb, knit to last st, kfb. [6 sts] Cast off.

1 Sew side seams of Beak tog and turn right-side out. Add some filling. Pin Beak to centre of face, with shaped side uppermost, starting about 5 rows up from last inc row of Head. Sew securely.

2 For eyes, cast on 2 sts in Yarn C, then cast off. Pin eyes in position either side of Beak, with about 8 rows between them.

3 Sew eyes to face, threading yarn tails through to back of Head.

Pull tightly and knot tog. Cut ends and tuck inside Head. Add some more filling then sew up gap.

4 Work a couple of tiny white sts at top right of each eye with a strand of white embroidery thread to finish.

WINGS (MAKE 2) Cast on 7 sts using 3mm needles and Yarn A. Row 1 Kfb, knit to last st, kfb. [9 sts] Row 2 and every alt row Purl.

Row 3 Kfb, knit to last st, kfb. [11 sts]

Row 5 Knit.

Row 7 K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. [9 sts] Row 9 Knit.

Row 11 K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. [7 sts] Row 13 K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. [5 sts] Row 15 K2tog, sl1, k2tog, psso. [2 sts] Row 16 P2tog.

Cut yarn and thread through.

Place cast-on edges to sides of Body, facing the front. Turn so that the point is almost touching the garter st border of Waistcoat. Sew in place securely, adding a little filling.

COLLAR Cast on 32 sts using 3mm needles and Yarn E. Row 1 Kfb, knit to last st, kfb. [34 sts] Starting with a purl row, st st 2 rows.

Next row P2tog, purl to last 2 sts, p2tog. [32 sts] Cast off.

Place Collar round neck, starting and ending at edges of garter st detailing of Waistcoat. Sew in position securely. Use a length of Yarn C to work 3 small straight sts down centre of Waistcoat for buttons.

FEET (MAKE 2) Cast on 6 sts using 3mm needles and Yarn B. Row 1 Knit to last 3 sts, turn.

Next row Knit to last st, kfb. [7 sts] Next row Knit to last 2 sts, turn.

Next row Knit.

Next row K2tog, knit to end. [6 sts] Next row Knit.

Cast off.

Place Feet on base of Body evenly, then sew in place securely to finish.

Add some filling to the beak before you attach it to your chick’s face

The waistcoat’s collar is knitted separately and sewn on at the end

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bunny love Delight a loved one with this special squishy Easter toy, complete with jaunty spring hat! By Angela Turner

GREAT GIFT ide !

k

RABBIT TOY

TENSION IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS

26 sts and 34 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3mm needles

YOU WILL NEED

MEASUREMENTS

Q Paintbox Yarns Simply DK

28cm (11in) high

(100% acrylic, 100g/276m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Stormy Grey (104) Yarn B Paper White (100) Yarn C Bubblegum Pink (150) Yarn D Dusty Lilac (146) Yarn E Melon Sorbet (116) Yarn F Peach Orange (154) Q A pair of 3mm needles Q Toy stuffing Q Stitch holders

ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Unless stated our patterns are not copyright free, however, if you’re thinking of knitting other toys or projects for charity, or to sell, please refer to our information on page 97.

WHERE TO BUY Q For yarn stockists

visit 01409 404010 www.lovecrafts.com

BUNNY TOY FOOT AND LEG (MAKE 2) Cast on 16 sts using 3mm needles and Yarn A. Next row Knit.

Next row Kfb, K6, kfb twice, knit to last st, kfb.

[20 sts] Work in garter st for 2 rows.

Work in st st for 2 rows.

Next row K8, k2tog twice, knit to end. [18 sts] Next row Purl.

Next row K7, cast off 4 sts, knit to end. [14 sts] Next row P7, then P7 from next set of sts. [14 sts] Starting with a knit row, work 36 rows st st.

Cast off.

Sew small hole in Foot dec sts first then, with right sides facing, sew seam across Foot then up Leg. Turn right side out and stuff with filling. With seam at centre back, sew across Leg tops.

BODY Begin at pants: Cast on 32 sts using 3mm needles and Yarn B. Work 14 rows st st.

Change to Yarn A and work 28 rows st st.

SHOULDER, NECK AND HEAD SHAPING Row 1 K7, k2tog, K14, k2tog, K7. [30 sts] Row 2 and every alt row Purl.

Row 3 K6, sl1, k2tog, psso, K12, sl1, k2tog, psso, K6. [26 sts] Row 5 K2tog to end. [13 sts] Row 7 Kfb in every st. [26 sts] Row 9 (K1, kfb) to end. [39 sts] Row 11 (K2, kfb) to end. [52 sts] Starting with a purl row, st st 19 rows.

Next row (K2, k2tog) to end. [39 sts] Next row Purl.

Next row (K1, k2tog) to end. [26 sts] Next row Purl.

Next row (K2tog) to end. [13 sts] Next row Purl.

Cut yarn and thread through sts.

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DID YOU KNOW? The tradition of a clothed Easter bunny delivering sweets, coloured eggs and sometimes toys to children is thought to have orginated among Germany Lutherians during the middle ages. In fact, the first-ever written mention of this seasonal tradition was back in the 16th century! It is thought that the custom was created in order to reward children for good behavior (in a similar way to Santa) during the important seasonal celebration.

TOP TIP Knitting two yarns together creates a thicker, firmer fabric which can be used to create items that hold their shape better. For example, the wide-brimmed hat seen in this pattern.

SHOP SMAR SHO LOCAP L!

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gwq Pull up sts tightly and secure. With right side to the inside, sew seam to neck. Sew seam of Body, leaving a 3.5cm gap. Turn right side out and, with seam to back, sew across seam at base of pants.

Stuff head with filling, then stuff Body. Sew seam, adding some extra filling if necessary. Sew Leg tops to base of Body. Tie in all loose ends securely. Using a length of Yarn B, Swiss darn a single st in centre of face, 6 rows up from last inc row of head. Work a 1cm straight st below then work a small straight st in between the V of the Swiss darned st. For eyes, work 5 small straight sts on top of each other, 5 sts either side of Swiss darned ‘V’ using Yarn B. Tie in all loose ends securely.

EARS (MAKE 2) Start at base: Cast on 4 sts using 3mm needles and Yarn A. Row 1 Knit.

Row 2 Kfb, knit to last st, kfb. [6 sts] Rep last 2 rows twice more. [10 sts] Garter st 4 rows.

Next row K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. [8 sts] Garter st 9 rows.

Next row K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. [6 sts] Garter st 5 rows.

Next row K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. [4 sts] Garter st 5 rows.

Cast off.

Sew base of Ears to sides of head, about 4 rows up from eyes. Tie in all loose ends securely.

ARMS (MAKE 2) Start at hand:

RABBIT TOY

Cast on 4 sts using 3mm needles and Yarn A. Row 1 Purl.

Row 2 Kfb in every st. [8 sts] Row 3 Purl.

Row 4 (K1, kfb) to end. [12 sts] Starting with a purl row, st st 25 rows.

Next row K2tog to end. [6 sts] Next row Purl.

Cast off.

Gather round cast-on sts and pull up tightly. Sew seam to within 3cm of top. Turn right side out. Fold cast-off sts tog and, with seam at back, sew across top. Stuff with filling then sew remaining seam.

Sew Arms to side of Body, about 1cm down from neck. Tie in all loose ends securely.

DRESS FRILL 1 (MAKE 2) Cast on 120 sts using 3mm needles and Yarn C. Work 2 rows garter st.

Change to Yarn B. Work 2 rows st st.

Next row K3tog to end. [40 sts] Leave on st holder.

FRILL 2 (MAKE 2) Cast on 108 sts using 3mm needles and Yarn D. Work 2 rows garter st.

Change to Yarn B. Work 2 rows st st.

Next row K3tog to end. [36 sts] Leave on st holder.

DRESS BODY (MAKE 2) Start at base: Cast on 40 sts using 3mm needles and Yarn B. Work 2 rows garter st.

Work 12 rows st st.

With Frill 1 in front of work, knit through first st of Frill and into first st of Dress and knit both tog at same time. Rep with rest of sts.

[40 sts] Next row Purl.

Next row (K8, k2tog) to end. [36 sts] Starting with a purl row, st st 5 rows.

Rejoin yarn to second shoulder at neck edge.

Next row P2tog, purl to end. [3 sts] Next row Knit.

Next row Purl.

Cast off.

With right sides facing, sew along side seams of Dress. Turn right side out. Sew Frill seams together. Place on Bunny then sew shoulder seams. Sew shoulder seams to Bunny. Tie in all loose ends securely.

HAT Cast on 48 sts using 3mm needles and one strand of Yarn E and one of Yarn F together and 3mm needles.

St st 15 rows.

Next row (K2, k2tog) to end. [36 sts] Next row Purl.

Next row (K1, k2tog) to end. [24 sts] Next row Purl.

Next row (K2tog) to end. [12 sts] Next row Purl.

Cut yarn and thread through sts. Pull up sts tightly and, with wrong sides to the inside, sew seam. Turn right side out, with reverse st st showing.

BRIM Cast on 48 sts using 3mm needles and one strand of Yarn E and one of Yarn F together.

Row 1 Purl.

Next row (K2, kfb) to end. [64 sts] Next row Purl.

Next row (K3, kfb) to end. [80 sts] Next row Purl.

Next row (K4, kfb) to end. [96 sts] Work 2 rows garter st.

Cast off.

Join seams tog. Sew to hat then turn right side out (reverse st st showing). Place hat on rabbit in line with ears where they are sewn to head, tilt it back slightly then sew securely to head. Ensure all loose ends are tied in.

Attach Frill 2 in same way as Frill 1.

Next row Purl.

Next row (K7, k2tog) to end. [32 sts] Starting with a purl row, st st 5 rows.

Next row (K6, k2tog) to end. [28 sts] Starting with a purl row, st st 3 rows.

Next row (K5, k2tog) to end. [24 sts] Starting with a purl row, st st 3 rows.

Next row (K4, k2tog) to end. [20 sts] Next row Purl.

Next row Cast off 3 sts, knit to end. [17 sts] Next row Cast off 3 sts, purl to end. [14 sts] Next row K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. [12 sts] Next row Purl.

Next row K4, cast off 4 sts, K4. Turn and work on first shoulder.

Next row Purl.

Next row K2tog, knit to end. [3 sts] Next row Purl.

Cast off.

Change the rabbit’s colours to suit a bedroom, duvet or favourite outfit

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ASK THE EXPERTS

CONTAC

Got a que T US! st experts? T ion for our hen email us at simplyknit tin co.uk or w g@immediate. rite to Knitting, E us at Simply agle Colston Av House, e, Bristol BS1 4ST.

Write to our accomplished Q&A experts and have your tricky knitting queries and questions answered in no time!

KNIT guru

Debbie Bliss Knitwear Designer

Kirstie McLeod Editor

Jen Bartlett Technical Editor

Sophie Jordan Deputy Editor

Famed for her effortlessly stylish knit creations and extensive knowledge of knitting.

Queen of socks and gadget hoarder, Kirstie has many years of knitting knowledge to share.

Stitch expert and technical whizz, Jen likes to tackle the trickiest of knitting problems.

Product expert and Fair Isle fanatic, Sophie loves talking about the latest trends and cool colour combos.

QUESTION OF THE MONTH The new Mighty range from Scheepjes

ECO YARN SEARCH I’d love to knit a strong, summer eco shopper bag that has enough strength to hold its shape, but I’ve had real difficulty finding a suitable yarn. Do you have any suggestions at all?

Kayleigh, via email There’s a brand new yarn called Mighty from the yarn geniuses at Scheepjes. It’s made from 32% jute and 68% cotton and could be the perfect choice for your summer bag. Jute is a long, soft, strong vegetable fibre that can be spun into coarse threads. It is the base fibre that’s weaved into fabrics such as burlap and hessian. Jute is already used to make mass produced bags, rugs, carpets and much more, so it’s been tried and tested over the years. Jute is also an incredibly eco-friendly material – it’s biodegradable and compostable, can

Q

be grown without pesticides and fertilisers, reaches maturity in under six months and offers a large crop yield for the area of land that it’s grown on. What’s more, the plant absorbs large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmostphere, cleaning up the air we breathe too. So it seems that there really is a lot to love about Jute! Scheepjes’ new jute-blend yarn, Mighty, comes in 12 natural-looking shades with wonderfully powerful names, like light beige Stone, light brown Oak and dark blue Ocean. Each name is inspired by beautifully strong elements found on earth. Each 50g ball comes with 80 metres of yarn and a recommended needle size of 4-4.5mm. Once you’ve finished your bag, Kayleigh, you can cast Mighty on for place mates, coasters, plant pot holders and doorstops, to name just a few options! Sophie

LOOKING FOR LOCALS I’m always travelling for work and love to pop into as many local yarn shops as I can find while I’m away, but I sometimes find it hard to locate exactly where they are. Do you have any advice on a good resource I can use?

Mrs Collins, Barnsley There’s nothing like the welcome you get from a local yarn shop, is there? Mine is filled with the most amazing yarns, the assistants always know how to help you and there’s usually a cup of coffee available if I’m lucky! We often team up with a brilliant group of people from UK Handknitting when

Q

we want to talk about local yarn shops as they have one of the best listings of local yarn shops in the UK. Also, if you happen to have taken your knitting with you, you might be lucky and find an evening knitting group with their brilliant list of local yarn groups too. I’m sure there are many groups who would enjoy a flying visit from a fellow knitter! Add to that an extensive list of crafty events and you’ll have your evenings, weekends and weeks booked up before you know it! You can find all this information and more at www.ukhandknitting.com. Do let us know how you get on! Kirstie

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Discover a wealth of info at www.UKHandknitting.com

ASK THE EXPERTS NEEDLE KNOWLEDGE My knitting group tell me some needles are better than others but I’m getting confused and now don’t know what would be the best to buy. Can you help me with some advice?

Carolina Morris, Dover

Q

Modern knitting needles are usually made of aluminium, steel, plastic, bamboo or wood. Below are some of the needle types you’ll come across and what they’re best used for. It’s always good to collect needles with a variety of tips – blunt needles won’t split stitches made with loosely spun or thick yarn, while sharper tips are great for knitting repeatedly into the same stitch. If you take the time to store needles carefully they’ll give you many years of service, but always replace them if they become rough, too blunt or bent, to avoid damaging your yarn or affecting your tension. Here’s a little about materials!

Wood Wooden needles can be expensive but they look lovely and are wonderful to knit with. They tend to have more ‘grip’ than plastic or metal needles, which is useful with smooth yarns. However, be warned, the finer needles are very delicate and can bend, so take good care of them!

Bamboo Smooth, and gorgeous to handle, bamboo is a good material to use with slippery yarns such as silks and fine wools, because it grips the yarn better than metal needles.

Carbon Fibre Lightweight but incredibly strong, carbon fibre is often also ideal for knitting. I’m a big fan of Karbonz needles, which are super-flexible and warm to hold. Who knew knitting could be so high-tech?

Metal Made from one of the most common and useful materials, metal needles are perfect for ‘stickier’ yarns, such as acrylic ones.

This is because they’re smooth and the yarn slides along easily. The more polished a needle is, the faster you can work. If you have arthritis or similar problems, then try using bamboo or wooden needles.

Plastic Light and strong, plastic is often used for larger needles. Children’s pairs are great for getting new or young knitters to learn the craft and also for making smaller projects, whatever your age. Then there are acrylic needles, although similar to plastic, they can be a little heavier. They’re very comfortable to use, though! Jen

Carbon fibre Metal

YOU ASKED DEBBIE BLISS… YES TO YARN OVERS I’ve heard of a yarn over. What is this and how can I do it?

Helen M, via email Yarn overs are used to create increases and are usually worked in conjunction with decreases to maintain the stitch count. They are most commonly found in lace patterns. There are different methods of making yarn overs depending on the stitches either side.

Debbie

Q

Did you know...?

Not every size listed in a pattern can be knitted up to check the yarn amounts used, so they will be based on what the sample knitter used for the size shown and then a formula is used to work out all the other approximate amounts quoted.

Wood Plastic Bamboo Avoid over pressing a delicate pattern or cable

BRILLIANT BLOCKING Do you have any top tips for blocking yarn?

Jennie A, Farnham I pin out my pieces on gingham fabric over padding or a towel. The checked pattern helps to keep the knitted pieces straight. I constantly measure the pieces to make sure they are the same as the pattern measurements. If ironing, take care not to over press a delicate stitch pattern or cable. Debbie

Q

Debbie Bliss patterns, books and yarns are available from www.lovecrafts.com

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Twisted vines Twisted vines Soft but strong intertwined cables fill this men’s crew neck jumper with exciting texture. By Helen Metcalfe

FUN CAB LES

TAKE ON A CHALLENGE

YOU WILL NEED Q Rowan Moordale (DK, 70% wool,

30% alpaca, 100g/230m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table Q A 3.75mm circular needle, 40cm long Q A 3.75mm circular needle, 80cm long Q 2 stitch holders Q 1 stitch marker Q A cable needle (cn)

T8B slip 4 sts onto cn and hold at back of work, K1, P2, K1; K1, P2, K1 from cn T8F slip 4 sts onto cn and hold at front of work, K1, P2, K1; K1, P2, K1 from cn

56 (56: 57.5: 57.5: 57.5: 57.5: 57.5: 59.5)cm 22 (22: 22 : 22 : 22 : 22 : 22 : 23 )in

ABBREVIATIONS

SLEEVE

For a full list see page 95

68 (70: 70: 71: 71: 73: 73: 75)cm 26 (27 : 27 : 28: 28: 28 : 28 : 29 )in

MEN’S CABLE JUMPER

FRONT & BACK

WHERE TO BUY Q For yarn stockists contact

47 (53: 57: 62: 67: 73: 77: 82)cm 18 (21: 22 : 24 : 26 : 28 : 30 : 32 )in

Rowan on 01484 668200 www.knitowan.com

HOW TO USE OUR CHARTS

OR YOU COULD TRY…

TENSION

Q LoveCrafts 01409 404010

34 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over cable patt using 3.75mm needles

Start at the bottom right-hand corner. Read right side rows from right to left and wrong side rows from left to right. A row of squares represents a row of knitting

www.lovecrafts.com Q Laughing Hens 01829 740903 or www.laughinghens.com

27 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over 2x2 rib using 3.75mm needles

CHART

! f o % 5 1

LoveCrafts are offering 15% off Rowan Moordale DK! Quote offer code MAKER3 when you order. To place your order call 01409 404010 or visit www. lovecrafts.com. Offer ends 6 May 2020.

12 11 10 9

SHOP SMAR SHO LOCAP L!

8

T

Turn t page 8o7

7 6

KEY

K on RS; P on WS

5 P on RS; K on WS

4 3

T8B

2 1

T8F 40

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

MEN’S CABLE JUMPER This jumper’s yarn is made up of British wool and alpaca, keeping your man wonderfully warm

Note If you are working from the Chart and working half of a rep, begin RS rows with Column 1 and end with Column 22 and begin WS rows with Column 22 and end with Column 1. When shaping, if you don’t have enough sts to work a cable, work those sts in rib as set.

Back, front and sleeves are worked flat, but an 80cm circular needle is recommended to accommodate the large number of sts.

The neckband is picked up and worked in the round.

CABLE PATTERN Note On RS rows when directed to work half of a rep, work full instructions for the row followed by { } section. On WS rows when directed to work half of a rep, work { } section followed by full instructions for the row.

Row 1 (RS) {P2, K2, P2, K1, (P2, K2) 3 times, P2, K1}, P2, K2, P2, K1, (P2, K2) 3 times, P2, K1.

Row 2 (WS) P1, (K2, P2) 3 times, K2, P1, K2, P2, K2, {P1, (K2, P2) 3 times, K2, P1, K2, P2, K2}.

Rows 3 and 4 Rep Rows 1 and 2.

Row 5 {P2, K2, P2, T8B, T8F}, P2, K2, P2, K1, (P2, K2) 3 times, P2, K1.

Row 6 Rep Row 2.

Rows 7 to 10 Rep Rows 1 and 2 twice.

Row 11 {P2, K2, P2, K1, (P2, K2) 3 times, P2, K1}, P2, K2, P2, T8B, T8F. Row 12 Rep Row 2.

Rep Rows 1 to 12 for pattern.

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MEN’S CABLE JUMPER

FIND YOUR SIZE S

M

L

1XL

2XL

3XL

4XL

5XL

cm

91-97

102-107

112-117

122-127

132-137

142-147

152-157

162-167

in

36-38

40-42

44-46

48-50

52-54

56-58

60-62

64-66

cm

94

106.5

114

124

134

145.5

154

164

in

37

42

45

49

52

57

60

64

cm

68

70

70

71

71

73

75

28

28

SIZE TO FIT CHEST ACTUAL CHEST LENGTH SLEEVE LENGTH

in

26

27

27

73 28

28

29

cm

56

56

57.5

57.5

57.5

57.5

57.5

59.5

in

22

22

22

22

22

22

22

23

12

13

YARN

Rowan Moordale (DK, 100g/230m)

Gooseberry (00004)

7

8

9

10

11

11

SIZING COLOUR KEY So you can re-use this pattern, we’ve colour-coded the sizing instructions. Simply follow our colour-coded measurements and you’re off.

"I have a huge range of cable sweaters at KRPH DQG ëLV RQH ZRXOG àW LQ SHUIHFWO\ 7KH \DUQ LV WRS TXDOLW\ DQG LW ZRXOG ORRN JUHDW ZLë P\ IDYRXULWH MHDQV è SRVK WURXVHUV SETH SINGH, ART EDITOR

BACK

gwq

Cast on 160 (182: 192: 210: 228: 248: 260: 278) sts using 3.75mm needles, 80cm long.

Row 1 (RS) K0 (0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 2: 0), P0 (0: 3: 1: 1: 0: 2: 2), K0 (0: 2: 2: 0: 0: 2: 2), work 3.5 (4: 4: 4.5: 5: 5.5: 5.5: 6) reps of Row 1 of Cable Pattern, (P2, K2) 1 (1: 2: 2: 1: 1: 3: 2) times, P2 (2: 3: 1: 3: 2: 0: 2).

Row 2 (WS) K2 (2: 3: 1: 3: 2: 0: 2), (P2, K2) 1 (1: 2: 2: 1: 1: 3: 2) times, work 3.5 (4: 4: 4.5: 5: 5.5: 5.5: 6) reps of Row 2 of Cable Pattern, P0 (0: 2: 2: 0: 0: 2: 2), K0 (0: 3: 1: 1: 0: 2: 2), P0 (0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 2: 0).

These 2 rows set position of Cable Pattern and rib.**

Patt 2 rows.

Next row (WS) Cast off 4 (5: 5: 4: 4: 5: 5: 6) sts, patt to end.

[60 (69: 74: 83: 92: 100: 106: 113) sts] Patt 1 row.

Next row (WS) Cast off 4 sts, patt to end.

[56 (65: 70: 79: 88: 96: 102: 109) sts] Patt 1 row.

Next row (WS) Cast off 3 sts, patt to end.

[53 (62: 67: 76: 85: 93: 99: 106) sts] Patt 1 row.

Next row (WS) Cast off 2 sts, patt to end.

[51 (60: 65: 74: 83: 91: 97: 104) sts] Patt 2 (2: 2: 1: 1: 1: 1: 1) rows.

SIZES 1XL TO 5XL ONLY Rep last WS row once more. [- (-: -: 72: 81: 89: 95: 102) sts]

Cont in patt until Back meas 64.5 (66.5: 66.5: 67.5: 67.5: 69.5: 69.5: 71.5)cm from cast-on edge, ending after a WS row.

SHAPE SHOULDERS Cont in patt throughout, working in rib if you don’t have enough sts to complete a cable.

Cast off 9 (11: 12: 13: 15: 17: 18: 19) sts at beg of next 4 (6: 6: 2: 4: 8: 6: 2) rows. [124 (116: 120: 184: 168: 112: 152: 240) sts] Cast off 10 (12: 13: 14: 16: 18: 19: 20) sts at beg of next 6 (4: 4: 8: 6: 2: 4: 8) rows. [64 (68: 68: 72: 72: 76: 76: 80) sts] Sl rem sts onto a stitch holder.

FRONT Work as for Back to **.

Cont in patt until Front meas 60.5 (62.5: 62.5: 63.5: 63.5: 65.5: 65.5: 67.5)cm from cast-on edge, ending after a WS row.

SHAPE LEFT NECK Work in patt for 64 (74: 79: 87: 96: 105: 111: 119) sts, turn and cont on these sts for left side of neck and leaving rem 96 (108: 113: 123: 132: 143: 149: 159) sts on a stitch holder.

When knitting the shoulders, work in rib if you don’t have enough stitches to create a cable

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MEN’S CABLE JUMPER

ALL SIZES Next row (RS) Cast off 9 (11: 12: 13: 15: 17: 18: 19) sts, patt to last 3 sts, k2tog, K1. [41 (48: 52: 58: 65: 71: 76: 82) sts] Next row and foll WS rows unless otherwise stated Patt to end.

Next RS row Cast off 9 (11: 12: 14: 15: 17: 18: 20) sts, patt to last 3 sts, k2tog, K1. [31 (36: 39: 43: 49: 53: 57: 61) sts] Next RS row Cast off 10 (11: 12: 14: 15: 17: 18: 20) sts, patt to last 3 sts, k2tog, K1. [20 (24: 26: 28: 33: 35: 38 : 40) sts] Next RS row Cast off 10 (12: 13: 14: 16: 17: 19: 20) sts, patt to end.

[10 (12: 13: 14: 17: 18: 19: 20) sts] Next RS row Cast off rem sts.

SHAPE RIGHT NECK With RS facing, slip 32 (34: 34: 36: 36: 38: 38: 40) sts onto a stitch holder for neckband, rejoin yarn to rem sts and patt to end.

[64 (74: 79: 87: 96: 105: 111: 119) sts] Patt 1 row.

Next row (RS) Cast off 4 (5: 5: 4: 4: 5: 5: 6) sts, patt to end.

[60 (69: 74: 83: 92: 100: 106: 113) sts] Patt 1 row.

Next row (RS) Cast off 4 sts, patt to end.

[56 (65: 70: 79: 88: 96: 102: 109) sts] Patt 1 row.

Next row (RS) Cast off 3 sts, patt to end.

[53 (62: 67: 76: 85: 93: 99: 106) sts] Patt 1 row.

Next row (RS) Cast off 2 sts, patt to end.

[51 (60: 65: 74: 83: 91: 97: 104) sts] Work 3 (3: 3: 1: 1: 1: 1: 1) rows straight.

Rep the last 8 (6: 6: 6: 6: 6: 4: 4) rows another 19 (23: 25: 15: 13: 9: 37: 38) times. [116 (124: 130: 112: 108: 104: 160: 164) sts]

SIZES 1XL TO 5XL ONLY

SIZES 1XL, 2XL AND 3XL ONLY

Rep last RS row once more. [- (-: -: 72: 81: 89: 95: 102) sts] Patt - (-: -: 1: 1: 1: 1: 1) row.

Rep inc row.

Patt 3 rows.

Rep the last 4 rows another - (-: -: 12: 17: 23: -: -) times.

[- (-: -: 138: 144: 152: -: -) sts]

ALL SIZES Next row and foll 2 RS rows (RS) K1, ssk, patt to end.

Next row (WS) Cast off 9 (11: 12: 13: 15: 17: 18: 19) sts, patt to end.

[41 (48: 52: 58: 65: 71: 76: 82) sts] Next WS row Cast off 9 (11: 12: 14: 15: 17: 18: 20) sts, patt to end.

[31 (36: 39: 43: 49: 53: 57: 61) sts] Next WS row Cast off 10 (11: 12: 14: 16: 17: 18: 20) sts, patt to end.

[20 (24: 26: 28: 33: 35: 38: 40) sts] Patt 1 row.

Next row (WS) Cast off 10 (12: 13: 14: 16: 17: 19: 20) sts, patt to end.

[10 (12: 13: 14: 17: 18: 19: 20) sts] Patt 1 row.

Next WS row Cast off rem sts.

SLEEVES

This soft knit by Helen Metcalfe can be worn smart or casual with jeans or chinos

Patt 7 (5: 5: 5: 5: 5: 3: 3) rows.

ALL SIZES Patt straight until Sleeve meas 56 (56: 57.5: 57.5: 57.5: 57.5: 57.5: 59.5)cm from cast-on edge, ending after a WS row.

Cast off.

MAKING UP NECKBAND Join shoulder seams.

With RS facing, using 3.25mm circular needle, 40cm long, and starting at left shoulder, pick up and knit 24 (25: 25: 25: 25: 25: 25: 26) sts down left neck, work 32 (34: 34: 36: 36: 38: 38: 40) sts in rib as set from Front holder, pick up and knit 24 (25: 25: 25: 25: 25: 25: 26) sts up right neck, work 64 (68: 68: 72: 72: 76: 76: 80) sts in rib as set from Back holder. [144 (152: 152: 158: 158: 164: 164: 172) sts] Join to work in the round and PM to mark beg of round.

Cast on 76 (76: 78: 80: 80: 84: 84: 86) sts.

Row 1 (RS) K2 (2: 3: 4: 4: 2: 2: 3), P0 (0: 0: 0: 0: 2: 2: 2), K0 (0: 0: 0: 0: 2: 2: 2), work 1.5 reps of Row 1 of Cable Pattern, (P2, K2) 2 (2: 2: 2: 2: 3: 3: 3) times, K0 (0: 1: 2: 2: 0: 0: 1).

Row 2 (WS) P0 (0: 1: 2: 2: 0: 0: 1), (K2, P2) 2 (2: 2: 2: 2: 3: 3: 3) times, work 1.5 reps of Row 2 of Cable Pattern, P0 (0: 0: 0: 0: 2: 2: 2), K0 (0: 0: 0: 0: 2: 2: 2), P2 (2: 3: 4: 4: 2: 2: 3).

These 2 rows set position of Cable Pattern and rib.

Patt a further 6 rows.

Rib round P0 (1: 1: 0: 1: 0: 0: 1), (K2, P2) 6 times, K0 (0: 0: 1: 0: 1: 1: 1), work 32 (34: 34: 36: 36: 38: 38: 40) sts in rib as set, K0 (0: 0: 1: 0: 1: 1: 1), (P2, K2) 6 times, P0 (1: 1: 0: 1: 0: 0: 1), work 64 (68: 68: 72: 72: 76: 76: 80) sts in rib as set.

Rep rib round another 5 times.

Cast off loosely in rib.

SHAPE SLEEVE

FINISHING

Note When adding new sts, keep edge sts as K2 on RS rows and P2 on WS rows, and incorporate new sts into 2x2 rib by working M1 purlwise or knitwise in patt.

Inc row (RS) K2, M1, patt to last 2 sts, M1, K2.

Lining up centre of Sleeve cast-off edge to shoulder seam, sew in Sleeves using mattress stitch. Join Sleeve seams. Weave in ends.

Block gently to measurements, following any yarn care instructions on the ball band.

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gentle ripples Gentle Combine softness, incredible detail and warmth with this wonderfully textured T-shirt and cowl by Caroline Birkett

T

T-SHIRT & COWL

TAKE ON A CHALLENGE

YOU WILL NEED Q Rico Essentials Alpaca Blend

Chunky (50% acrylic, 30% wool, 20% alpaca; 50g/90m) Cowl 1 (1: 2: 2) balls of Yarn B Dusky Pink (if making both pullover and cowl, only 1 extra ball needed for cowl in larger sizes) For T-shirt yarn quantities and measurements see size table Q A pair of 6mm needles Q A pair of 5.5mm needles Q A 6mm circular needle, 60cm long Q A 5.5mm circular needle, 60cm long Q 3 stitch markers Q 2 stitch holders

1-to-5inc increase from 1 st to 5 sts, working (K1, yo, K1, yo, K1) all into next st k5tog knit the next 5 sts together to decrease from 5 sts to 1 st Simply stretchy cast off k1tbl,

60 (60: 60: 60)cm 23 (23 : 23 : 23 )in

ABBREVIATIONS

FRONT & BACK

*P1, purl 2 sts on RH needle tog, k1tbl, knit 2 sts on RH needle tog tbl; rep from * to last st, P1, purl 2 sts on RH needle tog. Cut yarn and pull through rem st. With a tapestry needle, sew yarn tail across the base of the first castoff st for a neat finish Rm remove stitch marker

! f o % 5 1

50.75(57.5: 64: 70.75)cm 20 (22 : 25 : 27 )in

LoveCrafts are offering 15% off Rico Essentials Alpaca Blend Chunky! Quote offer code MAKER3 when you order by calling 01409 404010 or visiting www.lovecrafts. com. Offer ends 6 May 2020.

For a full list see page 95

HOW TO USE OUR CHARTS Start at the bottom right-hand corner. Read right side rows from right to left and wrong side rows from left to right. A row of squares represents a row of knitting

WHERE TO BUY Q For yarn stockists visit

Rico Design at www. rico-design.de

TENSION

OR YOU COULD TRY…

12 sts and 20 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over ripple pattern using 6mm needles

Q LoveCrafts 01409 404010

16

or www.lovecrafts.com Q Wise Badger 01789 610695 or www.wisebadger.com

14

MEASUREMENTS

MOTIF A

MOTIF B 16

16 15

15

13 12

13

11

11

9

9

7

7

7 6

6 5

5

5 4

4 3

2

9 8

8

4

11 10

10

6

13 12

12

10

15 14

14

8

T-shirt See size table Cowl 66.5 (66.5: 80: 80) x 17.5cm, (26 (26 : 31 : 31 ) x 7in)

MOTIF C

3 2

1 5

3 2

1 5

1 5

RIPPLE T-SHIRT Note The jumper is worked flat in two pieces (Front and Back), then the neck and armhole edging are picked up after seaming and finished in the round. The Cowl is worked in the round. Due to the ripple patt the stitch count will change throughout.

STITCH PATTERNS TWISTED RIB (FLAT) Row 1 (RS) *P1, k1tbl; rep from * to last st, P1.

Row 2 (WS) *K1, p1tbl; rep from * to last st, K1.

Rep these 2 rows for patt.

TWISTED RIB (IN THE ROUND) Rib round *K1tbl, P1; rep from * to end.

Rep this round for patt.

MOTIF A (WORKED OVER 4 STS)

Knitted rivulets of pale dusky pink add a feminine touch to your finished garment

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Row 1 (RS) (P1, k1tbl) twice.

Row 2 (WS) (p1tbl, K1) twice.

Rows 3 to 6 Rep Rows 1 and 2 twice.

Row 7 P1, k1tbl, P1, 1-to-5inc. [8 sts] Row 8 P5, K1, p1tbl, K1.

Row 9 P1, k1tbl, P1, K5.

Rows 10 to 11 Rep Rows 8 and 9.

Row 12 Rep Row 8.

Row 13 P1, k1tbl, P1, k5tog. [4 sts] Row 14 (P1tbl, K1) twice.

T-SHIRT& COWL

FIND YOUR SIZE S

M

L

XL

cm

81-86

91-97

102-107

112-117

in

32-34

36-38

40-42

44-46

cm

101.5

115

128

141.5

in

40

45

50

55

cm

60

60

SIZE TO FIT BUST

ACTUAL BUST 60

60

LENGTH in

23

23

YARN

23

23

Rico Essentials Alpaca Blend Chunky (50g/90m)

Yarn A Light Grey (006)

7

8

9

10

Yarn B Dusky Pink (009)

1

1

1

1

SIZING COLOUR KEY So you can re-use this pattern, we’ve colour-coded the sizing instructions. Simply follow our colour-coded measurements and you’re off.

COWL CHART

KEY Rib Round 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Rib round

15

10

K on RS; P on WS

1-to-5 inc

P on RS; K on WS

No stitch

Yarn A

Rep rows 7-16 for patt

Yarn B

Rep rib for 4.5cm

k1tbl on RS; p1tbl on WS

SHOP SMAR SHO LOCAP L!

k5tog

T

Turn t page 8o7

5

Row 15 (P1, k1tbl) twice.

Row 16 Rep Row 14.

Rep Rows 7 to 16 for patt.

MOTIF B (WORKED OVER 4 STS) Row 1 (RS) P1, k1tbl, P1, 1-to-5inc. [8 sts] Row 2 (WS) P5, K1, p1tbl, K1.

Row 3 P1, k1tbl, P1, K5.

Rows 4 and 5 Rep Rows 2 and 3.

Row 6 Rep Row 2.

Row 7 P1, k1tbl, P1, k5tog. [4 sts] Row 8 (P1tbl, K1) twice.

Row 9 (P1, k1tbl) twice.

Row 10 Rep Row 8.

Row 11 P1, k1tbl, P1, 1-to-5inc. [8 sts] Row 12 P5, K1, p1tbl, K1.

Row 13 P1, k1tbl, P1, K5.

Rows 14 and 15 Rep Rows 12 and 13.

Row 16 Rep Row 12.

Rep Rows 7 to 16 for patt.

Row 5 Rep Row 1.

Row 6 Join in Yarn B, p1tbl with Yarn B, then using Yarn A, K1, p1tbl, K1.

Row 7 Using Yarn A, P1, k1tbl, P1, then using Yarn B, 1-to-5inc, change to Yarn A for next motif. [8 sts] Row 8 Using Yarn B, P5, then using Yarn A, K1, p1tbl, K1, change to Yarn B for next motif.

Row 9 Using Yarn A, P1, k1tbl, P1, then using Yarn B, K5, change to Yarn A for next motif.

Rows 10 and 11 Rep Rows 8 and 9.

Row 12 Rep Row 8.

Row 13 Using Yarn A, P1, k1tbl, P1, then using Yarn B, k5tog, change to Yarn A for next motif. [4 sts] Row 14 Using Yarn B, p1tbl, then using Yarn A, K1, p1tbl, K1, change to Yarn B for next motif.

Row 15 Using Yarn A, P1, k1tbl, P1, then using Yarn B, k1tbl, change to Yarn A for next motif.

Row 16 Rep Row 14.

Rep Rows 7 to 16 for patt.

BACK MOTIF C (WORKED OVER 4 STS) Note Add in Yarn B in Row 6, and twist colours together when changing yarns across each row to avoid holes (intarsia method).

Row 1 (RS) (P1, k1tbl) twice.

Row 2 (WS) (P1tbl, K1) twice.

Rows 3 to 4 Rep Rows 1 to 2.

Cast on 63 (71: 79: 87) sts using 6mm needles and Yarn A and making sure to use a stretchy cast-on method. (There are some great options here: www.sheepamongwolves.net/2017/08/7beautiful-stretchy-cast-ons-you-need-to-know/).

Work in Twisted Rib (flat) for 8cm, ending after a WS row.

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T-SHIRT & COWL

FRONT Cast on 63 (71: 79: 87) sts using 6mm needles and Yarn A and making sure to use a stretchy cast-on method.

Work in Twisted Rib (flat) for 8cm, ending after a WS row.

SET RIPPLE PATT SIZES S AND L ONLY Row 1 (RS) (Work Row 1 of Motif A, work Row 1 of Motif B) 3 (-: 4: -) times, PM, work Row 1 of Motif C, work Row 1 of Motif B, work Row 1 of Motif C, PM, (work Row 1 of Motif B, work Row 1 of Motif A) 3 (-: 4: -) times, P1, k1tbl, P1.

Row 2 (WS) K1, p1tbl, K1, (work Row 2 of Motif A, work Row 2 of Motif B) 3 (-: 4: -) times, slm, work Row 2 of Motif C, work Row 2 of Motif B, work Row 2 of Motif C, slm, (work Row 2 of Motif B, work Row 2 of Motif A) 3 (-: 4: -) times.

SIZES M AND XL ONLY

The accompaning cowl pattern is knitted in an identical colour and style, and makes the perfect addition to your T-shirt

SET RIPPLE PATT SIZES S AND L ONLY Row 1 (RS) *Work Row 1 of Motif B, work Row 1 of Motif A; rep from * to last 7 sts, work Row 1 of Motif B, P1, k1tbl, P1.

Row 2 (WS) K1, p1tbl, K1, work Row 2 of Motif B, *work Row 2 of Motif A, work Row 2 of Motif B; rep from * to end.

SIZES M AND XL ONLY Row 1 (RS) *Work Row 1 of Motif A, work Row 1 of Motif B; rep from * to last 7 sts, work Row 1 of Motif A, P1, k1tbl, P1.

Row 2 (WS) K1, p1tbl, K1, work Row 2 of Motif A, *work Row 2 of Motif B, work Row 2 of Motif A.

ALL SIZES The last 2 rows set patt with Twisted Rib at end of RS rows. Note that Motif A should be at centre back for all sizes.

Cont in patt to complete Rows 3 to 16, then rep Rows 7 to 16 only another 8 times.

Row 1 (RS) Work Row 1 of Motif B, (work Row 1 of Motif A, work Row 1 of Motif B) - (3: -: 4) times, PM, work Row 1 of Motif C, work Row 1 of Motif B, work Row 1 of Motif C, PM, (work Row 1 of Motif B, work Row 1 of Motif A) - (3: -: 4) times, work Row 1 of Motif B, P1, k1tbl, P1.

Row 2 (WS) K1, p1tbl, K1, work Row 2 of Motif B, (work Row 2 of Motif A, work Row 2 of Motif B) - (3: -: 4) times, slm, work Row 2 of Motif C, work Row 2 of Motif B, work Row 2 of Motif C, slm, (work Row 2 of Motif B, work Row 2 of Motif A) - (3: -: 4) times, work Row 2 of Motif B.

ALL SIZES The last 2 rows set patt with twisted rib at end of RS rows. Note that stitch markers demarcate front centre, with Motif B between Motif C (which incorporates Yarn B from Row 6 onwards) once on either side of it. Cont in patt to complete Rows 3 to 16, then rep Rows 7 to 16 only another 7 times.

SHAPE NECK – SIZES S AND M ONLY Next row (RS) Work in patt to marker, slm, work 7 sts in twisted rib as set, k5tog at centre neck, work 4 sts in twisted rib, slm, work in patt to end.

Next row (WS) Work in patt to marker, work 12 sts in twisted rib, slm, work in patt to end.

Next row Work in patt to marker, rm, work 2 sts in twisted rib, turn and work on these 38 (42: -: -) sts for left neck, leaving rem sts on a stitch holder.

SHAPE BACK NECK Rep Rows 7 to 10 once more.

Patt a further 4 rows, but now working Twisted Rib in place of Motif B across, and noting that in the final row all sts should be as Twisted Rib. [63 (71: 79: 87) sts]

SHAPE SHOULDERS Cont in Twisted Rib only throughout.

Next row Cast off 10 (12: 12: 14) sts in patt, patt until you have 10 (12: 12: 14) sts on RH needle, k2tog, turn and cont on these sts for right shoulder and leaving rem 41 (45: 53: 57) sts on a stitch holder.

[11 (13: 13: 15) sts] Dec 1 st at neck edge at beg of next row. [10 (12: 12: 14) sts] Cast off rem sts in patt.

SHAPE NECK – SIZES L AND XL ONLY Next row (RS) Work in patt to 12 sts before marker, work 7 sts in twisted rib, k5tog, slm, work 7 sts in twisted rib, k5tog at centre neck, work 4 sts in twisted rib, slm, work 3 sts in twisted rib, k5tog, work 4 sts in twisted rib, work in patt to end.

Next row (WS) Work in patt to 8 sts before marker, work in twisted rib to marker, slm, work 12 sts in twisted rib, slm, work 8 sts in twisted rib, work in patt to end.

Next row Work in patt as now set to 2 sts before marker, turn and work on these - (-: 42: 46) sts for left neck, leaving rem sts on a stitch holder.

ALL SIZES

SHAPE LEFT NECK With RS facing, slip 19 (19: 27: 27) centre back sts onto a stitch holder for neckband, rejoin yarn to rem 22 (26: 26: 30) sts, p2tog, patt to end. [21 (25: 25: 29) sts] Cast off 10 (12: 12: 14) sts in patt, patt to last 2 sts, p2tog.

[10 (12: 12: 14) sts] Cast off rem sts in patt.

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Dec 1 st at neck edge on next 4 rows, then on 2 alt foll rows.

Patt a further 7 rows, but now working twisted rib in place of Motif B across, and noting that all sts should now be as twisted rib. When you have completed these last 4 rows cont in twisted rib throughout. [20 (24: 24: 28) sts]

T-SHIRT& COWL

SHAPE LEFT SHOULDER Cast off 10 (12: 12: 14) sts, patt to end. [10 (12: 12: 14) sts] Patt 1 row.

Cast off rem sts.

SHAPE RIGHT NECK & SHOULDER With RS facing, slip 11 (11: 19: 19) centre front sts onto a stitch holder for neckband, rejoin yarn to rem sts.

Complete as for left neck and shoulder.

MAKING UP Join shoulder seams.

Starting at cast-on edge, join side seams for 40 (39: 38: 37)cm using mattress stitch.

NECKBAND With RS facing, using Yarn B and 5.5mm circular needle, 60cm long, starting at left shoulder, pick up and knit 17 sts down left front neck, patt 11 (11: 19: 19) sts from front holder, pick up and knit 17 sts up right front neck and 5 sts down right back neck, patt 19 (19: 27: 27) sts from back holder, pick up and knit 5 sts up left back neck.

Join to work in the round, taking care not to twist stitches. PM to mark beg of round. [74 (74: 90: 90) sts] Work in Twisted Rib (in the round) for 2.5cm.

Cast off using simply stretchy method (see abbrevs at beg of patt).

ARMHOLE EDGING (BOTH ALIKE) With RS facing, using Yarn A and 5.5mm circular needle, 60cm long, starting at underarm seam, pick up and knit 28 (30: 32: 33) sts up to shoulder seam and another 28 (30: 32: 33) sts down to underarm seam. Join to work in the round, taking care not to twist stitches. PM to mark beg of round. [56 (60: 64: 66) sts] Work in twisted rib (in the round) for 3.5cm.

Cast off using simply stretchy method.

FINISHING Weave in ends and block to measurements, following any yarn care instructions on the ball band.

RIPPLE COWL Cast on 80 (80: 96: 96) sts using Yarn B and 6mm circular needle, 60cm long, and join to work in the round without twisting stitches.

PM to mark beg of round.

BOTTOM RIB Work in twisted rib (in the round) for 4.5cm.

WORK RIPPLE PATT Round 1 *K1tbl, P1, 1-to-5inc, (P1, k1tbl) twice, P1; rep from * to end.

Rounds 2 to 6 *K1tbl, P1, K5, (P1, k1tbl) twice, P1; rep from * to end.

Round 7 *K1tbl, P1, k5tog, P1, k1tbl, P1, 1-to-5inc, P1; rep from * to end.

Rounds 8 to 10 *(K1tbl, P1) 3 times, K5, P1; rep from * to end.

Round 11 *K1tbl, P1, 1-to-5inc, P1, k1tbl, P1, K5, P1; rep from * to end.

Round 12 *K1tbl, P1, K5, P1; rep from * to end.

Round 13 *K1tbl, P1, K5, P1, k1tbl, P1, k5tog, P1; rep from * to end.

Rounds 14 to 16 *K1tbl, P1, K5, (P1, k1tbl) twice, P1; rep from * to end.

Round 17 *K1tbl, P1, k5tog, (P1, k1tbl) twice, P1; rep from * to end.

TOP RIB Work in twisted rib (in the round) for 4.5cm.

Cast off using simply stretchy method.

MAKING UP Weave in ends and block to measurements, following any yarn care instructions on the ball band.

The unusual yarn mix of wool, alpaca and acrylic makes this T-shirt lovely and warm with a wonderful drape

Subscribe at www.gathered.how/simplyknitting 65

PRIZE PUZZLES

Take a break

FOR MO CHANCESRE WIN GREATO PRIZES, T tu

Pop the kettle on and take a moment to relax with our fun prize puzzles this month!

WIN PRIZES! We love a good puzzle here at Simply Knitting HQ! We have five mystery bundles to be won as crossword prizes, packed with £10 worth of knitting goodies! For sudoku prize winners, we have five copies of This Golden Fleece: A Journey Through Britain’s Knitted History by Esther Rutter (£16.99), courtesy of Granta Publications (www.granta.com). Once you’ve completed our puzzles, head to www.gathered.how/simplyknitting and follow the links to the giveaways. You will need to sign in or register on the site to enter the giveaways, and answer a multiple choice question. Enter either the prize word or numbers from the shaded squares in the blank space, along with your name and address.

Find terms and conditions at www. gathered.how/competition-termsand-conditions. Competitions close on Wednesday 6 May. Prizes will be sent out within a month of the closing date.

What’s the word?

1

2

3

9

4

5

2

4 8 2

7

1 4 5 6 5 4 6 3 2 8 9 3 1 1 2 5 4 7 1 6 2 4 8 5 6 5 1 3 4 7 3 5 8 2 9 6 1

5 copies to win!

1 9 2 3 7 6 5 8 4

6 8 5 1 4 9 7 3 2

7 6 9 4 3 8 2 1 5

5 2 8 9 1 7 6 4 3

3 1 4 2 6 5 8 9 7

2 3 6 7 9 1 4 5 8

8 4 7 6 5 3 1 2 9

9 5 1 8 2 4 3 7 6

ISSUE 195 SOLUTION

66 Subscribe at www.gathered.how/simplyknitting

7

8

11

12

14

15

13

16

5 goodie bags to win!

18

17

19

20

21 22

27

23

24

25

28

ACROSS 1 Set of knitting instructions (7) 5 Passed down biologically (7) 9 Punctuation mark (5) 10 Full of life (9) 11 In the past (3) 12 Hairdressing establishment (5) 13 Pinny (5) 14 Precise (5) 16 Decorative Easter hat (6) 18 Traditional spring holiday (3,3) 19 Showery month? (5) 22 Domesticated animal of the camel family (5) 24 Baby hen and symbol of new life (5) 26 Chocolate Easter treat (3) 27 Period of economic decline (9) 29 Help or be useful to someone (5) 30 Female thespian (7) 31 29th February? (4,3)

26

29

31 DOWN 1 Parcel (7) 2 Lasting for a limited period of time (9) 3 Tests (5) 4 Knitting implement (6) 5 Political party concerned with environmental issues (5) 6 Pester (to do something) (3) 7 Private teacher (5) 8 Fruit of a palm tree (7) 13 Pleasant smell (5) 15 Jewelled headwear (5) 17 Governess, nanny (9) 18 Disease transmitted by mosquitoes (7) 20 In a lawful manner (7) 21 Easter cake with marzipan balls (6) 23 Royal racecourse (5) 24 Fried potato batons (5) 25 Australian bear? (5) 28 Visualise (3)

ISSUE 195 SOLUTIONS Across: 1 Pacific, 5 Macbeth, 9 Relic, 10 Ultimatum, 11 Nee, 12 Tokyo, 13 Chartl, 14 Patio, 16 Cast on, 18 Spring, 19 Press, 22 Recap, 24 Reign, 26 Ail, 27 Mock cable, 29 Larva, 30 Year dot, 31 Amnesia. Down: 1 Parsnip, 2 Collector, 3 Facet, 4 Chunky, 5 Motto, 6 Cam, 7 Extra, 8 Hampton, 13 Cramp, 15 Own up, 17 Thesaurus, 18 Scrumpy, 20 Sultana, 21 Cinema, 23 Cocoa, 24 Robot, 25 Nylon, 28 Cod. Prize word: BLOSSOM

1 6

6

10

30

Sudoku time!

rn t page 3o0

GREAT GIFT ide !

k

Turtle dove Turtle dove Embrace sideways construction, garter stitch and soft alpaca with this gorgeous baby cardigan by DROPS

BABY CARDIGAN

ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95

17 (18: 20: 24: 28)cm 6 (7: 8: 9 : 11)in

YOU WILL NEED Q DROPS Alpaca (4ply, 100%

alpaca, 50g/167m) Q A pair of 5mm needles Q 5 (5: 5: 6: 6) DROPS Seashell

buttons, no 521 For yarn quantites and measurements see size table

TENSION 17 sts and 34 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over garter stitch using 5mm needles and two strands of yarn held together

WHERE TO BUY Q For yarn stockists visit

Garn Studio at www. garnstudio.com

OR YOU COULD TRY… Q Purple Sheep Yarns www.

27 (29: 33: 37: 40)cm 10 (11 : 13: 14 : 15 )in

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS

FRONTS & BACK

purplesheepyarns.co.uk 25 (28: 31: 34: 37)cm 10 (11: 12 : 13 : 14 )in

Q Ewe & Ply call

07702563632 or visit www.eweandply.co.uk

BABY CARDIGAN

BUTTONHOLES

Note This garment is knitted sideways using two strands of yarn held together and is started at the cuff of the Right Sleeve.

To make 1 buttonhole, cast off 1 st and make 1 yo on next row over the cast-off st.

INCREASE TIP (APPLIES TO NECKLINE)

RIGHT SLEEVE

Inc by making 1 yo inside 2 edge sts in garter st. On next row knit the yo through back loop of st instead of front to avoid holes. Work the outermost st in neckline a little tight so that the edge is neat.

Cast on 26 (28: 28: 30: 30) sts for bottom of Right Sleeve with 5mm needles and holding two strands of yarn together.

Work in garter st until piece measures 5cm from cast-on edge.

Inc 1 st at each end of next row and 5 (5: 7: 8: 10) foll 6th rows.

[38 (40: 44: 48: 52) sts] When piece measures 17 (18: 20: 24: 28)cm, cast on 27 (29: 34: 39: 42) new sts at beg of next 2 rows for Front and Back piece.

[92 (98: 112: 126: 136) sts] Continue to work until piece measures 9 (10: 11: 12: 13)cm from where the sts for Front and Back piece were cast on, ending after a WS row. Piece measures 26 (28: 31: 36: 41)cm from cast-on edge.

Next row Knit the first 46 (49: 56: 63: 68) sts on needle (Front piece) and slip the remaining 46 (49: 56: 63: 68) sts on a stitch holder (Back piece).

Turn work. Insert a marker in last row.

RIGHT FRONT Cast off the first 6 (6: 6: 7: 7) sts on row for neck. Then dec at neck edge of next row and 2 foll 4th rows. [37 (40: 47: 53: 58) sts] Work until width of Front piece meas 12.5 (14: 15.5: 17: 18.5)cm from where you cast on sts for Front and Back.

Cast off for 5 (5: 5: 6: 6) buttonholes evenly on next row – see explanation above.

Note The hole at the top is cast off after 2 sts at neck edge.

Work 4 rows in garter stitch.

Cast off.

BACK Mother-of-purl buttons add a sophisticated finish

68 Subscribe at www.gathered.how/simplyknitting

Slip the 46 (49: 56: 63: 68) sts from stitch holder back on needle and knit every row until piece measures 7 (8: 9: 10: 11)cm from last marker. Put the piece aside and work Left Front piece as folls.

BABY CARDIGAN

FIND YOUR SIZE 1-3m

6-9m

12-18m

2yrs

3-4yrs

cm

44

48

53

61

64

in

17

19

21

24

25

cm

50

56

62

68

74

in

19

22

SIZE TO FIT CHEST ACTUAL CHEST LENGTH SLEEVE LENGTH

TOP TIP

cm

27

in

10

24

26

29

29

33

37

40

11

13

14

15

cm

17

18

20

24

28

in

6

7

8

9

11

YARN

DROPS Alpaca (4ply, 50g/167m)

Denim Green Mix (8120)

4

4

5

5

6

SIZING COLOUR KEY So you can re-use this pattern, we’ve colour-coded the sizing instructions. Simply follow our colour-coded measurements and you’re off.

"I’m always trying to include projects which FRYHU PDQ\ VNLç VHWV DQG ëLV FDUGL ZLë LWV VLGHZD\V FRQWUXFWLRQ PDNHV DQ H[FLWLQJ NQLW Iè ëRVH ZKR ZDQW WR H[SDQG ëHLU VNLçV KIRSTIE MCLEOD, EDITOR

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Alpaca yarn is considered warmer than sheep wool due to the Alpaca fibre being hollow. This hollow cavity provides warmth in the winter and coolness in summer.

SHOP SMAR SHO LOCAP L!

T

Turn t page 8o7

Work 3 rows in garter stitch.

Cast off.

FINISHING Block gently, following any instructions on the ball band. Fold the piece double at the shoulders and sew Sleeve and side seams in one, working through the front loop of outermost stitch to avoid a chunky seam. Sew on buttons opposite buttonholes.

LEFT FRONT Cast on 37 (40: 47: 53: 58) sts using 5mm needles and two strands of yarn held together.

Work in garter st until piece measures 4 (4.5: 5: 5.5: 6)cm from cast-on edge.

Now inc at neck edge in the left side of piece at end of next and 2 foll 4th rows, following inc tip. [40 (43: 50: 56: 61) sts] Cast on 6 (6: 6: 7: 7) sts at neck edge of next row.

[46 (49: 56: 63: 68) sts] Now work pieces together as follows.

BODY Slip the 46 (49: 56: 63: 68) sts from Back piece on to same needle as Left Front piece. [92 (98: 112: 126: 136) sts] Insert a new marker in the piece – now measure piece from here.

Work until piece measures 9 (10: 11: 12: 13)cm.

Cast off 27 (29: 34: 39: 42) sts at beg of the next 2 rows. 38 (40: 44: 48: 52) sts remain on needle for Left Sleeve. Now measure piece from here.

When piece measures 1.5 (1.5: 1: 3: 3.5)cm, dec 1 st at each end of next row and 5 (5: 7: 8: 10) foll 6th rows. [26 (28: 28: 30: 30) sts] Cont straight for 5cm.

Cast off when Sleeve measures 17 (18: 20: 24: 28)cm. Whole piece measures approx 59 (64: 71: 82: 93)cm from cuff to cuff.

NECK EDGE From RS pick up and knit approx 40 to 50 sts evenly around neck using 5mm needles and 2 strands of yarn.

This cardigan is knitted in garter stitch and worked from cuff to cuff

Subscribe at www.gathered.how/simplyknitting 69

W NE Your new P

SIZES *631 O T BIRTH R S 3 YEA

REMIUM magazine

The Spring issue is packed with fresh ideas for the new season, including a gorgeous lamb jumper, lacy cardie, pretty frilled dress, mouse mittens and lots more! Plus, ORMX E ZIV] WTIGMEP KMJX JSV PMXXPI SRIW YWMRK ]SYV I\GPYWMZI 4IXIV 6EFFMX™ kit.

At just £9.99 this issue includes:

Inside!

Exclusive Peter Rabbit Knitting Kit

TM

3VHIV ]SYV GST] SJ XLI Spring 2020 issue today [MXL *6)) 9/ HIPMZIV]

TM

ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY

CALL 03330 162 138 and quote ‘Love Knitting Spring 2020 Print 1’ ONLINE www.buysubscriptions.com/craftspecial †Calls from landlines will cost up to 9p per minute. Call charges from mobile phones will cost between 3p and 55p per minute but are included in free call packages. Lines are open 8.00am–6.00pm weekdays and 9.00am–1pm Saturday for orders only *Free delivery available on UK orders only. Overseas please call +44 (0) 3330 162 138. EUR price £11.99, ROW price £12.99.

All prices include p&p. Please allow up to 14 days for delivery.

BEATRIX POTTER™ © FW & Co. 2020

n Peter Rabbit™ knitting kit n Stunning spring patterns n Brilliant gift ideas

just coasting Boost your coffee table with a modern coaster, created using simple double knitting in two complementary shades. By Sophie Jordan

Knit in a

C

LU

S I VE

T

E

T

O

O

EX

WEEKEN D

X

CL

U SIV

E

DOUBLE KNITTING COASTERS

TOP TIP TAKE ON A CHALLENGE

YOU WILL NEED Q Novita Veljestä (7 Brothers) Aran

(75% wool, 25% polyamide, 100g/200m) One ball of Yarn A Peony (550) One ball of Yarn B Rock (048) Q A pair of 3mm needles

TENSION 20 sts and 32 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over patt using 3mm needles

MEASUREMENTS 9x9cm (3 x3 in)

ABBREVIATIONS byf both yarns forward byb both yarns back For a full list see page 95

When choosing yarn shades for two-toned colour work, it’s always a good idea to go for two shades that stand out against each other but don’t jar. This is doubly true for double knitting projects, as the contrast will help you to keep track of the unique knitting technique. There’s a helpful link here with a colour wheel which talks through colour theory www.canva. com/colors/color-wheel/

! f o % 0 1

Wool Warehouse are offering 10% off Novita Veljestä Aran! Quote offer code SK197 when you order. To place your order call 0800 505 3300 or visit www. woolwarehouse.co.uk.

Offer ends 6 May 2020.

WHERE TO BUY Q For yarn stockists

visit Novita at www. novitaknits.com

OR YOU COULD TRY… Q Wool Warehouse

0800 505 3300 or www.woolwarehouse.co.uk Q Snufflebean www. snufflebeanyarn.co.uk

SHOP SMAR SHO LOCAP L!

T

Turn t page 8o7

Double knitting can be described as a double-sided rib pattern in different colours

DOUBLE KNITTING COASTER Cast on 32 sts using 3mm needles, alternating between Yarn A and Yarn B. Change Yarn A and Yarn B as follows: Row 1 *K1A, byf, P1B, byb, K1A, byf, P1B, byb, K1B, byf, P1A, byb, K1B, byf, P1A, byb.

Rep from * to end.

Row 2 Work all stitches and colours as they appear.

Row 3 *K1B, byf, P1A, byb, K1B, byf, P1A, byb, K1A, byf, P1B, byb, K1A, byf, P1B, byb. Rep from * to end.

Row 4 As Row 2.

These 4 rows form pattern. Repeat patt until 30 rows in total have been worked or the coaster measures 9cm.

SEE RIGHT

for more on double knitting

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Cast off knitwise, alternating between Yarn A and Yarn B for each stitch.

MAKING UP Weave in all ends. If blocking is required, please refer to the manufacturer’s care instructions on the yarn band.

EXPERT ADVICE

The delights of double knitting Fancy trying double knitting but not sure where to start?

Check out our quick guide for tips, tricks and technique variations

T

his relatively new addition to your knitting skill set is well worth learning as it produces a squishy piece of doublesided, tubular knitting which can be worked up flat on straight needles. It’s the perfect quick technique for knitting things like tube scarves, double-sided pot holders and coasters, to name just a few. It doesn’t take any complicated stitches either because if you can knit and purl you can double knit too! Here we’ll focus on the basic flat knitting technique to get you started:

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HOW DOES IT WORK Explained simply, you’re knitting two sides of knitting at the same time as you work along your stitches. This double layer of knitting places the wrong sides back to back. When you’re knitting a double knitting pattern, the first stitch (knit) will be for the front, the second stitch (purl) for the back, the third stitch for the front, the fourth stitch for the back, and so on. This can be done in a single colour, or two colours.

CASTING ON The cast on you chose depends on whether you want an open or closed bottom edge (so a tube or a pad effect). If you are working a reversible piece with two colours, then the two-colour Italian cast-on method demonstrated here: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=fsLlCXOWZ_g is perfect. This technique produces a beautifully neat, closed-bottom edge, whilst also setting up alternate colours ready for the two sides of the fabric. If you require an open bottom edge, then the two-colour backwards-loop cast-on method seen here: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=dT0v3jwBgco/ is ideal. As beginners it’s good to alternate colours, so for example, one stitch in pink, one in white and so on. This will help you to remember which stitch is the purl stitch and which one is the knit stitch, depending on which side you are working. Remember you will need have double the number of stitches than you normally would for the same width, as half of them will be used to create a completely different layer/side so for example, if you want a piece that is 20 sts wide, then you need to cast on a total of 40 sts (20 sts for front and 20 for the back).

Two-sided cowls make great double knitting patterns

sure you twist the yarns at the beginning of every row to prevent the two side edges separating.

ADDING COLOUR Double knitting works effectively with two different colours, and patterns can be created working from a traditional looking two-tone chart. Working the front in one shade, as you contrast with the other shade on the back.

USING A CHART MOVING THE YARNS Getting the yarn in the right place for every stitch is imperative. In order for the stitches to have the look of stocking stitch on both sides, you need to make sure that the yarn is on the right side of your knitting before you make your stitch. For example with the yarn in back, K1 st, with the yarn in front, P1 stitch. For the coaster project on page 71 we have used the technique where both yarns are moved backwards and forwards between the needles together, even though only one yarn will be knitted with on each pass. There are other variations of double knitting where the yarns are moved differently and you can watch one of them here: www. youtube.com/watch?v=JroP84tUmJA. You’ll also need to make

This is where double knitting gets most challenging. As you try to remember your K1, P1 rhythm with the yarns in the correct position in some cases you’ll also need to follow a chart. The first thing you need to get to grips with is remembering that every square on your chart represents two stitches, the Front ‘knit’ stitch and the Back ‘purl’ stitch. So while your Front stitch follows the chart, your Back or purl stitch will stay plain or follow a chart of its own. You might find it easier to remember if you say, ‘Chart knit stitch’ (following the chart colour), then, ‘Back purl stitch, (using the second colour), as you work across the first few rows, just to get you started. Before you start, decide which side is the Chart side and clip on a stitch marker to remind you.

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EXPERT ADVICE

double knitting Tips & tricks Our quick and easy checklist offers expert ways to get the best from your double knitting experience Learning double knitting is almost like learning how to knit again.

Why? Because it creates a fabric you won’t have experienced before – it’s versatile and colourful, thick and bouncy and it really gets your creative juices flowing. Read our tips below before you start and tackle our coasters on page 71 for an easy introduction.

2

1

For neatness, as a beginner try reducing your needle size from what’s recommended on the yarn ball band. This will help tighten up the transition from front to back and colour to colour.

2 3 4

Always twist the yarns at the row edge neatly to prevent bagginess and holes in the sides.

Keep your tension a little tighter than you would for normal stocking stitch – this markedly improves the finish.

The fabric created is spongy, double sided and brilliant for when you need to hide the back. Try it out for coasters, table runners, colourwork scarves or any project where you don’t want to see the messier back workings.

5

6

There are a number of different versions of double knitting, which deliver different results. One in particular is worked on long double-pointed needles, where you work one row in one colour, then the same row again in the second colour. The double knitting technique option on page 71 was chosen to complement the pattern, but with online research you could find your favourite.

6

When casting on your own double-knitting projects remember that you’ll need twice the stitches, as half will be allocated to the other side. So if you want your project to be 15 stitches wide you’ll need to cast on 30 stitches.

7

Double knitting follows a K1, P1 technique throughout, the variation and patterns appear when you choose what colour to do each stitch in. Make sure that the yarns are always in the right position (either in front, or at the back of the work) for the stitch you are about to work.

8 9

Double knitting is traditionally worked in just two colours so choose ones that offer a pleasing but strong contrast.

Double knitting is a double yarn technique, and this can take a little getting use to. Have a play around with our coaster pattern on page 71 and choose a comfortable way to handle the different coloured yarns, some people use a Fair Isle technique, some a Continental knitting technique, others choose their own way.

1O

Take it slowly. Double knitting is quite a brain cruncher until you get used the rhythm of what you’re knitting, and it’s worth putting in the extra time so that you understand how it works rather than just working directly from the pattern and keeping your fingers crossed.

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9

Great knits for kids!

DON’T MISS THIS FABULOUS COLLECTION OF OVER 6O PATTERNS FOR BABIES AND KIDS

JUST

£9.99!* WHAT’S INSIDE Easy-to-follow patterns for garments, blankets & toys Expert help with cables, intarsia & more Ideas for prem babies, to toddlers, to teens!

32

43

U LT I M AT E

S KFWID YJ&FRçH BLQ ALWW BNQ LRQ 20

56 105

130 36 MASTER CABLES

76

124

E P R E M AT U R S BABY KNIT

NKETS

B

C

Step-by-step guides, charts & abbreviations

nding squares

CL

10 1 1

LACE-STITCH SWEA TER FIND YOUR SIZE IMPROVE YOUR SK

LLS

SIZE 3-4yrs

TO FIT

YOU WILL NEED Q Patons Merino

3-12 ye r

Extraf ne 4 ply (100% merino wool 50g/170m)

For yarn quantitie s and measurements see size table

k

Q A pa r of 3

25mm needles needles Q Stitch holders

cm

TO FIT CHEST

in

Q A pa r of 2 75mm

For yarn stockists contact Mez Crafts 01484 950630 www.mezcrafts co uk

TENSION 28 sts and 36 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4 n) over st st us ng 3.25mm needles 25 sts and 37 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over patt us ng 3.25mm needles

ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page

146

in

SLEEVE LENGTH

cm in

73-79 28 -31

78.5

28

40

18

20

24

8

9

33

50

54

19

21

28

30

11

Patons Merino Extrafine 5

84

31

46

15

4

11-12 yrs

70-73 27 -28

YARN Yarn A Plum (46)

9-10 yrs

63-66 23 -26

73

27

cm

7-8yrs

59-61 23 -24

70

in

LENGTH

5-6yrs

55-57 21 -22

cm

ACTUAL CHEST

11

93 36 56 22 33 13

4 ply (50g/170m)

6

7

8 SIZING COLOUR KEY So you can re-use this pattern, we’ve colour-coded measurem colour-coded the sizing ents and you’re off. instructions. Simply follow

SWEATER

BACK

This classic raglan sweater for girls is the ideal choice for playtim es and parties alike.

By Sarah Hatto n

Row 5 K3 (5 8 3 8) k2tog K1 yo K6 rep from 0) sts (k2tog K1 * to last 4 (6 0 yo) 1 (1 0 1 0) t 4 mes K1 (3 0 1 Row 6 P2 (4 7 2 0) 7) *yo P1 p2tog P6 rep from * to 1) sts (yo P1 p2tog) last 5 (7 1 5 1 (1 0 1 0) t mes, P2 (4: 1: 2: 1).

Row 7 Knit.

Row 8 Purl.

Row 9 K8 (1: 4: 8: 4), *yo, K1, skpo, K6; rep from * to 4) sts, (yo, K1, skpo) last 8 (1: 4: 8: 1 (0: 1: 1: 1) times, K5 (1: 1: 5: 1).

Row 10 P4 (6: 9: 4: 9), *p2tog tbl, P1, yo, P6; rep from 8: 3: 8) sts, (p2tog * to last 3 (5: tbl, P1, yo) 0 (1: 1: 0: 1) times, P3 Row 11 K1 (3: 6: (2: 5: 3: 5).

1: 6), *yo, K1, skpo, K6; rep from * to 2) sts, (yo, K1, skpo) last 6 (8: 2: 6: 1 (1: 0: 1: 0) times, K3 (5: 2: 3: 2).

Row 12 P2 (4: 7: 2: 7), *p2tog tbl, P1, yo, P6; rep from 5: 1) sts, (p2tog * to last 5 (7: 1: tbl, P1, yo) 1 (1: 0: 1: 0) times, P2 (4: These 12 rows form 1: 2: 1). patt.

Cont straight in patt until Back measures 25 (30: 33: 36: 37)cm, ending with a WS row.

SHAPE RAGLAN

40 (46: 50: 54: 56)cm 15 (18: 19 : 21 : 22) n

CLASSIC K NITS

Victoria plum

Cast on 98 (102 110 118 130) sts using 2 75mm needles Row 1 (RS) K2, *P2 K2 rep from * to end Row 2 (WS) P2, *K2 P2 rep from * to end Rows 1 and 2 set 2x2 r b.

Work a further 15 (15: 15: 19: 19) rows in 2x2 rib Next row (WS) P7 (9: 4: 8: 5), p2tog, (P7, p2tog) 9 (9 times, P8 (10: 5: 11 11 13) 9: 6). [88 (92: 98: 106: 116) sts] Change to 3.25mm needles and commenc Row 1 (RS) Knit. e patt Row 2 Purl.

Row 3 K5 (7: 1: 5: 1), *k2tog, K1, yo, K6; rep from * to 7) sts, (k2tog, K1, last 2 (4 7 2 yo) 0 (1: 1: 0: 1) times, K2 (1: 4 2 4) Row 4 P9 (2: 5: 9: 5), *yo, P1, p2tog, P6; rep from * to 3) sts (yo P1 p2tog) last 7 (0 3 7 1 (0: 0: 1: 0) times, P4 (0 3 4 3)

ARMHO

LES Cast off 3 (3: 4: 4: 5) sts in patt at beg of next 2 rows.

[82 (86: 90: 98: 106) sts] Next row (RS) K2, skpo, patt to last 4 sts, k2tog, K2.

[80 (84: 88: 96: 104) sts] Next row (WS) P2, patt to last 2 sts, P2.

SIZES 5-6 AND 3 13

(4

39 42 46 )cm 15 : 16 : 18 )in

20 (24 8 (9 28 30 33) cm 11 11 13)in

11-12 ONLY

Next row (RS) K2 patt to last 2 sts K2 Next row (WS) P2 patt to last 2 sts P2

SIZES 7 8 AND

9 10 ONLY

Work 6 rows and dec 1 st at each end of the 3rd row [ ( 86 94 ) sts]

ALL SIZES Work 42 (44 44 48 56) rows, dec 1

st at each end of

next and

ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY! ORDER ONLINE www.buysubscriptions.com/knittingcollection OR CALL 0333 016 2138 AND QUOTE ‘Baby & Kids Knits Collection Print 1’ *UK calls will cost the same as other standard fixed line numbers (starting 01 or 02) and are included as part of any inclusive or free minutes allowances (if offered by your phone tariff).

Outside of free call packages call charges from mobile phones will cost between 3p and 55p per minute. Lines are open Mon – Fri 8am-6pm and Saturday 9am-1pm for orders only.

Overseas please call +44 (0)1604 973 746. Price applies to UK orders only. EUR price £11.99, ROW price £12.99. All prices include P&P. Please allow up to 28 days for delivery.

our

YARN REVIEWS

The latest buys Our yarn reviews are packed with the most up-to-date yarns on the market. From chunky to laceweight, there’s one for you!

2

1

3

1

2

Strong & robust

3

gorge o drapeus

Playful colours

NOVITA

STYLECRAFT

CASCADE YARNS

ISOVELI

REGATTA

FOREST HILLS MULTIS

This exciting new yarn is wonderfully reliable, and is fast attracting the admiration of knitters everywhere. Squishy but strong, knitting with Novita Isoveli is a little like knitting with a 100% wool yarn (even though it’s not), so it’s no surprise that it’s strong and robust to hold in your hand but remains flexible as it runs through your fingers and knits up into your desired fabric. Surprisingly neat, the resulting knit is ideally suited to rustic cardigans and jumpers, cushions and blankets which will certainly last the test of time. You can find it in 11 colours to suit your wardrobe or decor.

Stylecraft Regatta comes with light-hearted summer-ready colourways which create fun stitches that flood your knitting with colour. With its smooth, cotton surface, the DK-weight yarn slips through your fingers easily, knitting up into a fabric which is firm and sturdy. Despite its traditional cotton qualities, this joy-filled fabric also produces a surprisingly good stretch. Regatta would make great garments such as summer T-shirts and light cardis, not to mention fun, colourful bags and jaunty scarves. You can even pop it into the washing machine on 30ºC once it gets grubby.

Are you looking for a touch of refinement to add to your knitting bag? Forest Hills Multis (which come in 10 exciting colourways), are made up of shimmery silk and Merino wool and knit into a lovely feather-light fabric that’s perfect for summer vests and lace shawls. This yarn unwinds to a whopping 717.5 metres, filling your needles quickly and creating a truly enjoyable crafting experience.

The results are a delicate, floaty fabric, with a pleasing drape, which promises coolness during the summer. As it contains two top-quality ingredients, it makes a brilliant, luxurious gift for crafty friends and family!

RRP £5.90 WEIGHT Aran BALL 100g/130m NEEDLE 5mm CONTENT 75% wool, 25% polyamide CARE Machine wash at 40ºC Visit www.lovecrafts.com or call 01409 404010

RRP £4.59 WEIGHT DK BALL 100g/260m NEEDLE 4mm CONTENT 74% cotton, 18% polyamide, 8% polyester elastane CARE Machine wash at 30ºC Visit www.deramores.com or call 0845 519 4573

RRP £14.99 WEIGHT Lace BALL 100g/717.5m NEEDLE 2.25-3.25mm CONTENT 51% silk, 49% Merino wool CARE Hand wash Visit www.lovecrafts.com or call 01409 404010

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YARN REVIEWS

4

5

W

Next issue…

ov

Next month we take a closer look at some of the latest eco yarns, each one designed to help improve your green credentials.

Issue 197 is on sale on Thursday 23 April.

w

6

5

4 er supncy bou

6

fun & fast to kn it

ultima te luxury BERGERE DE FRANCE

RICO CREATIVE

WEST YORKSHIRE SPINNERS

TOISON 100

MELANGE BIG

EXQUISITE 4PLY

Launched recently, Toison 100 is made from soft, bouncy wool and reliable polyamide and acrylic. Its chunky weight produces a loose, bobbly stitch which makes knitting at speed incredibly easy. Once worked up into a fabric swatch we fell in love with its ultra squishy feel and generous halo. Toison 100 also comes with a range of irresistible patterns – from oversized jumpers with exotic necklines to warming baby scarves.

Scoop it up in one of 16 colours, or mix them together successfully to create jumbo colourwork that’s perfect for teen garments and more. Why not add it to your winter list?

Melange Big is presented in 27 variegated shades in a number of amazing, varied colourways – from the pale and subtle to the bold and dramatic. It’s a pleasing mix of 53% wool and 47% acrylic, and delivers super-large stitches adding a very relaxed drape to your knitted fabric. Melange Big is especially good for large projects, such as blankets and cosy longline winter cardigans, because of its squishy texture and knittingup speed. This versatile yarn comes with a varied pattern collection, which is filled with oversized lace-knit boleros, scrumptious, squishy ponchos, shawls and speedy hats.

Why not start a love affair with a luxuriousfeeling, top-quality yarn that’s an utter delight? Exquisite is a delicate, refined yarn created by the finest natural fibres available, its super-softness brings a touch of gorgeousness to your own wardrobe too. The 80% Falkland Island wool in this yarn is some of the best quality in the world, combined with the best mulberry silk available to buy, this superb combination creates a to-die-for yarn you’ll love. Buy this yarn from www.wyspinners.com and you’ll get a free shawl pattern download. We recommend it for those extra-special knits.

RRP £2.96 WEIGHT Chunky BALL 100g/140m NEEDLE 6.5mm CONTENT 77% acrylic, 20% wool, 3% polyamide CARE Machine wash at 30ºC Visit www.bergeredefrance.co.uk for details or to buy

RRP £7.99 WEIGHT Super chunky BALL 100g/100m NEEDLE 10-12mm CONTENT 53% wool, 47% acrylic CARE Hand wash only Visit www.woolwarehouse.co.uk or call 0800 505 3300

RRP £13.95 WEIGHT 4ply BALL 100g/400m NEEDLE 3.25mm CONTENT 80% Falkland Island wool, 20% mulberry silk CARE Hand wash at 30ºC Visit www.wyspinners.com or call 01535 664500

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YARN COMMUNITY

Knit Together!

Welcome to our community section where we take a closer look at what’s going on knitwise near you!

In association with the Keep Yarn on our Streets campaign

H

appy Easter and welcome to our fabulous Knit Together feature filled with all things pretty and yarny!

We start with our guide to the best yarn shops in Essex, then it’s time for a quick chat with our Shop of the Month, Amble Pin Cushion, before we discover the inspiring Derby Oddfellows Society on page 77. Next up, our Charity of the Month – Blue Cross – you can read about their yarny goings-on on page 78. Fancy knitting something for charity?

Our copyright-free Easter chick egg cosy on page 78 is filled with fun stitches! Discover yarn dyer Botanical Threads on page 79 and plan your own Crafternoon charity event for Mind with their tips on page 81. Finish up with our super-cute Sheep of the Month, the Cambridge, and discover its adorable squishy white fleece! We love hearing from you, so please do tell us about any shop, knitting club and charity recommendations you have, and send in your community stories and charity knit photos, too.

Until next time...

A knitter’s guidE to...

Essex Near the coast, the vibrant county of Essex has plenty of exciting yarn shops just waiting to be uncovered...

THE WOOL CABIN Monday to Saturday, 9am-5pm

SCONCH YARN SHOP

28 High St, Clacton-on-Sea CO15 1UQ Popular with its fab sales, this local yarn shop near the coast offers a great range of products.

Find out more @thewoolcabin on Facebook or call 01255 428352.

Tuesday to Saturday, 10am-5pm and Sunday, 11am-4pm

JARDINE’S FABRICS

Unit 15abc, Blake House Craft Centre, Blake End, Near Braintree CM77 6RA From Dee Hardwicke books to Scheepjes latest launches, Sconch does a fab job of stocking all the essential and useful items for your WIP bag.

Visit www.sconch.com for more information or call 01376 743 123.

Monday to Saturday, 9am-5pm 29 Jackson Road, Clacton-on-Sea CO15 1JA An independent store stocking all sorts of trinkets for your project bag and next WIP. Visit www.jardinesfabrics.webs.com or call 01255 427400.

PLAIN N PURL THE CHEAP SHOP Monday to Friday (except Wednesday), 9am-5:30pm, Wednesday, 9am-1pm and Saturday, 9am-5pm 108 Church Road, Tiptree, Colchester CO5 0AB Founded by Rosemary in 1968, this family run shop has a rich history of listening to its customers, and holding a firm place within its community.

Find more at www.thecheapshop.co.uk or call 01621 815576.

Monday to Thursday, 9am-4pm; Friday and Saturday, 9am-4pm 25 High Street, Brightlingsea, Colchester CO7 0AG With almost 30 years of experience selling wool, patterns, accessories and more, this family run store has a fantastic selection of yarny goodies and accessories to browse. Top brands such as Sirdar and James C Brett are available, plus handy project bag fillers.

To find out more call 07450 011295.

RAG TAG & BOBTAIL stie McLeod Editor

SAY HELLO!

Monday to Saturday, 9am-5pm 41 Newland St, Witham CM8 2BD A small, local, friendly store selling yarn, haberdashery and much more!

To find out more call 01376 521666.

For more inspiration on great days out in Essex visit www.essexdaysout.com or www.visitessex.com/what-to-do/familydays-out.

SEND PHOTOS OF YOUR CHARITY KNITS TO US AT Knit Together, Simply Knitting magazine, Immediate Media Co, Eagle House, Colston Avenue, Bristol BS1 4ST. EMAIL US AT simplyknitting@immediate.co.uk

“It’s a campaign to bring together yarn shops across the UK. Yarn shops are such a great resource, with workshops, socials and more and we want to shout about it!” says founder Louisa Sheward.

Find out more by visiting www.keepyarn onourstreets.co.uk or follow the Instagram account @keepyarnonourstreets.

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© Photo Getty images

WHAT IS THE ‘KEEP YARN ON OUR STREETS’ CAMPAIGN?

YARN COMMUNITY

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Join a knitting club!

This issue we find out about the Derby Oddfellows, a fantastic group dedicated to knitting for both local and international causes...

WANT TO YOUR CLUB SEE HERE? Let us know knitting meeabout your tsimplykn ups at @immediateitting .co.uk!

0

We cat-themed yarn shops

z

We cannot resist these fab independent yarn stores named after cats!

D

erby Oddfellow meet fortnightly and make items to raise money for charity, as well as working on knitting projects that interest the group. Some of the things they’ve worked on are knitted beanie hats for newborn babies, teddies for little children in Africa (so that they have their very own toy) and scarves for the homeless in the community.

AT THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

FAVOURITE PROJECTS The very first large project completed was a cosy heirloom bed throw in aran weight wool.

Each member worked on a different patterned square. This was a real challenge as the skill level of each member varies greatly within the group, but they were all very pleased with the result! Currently they’re busy making items for a stall selling stocking fillers for Christmas. Derby Oddfellows’ chosen charity this year is the CDU chemotherapy suite at the Derby Royal Hospital.

The gro p have l o worked on teddies which

The group runs fundraising stalls for charity projects

Cat and Sparrow

were knitted for Orphans in Africa, scarves for the homeless and beanie hats for premature babies at a local hospital, which had a shortage of premmie hats for the traffic lights system they operate. The unit needed red hats for the babies who need the most care, yellow for those who do not need quite so much care and green for those almost ‘good to go’ home.

If you love fabulous, colourful hand-dyed yarn, then Cat and Sparrow will not disappoint! Run by Rachael who loves to create unique fibres with colour and texture, this online shop is a haven.

To find more visit www.catandsparrow.co.uk.

Black Cat Yarns Bridge Street, Chantry Place, Morpeth, Northumberland NE61 1PJ This online store stocks a huge range of Knit Pro accessories and yarns by Rico and James C. Brett. While their main website is being updated visit their social media at @blackcatyarns on both Facebook and Instagram.

Want to know more? To find out more about the Derby Oddfellows visit www.oddfellows. co.uk or follow the group on Facebook and Twitter @oddfellowsuk.

Cat’s Quarters Fabric and Yarn Store 40 High Street, Edwinstowe, Mansfield NG21 9QS While not exclusively a yarn shop, you’ll find some cool yarn and tools amongst all the fabrics.

For more visit www.catsquarters.co.uk.

© Photo Getty images

This enthusiastic crafting group is a not-forprofit organisation that was founded over 200 years ago in the UK. The strap line is ‘making friends and helping people’ and the members of the group made great friendships and help each other out with personal projects.

DID YOU KNOW? The Derby Oddfellows is a well-established society within the community

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Community spirit is at the heart of the Knit and Natter sessions

Source: www.darngoodyarn.com

Shop of the month

Amble Pin Cushion Every month we explore one of our favourite UK yarn shops!

Who’s in charge? Norma Arthur Where can we find you? 20-22 Queen Street, Amble, Northumberland NE65 0BZ When did your doors first open? September 2015 What is your shop like? We’re often described as an Aladdin’s Cave, with far too much packed in on all levels! We have affordable yarns from 2ply through to super chunky, loads of patterns and kits, with plenty for knitters! Upstairs we have our training room and alterations department. Additionally, we do dressmaking and millinery to order.

Popular products? James Brett, King Cole, Sirdar, Hayfield, DMC, Stylecraft, Wendy plus a selection of other popular brands and some independent yarns.

Who shops at your shop? Locals and tourists, also online customers for yarn and kits.

Top shopping tip? Use our yarn put-away service if you don’t want to buy it all at once.

20-22 Queen Street, Amble-by-the-Sea, Morpeth, Northumberland NE65 0BZ Visit www.amblepincushion.co.uk or call 01665 714584

SHOP SMAR SHO LOCAP L! Turn t page 8o7

T Amble Pin Cushion is a spacious store packed with yarns

Subscribe at www.gathered.how/simplyknitting 79

YARN COMMUNITY

Charity o

Knit it for charity!

th

Our bright chick egg cover is an absolute cracker!

month

CHICK EGG COVER t Copyrigh è IUæ I charity!

Each issue we find out more about one of the good causes you could help out with your knitting…

Cast on 20 sts using 3.75mm needles and Yarn.

Row 1 K10, place stitch marker, K10.

Row 2 (RS) K1, M1, K to 1 st before the stitch marker, M1, K2, M1, K to last st, M1, K1. [24 sts] Row 3 Purl.

Repeat the last 2 rows until you have 36 sts, ending with a purl row. Continue straight in st st for 8 more rows and remove the stitch marker.

Jane Denton Volunteer and foster carer Charity Blue Cross Established 1897 What do you do?

I volunteer at Blue Cross’s rehoming centre in Burford, Oxfordshire. I love crafting and knitting and am always busy making something! I sell my items on Etsy, with all proceeds going to Blue Cross. I make lots of items through the year which the team at Burford sell at fairs to raise money for the animals. I also foster pets who have come into the rehoming centre and need a little more TLC. This involves me taking them into my home until they are ready to go to their new homes. It can sometimes be a little bit difficult to part with each animal but it’s great to see them go off to loving new homes.

Latest fundraising news Blue Cross is calling on people to get involved in their Paws for Tea campaign in 2020. However, people can take part all year-round. It’s the perfect excuse to gather friends, family and work colleagues for a slice of cake and a cup of tea while raising money to help pets at Blue Cross rehoming centres and animal hospitals.

What can we do to help? I sell lots of items on my Etsy site ‘Knittingforpets’ www.etsy. com/uk/shop/KnittingforPets which you can buy as gifts for family and friends. All proceeds from sales will help Blue Cross to help more sick, abandoned and homeless pets at their rehoming centres and animal hospitals across the country. You can also donate directly to Blue Cross or Sponsor a Pet which helps to provide everything the animal will need from a cosy bed to some tasty treats.

Contact details: Website www.bluecross.org.uk Postal Blue Cross, Shilton Road, Burford, Oxon OX18 4PF Phone 0300 790 9903 Social Media Follow on Facebook @theblue crossuk and Twitter @The_Blue_Cross

TAIL

Next row (RS) K4, turn.

Next row P2tog, P2. [3 sts] Next row K1, k2tog. [2 sts] Next row P2tog. Fasten off yarn.

Next row With RS facing rejoin yarn.

Cast off 9 sts, K10 sts.

Cast off 9 sts, K4.

Next row P2, p2tog. [3 sts] Next row K2tog, K1. [2 sts] Next row P2tog. Fasten off yarn.

HEAD

EASY TO KNIT

YOU WILL NEED Q Patons Fab DK (100% acrylic,

100g/274m) One ball of Lemon (2330) Q A pair of 3.75mm needles Q Toy stuffing, ribbon, a scrap of orange felt, an oddment of black DK yarn

ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 This sweet little Easter treat is cleverly designed to fit over a chocolate egg, it is sure to go down well at any fundraising raffles and stalls – what a cracking idea!

Next row With RS facing, rejoin the yarn, K10.

Next row Purl.

Next row K2, *M1, K2; rep from * to end of row. [14 sts] Next row Purl.

Next row K2, *M1, K2; rep from * to end of row. [20 sts] Continue in st st for 7 rows.

Next row (RS) K2tog, K3, k2tog, K3, k2tog, K3, k2tog, K3. [16 sts] Next row Purl.

Next row K2tog, K2, k2tog, K2, k2tog, K2, k2tog, K2. [12 sts] Next row Purl.

Next row K2tog, K1, k2tog, K1, k2tog, K1, k2tog, K1. [8 sts] Next row Purl.

Next row (K2tog) to end of row.

Thread yarn through rem sts and pull together. Use the thread to sew the seam, leaving the base open for the egg. Fill the head with stuffing. Cut a diamond shape out of the felt and sew onto the face, and sew on eyes using the photo as reference.

Attach ribbon.

If you’re thinking of knitting projects for charity, or to sell, please refer to our information on page 97.

PHOTOS © BLUE CROSS

SAY HELLO! SEND PHOTOS OF YOUR CHARITY KNITS TO US AT Knit Together, Simply Knitting magazine, Immediate Media Co, Eagle House, Colston Avenue, Bristol BS1 4ST. Jane is a dedicated foster carer and volunteer at the Blue Cross centre

EMAIL US AT simplyknitting@immediate.co.uk

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YARN COMMUNITY

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get involved

Mind Crafternoon

ALICIA HALL

Join forces with the charity Mind to make 2020 the most creative year yet! Read on to find out about their Crafternoon project taking place all over the UK...

T

his July, you can join forces with thousands of crafters alike who will be stitching, folding and knitting in Crafternoon events up and down the country in support of Mind, the leading mental health charity in England and Wales. This year Mind are encouraging supporters to host their own craft-based fundraising event on 4 July in support of the one in four of us who experience a mental health problem each year.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT Whether you are a knitting novice or a crochet queen, every penny you raise through your Crafternoon will help Mind to continue to provide vital and essential services and information for people in their time of need.

You needn’t worry if you’re busy on 4 July as you can host your Crafternoon anytime throughout the summer months and the Mind fundraising team will be on hand to support with inspiration, ideas and information.

Mind also plans to host a second Crafternoon later on in the year towards Christmas – so you will have a chance to double up your good deed and do some festive fundraising in December if you get the crafting bug!

Botanical Threads

Get creative and organise a Crafternoon – you can choose any craft you like!

Community Fundraising Manager, Maria Khosla, says, “Absolutely anyone can host or take part in Crafternoon, regardless of whether they have crafted before. It’s about getting friends and family together in a place that works for you, for a good catch up, while helping a great cause. Crafternoon is one of the most important dates in Mind’s fundraising calendar and we’re grateful to everyone who took part last year and helped us to raise over £100,000. Their generosity means we can continue to make sure that no one has to face a mental health problem alone.”

Want to know more? Sign up at www.mind. org.uk/crafternoon and you will be the first to receive a Summer Crafternoon kit when they’re ready in May.

ur Why not host yo ide –if Crafternoon outs ? up s ld ho r the weathe

© Photography Mind

All proceeds ra ised go to Mind to he lp them to continue th eir work

This month we chat to Alicia from Botanical Threads Tell us about Botanical Threads...

Botanical Threads was founded in 2016 with a strong ethos and out of a desire to create chemical-free dyes that reflect the beauty of the plants that they are created from. All of the colours used at Botanical Threads are extracted directly from plants through a process using hot water.

Natural plant dyes often need that extra little bit of help sticking to yarn and fabrics, so soya milk is also used as an alternative to harmful chemicals, for helping the colours to stick to the different fabrics.

What will knitters find at your shop?

If you are looking to try your hand at colouring your own yarn or fabric, then there’s lots of information to teach you how to dye your own yarn with plants. As well as dye recipes to show you how to extract the colours from plants, I also provide handy DIY craft tutorials and occasionally sell lovely plant-dyed products in my online shop – so keep an eye out!

What will be the highlights for 2020?

It’s all very exciting at the moment as my first book, Seasonal Plant Dyes was published in January and is now available to purchase on Amazon. I’ve got quite a few personal projects on the go too – the most exciting is a quilt that I’m making from lots of tiny plant-dyed scrap pieces of fabric. So there will be lots of new and upcoming creative projects to look out for at Botanical Yarns this year!

Where can we find out more?

My website and blog has loads of useful tips to get you started with plant dyeing and you can also purchase my e-books there; just head to www.botanicalthreads.co.uk. My Instagram is also updated daily with behind-the-scenes photos and sneak peeks at what I’ve been working on, follow me on @botanical_thread.

6KæS RI ëH 0RQë Í ëH &DPåLGJH With its black face and squishy fleece, the Cambridge sheep is eas to fall in love with!

B

eing a registered breed for over 50 years now, the Cambridge was originally founded at Cambridge University in 1964. The fleece of the Cambridge is a popular choice to use in blends of yarn for hand-knitting and to make high-quality knitted garments with.

Its short, fine fleece is hailed for its lovely white gleam. The breed can typically be found residing on the beautiful pastures of the Welsh Borders.

Discover more about the wonderful world o British sheep at www.britishwool.org.uk.

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In the garden in This loose cotton-mix tunic sits comfortably over lighter garments to add that necessary warmth during springtime. By Pat Menchini

GRECIAN TUNIC

as indicated row by row in pattern

ABBREVIATIONS Kb knit next st one row below

YOU WILL NEED

For a full list see page 95

FRONT & BACK

Q Stylecraft Moonbeam (DK, 79%

cotton, 21% viscose, 50g/123m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table Q A pair of 3.75mm needles Q A pair of 4.5mm needles Q 2 stitch holders Q 4 large buttons from Duttons for Buttons (email harrogate@ duttonsforbuttons.co.uk or call 01423 502092)

TENSION 20 sts and 36 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over main patt using 3.75mm and 4.5mm needles

WHERE TO BUY Q For yarn stockists contact

Stylecraft on 01484 848435 or at www. stylecraft-yarns.co.uk

OR YOU COULD TRY‌ Q Wool Warehouse

50 (56: 61: 66: 72: 77)cm 19 (22: 24: 26: 28 : 30 )in

0800 505 3300 or www.woolwarehouse.co.uk Q Delta Wool Shop 01772 456535 or visit www.deltawoolshop.co.uk

58 (60: 60: 61: 61: 62)cm 23 (23 : 23 : 24: 24: 24 )in

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS

SHOP SMAR SHO LOCAP L!

T

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! f o % 10

The Knitting Network are offering 10% off Stylecraft Moonbeam! Quote code SK197 when you order by calling 01795 570303 or visiting www.theknittingnetwork. co.uk. Offer ends 6 May 2020.

21cm from cast-on edge, ending after a Row 2.

Mark position on Lower Button Border Back for two buttons, the top one on 9th/10th row from top edge, and second one on 25th/26th row below the top one.** Cast off.

LOWER BUTTON BORDER FRONT (MAKE 2) Work as given for Lower Button Border Back to ** but working 2 buttonholes to match markers as given on Lower Button Border Back as follows: Row 1 (RS) Rib 4, cast off 5 sts in rib, rib to end.

Row 2 (WS) Rib to end, casting on 5 sts neatly over cast-off sts from previous row.

Slip sts on short length of waste yarn and set aside.

FRONT Cast on 86 (97: 110: 123: 132: 143) sts using 3.75mm needles.

Row 1 (RS) K2 (2: 3: 4: 3: 3), (P5, K6) 7 (8: 9: 10: 11: 12) times, P5, K2 (2: 3: 4: 3: 3).

Row 2 (WS) K1, P1 (1: 2: 3: 2: 2), (K5, P6) 7 (8: 9: 10: 11: 12) times, K5, P1 (1: 2: 3: 2: 2), K1.

Rep these 2 wide rib rows until work measures 21cm from cast-on edge, ending after a Row 2.

Large shiny buttons add an authentic finishing touch to your Grecian garment

GRECIAN TUNIC LOWER BUTTON BORDER BACK (MAKE 2) Cast on 13 sts using 3.75mm needles.

Row 1 (RS) K2, (P1, K1) 5 times, K1.

Row 2 (WS) K1, (P1, K1) 6 times.

Rep these 2 rib rows until Lower Button Border Back measures

84 Subscribe at www.gathered.how/simplyknitting

Slip both Lower Buttonhole Borders on to a spare needle so that RS is facing for next row.

Next row (RS) Still using 3.75mm needles, across first group of Border sts work (K1, k2tog) 4 times, K1, now knit across 86 (97: 110: 123: 132: 143) sts dec 1 (0: 3: 6: 3: 4) sts evenly across these sts, finally across group of Border sts work (K1, k2tog) 4 times, K1.

[103 (115: 125: 135: 147: 157) sts] Next row Purl.

MAIN PATTERN **Change to 4.5mm needles.

Row 1 (RS) Knit.

Row 2 (WS) K1, purl to last st, K1.

Rows 3 to 4 As Rows 1 to 2.

Change to 3.75mm needles.

Row 5 K2, (P1, Kb) to last 3 sts, P1, K2.

GRECIAN TUNIC

FIND YOUR SIZE 6-8

10-12

14-16

18-20

22-24

26-28

cm

76-81

86-91

97-102

107-112

117-122

127-132

in

30-32

34-36

38-40

42-44

46-48

50-52

cm

50

56

61

66

72

77

in

19

22

24

26

28

cm

58

60

60

61

61

in

23

23

23

24

24

24

11

12

SIZE TO FIT BUST YOKE WIDTH LENGTH YARN

30 62

Stylecraft Moonbeam (DK, 50g/123m)

Frappe (3958)

9

9

10

11

SIZING COLOUR KEY So you can re-use this pattern, we’ve colour-coded the sizing instructions. Simply follow our colour-coded measurements and you’re off.

/RRVH JDUPHQWV OLNH ëLV DUH LQFUHGLEO\ HDV\ WR ZHDU DQG ZLëRXW VOæYHV ëH\ DUH VXSHU TXLFN WR NQLW WRR 7KURZ LW RQ ZKHQ \RX KHDG RXW LQWR ëH JDUGHQ ëLV VSULQJ KIRSTIE MCLEOD, EDITOR

gwq Row 6 K1, purl to last st, K1.

Row 7 K3, (P1, Kb) to last 4 sts, P1, K3.

Row 8 K1, purl to last st, K1.

Rows 9 and 10 As Rows 5 and 6.

These 10 rows form patt.

Cont in patt keeping needle changes as indicated until work measures approx 52cm from lower edge, measured through centre of work, and ending after a Row 10.

[34 (39: 42: 46: 51: 55) sts] Complete as Left Half.

BACK Cast on 110 (121: 130: 141: 152: 163) sts using 3.75mm needles.

Row 1 (RS) K3 (3: 2: 2: 2: 2), (P5, K6) 9 (10: 11: 12: 13: 14) times, P5, K3 (3: 2: 2: 2: 2).

Row 2 (WS) K1, P2 (2: 1: 1: 1: 1), (K5, P6) 9 (10: 11: 12: 13: 14) times, K5, P2 (2: 1: 1: 1: 1), K1.

Rep these 2 rib rows until work measures 21cm from cast-on edge, ending after a Row 2.

Next row Knit to end, dec 7 (6: 5: 6: 5: 6) sts evenly across row.

[103 (115: 125: 135: 147: 157) sts] Next row Purl.

Complete as Front, working from ** to end.

FRONT NECK BORDER Change to 4.5mm needles.

Beg with a RS row, work a few rows in st st until Front measures 53cm from lower edge, ending after a WS row.

SHAPE NECK Next row K34 (39: 42: 46: 51: 55), turn.

Cont on this group of 34 (39: 42: 46: 51: 55) sts for left half of neck.

Dec 1 st at neck edge on next 5 rows. [29 (34: 37: 41: 46: 50) sts]

With 3.75mm needles and RS facing, pick up and knit 23 (26: 26: 28: 28: 30) sts evenly down first side of neck, knit across centre 35 (37: 41: 43: 45: 47) sts, finally pick up and knit 23 (26: 26: 28: 28: 30) sts evenly up second side of neck. [81 (89: 93: 99: 101: 107) sts] Row 1 (RS) K1, (P1, K1) to end.

Row 2 (WS) K2, (P1, K1) to last st, K1.

Work 3 more rows in rib.

Cast off firmly in rib.

Work straight until Front measures 58 (60: 60: 61: 61: 62)cm from cast-on edge, ending at side edge.

BACK NECK BORDER

SHAPE SHOULDER

MAKING UP

Cast off loosely 6 (7: 7: 8: 9: 10) sts at beg of next row and the 3 foll alt rows.

Work 1 row straight.

Cast off rem 5 (6: 9: 9: 10: 10) sts.

Omitting ribbing, press work lightly on WS taking care not to stretch side edge. Stitch Lower Button Borders to side edges of lower back.

Stitch inner edge of Lower Buttonhole Borders to side edges of lower front. Join shoulders and neckband. Join first 6 to 8 rows of patt sections above lower borders to catch Front and Back together. Sew down cast-off edges of Lower button Border on WS of last rib row of Lower Buttonhole Border. Sew on buttons. Press seams.

With RS facing, slip next 35 (37: 41: 43: 45: 47) sts on a stitch holder and leave.

Neatly rejoin yarn to neck edge and knit to end of row.

Work as Front Neck Border.

Subscribe at www.gathered.how/simplyknitting 85

8P P AR UL LUS TC LAR OU DS T !

Gorgeous projects to help learn key techniques WITH step-by-step photos and practice guidelines

& LETTERING Introducing a brand-new quarterly magazine, packed full of ideas and inspiration for creating your own calligraphy and lettering, with advice from leading calligraphers and creative rojects.

n Guides to basic techniques & products n 14 creative projects n 8 pull-out artcards n Designer galleries This beautiful magazine is on sale 31 Ma

2- ing- i1ft pen

brush &s fine tip

2020. Pre-order your copy today with FREE UK delivery!

PRE ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY! ONLINE www.buysubscriptions.com/moderncalligraphy or CALL 03330 162 138, quote ‘Modern Calligraphy issue 2’ † UK calls will cost the same as other standard fixed line numbers (starting 01 or 02) and are included as part of any inclusive or free minutes allowances (if offered by your phone tariff).

Outside of free call packages call charges from mobile phones will cost between 3p and 55p per minute. Lines are open Mon – Fri 8am-6pm and Saturday 9am-1pm for orders only.

Overseas please call +44 (0)1604 973 746. Price applies to UK orders only. EUR price £11.99, ROW price £12.99. All prices include P&P. Please allow up to 28 days for delivery.

Contents and pricing subject to change

All this for just £9.99:

shop smart shop local Visit these fabulous shops for must-have yarns, patterns and more!

To advertise here please call Kerri on 0117 300 8550 SCOTLAND | PERTH

NORTH WEST | MARYPORT

NORTH EAST | GRIMSBY

NORTH EAST | THIRSK

THE NEW WOOL SHOP

HANDMADE BY YOU

FRIARY STITCH

EWE & YARN

Stockists of Sirdar and Wendy.

Our shop stocks yarns from various suppliers, fabrics, ribbons, buttons, cross stitch, craft kits and much much more.

We are a small family run shop specializing in all things crafty, all the staff who work here have a passion for all things crafty.

07501 541961 handmadebymaryport@gmail.com

01472 357800 friarystitch.co.uk

Squishing encouraged! Bountiful colour from Stylecraft, WYS, Lion Brand, Scheepjes, exquisite hand-dyed skeins plus patterns, Knit-Pro, regular workshops and Knit & Natters.

17 North Methven Street, Perth, PH1 5PN 01738 440183

01845 527978 | eweandyarn.co.uk

MIDLANDS | LEICESTERSHIRE

MIDLANDS | BIRMINGHAM THE KNITTING MARKET

WOOL AND CRAFTS

Getting ready for autumn. 100% gigantic merino for arm knitting.

We are a family run retailer based in Burbage offering yarns from Stylecraft, Sirdar, WYS and more with a range of accessories from Milward, Knit Pro and others. We also carry a selection of fabrics and cross stitching kits for those that prefer needlecrafts.

New Sirdar, Jewelspun and Bonanza.

Stocking Sirdar, Stylecraft, King Cole and other quality yarns.

Stylecraft Persian Tile crochet kits.

Unit 4a The Courtyard, Fairway Centre, Coventry Road, Burbage LE10 2HL 01455 238768 woolandcrafts.co.uk

Stylecraft crochet along kits.

All knitting and crochet needs.

Birmingham Rag Market 07834 898627 theknittingmarket.co.uk

EAST MIDLANDS | HORNCASTLE

MIDLANDS | NOTTINGHAM

EAST | IPSWICH

SOUTH | ISLE OF WIGHT

EWENITED YARNS

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S AND P KNITTING

KNIT KNACKS

Stocking yarns, patterns and accessories from Stylecraft, King Cole, Sirdar, Katia, Adriafil, KnitPro plus may more!

Everything for the knitter, crocheter or crafter. Yarns by Jarol, Katia, King Cole, Wendy and Robin. Needles, patterns, felting, haberdashery, ribbons, buttons.

Stockists of King Cole, Stylecraft, Sirdar, James Brett, Grundl, Wendy and Robin yarns.

An old fashioned wool shop with a modern twist. Come in for our weekly ‘Sit n Stitch’ sessions!

Woolverstone Marina, Woolverstone, Ipswich IP9 1AS 01473 780033 • sandpknitting.co.uk

01983 716890 11 Sandown Road, Lake, PO36 9JL facebook.com/knitknacksiow

79 Main Street, Long Eaton, Nottingham NG10 1GW. 0115 9724965 facebook.com/ewenitedyarns

01507 522659 horncastlehobbyhouse.co.uk

ONLINE

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Simply TO ADVERTISE HERE PLEASE CALL KERRI ON 0117 300 8550

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Yarns & Haberdashery from Stylecraft, Sirdar, Cygnet, Wendy, Peterpan, Viridean & many more... 10% off all orders with Discount Code ‘KNITTING10’.

Your one stop shop for knitting and crochet kits, yarn, patterns, accessories and hand made garments. Fabulous range of winter cotton yarns available.

Email info@susiebutton.com susiebutton.com

picknstitch@btinternet.com picknstitch.co.uk

U SI V

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GIFT

IDEA

Lace & flowers For an added touch of feminine elegance this springtime, cast on these stunning, scattered flowers socks by Caroline Birkett

FLOWER SOCKS

ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95

TAKE ON A CHALLENGE

YOU WILL NEED

WHERE TO BUY

Q Scheepjes Metropolis

Q For yarn stockists visit

(fingering, 75% wool, 25% nylon, 50g/200m) 2 balls of Ankara (010) Q 1 set of 2.75mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) Q Stitch markers

TENSION 29 sts and 45 rounds to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 2.75mm needles

Scheepjes at www. scheepjes.com

Start at the bottom right-hand corner. Read all rounds from right to left when working in the round.

A row of squares represents a row/round of knitting.

KEY K

OR YOU COULD TRY… Q Lusciously Loopy Call

SHOP SMAR

P

07584 194149 or visit www.lusciouslyloopy.co.uk Q Black Sheep Wools Call 01925 764231 or www. blacksheepwools.com

SHO LOCAP L!

p3tog

T

Turn t page 8o7

p2tog p2tog tbl yo

MEASUREMENTS To fit foot circumference 18-25cm (7-10in) Actual foot circumference 18cm (7in) unstretched, 25cm (10in) stretched Length from cuff to bottom of heel Adjustable to size Length from heel to toe Adjustable to size

HOW TO USE OUR CHARTS

TOP TIP

CHART

Knitting socks requires intricate work, as stitches and rows are smaller and shorter. If you find your stitches falling off your DPN needles try using bamboo ones for more ‘stickiness’!

12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 10

SCATTERED FLOWERS SOCKS Note These socks are worked on DPNs, top down with a heel flap, gusset and rounded wedge toe. On the foot section, do not work any yo and decs on the outer edge of the outer ribs where there is no complete flower.

SCATTERED FLOWERS STITCH PATTERN Round 1 Work 12-st Row 1 rep from Chart, 5 times across round.

Round 2 Work 12-st Row 2 rep from Chart, 5 times across round.

Cont working from Chart as set until two full 12-round reps have been worked in total. **Work 2 rounds in rib patt as for cuff.

Work Rounds 1 to 6 from Chart.

Work 2 rounds in rib patt as for cuff.

5

Work Rounds 7 to 12 from Chart.

Rep from ** once. ***Work 4 rounds in rib patt as for cuff.

Work Rounds 1 to 6 from Chart.

Work 4 rounds in rib patt as for cuff.

Work Rounds 7 to 12 from Chart.

Rep from *** once. ****Work 6 rounds in rib patt as for cuff.

Work Rounds 1 to 6 from Chart.

Work 6 rounds in rib patt as for cuff.

Work Rounds 7 to 12 from Chart.

Rep from **** throughout as required.

STEP-BY-STEP SSK SLIP, SLIP, KNIT

1 Working with the yarn at the back of your knitting, insert the point of the right-hand needle into the next stitch as if to knit, but instead slip the first stitch onto the right-hand needle.

2 Now slip the next stitch from the left-hand needle onto the right-hand needle in the same way as for step 1.

3 Push the point of the left-hand needle through the front of both the slipped stitches.

4 Bring the yarn around just as you would for a knit stitch and knit these two stitches together. You will now have a single stitch on the right-hand needle, and your two slipped ones will create a left-leaning decrease.

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FLOWER SOCKS

SOCKS These socks are worked over 60 stitches using 2.75mm DPNs

CUFF Cast on 60 sts using 2.75mm DPNs. Join to work in the round, taking care not to twist sts. PM to mark beg of round.

Round 1 *P2, K3, P1; rep from * to end.

The last round forms rib.

Rep last round a further 11 times.

LEG Work the scattered flower stitch patt until work measures 18cm from cast-on edge, or desired length to start of Heel Flap.

HEEL FLAP Turn work so WS is facing and work back and forth over first 29 sts.

Row 1 (WS) Sl1, *P1, Sl1; rep from * to end.

Row 2 Knit.

Rep these 2 rows a further 17 times.

TURN HEEL Next row (WS) Sl1, P16, p2tog, P1, turn.

Next row Sl1, K6, ssk, K1, turn.

Next row Sl1, P to 1 st before gap, p2tog, P1, turn.

Next row Sl1, K to 1 st before gap, ssk, K1, turn.

Rep last 2 rows until 1 st rem unworked either side of heel sts.

Next row (WS) Sl1, P to 1 st before gap, p2tog, turn.

Next row Sl1, K to 1 st before gap, ssk, do NOT turn, beg working in the round again. [17 heel sts]

GUSSET Set up round Pick up and knit 18 sts along side of Heel Flap, PM for beg of round and pick up 1 st from gap (first instep st to complete rib), work next 31 sts in stitch patt, pick up 1 st from gap (last instep st to complete rib), PM, pick up and knit 18 sts along side of Heel Flap, K to beg of round marker. [86 sts] Next round Work instep stitch patt to marker, slm, K1, k2tog, K to last 3 sts, ssk, K1. [2 sts dec] Next round Work instep stitch patt to marker, slm, K to end.

Rep the last 2 rounds until 60 sts rem.

Work as set until Sock measures 19cm from heel turn or 4cm less than desired foot length, finishing on a rib round of the instep stitch patt.

TOE Note there are 33 instep sts and 27 sole sts.

Round 1 *K3, ssk, K to 5 sts before marker, k2tog, K3, slm, ssk, K to 2 sts before marker, k2tog. [4 sts dec] Round 2 Knit.

Rep the last 2 rounds 4 more times. [40 sts] Rep Round 1 a further 4 times. [24 sts] Next round *Ssk, K1, ssk, k to 5 sts before marker, k2tog, K1, ssk, slm, ssk, K to 2 sts before marker, k2tog.

[18 sts, 11 on instep, 7 on sole] Move first and last st from instep to sole [9 sts on each needle].

Graft toe closed using Kitchener stitch.

MAKING UP Weave in ends and block gently to measurements, following any yarn care instructions on the ball band.

The toes of the socks are grafted closed using Kitchener stitch

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KNIT KNACKS An old fashioned wool shop with a modern twist. Stockists of James C Brett, Stylecraft and King Cole wools, knitting needles, crochet hooks etc, DMC embroidery silks,haberdashery including elastic, zips and buttons, knitting bags and gifts from Vanessa Bee Designs.

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THE WOOL CABIN We at The Wool Cabin in Essex love Stylecraft Yarns!

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Well worth a visit to the coast. woolcabin.co.uk 01255 428352/674456

WELLS KNITTING CENTRE We pride ourselves on good service and knowledgeable staff, stock a huge range of haberdashery, wool and patterns, and offer a prompt postal service.

Mill St, Wells BA5 2AS wellsknittingcentre@gmail.com 01749 677548

HOW TO KNIT

If you’re new to knitting or just need a little refresher, our knitting guide is here to make sure you get it right first time, every time cable CAST-ON method Use it for a firm edge, and when adding stitches to your work

1

2

Make a slip knot. Insert right-hand needle into the stitch as if to knit. Wrap the yarn around the point and pull through, slipping the stitch on to the left-hand needle.

3

Push the point of the right-hand needle between the first and second stitches. Wrap the yarn anti-clockwise around the point of the right-hand needle.

Pull the loop out with the right-hand needle, then slip it over the tip of the left-hand needle. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until you have the number of stitches you require.

thumb CAST-ON method A great all rounder, use it to cast on stitches quickly and easily

1 Make a slip knot and place it on a needle, leaving a long tail.

The tail length depends on the number of stitches you wish to cast on. Try a length about 3 times the width of the project.

2 Hold the tail in your left hand with your thumb sticking up.

Make a circle anti-clockwise with your thumb. You should end up with a cross on the front of your thumb.

3 Push the needle tip along the outside of your thumb so it passes through the loop. Wrap the working yarn as if to knit.

4 Draw the yarn through the thumb loop and then between the arms of the cross. Slip your thumb out and pull to tighten the stitch. Repeat from Step 2.

Knit Follow our simple steps to make the most important stitch you’ll learn

1 Hold the needle with the stitches on it in your left hand. Keeping the yarn in your right hand and at the back of your work, insert the point of the right-hand needle up into the front loop of the first stitch, as shown.

2 Now wind the yarn anticlockwise around the point of the right-hand needle using your index finger. It’s important to keep the yarn in your right hand relatively taut to maintain an even tension as you go.

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3 Bring the right-hand needle down through the loop, making sure that you catch the yarn you wound around the needle. This creates the stitch. Don’t pull the free yarn too tightly, let out some slack.

4 Push the point of the right needle further through the stitch you created, then gently pull the right needle up and to your left, taking the original loop with it. You’ve now created one knit stitch.

Repeat Steps 1 to 4 across the row.

HOW TO KNIT Purl To make purl stitches, just reverse the action of plain knit stitches

1 Holding the needle with all the stitches on in your left hand, and ensuring that the yarn is at the front of your work, insert the right-hand needle down through the front loop of your first stitch as shown.

2 Wind the yarn around the tip of the right-hand needle from right to left, in an anti-clockwise motion, constantly keeping a slight tension on the yarn.

3

4

Now slip the right-hand needle back through the stitch, ensuring that you catch the yarn that you’ve already wound around the needle. This creates a stitch on your right-hand needle.

Now slip the right-hand needle back through the stitch, ensuring that you catch the yarn that you’ve already wound around the needle. This creates a stitch on your right-hand needle.

K2TOG Knit two stitches together to give a right-leaning decrease

1 Insert the point of the right-hand needle through the loops of the next two stitches as if to knit.

2 Wind the yarn around the tip of the right-hand needle and pull the yarn through the two stitches, knitting them both together.

3

4

Drop the two stitches from the left-hand needle and keep the new stitch on the right-hand needle.

Knitting two stitches together decreases your stitch count by one, and the decrease stitch leans to the right. This is how a series looks.

kfb Increase 1 stitch by knitting into the front and back of an existing stitch

1 Insert the tip of the right-hand needle into the front of the stitch and knit as normal, but don’t drop it from the left-hand needle.

2 Then take the right-hand needle behind the left and insert the tip of the needle down through the back of the stitch on the left-hand needle.

3

4

Wrap the yarn around the tip of the right-hand needle to knit the stitch. Bring the needle through to make the stitch, keeping it on the right-hand needle.

Take the stitch off the left-hand needle. You will have increased one stitch by knitting twice into the original stitch, first at the front, then at the back.

Cast off Finish off your knitting with this straightforward cast-off technique

1 Start by knitting the first two stitches of the row as normal, but don’t go any further along as you usually would.

2 Insert the left-hand needle through the first stitch, as shown. Lift this stitch over the other stitch on the right-hand needle and over the needle point.

3

4

Knit another stitch so you have two on the right needle. Lift the first stitch over the second, then repeat Steps 1 to 3.

When you get to the last stitch, cut the yarn about 15cm (6in) away, feed it through the loop and pull through firmly to fasten off.

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HOW TO KNIT

MORE STITCHES TO MASTER You may see these great finishing touches in our patterns! kitchener stitch The best way to graft your sock toes together

1

2

Arrange your stitches so that the ones for the top of the foot are on one needle, and those for the bottom of the foot are on the other, with both needle tips pointing to the right. Cut a 40cm (15 in) tail of yarn and thread onto a tapestry needle.

Using your needle, thread the tail purlwise through the first stitch on the front needle, and then knitwise through the first stitch on the back needle. *Thread tail knitwise through the first stitch on the front needle and drop off the needle.

3

4

Thread the tail purlwise through the new first stitch on the needle closest to you. Thread the tail purlwise through the first stitch on the needle furthest away from you and drop that stitch off the needle.

Thread the tail knitwise through the new first stitch on the needle furthest away from you.

Repeat from * to Step 4 until you’ve worked all your toe stitches.

duplicate stitch/Swiss darning Chain stitch Perfect for hanging loops 3

4 1

2

Swiss darning or duplicate stitch is a great way to add small details to your knitting, covering the stitch with an embroidery stitch the same shape as the stitch beneath it. Work from bottom to top, bringing the needle out at the base of the stitch at 1 . Take the needle behind the top of the ‘V’, in at 2 and out at 3 . Take the needle down at 1 and bring it up at 4 , at the base of the stitch above.

Continue in this way up the line of knitted stitches.

1

2

Make a loop on your crochet hook. With the hook in your right hand, hold the knot between thumb and finger of the left hand. Move the hook under and over the yarn.

Pull hook and yarn back through the loop (1st chain). Repeat Steps 1 and 2 until you’ve formed a chain of the required length. Insert the thread end through the last loop and pull tight to secure.

“Don’t rush ëH VHZLQJ Ó

GET PROFESSIONAL RESULTS! Use our easy-to-follow hints and tips for the perfect finish MATTRESS STITCH

BACKSTITCH

Place your knitted pieces RS up side by side. Thread your yarn on to a needle, anchor the end and weave along an edge to your start point. Working from back to front, push your needle up between the first and second stitches of the left piece’s edge, then insert the needle down between the first two stitches of the right piece’s edge (on the equivalent row). Moving upwards, bring the needle back up on the right piece, scooping up the bar that lies at the back of the stitch. Return to the opposite piece and repeat.

Pin your two pieces together and secure your sewing yarn tail a stitch length to the right of where you are starting. Now working from right to left, bring the needle up a couple of stitches away at 1 . Take the needle down at 2 and up again at 3 and down at 4 .

Repeat this motion, keeping the stitches regular and ensuring you put the needle through the middle of each knitted stitch to avoid splitting the fabric.

3

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1

2

M1L

M1R

M1P

MB MC P/p patt(s) PB pfb

Hook sizes

Yarn weight UK/US conversion 4ply

Sport

Double knitting

Light worsted

Aran

Fisherman/Worsted

Chunky

Bulky

Super chunky

Extra bulky

14 2mm B/1 13 2.25mm – 12 2.5mm C/2 11 3mm – 10 3.25mm D/3 9 3.5mm E/4 8 4mm G/6 7 4.5mm 7 6 5mm H/8 5 5.5mm I/9 4 6mm J/10 3 6.5mm K/10 2 7mm – 0 8mm – 00 9mm – 000 10mm –

Choose the right yarns to knit with

Aran Knit on 4 to 5.5mm needles. Originally created for fishermen’s jumpers. Use when DK isn’t heavy enough, and chunky is too bulky.

Perfect for outdoor or warm clothing.

1, 2 and 3ply Knit on 2 to 3.5mm needles. Use for delicate lace knitting and baby garments. Good for socks and gloves.

Chunky Knit on 5.5 to 7mm needles. Associated with outdoor wear and winter jumpers, great for oversized garments.

4ply Knit on 3 to 4mm needles.

Great for baby clothes, heavier socks and lightweight tops.

Super chunky Knit on 7 to 12mm needles. A great weight for beginners, as it produces quick results. Good for furnishings.

Double knitting (DK) Knit on 3.5 to 4.5mm needles. Usually double the weight of 4ply, this is the most widely used weight. Suitable for most garments and quick to knit up.

Big Knit on 9 to 20mm needles. Perfect for eye-catching scarves and coats, as well as cosy cushions and throws.

25 24 23 9 22 21 8 20 19 18 7 17 16 6 15 Inch cm

1

2

Yarn weights

13

US 5

METRIC

12

UK

14

0 1 – 2 – 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 10 – – 11 13 15 17 19 36 50

11

k(1)tbl LH LT meas M1

b&t

2mm 2.25mm 2.5mm 2.75mm 3mm 3.25mm 3.5mm 3.75mm 4mm 4.5mm 5mm 5.5mm 6mm 6.5mm 7mm 7.5mm 8mm 9mm 10mm 12mm 15mm 20mm 25mm

4

K/k kfb kwise k2tog

14 13 – 12 11 10 – 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 00 000 – – – –

10

foll/s g st inc

US

9

est DK DPNs

w&t

METRIC

8

cb CC cf cn co cont dec

UK

3

C6F

WS wyib wyif ybk yfwd yo yrn yon *

together (wrap 3 stitches) with yarn held at back of work, slip next 3 sts to cn and hold at front of work. Wrap yarn 3 times around these 3 sts, being careful not to pull it too tight and ending up with yarn at back of work. Slip the 3 sts to right needle without knitting them wrong side with yarn in back with yarn in front yarn to the back yarn forward yarn over yarn round needle yarn over needle work instructions immediately following *, then repeat as directed (wrap and turn) slip next st from LH to RH needle, take yarn between needles to other side of work, slip st back to LH needle, take yarn between needles to its starting point, then turn.

On next row, knit or purl the wrapped stitch together with the strand wrapping around it (break and tighten) break off the yarn and thread the end through the st(s) left on the needle. Pull the end of the yarn to tighten the st(s) together

7

C6B

Needle sizes tog W3

6

C4F

place marker purl 2 stitches together (1 stitch decreased) P3tog purl 3 stitches together (2 stitches decreased) prev previous psso pass slipped stitch(es) over p(1)tbl purl (1) into back of the loop pwise (purlwise) by purling the stitch rem remain/remaining rep(s) repeat(s) rev st st reverse stocking stitch RH right hand rib2tog either k2tog or p2tog dep on what next stitch in ribbing should be (keeps ribbing looking neat on buttonholes) rnd(s) round(s) (on a circular needle/ DPNs) RS right side RT right twist skpo slip 1 stitch, knit 1 stitch, pass slipped stitch over (1 stitch decreased) sk2po slip 1 stitch, knit 2 stitches together, pass slipped stitch over (2 stitches decreased) sl slip sl st slip stitch SM stitch marker ssk slip 2 stitches one at a time, knit 2 slipped stitches together (1 stitch decreased) sssk slip 3 stitches one at a time, knit 3 slipped stitches together (two stitches decreased) ssp slip 2 stitches one at a time, purl 2 slipped stitches together through back loops (1 stitch decreased) st(s) stitch (es) st st stocking stitch tbl through the back of the loop T2B slip next stitch to cn & hold at back, K1; P1 from cn T2F slip next stitch to cn & hold at front, P1; K1 from cn

2 5

C4B

PM P2tog

4

C2F

alternate approximately beginning slip next stitch to cn & hold at back, K1; K1 from cn slip next stitch to cn & hold at front, K1; K1 from cn slip next 2 stitches to cn & hold at back, K2; K2 from cn slip next 2 stitches to cn & hold at front, K2; K2 from cn slip next 3 stitches to cn & hold at back, K3; K3 from cn slip next 3 stitches to cn & hold at front, K3; K3 from cn cable back contrast colour cable forward cable needle cast on continue decrease(ing) (by working two stitches together) established double knitting double-pointed needles following/follows garter stitch (knit every row) increase (usually knit into same stitch twice) knit knit into front and back of stitch knitwise; by knitting the stitch knit the next two stitches together knit (1) into back loop left hand left twist measure(s) make one by knitting into back of loop between two stitches (increase 1 stitch) (left leaning increase) with left needle tip, lift strand between needles from front to back. Knit lifted loop through back of loop (right leaning increase) with left needle tip, lift strand between needles from back to front. Knit lifted loop through front of loop make one purlwise by purling into back of loop between two stitches (increase 1 stitch) make a bobble main colour purl pattern(s) place bead purl into front and back of stitch

3

alt approx beg C2B

1

ABBREVIATIONS AND USEFUL INFO

10

HOW TO KNIT

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Simply

NEXT issue Inside: • DELICATE & DIVINE lace top • BRIGHT & BOLD Zigzag jumper • SMART CARDI for your man • BERGERE toddler jacket • QUICK & EASY hair accessories • STRIPY bolster cushion • DEBBIE BLISS our Q&A expert • MAGICAL metallic-effect yarns • READER KNITS it’s all about you!

PLUS!

Contents subject to change

Spring baby pattern book

Filled with the cutest knits!

ISSUE 198 ON SALE THURSDAY 23 APRIL

Simply NEW KAL! PART ONE

SAY HELLO! WRITE TO US Simply Knitting magazine, Immediate Media, Eagle House, Colston Avenue, Bristol BS1 4ST. EMAIL US simplyknitting@immediate.co.uk FIND US AND FOLLOW US!

s e r a w e m o h l u f i t u a e B & casual colourways

Tell us about what you’ ve been knitting!

Facebook.com/simplyknitting C @SimplyKnitMag ravelry.com/groups/simply-knitting-magazine @simplyknittingmag www.pinterest.com/simplyknitmag Editor Kirstie McLeod Deputy Editor Sophie Jordan Art Editors Nicola Lynn & Seth Singh Production Assistant Katie Beale Technical Editor Jen Bartlett Digital Assistant Sarah Winsper Contributors Debbie Bliss, Philippa Bunch, Carolyn Bunt, Rhian Drinkwater, Colette Earley, Charlotte Foster Brown,Jennifer May, MOT Models, Nevs Models, Kath Garner, Helen Reed, Rosee Woodland

Photography Dave Caudery, Simon Lees, Getty Images, Philip Sowels,Jesse Wild

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Production Co-ordinator Lizzie Ayre Production Managers Louisa Molter and Rose Griffiths

Production Director Sarah Powell LICENSING

Director of Licensing & Syndication Tim Hudson tim.hudson@immediate.co.uk PUBLISHING

Managing Director, Craft Kerry Lawrence

ADVERTISING Call 0117 300 8206

SUBSCRIPTIONS Call 03330 162147 or subscribe online at www.buysubscriptions.com/craft

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Tel +44 (0)207 150 5000 (London) Tel +44 (0)117 927 9009 (Bristol)

CIRCULATION

Newstrade Marketing Manager Janine Smith

MEET THE TEAM WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SPRING YARN? Kirstie McLeod Editor “There are too many to pick just one! But for spring shawls I do love the new Rico Hand-Dyed Happiness!”

Katie Beale Production Assistant “I’m only just starting to find my way around the yarns, but Novita’s Moomin range is so much fun!”

Sophie Jordan Deputy Editor “My favourite yarn of all time is Rowan Kid Silk Haze. It fits into my spring make ideas perfectly.”

Nicola Lynn Art Editor “King Cole Stripe DK has the prettiest speckled colour range and looks really sweet knitted into cardis.”

COMPETITION RULES Can be viewed in full here: www.gathered.how/competition-terms-and-conditions

SPRING K NITS!

Cushions, cosies & cute jumpers Something for everyone!

© Immediate Media Company Bristol Limited (company number 05715415) is registered in England andWales.The registered office of Immediate Media Company Bristol Limited is atVineyard House,44 Brook Green,London W6 7BT.All information contained in this magazine is for information only and is,as far as we are aware,correct at the time of going to press.Immediate Media Company Bristol Limited cannot accept any responsibility for errors or inaccuracies in such information.Readers are advised to contact manufacturers and retailers directly with regard to the price of products/services referred to in this magazine.If you submit unsolicited material to us, you automatically grant Immediate Media Company Bristol Limited a licence to publish your submission in whole or in part in all editions of the magazine,including licensed editions worldwide and in any physical or digital format throughout the world.Any material you submit is sent at your risk.Although every care is taken,neither Immediate Media Company Bristol Limited nor its employees agents or subcontractors shall be liable for loss or damage.

KNITTING FOR CHARITY All toys made available for sale in the UK must meet a list of essential safety requirements which are set out in the Toy (Safety) Regulations 2011. To prove that these requirements are met, all toys should carry a CE Mark, which is a declaration by the manufacturer that a toy is safe. In order to use the CE mark on creations you plan to sell (whether you’re selling them yourself or sending to a charity to be sold), you must check that your products meet the requirements under the Regulations. If you’re using one of our patterns to make items that will appeal to children under the age of 14, please ensure you take all the necessary steps to comply with the legislation. But don’t panic, just do your research! For more information, see www.gov.uk/ce-marking, or visit www.shop.conformance.co.uk to find out about self-certification packs.

EXPAND YOUR SKILLS

mock cable stitch Discover the elegant texture of subtle twists with our favourite stitch this issue, featuring UK Alpaca yarn...

C T T S h

mont

k

All our swatches are knitted in UK Alpaca yarn

F

aux cables like t br llia i you want the look and feel of a twisted stitch, but don’t enjoy using cable needles when you work, or simply want to try something new! Created with just cleverly placed stitches, there are more than a few mock cable variations you can opt for, including ribs and eyelets. Try this straightforward option above and start your journey with mock-cable patterns today!

Cast on a multiple of 10 sts (try 30 sts) Row 1 (RS) P1, yo, K3, sl1, K1, psso, K4. (10 sts) Row 2 (WS) P9, K1.

Row 3 P1, K1, yo, K3, sl1, K1, psso, K3.

Row 4 P9, K1.

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Row 5 P1, K2, yo, K3, sl1, K1, psso, K2.

Row 6 P9, K1.

Row 7 P1, K3, yo, K3, sl1, K1, psso, K1.

Row 8 P9, K1.

Row 9 P1, K4, yo, K3, sl1, K1, psso.

Row 10 P9, K1.

Row 11 Knit.

Row 12 Purl.

SPONSORED BY

WHERE TO BUY Q For yarn stockists contact UK Alpaca on www.ukalpaca.com

or 01884 243579.

N EW

N EW

SWEATER &TOP PATTERN 5617

Available from all good yarn retailers

3008 Straberry Daiquiri

3007 Pink Gin

3006 Electric Lemonade

3005 Blue Jamaica

3004 Silver Martini

3003 Pina Colada

3002 White Russian

3001 White Lady

kingcole.com 01756 703 670 enquiries@kingcole.com

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ISSUE 196 APRIL Colourful striped jumper Kid’s robot jumper Pretty pansy brooch Baby Fair Isle cardi and hat Adorable narhwal toy Kaffe Fassett scarf KAL Cable mug-hug Flower cushion Official Harry Potter scarf Dotty socks PLUS! Brilliant alphabet pattern booklet!

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Cream cable jumper Baby jacket Simple cardigan Hot water bottle cover Men’s ribbed jumper Kaffe Fassett scarf KAL Fair Isle footstool cover Yellow bag Bright toy cars Snuggly beanie hat PLUS! Burda supplement and fab

Romantic eyelet tunic Kid’s ladder stitch sweater Heart gadget cases Hanging baskets Kaffe Fassett scarf KAL Stylish geometric cushion Goldilocks and the three bears Scarlet lace beret PLUS! WYS Baby knit pattern booklet

Lacy sideways top Kid’s owl jumper Hat, cowl & mitts set Rowan Fair Isle cardigan Peter Rabbit™ toy Cafetière cover Textured KAL Spots & stripes jumper Cute animal keyrings Baby hat & bootees PLUS! Novita & deco booklets

Santa jumper Angel decoration Snowman sweater Men’s Nordic jumper Santa toy Stripy mitts Textured KAL Lace jumper Moomin toy Cableedged jumper Fair Isle hat Moomin toy PLUS! Burda Knitting magazine

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ISSUE 191 CHRISTMAS

ISSUE 190 NOVEMBER

ISSUE 189 OCTOBER

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Zigzag jumper Robin baby jumper Advent calendar Lattice jumper Fair Isle Christmas stocking Sparkly teen jumper Yoga socks Rowan cardi The Snowman™ toy Woven rib jumper Festive mice Snowman stocking

Lace panel jumper Stylish poncho Textured throw KAL Men’s cable jumper Delicate pink cardigan Pretty Fair Isle hat Kid’s monster jumper Halloween keyrings Cuddly cow cushion PLUS! A handy quick guide to rib stitch

Aqua short-sleeved jumper Child’s hoody Geometric cushion Throw KAL Teddy bear Beehive tea cosy Frilly shoulder bag Fishbone jumper Striped lacy socks Pretty cardigan PLUS! Stylecraft Simply Classics and Knitdark pattern books

Sequin summer vest Three little kittens Simple textured cushion Striped child’s pinafore Grey lace socks Throw KAL Cool solar system mobile Herringbone rucksack PLUS! UK Yarn Shop Guide and Amanda Berry favourites booklet

ISSUE 187 AUGUST

ISSUE 186 JULY

ISSUE 185 JUNE

ISSUE 184 MAY

Lacy short-sleeved cardi Ladybird game Textured beach bag Dog pencil case Owl tea cosy Child’s striped cardigan Floral hair clips Textured beach bag Cosy cat bed Rainbow socks PLUS! Fab creative homewares

Green lace jumper Mosaic pattern cardigan Fair Isle bathroom tidy Kid’s cat jumper Cute summer mobile Men’s honeycomb jumper Casual striped vest Cable slippers Ballerina doll PLUS! Family and baby pattern booklets

Chunky cable cardi 3D daisy jumper Cool cable shrug Cute whale cushion Golf club covers Linen stitch bag Men’s textured jumper Spaceman, rocket and dog Fair Isle floor cushion Retro striped T-shirt PLUS! Super sock pattern booklet

Lace-sleeved jumper Melly the elephant Final KAL square Cute egg cosies Fluffy bunny rucksack Leopard-print jumper Loose wrapped poncho Lace mittens Cheery cacti knits The British Craft Awards 2019 PLUS! Bunny pattern booklet

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10 top bird-feeding tips

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Tweet yourself with our five feathered friends

by Amanda Berry…

Nature’s bold colours make these beautiful birds some of my favourite knits ever, after all, nothing says ‘spring’ better than a garden filled with British birds!They are worked in a budget-friendly yarn, so you can knit them for bird-loving friends and family too. Plus, check out our bonus tips on bird feeding on page 10!

5RELQ 11

Kirstie McLeod

KNITTED A BIRD? GET IN TOUCH! Write to us at Simply Knitting magazine, Immediate Media Co, Tower House, Fairfax Street, Bristol BS1 3BN or email us at simplyknitting@immediate.co.uk.

Find us on Instagram @simplyknittingmag or on Facebook.com/SimplyKnitting.

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Blue tit With its bright tropical hues, the playful blue tit is always a welcome visitor to the British garden

KNIT i nd! weeke

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BLUE TIT

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS

YOU WILL NEED To make all the birds: Q Hayfield Bonus DK (100% acrylic, 100g/280m) 1 ball of each Yarn A Black (0965) Yarn B White (0961) Yarn C Walnut (0927) Yarn D Signal Red

(0977) Yarn E Sunflower (0978) Yarn F Bright Lemon (0819) Yarn G Bluebell (0969) Yarn H Grass (0825) Yarn J Silver Grey (0838) Yarn K Oatmeal (0964) Yarn L Punchy Pink (0728) Q A pair of 3.5mm needles Q Toy filling, 200g

Q A pair of toy safety

ABBREVIATIONS

eyes per bird, 10mm diameter Q Bobbins for intarsia

For a full list see page 95 in Simply Knitting magazine (Swiss darning help is on page 94)

TENSION 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3.5mm needles

MEASUREMENTS One size 15cm long from top of head to tip of tail

NOTE Use longtail cast on for all pieces unless otherwise stated. There’s a great tutorial here: www.wikihow.com/ Do-the-Long-Tail-Cast-On

HEAD

BLUE TIT BODY Start at base.

Cast on 9 sts using 3.5mm needles and Yarn H. Row 1 (WS) Purl.

Row 2 (RS) K1, (kfb) 8 times. [17 sts] Row 3 Purl.

Row 4 K1, (kfb, K1) 8 times. [25 sts] Row 5 Purl.

Row 6 K1, (kfb, K2) 8 times. [33 sts]

TUMMY PANEL Join bobbins of Yarn H and Yarn F and work as intarsia.

Row 7 P10H, P14F, P9H. Row 8 K1H, (kfbH, K3H) twice, (kfbF, K3F) 3 times, kfbF, K1F, K2H, (kfbH, K3H) twice. [41 sts] Row 9 P12H, P18F, P11H. Row 10 K11H, K18F, K12H. Rows 11 to 18 Rep Rows 9 to 10 four more times.

Row 19 Rep Row 9.

Row 20 K1H, (k2togH, K3H) twice, (k2togF, K3F) 3 times, k2togF, K1F, K2H, (k2togH, K3H) twice.

[33 sts] Row 21 P33H. Cast off.

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Start at bottom edge.

Cast on 33 sts using 3.5mm needles and Yarn A. Row 1 (WS) Purl.

Row 2 (RS) K1, (kfb, K7) 4 times. [37 sts] Join bobbins of Yarn A and Yarn B and work as intarsia.

Row 3 P5A, P27B, P5A. Row 4 K4A, K29B, K4A. Row 5 P4A, P29B, P4A. Rows 6 to 7 Rep Rows 4 to 5.

Row 8 Rep Row 4.

Row 9 Rep Row 3.

Row 10 K37A. Break Yarn A and work in Yarn B. Row 11 Purl.

Row 12 K1, (k2tog, K7) 4 times. [33 sts] Break Yarn B and join Yarn G. Rows 13, 15 and 17 Purl.

Row 14 K1, (k2tog, K2) 8 times. [25 sts] Row 16 K1, (k2tog, K1) 8 times. [17 sts] Row 18 K1, (k2tog) 8 times. [9 sts] Break yarn and thread through rem sts. Pull tight to fasten.

Using Yarn A and Swiss darning (duplicate stitch), embroider a vertical line 7 sts tall down the centre of the white strip at the front of the head.

BLUE TIT WINGS (MAKE 2) Start at top edge.

Cast on 10 sts using 3.5mm needles and Yarn G. Row 1 and all foll odd-numbered rows (WS) Purl.

Row 2 (RS) K4, (kfb) twice, K4. [12 sts] Row 4 K5, (kfb) twice, K5. [14 sts] Row 6 K6, (kfb) twice, K6. [16 sts] Row 8 K7, (kfb) twice, K7. [18 sts] Row 10 Knit.

Row 12 K7, ssk, k2tog, K7. [16 sts] Row 14 K6, ssk, k2tog, K6. [14 sts] Row 16 K5, ssk, k2tog, K5. [12 sts] Row 18 K4, ssk, k2tog, K4. [10 sts] Row 20 (K2tog) 5 times. [5 sts] Break yarn and thread through rem sts. Pull tight to fasten.

After making up the Wings and before sewing onto the Body, using Yarn B and Swiss darning (duplicate stitch), embroider a horizontal line 6 sts wide across the side of each Wing.

BEAK Start at base.

Cast on 4 sts using 3.5mm needles and Yarn A. Rows 1 and 2 Beg on a WS purl row work in st st.

Row 3 (P2tog) twice. [2 sts] Break yarn and thread through rem sts. Pull tight to fasten.

TAIL Start at base.

Cast on 17 sts using 3.5mm needles and Yarn G. Row 1 (WS) P3, (K1, P1) 5 times, K1, P3.

Row 2 (RS) K3, (P1, K1) 5 times, P1, K3.

Rows 3 to 14 Rep Rows 1 to 2 six more times.

Row 15 Rep Row 1.

Cast off.

MAKING UP Sew the cast-off edge of the Body to the cast-on edge of the head. Insert the toy safety eyes on the Head (see photos as a guide). Sew the side edges of the Head/Body tog, stuffing as you sew. Note that the seam runs down the back of the bird.

Gather cast-on sts tog at bottom of Body. Sew side edges of Beak tog, and sew cast-on edge onto front of Head. For each Wing, sew side edges tog, gather cast-on sts tog, and sew cast-on end onto side of the Body with seamed edge towards the back of the bird. Sew side edges of Tail tog; this seam runs down centre underside. Oversew cast-off end tog, and sew cast-on edge onto bottom back of the Body.

TOP TIP Before you stuff your bird, shred your stuffing by pulling it apart with your fingertips. This makes it lighter, fluffier and finer so it will fit neatly into any corners and tips you have created.

STEP-BY-STEP KFB INCREASE 1 BY KNITTING INTO FRONT & BACK

1 Insert the tip of the righthand needle into the front of the stitch and knit as normal, but don’t drop it from the left-hand needle.

2 Then take the right-hand needle behind the left-hand one and insert the tip of the needle down through the back of the stitch on the lefthand needle.

3 Wrap the yarn around the tip of the right-hand needle to knit the stitch. Bring the needle through to make the stitch, keeping it on the righthand needle.

4 Take the stitch off the left-hand needle. You will have increased one stitch by knitting twice into the original stitch, first at the front, then at the back.

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Blackbird Look out for that distinctive perky orange beak when spotting this silky feathered visitor

Simple g stockin stitch

BLACKBIRD

BLACKBIRD BODY Start at base.

Cast on 9 sts using 3.5mm needles and Yarn A. Row 1 and all foll odd-numbered rows (WS) Purl.

Row 2 (RS) K1, (kfb) 8 times. [17 sts] Row 4 K1, (kfb, K1) 8 times. [25 sts] Row 6 K1, (kfb, K2) 8 times. [33 sts] Row 8 K1, (kfb, K3) 8 times. [41 sts] Rows 9 to 19 Starting on a WS purl row work in st st.

Row 20 K1, (k2tog, K3) 8 times. [33 sts] Row 21 Purl.

Cast off.

HEAD Start at bottom edge.

Cast on 33 sts using 3.5mm needles and Yarn A. Row 1 and all foll odd-numbered rows (WS) Purl.

Row 2 (RS) K1, (kfb, K7) 4 times. [37 sts] Rows 3 to 11 Starting on a WS purl row work in st st.

Row 12 K1, (k2tog, K7) 4 times. [33 sts] Row 14 K1, (k2tog, K2) 8 times. [25 sts] Row 16 K1, (k2tog, K1) 8 times. [17 sts] Row 18 K1, (k2tog) 8 times. [9 sts] Break yarn and thread through rem sts. Pull tight to fasten.

WINGS (MAKE 2) Start at top edge.

Cast on 10 sts using 3.5mm needles and Yarn A. Row 1 and all foll odd-numbered rows (WS) Purl.

Row 2 (RS) K4, (kfb) twice, K4. [12 sts] Row 4 K5, (kfb) twice, K5. [14 sts] Row 6 K6, (kfb) twice, K6. [16 sts] Row 8 K7, (kfb) twice K7. [18 sts] Row 10 Knit.

Row 12 K7, ssk, k2tog, K7. [16 sts] Row 14 K6, ssk, k2tog, K6. [14 sts] Row 16 K5, ssk, k2tog, K5. [12 sts] Row 18 K4, ssk, k2tog, K4. [10 sts] Row 20 (K2tog) 5 times. [5 sts] Break yarn and thread through rem sts. Pull tight to fasten.

BEAK Start at base.

Cast on 5 sts using 3.5mm needles and Yarn E. Rows 1 to 3 Starting on a WS purl row work in st st.

Row 4 K1, (k2tog) twice. [3 sts] Break yarn and thread through rem sts. Pull tight to fasten.

TAIL Start at base.

Cast on 17 sts using 3.5mm needles and Yarn A. Row 1 (WS) P3, (K1, P1) 5 times, K1, P3.

Row 2 (RS) K3, (P1, K1) 5 times, P1, K3.

Rows 3 to 14 Rep Rows 1 to 2 six more times.

Row 15 Rep Row 1.

Cast off.

MAKING UP Sew the cast-off edge of the Body to the cast-on edge of the Head. Insert the toy safety eyes on the Head (see photos as a guide). Sew the side edges of the Head/Body tog, stuffing as you sew.

Note that the seam runs down the back of the bird. Gather cast-on sts tog at bottom of Body.

Sew side edges of Beak tog, and sew cast-on edge onto front of Head. For each Wing, sew side edges tog, gather cast-on sts tog, and sew caston end onto side of the Body with seamed edge towards the back of the bird. Sew side edges of Tail tog; this seam runs down centre underside.

Oversew cast-off end tog, and sew cast-on edge onto bottom back of the Body.

LOVE BIRDS, WANT MORE? In next issue’s exciting supplement we have this cute duck nappy bag, knitted in bright and bold stitches and perfect for days out at the park. Issue 198 is on sale Thurs 23 April 2020.

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Robin No bird collection would be complete without a sweet robin, and this red-breasted beauty is a real crowd pleaser!

ROBIN

ROBIN BODY Start at base.

Cast on 9 sts using 3.5mm needles and Yarn C. Row 1 (WS) Purl.

Row 2 (RS) K1, (kfb) 8 times. [17 sts] Row 3 Purl.

Row 4 K1, (kfb, K1) 8 times. [25 sts] Row 5 Purl.

Row 6 K1, (kfb, K2) 8 times. [33 sts]

TUMMY PANEL Join bobbins of Yarn C and Yarn D and work as intarsia.

Row 7 P10C, P14D, P9C. Row 8 K1C, (kfbC, K3C) twice, (kfbD, K3D) 3 times, kfbD, K1D, K2C, (kfbC, K3C) twice. [41 sts] Row 9 P12C, P18D, P11C. Row 10 K11C, K18D, K12C. Rows 11 to 18 Rep Rows 9 to 10 four more times.

Row 19 Rep Row 9.

Row 20 K1C, (k2togC, K3C) twice, (k2togD, K3D) 3 times, k2togD, K1D, K2C, (k2togC, K3C) twice.

[33 sts] Row 21 P33C. Cast off.

HEAD Start at bottom edge.

Cast on 33 sts using 3.5mm needles and Yarn C. Row 1 and all foll odd-numbered rows (WS) Purl.

Row 2 (RS) K1, (kfb, K7) 4 times. [37 sts] Rows 3 to 11 Starting on a WS purl row work in st st.

Row 12 K1, (k2tog, K7) 4 times. [33 sts] Row 14 K1, (k2tog, K2) 8 times. [25 sts] Row 16 K1, (k2tog, K1) 8 times. [17 sts] Row 18 K1, (k2tog) 8 times. [9 sts] Break yarn and thread through rem sts. Pull tight to fasten.

WINGS (MAKE 2) Start at top edge.

Cast on 10 sts using 3.5mm needles and Yarn C. Row 1 and all foll odd-numbered rows (WS) Purl.

Row 2 (RS) K4, (kfb) twice, K4. [12 sts]

Row 4 K5, (kfb) twice, K5. [14 sts] Row 6 K6, (kfb) twice, K6. [16 sts] Row 8 K7, (kfb) twice K7. [18 sts] Row 10 Knit.

Row 12 K7, ssk, k2tog, K7. [16 sts] Row 14 K6, ssk, k2tog, K6. [14 sts] Row 16 K5, ssk, k2tog, K5. [12 sts] Row 18 K4, ssk, k2tog, K4. [10 sts] Row 20 (K2tog) 5 times. [5 sts] Break yarn and thread through rem sts. Pull tight to fasten.

BEAK Start at base.

Cast on 4 sts using 3.5mm needles and Yarn A. Rows 1 and 2 Beg on a WS purl row work in st st.

Row 3 (P2tog) twice. [2 sts] Break yarn and thread through rem sts. Pull tight to fasten.

TAIL Start at base.

Cast on 17 sts using 3.5mm needles and Yarn C. Row 1 (WS) P3, (K1, P1) 5 times, K1, P3.

Row 2 (RS) K3, (P1, K1) 5 times, P1, K3.

Rows 3 to 14 Rep Rows 1 to 2 six more times.

Row 15 Rep Row 1.

Cast off.

MAKING UP Sew the cast-off edge of the Body to the cast-on edge of the Head. Insert the toy safety eyes on the Head (see photos as a guide). Sew the side edges of the Head/Body tog, stuffing as you sew.

Note that the seam runs down the back of the bird. Gather cast-on sts tog at bottom of Body.

Sew side edges of Beak tog, and sew cast-on edge onto front of Head. For each Wing, sew side edges tog, gather cast-on sts tog, and sew caston end onto side of the Body with seamed edge towards the back of the bird. Sew side edges of Tail tog; this seam runs down centre underside.

Oversew cast-off end tog, and sew cast-on edge onto bottom back of the Body.

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10

tips for attracti birds to your garden

Welcome a whole host of British birds to your back yard with our hints on feeding, watering and cleaning

1

Bird tables and hanging feeders are healthier than feeding birds on the ground, but they need to be moved every few months to prevent too many droppings accumulating underneath. Make sure you always wash you hands after touching bird tables and feeders.

2

Birds require different foods at different times – high fat (ie high energy) foods in the winter to help them survive the cold winter nights, and high protein foods in the summer, to help them during the breeding and moulting periods.

3

During spring and summer offer the following food: black sunflower seeds, pinhead oatmeal, soaked sultanas, raisins, currants, mild grated cheese, mealworms, waxworms, mixes for insectivorous birds, seed mixtures without peanuts.

4

A cold or wet spring and summer affects the insect population, you can help by offering insect nibbles for your birds at this time.

5

The perfect bird table spot is away from fences and dense hedges and next to a small bush, so the birds can use it as a look-out point.

6 7

Birds need clean water too so offer them a bird bath near their food.

Birds have trouble with salt so avoid feeding them foods like salted peanuts, salted bacon and crisps.

8

Household scraps such as pastry, cooked rice and breadcrumbs are enjoyed by many garden birds.

Fruit, especially bruised apples and pears, will be popular with thrushes and blackbirds.

9

Prevent rats and infection by keeping your bird table free from old food and droppings. Clean it outdoors regularly, using a 5% disinfectant solution and wearing rubber gloves, to prevent bringing any unwanted germs back into your house.

10

Once you’ve established a feeding routine, monitor your food amounts (don’t overfeed) and stick to regular times, the birds rely on it and will soon turn up on cue.

Source: www.rspb.org.uk

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KNIT THE SET

Coal tit With more muted feathers than its relatives, the coal tit often steals its food away to eat at a later date

COAL TIT

COAL TIT BODY Start at base.

Cast on 9 sts using 3.5mm needles and Yarn J. Row 1 (WS) Purl.

Row 2 (RS) K1, (kfb) 8 times. [17 sts] Row 3 Purl.

Row 4 K1, (kfb, K1) 8 times. [25 sts] Row 5 Purl.

Row 6 K1, (kfb, K2) 8 times. [33 sts]

TUMMY PANEL Join bobbins of Yarn J and Yarn K and work as intarsia.

Row 7 P10J, P14K, P9J. Row 8 K1J, (kfbJ, K3J) twice, (kfbK, K3K) 3 times, kfbK, K1K, K2J, (kfbJ, K3J) twice. [41 sts] Row 9 P12J, P18K, P11J. Row 10 K11J, K18K, K12J. Rows 11 to 18 Rep Rows 9 to 10 four more times.

Row 19 Rep Row 9.

Row 20 K1J, (k2togJ, K3J) twice, (k2togK, K3K) 3 times, k2togK, K1K, K2J, (k2togJ, K3J) twice.

[33 sts] Row 21 P33J. Cast off.

HEAD Start at bottom edge.

Cast on 33 sts using 3.5mm needles and Yarn A. Row 1 (WS) Purl.

Row 2 (RS) K1, (kfb, K7) 4 times. [37 sts] Join bobbins of Yarn A and Yarn B and work as intarsia.

Row 3 P3B, P5A, P7B, P7A, P7B, P5A, P3B. Row 4 K3B, K5A, K8B, K5A, K8B, K5A, K3B. Row 5 P3B, P5A, P9B, P3A, P9B, P5A, P3B. Row 6 K3B, K5A, K9B, K3A, K9B, K5A, K3B. Row 7 P2B, P6A, P9B, P3A, P9B, P6A, P2B. Row 8 K8A, K9B, K3A, K9B, K8A. Row 9 P8A, P9B, P3A, P9B, P8A.

Row 12 K1, (k2tog, K7) 4 times. [33 sts] Row 14 K1, (k2tog, K2) 8 times. [25 sts] Row 16 K1, (k2tog, K1) 8 times. [17 sts] Row 18 K1, (k2tog) 8 times. [9 sts] Break yarn and thread through rem sts. Pull tight to fasten.

WINGS (MAKE 2) Start at top edge.

Cast on 10 sts using 3.5mm needles and Yarn J. Row 1 and all foll odd-numbered rows (WS) Purl.

Row 2 (RS) K4, (kfb) twice, K4. [12 sts] Row 4 K5, (kfb) twice, K5. [14 sts] Row 6 K6, (kfb) twice, K6. [16 sts] Row 8 K7, (kfb) twice, K7. [18 sts] Row 10 Knit.

Row 12 K7, ssk, k2tog, K7. [16 sts] Row 14 K6, ssk, k2tog, K6. [14 sts] Row 16 K5, ssk, k2tog, K5. [12 sts] Row 18 K4, ssk, k2tog, K4. [10 sts] Row 20 (K2tog) 5 times. [5 sts] Break yarn and thread through rem sts. Pull tight to fasten.

After making up the Wings and before sewing onto the Body, using Yarn B and Swiss darning (duplicate stitch), embroider two horizontal parallel lines 6 sts and 4 sts wide across the side of each wing.

BEAK Start at base.

Cast on 4 sts using 3.5mm needles and Yarn A. Rows 1 and 2 Beg on a WS purl row work in st st.

Row 3 (P2tog) twice. [2 sts] Break yarn and thread through rem sts. Pull tight to fasten.

TAIL Follow the Blackbird Tail pattern using Yarn J.

MAKING UP Follow instructions for Blue Tit.

Break Yarn B and work in Yarn A. Row 10 Knit.

Rows 11, 13, 15 and 17 Purl.

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Eas UR

C OL O WORK

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Bullfinch Cast on a colourful addition that would look beautiful hanging from a display of painted indoor branches

BULLFINCH

BULLFINCH BODY Start at base.

Cast on 9 sts using 3.5mm needles and Yarn J. Row 1 (WS) Purl.

Row 2 (RS) K1, (kfb) 8 times. [17 sts] Row 3 Purl.

Row 4 K1, (kfb, K1) 8 times. [25 sts] Row 5 Purl.

Row 6 K1, (kfb, K2) 8 times. [33 sts]

TUMMY PANEL Join bobbins of Yarn J and Yarn B and work as intarsia.

Row 7 P10J, P14B, P9J. Row 8 K1J, (kfbJ, K3J) twice, (kfbB, K3B) 3 times, kfbB, K1B, K2J, (kfbJ, K3J) twice. [41 sts] Row 9 P12J, P18B, P11J. Row 10 K11J, K18B, K12J. Row 11 Rep Row 9.

Break Yarn B and join Yarn L. Row 12 K11J, K18L, K12J. Row 13 P12J, P18L, P11J. Rows 14 to 19 Rep Rows 12 to 13 three more times.

Row 20 K1J, (k2togJ, K3J) twice, (k2togL, K3L) 3 times, k2togL, K1L, K2J, (k2togJ, K3J) twice.

[33 sts] Row 21 P10J, P14L, P9J. Cast off in Yarn J and Yarn L as set.

HEAD Start at bottom edge and work as intarsia throughout.

Cast on 33 sts using 3.5mm needles and Yarn J and L as follows: cast on 7 sts in J, 18 sts in L, and 8 sts in J. Row 1 (WS) P8J, P18L, P7J. Row 2 (RS) K1J, kfbJ, K5J, k2L, kfbL, K7L, kfbL, K7L, kfbJ, K7J. [37 sts] Row 3 P9J, P20L, P8J. Row 4 K8J, K20L, K9J. Break Yarn J and join Yarn A. Row 5 P9A, P20L, P8A.

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The bullfinch’s colours are added using simple intarsia

Row 6 K8A, K20L, K9A. Rows 7 to 8 Rep Rows 5 to 6.

Row 9 P10A, P18L, P9A. Break Yarn L and work in Yarn A. Row 10 Knit.

Rows 11, 13, 15 and 17 Purl.

Row 12 K1, (k2tog, K7) 4 times. [33 sts] Row 14 K1, (k2tog, K2) 8 times. [25 sts] Row 16 K1, (k2tog, K1) 8 times. [17 sts] Row 18 K1, (k2tog) 8 times. [9 sts] Break yarn and thread through rem sts. Pull tight to fasten.

WINGS (MAKE 2) Cast on and work Rows 1 to 8 in Yarn J and Rows 9 to 20 in Yarn A. Start at top edge.

Cast on 10 sts using 3.5mm needles and Yarn J. Row 1 and all foll odd-numbered rows (WS) Purl.

Row 2 (RS) K4, (kfb) twice, K4. [12 sts] Row 4 K5, (kfb) twice, K5. [14 sts] Row 6 K6, (kfb) twice, K6. [16 sts] Row 8 K7, (kfb) twice K7. [18 sts]

BULLFINCH Row 10 Knit.

Row 12 K7, ssk, k2tog, K7. [16 sts] Row 14 K6, ssk, k2tog, K6. [14 sts] Row 16 K5, ssk, k2tog, K5. [12 sts] Row 18 K4, ssk, k2tog, K4. [10 sts] Row 20 (K2tog) 5 times. [5 sts] Break yarn and thread through rem sts. Pull tight to fasten.

BEAK Start at base.

Cast on 5 sts using 3.5mm needles and Yarn A. Rows 1 to 3 Starting on a WS purl row work in st st.

Row 4 K1, (k2tog) twice. [3 sts] Break yarn and thread through rem sts. Pull tight to fasten.

edges of the Head/Body tog, stuffing as you sew.

Note that the seam runs down the back of the bird. Gather cast-on sts tog at bottom of Body.

Sew side edges of beak tog, and sew cast-on edge onto front of Head. For each wing, sew side edges tog, gather cast-on sts tog, and sew caston end onto side of the Body with seamed edge towards the back of the bird. Sew side edges of Tail tog; this seam runs down centre underside.

Oversew cast-off end tog, and sew cast-on edge onto bottom back of the Body.

TAIL Start at base.

Cast on 17 sts using 3.5mm needles and Yarn J. Row 1 (WS) P3, (K1, P1) 5 times, K1, P3.

Row 2 (RS) K3, (P1, K1) 5 times, P1, K3.

Rows 3 to 14 Rep Rows 1 to 2 six more times.

Row 15 Rep Row 1.

Cast off.

MAKING UP Sew the cast-off edge of the Body to the cast-on edge of the Head. Insert the toy safety eyes on the Head (see photos as a guide). Sew the side

Sew the cast-on edge of the tail onto the back of the bird

STEP-BY-STEP K2TOG KNIT TWO TOGETHER

1 Insert the point of the right-hand needle through the loops of the next two stitches as if to knit.

2 Wind the yarn around the tip of the right-hand needle and pull the yarn through the two stitches, knitting them both together.

3 Drop the two stitches from the left-hand needle and keep the new stitch on the right-hand needle.

4 Knitting two stitches together decreases your stitch count by one, and the decrease stitch leans to the right. This is how a series of k2tog decreases will look.

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Simply Presented with issue 197 of Simply Knitting Printed in the UK