Indholdsfortegnelse for June 2020 i Simply Knitting

KNIT STEP BY STEP by Vikki Haffenden and Frederica Patmore (DK, £14.99) Would 150 knitting techniques with illustrations be enough to whet your knitting appetite? Walking you through knit and purl, cast-on and off techniques, Fair Isle and colourful intarsia patterns, ‘Knit Step by Step’ certainly answers all your knitting questions. The fantastic high-quality images and stitch patterns help to make this top tips and technique book stand out from the crowd. KNITTING KNOW-HOW by CICO Books (CICO Books, £9.99) You need to add this comprehensive guide of techniques and tips to your knitting library. Economically priced, this handy guide from Cico Books caters to all knitting levels. Bursting with detailed drawings, fab images and clear instructions to guide you through basic techniques such as knit and purl, and more…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Scheepjes Stone Washed (sport weight, 78% cotton, 22% acrylic, 50g/130m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ❏ A pair of 3.25mm needles ❏ A pair of 3.75mm needles ❏ A 3.75mm circular needle, 80cm long TENSION 22 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3.75mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 ZIGZAG JUMPER Note When working from the Chart, use the intarsia method. Use separate amounts of yarn for each area of colour and twist yarns together on the WS to avoid holes where they meet. BACK Cast on 100 (106: 112: 118: 124: 130: 136: 144) sts using 3.25mm needles and Yarn A. Knit 7 rows. Change to 3.75mm needles. Beg with a RS (knit)…

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

FROM THE HEART I am 75 years old and I spend a lot of my spare time knitting for my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. I have been knitting since I was four years old, my nanna taught me to knit. My first project was a white doll’s vest, to fit my favourite doll. After that there was no stopping me! Apart from knitting for family, I also knit for charity and for the village annual horticultural show. After the show, the knitted items go into an auction to raise money for cancer research. I also love to knit tiny hats for the neo-natal unit at the Rosie Maternity Hospital in Cambridge. I really enjoy Simply Knitting for its variety of projects and features and also for your useful tips…

Check your issue next month to see if you’re selected as a lucky winner! Every month, three subscribers win a prize as a thank you for their loyalty to Simply Knitting. This month, the winners (below) will each receive Melissa Leapman’s ‘6000+ Pullover Possibilities’ book worth £21.99 – the must-have companion for any knitter, making it easy to customise jumper patterns to your size, shape, and style! IMMEDIATE MEDIA COMPANY, PUBLISHERS OF SIMPLY KNITTING, SUBS STARS GIVEAWAY TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Prizes were dispatched before the on sale date of this issue. There are no cash alternatives. Three winning entries will be chosen at random from all current subscribers. The draw is final and no correspondence will be entered into. WORTH £21.99!…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Eden Cottage Yarns Milburn DK (85% British Bluefaced Leicester wool, 15% mulberry silk, 50g/112m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ❏ A pair of 3.75mm needles ❏ A pair of 4mm needles ❏ A pair of 4.5mm needles ❏ Stitch markers ❏ Stitch holders TENSION 24 sts and 20 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over main body eyelet patt using 3.75mm needles ABBREVIATIONS s2kpo slip 2 sts together knitwise, knit 1, pass 2 slipped sts over (2 sts dec’d) For a full list see page 95 KEY CHART A (for Body sizes 10, 14, 16, 20 and 26) FIND YOUR SIZE CHART B (for Body sizes 8, 12, 18, 22 and 24) HOW TO USE OUR CHARTS Start at the bottom right-hand corner. Read…

If ever there was an ideal time to be a knitter, it’s right now. Thank goodness that you and I have a hobby that can be done from home, that can be as fiendishly challenging or as mindlessly simple as you choose, and which produces something comforting at the end. No matter how strict the quarantine and how absurd the world outside, there’s no need for any of us to stop making magic with our sticks and string. YARN REVELATIONS But I do have a confession that’s relevant to all this. For years, I’ve been wrong about something – so utterly wrong that I’m going to confess it right here in public. I realized the error of my ways on about day six of not-going-out-any-more, when I went upstairs to…

10 tips for being an ECO-KNITTER! 1 Whenever you next can, plan to walk or take public transport or ride your bike to your nearest yarn shop – not only is it good for your health, you won’t be using any unnecessary fossil fuels. 2 Tired of an old hand-knitted jumper? Don’t throw it out or donate it, unpick it carefully and use the yarn to knit up another garment, wash cloths or something similar. 3 Turn your knitting projects into a marathon, rather than a sprint, by considering your knits carefully, taking time to plan your patterns and yarns, not only will you be able to indulge in the knitting process, you’ll make better yarn choices too. 4 Carefully hand wash your knits using a wool soap and dry…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Paintbox Recycled Big Cotton (60% cotton, 40% polyester, 250g/90m) 1 ball of Yarn A Off White (003) 1 ball of Yarn B Orange (013) 1 ball of Yarn C Blue (010) ❏ A 12mm circular knitting needle, 80cm long ❏ 2m of white cotton webbing tape, 38mm wide ❏ White strong sewing thread ❏ Stitch marker TENSION 9 sts and 11 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 12mm needles MEASUREMENTS 31cm (12in) tall x 50cm (193/4in) wide ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 15% off! LoveCrafts are offering 15% off Paintbox Recycled Big Cotton! Quote offer code MAKER4 when you call 01409 404010 or visit www. lovecrafts.com. Offer ends 11 June 2020. SHOPPING BAG Note Please check tension as this pattern…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Bergère De France Magic+ (aran weight, 50% acrylic, 50% combed wool, 50g/80m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ❏ A pair of 5.5mm needles ❏ 6 x 20mm diameter Bergère de France Recycled Horn Buttons, (ref. 50243) ❏ Stitch holders TENSION 16 sts and 31 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over garter st using 5.5mm needles ABBREVIATIONS Dec 2 sts raglan k2tog, K2, sl 1, K1, psso For a full list see page 87 PATTERN NOTES No sew buttonhole Using a sewing needle, pick up the horizontal strand of the stitch where you want to place the buttonhole, pull it up and attach it 2 rows higher with a few little stitches on the WS of work. Repeat with the horizontal strand below the…

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.…

The Virtual Stitch Group meets up to four times a week with each meeting lasting just 40 minutes. This makes them a perfect little tea or coffee break, a chance to work on a few rows of your current WIP, and have a lovely catch up. Andrew Kite was inspiried to create the group to help people who are disconnected from their regular stitch groups and friends. Their members love to chat about all things yarn, including where they store and hide it! During one meeting they even had a little nose around other people’s yarn and craft rooms and spaces, which drew gasps of jealously from some and much laughter all round! WHAT’S A VIRTUAL SESSION? The sessions involve a grand mixture of projects, many members are switching between…

Dame Hilary Blume, Director Charity Knit For Peace Established 2007 What do you do? We provide a distribution service so people can knit for those in need. We believe knitting benefits both the knitter and the recipient and helps bring people together. We have over 22,000 knitters in the UK and send knitting to over 300 organisations to distribute: homeless shelters, women’s refuges, community groups, hospitals, nursing homes, refugee camps (in Syria, France, Greece, Kurdistan) and slums in India and Africa. What can we do to help? There are numerous ways to help. Send us your knitting (and crochet) and we will find a good home for it, we send out tens of thousands of items a year to different worthy causes. Donate your surplus of yarn and needles, which…

This month we chat to Judith Goodfellow from Fine Fettle Fibres UK... Tell us about Fine Fettle Fibres UK... Fine Fettle Fibres gradually evolved out of love for hand-knitting and yarn, to become a LYS specialising in British and Fair Trade yarn in natural fibres. It’s also a place where I hope knitters can find encouragement and help to develop their own skills. As well as a wide selection of yarns, I run weekly knit and natter sessions and structured teaching workshops. The shop is located within a gallery with other craft units on site, making it a good destination for a day out in beautiful Northumberland! What will knitters find at your shop? Most of the yarns I stock come from small, independent producers including Baa Ram Ewe, Blacker…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ King Cole Pricewise DK (100% acrylic; 100g/282m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A White (001) Yarn B Lime (071) Yarn C Cloud (201) Yarn D Acid (038) Yarn E Fondant (128) Yarn F Baby Peach (3285) Yarn G Mauve (3205) ❏ A pair of 5.5mm needles ❏ A pair of 4mm needles ❏ Small amount of toy filling ❏ Stitch holder ❏ Tapestry needle TENSION 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over stocking stitch using 4mm needles with single strand 14 sts and 23 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over stocking stitch using 5.5mm needles with yarn held double MEASUREMENTS To fit a two-pint (6-8 cup) teapot ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 MAYPOLE TEA COSY Note Divide Yarns A, B…

You may see these great finishing touches in our patterns! KITCHENER STITCH  The best way to graft your sock toes together Arrange your stitches so that the ones for the top of the foot are on one needle, and those for the bottom of the foot are on the other, with both needle tips pointing to the right. Cut a 40cm (15¾in) tail of yarn and thread onto a tapestry needle. Using your needle, thread the tail purlwise through the first stitch on the front needle, and then knitwise through the first stitch on the back needle. *Thread tail knitwise through the first stitch on the front needle and drop off the needle. Thread the tail purlwise through the new first stitch on the needle closest to you. Thread the…

ISSUE 197 MAY Block and stripe cardigan Kid’s sheep jumper Pompom throw Bright Easter decorations Men’s cable jumper T-shirt and cowl set Snuggly baby cardigan Stylish Grecian tunic Pretty flower socks PLUS! Project bag and British Birds pattern booklet* ISSUE 196 MARCH Colourful striped jumper Kid’s robot jumper Pansy brooch Baby Fair Isle cardi and hat Narhwal toy Kaffe Fassett scarf KAL Cable mug-hug Flower cushion Official Harry Potter scarf Dotty socks PLUS! Alphabet booklet ISSUE 195 MARCH Cream cable jumper Baby jacket Simple cardigan Hot water bottle cover Men’s ribbed jumper Kaffe Fassett scarf KAL Fair Isle footstool cover Yellow bag Bright toy cars Snuggly beanie hat PLUS! Burda magazine and King Cole booklet ISSUE 194 FEBRUARY Romantic eyelet tunic Kid’s ladder stitch sweater Heart gadget cases Hanging baskets…

1 Before you start knitting for a child ask the parent or guardian to take acurate measurements of their chest, arms and legs (depending on what you’re knitting) so that you start with precise information. 2 Even with accurate measurements we always recommend knitting a size larger – there’s nothing more disappointing than making something that is too tight. The little one will eventually grow into your precious garment if it’s a little too big or baggy. 3 When choosing your pattern take a look at the parents’ personal style and choose something that matches it – if they like your choice, there’s a chance it will become a wardrobe favourite! 4 Babies need their clothes changing umpteen times a day – we’re sure a practical, everyday knit that goes…

Vibrant colours and motifs of flora and fauna flood the latest collection from Debbie Bliss. Among the projects you’ll find this gorgous Jana bonnet which comes with matching mitts. For women there’s the Krysta jumper, which is worked in intricate stranded colourwork patterns influenced by Russia and Eastern European textiles, and knitted in Bebbie’s brand new DK-weight yarn, Erin Tweed. PDF patterns cost £3.50 each and can be downloaded from www.lovecrafts.com.Knitting kits including yarn are also available…

Rhian works with the SK team on a regulaar basis and is a fabulous knit designer who has a particular talent for socks Up early or slow to rise? Up early to get my son to school, but I much prefer a lazy lie-in! At weekends I often pop downstairs to make a cup of tea, then head back to bed with my knitting to get some in before having to start the day. First job of the day? Checking emails and seeing if anything urgent has come up. Mid-morning pick-me-up? A(nother) cup of tea and some custard creams. Fave time to sit back and take five? There’s normally an early afternoon slump around two. Perfect for taking a break from computer work and getting some knitting in on my…

‘CAT KNITS’ BOOK BY MARNA GILLIGAN, £16.99 From cat pockets on cardis and silhouettes on beanies, the designs in this brand new book are most certainly a few of our favourite things to knit! This curious collection of catty creations is filled with all manner of garments and accessories for those if us who simply can’t say no to kitty-themed knitting. Packed with 16 designs, inside are four garments graded for 16 different sizes, as well as cat-themed accessories including a wrap, shawl, scarf, cowl, capelet, mittens and hats. Designed in subtle, tonal colourways, these puuuurfect knits will fit effortlessly into your wardrobe. Discover more about this great book at www.searchpress.com. LOOK OUT… …for a gorgeous cat cardi design from this book in issue 200!…

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.…

YOU WILL NEED For the entire blanket: ❏ King Cole Merino Blend DK (100% wool, 50g/104m) 16 balls of Yarn A Aran (046) 1 ball of Yarn B Lavender (927) 1 ball of Yarn C Pale Blue (1531) 1 ball of Yarn D Pale Pink (1532) 1 ball of Yarn E Carnation (3090) 1 ball of Yarn F Mustard (855) 2 balls of Yarn G Sage (853) ❏ A pair of 4mm needles TENSION 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles MEASUREMENTS Blanket 115.5x93cm (45½x36½in); individual square 14.5x15cm (5¾x6in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 KNIT-ALONG BLANKET (PART 1) Note A long-tail cast on is recommended throughout this blanket KAL (here’s a great tutorial to one: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=SXA3gBNiSiM). The squares…

We love keeping up with what you’re knitting – this month it’s knitted bunnies... PERFECT PRESENT Julie made this for her friend’s granddaughter who adores Peter Rabbit, and had been on the look out for a suitable pattern for ages. Julie Kearney, Lancashire BUNNY JOY Martha knitted this rabbit from the pattern featured in issue 193 of Simply Knitting by Monica Fuertes. She found it easy to knit, and even made a little matching felt coat for him too! Martha Reid, Dublin BUNNY AND BABY BUNNY This beautiful bunny pattern is by Alan Dart. However, Annelies has altered it slightly to suit her own taste. We think the added baby bunny is adorable! Annelies, via Facebook…

I am always planning ahead. I like to start my winter knits around June, the ones for Christmas gifts and of course my charity stalls. There never seems to be enough time, and experience has taught me to plan well ahead so that I am finished by the end of November! Sue Welland, via Facebook I knit winter jumpers, hats and scarves, as well as Christmas knitting, I like to make an early start. Elaine Williams, via Facebook I work on smaller projects in the summer, and then larger garments such as big sweaters and blankets are made in the winter. Gillian Alexander, via Facebook Of course! I knit what I want, whatever the season. Maggie Faulks, via Facebook I knit anything, anytime. I tend to knit aran cardigans in…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Rico Baby So Soft DK (100% acrylic, 100g/250m); I ball of Yarn A Teal (028) ❏ Rico Cotton Metallise DK (53% cotton, 35% acrylic, 12% metallic yarn, 50g/120m); 1 ball of Yarn B Gold (003) ❏ A 4mm circular needle, 80cm long ❏ A stitch marker ❏ Bolster cushion pad, 15x45cm TENSION 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles MEASUREMENTS 15x45cm (6x18in) 10% off! Black Sheep Wools are offering 10% off Rico Baby So Soft DK & Cotton Metallise! Quote offer code RICO198 when you call 01925 764231 or visit www.blacksheep wools.com. Offer ends 11 June 2020. BOLSTER CUSHION COVER Note The bolster cushion cover is knitted in the round using the magic loop method. You can find…

I’M LOVING… The beauty of nature I’m feeling inspired by this exquisite colour that’s appearing in the garden, all of which is potential inspiration for my knitting. There’s a true, raw beauty to be found in nature. I’M MAKING… Future Fair Isle patterns I’m busy working away on some Fair Isle designs for my forthcoming book. Pretty patterns and bold colours are just the ticket to inspire in this current situation. I’M SHARING… Retro patterns Surprising pictures from an old (1970s) knitting book: there’s even a pattern for knitted cigarettes! Now is as good a time as any to take on a challenge!…

1 HEMP The hemp plant is quick and efficient to grow and uses a lot less pesticides and herbicides than other yarn materials when grown on a larger scale. 2 SOY SILK Soy silk is created from soy-bean waste left over from the production of soy in the food industry. It’s called the new ‘cashmere’. 3 ORGANIC COTTON Organic cotton is grown without pesticides, making it kinder to the earth. Look out for cotton in natural shades to eliminate the dyeing process too. 4 RECYCLED Yarns that are created from fabrics that would otherwise have ended up in landfill help to reduce the impact of environmental waste. 5 TENCEL Tencel is a cellulose fibre made by dissolving wood pulp which requires a lot less energy and water than processing cotton.…

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-hand one and insert the tip of the needle down through the back of the stitch on the left-hand needle. 3 Wrap the yarn around the tip of the right-hand needle to knit the stitch. Bring the needle through to make the stitch, keeping it on the 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.…

Never has there been a more important time to connect with your virtual community, so this issue we hope to inspire you. For fab online retailers check out our guide to Durham’s best shops. Nikki Small tells us about her gorgeous North Welsh boutique, Ewe Felty Thing, on page 69 and we introduce you to the brilliant Virtual Stitch Group created by Andrew Kite of The Yarn Whisperer – it’s the place to be for your online knitty fix! Our Charity of the Month this issue is Knit For Peace, who work with 22,000 amazing knitters, and our special report is all about ‘60 Million Trebles,’ an creative initiative from charity HIHFAD. We also chat to Judith Goodfellow, owner of fab independent retailer, Fine Fettle Fibres UK, about her love…

Who’s in charge? Nikki Small Where can we find you? Llandudno, North Wales When did your doors first open? 19 March 2018 What is your shop like? A friendly, cosy and colourful boutique. Our enthusiastic staff love to talk all things wool and are ready to help choose patterns, yarn or offer 1-2-1 lessons. Popular products? We stock yarn from 25 UK and Irish indie dyers, Lykke needles and commercial non-acrylic yarns by West Yorkshire Spinners, Araucania and Noro. Who shops at your shop? We have a group of regulars as well as an online following, and tourists from around the world also visit the shop for our unique range of yarns. Top shopping tip? Take your time to enjoy the range and choose the right yarn! Let us put…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Any alpaca DK yarn; 2 x 50g/100m balls ❏ A pair of 4mm needles ❏ A padded coat hanger ❏ 2 metres of ribbon TENSION SQUARE 22 sts and 30 rows to measure 4x4in (10x10in) over pattern using 4mm needles. ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 LACE PATTERN Row 1 and every alternate row Purl. Row 2 K1, *K4, k2tog, sl1, K1, psso; rep from * to last 5 sts, K5. Row 4 K1 * K4, drawn eyelet stitch (see abbreviations); rep from * to last 5 sts, K5. Row 6 K1 * k2tog, sl1, K1, psso, K4; rep from * to last 5 sts, k2tog, sl 1, K1, psso, K1. Row 8 K1, *drawn eyelet stitch, K4; rep from * to last 5…

The iconic Cheviot, a hill breed, originates from the grassy hills near the Scottish Borders.This adorable, white-faced sheep has a fluffy, long-staple length fleece with a cute tuft of hair nestled right behind its ear!Thanks to its versatilty and rugged texture, this fleece is an ideal choice for producing wool, which is then blended into a multitude of different yarns for crafting and more. Check out the Cheviot Breed Society, established in the UK back in 1890. Discover more about the wonderful world of British sheep at www.britishwool.org.uk.…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Coop Knits Socks Yeah! (4ply, 75% superwash Merino wool, 25% nylon, 50g/212m) 1 (1: 1) skein of Yarn A Almandine (117) 1 (2: 2) skeins of Yarn B Sphene (104) ❏ A set of 2.25mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) or a 2.25mm circular needle, 25cm long ❏ A set of 2.5mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) or a 2.5mm circular needle, 25cm long ❏ Stitch markers MEASUREMENTS UK shoe size 5-7 (8-9: 10-12) Actual foot circumference 19.5 (22: 24) cm, 7¾ (8½: 9½)in TENSION 33 sts and 44 rows to 10x10cm (4x4in) over stocking stitch using 2.5mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 10% off! Black Sheep Wools are offering 10% off Coop Knits Socks Yeah!! Quote code COOP198 when you order on 01925 764231 or…

No doubt about it! Here at the editorial office we are keenly aware that Spring is here. We’re positively amazed by colourful knitted designs at the moment: in orange, bright yellow, hot pink and postbox red. They are the colours that attract attention. The designs are relatively simple, although every design does have refinements, small details that make all the difference. This edition also includes many other designs, including seven garments made in organic yarns. Get knitting with feel-good organics! Enjoy yourself! For all pattern queries emails Burda’s knitting expert Margit Feddersen at mf@burdanordic.com…

LONG JACKET Spring is on its way. Greet the new season with a palette of vibrant colours! We are introducing a very colourful range of designs, starting with this beautiful long jacket in a stunning shade of red. The design has an attractive chequered-look textured pattern. Worked in a soft yarn, the jacket is softly draped. 09 34-48 • • • Yarn: Amira CROCHET DUFFEL BAG Pep up your outfit with this adorable bag. Crocheted in a brilliant orange colour and a pretty braided cotton yarn with a mercerised look. This simple bag has a drawstring closure at the top. You carry it on your shoulder on knitted straps. 31 • Yarn: Sunshine SWEATER WITH CABLE PATTERN Get yourself noticed in this amazing little yellow number with an impressive cable pattern…

When I was a new, young knitter I loved to knit lots and lots of children’s clothes, mainly because they were speedy and I could learn as many different techniques as possible in one quick knit. I still feel largely the same, except these days I’m putting all the skills I learnt practicing bootees and bonnets into designing my own knitting patterns, children’s knits included (you can see my simple hat on page 12 of this collection!). So this issue I wanted to gather together a mini collection of some of my favourite knits for little ones so you could experience the joy of knitting something dinky, perhaps with a little bit of shaping, colourwork or a stitch pattern that’s brand new to you. Knitting for little ones always brings…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Scheepjes Cahlista (aran, 100% cotton, 50g/85m) 2 balls of Yarn A Old Lace (130) 1 ball of each: Yarn B Tropic (253) Yarn C Yellow Gold (208) ❏ A pair of 4.5mm needles ❏ Lining and wadding: 31x55cm (12x21¾in) for bag; 15x15cm (6x6in) for pocket ❏ Press stud ❏ Needle & sewing thread or sewing machine (optional) TENSION 20 sts and 23 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4.5mm needles MEASUREMENTS 30x26cm (12x10¼in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 in Simply Knitting magazine HOW TO USE OUR CHARTS Start at the bottom right-hand corner. Read right side rows from right to left and wrong side rows from left to right. A row of squares represents a row of knitting NAPPY BAG…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ UK Alpaca Super Fine DK (75% alpaca, 25% wool, 225m/50g) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Jade Yarn B Parchment ❏ A pair of 3mm needles ❏ A pair of 3.75mm needles TENSION 24 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3.75mm needles MEASUREMENTS To fit a 2 to 4 year old Hat circumference 40cm (16in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see p95 in Simply Knitting magazine VINTAGE HAT Cast on 96 sts using 3mm needles and Yarn A, and work in rib as folls: Next row *K2, P2; rep from * to end of row. Rep this row a further 9 times, ending with RS facing for next row. Change to 3.75mm needles and, beg with a K row, cont…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Sirdar Snuggly DK (55% nylon, 45% acrylic, 165m/50g) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Bless (0190) Yarn B Light Grey (0435) ❏ A pair of 3.75mm needles MEASUREMENTS To fit a 6 to 12 month old baby – sole is 11.5cm (4½in) long TENSION 26 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over garter st using 3.75mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 is Simply Knitting magazine BOOTEES (MAKE 2) Cast on 35 sts loosely in Yarn A. Row 1 (K1, P2, K2) to end. Next row (P2, K2, P1) to end. Next row Repeat first row. Next row (P2, k2tog leaving the 2 sts on the needle and knitting into the first st again before slipping sts off needle, P1) to…

King Cole Stripe DK Bring summer into your life with this soft, premium acrylic which creates a delightfully bright pattern. It machine washes at 40°C too! Visit www.kingcole.com or call 01756 703670 for stockists. Silver Yarn Tools by Lyn Roberts Design Silver tools add smooth flow and luxury to your knitting – discover this plush gift range today! Knitting tool prices start from around £50 at www.lyn-roberts-design.com. MillaMia Naturally Soft Sock Twenty gorgeous colours make up this hardwearing sock yarn that’s plump enough for cables and lacework. Yarn £4.50 for 50g from www.lovecrafts.com or 01409 404010. twig & horn Wool Soap Packed with the highest-grade lanolin available, twig & horn Wool Soap will leave your garments clean, fresh and luxurious feeling. £15.30 for 8oz from www.twigandhorn.com. Novita 7 Brothers Korpi…

MY Joy Hold a vibrant pop of hand-dyed cerise in your palm, complete with random dye flecks. MY Life Bold, bright and golden! This wonderful, rich shade will have you standing out in a crowd. MY Thoughts Dark and brooding – cast on this mellow tone to create a delicious winter wardrobe. MY Wanderlust A dreamy twist of sumptuous greens combine to create this depth-filled tonal shade.…

Why not transport yourself to the depths of the deep blue sea while sat comfortably on your sofa with this super-salty knit? At just £4 per pattern pdf,The Big Friendly Octopus comes with squishy tentacles and sleepy eyes and would look perfect sat on the pillow of a bed or a comfy chair. Luckly, this pattern isn’t too tricky to knit and would suit a confident knitter with a little experience. It’s knitted using Hayfield Bonus Chunky which means you’ll knit it up in no time too! For more info on this great knit visit www. gifthorsekits.co.uk.…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ King Cole Big Value DK (100% acrylic, 50g/145m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ❏ A pair of 3.25mm needles ❏ A pair of 4mm needles ❏ 1 set of 3.25mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) or 3.5mm crochet hook ❏ Stitch holders ❏ 3 x grey buttons, 1.5cm diameter ❏ 2 x black buttons, 3cm diameter TENSION 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 FIRE ENGINE JUMPER Note It might be easier to Swiss darn or duplicate stitch the smaller elements on the Chart, such as the Ladder base, Siren, Lights and Windows. See page 86 for instructions on Swiss darning. When working Intarsia on the larger sections of…

A DOG IS FOR LIFE I really enjoy to knit blankets for dogs and cats, cosy dog coats and little toy mice for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. This was my latest parcel, full of an assortment of colourful knits of all shapes and sizes, that I dropped off to them earlier this year! Pauline Blaymires, North Wales As a huge cat and dog fan, it really makes my day to see all these knitted donations! ANGELIC ANGEL I love the latest issue of Simply Knitting. I am working away at the KAL throw by Lynne Rowe but stopped to make the little angel from Issue 192 – and here she is! I’ve also been busy working on other projects which I have enjoyed from previous issues. Thank you for…

FLORIDA, USA My mother received her copy of Issue 194 Simply Knitting magazine while on holiday in Florida earlier this year visiting family. She has also got me knitting again! She tends to use circular needles quite often, so was very pleased to receive the new ones included in Issue 194 of SK. She’s busy planning projects with her new needles. Barbara Stoddard We’re so glad she loved our circular needles! Our letter writer wins a fab gift voucher from retailer Wool Warehouse worth £20! £2O GIFT CARD…

We love hearing from our readers so don’t delay, pop up a post on Facebook, tweet us on Twitter, tag us on Instagram, follow us on Pinterest, add to our Ravelry Finished Projects Board, drop us an email or post us a letter! Here are all the details you need: WRITE TO US Stay in Touch, Simply Knitting magazine, Immediate Media Co, Eagle House, Colston Avenue, Bristol BS1 4ST. EMAIL US simplyknitting@immediate.co.uk FIND US AND FOLLOW US Facebook.com/simplyknitting @SimplyKnitMag ravelry.com/groups/simply-knitting-magazine @simplyknittingmag www.pinterest.com/simplyknitmag…

When it comes to adding a little pizazz to your knitting, metallic-effect yarns can be just the ticket. With so many on the market to choose from, and available in a fantastic range of colours, from solid shades to variegated, cool cottons to mohair, with our help you’re sure to find exactly what you need for your next exciting project, no matter what the season. WHAT YOU CAN BUY Metallic-effect yarns range from natural fibres laced with the tiniest thread of glitter, to a rainbow of full-on sparkle, and metallic ‘tinsel’ yarns filled with up to 90% lame. The amount of ‘metallic’ element can be made from various fibres, most are straightforward viscose, polyester or lurex, but some can be made from fine metal or metallic polyester. The fine metals…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ King Cole Chunky Tweed (72% acrylic, 25% wool, 3% viscose; 100g/138m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ❏ A pair of 4.5mm needles ❏ A pair of 5mm needles ❏ A pair of 6mm needles ❏ 1 set of 5mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) ❏ 3 buttons, from Duttons for Buttons, call 01423 502092 or email harrogate@ duttonsforbuttons.co.uk TENSION 16 sts and 22 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over main patt using 6mm needles ABBREVIATIONS TWP p2tog and do not slip sts off LH needle, then P into first st again slipping both sts off needle TWK k2tog and do not slip sts off LH needle, then K into first st again slipping both sts off needle For a full list see page 87 FIND…

Cascade Eco Alpaca, £14.99 for 100g – natural and undyed 100% baby alpaca wool Quince & Co Organic Chickadee Heathers, £8.50 for 50g – made from GOTS-certified organic wool Scheepjes Organicon, £2.50 for 50g – 100% natural organic cotton fibre Debbie Bliss EcoBaby, £4.50 for 50g – made from 100% organic fair trade cotton Rowan Denim Revive, £4.50 for 50g – made of 95% recycled cotton, mostly taken from old denim materials…

Before its unfortunate postponement, a unique exhibition featuring a collection of knitted and crocheted maps was due to feature at this year’s award-winning Wonderwool Wales craft show, amongst other enchanting works. The fascinating display was produced by groups who were inspired by a knitted map of Llandysul town, envisioned and created by Sue Howell. Sue Howell is the founder of the Knit Your Town Project, and originally came up with the idea for Llandysul after wanting to create a knitted project with a difference. “My initial idea was yarn bombing but then my thoughts turned to where I lived at the time in Llandysul, Ceredigion,” she explains. “Surrounded by the river, sheep, fields and a pretty town, I had a subject on my doorstep.” Sue managed to gather a team…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ Cygnet Chunky (100% acrylic, 100g/156m) 2 balls of Yarn A Kiwi (333) 1 ball of Yarn B Sorbet (539) ❏ A set of 5.5mm DPNs, or circular needle 100cm long for magic loop method ❏ Toy filling, 200g ❏ Stitch marker ❏ A jam jar, 13cm tall x 7cm diameter ❏ A cushion pad, 37cm tall x 20cm wide ❏ A square of cardboard to make the large i-cord flower, 10x10cm ❏ A square of cardboard to make the small yarn flower, 5x5cm TENSION 15 sts and 22 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over seed st using 5.5mm needles MEASUREMENTS Pen Pot to cover a jam jar 13cm tall x 7cm diameter Cactus Cushion to fit a cushion pad 37cm tall x 20cm wide ABBREVIATIONS For…

Phone order service We highly recommend call or emailing your local yarn shop and checking if they are running a telephone order service, like so many small retailers. They just might be able to help. Online shopping It’s true, nothing feels quite as satisfying as squishing that glorious skein, but there is another way to get your hands on the yarn you’re yearning for. The majority of independent retailers also have an online shop with a delivery service. Virtual knitting groups Read about online retailer, The Yarn Whisperer, and their virtual stitch sessions (left). Then checking with your local store to see if they are offering a virtual knitting group you could join. Or, if you are part of a knitting community on social media, why not set one up…

On the 12 of October 2019, over 60 women gathered in the conference hall of a local hotel in Southampton, Solihull. They brought together their knitted contributions for refugees across the globe, and passed on their donations to Hand in Hand for Aid and Development (HIHFAD). These women met under the banner of 60 Million Trebles, an initiative started in response to the refugee crisis of 2016, with every treble stitch representing a displaced person when there was an estimated 60 million in the world. A SPECIAL DAY The day was full of knitting, crocheting, meeting other groups and hearing from the individuals who had instigated the 60 Million Trebles initiative. Not only did the women donate over 10,000 pairs of socks for refugees (12,249 pairs to be exact) but…

CABLE CAST-ON METHOD Use it for a firm edge, and when adding stitches to your work 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. Push the point of the right-hand needle between the first and second stitches. Wrap the yarn anti-clockwise around the point of the right-hand needle. Pull the loop out with the right-hand needle, then slip it over the tip of the left-hand needle. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until you have the number of stitches you require. THUMB CAST-ON METHOD  A great all rounder, use it to cast on stitches quickly and easily Make a slip knot and place it on a needle, leaving…

YOU WILL NEED ❏ DROPS Cotton Merino DK (50% wool, 50% cotton, 50g/110m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ❏ A pair of 3.25mm needles ❏ A pair of 4mm needles ❏ 5 stitch holders ❏ 1 button TENSION 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 in Simply Knitting magazine HOW TO USE OUR CHARTS Start at the bottom right-hand corner. Read right side rows from right to left and wrong side rows from left to right. A row of squares represents a row of knitting. BLOSSOM CARDIGAN Note When working from charts read RS rows from right to left and WS rows from left to right. When working raglan decreases on…