Indholdsfortegnelse for December 2020 i Simply Knitting

As most of us around the UK start gearing up for what may be an unusual Christmas celebration this year, I’m sadly reminded of those who may not be. In particular, I heard on the news recently that homelessness during the pandemic is on the increase. I know that many of us knitters are always keen to wield needles in support of a worthy cause so we’ve included a small story about UKHK and their Hats for the Homeless campaign on our news pages. Knitting hats is the ultimate stashbuster, so if you have lots of single balls of yarn, and you don’t know what to do with them, why not knit some hats and send them to the address on page 8? We also have a copyright- free charity…

MIX & KNIT SWEATER DESIGNS By Rita Maassen (Stackpole Books, £17.95) If you’ve always wanted to design your own jumpers, this is the book for you. Rita Maassen starts with six basic sweater designs, which can be customised by neckline, colour, texture and armhole style. There are also 23 unique designs created by Rita, all of which can be customised to make them truly yours. With over 70,000 different designs possible, this book will certainly keep your needles busy! SALTWATER GIFTS FROM THE ISLAND OF NEWFOUNDLAND By Christine LeGrow and Shirley A Scott (Boulder Books, £24.99) The third book by this talented duo, that looks to the knitting traditions of Newfoundland, is a treasure trove of delightful designs your loved ones will adore. With patterns for caps, socks, gloves, tea…

FUN colour work TAKE ON A CHALLENGE YOU WILL NEED □ Cygnet DK (100% acrylic, 100g/298m) □ Cygnet Little Ones A-Z (100% acrylic, 25g/66m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table □ A pair of 3.25mm needles □ A pair of 4mm needles □ Stitch holders TENSION 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 WHERE TO BUY □ For yarn stockists contact Cygnet on 01274 743374 www.cygnetyarns.com OR YOU COULD TRY... □ The Knitting Network 01795 570303 or www.theknittingnetwork.co.uk 10% off! www.theknittingnetwork.co.uk is offering 10% off sitewide with code SKNEW10. New customers only. Exclusions apply. Offer ends 10 Dec 2020. Full terms and conditions at www.theknittingnetwork.co.uk. SIZING COLOUR KEY So you can re-use…

SEVEN DECADES Shirley was inspired by Ann’s design to make this beautiful knitted birthday cake for her friend’s 70th celebrations. Shirley King via email NEW TRICKS Sheila really enjoyed making the celebration cake - in the process she also learned some new knitting techniques including magic loop and i-cord. Sheila Revell via email FULL OF PRIDE When Wendy’s work asked her and her colleagues to make cakes for Pride month, she adapted the birthday cake pattern and made a fab knitted one! Wendy Smyth, via Facebook…

I’m nine pairs into my Christmas sock-knitting marathon, five more to go. I budgeted a huge amount of time, because panicked Christmas Eve knitting is the worst, but I might have been overly cautious by starting in July!Gillian, via Facebook I get orders for mini Christmas puddings filled with a Ferrero chocolate. I can make up to a hundred each year. For presents, my favourite gift to knit has to be socks.Glenys, via Facebook Jumpers for my grandsons. I’m always asked for ‘Nana knits’ for Christmas.Maria, via Facebook Knitted mice!Shelia, via Facebook My blankets and cushions always go down well at Christmas!Sue, via Facebook I start early on my knits. I make a range of items, including knitted Christmas cards!Susan, via Facebook I think my favourite has to be mittens.Val,…

TRY NEW TECHNIQUES The sequel to ‘A Year of Techniques’ (which was featured on Issue 203’s giveaway page), ‘Boost Your Knitting’ includes 12 brand- new patterns from world-class designers which feature techniques such as tuck stitches, correcting mistakes in lace knitting, intarsia in the round and double knitting. Each pattern is accompanied by photo tutorials and online videos, so you can improve knitting prowess while making fabulous projects! We have 5 copies to give away, worth £22 each. If you’d like to see all their books and accompanying yarn, head to www.shop.acknitwear.co.uk. CHRISTMAS KNITTING At Simply Knitting HQ we’re suckers for a Christmas pattern book, and we’re in love with this brand-new collection by Sirdar! Christmas Selection is crammed full of festive knitting and crochet projects, including Christmas jumpers for…

TAKE ON A CHALLENGE YOU WILL NEED □ Stylecraft Special DK (100% acrylic, 100g/295m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A White (1001) Yarn B Cornish Blue (1841) Yarn C Matador (1010) □ A pair of 4mm needles □ Stitch holder TENSION 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles MEASUREMENTS To fit a 2 pint teapot or medium teapot that holds 6 to 8 cups ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 WHERE TO BUY □ For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft on 01484 848 4355 or visit www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk OR YOU COULD TRY… □ Black Sheep Wools 01925 764231 or www.blacksheepwools.com □ The Knitter’s Attic 01394 547077 or www.theknittersattic.co.uk HOW TO USE OUR CHARTS Start at the bottom right-hand corner. Read right side…

15% off LoveCrafts are offering 15% off Hayfield Bonus DK! Quote offer code LOVEKNIT205 when you order. To place your order call 01409 404010 or visit www.lovecrafts.com. Offer ends 1 Dec 2020. IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED □ Hayfield Bonus DK (100% acrylic, 100g/280m) For all sizes, 1 ball of each: Yarn A White (961) Yarn B Signal Red (977) Yarn C Emerald (916) □ A pair of 3.5mm needles □ A pair of 4mm needles □ Tapestry needle □ 2 stitch markers □ Sewing pins □ Pompom maker, medium TENSION 23 sts and 29 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles MEASUREMENTS To fit head circumference 44 (48.5: 49)cm, 17¼ (19: 19%)in Actual hat circumference 42 (47: 52)cm, 16½ (18½: 20½)in Length crown to…

In association with the Keep Yarn on our Streets campaign With the nights drawing in, knitting is coming into its element - I want nothing more of an evening than to wrap up in a woolly jumper and cover my lap with my latest knitting! With Christmas nearly here, it’s also a great time to think about charity knitting, using our skills to help others in need. This issue we’ve chatted to Mind, who run Crafternoon fundraisers, and the Naval Children’s Charity, who support the children of Naval familes - both very worthy causes. We also spoke to a wonderful knitting group at an arts and community centre in London. Elsewhere we’ve explored yarn shops in Yorkshire and Bath, and learned about the ethical yarns at Kettle Yarn Co. Please…

KNIT for men, women & teens! IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED □ Q Scheepjes River Washed (sportweight, 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 □ Locking stitch markers □ 5 buttons TENSION 22 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over stocking stitch using 3.75mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 WHERE TO BUY □ For yarn stockists visit Scheepjes at www. scheepjes.com OR YOU COULD TRY… □ Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 or www.woolwarehouse.co.uk □ LindeHobby www.lindehobby.co.uk TOP TIP Do you find counting your cast-on stitches labourious? Mark your cast-on stitches with markers on every 10th stitch and make recounting those stitches super easy! SIZING COLOUR KEY…

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 tail purlwise through the first stitch on the needle furthest…

Kirstie McLeod Editor “To clear out my knitting drawers! I’ve probably got 100 jumpers- worth of yarn in there!” Katie Beale Production Assistant “It’s too early for knitting resolutions for me, I’m still working my way through my Christmas knits!” Jen Bartlett Technical Assistant “Spending time going through my needles, and getting rid of any bent or broken ones.” Faye Perrium-Reed Technical Editor “I’d like to get all my favourite knitting patterns in one place - perhaps a handy filing system.”…

Come, sit down and enjoy this delightful selection of detail-packed animals worked in super-neat stitches. Born from the needles of Angela Turner they are inspired by the ‘Woodland Hipsters’ brought to life by graphic designer, Julie Lalonde. Brimming with fun detail and character, they look brilliant together as a set. Each one is knitted in Stylecraft Life DK and we have a smashing competition on page 24 to win all the yarn needed to knit the entire collection. Hippy winter knitting! WIN! All the yarn for the Winter Woodland Animals set on page 24…

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED □ Stylecraft Life DK (75% acrylic, 25% wool, 100g/298m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Bark (2448) Yarn E Charcoal (2323) Yarn F Cream (2305) Yarn G Silver Grey (2341) Yarn H Pink Lady (2297) Yarn J Copper (2312) □ A pair of 2.25mm needles □ Stitch holders □ Yarn bobbins □ Toy filling □ Tapestry needle □ 2 black safety eyes, 8mm diameter □ Button with raised edge (or circle of white or blue felt) 17mm diameter □ A small piece of tin foil □ Brown felt pen □ Glue □ Scrap of white felt □ Sewing needle and length of white thread TENSION 34 sts and 44 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 2.25mm needles MEASUREMENTS 24cm (9½in) tall…

TAKE ON A CHALLENGE YOU WILL NEED □Stylecraft Life DK (75% acrylic, 25% wool, 100g/298m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Bark (2448) Yarn E Charcoal (2323) Yarn G Silver Grey (2341) Yarn M Oatmeal (2303) Yarn S Pebble Nepp (2327) □ A pair of 2.25mm needles □ A set of 2.5mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) □ Stitch holders □ Yarn bobbins □ Toy filling □ Tapestry needle □ 2 black safety eyes, 8mm diameter □ Circle of card, 4cm □ Garden or floristry wire, 20cm □ Pipe cleaner/chenille stem TENSION 34 sts and 44 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 2.25mm needles MEASUREMENTS 28cm (11in) tall to tips of ears ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 in Simply Knitting magazine Not suitable for children under…

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED □Stylecraft Life DK (75% acrylic 25% wool, 100g/298m) 1 ball of each: Yarn C Pillar Box Red (2449) Yarn E Charcoal (2323) Yarn F Cream (2305) Yarn G Silver Grey (2341) Yarn S Pebble Nepp (2327) □ A pair of 2.25mm needles 1 set of 2.5mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) □ Stitch holders □ Yarn bobbins □ Toy filling □ Tapestry needle □ 2 black safety eyes, 8mm □128cm garden or floristry wire □ Glasses template □ Pipe cleaner/chenille stem TENSION 34 sts and 44 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 2.25mm needles MEASUREMENTS 27cm (10½in) tall to tips of ears ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 of Simply Knitting magazine Not suitable for children under three years old due…

NEW NORDIC Inspired by the traditional Norwegian Acanthus ornamentation used in Norwegian folk art on wood carvings, rose painting and from 1000-year-old stave churches, this Arne & Carlos New Nordic 2020 collection from Rowan is a historical tribute in knitting! Within it find striped jumpers and cardigans, overlayed with sweeping motifs and highly decorative accessories. Pattern downloads £4 each, or £12 for the collection at www.knitrowan.com.…

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED □ Noro Tsubame (50% silk, 25% wool, 25% polyamide, 200g/600m) 1 ball of Kamaishi (Colour 2) □ A pair of 5.5mm needles TENSION 14 sts and 26 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over garter st using 5.5mm needles MEASUREMENTS Wingspan 170cm (67in) Depth 72cm (28½in) ABBREVIATIONS CCO (cable cast on) *insert RH needle between first 2 sts on LH needle, wrap the yarn around the needle and pull through to create a new st, place the new st on LH needle; rep from * until you have total number of required sts CR2 (cross 2) slip 2 sts purlwise to right-hand needle dropping the extra wraps, with left-hand needle lift first of these sts over the second st to cross them, slip both sts…

TAKE ON A CHALLENGE YOU WILL NEED □ Rowan Alpaca Classic DK (57% alpaca, 43% cotton, 25g/120m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table □ a pair of 3.25mm needles □ A pair of 4mm needles □ Stitch holders TENSION 23 sts and 31 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 WHERE TO BUY □ For yarn stockists contact Rowan on 01484 668200 www.knitrowan.com OR YOU COULD TRY... □ Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 or www.woolwarehouse.co.uk □ The Knitter’s Attic 01394 547077 or www.theknittersattic.co.uk TOP TIP Following an intarsia chart be tricky, especially if the chart starts somewhere in the middle of your row. For ease, photocopy the chart and cross off the rows as you work them.…

DINO CARDIES! I took inspiration from your mention of Stylecraft’s jacket pattern and I’ve been doing these cute dinosaur cardigans for my grandchildren. Two are finished and there’s one to go. The Bambino DK wool is a pleasure to work with, as it both looks and feels nice. Linda Senior, via email I bet that your grandchildren are going to really love snuggling up in these dino cardies Linda, especially in that lovely soft yarn. Our letter writer wins a £15 voucher for Black Sheep Wools. £5O GIFT CARD…

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS 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 □ A 3.25mm circular needle, 40cm long (this is only used for picking up the neck band and could be done on straight needles) □ A set of 3.25mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) □ Large-eyed darning needle Locking stitch markers □ 6 grey buttons □ 1 light grey button and 1 smaller black button (stacked to form the eye) □ Stitch holder TENSION 22 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 WHERE TO BUY □For yarn stockists contact King Cole on…

TAKE ON A CHALLENGE YOU WILL NEED □ Hayfield Bonus DK (100% acrylic, 100g/280m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Walnut (0927) Yarn B White (0961) Yarn C Lime (0882) Yarn D Grass (0825) Yarn E Signal Red (0977) □ A pair of 3.5mm needles □ A pair of 3.5mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) Toy filling, 200g □ A red ribbon bow for the wreath □ Red and green buttons in a variety of sizes □ Sewing needle and white embroidery thread to attach buttons □ Pins for making up □ A 25cm pipe cleaner/chenille stem to strengthen the door frame (optional) □ Red and white twine to decorate the tree (optional) TENSION 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3.5mm needles MEASUREMENTS 14cm (5½in)…

WIN PRIZES! We love a good puzzle here at Simply Knitting HQ! We have five mystery bundles to be won as crossword prizes, packed with £10 worth of knitting goodies! For sudoku prize winners, we have three copies of ‘Felted Animal Knits’ by Catherine Arnfield courtesy of Search Press www.searchpress.com. Once you’ve completed our puzzles, head to www.gathered.how/simplyknitting and follow the links to the giveaways. You will need to sign in or register on the site and answer a multiple choice question to enter the giveaways. Then, enter either the prize word or numbers from the shaded squares in the blank space, along with your name and address. Find terms and conditions at www.gathered.how/competition-terms-and-conditions. Competitions close on Thursday 17 December Prizes will be sent out within three months of the…

Debbie Bliss Knitwear Designer Famed for her effortlessly stylish knit creations and extensive knowledge of knitting. Kirstie McLeod Editor Queen of socks and gadget hoarder, Kirstie has many years of knitting knowledge to share. Jen Bartlett Technical Editor Stitch expert and technical whizz, Jen likes to tackle the trickiest of knitting problems. Sophie Jordan Deputy Editor Product expert and Fair Isle fanatic, Sophie loves talking about the latest trends and cool colour combos. QUESTION OF THE MONTH FEEL THE TENSION Q I confess, I never knit a tension square before I start a project, whether it’s a garment or not, and I know I’m not alone. I need more incentive, so what are the pitfalls of not doing one? Sarah Gale, via Facebook A tension square is your guide, or…

GREAT GIFT idea! TAKE ON A CHALLENGE YOU WILL NEED □ Deramores Studio Baby Soft DK (100% acrylic, 100g/330m) 1 ball of each Yarn A Snow (70101) Yarn B Sunshine (70103) Yarn C Waves (70120) □ A pair of 3mm needles □ Toy filling TENSION 28 sts and 34 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3mm needles MEASUREMENTS Stocking 28cm (11in) tall, not including hanging loop Bone 13cm (5in) long Fish 8cm (3in) long ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 WHERE TO BUY □ Visit Deramores at www.deramores.com 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. PET…

Julie Lalonde is the graphic designer behind our cute critters, and owner of design business, Lovely Clementine WHEN DID YOU START YOUR BUSINESS AND WHY? I started in 2010 after the birth of my son. My current job was switching to 12 hour shifts which wasn’t going to be ideal for me as a mother to young children. I decided to try to see if I could come up with a way to make some income and stay at home, and that was how it all started! WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR WORK? I love that I’m able to do something I enjoy that satisfies my need to stay creative, and I love looking for inspiration everywhere I go. DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE PIECE OF CLIP ART? Would…

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED □ Stylecraft Life DK (75% acrylic, 25% wool, 100g/298m) 1 ball of each: Yarn E Charcoal (2323) Yarn F Cream (2305) Yarn J Copper (2312) Yarn N Denim (2322) Yarn O Zing (2356) □ A pair of 2.25mm needles □ A pair of 3mm needles □ A set of 2.5mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) □ Stitch holders □ Yarn bobbins □ Toy filling □ Tapestry needle □ 2 black safety eyes, 8mm diameter □ 28cm garden or floristry wire □ Glasses template □ Pipe cleaner/chenille stem TENSION 34 sts and 44 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 2.25mm needles MEASUREMENTS 26cm (10in) tall to tips of ears ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 of Simply Knitting magazine Not suitable for…

Pusheen & Sloth by Stitch & Story Exclusive to Stitch & Story are these adorable Pusheen and Sloth knitting and crochet kits, containing all you need to make a squishy delight for you or someone special. Kits from £32 at www.stitchandstory.com Baby Rattles from Deramores You’ll spend lots of joyful knitting hours creating these animal rattle teethers designed by our very own Amanda Berry. Each one is knitted in Deramores Studio DK which comes with anti-piling technology. Buy the kit (£14.80) or just the pattern (75p) from www.deramores.com. KnitPro Knit and Sip Holiday Needle Set KnitPro’s latest needle set has a knitting and coffee theme and comes with sleek, coffee-shaded, interchangeable tips in various favourite sizes all packed in a velvet box. £90, for stockists visit www.knitpro.eu. Simply Christmas 2020…

simply knitting loves TAKE ON A CHALLENGE YOU WILL NEED □ Rico Design Essentials Soft Merino Aran (100% wool, 50g/100m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table □ A pair of 4.5mm needles □ A pair of 5mm needles □ A 5mm circular needle, 100cm long (to accommodate yoke stitches, worked flat) □ 25 pearl-effect beads, approx 5mm diameter □ Zip, 56 to 60cm long TENSION 18 sts and 24 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 5mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 WHERE TO BUY □ For yarn stockists visit Rico at www.ricodesign.de OR YOU COULD TRY... □ Black Sheep Wools 01925 764231 or www.blacksheepwools.com □ The Village Haberdshery 0207 624 5494 or www.thevillagehaberdashery.co.uk QUICK ZIP TIPS... 1 For cardis/jackets buy a…

Oh my goodness it’s been a funny year, hasn’t it? I don’t think any of us could have expected to be in our current situation when it all started way back in March, but thank goodness our wonderful knitting has helped to keep us sane! Perhaps you have used your extra home time to use up all those beautiful yarns in your stash, or to build up your stash (no judgement here - I’ve enjoyed seeing photos of both on my social media feeds!). Or maybe you have tackled projects that have been on your wish list for many years (hello, new sock knitters!) or you might have finished off all those WIPs that have been lurking in the bottom of project bags for longer than you care to remember.…

STAR LETTER MOO-VELLOUS! I wanted to share my highland cow cushion from issue 190. My highland cow has a nose ring and I even adapted the pattern to create my own sheep cushion. I am in agreement with your Deputy Editor, Sophie Jordan, and her comments for ‘Our Favourite Projects’ in your 200th birthday issue, as I think that this cushion definitely is “a brilliantly on-trend piece of homeware”. This pattern has become one of my favourites and my cushions are being enjoyed in homes in Edinburgh and Texas as well as my home in Cumbria. Maureen Nelson Cumbria This cute cow always puts a smile on my face, and I love how you’ve given him even more personality with the nose ring! The sheep is a very clever adaptation…

Check your issue each 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 a three-ball yarn bundle of Stylecraft’s gorgeous Jeanie yarn, worth over £14! Perfect for topping up your stash! V Howie, Edinburgh T Hunt, Abingdon C Fisher, Alton 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.…

1 CHRISTMAS PETS How can you resist Amanda Berry’s adorable pets in their Christmas jumpers?! Knit the animals in the round and the sweaters flat. Pattern free from www.deramores.com 2 Let it snow... This chunky sweater, with its funky intarsia snowflake, will work up fast on 10mm needles, so it’s ideal if you leave your Christmas knitting to the last minute! Pattern free from www.knitrowan.com 3 BAUBLE BEAUTIES Unpacking the decorations each year is an important part of the Christmas routine – and how magical is it to hang up your own handmade baubles? It’s the best way to add a personal touch. Pattern free from www.lovecrafts.com 4 Pretty in pink This jumper is a great value knit in Stylecraft Life DK yarn – we love this modern fuchsia shade,…

From the Scottish Highlands to the courts of Versailles to the eastern shores of North America, the TV show ‘Outlander’, inspired by Diana Gabaldon’s book, brings to life, in gorgeous detail, an epic love story. But beyond the enchanting tale in the book and series, what has captured fans’ imagination the most are the rustic knits worn on the show. The new book ‘Outlander Knitting’, edited by expert knitter Kate . Atherley, allows fans to recreate rustic knits inspired by items worn on the show and b others imagined from Diana Gabaldon’s bestselling novels. We spoke to Kate to discover how she helped bring it all together. “I’ve been knitting since I was a child, my grandmother taught me. She was a prolific,life-long knitter, and she passed that love onto…

TAKE ON A CHALLENGE YOU WILL NEED For the entire blanket: □ Novita Nordic Wool (100% wool, 50g/115m) 10 balls of Yarn A Off White (010) 2 balls each of: Yarn B Christmas (549) Yarn C Icy Flower (509) Yarn D Squirrel (645) Yarn E Saffron (287) Yarn F Aqua (116) Yarn G Dark Ruby (590) Yarn H Moss (337) Yarn J Rock (048) Yarn K Heather (554) Yarn L Fir (397) □ A pair of 3.5mm needles □ A pair of 4mm needles □ A 4mm circular needle, 80cm long TENSION 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles MEASUREMENTS Blanket 125x130cm (49x51in) Square 20x20cm (8x8in) ABBREVIATIONS MC main colour CC contrast colour For a full list see page 87 WHERE TO…

DEBBIE BLISS... ABBREVIATION AGONY Q I’m struggling to work out what the difference is between K2tog and K2togtbl. Can you please help? Karen, via email K2tog is when you knit two stitches together through the front of the loop and K2togtbl is when you knit two stitches together through the back of the loop. Both techniques are used in decreasing, but k2togtbl twists the stitch which can give a more decorative effect to the finished item. Debbie Did you know...? Remember that mattress stitch is not just for stocking stitch! You can create an invisible seam sewn on the outside in garter and moss stitch too. I demonstrate them on @LoveCraftsKnitting Facebook Live! MAGICAL MOHAIR Q I would love to try knitting with mohair. It looks so lovely and fluffy,…

• ELEGANT alpaca lace jumper • SNUGGLY baby jumper & trousers • MARTIN STOREY charisma jumper • SUPER-CUTE kid’s dachshund cardi • BEAUTIFUL Nordic blanket KAL • BRIGHT & WARM zigzag scarf • COLOURFUL striped socks • HEALTHY KNITTING feature • DEBBIE BLISS solves your queries Extra gift booklet! Winter Knits For All The Family! ISSUE 2O6 ON SALE THURS 3 DECEMBER Join our KAL! HAPPINESS IS… FESTIVE MAKES Try a seasonal trio! Finger puppets, reindeer hat, & our gingerbread house cushion…

ISSUE 204 CHRISTMAS *Christmas tree jumper *Festive Bunting* Eyelet cardigan* Holly hat* Snowman toy* Christmas pud baby jumper* Fair Isle blanket KAL (part 1)* Polo-neck sweater* Poinsettia brooch* Festive bottle bags PLUS! Bumper giveaway feature! ISSUE 203 NOVEMBER *Floral intarsia jumper *Haunted house kid’s jumper* Dog blanket *Lace cardigan *Beaded headband* Zigzag T-shirt* Halloween tea cosy* Monster toy* Hot air balloon cushion *Circle pattern pop socks PLUS! How to improve your beading skills! ISSUE 202 OCTOBER *Slip-stitch cardigan *Preemie baby set *Bobble spray scarf *Summer T-shirt* 3D floral cushion* Kid’s veggie tank top* Beach hut homeware set* Cosy jacket and snood* Neck-knot gillet* Chevron socks PLUS! how to master stretchy cast offs! ISSUE 201 SEPTEMBER *Zigzag lace T-shirt* Kid’s bobble cardigan *Sunflower hair accessories* Doll toy *Final part 3D floral…

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED □ Stylecraft Life DK (75% acrylic, 25% wool, 100g/298m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Bark (2448) Yarn B Stone Nepp (2324) Yarn C Pillar Box Red (2449) Yarn D Crimson (2411) Yarn E Charcoal (2323) Yarn F Cream (2305) □ A pair of 2.25mm needles □ A pair of 3mm needles □ Stitch holders □ Yarn bobbins □ Toy filling □ Tapestry needle □ 2 black safety eyes, 8mm □ Fork (for making tassels) TENSION 34 sts and 44 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 2.25mm needles MEASUREMENTS 24cm (9½in) tall ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 in Simply Knitting magazine Not suitable for children under three years old due to small parts. WHY NOT TRY... …using a…

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED □ Stylecraft Life DK (75% acrylic, 25% wool, 100g/298m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Bark (2448) Yarn E Charcoal (2323) Yarn F Cream (2305) Yarn H Pink Lady (2297) Yarn L Cognac (2415) Yarn M Oatmeal (2303) Yarn N Denim (2322) Yarn O Zing (2356) Yarn Q Chocolate Nepp (2326) Yarn R Daffodil (2394) Yarn J Copper (2312) □ A pair of 2.25mm needles □ A set of 2.5mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) □ Stitch holders □ Yarn bobbins □ Toy filling □ Tapestry needle □ 2 x black safety eyes, 8mm diameter □ 4 pipe cleaners/chenille stems □ Garden or floristry wire, 28cm TENSION 34 sts and 44 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 2.25mm needles MEASUREMENTS 28cm (11in) tall…

EACH PACK worth £50! We all know that free yarn is such a treat, especially when you can use it to knit the entire set of Angela Turner’s Winter Woodland Animals in this wonderful booklet! With this exclusive giveaway from Stylecraft, you can indulge (100% guilt-free) in 16 squishy balls of different- coloured Life DK yarn, but the good news doesn’t end there, we’re offering this bulging yarn pack to not one, but five super-lucky readers! Even if you don’t win, head over to Stylecraft’s website for your nearest stockist of this great yarn, and why not check out their fabulous yarn and pattern range while you’re there?! For more on this great yarn visit www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk or call 01484 848435. 5’ PACKS TO WIN WHAT YOU WIN Stylecraft DK life…

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED □Stylecraft Life DK (75% acrylic, 25% wool, 100g/298m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Bark (2448) Yarn B Stone Nepp (2324) Yarn D Crimson (2411) Yarn F Cream (2305) Yarn J Copper (2312) Yarn M Oatmeal (2303) Yarn R Daffodil (2394) □ A pair of 2.25mm needles □ A set of 2.5mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) □ Stitch holders □ Yarn bobbins □ Toy filling □ Tapestry needle □ 2 black safety eyes, 10mm □ Garden or floristry wire, 29cm □ Glasses template TENSION 34 sts and 44 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 2.25mm needles MEASUREMENTS 17.5cm (7in) tall to tips of ears ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 of Simply Knitting magazine Not suitable for children under three…