Indholdsfortegnelse for Issue 161 i Simply Knitting

We’ve gone totally tropical for the summer! We’re tackling the heat with bright cotton knits, open lacy designs, short-sleeved tops and light, beautiful knits. Plus, we’ve tried out a fab new print yarn in the pretty lace jumper on page 83. And it’s not just our knitting that’s taken a tropical twist – check out our accessories collection on page 81, inspired by flamingos, pineapples, watermelons and more. Oh go on, treat yourself, you know you want to! After more muted shades?We’re loving Louise’s knitting kit essentials on pages 51 and 73, as well as our gorgeous Hedgie, the adorable pincushion (p8).They’ll all help you keep things shipshape! Speaking of which, it’s well worth a trip to Sheringham Museum for an exciting new exhibition of European ganseys.We go behind the…

Siân Brown “I took inspiration ›om nautical style garments, with the classic stripes, and used fresh, cool colours to make an easy-to-wear cardigan for springtime.” YOU WILL NEED Paintbox, Cotton DK (100% cotton, 50g/125m) A pair of 3¼mm needles A pair of 4mm needles A 3¼mm circular needle, 40cm long Stitch holders 7 buttons For yarn stockists contact LoveKnitting 0845 544 2196 www.loveknitting.com TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 22 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 You can’t beat a classic striped cardi! And Siân Brown’s updated version is no exception. We’re loving her choice of colours for this design – an unusual and on-trend mix of blue, green…

Grown Kate Oates (Toe Toppers £17) The stylish handknits in this book are perfect for those who love to knit seam free. Their convenient construction ›i›«Ã›Ì›i››wÌ›i>Û›Þ›››Ì›››ÕÀ›LÕÃÞ› ››ÛiÛ›i>›››}›Ì›iÞ›>Ài›µÕ›V››Ì››w››Ã›t› Most of the garments are worked from the top down with traditional raglan ÛiiÛiÛ>› ›À>›}i›››› ›vwVÕ›ÌÞ›vÀ››› beginner to expert. Add that to the wonderful photography and you’ll have a timeless collection you’ll enjoy dipping into for years to come. Dovestone Smallholding Ella Austin ( www.baaramewe.co.uk  £15) Author Ella Austin has designed a knitted ‘mini farm’ for animal lovers. Inside her ingenious book, Dovestone Smallholding, knitters can choose from eight fabulously designed animal patterns including Dabbling Duck, Fancy Hen, Plum Pudding Pig, Shetland Pony and Wensleydale Lamb. Aimed at intermediate knitters, the book also comes with patterns for a cute doll (to look…

What’s better than discovering a craft club in your area? Finding two, of course! Hearts and Crafts have been meeting at Woking’s Salvation Army Church, in Surrey, every alternate Thursday evening for the past nine years. And if evenings aren’t for you, then drop in on their Craft, Chat and Cuppa’s afternoon meetings, every alternate Wednesday, in the very same place. “When we moved over to our new building, nine years ago, we wanted to serve the local community in a variety of ways,” says Jan Reed, who runs both of the craft groups. “One of our ladies thought of starting a craft group where people could come along, make friends, and enjoy crafting together.” That idea has since become a reality for Woking’s Salvation Army, and Hearts & Crafts…

IN DEMAND Thanks to my lovely grandchildren I have recently started knitting again and have found so many beautiful projects and inspiration in Simply Knitting. I had lots of fun making the By The Sea tunic in your 150th issue, for my granddaughter Olivia. The only trouble was, as soon as I finished my granddaughter Poppy wanted one too! Her favourite character is Poppy from Trolls the movie. So I adapted the pattern to feature her namesake and included 3D elements and a bit of embroidery. She really loves it and I hope you do too! Julie Dando, Somerset GREYHOUND GIFTS I have just finished making the lovely free unicorn gift from Simply Knitting issue 158. I didn’t have any double-pointed needles so I used a pair of straight needles…

My photo was taken at South Pointe Park, Miami Beach, Florida. You can see downtown Miami and the cranes (for a cruise liner) in the background. During my holiday, I visited a wool shop called The Raving Wool Co., in Pembroke Pines. Believe it or not, there was a knitting group in full session. I had quite a difficult job to retrieve my Simply Knitting magazine. It proved to be a great hit in the group and it was wonderful to chat about wool and knitting – it really is a universal hobby. Needless to say, I came away with a good selection of wool, both for spinning and knitting. Mary Tomlin, Dorset WE’D LOVE TO SEE MORE PICTURES OF YOU WITH SIMPLY KNITTING (OR YOU AND YOUR KNITTING!) ON…

Louise Smith “I’m always losing my tools, plus I have a bit of a soft spot for cute, mini things (honestly, who doesn’t?) – which is why I went for mini pockets, a mini tape, a mini pincushion, and so on...” YOU WILL NEED Knit Picks, Mighty Stitch (80% acrylic, 20% wool, 100g/190m) 1 ball of each: Mint26812 Silver26820 Blush26818 Sky26830 White26807 Wisteria26824 A pair of 3mm needles White sewing thread A sewing needle Approx 14x24cm patterned fabric A 15cm dark grey zip Approx 10cm of measuring tape ribbon A small amount of toy stuffing Approx 20cm of white elastic cord TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 22 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles MEASUREMENTS 16x26cm (6 x10¼in) when…

Fran Morgan “This collection is based on the styles of the Forties and Fifties. I can imagine it worn with a nice ›ock or a dirndl skirt. The colour is very 2017 but with echoes of summers past.” CARDIGAN There are few more convenient summer knits than a cotton cardigan. Fran’s created this lace-enhanced option, which is ideal for cooler evenings. YOU WILL NEED • Stylecraft Classique Cotton DK (100% cotton, 50g/92m balls) • A pair of 3¾mm needles • A pair of 4mm needles • 6 small buttons For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft 01484 848435 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 21 sts and 27 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles Lace Panel measures 6cm (2¼in) ABBREVIATIONS Patt2tog…

BUST SHAPING Adding a short row ‘dart’ at the bustline creates a better fit and a hemline that always behaves. When working short rows for bust shaping, the aim is to insert an extra wedge of fabric at the front of the garment to make room for the bust and stop the lower hem from rising up. In a top-down garment you would start with the shortest short row, and make your short rows progressively wider so that the line of the ‘dart’ made at the ends of the short rows stays in the same place, pointing upwards towards the sides of the garment. Emma Vining’s bold graphic tee shirt (seen here) is knitted sideways. The triangular panels of colour are created by working short rows in garter stitch. When…

The exhibition began on June 1 with the launch of Stella Ruhe’s latest book, More Traditional Dutch Ganseys, published by Search Press (www. searchpress.com). Throughout August the museum will host family activities every Thursday from 2pm till 4pm and a Yarn Market on ->ÌÕÀ >Þ›››-i«Ì°›/›i›iÝ››L›Ì›››› ends with a knitting symposium beginning with an evening wine reception and private view on ›À› >Þ›Ó››-i«Ì°›-Ìi››>›,Õ›i›>› ›Ì›i› museum team, knitting authors and local experts discuss the impact of ganseys around the world on Sat 30 Sept and Sun 1 Oct. Tickets are £25 for the full weekend or £15 per day. For more information visit www.sheringhammuseum.co.uk.…

TRIANGLE PATTERN CAST ON 33 sts. ROW 1 (WS) Purl. ROW 2 Ssk, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. [31 sts] Repeat rows 1 & 2 until 3 sts remain. NEXT ROW Purl. NEXT ROW Sk2po. Fasten off . Weave in ends and block lightly. Caron CAKES WEIGHT aran CONTENT 80% acrylic, 20% wool BALL 200g/350m NEEDLE 5mm RRP £10 Inspired by a range of cakes and desserts, this aran weight yarn offers versatility in a range of bright gradient shades. Each cake features five vibrant colours, with the abrupt shade changes creating bold stripes in the knitted fabric. The strong stitches, which have just a hint of a halo, are ideal for casting on textured knits. To make the most of a cake, try knitting a rainbow afghan, statement…

Pat Menchini “The stitch detail, combined with the pretty new prints ›om Sublime, reflect the summer floral season. Although I love these prints, the stitch would look equally pretty in a monotone shade.” YOU WILL NEED Sublime, Baby Cashmere Merino Silk DK Prints (75% extrafine Merino, 20% silk, 5% cashmere, 50g/116m) A pair of 3¼mm needles A pair of 3¾mm needles A pair of 4mm needles 2 stitch holders TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 24 sts and 31 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over patt (as on back and front) using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 This jumper is made in a pretty eyelet lace pattern where the sleeve pattern is a slightly altered version of the main body pattern. Combine…

WENSLEYDALE WENSLEYDALE LONGWOOL SHEEP SHOP W wensleydalelongwool.co.uk T 01969 623558 Established in 1989. We sell our own ‘Sheep Shop’ brand Wensleydale Wool which is commission spun, dyed and finished exclusively for us in Yorkshire. Sheep Shop patterns, garments, tops, fleece and more. Shop, web sales and mail order available. KING COLE/STYLECRAFT/SIRDAR THE KNITTING MARKET A Birmingham Rag Market, B5 4RB T 07834 898627 Stocking a wide range of the latest on-trend quality yarns. 4ply, DK, chunky, aran, to mega chunky. Knitting patterns, knitting needles, crochet hooks and all accessories. A helpful and friendly service. Visit my website www.theknittingmarket.co.uk KING COLE/RICO WHICHCRAFT WOOLS A 7 Station Way, Cheam, SM3 8SD T 01983 716890 We stock a wide range of knitting yarns, including a large selection of baby yarns. To support…

MATTRESS STITCH Thread your yarn on to a needle, then weave along an edge to where you want to start. Bring it to the front between the first and second stitches of this edge, then insert the needle between the first two stitches of the other edge. Bring it back up through the opposite piece, between the two stitches and below the horizontal strand you just made. Keep stitching in this way, pulling the yarn tight every few stitches. BACKSTITCH First, pin your two pieces together and secure the yarn by making a couple of stitches over each other at the base of the seam. Now working from right to left, bring the needle up a couple of stitches away at 1 . Take the needle down at 2 and…

Debora Bradley Editor-in-Chief On a comfy chair by the window, piled with cushions and under a daylight lamp.There’s a big coffee table in front of me so I can spread all my things out! Kirstie McLeod Editor I like to knit sitting on the sofa with both of my cats, Crockett andTubbs.They like to chew the yarn tail at the end of the cast-on, so it’s often a little bit soggy! Matthew Spiers Digital Assistant On the sofa with a beer and my feet up! There’s nothing better than chucking your shoes and socks off at the end of the day and settling into a good knit. Louise Smith Production Assistant I recently worked on a sock while standing in a garage waiting for new car tyres. Honestly, I’ll pretty…

Get ready to cast on something cool next issue using Rowan’s new yarn – Breezed. Made from 80% cotton and 20% linen, it comes with an appealing summer texture and seven natural earth shades. Choose from White and Sand through to lilac Provence and Sage. Be inspired by turning to the Rowan Selects Breezed collection online at www.knitrowan.com  where you’ll find a selection of free patterns, from vests and tops to shawls and cowls – there’s a knit for all. Love bold colours? Put those needles down, head over to www.deramores.com and fall in love with Kaffe Fassett’s Diagonal Bubbles wrap pattern! KNIT FOR SUMMER… WHAT? Summer yarns can sometimes be a welcome break from our well-loved wools, especially if they are as exciting as this new addition.…

“All right, you’ve got me. I’ll admit it on behalf of knitters everywhere – climate change may not be entirely responsible for global warming. It might also be down to what knitters have on their needles. Just take a look in your own project bag if you don’t believe me. I’ll bet there’s a winter jumper or cardigan in there, maybe a hat or two even though you’re sitting in the summer sunshine! And don’t try to pretend that you’ve not even started thinking about your Christmas gift knitting yet. Who knows, maybe we’re responsible for that seismic weather shift! SEASONAL SACRIFICES Of course, reason must prevail and I don’t really think that it’s entirely our fault. Yarn manufacturers, designers and magazines must also take some responsibility for seducing us.…

Little Red in the City By Ysolda Teague Little Red in the City by Ysolde Teague is a real gem of a book. She always creates gorgeous sweater patterns, and there are seven absolutely beautiful designs in this book. But for me, the real reason for recommending this book is the extensive advice and technical detail she includes on how to achieve the «iÀviVÌ›wÌ]›iÛiÀޛÛ›}›i›Ì››i°› Ysolda takes the reader’s hand and guides them carefully and clearly Ì›À›Õ}››Ì›i›V››«›iݛ̛iÛ›v›wÌ›>› › shaping, explaining how to add or adjust shoulder and waist shaping, and to accommodate different bust sizes and body shapes. She provides the easy to follow calculations you’ll need for each step, and adds beautifully illustrated examples based on the patterns within the book. Of course, those patterns are fabulous too, and garments…

Fran Morgan “This design was inspired by beach huts, ice creams and vintage deckchairs. The muted chalky colours remind me of the seaside. The soft cotton only adds to the feel of a light summery garment.” YOU WILL NEED Rico, Creative Cotton Aran (100% cotton, 50g/85m) A pair of 4mm needles A pair of 4 mm needles Stitch holders For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 18 sts and 24 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4 mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 No summer is complete without a spot of ice cream, especially in the form of pastel shades on your new favourite tee! We love Fran’s sleeveless design.…

SWEETHEARTS KATIE MANSFIELD LIKED THE HEART WALL HANGING FROM ISSUE 158 SO MUCH THAT SHE MADE ONE FOR HERSELF IN A SOFT MIX OF PINKS, CREAMS AND BLUES. SHE USED JAMES C BRETT SPARKLE TO CREATE A SHIMMER! WAFFLE WIP WE’RE BIG FANS OF THIS TEXTURED WAFFLE STITCH ON LOULIE-RAE’S NEEDLES! IT LOOKS COMPLICATED, BUT ACCORDING TO LOULIE-RAE IT’S ACTUALLY REALLY SIMPLE TO KNIT.WE JUST LOVE IT! NEAT KNITTING CHECK OUT THIS MAGICAL KNIT! BIANKA PERSSON’S LITTLE UNICORN FROM ISSUE 158 LOOKS ADORABLE – SUCH A NEAT FINISH. IT LOOKS LIKE HER CUTE CREATION IS ENJOYING A LOVELY SUNNY DAY!…

Knitting wasn’t a skill that came very easily to Alice Bowen initially. “My mum struggled to teach me to handknit due to me being left-handed, so for a long time I felt it was never going to be for me,” she admits. “However, while studying Textile Design at Falmouth University, I was fortunate enough to take part in a three-month European exchange in Reykjavik, Iceland. I took a workshop by knitwear designer Sonia Rykiel and from then on I was hooked.” The local yarn was part of the appeal. “The beauty of the Icelandic Lopi wool was enough to get me very inspired,” she says. “I designed and made a collection of knitted bags and had a little exhibition in Reykjavik.” Alice researched traditional knitting during her trip. “I lived…

Fans of Stylecraft Special Candy Swirl yarn (£6.99 for 150g) will love the latest dreamy patterns to be launched this June. Choose from cushions, shawls and scarves galore including designs for both ladies and girls. Special Candy Swirl comes in eight colours and is 100% machine washable acrylic. News flash ! Pop on over to Hobbycraft and bag yourself a new Knitcraft Knitting Accessory Kit – perfect for knitting on the go! www.hobbycraft.co.uk. Yarn story Take time to read the fascinating history of the wonderful Scheepjes brand here on the Deramore’s website. bit.ly/2qWvzRJ. FREE PATTERN! Purl Soho  www.purlsoho.com Cast on and knit up this drapey delight from the experts at Purl Soho this summer. Gorgeous Terrace Wrap is worked in their Cattail Silk yarn and using a wonderfully easy lace…

Using short rows is an incredibly useful technique for shaping >› ›}iÌÌ››}›>›}Ài>Ì›wÌ›››› knitting. You can use short rows in everything from making curved hemlines and wÌÌi ››Õ›«iÀÃ]›Ì››Ã›V›Ã›>› › even tummies on toys. It’s a simple way to make dramatic shapes and tailored ivviVÌÃ]›Ì››ÌÕÀ›››ii›Ã]››>›i› darts and sloping shoulders without the need for frequent cast-offs and V>ÃÌ›››Ã°›,i> ››››Ì››w› out how to use them!…

YOU WILL NEED Rowan, Summerlite 4ply (100% cotton, 50g/175m) A pair of 2¼mm needles A pair of 3mm needles A 2¼mm circular needle, 90cm long 5 x 15mm buttons TENSION Yarn used knits as 4ply to this tension: 31 sts and 31 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over patt st st using 3mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 From tiny tots to little monkeys, this classic design is sure to be a hit with any age! Its stand-out stars and simple shape make it a fairly quick knit, and that V-neck front works brilliantly with fun summer tees. Made from 100% cotton, this cardi is lightweight and soft. It’s ideal for days out and summertime trips. Plus, it’s a great first-time colourwork project! BACK Cast on…

YOU WILL NEED Knit Picks, Mighty Stitch (80% acrylic, 20% wool, 100g/190m) 1 ball of each: Mint26812 White26807 Silver26820 A pair of 3mm needles A small circular tape measure, 5.5cm (2¼in) diameter by 2cm (¾in) width, ideally with a loop on the tape A tapestry needle TENSION Yarn used knits as worsted to this tension: 22 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles MEASUREMENTS 5.5cm (2¼in) diameter 2cm (¾in) width ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Every knitter needs a tape measure on hand for checking tension, measuring lengths and working out sizes. We think it’s only right that it has a knitted cover, too! This sweet little design has a handy green centre, indicating where the push-button is – plus…

Summer is the perfect time for pineapple stitch markers, bright buttons, and fun colourful needles! Show your tropical side with our top selection of fab accessories below. 1 Embellish your projects with pretty patches! These summery designs are ideal for beach bags. £1.50-2.25 per patch, www. stoffstil.co.uk , 0333 1559 855 2 Sew your own watermelon pincushion with this juicy little kit – everything you need is included! £6.50, www.themakearcade. co.uk , 07907773796 3 Available in four bright shades (green, pink, blue and red) and in sizes 2.5-5.5mm, these needles have handy rulers engraved into them. £5.50-7.55 per pair www.bergeredefrance.co.uk 4 Finish off this season’s cardis with stand-out clay buttons. Embossed ܛ̛› i››V>Ìi›y›À>›› iÛ}›Ã›>› ›i>V›› with their own…

Becky Dodman Becky Dodman is a knitwear designer, a textile artist, and a Textile Practices Lecturer at Plymouth College of Art. “The possibilities of both knitting and crochet are infinitely endless, and for me will be an entire lifetime of crafting discovery.” Becky Dodman’s latest knitwear project is part fashion, part wearable art, part nostalgia trip. “Reading Franz Kafta’s novella The Metamorphosis gave me my key theme,” she says. “I also wanted to explore transformation, ritual, and the psychedelic 1990s rave scene.” A part-time lecturer at Plymouth College of Art, Becky has taught countless students how to knit. “I love the culture of sharing knowledge,” she says. “The possibilities of knitting >› ›VÀ›V›iÌ›>Ài›››w››Ìi›Þ›i› ›iÃÃ]›>› ›v›À››i›Ü››››Li›>› lifetime of discovery.” Knitting in vibrant colours is vital to Becky’s process. “I get bored…

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. CAST ON: THUMB METHOD  A great all-rounder, use it to cast on stitches quickly and easily. 1 Make a slipknot and place…

1, 2 & 3ply Knit on 2-3 mm 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 3 -4 mm 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 4-5 mm 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 5 -7mm needles. Associated with outdoor wear and winter jumpers, great for oversized garments. Super chunky Knit on 7-12mm needles. A great weight for beginners, as it produces quick results. Good for…

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YOU WILL NEED Use any DK yarn in brown and beige A pair of 3½mm needles A small amount of toy stuffing Safety eyes TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 22 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over rev st st using 3½mm needles MEASUREMENTS 11cm (4¼in) long ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 It’s not often we knitters cast something on for ourselves, but who can resist this cuddly little pincushion? Use 3 mm needles to keep a tight tension – this will make sure none of the stuffing pokes out and will help keep Hedgie’s spikes (your 20 pins) in place. And whether you end up keeping him for yourself or surprising a fellow crafter with a cute gift, you’ll have…

Jane Burns “I adore the Japanese kawaii style. ‘Kawaii’, simply translated, means ‘cute’! I love designing playful cute children’s garments and what could be more kawaii than a panda?” YOU WILL NEED Yarn Stories Fine Merino DK (100% fine merino, 50g/120m balls) A pair of 3¼mm needles A pair of 4mm needles A set of 3¼mm double pointed needles (DPNs) Tapestry needle 2 small cream buttons For yarn stockists contact Yarn Stories 01484 848431 www.yarnstories.com TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 22 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 We’re always looking for ways to deliver exciting knits for children and we think we may have hit the jackpot this…

Sarah Hatton “For me, a three-quarter sleeve cardi is an essential in my wardrobe. This one is knitted in a great yarn which shows off the texture really well and the colour is modern and summery.” YOU WILL NEED Rowan, Creative Linen (50% linen, 50% cotton, 100g/200m) A pair of 4mm needles A pair of 4 mm needles Stitch holders 6 buttons For yarn stockists contact Rowan 01484 950630 www.knitrowan.com TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 20 sts and 26 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4 mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Sarah Hatton’s cardigan is a beautiful combination of stitch patterns. A block of lacy chevrons is set off with straight lines of wide ribbing worked…

YOU WILL NEED Hayfield, Bonus DK (100% acrylic, 100g/280m) 1 ball of each: Flesh Tone 963, Walnut 927, Iced Pink 958, Powder Blue 960, Sunflower 978, Primrose 957, Pink 992, Lime 882 and Bluebell 969 Sirdar, Snuggly Snowflake DK (100% polyester, 25g/85m) 1 ball of Milky 630 2g oddment of grass green DK yarn 1g oddments of black, white and apricot DK yarn 1m lengths of camel and cream DK yarn 50cm lengths of old gold and dusky pink DK yarn A pair of 3mm knitting needles 80g washable toy stuffing Long tweezers 2 plastic drinking straws Pink pencil Clear adhesive TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 26 sts and 36 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3mm needles MEASUREMENTS 15cm (6in) tall ABBREVIATIONS…

WELCOME ARRIVAL I just wanted to say a big thank for the cute baby dress in your issue 159. It couldn’t have come at a better time as one of my daughter’s friends was expecting her baby daughter at any time. I ›>Ûi›LiV››i›>›Ài}Õ›>À››››ÌÌiÀ›v›À››iÀ›wÛi› Þi>À››› ›L›Þ›>› ››>Ûi››> i›Õ«›>›Ãi›iVÌ›››› of baby things for the new arrival. When l saw the dress pattern, l knew it would be a perfect way to round off the gifts. l raided my stash and found the perfect strawberry and cream yarns. I got cracking straight away and even managed a pair ›v››>ÌV›››}›Ã››iÃ]›w››Ã›››}››ÕÃÌ››››Ì››i› for baby Lilly’s arrival, yesterday. The bundle of knitting is now on its way and l can’t wait to see a photo of Lilly in her new dress. Thank you so much for your…

HOW TO ENTER Visit www.theyarnloop.com/simply-knitting and click on the ‘Win & Save’ tab. Then, simply enter the correct code, along with your name and your address. If you don’t have your own email address, feel free to use ours, simplyknitting@immediate.co.uk, to submit your competition entry form. To enter the crossword and sudoku puzzles on pages 47 & 48, enter the code SKM______161 with either the prize word or prize numbers from the shaded squares, in the blank space. Find terms and conditions on page 7. Competitions close on 21 July 2017.…

WHAT ARE SHORT ROWS? The clue is in the name! Short rows are made by turning your knitting before you’ve reached the end of a row. They can be used to add wedge shapes, change the angle of your knitting, turn a heel or raise a back neckline, to name just a few uses for short rows. WHEN SHOULD I USE THEM? Short rows are sometimes included in garment patterns but they’re not a commonly used technique. If you’re a sock knitter you’ll have used short rows to turn a sock heel, but it’s possible to knit for years without coming across a pattern that includes them. It’s a bit of a shame really, because they’re useful for fine-tuning the fit of a garment. Short rows are most often used…

Sandra Nesbitt “With the advent of having to pay for your supermarket bags, I wanted to create a reusable shopping bag, using knitting. I hope you’ll have as much fun as I did knitting the lace arrows pattern.” YOU WILL NEED Wendy, Supreme Luxury Cotton DK (100% cotton, 100g/201m) 3 balls of Lettuce (1965) A pair of 3 mm needles A 3 mm circular needle, 80cm long A 5 mm circular needle, 80cm long 4 stitch holders TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 16 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over g st using 5 mm needles MEASUREMENTS Width 46cm (18 in)Height 41cm (16in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Cast this fun project on today and enjoy working up a relaxing lace…

“ They can hold the tentacles and feel safe, without causing themselves any harm” When Mia Pidden’s two little girls were born prematurely, she found comfort in crochet while she waited for them to be discharged from the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit). “We all expect to have perfect, healthy babies,” says Mia. “But when something iÛ›>ÌiÛvÀ›››Ì›>Ì›>› ›Þ›Õ›w› ›Þ›ÕÀÃi›v› surrounded by medical equipment, Þ›Õ››>Ûi›Ì››w› ›>› way to focus on other things. For me, that was crochet.” Mia’s devoted crocheting, making items for her two girls during their NICU stay, led to her eventual involvment with Octopus for a Preemie UK. “When a baby is in the womb, they hold onto the umbilical cord,” says Mia. “When they come out, they’re looking for the cord as a safety net. Their medical…

Jo Allport “Summer colours always inspire me and this blanket has definitely got a hint of vibrant ›uity shades about it! I couldn’t resist the classic texture of the honeycomb stitch for this.” YOU WILL NEED Stylecraft, Special XL (100% acrylic, 100g/295m) 5 balls of Emperor14252 balls each of Claret1123and Lime1712 A pair of 9mm needles A pair of 10mm needles TENSION Yarn used knits as chunky to this tension: 10 sts and 18 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over honeycomb stitch using 10mm needles MEASUREMENTS 80cm tall, 99cm wide ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Just because the warmer weather has arrived doesn’t mean we have to say goodbye to our beloved blankets for a whole season! This versatile throw can be used for cosy movie nights…