Indholdsfortegnelse for May 2016 i Simply Knitting

March has been show season for us this year! We took a trip to Birmingham’s NEC to the yarn industry’s annual trade show, to see lots of the goodies that you’ll find arriving in the shops. We were also lucky enough to visit the Spring Knitting & Stitching Show at Olympia – and we picked up some exciting products and ideas there, too! We’ll be featuring many of them in our news pages in upcoming issues, so do keep a lookout to find out more about what we saw. We’ve packed this issue full of fabulous projects to inspire your knitting. If you like to be prepared, you can even get started on your Father’s Day present early this year – there’s a great jumper on page 59, or how…

Q Having seen some gorgeous handspun yarns at a fibre festival I’m thinking of learning to spin myself. Can you help me get started? Jenny Frost, Billericay A You don’t need much to learn to spin – just a drop spindle, some fibre and plenty of patience! Try a top whorl wooden spindle and a longer staple length wool such as Blue Faced Leicester, or look for a beginner’s Learn to Spin kit like the one from Ginger Twist Studio. A book we’d recommend is Respect The Spindle by Abby Franquemont, and there are also some great spinning resources online: have a look at our in-depth guide at www.theyarnloop.com/node/556.…

Use some 4ply yarn from your stash to knit these fingerless mittens by Kirstie McLeod. Easy and quick to work in rib and stocking stitch, the mitts have a lacy overlay that’s knitted on its own – making them a great first lace project. Give it a try! YOU WILL NEED 100m of 4ply yarn A pair of 3mm needles TENSION Yarn used knits as 4ply to this tension: 26 sts and 32 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3mm needles SIZE To fit average size women’s hands ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 90 MITTENS (MAKE 2) Cast on 42 sts using 3mm needles. Row 1 K2, (P2, K2) to end. Row 2 P2, (K2, P2) to end. Last 2 rows set K2, P2 rib.…

Pretty skirts and dresses aren’t just for hot summer days – wear them whatever the weather with this light, lacy jumper. The 100% cotton yarn shows off the stitches in the front panel beautifully, and with pastels and brights in the range there’s a colour to suit every skin tone. Show us your finished knits at www.facebook.com/SimplyKnitting! YOU WILL NEED Rowan, Summerlite DK (100% cotton, 50g/130m) A pair of 3¼mm needles A pair of 3¾mm needles For yarn stockists contact Rowan 01484 681881 www.knitrowan.com TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 22 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3¾mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 90 BACK Cast on 94 (98: 102: 110: 118: 122: 130: 138: 142:…

1 Insert the point of the right-hand needle through the loops of the next 2 stitches as if to knit. 2 Wind the yarn round the tip of the right-hand needle and pull the yarn through the 2 stitches, knitting them both together. 3 Drop the 2 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 two, and the decrease stitch leans to the right. This is how a series looks.…

BARGAIN SPARKLES Here’s my version of ‘Limoncello’ from issue 135 of Simply Knitting. I found this beautiful Sirdar Ella DK in the bargain basket at my local yarn shop. Despite looking very lacy and intricate, this was a fairly easy knit. I was very pleased with the result. I’m on the lookout for more bargain yarn so I can knit it again in a different colour. And after seeing me knitting this at my local knitting group, two of the ladies purchased the pattern! Ann Graham, via email That looks fantastic, Ann! The sparkly yarn was a lovely touch. VINTAGE REVAMP It took me five months to do, but I’ve finally finished ‘Vintage’ from Simply Knitting issue 132! I think it took so long due to the sideways construction. I’m…

THE BEE HAPPY Knitters might not be buzzing with members just yet, but they’re certainly buzzing with activity! After discussing the idea of starting a knitting group during the summer of 2015, friends Char Shackleton and Sue Garlick have been meeting up every week to have a good ol’ knit and natter. They quickly decided on a name intended to promote the pleasure and enjoyment of knitting. Since Sue already worked there, they decided to meet at Cappuccino Café in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire (with permission from the lovely owners, Chris and Yvonne Blazey). Sue then designed a poster for the window of the café and set up a Facebook page to share the group’s knits and connect with more local knitters. “The group is really the brainchild of Sue,”…

Who would have thought that stocking stitch could create such an amazing texture? The secret’s all in the thick and thin slub yarn! You can take your pick of natural pastel shades or vibrant brights to make your jumper a unique combo of stripes. With such a simple stitch, you’ll have this stylish top knitted in no time. YOU WILL NEED King Cole, Opium (54% cotton, 42% acrylic, 4% polyamide, 100g/250m) A pair of 5½mm needles Stitch markers Darning needle Smooth cotton DK or 4ply yarn in similar shade to main colour For yarn stockists contact King Cole 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com TENSION Yarn used knits as chunky to this tension: 14 sts and 24 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 5½mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a…

Get started on your Father’s Day present a little earlier this year! This Celtic-style jumper uses a series of textured stripes to separate stocking stitch and double seed stitch panels. With a range of solid and subtly mixed shades to choose from in this yarn, you can pick Dad’s favourite colour and knit him the perfect jumper. YOU WILL NEED DROPS, Lima (65% wool, 35% alpaca, 50g/92m) A 3 mm circular needle, 80cm long A 3 mm circular needle, 40cm long OR a set of 3 mm DPNs for neck ribbing A 4mm circular needle, 80cm long A set of 4mm DPNs 4 stitch markers in different colours (see notes in raglan) 3 stitch holders For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits…

Stitch markers, row counters, pins and scissors. You’ll find all these and more in every knitter’s bag. And whether it’s plastic or canvas, embroidered or printed, pocket size or big enough for a work-in-progress, every knitter needs a place to stash all their essentials. Take a look at our pick of the best.…

CHAIN STITCH This is the foundation of all crochet stitches. 1 About 15cm (6in) from the end of the yarn, make a loop with the ball end on top. Insert the hook through this loop and catch the yarn, pulling it through the loop. Slide the slipknot up to the hook. 2 With the hook in your right hand, hold the slipknot between thumb and finger of the left hand. Move the hook under and over the yarn. 3 Pull the hook and yarn back through the slipknot loop to form your first chain (ch) stitch. Now repeat steps 1-2 until you’ve formed a chain. 4 This is what your row of chains will look like. Keep going until you have the number of chains that are stated on your…

Louisa Harding’s Amitola yarn knits up to produce gorgeous ombré stripes, and we love how they look combined with the dainty lace design of these bed socks. Using a DK rather than 4ply weight makes these socks extra cosy, so they’ll keep your toes warm on chilly nights – and they’ll be quick to knit too. Are you ready? Let’s get knitting! YOU WILL NEED • Louisa Harding, Amitola (80% wool, 20% silk, 50g/250m) 1 ball of Amelia (127) • A set of 4mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) • Stitch markers • Ribbon approx 50cm long For yarn stockists contact Designer Yarns 01535 664222 www.designeryarns.uk.com TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 21 sts and 32 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over lace patt using 4mm needles…

Favourite knitting technique? Colourwork of any kind. It keeps things interesting! English or continental? English, definitely! Desert island yarn? Mrs Moon Plump, of course (for those chilly nights). When did you learn to knit? My mum taught me how to knit when I was little. What inspires you? Everything and anything! Favourite knitting project. My favourite project is generally the one that I’m about to start. At the moment I’m considering a coatigan! Biggest knitting ambition? Well, it was to write a book, but now we’ve written Simple Chic Knits maybe another one! Tips for beginner knitters. Don’t be put off by anything. It’s just knitting and easy to learn! Worst knitting habit? I’m very messy. There’s yarn everywhere – and of course, unfinished projects… Simple Chic Knits…

Indulge your love of knitting in truly beautiful surroundings! On this trip, you’ll visit the Guðrun & Guðrun shop, the Snældan wool producers, the fjords and the isolated villages that are keeping Faroese knitting traditions alive. This is a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Faroe Islands, meet other knitters and get your hands on some amazing yarn. What more could you ask for? Your tutor for our trip, Juliet Bernard, was the editor of our sister magazine The Knitter for more than five years from its launch, and now works with many brands such as KnitPro, Stylecraft and the UK Hand Knitting Association. She also writes for many foremost knitting magazines including The Knitter and Debbie Bliss Magazine. Juliet is an experienced tutor and loves to…

1 Insert the point of the right-hand needle into the next stitch as if to knit and slip it on to the right-hand needle. 2 For the next stitch, insert the right-hand needle into the next two stitches on the left-hand needle and knit them together. 3 Insert the point of the left-hand needle into the slipped stitch on the right-hand needle. Take this stitch back over the k2tog. 4 Take the slipped stitch off the right-hand needle and drop it off the left-hand needle. The slipped stitch will slope towards the left.…

Strangers can be awfully funny about your knitting, can’t they? If you’ve ever knitted anywhere more public than your own sofa, I guarantee that somebody will have felt the need to comment. It’s a bit like taking your newborn baby outside: within minutes, people are peering into the pram to coo, prod, or to explain how you’re doing it completely wrong. As a person with very little shame who has done far more embarrassing things in public than knit, I’m quite happy to wander round our village knitting, or to knit on the bus, or at the doctor’s, or in the pub. So over the years, I’ve had a lot of comments on what I’m making. And whilst my Fair Isle skirt-in-progress may not be as cute as a baby…

At the beginning of last year my youngest daughter asked me if I would knit her a bridal bouquet – a great honour – which I was more than happy to do for her. Not only did I make her a bouquet, but also a ring cushion and a floral hairpiece. I scoured back issues of Simply Knitting and found an assortment of flower patterns which I used, along with some I found on Ravelry. I hope you’ll agree that the end result was well worth the time and effort. A unique and lasting tribute to their wonderful homemade wedding. Sue Speechley, via email What beautiful gifts, Sue. And congrats to the happy couple! Stylecraft OUR LETTER OF THE MONTH WRITER WINS £50 WORTH OF KNITTING GOODIES FROM STYLECRAFT! With…

GREAT DAYS OUT LANCASHIRE With so much to do in Lancashire, it’s no wonder it’s known as the county of contrasts. You could take a peaceful walk in the countryside across Pendle Hill, or visit the bright lights of Blackpool and ride on the UK’s tallest and fastest roller coaster. Plus, wander around the numerous museums, art galleries and stately homes to uncover the secrets of the area. For more details visit www.visitlancashire.com. LYTHAM MILL Make sure you visit Lytham’s best-known landmark, the Windmill, visited annually by more than 30,000 tourists. Home to a seasonal museum, and neighbour to the Lytham Festival, you won’t want to miss this fantastic attraction! www.lythamwindmill.co.uk…

You’ll need to keep an eye out for falling trees around this toothy chap! Alan Dart’s lovely little lumberjack is at home in the great outdoors dressed in his checked shirt and beanie hat. He’s easy to make, with lots of stocking stitch and a bit of colourwork – so if you’re new to knitting toys why not give this project a try? YOU WILL NEED Hayfield, Bonus DK (100% acrylic, 100g/280m) 1 ball of each: Walnut (927), Chocolate (947), Rusty (780), Black (965), Bottle Green (839), Signal Red (977), Oatmeal (964), Wheat (816), Silver Grey (838) A pair of 3mm needles 80g washable toy stuffing Scrap of thin card Scrap of white felt White sewing thread Plastic drinking straw A 30cm long pipe cleaner Long tweezers Clear adhesive Hair…

Be bold this spring and give your home a makeover with these beautifully bright cushions. They look great as a trio, or make just one to add a splash of colour to an armchair. They use two techniques – stranding, for the design on the front, and intarsia, for the stripes on the back – so you’ll be a colourwork expert in no time! YOU WILL NEED Patons, Merino Extrafine DK (100% virgin wool, 50g/120m) 2 balls each of:Anemone (00148)Cyclamen (00138)Majesty (00153)1 ball each of:Tearose (00136)Pool (00165)Lemon (00175)Orange (00125)Cherry (00131) A pair of 4mm needles 5 buttons for each cushion cover 30cm x 30cm (12in x 12in) cushion cover For yarn stockists contact Coats Crafts 01484 681881 www.makeitcoats.com TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 22…

CELTIC QUEEN I thought that I would send you a photo of a Boudica doll that I made. My friend’s daughter was learning about her and wanted a doll, so I gave it a go. The main doll is Alan Dart’s Little Red Riding Hood from Simply Knitting issue 97. Then I made the rest up! I was very pleased with the result and so was my friend’s daughter. Thank you for Alan‘s patterns. Bex Richards, Norfolk We’re not surprised that you’re pleased, Bex. She looks really great. We absolutely love the hair and the cape is such a fantastic nishing touch. THE YARN LOOP CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE FOR FANTASTIC FREE PATTERNS, INCLUDING THIS CUTE LITTLE STASHBUSTING BOW DESIGN. WWW.THEYARNLOOP.COM FACEBOOK POLL PICK V THROW We asked… which…

Just as different designers will use different charting symbols, you’ll also find different terms for the same thing. You might see a C4B called 2/2 LC (indicating the stitches to go to the cable needle and to work, and the direction of the cross), or BKC (back knit cross). The knitting is exactly the same. You might also find you develop your own methods of understanding charts better. Try using colours to fill in the boxes to make stitches stand out, or enlarging complex charts on a photocopier. It might also help to cover up parts of the chart that you aren’t working from – that way you can stay focused on the row at hand. Once you’re familiar with charts, they’ll help you recognise where you are when you…

THE SOUND OF TIMBERRRR!, P49 KFB Increase 1 by knitting into front and back 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 Wrap the yarn round 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. 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. ON THE COAST, P59 PICK…

OPEN FLARES Cast on a multiple of 11 sts plus 2. Row 1 (RS) *P2, k2tog, (yo, K1) 5 times, yo, ssk; rep from * to last 2 sts, P2. Row 2 and all even rows K2, purl to last 2 sts, K2. Row 3 *P2, k2tog, K9, ssk; rep from * to last 2 sts, P2. Row 5 *P2, k2tog, K7, ssk; rep from * to last 2 sts, P2. Row 6 K2, purl to last 2 sts, K2. Rows 1–6 form pattern. FALLING EYELETS Cast on a multiple of 18 sts plus 2. Row 1 *K11, yo, K1, yo, K3, sl1, k2tog, psso; rep from * to last 2 sts, K2. Row 2 and all even rows Knit the knit sts and purl the purl sts and yarn…

GARDEN PARTY Sasha Kagan, The Classic Collection . Iconic designs from the queen of florals. www.sashakagan.co.uk 01686 430436 PETAL POWER Peter Pan, P1147. Cute jumper for a baby or toddler with matching moss stitch hat. www.tbramsden.co.uk, 01943 872264 BLOSSOM CARDI Red Heart, ‘Floral Yoke Cardigan’. Fab free pattern for aran-weight wool and bamboo blend yarn.www.redheart.com SUNNY BOUQUET Rowan, ‘Santorini’. An elegant, eye-catching top in Purelife Revive and Wool Cotton.www.knitrowan.com, 01484 681881 SWEET POSY Artesano, ‘Blissful’. Embroidered flowers adorn the neckline of this pretty jumper. www.artesanoyarns.co.uk, 0118 950 3350 LOVE THESE? FIND MORE COLOURFUL DESIGNS AT WWW.THEYARNLOOP.COM!…

PENGUIN: A KNIT COLLECTION Anna Maltz (Anna Maltz, £18.50) “What is the link between penguins and knitting?” asks designer Anna Maltz. “Mull it over and both are about warmth and community and using these to survive against the odds.” This charming, playful book contains 11 patterns inspired by our flippered friends, and each one is accompanied by fascinating facts about the species that inspired it. We can’t resist the cute fledgling mittens and the Humboldt jumper, which uses clever colourwork to create a speckled effect. This is a lovely book for knitters of all abilities – and penguin fans, of course! 400 KNITTING STITCHES  Potter Craft (Potter Craft, £13.27) Find design inspiration or get out of a knitting rut and try something new with this comprehensive stitch dictionary. The eight…

Never lose an earring again with this sweet honeycomb-textured pouch. Fill it with your favourite jewellery or give it to a friend as a gift! YOU WILL NEED 100m of 4ply yarn A pair of 3mm needles 80cm of white cotton thread Fabric glue Two small wooden beads TENSION Yarn used knits as 4ply to this tension: 29 sts and 42 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3mm needles ABBREVIATIONS Gathering st insert RH needle from front to back underneath both slipped strands of yarn, knit next stitch, pulling it out from underneath extra strands For a full list see page 90 TRINKET BAG (MAKE 2 PIECES) Cast on 33 sts using 3mm needles. Foundation row Purl. Row 1 (RS) K1, (yfwd, sl3, ybk, K1) to end.…

Super sweet and oh-so simple! With its beginner-friendly double moss stitch pattern, waistline gathers and comfy fit, this jumper is a must-knit. Buttons on the back make it a doddle to put on and take off, and the easy-care yarn is ideal for busy parents. A great all-rounder, this is a pattern you’ll want to knit again and again. YOU WILL NEED DY Choice, Baby Joy 4ply (60% polyacrylic, 40% polyamide, 100g/420m) A pair of 2¾mm needles A 2¾mm circular needle A pair of 3¼mm needles Stitch holders 3 buttons For yarn stockists contact Designer Yarns 01535 664222 www.designeryarns.uk.com TENSION Yarn used knits as 4ply to this tension: 28 sts and 36 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st and double moss st using 3¼mm needles ABBREVIATIONS…

Nothing beats a simple stocking stitch scarf, but this one’s got a little trick up its sleeve. Using two strands of yarn held together, you can create an understated striped look in no time at all. Set aside a weekend and make yourself a new accessory! YOU WILL NEED Rowan, Fine Lace (80% baby suri alpaca, 20% Merino wool, 50g/400m) 2 balls of: Quaint9251 ball of: Renaissance937 A pair of 4mm needles For yarn stockists contact Rowan 01484 681881 www.knitrowan.com TENSION Yarn used knits as lace to this tension: 22.5 sts and 32 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles and two strands of yarn held together SIZE 36 x 185cm (14 x 73in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 90 STRIPE PATTERN…

Here I am in the Florida Everglades with my favourite magazine! The weather wasn’t that good for being outdoors, but it was perfect for knitting and reading all your wonderful patterns. I made lots of future project plans. Thank you for printing the best knitting magazine on the market! Larry Barnthouse, United States We'd love to see more pictures of you with Simply Knitting (or even just your knitting!) in foreign lands.The sender of every letter will receive a circular needle from Coats Crafts UK.…

Great for layering over shirts and tops, sleeveless jumpers are a brilliant choice for all-seasons wear. This smart two-colour design mixes matt and metallic yarns for a subtle shimmer, with the slip-stitch pattern giving it a lovely layered effect. You’ll be amazed how easy it is to create this complex-looking stitch pattern! YOU WILL NEED Rico Design, Essentials Soft Merino Aran (100% wool, 50g/100m) Rico Design, Fashion Métallisé (58% polyester, 42% wool, 50g/145m) A pair of 4½mm needles A pair of 5mm needles Stitch holders For yarn stockists contact Rico Design www.rico-design.de/en/home TENSION Yarn used knits as aran to this tension: 23 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 5mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 90 BACK Cast on 106…

Ready to take your first steps into making your own clothes? This chunky gilet is a great project to start the adventure. It has plenty of ease and an open front so you don’t need to worry about getting a perfect fit, and there’s no tricky shaping or picking up stitches to think about either. Just fun, simple knitting… bliss! YOU WILL NEED • King Cole, Venice Chunky (50g/90m) • A pair of 6mm needles • Locking stitch markers For yarn stockists contact King Cole 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com TENSION Yarn used knits as chunky to this tension: 14 sts and 20 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 6mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 90 RIGHT FRONT Cast on 41 (45: 47: 51:…

1 These images show what happens to the yarn that you carry over on the wrong side of the work. Work a stitch in the first colour as usual. To change colour, twist the two yarns together before working the next stitch. 2 Work the next stitch in the new colour. When working alternating stitches of two colours, try and keep an even tension. If there are more than a few sts in between colours, twist the yarns again to prevent long floats. 3 Change back to the original colour, not forgetting to twist the two yarns together before you work the stitch. 4 A completed row shows the yarn ‘floats’ carried across the back of the work. If the floats of one colour always stay above the other colour,…

GET THE SET SueBeSue’s been very busy making loads of colourful mini pencil hats for innocent’s Big Knit. Find her fun free pattern on Ravelry to join in! A BUNNY PAIR From 21 March to 25 April, you can download a free PDF copy of Rachel Carroll’s rabbits on Ravelry using the code “SimplyKnitting”. SPRING COWL We seriously love Amanda Hurrell’s granny square cowl from Simply Crochet issue 16’s Spring Brights supplement. It’ll look great done!…

From sewing to block printing, Rochelle New is passionate about filling her wardrobe and home with hand-crafted beauty, but knitting is a far more recent discovery. “I’ve always had an outsider’s appreciation for knitting, but it wasn’t until I worked at a fabric and yarn shop and sat surrounded by beautiful wools all day that I truly felt compelled to learn to knit,” Rochelle recalls. “I picked up a pair of knitting needles for the very first time right before Christmas 2012, and though it’s been slow going and lots of trial and error since, I never really put them down.” She’s still full of wonder about the ways of knitting. “It feels like complete and utter wizardry to me – even more so than sewing!” she says. “Think about…

“From scarves to sugar cubes, I’ve knitted all sorts!” Artist Eleanor Thomas came to knitting by way of her curious nature. “My maternal grandmother was a superb knitter, crocheter, lace-maker, dressmaker, embroiderer and soft toy maker,” she remembers. “I spent a lot of time at my grandparents’ house and was fascinated by all this activity.” Today, Eleanor is a passionate knitter, having taken great pleasure in developing her skills. “I love the magic of taking one long strand of yarn and two wooden sticks, and turning it into a complex and wearable shape,” she says. “In a world of manufactured items it gives me a thrill to tell people, ‘Yes, I knitted this myself…’” She adds: “I love the fact that I’m using both my hands simultaneously but differently, reading…

CAST ON: CABLE METHOD Use it for a firm edge, and when adding stitches in your work. 1 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. 2 Push the point of the right-hand needle between the first and second stitches. Wrap the yarn anti-clockwise round the point of the right-hand needle. 3 Pull the loop out with the right-hand needle, then slip it over the tip of the left-hand needle. 4 Repeat steps 2-3 until you have the number of stitches you require. KNIT Follow our simple steps to make the most important stitch you’ll learn . 1 Hold the needle with the stitches on it in…

Abbreviations & Useful Info NEEDLE SIZES HOOK SIZES YARN WEIGHTS CHOOSE THE RIGHT YARNS TO KNIT WITH. 1, 2 & 3ply Knit on 2-3½mm needles. Use for delicate lace knitting and baby garments. Good for socks and gloves. 4ply Knit on 3-4mm needles. Great for baby clothes, heavier socks and lightweight tops. Double knitting (DK) Knit on 3½-4½mm needles. Usually double the weight of 4ply, this is the most widely used weight. Suitable for most garments and quick to knit up. Aran Knit on 4-5½mm 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. Chunky Knit on 5½-7mm needles. Associated with outdoor wear and winter jumpers, great for oversized garments. Super chunky Knit on 7-12mm needles.…

BEST KNITTING TEACHER I started knitting in my early thirties after my second son was born. I’m no born knitter! I learned from a mother I met at a local parent and toddler group – she taught me with enormous patience while our children played together. She was a fantastic knitter, and I was ever so jealous of her clean, even stitches. My stitches looked horrible and, what’s more, it seemed that I was increasing or decreasing a stitch or two on every row without noticing. It took me a while until I figured out what I was doing wrong. BEST ADVICE FOR NEW KNITTERS Try not to be too ambitious and never buy huge amounts of yarn in one go. BEST SOURCE OF INSPIRATION I get inspiration from everywhere.…

Issue 144 April 2016 * Lacy edge-to-edge cardigan * V-neck jumper * Legwarmers * Hot water bottle cover * Kid’s cardigan * Lace panel jumper * Quick-knit hat Fair Isle cushion * Kimono cardigan * Socks * Alan Dart’s Hansel & Gretel * Plus! Kid’s jumper pattern Issue 143 March 2016 Cable sweater * Men’s Fair Isle jumper * Lion tea cosy * Easter chicks * Sixties-style top * Lacy fingerless mittens * Cape * Double-knitted scarf Kid’s tank top * Slippers * Alan Dart’s Hattie Holstein * Plus! Spring socks pattern booklet Issue 142 February 2016 Polka dot sweater * Fair Isle poncho * Lace detail jumper * Bootees * Sofa tidy * Beaded jumper * Cat scarf * Cable sweater * Kid’s jumper and cowl * Heart keyring…

Springtime is all about lightweight accessories, and this quick-to-knit lace headband by Kirstie McLeod ticks all the boxes for being both pretty and practical. Use the yarn from your kit and make it in an evening for yourself or a lucky friend! YOU WILL NEED Use your kit or 100m of 4ply yarn A pair of 3mm needles Hair tie TENSION Yarn used knits as 4ply to this tension: 26 sts and 32 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 90 of Simply Knitting magazine Presented with issue 145 of Simply Knitting. Printed in the UK HEADBAND Cast on 13 sts using 3mm needles. Row 1 (RS) P2, K4, P1, K4, P2. Row 2 K2, P4, K1, P4, K2.…