Indholdsfortegnelse for Issue 174 i Simply Knitting

This issue we’re celebrating summer colour! From the spicy hot shade of our ribbed cardi cover knit by Sarah Hatton (p8), to the pretty cool blue of Pat Menchini’s empire-line top (p47), there’s something suitably summery for you to fall in love with this month. Beach fans will love our pastel bag trim, matching flip-flops and sunglasses case, and our plum-toned sleeveless top with simple lace panel (p27) is ideal for both garden parties and gardening! Don’t have a garden? Well, we’ve got that covered too with Ann Franklin’s retro-style plant hangers for the perfect indoor hothouse (p67). Fill them with your favourite summer blooms for the brightest welcome every morning. We’re dipping into colourful fantasy too this month and adding Tea Cosy Folk’s rainbow tea cosy to our list…

NEW NEON BRIGHTS WHAT? Could it be time to bring the essence of the 1980s right to the tips of your toes? You’ll certainly need your sunglasses when you choose from this selection of uber-cool yarns from Coopknits. Rachel Coopey’s amazing -›c›Ã›9i>›t› i››Ã›c››i››››wÛi›âiÃÌÞ› colours – Krypton, Helium, Argon, Xenon and Radon. Each skein length measures 212m and you’ll need two 50g skeins to knit most sock patterns. Each skein costs £6, but if you’re a big neon fan you can buy a bumper pack of all wÛi›Þ>À›Ã›v›À›ËÎä°› WHERE? Check out the rest of the Socks Yeah! yarn range, alongside a bevvy of brilliant sock-knitting books, by paying a visit to www.coopknits.co.uk. Do you love a good eco yarn story? Then take a closer look at hot new yarn on the…

What makes your workshop different? They are for two hours only and priced so that they are accessible to all. The proceeds from the workshop go to a charity for «i›«›i›Ü›Ì›››i>À›››}› ›vwc՛̛ið What will we learn? How to cast on and off, knit stitch and purl stitch. Each workshop is tailored to the individual’s experience and requirements. Why do you love teaching? I enjoy bi››}›>b›i›Ì››«>ÃÛ››››Þ›Ã››››Ã°›››w› ››Ì› therapeutic watching people learning Ì›i›ÃÌ›Ìc›iÛ>› ›}À›Ü››}››››c››w`i›ci› with their knitting. What questions do you always get? How do I know what type or thickness of yarn I should use? Common mistakes Unwanted increases and decreases along the row. Your top 3 tips 1 Practice! 2 Try and do some more knitting later on the day of the workshop, so that what you have learnt is…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Sarah Hatton “I wanted to create a top that would be really versatile. This one's slightly flared shape means it looks great with jeans as well as a summer skirt.” YOU WILL NEED ■ Rowan, Summerlite 4 ply (100% cotton, 50g/175m) ■ A pair of 2¼mm knitting needles ■ A pair of 3mm knitting needles ■ Stitch holders For yarn stockists contact Rowan 01484 950630 www.knitrowan.com TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 28 sts and 36 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over stocking stitch using 3mm needles 26 sts and 26 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over lace patt using 3mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Every knitter has their favourite garment shape, and this simple knit is…

Knitted separately, teddy’s mask can be worn up or down for different situations. Add that special touch by embroidering your little one’s initial onto teddy’s star. Keep the mask in place with a few stitches at the back of the head, in the middle. Help teddy’s cape stay in shape with a clever little border of garter stitch. Gather the remaining stitches together at the end of the arms to finish them off. Started at the soles, the feet are sewn together at the tops and ankles after.…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Monica Russel “Knits for children are fun to do. I like clothing that is multipurpose and this poncho ticks all the boxes. Wear it over a tee shirt to help keep them looking trendy, and wonderfully cosy.” YOU WILL NEED ■ Stylecraft, Batik Elements (20% wool, 80% acrylic, 50g/138m) ■ A 4mm circular needle, 60-80cm long (you may need to change lengths as the poncho increases in length) ■ Pompom maker, 3cm in diameter (optional) For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft 01484 848435 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 24 sts and 34 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over patt using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS Pbf Purl into the back and then the front of the same stitch For a full list see…

CAN’T STOP!  @FIONAWIDDKNITS IS VERY HAPPY TO BE KNITTING VERBENA FROM ISSUE 171 ON HER NEEDLES. SHE REALLY LOVES THE HONEYCOMB PATTERN WITH THE VARIEGATED YARN – SHE’S FINDING IT ADDICTIVE TO KNIT. NEW DESIGNS @KNITECSTASY HAS BEEN BUSY WORKING ON HER VERY FIRST FAIR ISLE HAT AND COWL PATTERN TO SELL ON HER SITE WWW.INFIKNITY.IN.WE’RE BIG FANS OF THE SOLID FUCHSIA WITH VARIEGATED PINKS AND BLUES. FRIDAY TREATS THIS IS OUR KIND OF KNIT NIGHT! @SUE SPIRA TREATED HERSELF TO A GLASS OF SANGRIA AND A SPOT OF TEQUILA, CHASED DOWN WITH A DAB OF KNITTING. KEEP A CAREFUL EYE ON THOSE STITCHES THOUGH SUE!…

Once you catch the knitting bug, it can be very hard to shake – not that you’d want to do that! Constantly coming up with reasons why you’ve cast on a new WIP can be tricky, especially when your friends and family are becoming increasingly concerned with your growing ›>L›Ì››v›ÃµÕ›Ã›››}›>› ›Ã››vw›}›>›Þ›Ã›i››› of yarn you can get your hands on. 9›Õ’›››w› ›››››Õ }i›i›Ì››iÀi›Ì››Õ}›t› 7i’Ûi›>›››v>››i›››> › ››››››Ûi›Ü›Ì››>› Þ «>ÌÌiÀ››>› ›biv›Ài›Üi›››iÜ››Ì]››››ÌÌi › >› ›âi›› ›vviÀi›Ì› ÛiÀÛ››Ã°›"À]›v›Õ› › >››iÜ›ÃÌ›Ìc››Ì›>Ì›Üi› ›ÕÃÌ››>`›Ì››ÕÃi›v›À›>› ›>Ì]›Ãc>Àv]››Õ›«iÀ]›››]› >› ›>›b›>››iÌt›/›i› «À›b›i›››Ã]›Ü›>Ì› ›› Üi› ››Ü›Ì››>›››Ì››Ãi› ›››ÌÛ››ci›Ì›i ’Ài››vv› Þ ›ÕÀ››ii ›iö›/›iÀi› >Ài››››Þ›Ã›››>›Þ›Üi›c>››}›v̛̛› ››Õc› ®›vÀ›i› Û>› ›v>››› o Þ Þ “There are so many people that we can help, every single item will be loved by someone, somewhere.” MADE TO GIVE ›>Ûi››››vi>Àt›››Û››}››>› ۛÛ›iÀi›Ì›› ›i›«›«>›À›>›››Þ›ÕÀ›››Û››}›Þ››>› ›cÀ>vÌi › cÀi>Ì›››Ã›Ü›Ì››Ì›i›c›>À›Ì›iƯ̂>Ì››ii`›Ì›i›› Ì›i›››ÃÌ°›6›Ã›Ì›Ì›i››+››v›››Û››}››>› Û›>› ë>Ài›À››››ÌÕÀ›i ›››Ì››>› ››>Ì›››Ã›À›››› b ›>›ÃÕ««›ÀÌ›Ûi››ÕÃb>›…

1 Brighten up your wardrobe with Nicki Trench’s collection of 20 colourful patterns in Rainbow Knits, courtesy of CICO Books. Each copy is worth £12.99 and we have ten of to give away! Take your pick from cosy cowls and mitts to trendy jumpers and cardis. www.rylandpeters.com020 7025 2200 SKMRAINBOW174  2 Cast on your own unique shawl with a cake of Scheepjes Whirl and matching Whirlette ›››››c>›i°›7i››>Ûi›wÛi›ÃiÌÛ›v› Peppermint Patty Cake (Whirl) and Kiwi (Whirlette) to give away, worth £27.24 each. The combos are ideal for stripy shawls or bold borders – the choice is entirely up to you! www.scheepjes.com/en SKMWHIRLSET174  3 Treat yourself to a luxury hamper from The Knitting Gift Shop. This lavender-themed set (£37.95) contains cushion and heart knitting kits, essential oil, two heart-shaped soaps, Eucalan wool wash…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Siân Brown “My idea for this bag was to have a simple cable pattern in a really chunky yarn which was easy and quick to knit. The faux suede fringe and leather look handles give it a more individual look.” YOU WILL NEED ■ Rowan, Big Wool (100% wool, 100g/80m) 2 balls of Ice Blue (021) ■ A pair of 10mm needles ■ A cable needle ■ Faux leather handles ■ 125cm of faux suede fringe ■ Lining and wadding to fit bag For yarn stockists contact Rowan 01484 950630 www.knitrowan.com TENSION Yarn used knits as chunky to this tension: 10 sts and 15 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over patt using 10mm needles MEASUREMENTS 32cm wide x 38cm deep (12 x15in) ABBREVIATIONS For a…

HEART PATTERN CAST ON 11 sts. ROWS 1-4 Starting with a K row, work in st st. ROW 5 K6, K next st together with corresponding cast-on st, K6. ROW 6 Purl. ROW 7 K1, ssk, K to last 3 sts, k2tog, K1. [9 sts] ROW 8 Purl. Repeat Rows 7 and 8 twice more. [5 sts] ROW 13 K1, sk2po, K1. [3 sts] ROW 14 Purl. Break off yarn and thread through remaining sts. Pull tightly to secure and weave in ends. Block gently to help the heart lie flat. Cygnet Yarns TRULY WOOL RICH 4PLY SOCK YARN WEIGHT 4ply CONTENT 75% wool, 25% polyamide BALL 100g/420m NEEDLE 2 ¾ -3 ¼ mm RRP £4.99 Conquer colourwork with just one yarn! This self-patterning sock yarn creates its own ‘Fair…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Susan Cowper “My design indulges in fun daydreams of rainbows and lounging on clouds dressed in a unicorn onesie; sounds like heaven doesn’t it? I wanted the person to be adaptable to look like someone you know.” YOU WILL NEED ■ Sirdar, Hayfield Bonus DK (100% acrylic, 100g/280m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A White (961) Yarn B Neon (884) Yarn C Bright Purple (828) Yarn D Azure (824) Yarn E Lemongrass (699) Yarn F Bright Lemon (819) Yarn G Bright Orange (981) Yarn H Ladybird (698) Yarn J Flesh Tone (963) ■ King Cole, Tinsel Chunky (75% polyester, 25% lurex, 50g/70m) 1 ball of Yarn K Silver (206) ■ A length of black DK yarn (for face) ■ A pair of 4mm needles ■ A pair…

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…

Tell us a bit about your home life My home is a lovely pink studio in a loft. I study applied arts and I am now an interior architect (when I’m not knit designing). Knitting routine I usually design in the mornings. I take notes, draw a sketch with colouring pencils, choose the materials and then stay up late knitting. Dream knitting day… I’d go to the beach for a morning paddle in the sea on a sunny summer day, and knit all afternoon with a glass of cold lemonade and colourful yarn. Best knitting companions A good movie and my adorable dog, her name is Pippa. Fave part of the day I love to relax in a bubble bath in the morning, then organise my online shop on Etsy…

ON A KNIT ROW 1 Work your row until you reach the dropped stitch and insert your crochet hook into the stitch, from front to back. 2 Still working from front to back, insert your crochet hook under the bar of yarn from the row above the stitch on your hook and draw the bar of yarn through the stitch on your hook, slipping the original stitch off your hook as you do so. 3 Repeat Step 2 until you have run out of bars of yarn to work with. You’ll know because you will have reached the row you are currently knitting. 4 Insert your left-hand knitting needle into the front of the stitch on your hook and place it onto the right-hand knitting needle, removing the hook from…

1 Cross yarn over itself to make a loop (the centre circle). Leave the tail hanging to the right and the working yarn to the left, nearest to you (as seen above). 2 Hold the cross of the circle between your left thumb and index finger – keep the working yarn tight by holding it between your ring finger and little finger. Extend your middle finger outwards to keep control of the working yarn. 3 Pass your crochet hook through the circle and pull the working yarn through it, keeping the yarn tight between your ring finger and little finger. Try to keep the nose of the hook pointing down to make it easier to catch the yarn. 4 Catch the working yarn around the hook again. Make sure you…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Sarah Hatton “I wanted to create a vintage-inspired, neat cardigan but in a zingy, modern colour. That’s why I chose this yarn, I love all the cheerful shades in the Socks Yeah! DK range.” YOU WILL NEED ■ Coop Knits, Socks Yeah! DK (75% wool, 25% nylon, 50g/112m) ■ A pair of 3¼mm needles ■ A pair of 4mm needles ■ Stitch holders ■ Small buttons x 7 For yarn stockists contact Fyberspates 07546 948378 www.fyberspates.com TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 24 sts and 28.5 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over rib using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Give this cardigan pride of place in your new season wardrobe (when you’re not wearing it!). It’s knitted…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Jane Burns “Dressing little ones can be a challenge and our unpredictable weather never helps. I have designed this little cardi and hat to wear (and take off) easily while looking like a princess.” YOU WILL NEED For the Cardigan ■ King Cole, Luxury Merino DK (100% Merino, 50g/140m) For yarn quantities see table ■ Oddment of white DK yarn ■ A 4mm circular needle, 80cm long ■ A set of 4mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) or preferred choice for working small circumferences in the round ■ Stitch markers For the Hat ■ King Cole, Luxury Merino DK (100% Merino, 50g/140m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Dusky Rose (2616) Yarn B Caribbean Sea (2615) ■ A pair of 4mm needles ■ A set of 3¼mm double-pointed needles…

1 Insert the point of the right-hand needle through the loops of the next two stitches as if to knit. 2 Wind the yarn round the tip of the right-hand needle and pull the yarn through the two stitches, knitting them both together. 3 Drop the two stitches from the left-hand needle and keep the new stitch on the right-hand needle. 4 Knitting two stitches together decreases your stitch count by one, and the decrease stitch leans to the right. This is how a series of k2tog decreases will look.…

Japanese Knitting Michiyo (Tuttle Publishing, £12.99) Create your very own Tokyo-inspired wardrobe with iconic Michiyo’s newly translated collection of 23 inspirational @apanese patterns. She uses simplistic designs, paired with uniquely textured yarns and stitches, to create fashionable yet wearable garments and accessories. From a Nordic-style jumper to a classic raglan cardi, you can choose to wear designs together or as stand-alone statement pieces. Be inspired by the refreshing styles and photography. Wool Studio Meghan Babin (FW Media, £19.99) Born from the idea that less is more, Wool Studio carries across design ideas from knit. wear magazine, offering sophisticated and calming knits. Each design uses a simple silhouette to keep the focus on the beautiful animal- and plant-b>Ãi ›wbÀiÛÕÃi ›Ì›À›Õ}››ÕÌ°›9›Õ› are encouraged to build your skills at…

FUN FRIENDS I really enjoyed knitting these two sheep from the pattern accessories booklet in issue 171 of Simply Knitting magazine.OK, they might not be perfect, but they are just so cute! Mark Fox-Parkes, via Facebook KNIT AFTER KNIT! I thought you might like to see how busy I have been in between making my twiddlemuffs for dementia sufferers. I have now made 270 and the care homes love them. I loved the keyhole neckline top and the kimono cardigan, so I made them to match (from issue July 2015). The ladies vest, I loved so much I have made it in seven colours (from issue August 2016). I also made a different top from my own idea, with crochet and buttons. I love Simply Knitting and look forward to…

Say hello to Enny Petronella Bruin, born in Rotterdam in 1928. She has been knitting for over 80 years, and she’s got a lot to show for it! With decades of knitting experience behind her, Enny more than rose to the challenge when her granddaughter-in-law asked her: “Oma, can you knit a blanket from little lapjes (patches)?” “Yes I can,” said Enny. “So when I started I had red wool and thought ‘oh, I can put red, white and blue and make a flag of it” so the flag was born!” This first patch was the Dutch flag and it sparked the beginning of a knitting vexillologist’s dream. “Altogether, I made about 150,” says Enny, “but it takes a long time because when you make a flag, you have to…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Pat Menchini “I designed this pretty smock-shaped number with royal babies in the news! It is a comfortable, flattering shape for people who like movement in the ‘skirt’ section of their tops.” YOU WILL NEED ■ Rico Design, Creative Silky Touch DK (100% acrylic, 100g/220m) ■ A pair of 3¼mm needles ■ A pair of 4mm needles ■ A pair of 4 mm needles ■ 2 stitch holders For yarn stockists contact Rico Design www.rico-design.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over stocking stitch using 4mm needles 2 reps of lace hem border to measure 10x5cm (4x2 in) using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Summer and lace knits…

Visit www.theyarnloop.com/simply-knitting and click on the ‘Win & Save’ tab. Then, 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 43 & 44 enter the code SKM______174 with either the prize word or prize numbers from the shaded squares, in the blank space. Find terms and conditions at www.theyarnloop.com/competition-rules. Competitions and giveaways close on 5 @uly 2018.…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Ann Franklin “This design was inspired by a book that I found ›om the 1970s about macramé, which included hanging baskets. So I wondered if I could make something similar in knitting!” YOU WILL NEED ■ Paintbox, Cotton DK (100% cotton, 50g/125cm), 1 ball of each: Yarn A Dusty Rose (442) Yarn B Seafoam Blue (432) Yarn C Vanilla Cream (408) ■ A pair of 4 mm needles ■ A pair of 6mm needles ■ 2.5cm diameter curtain ring ■ 2.5m of 5mm wide ribbon in baby blue and sewing thread to match For yarn stockists contact Paintbox Yarns www.paintboxyarns.com TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 18 sts and 16 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 6mm needles 20…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Jo Allport “Mixing colours and textures gives such pleasing results. The stripes are reminiscent of summer, and along with the lacework on the back, remind me of long summer nights by the sea.” YOU WILL NEED ■ Stylecraft, Batik DK (80% acrylic, 20% wool, 50g/138m) ■ A pair of 3¼mm knitting needles ■ A pair of 4mm knitting needles ■ 3 stitch holders ■ 8 (8: 8: 8: 8: 8: 8: 8: 9: 9) 15mm buttons ■ Stitch holder For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft 01484 848435 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 22 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles 20 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over Lace Pattern using 4mm…

Pack your yarn and pattern with these travel-friendly goodies and you’ll be knit-ready no matter where you are, or what you’re knitting. 1 Planning a long trip? Buy this Addi bamboo knitting set with interchangeable tips. It contains eight pairs of tips in sizes 3.5-8mm and Addi Gold Cords. £79.95, www.laughinghens.com ,01829 740903 2 These perfectly sized scissors take up hardly any room at all, making them ideal for when packing space is at a minimum. £3.50, www.cottontailcrafts.co.uk , 01729 822946 3 Make dropped stitches a thing of the past with Nek’s new, patented cable needles. Their deep, plastic curve helps balance the needle, preventing stitches from falling off. £4.99, www.meadowyarn.co.uk, 01986 784 448 4 Avoid stitch-transfer slip-ups (especially on long…

1 Whenever possible, join in a piece of yarn at the beginning of a new row. Holding both strands of yarn, insert your needle in the first stitch of the row. 2 For the first stitch, wind both yarns around the needle and pull both through as usual. On the following row, knit the two strands for this stitch as one. 3 Now drop the ‘old’ yarn and continue working along the row, winding just the ‘new’ yarn around the needle for each stitch. 4 The wrong side shows the new yarn worked in. Tie off the ends of the yarn loosely until you finish the piece and weave in the ends.…

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…

Issue 173 July Lacy cardi Summer top Empire-line top Stripe and lace cardi Butterfly baby cardi Child’s textured poncho Unicorn tea cosy Farmyard animals Hero teddy Holiday collection Hanging baskets PLUS! Knitting tips for crochet hooks booklet Issue 172 June Fair Isle cardi Longline hoodie Roll-neck jumper Textured men’s jumper Cute baby jumper Child’s emoji tank top Football tea cosy Kangaroo toys Dress up doll Wedding collection PLUS! Stylish spring pattern booklet Issue 171 May Cropped jumper Cute royal teddy toy Longline cardigan Baby pod & hat Simple lace poncho Geometric blanket Wrap-around cardigan Men’s colourful cardi Cute zoo animals PLUS! Accessories and royal baby pattern booklets Issue 170 April Fair Isle and cable jumper Stripy baby set Simple ladies’ cardi Child’s nautical jumper Bertie Bunkins Kitchen Collection Cable &…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Aran weight yarn from your stash, 1 x 100g ball in each of 4 colours; we used Ivory, Gold, Purple, Orange ■ A 5mm (US H/8) crochet hook ■ Backing fabric, one fat quarter ■ Sewing cotton and needle ■ Cushion pad (38cm/15in square) ABBREVIATIONS ss slip stitch: insert hook into stitch, yrh, draw through stitch and loop ch chain: bring yarn over hook, grab it with hook and draw through loop sp space: space in between stitches tr treble stitch: (see right) htr half treble stitch: (see right) yrh yarn round hook Using Ivory yarn, ch6, then join the chain into ring with a slip stitch. Round 1 Ch5 (counts as 1tr, ch2), (3tr into ring, ch2) 3 times, 2tr into ring, ss to top…

1 Insert the point of the right-hand needle into the next stitch as if to knit, but instead slip the stitch 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 and lift it over the k2tog. 4 Continue knitting as directed in the pattern. This decrease forms a slant that slopes towards the left.…

“As a knitter, I’ve tried most of the major techniques – lacework, intarsia, Continental and English-style knitting and Kitchener stitch – plus that old favourite, retrieving a dropped stitch from twenty rows down at midnight while making a gift that’s due the following day. You name it, I’ve probably tried it, then sworn at it and usually seen it through to the very end. DON’T FEAR THE TECHNIQUE My favourite type of knitting in the whole world, however, is stranded colourwork. Designing the motifs for a stranded piece feels a little like painting in yarn, and that’s a good feeling. Yet I’m often surprised by how many folk are wary of even attempting such colourwork. “I’d love to be able to do that. Maybe one day,” is typical of the…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Louise Crowther “This brave teddy was inspired by classic comics and modern cartoons. I’m so pleased with how the speckled yarn turned out, I think it adds a real interest to the stripe pattern.” YOU WILL NEED ■ Scheepjes, Stone Washed (78% cotton, 22% acrylic, 50g/130m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Black Onyx (803) Yarn B Moon Stone (801) ■ Scheepjes, Catona (100% mercerized cotton, 10g/25m) 2 balls of Yarn C Hot Red (115 ) ■ Scraps of black yarn (for nose and eyes) ■ A pair of 2¾mm needles ■ A pair of 3¼mm needles ■ Two 3¼mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) ■ Stitch holder ■ Tapestry needle ■ Toy stuffing For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com TENSION Scheepjes Stone Washed knits as sport/…

KNIT FOR PEACE WWW.KNITFORPEACE.ORG.UK The clue is in the name with this site – discover how you can help make the world a better place with knitting. Take part in an annual campaign, like Keep Britain Warm, or donate general items for those in need. Download one of their free patterns to get started now. LOVING HANDS WWW.LOVINGHANDS.ORG.UK Become part of an army of knitters who dedicate their time and knitting to vulnerable people and animals. Choose from a varied list of charities to find one (or more) to support, or join in with a seasonal challenge. Find out more about boving Hands on page 46. UK HAND KNITTING WWW.UKHANDKNITTING.COM Find a charity you want to support with your knitting and download free patterns to get your generous knitting going.…

Every month, three subscribers win a prize as a thank you for their loyalty to Simply Knitting. This month, the winners (below) will each receive six balls of Caron Simply Soft Light yarn, along with a lovely Walk in the Park spring cardigan pattern, worth £28.49! Mrs Thacker, Northampton Mrs Barber, Glasgow Mrs Skidmore, Birmingham FIND US AND FOLLOW US! Post a pic on our Facebook page facebook.com/simplyknitting Tweet us @SimplyKnitMag twitter.com/SimplyKnitMag Add to our Finished Projects board ravelry.com/groups/simply-knitting-magazine Tag us with @simplyknittingmag instagram.com/simplyknittingmag Follow us on Pinterest www.pinterest.com/simplyknitmag EMAIL US AT: simplyknitting@immediate.co.uk WRITE TO US AT: Simply Knitting , Immediate Media Co, Tower House, Fairfax Street, Bristol BS1 3BN IMMEDIATE MEDIA COMPANY, PUBLISHERS OF SIMPLY KNITTING, SUBS STARS GIVEAWAY TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Prizes were…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Amanda Berry “I think in another life I would have been a pig farmer, as I love pigs! So I made a cuddly plump Yorkshire pig, and a sheep and cow pal. I used acrylic yarn so they are all easy to keep clean.” YOU WILL NEED ■ Hayfield, Bonus DK (100% acrylic, 100g/280m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Iced Pink (958) Yarn B Cream (812) Yarn C Walnut (927) Yarn D Black (965) ■ A pair of 3 mm needles ■ A pair of 3 mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) ■ Toy filling, 150g ■ Six domed black buttons, 10mm wide For yarn stockists contact Sirdar 01924 231682 www.sirdar.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 22 sts and 28 rows to…

YOU WILL NEED ■ West Yorkshire Spinners, Bluefaced Leicester DK (100% wool, 50g/112m) 1 ball of each (to knit the whole set): Yarn A Bluebell Yarn B Catkin Yarn C Sage ■ A pair of 4mm needles ■ Tapestry needle ■ Fork (for pompoms) For yarn stockists contact West Yorkshire Spinners 01535 664500 www.wyspinners.com TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles MEASUREMENTS Beach Bag Trim 106x5cm (41›x2in) (excluding fringe) Sunglasses Case 17x7cm (6›x2›) ABBREVIATIONS S2kpo slip 2 sts tog knitwise, knit 1, pass slipped sts over For a full list see page 95 Welcome to our Collection section! Each issue, we’ll bring you a set of three exciting patterns from our…

Members of the Dolphin WI in Braintree, Essex, have put their knitting skills to good use creating knitted replicas of the town’s historic buildings. “The project began three years ago as a celebration of 100 years of the Women’s Institute (WI),” explains Elaine Pye, cice President of Dolphin WI. “I decided to ask if anyone would be interested in a creative knitting group after seeing a knitted village project in Hertfordshire.” /›i›wÀÃÌ›bÕ›› ››}›Ì›iÞ›Ì>c››i`›Ü>Û-Ì›››c›>i›’Û››ÕÀc›°› º››››iÜ››Ì›Ü›Õ› ›}›Ûi›Ì›i››››ÌÌiÀÛܛ››c>›i›Ì›››ÕÀ›wÀÃÌ› meeting plenty of pieces to choose between,” says Elaine. “After asking the rest of our WI for oddments of yarn, we met over tea, coffee and cake and began to knit!” “I made the model using polystyrene, masking tape and wooden kebab sticks. After asking the rest of our WI for oddments of yarn, we…

1 Working with the yarn at the back of your knitting, insert the point of the right-hand needle into the next stitch as if to knit, but instead slip the first stitch onto the right-hand needle. 2 Now slip the next stitch from the left-hand needle onto the right-hand needle in the same way as for Step 1. 3 Push the point of the left-hand needle through the front of both slipped stitches. 4 Bring yarn around as for a knit stitch and knit the two stitches together. You now have a single stitch on the right hand needle. Your two slipped ones will create a left-leaning decrease.…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Ann Franklin “I thought it would be nice to have placemat and coaster sets that were easy to knit, but avoided using plain garter or stocking stitch. These reversible patterns fitted the bill perfectly.” YOU WILL NEED ■ King Cole, Big Value Recycled Cotton Aran (85% cotton, 15% other fibres; 100g/160m), 1 ball of each: Yarn A Cherry (1158) Yarn B Lemon (1171) ■ A pair of 5mm needles For yarn stockists contact King Cole 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com TENSION Yarn used knits as aran to this tension: 20 sts and 24 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over Ripple Rib st using 5mm needles 18 sts and 24 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over Knotted Openwork st using 5mm needles MEASUREMENTS Coasters 10x10cm (4x4in) Placemats 30x21.5cm…

STYLECRAFT KNIT KNACKS A Lake, Isle of Wight, PO36 9JL T 01983 716890 An 0ld fashioned wool shop with a modern twist. Stockists of James C Brett, Stylecraft and Woolcraft Yarns. Patterns, needles, crochet hooks etc. Lay-away service. DMC embroidery threads and kits. Haberdashery. Family owned and run. SIRDAR KNITTING NEEDLE LANE A knittingneedlelane.co.uk T 01223 561 865 Knitting Needle Lane is an online shop, a modern twist on a traditional hobby for all your knitting/crochet needs. We sell Sirdar, James C Brett, Manos Del Uruguay and Wendy. We also sell bespoke hand dyed yarns – we have the beauty of handpicking our skeins before they go online for sale. SIRDAR DOTTIE DI’S A 10 High Street, Hythe, Kent, CT21 5AT T 01303 772870 Now stocking Katia – Polaris…

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…

PROVISIONAL CAST-ON 1 Using your waste yarn, make a slip knot and place it on a crochet hook the same size as your needles. Place your crochet hook in front of your left needle, at a right angle. Make sure the working yarn is sitting behind the needle. 2 Use your crochet hook to catch the working yarn and draw it through the loop on the hook. If done correctly, you should now have a new stitch on the needle and a new loop on your crochet hook. 3 Gently tighten the new loop if necessary and return the working yarn to sit behind the needle. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you have the desired number of stitches. Try not to pull your stitches too tightly when using this…

Welcome to our guide to using fabulous crochet hooks in your knitting. If you ask anyone on the Simply Knitting team, they’ll tell you they wouldn’t be without their crochet hooks. Not only are they brilliant at picking up both dropped purl and knit stitches (p6), they can be used to add on-trend texture too – just check out Louise Smith’s stunning cushion (p3) for just one exciting example. You can also use your crochet hooks to create a multitude of handy cast-ons, each one suited to a particular use or finish for your knitted projects – turn to page 12 for two of our faves. Once you’ve got to grips with using your crochet hooks while knitting, why not work something bigger with them? My granny square cushion (p14)…