Indholdsfortegnelse for April 2023 i Simply Knitting

16 PACKED PAGES THIS ISSUE'S EXCLUSIVE DELIGHTS! only in Simply knitting SOCK PATTERN BOOK Filled with four irresistible knits FARMYARD PLAYSET KAL Amanda Berry's latest design BIG KING COLE COMPETITION Win 120 balls of gorgeous yarn! READER OFFERS & GIVEAWAYS Money-saving treats for all SPRING GREENS Our latest yarn reviews DEBBIE BLISS ADVICE Answering your questions OVER 100 FREE PATTERNS Online at www.gathered.how With more added every month! (No subscription necessary)…

Wonder Wall Give your bedroom a yarny makeover with this fun garter stitch stencil! The stencils are reusable so you could add a knitted border right round the house, (just saying…). Simply position, stencil and repeat. All you need to add is paint. Get Knitted Border Wall Stencil, £38.47, www.thestencilstudio.com Spring Clean Up your yarn storage game with these bright and breezy woven seagrass baskets. They come in two sizes, small and large, and are really versatile as you can use them in two ways; the brim turned up with handles for maximum storage size, or turned down to better show off your precious stash. Large Turquoise Seagrass Basket, £24.95, Small Coral Seagrass Basket, £18.95. Both from www.rexlondon.com Wishlist Time! Just imagine having all the needles you'll ever need at…

Sock 4ply John Arbon, North Devon John Arbor Textiles have added four new colours to their Exmoor Sock 4ply range: Fuzzpig (khaki green), Fairy Thimble (pink), Plashes (bright blue) and Peggies (red). £10 for 50g/200m skein, www.jarbon.com 8 new shades Blacker Yarns, Cornwall Enjoy Pure Romney Guernsey 5ply yarn in three new undyed colours: Cream, Fawn and Silver and five dyed: Navy, Mid Blue, Black Turquoise, Rust Orange and Dark Olive. £19.60 forl00g/232m skein. Call 01566 777 635 or visit www.blackeryarns.co.uk Choose from two weights The Uncommon Thread, Brighton Love these 100% British yarns processed and spun in Yorkshire from Masham and Leicester sheep and dyed by hand in Brighton. Coming in 18 colourways, they're ideal for colourwork. Masham & Leicester DK or Fingering, lOOg £31.20, www.theuncommonthread.co.uk…

STAR LETTER A NEW RECORD I have been reading in your magazine about a lady who has been knitting for a number of years and I would like to tell you my knitting story. I started knitting at flj the end of WWII, when there was no knitting wool in the shops so we 8 knitted with darning wool. The first thing I made was a tank top for my uncle, then there were many years of family knits for my husband and daughters. Now I go to a knit and natter group, a friend collects me in her car. I am knitting a cardigan with striped sleeves from Simply Knitting issue 197.1 have made it many times and I get lots of compliments when I wear it. This one…

I've just finished a smaller version of The Knitted Year blanket KAL, using up leftover yarn. I've really enjoyed making it, and it's such a lovely concept, too. I especially like the rectangles with the detailed little flowers, so clever! Many thanks for this and all the other lovely patterns you create for us, month after month. I really look forward to your magazine coming through the letterbox – a great antidote to this freezing winter and the world's current woes. Liz Baird, via email Thank you so much for your kind words. We hope you find something new to add to your needles in this issue. Find this pattern in issues 231234…

“WHO IS YOUR KNITTING ROLE MODEL AND WHY?” Sasha Kagan, I still have all her books from the 1980s and 1990s, and the more recent ones. Stephanie Waugh, via Twitter My knitting role model is my grandma, she's the one that taught me how to knit when I was just five and to this day whenever I finish a project she is the first person I call so I can tell her. Jamie Dejong, via Instagram Stephen West. Gitte Hannus, via Facebook The knitter I most admired was my mother. Her tension was absolute perfection and she was truly skilled at aran. She taught me to knit, sew and crochet when I was very young. As I type this am surrounded by craft projects. Esther Hardie, via Facebook Alan Dart.…

When avid knitter and artist Denise Salway was encouraged by friends to enter Channel 4's TV show, ‘Kirstie's Handmade Christmas’ as a contestant, she decided to go for it, coming up with a fantastic idea to pay tribute to the wonderful mind of Charles Dickens by creating a knit inspired by ‘A Christmas Carol’. “I was 14 when I taught myself how to knit, as I needed a new cardigan. I've loved knitting ever since – it makes me so happy to create wonderful pieces, especially all of my creations that celebrate literature,” says Denise, who currently lives in Bridgend, South Wales. “The Christmas Carol jumper is a tribute to my favourite story.” Denise (also known as The Knitting Witch), began by drawing a rough stretch for the entry. “Normally…

Great for GARDENERS IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED ■ Stylecraft Special DK (100% acrylic, 100g/295m) 1 ball of each Yarn A Stone (1710) Yarn B Sandstone (1126) Yarn C Mustard (1823) ■ A pair of 4mm needles ■ A pair of 5.5mm needles ■ 2 black beads for eyes, 5mm diameter ■ A stitch holder ■ Locking stitch markers or waste yarn ■ Toy filling 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 2-pint (6-8 cup) teapot ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 SNAIL TEA COSY Note The pattern uses short rows on…

Abi, Head Of Admin Charity Dogs On The Streets, AKA DOTS Established 2016 What do you do? We help those most vulnerable, looking after dogs whose owners may need a little time to get back on their feet. We offer assistance to rough sleepers, the homeless, victims of modern day slavery and domestic abuse. We also run a vet clinic at Strand tube station in London every other Sunday for those in need of help with their dogs. Our fully equipped mobile veterinary surgery vehicle allows ease of access to dogs in need, and ensures that all the essential items and services are provided for free – from food provisions, new harnesses, leads, toys and bedding to specialist training and grooming sessions for owners. What can knitters do to help?…

Newborn TO 5 YEARS IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED ■ Stylecraft Sweet Dreams DK (100% acrylic, 100g/275m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ■ A pair of 3.25mm needles ■ A pair of 4mm needles ■ 5 stitch holders ■ 1 button, 20mm diameter TENSION 22 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles Cable panel of 10 sts measures 2.6cm wide using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS C6F Sl 3 sts onto cn, hold in front of work, K3, then K3 from cn For a full list see page 87 FIND YOUR SIZE BABY CARDIGAN CABLE PATTERN Worked over 10 sts and 6 rows. Row 1 (RS) P2, K6, P2. Row 2 and all WS rows K2, P6, K2. Row 3 P2,…

Do you love a good bargain knit? Then you'll love our stashbuster pattern book winging its way to you next issue. Filled with a variety of fun knits, the patterns inside will use up your random yarn balls and bits in no time. They're perfect for simple, cost-effective gifts that you'll love giving to your loved ones. We simply couldn't be more excited about bringing you another exclusive character next issue! Our Forever Friends™ bear is ready to deliver a sweet-looking cupcake straight into your hands, perhaps to say ‘happy birthday’ or just…because. Designer Angela Turner has brought this bear to life with amazing detail, right down to their lovely rosy-pink cheeks. TM & © Hallmark, used under license EXCLUSIVE TO Simply knitting Save the date! ISSUE 237 OF SIMPLY…

LACE KNIT SHAWLS, SWEATERS, SOCKS & HATS by Birgit Freyer (£22.99, Rowman & Littlefield Books) As the book cover says, this is a collection of 26 eminently wearable designs inspired by Japanese stitch patterns – and not just for special occasions! So elegant, you'll definitely want to add a piece or two to your wardrobe. There are also illustrated introductions to lace knitting and sock knitting, plus a helpful skill level for each pattern, so you can build up your expertise as you master each step. POCKET BOOK OF KNITTING by Claire Gelder (£9.99, Search Press) Yarn kit queen Claire Gelder of Wool Couture has written this handy little guide for complete beginners to knitting. It's packed with essential know-how for anyone just starting out: from how to read a…

Not one, but two new snuggly baby yarns from Cygnet Soft for the little ones in your life! All in generous 1 OOg balls. Baby Colour Soft in 100% easy-care acrylic comes in six self-striping shades, while Jelly Baby Chunky Chenille in a range of 12 colours will bring the ultimate squish to baby blankets, toys and plushy accessories. There's also a glittery option for extra bling! Baby Colour Soft DK, £3.79, Jelly Baby Chunky Chenille, £4.29, Jelly Baby Glitter Chenille, £4.69. For stockists, www.cygnetyarns.com, or try www.woolwarehouse.co.uk…

GET the LOOK Page 19 IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED □ Rowan Kid Classic (aran, 70% wool, 22% mohair, 8% polyamide, 50g/140m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table □ A pair of 4mm needles □ A pair of 5mm needles □ A cable needle (cn) □ Stitch holders TENSION 20 sts and 25 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 5mm needles Cable panel (60 sts) meas 22cm ABBREVIATIONS C2B Knit into front of 2nd st on LH needle but do not slip off needle, knit into front of 1st st on LH needle amd slip these 2sts off together C4B Slip next 2 sts onto cn and hold at back of work, K2, then K2 from cn C4F slip next 2sts onto cn and…

We always keep up with what our readers are making – this month it's adorable animals… BIRDIE BEAR I really enjoyed knitting this Alan Dart pattern, from a back issue of SK. I made it as a gift for a friend who loves to go bird watching. Carole Horner-Glister, via email THIS LITTLE PIGGY Thank you for the pigs in blankets tea cosy pattern. I made one as a Christmas decoration! I love to knit toys as they can show lots of detail. Caroline Hambly, via email WOODLAND WONDER I thought you would like to meetThumpy the rabbit from the Into the Woods supplement included in issue 232. I'm going to knit Mr Percy the fox next! Carolyn Grange, via email…

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 Plnterest, 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, Our Media Ltd, Eagle House, Bristol BS1 4ST. EMAIL US simplyknitting@ourmedia.co.uk. For subscription queries visit our website at www.buysubscriptions.com/contactus FIND US AND FOLLOW US Facebook.com/simplyknitting @SimplyKnitMag ravelty.com/groups/simply-knitting-magazine @simplyknittingmag www.pinterest.com/simplyknitmag…

CABLE JUMPER Try 100% recycled wool TAKE ON A CHALLENGE YOU WILL NEED ■ King Cole Wildwood Chunky (100% recycled wool, 100g/190m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ■ A pair of 5mm needles ■ A pair of 6mm needles ■ A cable needle ■ 3 stitch holders TENSION 20 sts and 23 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over broken rib patt using 6mm needles Each 10 st cable section measures 4cm wide ABBREVIATIONS C6 Slip next 2 sts onto cn and hold at back of work, K1, K2 from cn, slip next st onto cn and hold at front of work, K2, K1 from cn For a full list see page 87 FIND YOUR SIZE “Pat Menchini's combination of stitches produces a squishy ‘double thickness’ for this…

PARTRIDGE YARNS LUCY PARTRIDGE Tell us about your small business… Partridge Yarns was launched at the end of last year, supplying yarn that is handdyed by myself using natural materials. It all began when I started experimenting making dyes with household plants and vegetables, including overgrown rhubarb from my neighbour's garden. I loved the array of beautiful colours that these dyes could produce and how well they knitted up! I'm also passionate about sourcing ethically produced yarn and using practices that are environmentally conscious. What can knitters find in your shop? An array of handdyed skeins of yarn —currently in 4ply and DK weight, on 100% superwash non-mulesing Merino wool base. I've been working on a spring collection of colours, which will include a variety of weights and some British…

Every month we explore one of our favourite UK yarn shops… Who's in charge? Carole M Willey is the owner of Merry Maid, New Ollerton. When did your doors first open? The business started 7 November 2015. What is your shop like? The shop is warm and welcoming, the kettle is always on, laughter is expected and support always given. We hold many classes in our Knitters’ Snug including crochet, glass fusion, beginners sewing, flower making, needle felting, plus sewing and crafting socials every week and month. It has comfortable wingback chairs and a table that sits ten. We also have an outside seating area in our courtyard for warmer days. Who shops at your shop? Most of my customers are local to New Ollerton, but we have customers that…

MEN'S JUMPER SMART SPRING stripes IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED ■ Scheepjes Stone Washed (DK, 78% cotton, 22% acrylic, 50g/130m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ■ A pair of 3mm needles ■ A pair of 3.25mm needles ■ Stitch holders TENSION 22 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3.25mm needles 22 sts and 40 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over patt using 3.25mm needles ABBREVIATIONS Sl 1pw Slip 1 st purlwise For a full list see page 87 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. CHART KEY FIND YOUR SIZE MEN'S…

STASHBUSTER BAG SUPER stashcruster EASY TO KNIT YOU WILL NEED ■ Cotton aran yarn 150g of Yarn A lilac 50g each of Yarn B pink and Yarn C yellow ■ A pair of 4mm needles ■ A 5mm circular needle, 80cm long ■ A 5mm needle (for 3 needle cast-off) ■ Stitch marker TENSION 17 sts and 23 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over stocking stitch using 5mm needles MEASUREMENTS 30x33cm (12x13in) not including handles ABBREVIATIONS MB (make bobble) Using Yarn B, knit into the front, back, front, back, front of the st, creating 5 loops, pull the second closest loop over the loop closest to the end of the RH needle four times. The remaining loop is the newly formed st For a full list see page 87 STASHBUSTER…

CONTACT US! Got a question for our experts? Then email us at simplyknitting@ourmedia.co.uk or write to us at Simply Knitting, Eagle House, Bristol BS1 4ST. KNIT GURU Debbie Bliss Knitwear Designer Famed for her effortlessly stylish knit creations and extensive knowledge of knitting. Rachael Prest Technical Editor Detail obsessed and a numerical master, Rachael welcomes your challenging knit questions. Jen Bartlett Technical Editor Stitch expert and technical whizz, Jen likes to tackle the trickiest of knitting problems. guest expert Maryna Shevchenko Knitting Instructor Teacher and designer, Maryna makes tutorials about simple ways to improve your knitting. QUESTION OF THE MONTH RABBIT RACE Q I know it's pretty late in the day, but I'm thinking of knitting bunny toys instead of giving chocolate and sweets to my family for Easter. Do you know…

STRIPED CARDIGAN IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED ■ Rowan Kidsilk Haze (lace, 70% mohair, 30% silk, 25g/210m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ■ A pair of 3.5mm needles ■ A pair of 4mm needles ■ 9 bronze flower buttons, 1.2cm diameter ■ Stitch holders TENSION 21 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles and yarn held DOUBLE ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 FIND YOUR SIZE STRIPED CARDIGAN STRIPE SEQUENCE Rows 1 to 12 Using Yarn A DOUBLE. Rows 13 and 14 Using Yarn B DOUBLE. Rows 15 and 16 Using Yarn A DOUBLE. Rows 17 to 28 Using Yarn B DOUBLE. Rows 29 and 30 Using Yarn C DOUBLE. Rows 31 and 32 Using Yarn B…

CREAT FOR Easter! EASY TO KNIT YOU WILL NEED ■ King Cole Dollymix DK (100% acrylic, 25g/73m) 1 ball of each Yarn A White (001) Yarn B Black (048) Yarn C Gold (055) Yarn D Orange (144) Yarn E Pink (006) Yarn F Sky (005) ■ 1 set of 2.75mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) ■ 6 black sequins ■ 2 silver sequins ■ Black and white sewing thread TENSION 20 sts and 50 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over garter st using 2.75mm needles MEASUREMENTS Height 6cm (2½ inches) ABBREVIATIONS B&T Break yarn and thread through rem sts to fasten off For a full list see page 87 EGG COSIES BASIC BODY (FOR ALL COSIES) Note Use Yarn A for the Lamb, Yarn C for the Chick, Yarn E or F for…

EASY TO KNIT YOU WILL NEED ■ World of Wool Isle (100% wool, 100g/175m) 1 ball of Scalloway (IY19) □ A pair of 4mm needles TENSION 19 sts and 31 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over stitch pattern using 4mm needles MEASUREMENTS 17x23cm (7x9in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 STITCH OF THE MONTH NOTEBOOK COVER Cast on 64 sts using 4mm needles. Row 1 *K1, P1; rep from * to end. Row 2 Purl. Row 3 *P1, K5, P2; rep from * to end. Row 4 Purl. Row 5 *P2, K3, P3; rep from * to end. Row 6 Purl. Row 7 *P3, Kl, P4; rep from * to end. Row 8 Purl. Row 9 *K3, PI, K4; rep from * to end. Row 10 Purl. Row…

Sock knitters around the world will love our bonus booklet… Whip out your double-pointed needles and prepare for a sock-knitting extravaganza! In this special collection we bring you four practical and pretty socks patterns for all the family from some of our favourite designers. Two-tone cables for her and mock brioche stitch for him head-up the list followed by a sensational lace pair and a fun option decorated with sweet bunnies. Find your favourites shades and fill your sock drawer with heaps of foot-warming happiness. GET IN TOUCH! Write to us at Simply Knitting magazine, Our Media, Eagle House, Bristol BS1 4ST or email us at simplyknitting@Ourmedia.co.uk. Find us on Instagram @simplyknittingmag or on Facebook.com/SimplyKnitting.…

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED □ DROPS Fabel (4ply, 75% superwash wool, 25% polyamide, 50g/205m) 2(2:3:3) balls of Blue (107) □ A set of 2.5mm double -pointed needles (DPNs), or 60cm long circular needles for magic loop method □ A set of 2.75mm DPNs, or 60cm long circular needles, for magic loop ■ Stitch marker TENSION 30 sts and 40 rounds to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 2.75mm needles 36 sts and 40 rounds to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over pattern unstretched using 2.75mm needles SIZE S (M: L: XL) To fit foot circumference 18 (20½: 23:25½)cm [7 (8:9:10)in] Actual foot circumference 16 (18:20:21½)cm [6¼ (7:8:8½)in] ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 of Simply Knitting magazine MOCK BRIOCHE SOCKS Cast on 58 (64: 72: 78) sts…

1 Make a slipknot leaving a yarn tail of 3 or 4 times the width of the intended cast-on. 2 Using a circular needle with a long cable, hold both ends of the needle in your right hand, one in front of the other. 3 Slip your slipknot onto the back needle with the yarn tail at the back on the needle and tighten up. 4 Grab both ends of yarn in your left hand, then separate using your index finger and thumb. The yarn tail should be over your index finger and the working end over your thumb. 5 Keeping your left hand still and moving both needles in your right hand only, move the tip of the front needle over and under the tail end of yarn. The…

SPRING IS HERE! Knitting with spring pastels is always such a joy after the richer, cosy shades of winter – and this new knitting book from King Cole, ‘Springtime Knits’ is packed with nine sweet designs by Zoe Halstead, in Truffle, Big Vaiue DK, Big Value Baby DK, and Big Value Baby DK King Cole yarns. Brimming with bunnies, lambs, chicks, wreaths, eggs, bunting, baskets and more, it's perfect for calorie-free Easter gifts as well as bringing a splash of fresh colour to your home during sprintime. ‘Springtime Knits’ Book 1, £4.95. For local stockists, contact www.kingcole.com.…

If you're handy with an embroidery needle or know someone who is, here's an alternative way to show off your cabling skills! Kaitlyn Dornier has designed this cute ‘cable knit’ embroidery pattern, complete with fluffy pompom. Use basic embroidery stitches to make a classic beanie and add the cable details to complete the look. Kaitlyn also offers a complete embroidery kit, which includes all you need to get stitching! Cable Knit Hat Embroidery digital pattern download, £8.14. Complete kit £31.35. www.etsy.com/uk/shop/kdornbierembroidery We love…

BUTTON-UP COWL TRY a new stitch TAKE ON A CHALLENGE YOU WILL NEED □ Juniper Moon Farm Herriot DK (100% baby alpaca, 100g/200m) 1 skein of each Yarn A Laguna Grande (1031) Yarn B Travertine (09) □ A pair of 4mm needles □ A pair of 4.5mm needles □ 6 buttons, 1.8cm diameter TENSION 21 sts and 30 rows to 10x10cm (4x4in) over mosaic pattern using 4mm needles MEASUREMENTS 56cm (22in) circumference 32.5cm (123¾in) deep ABBREVIATIONS Fora full list see page 87 CHART A CHART B KEY 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. On this chart, a row of squares represents two rows of knitting (see pattern note). BUTTON-UP…

ONWARDS AND UPWARDS I made this ‘special occasion’ lace cardigan from a 2012 issue of SK during lockdown. As the two lace patterns were complex I felt it would mindfully occupy my thoughts during the difficult days. The recommended Debbie Bliss yarn was fabulous to work with and I am thrilled with the result. I need to choose my next challenge now! Karen Mee, via email We love your colour choice – such a pretty, happy yellow. Our letter writer wins a fab gift voucher from retailer Black Sheep Wools worth £25!…

I loved the Knit Your Own Christmas Angel. I made three, for my three daughters, who live in Toronto, Ottawa and Calgary. I purchased two kits, and there was actually enough yarn and sequins to make three angels! I only needed a little extra yarn to knit the inner tube covers and I cut up cardboard cylinders from Christmas wrapping paper to fill the tubes. I like the detail in the angel skirt and wings, especially the gold sequins. I usually watch a British TV series while I'm knitting in the evenings. Janet Mather, via email Your daughters are going to have the sparkliest tree toppers this year!…

KNIT IN THE round! IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED ■ West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4ply (75% wool, 25% nylon, 100g/400m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ■ A 3mm circular needle, 80cm long ■ Stitch markers ■ 3 spare circular needles for holding stitches TENSION 28 sts and 39 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 FIND YOUR SIZE KIDS’ FLOWER JUMPER BODY Cast on 192 (200: 208: 216: 224) using a 3mm circular needle and Yarn A. PM and join to work in the round, taking care not to twist sts. Round 1 *K2, P2, rep from * to end. This round sets 2x2 rib. Work another 7 rounds in 2x2 rib. Change to Yarn…

We take a closer look at inspirational craft stories and meet people from the world of yarn! Got a knitty story to tell? Get in touch over on page 25 GET INVOLVED The power of good deeds This month we're chatting to Tracey Major, the co-ordinator for the Swindon Big Knit group, about their big plans… Established in October 2018, this group meets up every quarter to sew up knitted and crocheted squares that have been donated, and to knit their own blankets, hats, scarves and gloves. All of these items are then distributed to those in need, across various homeless, refugee and women's refuge charities in Wiltshire. BEATING THE ODDS “We love what we do and it brings us together to help others in need, especially with the energy…

PART two CAST ON OUR KAL Collect all four parts to create our incredible kids’ play set En joy for yea rs to come! IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED ■ Hayfield Bonus DK (100% acrylic, 100g/280m) 1 ball of each Yarn D Sky Marl (591) Yarn E Bronze (596) Yarn F Sand (597) Yarn G Bright Lemon (819) Yarn H Dark Grey Mix (790) Yarn J Emerald (916) Yarn L Grass (825) Yarn M Peach Melba (587) Yarn N Soft Red (617) Yarn Q White (961) ■ A pair of 3mm needles ■ A 3mm crochet hook ■ Small amount of toy filling TENSION 26 sts and 32 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over stocking stitch using 3mm needles ABBREVIATIONS Loop Knit into next stitch, do not allow original…

We love RiverKnits RiverKnits, Building 5, The Depot, Bridge Street, Weedon Bec, Northamptonshire NN7 4PS Once located on a narrow boat, RiverKnits is now situated in a studio in Weedon, Northamptonshire, close to the source of the River Nene. 01327 342273, www.riverknits.uk Beautiful Knitters 53 Moreton Street, Pimlico, London SW1V 2NY Beautiful Knitters is just a single block from the river Thames. They seek out a wide variety of yarns and have an eco and artisanal mindset. 020 7821 6496, www.beautifulknitters.co.uk Bells, Buttons and Bows 7M Market, 2 Time Square, Warrington WA1 2NT Enjoy shelves of haberdashery, wool, fabric, needlecrafts and more near the Mersey River. 07518 161793, www.facebook.com/bellsbuttonsandbows…

TURN to page 38 for more knitty stories! COPYRIGHT-FREE PATTERN Practical pocket Louise McCarney's drawstring bag is the perfect place for storing jewellery, or perhaps doggie treats or poo bags! IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED ■ 100m of 4ply yarn ■ A pair of 3mm needles ■ 80cm of white cotton thread ■ Fabric glue ■ Two small wooden beads TENSION 29 sts and 42 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3mm needles ABBREVIATIONS Gathering st insert RH needle from front to back underneath both slipped strands of yarn, knit next stitch, pulling it out from underneath extra strands For a full list see page 87 We love DRAWSTRING BAG (MAKE 2) Cast on 33 sts using 3mm needles. Foundation row Purl. Row 1 (RS) K1,…

FAMOUS FACES Q If you could knit for absolutely anyone, who (and what) would you choose? I think I'd make a pair of cosy red socks for Taylor Swift in honour of my favourite album. I don't know how I'd find out her shoe size though! Kitty Walters, via Instagram I would love to knit a sweater for the incredible Ryan Reynolds and I would definitely have to meet him to make sure I get the fit right… Debbie Did you know…? Debbie loves going to historical recreation events that include crafts. Her favourite is a Tudor ‘hands-on-history’ day at Kentwell Hall in Long Melford, Suffolk, where she saw some hand spinning. One day she'd like to try it herself, or knit with some! LOVE KNITS A GARDEN Q I've…

WE LOVE chenille EASY TO KNIT YOU WILL NEED ■ Cygnet Jellybaby Chenille (100% polyester, 100g/120m) 6 balls of Yarn A Pearl Grey (012) 1 ball of Yarn B Blush (002) ■ A pair of 5mm needles ■ Toy filling ■ 2 x 12mm toy eyes for the cushion ■ 6 x 8mm toy eyes for the bunnies ■ Oddment of black DK yarn for nose ■ Matching faux fur pompoms, or 4.5cm and 6.5cm pompom makers ■ Matching grey sewing thread TENSION 11 sts and 15 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over stocking stitch using 5mm needles MEASUREMENTS Cushion height 28cm (11in) (excluding ears) Bunny height 13cm (51/4in) (excluding ears) ABBREVIATIONS S2kpo Sl2 tog knitwise, K1, pass slipped sts over For a full list see page 87 Not suitable for…

Rachael Prest Technical Editor “My husband is a musician, so I'd knit him a pair of socks. I owe him a pair – he's worn out his last ones!.” Kirstie McLeod Editor “I don't think Motorhead's Lemmy ever wore a jumper, so if I'd had the chance I'd have made socks for under his cowboy boots!” Jennifer Bartlett Technical Editor “I would knit a soft and cosy scarf covered in stars for my favourite Starman, David Bowie.” Jennifer May Production Assistant “I'm a huge film score fan so I'd knit a smart Hogwarts’ tie, or maybe a novelty shark jumper for composer John Williams.”…

ISSUE 235 MARCH * Striped lace cardi * Chunky beanie hat * Kid's panda jumper * Men's cable jumper Farm * play set KAL (part 1) * Pompom poncho * Cable cushion * Tot's bunny jumper * Stashbuster headband * Duffle bag * * Ladies’ cut-out jumper * PLUS! An exclusive Wombles collection BUY IT NOW! RETURN TO THE APP TO BUY BACK ISSUES ISSUE 234 FEBRUARY * Bud-rib jumper * Lattice cardi * Rowan Patti wrap * Kid's sister jumper * Hooded jacket * The Knitted Year Blanket KAL (part 4)* Baby rhino plushie * Vine-stem cardigan * Men's striped jumper * PLUS! Beautiful Blankets Booklet and Exclusive Burda Knitting Magazine ISSUE 233 JANUARY * Sweet diamond sweater * Lattice cardi * Men's cable jumper * Toadstool cushion *…

TAKE ON A CHALLENGE YOU WILL NEED □ Scheepjes Metropolis (4ply, 75%wool, 25% nylon, 200m/50g 1 ball of each Yarn A Seoul (035) Yarn B Johannesburg (054) Yarn C Cota (024) □ Aset of 2.5mm doublepointed needles (DPNs) ■ Cable needle (cn) □ Stitch markers TENSION 30 sts and 46 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 2.5mm needles MEASUREMENTS Small (medium: large) To fit foot circumference 20.5 (22:23)cm [8¼ (8¾: 9¼)in] Actual foot circumference 20 (21½: 22½)cm [8 (8½: 9)in] Length from cuff to the bottom of heel 21 (21.5:21.5)cm [8½ (8½: 8½)in] Length from heel to toe Adjustable ABBREVIATIONS C2B Slip 1 st to cn and hold at back of work, K1; K1 from cn C2F Slip 1 st to cn and hold at front of…

TAKE ON A CHALLENGE YOU WILL NEED ■ Eden Cottage Yarns BFL Sock (4ply, 100% Bluefaced Leicester wool, 100g/400m) 1 skein of Chestnut for all sizes ■ A set of 2.5mm doublepointed needles (DPNs) or 60cm long circular needles for magic loop ■ Tapestry needle TENSION 33 sts and 47 rounds to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 2.5mm needles MEASUREMENTS Small (medium: large) To fit foot circumference 20 (22: 24)cm [8 (83/4: 91/2)in] ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 in Simply Knitting magazine LACE SOCKS Note Each size has two charts, one Main Pattern Chart, and one for the very first repeat of the pattern – Leaf Start Chart. Rounds 9 to 16 (11 to 20: 13 to 24) of the first repeat are to be…

BUNNY SOCKS IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED □ DROPS Karisma (DK, 100% wool, 50g/100m) 1 (1: 1: 2: 2: 2: 2) ball(s) of Yarn A Lt Beige Brown (55) 1 ball of each Yarn B Off White (01) Yarn C Sea Green (50) Yarn D Lt Grey Green (69) Yarn E Lemon (79) □ A set of 3mm DPNs □ A set of 3.5mm DPNs □ Stitch markers TENSION 22 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3.5mm needles MEASUREMENTS To fit foot circumference 16 (17: 18: 19: 20: 22: 24) cm, [61/4 (63/4: 7: 71/2: 73/4: 83/4: 91/2)in] Actual foot circumference 15.5 (16.5: 17.5: 18: 19: 21: 22.5)cm, [6 (61/2: 7: 71/4: 71/2: 81/4: 83/4)in] Actual foot length 15 (17: 18: 20: 22:…