Yarnwise

sizes 30-50in on all ladies’ garments

9 772050 335005

Sailor chic

patterns 50

★Knitting history: The Knitting Genie is back! ★Behind the scenes at Rowan ★Design uncovered: From swatch to sample

14 original ISSUE 50 JULY 2012

Read, learn, knit

NEW LOOK!

£4.99

Yarnwise written by knitters, for knitters

Yarnwise written by knitters, for knitters

14 ORIGINAL PATTERNS

Go nautical with style!

A sideways twist on chevrons and stripes

Inspirational Meet Melanie Porter, the talented knitting upholsterer

EXCLUSIVE

Make the adorable Kath Kangaroo – wild knitting designs by Laura Long

PLUS INSIDE

ISSUE 50 JULY 2012

YARN REVIEW LATEST NEWS APP REVIEW TUTORIALS PATTERNS LATEST BOOKS INTERVIEWS COMMUNITY AND MORE

LACE CARDIGAN ◆ CASUAL CUFFS ◆ CANDY STRIPE VEST ◆ LADY GRANTHAM HAT

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Kath Kangaroo & her baby Joey Kath Kangaroo and baby Joey are two delightful characters from Laura Lang’s book, Knitted Toy Travels: 15 wild knitting projects from across the globe Cast on

Laura graduated in 2003 with a First Class Knitted Textiles Degree from Central St Martins College of Art and Design. She works out of her central London studio designing, making and selling her knitted creations to boutiques and galleries all over the world.

Readers can order Knitted Toy Travels for the special price of £11.24 (rrp £14.99) with free p&p (UK only). Please visit www.rucraft. co.uk/knittedtoy-travels and quote promo code R11664 upon checkout or call RUCraft on 0844 8805851.

DIffIcULtY InTerMeDIATe SKILLS USED n Increasing & decreasing n Basic embroidery mEaSUrEmEntS n Kath: 32cm/12½in tall n Joey: 16cm/6¼in tall Yarn USED n 100g Aran yarn (from designers stash) n MC: Brown n CC: Oddments of pink, black and white Aran for embroidery

tEnSIon n Tension is not important to this project, but should remain fairly tight so the stuffing does not escape. notIonS n 4mm (US 6) needles n Tapestry needle n Fibrefill/stuffing n Fabric scraps PattErn notES n Purl all even rows throughout, unless otherwise indicated.

Kath Kangaroo

head and Body

Starting at the head: cast on 7 sts using size 6 (4mm) knitting needles. row 1: [Kfb] 6 times, k1. (13 sts) row 2: (and all even rows unless indicated) P. row 3: [Kfb, k1, kfb] 4 times, k1. (21 sts) row 5: [Kfb, k3, kfb] 4 times, k1. (29 sts) row 7: [Kfb, k5, kfb] 4 times, k1. (37 sts) row 9: [Kfb, k7, kfb] 4 times, k1. (45 sts) Cont in St st for 11 rows. row 21: [K2tog, k7, skpo] 4 times, k1. (37 sts) row 23: [K2tog, k5, skpo] 4 times, k1. (29 sts) Cont for neck and body: Cont in St st for 11 rows. row 35: [Kfb, k5, kfb] 4 ti mes, k1. (37 sts) row 37: [Kfb, k7, kfb] 4 times, k1. (45 sts) row 39: [Kfb, k9, kfb] 4 times, k1. (53 sts) row 41: [Kfb, k11, kfb] 4 times, k1. (61 sts) row 43: [Kfb, k13, kfb] 4 times, k1. (69 sts) Cont in St st for 21 rows. row 65: [K2tog, k13, skpo] 4 times, k1. (61 sts) row 67: [K2tog, k11, skpo] 4 times, k1. (53 sts) row 69: [K2tog, k9, skpo] 4 times, k1. (45 sts) row 71: [K2tog, k7, skpo] 4 times, k1. (37 sts) row 73: [K2tog, k5, skpo] 4 times, k1. (29 sts) row 75: [K2tog, k3, skpo] 4 times, k1. (21 sts) row 77: [K2tog, k1, skpo] 4 times, k1. (13 sts) row 78: P. Thread yarn through rem sts and pull tight.

nose

Cast on 30 sts using size 6 (4mm) knitting needles.

Work in St st for 8 rows. row 9: [K1, k2tog] rep to end. (20 sts) row 11: [K2tog] rep to end. (10 sts) Thread yarn through rem sts and pull tight.

Ears

(Make 2) Cast on 3 sts using size 6 (4mm) knitting needles. row 1: Kfb, kfb, k1. (5 sts) row 3: K.

words Laura Long photography F&W Media International

Designer Laura Long

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Pattern Kath Kangaroo

Kath Kangaroo can jump really high and Joey has to hold on tight so he doesn’t fall out

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row 5: K1, kfb, kfb, k2. (7 sts) row 7: K. row 9: K2, kfb, kfb, k3. (9 sts) row 11: K. row 12: P. Thread yarn through rem sts and pull tight.

tail

Cast on 36 sts using size 6 (4mm) knitting needles. row 1: K. row 3: K16, skpo, k2tog, k16. (34 sts) row 5: K15, skpo, k2tog, k15. (32 sts) row 7: K14, skpo, k2tog, k14. (30 sts) row 9: K13, skpo, k2tog, k13. (28 sts) row 11: K12, skpo, k2tog, k12. (26 sts) Cont in St st for 21 rows. row 33: [K2tog, k9, skpo] twice. (22 sts) Cont in St st for 5 rows. row 39: [K2tog, k7, skpo] twice (18 sts) Cont in St st for 5 rows. row 45: [k2tog, k5, skpo] twice. (14 sts) Cont in St st for 5 rows. row 51: [K2tog, k3, skpo] 2 times. (10 sts) Cont in St st for 5 rows.

Thread yarn through rem sts and pull tight.

Pouch

Cast on 24 sts using size 6 (4mm) knitting needles.

St st for 24 rows.

Cast off.

arms

(Make 2) Cast on 6 sts using size 6 (4mm) knitting needles. row 1: Kfb, k4, kfb. (8 sts) row 3: Kfb, k6, kfb. (10 sts) row 5: Kfb, k8, kfb. (12 sts) row 7: Kfb, k10, kfb. (14 sts) Cont in St st for 21 rows. row 29: [K2tog] rep to end. (7 sts) Thread yarn through rem sts and pull tight.

Use scraps of pretty fabric for the hands, ears and feet

Legs

(Make 2) Cast on 19 sts using size 6 (4mm) knitting needles. row 1: K8, kfb, kfb, k9. (21 sts) row 3: K9, kfb, kfb, k10. (23 sts) row 5: K10, kfb, kfb, k11. (25 sts) row 7: K11, kfb, kfb, k12. (27 sts) row 9: K12, kfb, kfb, k13. (29 sts) Cont in St st for 5 rows. row 15: K12, skpo, k1, k2tog, k12. (27 sts) row 17: K11, skpo, k1, k2tog, k11. (25 sts) row 19: K10, skpo, k1, k2tog, k10. (23 sts) row 21: K9, skpo, k1, k2tog, k9. (21 sts) Cont in St st for 3 rows. row 25: K9, kfb, kfb, k10. (23 sts) row 27: K14, turn. (9 sts rem) Cont for top of foot: row 28: P5, turn. (9 sts rem) row 29: Sl 1, k4, turn. row 30: Sl 1, p4, turn. rep rows 29 and 30, 5 times.

Hold 5 sts and cut yarn. row 41: Start from the inner end of the 9 sts, rejoin yarn, pick up and k7 sts from the righthand side of the top of the foot, k5 sts (held), pick up and k7 sts from the left-hand side of the top of the foot, k9 sts. (37 sts) Cont for side of foot: row 42: P across 37 sts.

Cont in St st for 4 rows. row 47: Skpo twice, k10, skpo twice, k1, k2tog twice, k10, k2tog twice. (29 sts) row 48: P. Cast off.

fInIShIng

head and Body

Sew the back seam from each end, leaving an opening of approximately 3cm/1in in the middle. Fill with stuffing. Sew up the opening.

nose

Sew up the seam starting from the tip of the nose. Loosely fill with stuffing – too much stuffing will make the nose look big.

Stitch the nose to the front of the head using the shaping of the face to position it correctly.

Ears

Cut two patches of fabric for the inner ears.

Bond fusible interfacing to the wrong side of the fabric. neatly sew one pad inside each ear.

arms

Fold each arm in half and sew the seam from the paw to under the arm. Fill with stuffing.

Position the arms correctly at each side of the body and sew, leaving a small opening for stuffing. Fill to the top of the arm with stuffing and sew up the opening. Cut two patches of fabric for the paws. Bond fusible interfacing to the wrong side of the fabric. neatly sew one pad on each paw.

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Pattern Kath Kangaroo Kath Kangaroo has a cute little embroidery knot for a nose!

Cont in St st for 5 rows. row 15: [Kfb, k1, kfb] 4 times, k1. (21 sts row 17: [Kfb, k3, kfb] 4 times, k1. (29 sts) Cont in St st for 9 rows. row 27: [K2tog, k3, skpo] 4 times, k1. (21 sts) row 29: [K2tog, k1, skpo] 4 times, k1. (13 sts) row 30: P. Thread yarn through rem sts and pull tight.

nose

Cast on 14 sts using size 6 (4mm) knitting needles. Work in St st for 3 rows. row 4: [P2tog] rep to end. (7 sts) Thread yarn through rem sts and pull tight.

Ears

Scented stuffing

tail

Fold the tail in half and sew the seam. Fill with stuffing. Position the tail near the base of the kangaroo’s back. Use the shaping of the back seam for guidance. Sew a few gathering stitches along the top of the tail and pull gently to make it bend upwards.

Pouch

Sew the pouch to the lower front of the kangaroo. Leave an opening at the top to fit Joey in.

Fold each leg in half and sew the seam from the heel to the top of the leg. Fill with stuffing.

Sew up the top of the leg. Position the legs correctly at the base of the body and sew them on tightly. Cut two patches of fabric for the feet.

Bond fusible interfacing to the wrong side of the fabric. neatly sew one pad to the bottom of each foot.

finishing touches

BaBY JoEY

head and Body

Cast on 7 sts using size 6 (4mm) knitting needles. row 1: [Kfb] 6 times, k1. (13 sts) row 2: (and all even rows unless indicated) P. row 3: [Kfb, k1, kfb] 4 times, k1. (21 sts) Cont in St st for 5 rows. row 9: [K2tog, k1, skpo] 4 times, k1. (13 sts)

tail

Cast on 14 sts using size 6 (4mm) knitting needles. row 1: K5, skpo, k2tog, k5. (12 sts) Work in St st for 3 rows. row 5: K4, skpo, k2tog, k4. (10 sts) Work in St st for 3 rows. row 9: [K2tog, k1, skpo] twice. (6 sts) row 10: P. Thread yarn through rem sts and pull tight.

arms

Legs

Make the nose by embroidering a number of small knots in pink yarn at the tip of the nose. embroider the mouth and eyes using dark brown or black yarn. Use the shaping of the head to position them correctly and evenly apart.

Add dried lavender when stuffing for a gorgeous scent

(Make 2) Cast on 2 sts using size 6 (4mm) knitting needles. row 1: Kfb, k1. (3 sts) row 3: Kfb twice, k1. (5 sts) row 5: K. row 6: P. Thread yarn through rem sts and pull tight.

Cast off Cast on

(Make 2) Cast on 9 sts using size 6 (4mm) knitting needles.

St st for 8 rows. row 9: [K2tog] rep to last st, k1. (5 sts) Thread yarn through rem sts and pull tight.

Legs

(Make 2) Cast on 9 sts using size 6 (4mm) knitting needles. row 1: K3, kfb twice, k4. (11 sts) row 3: K4, kfb twice, k5. (13 sts) St st for 3 rows. row 7: K4, skpo, k1, k2tog, k4. (11 sts) row 9: [K2tog, k1] rep to last 2 sts, k2tog. (7 sts) Cont in St st for 11 rows.

Thread yarn through rem sts and pull tight.

fInIShIng

Finish Joey in the same way as you made Kath, but with fabric patches just on his ears, not his paws. Because he is much smaller, stuff him as you sew him up to make it easier for yourself. When you have sewn and stuffed the leg seams, fold and sew the lower part of each leg so that it bends forward to make the foot. Pop little Joey into Kath Kangaroo’s pouch, all cosy and warm.

Cast off

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Zigzag Tunic

TENSION

Work 21 sts and 25 rows in Chevron Pattern to measure 10x10cm/4x4in using 4mm (US 6) needles, or size required to obtain correct tension.

NOTIONS

4mm (US 6) circular needle, 80-100cm/32-40in long 3.5mm (US 4) circular needle, 80-100cm/32-40in long 3.5mm (US 4) circular needle, 60cm/24in long (for bottom rib) Two 4mm (US 6) double-point needles (for i-cord) Tapestry needle

Versatile and easy to wear, this nautical inspired tunic makes an ideal summer project

SPECIAL STITCH PATTERNS

Chevron pattern (for tension swatch) (Multiple of 7 sts + 1) Row 1: (K1, yo, k1, skpo, k2tog, k1, yo) to last st, k1.

Row 2: Purl.

Rep Rows 1-2 for pattern.

Designer Iryna Klionava is an amateur knitter-designer living in southern Belgium. She loves handmade goods and is never tired of trying new crafts and techniques.

Find Iryna’s knitting blog at www.knottingnoodles.wordpress.com

PATTERN NOTES

Correct row tension is essential to this project, so make sure that it is accurate before beginning the piece.

“Love the sea but live on dry land? Inspired by classic striped shirts, this casual tunic top will add a touch of sailor style to your summer wardrobe.”

The tunic consists of two halves held together with the help of the central seam and ribbing at the bottom.

As the cotton yarn is not elastic, use the long tail cast-on method with two needles held together to obtain a loose edge. Also, take care not to knit the selvedge stitches too tightly.

DIffICULTY InTERMEDIATE YARN REVIEW n Iryna says “This new yarn by Rowan has all the benefits of pure cotton – it can feel a little dry while working, but it softens beautifully with washing.”

YARN USED n Rowan, Pima Cotton DK n 100% cotton n 50g/130m/ 142yd n 11 WPI n (MC) 050 Pampas (White) n (CC) 062 Skipper (Blue)

YARN ALTERNATIVES n Save: Sirdar, Simply Recycled DK n Spend: Sublime Yarns, Cotton Kapok DK n Spoil Yourself: Rowan, Amy Butler Belle Organic DK

Each half is worked sideways with the cast on forming the side, and ends on a different row of the pattern depending on the size.

RECOMMENDED EASE

2.5-7.5cm/1-3in Positive Ease

MEASUREMENTS FInIShED BUST

83

92.5

102

109

118.5

125

131.5

32¾

36½

40½

43

46¾

49¼

51¾

in

52

52

52

55

55

58.5

58.5

cm

20½

20½

20½

21¾

21¾

23

23

in

(MC) TOTAL METRES

3 390

3 390

4 520

4 520

5 650

5 650

6 780

balls m

TOTAL YARDS

426

426

568

568

710

710

852

yard

(CC) TOTAL METRES TOTAL YARDS

2 260 426

2 260 426

2 260 568

3 390 568

3 390 710

4 520 710

4 520 852

balls m yard

LEngTh

cm

words Iryna Klionava photography studiomag.co.uk

SKILLS USED n Increasing n Decreasing n Lace stitches n Pick up & knit n Knitting in the round n Knitting in rows n Working from a chart n Seaming n I-cord

6 Yarnwise July 2012

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Pattern Zigzag Tunic

Land Ahoy!

Iryna has worked her nautical sample in classic blue and cream.

If worked in black and silver, it can be ideal evening wear

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Work up a length of i-cord for the belt, or cheat and use a lucet!

fIRST HALf

With larger needles and MC, cast on 94 (94: 94: 101: 101: 108: 108) sts.

Rows 1, 3 & 5: Sl1, (k1, yo, k1, skpo, k2tog, k1, yo) to last 2 sts, k1, p1.

Row 2 and all foll WS rows unless otherwise noted: Sl1, purl to end.

Row 7: Sl1, (k1, yo, k6, yo) to last 2 sts, k1, p1.

120 (120: 120: 129: 129: 138: 138) sts.

Cont to work as follows, alternating 2 rows CC with 2 rows MC: Rows 9, 11 & 13: Sl1, (k1, yo, k2, skpo, k2tog, k2, yo) to last 2 sts, k1, p1.

Row 15: Sl1, (k1, yo, k8, yo) to last 2 sts, k1, p1.

146 (146: 146: 157: 157: 168: 168) sts.

Rows 17, 19, 21, 23 & 25: Sl1, (k1, yo, k3, skpo, k2tog, k3, yo) to last 2 sts, k1, p1.

Row 27: Sl1, (k1, yo, k10, yo) to last 2 sts, k1, p1.

Cast on

172 (172: 172: 185: 185: 198: 198) sts.

Row 29 and all foll RS rows to row 41: Sl1, (k1, yo, k4, skpo, k2tog, k4, yo) to last 2 sts, k1, p1.

Row 43: Sl1, (k1, yo, k12, yo) to last 2 sts, k1, p1.

198 (198: 198: 213: 213: 228: 228) sts.

Row 44 (WS): Sl1, purl to end, decreasing 1 (0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0) st(s) at end of row. 197 (198: 198: 213: 213: 228: 228) sts.

SIZES 92.5 (102: 109: 118.5: 125: 131.5)cm or 36.5 (40¼: 43: 46¾: 49¼: 51¾)in ONLY: Row 45 and all foll RS rows to row 49 (55: 59: 61: 61: 61): Sl1, (k1, yo, k5, skpo, k2tog, k5, yo) to last 2 sts, k1, p1.

Row 50 (56: 60: 62: 62: 62 - WS): Sl1, purl to end, decreasing 1 (1: 0: 0: 0: 0) st(s) at end of row. 197 (197: 213: 213: 228: 228) sts.

SIZES 118.5 (125: 131.5)cm or 46¾ (49¼: 51¾) in ONLY: Row 63: Sl1, (k1, yo, k14, yo) to last 2 sts, k1, p1.

241 (258, 258) sts.

Row 65 and all foll RS rows to row 65 (69: 73): Sl1, (k1, yo, k6, skpo, k2tog, k6, yo) to last 2 sts, k1, p1.

Row 66 (70: 74 - WS): Sl1, purl to end, decreasing 0 (1: 1) st(s) at end of row. 241 (257: 257) sts.

ALL SIZES

Begin Rib: Cut CC and cont with MC only.

Change to smaller needles.

Row 1 (RS): Sl1, (k1, p1) to end.

Row 2: Sl1, (p1, k1) to last 2 sts, p2.

Rep last 2 rows three times more. Cast off all sts.

SECOND HALf

Work as for First half.

fINISHING

With wrong sides of halves together, seam ribbing from side of work (front hem) to beginning of desired opening for neck.

Repeat for back of work.

Do not join sides, but fold in half at shoulders, ready to pick up stitches around bottom hem.

Bottom Rib: With smaller needles and MC, starting at the side corner of the Right Front, pick up and knit 1 st in every row across the front, then around the 8 Yarnwise July 2012

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PatternXxxxx ZigzagXxxxx Tunic

Mirror, mirror

To ensure a perfect fit between the two sides, the same cast on style should be used and tension must be even

back in the same manner, picking up each st as follows: *pick up and knit 1, yo; rep from * to end of rnd.

Pm and join to work in the rnd.

Rnd 1: (K1, p1) around.

Rep Rnd 1 fourteen times more.

Cast off all sts in pattern.

Wash gently, lay the wrap flat on a towel and pat it gently into shape.

Avoid hanging the wrap while it’s wet.

Weave in ends.

Cast off

52 (52, 52, 55, 55, 58.5, 58.5)cm, 20½ (20½, 20½, 21¾, 21¾, 23, 23)in

SCHEMATIC

I-cord: With dpns and CC, cast on 4 sts. *Knit 4. Do not turn but slide these sts to other end of dpn.

Rep from * until i-cord is long enough to wrap around the waist and tie a bow. Cast off.

Thread the i-cord through the column of yarnover eyelets closest to the ribbing.

21 (23.5, 26, 28, 30, 32, 33)cm, 8¼ (9¼, 10¼, 11, 11¾, 12½, 13)in

July 2012 Yarnwise 9

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28 26

27

11

Get to know your M1Ls from your PSSOs with our comprehensive knitting abbreviation guide and our handy ruler - perfect for knitting on the go

20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3

alternate

RH

right hand

aPPROx

approximately

RS

right side

beg

beginning

SkPO

slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped st over

bM

before marker

Sk2PO

cc

contrasting colour

slip 1, knit 2 stitches together, pass slipped st over

cH

chain (crochet)

SL1

slip 1 stitch

cM

centimetre

SL St

slip stitch

cn

cable needle

SM

slip marker

cOnt

continue

SSk

dc

double crochet (UK crochet)

slip 2 sts (one at a time), knit 2 slipped stitches together tbl

dec

decrease

SSP

dPn(S)

double-pointed needle(s)

slip 2 sts (one at a time), purl 2 slipped stitches together tbl

eSt

established

St(S)

stitch(es)

fOLL

following

g

grams

in

inch

inc

increase/increasing

k

knit

kfb

knit into front and back of stitch

k2tOg

knit the next two sts together

kwiSe

knitwise

LH

left hand

M

metre(s)

MM

millimetres

MeaS

measures

M1

make 1 (increase 1 st)

M1L

make 1 left

M1R

make 1 right

M1P

make 1 purl

Mb

make bobble

Mc

main colour

P

purl

Patt

pattern

P2tOg

purl 2 together

Pb

place bead

Pfb

purl into front and back of stitch

PM

place marker

PRev

previous

PSSO

pass slipped st over

PwiSe

purlwise

ReM

remaining

ReP(S)

repeat(s)

Rev St St

reverse stocking stitch

Rnd(S)

round(s)

St St

stocking stitch

tbL

through back loop

tOg

together

w&t

wrap & turn

wS

wrong side

wyib

with yarn in back

wyif

with yarn in front

yb

yarn back (no increase)

yd

yard(s)

yf

yarn forward (no increase)

yO

yarn over

yRn

yarn round needle

cm

in

1

2

1

aLt

photography Shutterstock

21

22

23

24

25

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2

AbbreviAtions & ruler

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The knitty gritty

The knitty gritty What’s happening right now in the world of wool

The BIG Knitted Art Project 26 July-4 August, Manchester What’s on august 2012

THIS MONTH" S ESSENTIAL READS

Longsight, Moss Side Powerhouse and Hulme Libraries have created an exciting Knitted and Crafted Art Project and are looking for your support. Each Library has chosen a theme that is being knitted up into an exhibition that will be on display in Crowcroft, Whitworth and Hulme parks.

Make Me Sweet Pass on your love of knitting by joining in the Knitted Sweet Shop project

Knit 1 Pass It On

The UK hand Knitting association is searching for keen crafters to participate in their Knitted Sweet Shop project. They’re asking people to create knitted and crocheted sweets in candy colours to fill the sweetie jars in their life-sized knitted wonderland. absolutely everything will be knitted or crocheted – there will even be woolly weighing scales and a knitted till on the counter.

This brilliant idea is the brainchild of Vanessa, denise and Vickie, who will display the knitted sweets at the Knit1hook1 Pass It On stand at the Knitting and Stitching Shows taking place at alexandra Palace and harrogate this autumn. Knit 1 Pass It On is a voluntary organisation which teaches knitting and crochet to the public, with the aim of raising the profile of knitting and crochet.

Participants are welcome to design their own sweets or use free patterns already available on the UK hand Knitting association website, at www.ukhandknitting. com/free_sweetie_patterns.php Details about where to send your finished sweeties and further information are on the website: www. ukhandknitting.com, or alternatively you can tweet them at: @Make_Me_Sweet or email to makemesweetstand@gmail.com.

Collins & Brown

For more information please contact Paula: p.carley@ manchester.gov.uk; telephone 0161 227 3708.

Knitted everyday Finery Mel ClarK, £14.99, Collins & Brown Knitwear designer Mel Clark’s latest collection features a range of fashionable, practical accessories perfect for everyday wear and everyday knitting.

Felted slippers, textured socks, a multicolour entrelac bag and a child’s dachshund pencil case are just some of the projects in this book, all of which are quick and easy to knit and make wonderful gifts. The patterns are suitable for a range of skill levels, and the charts and schematics are clear and easy to read, and Mel even provides some handy information on yarn substitutions in the back of the book.

For more details visit www. anovabooks.com

Get featured!

If you would like to be featured on these pages, please email catherine@ tailormadepublishing.co.uk

News Editor Catherine Waterfield catherine@tailormadepublishing.co.uk

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The knitty gritty THIS MONTH" S ESSENTIAL READS

Knit London: 10 iconic Projects emma King, £7.99, Collins & Brown This pocket-sized book is chocfull of London’s most iconic monuments – knitted. The book includes patterns for a doubledecker Routemaster bus, a Hackney cab, telephone box, London Bridge, The Gherkin and more. The huge amount of shaping and seaming required for many of the patterns means this book isn’t for the faint of heart, but with a little effort you’ll be rewarded with your own mini-London in no time at all.

Perfect as a gift, or to keep your hands busy while you watch the Olympics, this little book provides hours of fun. www.anovabooks.com

Residential knitting courses

Shutterstock

Collins & Brown

Discover the beauty of Colonsay in the Scottish Isles

What’s on august 2012

3-5 August, Colonsay, Argyll

The Hebridean Trading Company on the Isle of Colonsay is planning a two-day residential knitting course for beginners, intermediates and experts on 3-5th August. Take advantage of the skilled tutelage and a dramatic backdrop to learn new skills.

Beginners Learn the two main cast on methods, the two basic stitches used in all knitting patterns and how to cast off. intermediates Learn the art of patterns including Aran cable knitting and effective sewing up. experts Learn how to work on multiple needles, circular knitting and how to design your own pattern.

For more information see the Hebridean trading Company website at www.hie.co.uk, phone 01951 200284 or email hebrideanisles@aol.co.uk

Going for Gold

Woolsack

Over the past two years, the Woolsack project has seen volunteers knit thousands of cushions made from British wool.

Not only will the project give a personal welcome from the people of Britain to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic athletes, but it has helped people gain craft skills and learn what a wonderful range of fibre Britain produces.

During May and June, the Woolsack project moved into its final stage and began distributing cushions. For some cushion

makers this even provided the opportunity to actually meet the athletes who received them.

One of Woolsack’s organisers, Jane Cooper, spoke to Yarnwise about the project, saying, “British athletes love their cushions and have been enthusiastic supporters of the project, helping to spread the word to international teams.

They really appreciate the effort, skill and work that’s gone into making every cushion and they’ve been keen to pass on their personal thanks to the makers.”

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The knitty gritty THIS MONTH" S ESSENTIAL READS

KNITTING ON THE NET

Craftsy

Kyle Books

More fascinating knitting blogs and websites.

There’s something for everyone on the world wide web and this month is no exception

www.craftsy.com Newly-launched is Craftsy’s pattern selling and buying facility, which allows you to search for and buy patterns, or download a host of free ones.

Full details of the pattern are available before download and there’s a handy gallery where you can view completed projects, or add your own. Best of all is that Craftsy’s pattern-selling facility is free to use for buyers and sellers alike.

Pickles

Craftsy is a multicraftual online community, and a great way to share not only knitting projects, but also crochet, sewing, weaving and many more.

The website features a range of innovative online courses for you to take (both paid-for and free) including basic skills like cabling for beginners and classes such as entrelac, lace design and pattern writing for the more adventurous knitters among us.

www.pickles.no Pickles is the website of a Scandinavian yarn company, founded by Grønvold Heidi and Anna Enge in 2009. They started small, creating a knitting website and blog for their own entertainment, and it has gradually evolved into a huge knitting website and inspiration for knitters from all over the world.

The Pickles website offers a variety of free and paid-for knit and crochet patterns, and each paid-for pattern even has one size available for free, so you can see if you like the directions before taking the plunge.

The online shop also sells the yarns suggested in the patterns, much of which is unique to Pickles, as Heidi and Anna source their own yarns from Norwegian small producers, with a focus on ethics and the environment. Their philosophy is to only sell highquality yarn that they themselves would knit with, and to offer delicate easy-to-coordinate palettes.

You’ll also find the blog peppered with treats of a different kind, as Heidi and Anna’s second passion is cupcake-making.

What to Knit When You’re expecting niKKi Van De car £14.99, Kyle BooKs

This gorgeous book features 28 patterns for babies aged 0-12 months, including booties, mittens, bibs and blankets, as well as sweaters, hats and cardigans.

Difficulty ranges from beginner patterns such as burp cloths and blankets, to intermediate-level patterns including lacy cardigans and thrummed mittens.

The book is split into three sections – Trimester 1, 2 and 3.

Patterns in the first trimester are gender-neutral easy-knits, ideal for that period where you’re too fatigued for anything too complex.

Trimester 2 and 3 includes female and male garments and accessories, and Trimester 3 features quickknits, which are great for when the birth of your child is imminent.

What to Knit is ideal for an expectant knitter, or even just for you to knit something from as a gift for a new arrival.

For more information, visit www. kylebooks.com To GET A FEEl For THiS lovElY Book, TurN To PAGE 26 For AN ExCluSivE ExTrACT ANd rEAdEr oFFEr

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The knitty gritty

FLY THE FLAG £16

perfect This patriotic blend of merino is this for sparking your Olympic spirit 105g.

August and comes in at a generous pinCityUK

www.etsy.com/shop/S

g on Sick of centre-pull balls collapsin Pop your s? mes led tang a into s selve them tic plas chy stret a Bra, Yarn ball into the mesh which solves the problem.

BEACH HUT BUTTONS £14 FOR 4 neHodgePodgeArts specialises in-o e from mad ons, butt mic cera d -kin of-a a clays. porcelain and beautiful bone chin t.com/

www.notonthehighstree hodgepodgearts

www.theyarnyard.co.uk

SHOPPING WISHLIST Yarnwise brings you the best in knitting accessories, notions, gift ideas and all-round, must-haves

NEEDLE ROLL £24.95

le roll is This gorgeous 100% cotton need for extra handmade with 20 pockets, lined crochet and le need of ty varie A gth. stren . hook pouches are also available essyJesse www.etsy.com/shop/M

Sail Out tote: Ozetta, Beach Hut Buttons: HodgePodgeArts, Fly the Flag: Spin City, Needle Roll: Messy Jesse, Yarn Bra: The Yarn Yard

YARN BRA 50P

SAIL OUT TOTE £13

ect yarn This reusable calico tote is the perf ted and prin d Han on. pani com ping shop t reads made from cotton canvas, the prin gs”. thin new knit “Sail out to sea and zetta www.etsy.com/shop/o

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REgulAR Yarn Review

YARN REVIEW We review some of the newer and more established yarns in store this summer

By Catherine Waterfield

RoWan, CReative Linen

Louisa HaRding, saRi Ribbon

◆ 50% cotton, 50% linen ◆ 100g/200m/219yds ◆ WPI 11 ◆ Hand wash in cold water ◆ See www.knitrowan.com

◆ 90% nylon, 10% metallic ◆ 50g/60m/66yds ◆ WPI 7 ◆ Machine wash 30˚C ◆ See www.designeryarns.

for stockists

words Catherine Waterfield photography Zoe Clements/shutterstock.co.uk

Available in 20 colourways, ranging from rustic naturals like our shade, ‘Straw’, to jewel and berry tones like ‘Coleus’ and ‘Eggplant’, Creative Linen

is perfect for a breathable summer garment. Tightly spun and plied, it was a pleasure to knit with – however, being a cotton-linen blend, the yarn has very little elasticity, so swatch carefully, dry and store your finished knits flat to prevent growth. Finished projects are bound to get softer and softer with use, just as linen ages well.

co.uk for stockists Sari Ribbon is a beautiful, translucent length of ribbon with a glittery metallic sheen.

Available in 18 variegated colourways, it combines well

with luxury fibres such as silk to add a touch of whimsy and glamour to a project. As sari ribbon is primarily detail yarn in a bigger project, the yardage is ample. It comes bundled in a large skein – it’s well-tied, but if you don’t have a swift of your own we recommend asking your local yarn store to wind it for you. An added bonus is that it can be machine washed.

Louisa HaRding, deLpHine

RoWan, FeLted tWeed dK

◆ 100% cotton ◆ 50g/91m/100yds ◆ Hand wash 30˚C ◆ See www.designeryarns.

◆ 50% merino, 25% rayon,

co.uk for stockists

Available in a small but summery selection of ten semisolid colourways, Delphine is a flattened chainette yarn, making it more elastic and airey than many 100% cotton yarns. Despite feeling more like a ribbon yarn when you knit with it, it worked up easily and would wear well, making it a great

yarn for summer accessories.

As always, with Louisa Harding yarns, there is pattern support.

At present, there are only three patterns available, but with such a versatile yarn, we anticipate many more.

25% alpaca ◆ 50g/175m/191yds ◆ WPI 11 ◆ Machine wash wool cycle ◆ See www.knitrowan.com for stockists

many DK yarns – it not only has excellent yardage per ball but it provides excellent drape when knit. The lighter tones are well suited for summer, and the blends are perfect for stranded colourwork.

Felted Tweed is one of my all-time favourite yarns, and if I could knit in nothing else I would! Available in a large selection of colours, each one contains flecks of complimentary colours that really add interest to a garment. It’s a finer yarn than

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Fantasy Stitch Tutorial We take a step-by-step look at how to work this unusual, textural stitch

InstructIons

(Worked in the round over multiples of 6 sts) rnd 1: (K3, yo twice, K3) around. rnd 2: *K3, drop both yo’s, (k1, p1, k1) into the next 3 sts as if to

k(p)3tog; rep from * around. rnd 3: (Yo twice, k6) around. rnd 4: *Drop both yo’s, (k1, p1, k1) into next 3 sts as if to k(p)3tog; rep from * around.

Follow the steps below to help you work rnds 2 and 4:

step 2 Slip each of the next three stitches purlwise, one by one, on to the RH needle and stretch them out as you move them

step 1 Knit 3, drop both yarn overs. This gives a big loop

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Tutorial Fantasy Stitch

step 4

The stitches will pick up the slack of the dropped yarnovers, and become taller

Slip the three (taller) stitches back to the LH needle

step 5

step 6

Working into the three stitches, knit 3 together (but do not drop off the needle)

Slip the three Working back into the three (taller) stitches, stitches p3tog. Do (taller) backdrop to the not offLH the needle needle.

words ZoĂŠ Clements photography Sharon Jane

step 3

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Tutorial Fantasy Stitch

step 7 Working back into the three (taller) stitches, k3tog and drop off the needle

The Fantasy stitch pattern mimics the look of broomstick crochet, adding interesting texture to your knitted fabric

For extra definition

This stitch can be worked to great effect in a chunky yarn, where the stitches really stand out

to contInue repeat steps 1-7 to end of round.

For round 4 work steps 1-7, working into the Yo’s first

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Yarn Review

YARN REVIEW

A beautiful yarn to work with, John Arbon Textiles: Knit

by Numbers gets an in-depth review by Bianca Boonstra

MADE IN BRITAIN

John Arbon Textiles has a wide range of environmentally friendly British yarns

The softness of the yarn offers great stitch definition

John ArBon: Knit by Numbers Type 100% merino double knit length 100g = 250m/273yds shade reviewed KBN56

words Bianca Boonstra photography studiomag.co.uk

needles 4mm Tension 20x20 sts = 9x7cm Knit by Numbers is a relatively new range under the John Arbon umbrella and is available in an array of over 60 shades.

Spun in Devon, this yarn knits up nicely and you’ll find that knitting or frogging back

doesn’t damage the yarn – it stays in perfect shape, with zero splitting. The hank looks much smaller than its meterage and at 250m to a hank, you get a great deal for your money! The softness comes as a surprise and this shade is particularly great for any lover of khaki green.

WAshing

Made out of 100% merino, it’s advisable to hand wash projects worked in Knit by Numbers. The swatch for ‘Little Green Bag’ (see page 25) was washed in handwarm water with one drop of wool wash. The colour stayed fast, with no bleed and while rinsing, the water remained

clear. The swatch instantly bloomed, felt super-soft and didn’t pile throughout the handwashing process.

This yarn does take a little extra time during the drying process, though, and it’s best to block your knitting flat.

However, the swatch remained in shape after it was dry, and with very pleasing results.

Washing in a machine may cause your knitting to felt – certainly not advisable, unless it’s a desired design effect!

our designer sAid

I would love to combine more of the 61 available shades in a Fair Isle project, especially a

Bianca’s bag is an ideal quick knit

project for the hands or arms – it’s definitely worth the pricetag.

When cared for in the way intended, you will enjoy your knitwear for many years.

sTAr rATing

Knitability Value for money

cosT for A proJecT

Available in the UK, one hank costs £8.95. Using just one skein, you could create a set of onecolour mittens or wristwarmers, or the Little Green Bag on pg 25. for more details and to purchase Knit by Numbers, visit www.jarbon.com or call (01598) 752490.

BiAncA’s conclusion

An absolute must when planning your knits for the coming autumn and winter, with a great palette of colours to choose from. It knits well and stays in excellent shape when cared for in the right way. Care for this yarn and your knitwear will care for you! I will definitely use Knit by Numbers again in the near future.

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FEATURE Woolfest 2012

words Catherine Waterfield photography Shutterstock / Woolclip

OVER 5,200 VISITORS AND 160 VENDORS FLOCKED TO COCKERMOUTH IN JUNE FOR ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S BIGGEST FIBRE FESTIVALS, WOOLFEST

BY CATHERINE WATERFIELD

T

his year’s Woolfest saw record numbers of people travelling from far and wide to enjoy themselves, in spite of the weekend’s wet weather. As well as coachloads of wool enthusiasts from Manchester, Newcastle and Scotland, visitors came from as far afield as Russia, Japan, the USA and New Zealand.

Woolfest is an annual festival celebrating all aspects of natural fibres with a focus on wool, wool products and wool crafts – their sources, uses and products – and from hill farming and rare breed fleece animals to the latest craft techniques and creations.

Sellers and attendees alike came from all over the world, to participate in classes and purchase from over 160 fibre-focused vendors, farmers and craftspeople. Visitors and stallholders come from across the world, many of them every year, to meet, catch up and share ideas and inspiration. All of this

is the work of The Wool Clip, a small Cumbrian-based craft cooperative that was founded in 2001.

WOOLCLIP

The Wool Clip co-operative is comprised of enthusiastic designers and craftspeople, including spinners, dyers, rug makers, knitters, crocheters, weavers and felters and farmers. The 15-strong membership understands the threat to British wool and local sheep farming, and the continuing loss of many traditional craft skills. Working together this way gives members access to a wealth of shared skills and knowledge, on everything from equipment and techniques to suppliers and local history.

By founding the cooperative, Wool Clip members were able to combine their talents and more effectively juggle their farming, families and other commitments, with the aim of raising the profile of craft in Britain. The organisation prides itself on being an

open and inclusive co-operative which welcomes new members that work predominantly with British wool and bring something new and different to their group.

They also created the Wool Clip shop in nearby Caldbeck. Run as a social enterprise, each member spends a couple of days a month running it, and the commission from sales helps pay for the upkeep. All of this led to the group being awarded the Northwest Women in Business Social Enterprise of the Year Award in 2009.

WOOLFEST’S HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

In 2005, Wool Clip launched Woolfest, the first ever festival of its kind in the UK and a format that has been emulated many times since.

According to the late Carolyn Rawlinson, one of the founders of Woolfest and a Woolclip member, “Woolfest was born at a liquid lunch just after Christmas 2003.” For years, Carolyn

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FEATURE Woolfest 2012 Three visitors from Japan had travelled to the UK to visit Woolfest and to buy fleece

Wool Sack – a project to make a 100% British wool cushion for 12,000 athletes involved in London 2012 – was at Woolfest and Jane Cooper and Sharon Turner were busy stuffing cushions throughout

Eta Ingham-Lawrie of Window of Woolly Wonders won the Herdwick Cup for her contribution to this year’s Woolfest and was presented with a knitted trophy by Marion Woolcott and Jean Wildish of The Wool Clip

This year’s Woolfest was the biggest and best yet – despite the weather!

The Wool Clip shop at Caldbeck

had dreamed of creating a festival that celebrated wool, spinning, dyeing, knitting and textiles. Carolyn suggested the idea at a Wool Clip meeting and it was unanimously agreed upon.

Woolfest was born, following Carolyn’s vision for a show that mixed together the best parts of the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival in America and the Potfests in Cumbria.

Today, Woolfest is still organised by members of The Wool Clip, but with the growth of the festival they now do it with help of over a hundred volunteers, who are invaluable over the two-day event.

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FEATURE Woolfest 2012

A record breAking yeAr

This year’s Woolfest was the “biggest and best” event according to Wool Clip, despite the weather. “Each year we think that we must have peaked,” Marion Woolcott, one of the organisers from the Wool Clip cooperative, remarked, “but it just seems to get bigger and more varied and our visitors seemed to thoroughly enjoy it this year, in spite of the deluge outside.”

The festival goes from strength to strength each year, and this year there was even a waiting list of businesses wanting to trade at Woolfest in spite of extending to over 160 stalls this year and the visitor numbers continue to grow.

Each year sees the event selling more raw fleeces, with nearly 600 sold this year alone, raising over £5,000 for breeders and wool growers. The event also raised nearly £2,300 for charity with the Ravelry network, Woolfest musicians and Wool Creche contributing £962 to the Pride of Cumbria Air Ambulance, the Hospice in the Home West Cumbria stall raising £430 and the p/hop stand (pennies per hour of pleasure) raising £906 for Médecins Sans Frontières.

photography Shutterstock / Woolclip

One of the biggest strengths of Woolfest is that it tells the whole story of wool For the first time, the organisers from the Wool Clip presented Stallholder Awards to five businesses that were judged to have contributed most to this year’s Woolfest. “It wasn’t just about the look of their stalls,” according Jean Wildish, current Chairman of the Wool Clip, “but also about their support on the administration ahead of Woolfest and their energy and enthusiasm during the event too.”

Overall winner, and recipient of the Herdwick Cup (knitted by Marion Woolcott), was Eta Ingham-Lawrie of the Window of Woolly Wonders from Duns in the Borders, who demonstrated her weaving throughout Woolfest and had one of the most colourful stalls.

Runners up, and recipients of Herdwick corsages or pin wheels, were Helen Brotherton of My Fine Weaving Yarn from Leicestershire, Jon Dun-Ballam of Easyknits.co.uk from London, Ruth Packham from Aberystwyth in Wales and Sue Allan of SewSister who had travelled from Surrey.

Top The Wool Clip – on an evening with sunshine!

Above left John Thorley of the Campaign for Wool at Woolfest.

Above right Joss Wrigg, winner of this year’s Carolyn Rawlinson Memorial Stall at Woolfest, with Robert Rawlinson.

Left Jean Wildish, June Hall, Linda Chapman, Marion Rae and Pam Hall of The Wool Clip with the Cumbria Tourism Award

The stars of the show, however, were still the animals and the Main Ring at Mitchells was as packed as ever for the Rare Breed Parade, with commentary by VIP guest, Peter Titley of the Rare Breed Survival Trust.

“One of the strengths of Woolfest,” according to Marion, “is that we tell the whole story of wool, from the animal and the fleece through to the yarn and the crafts. It means that we can also make the most of our local Cumbrian breeds and tell the story of wool in a

way that even the youngest visitor can understand and it’s probably the reason that we recently won the Event of the Year Award from Cumbria Tourism.

Thank you to everyone in Cockermouth and beyond who helped make Woolfest such a success – it was exhausting but it was worth it!”

For more information on Woolclip, and to plan your visit to next year’s Woolfest, visit www.woolclip.com or www.woolfest.co.uk.

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