Innehållsförteckning för Christmas 2016 från Simply Knitting

Ho ho ho, it’s time for some festive knitting! With the nights drawing in and a chill in the air, winter is well and truly here! That means it’s time to dust off your chunkiest needles – ’tis the season for cosy knits, after all! And, if you haven’t already, now’s the time to get started on your Christmas gifts, from stocking fillers to sweaters, toys and knitted treats for little ones. Not only have we been knitting away like crazy this month, we’ve found time for some trips, too! We’ve just come back from The Knitting & Stitching Show at Ally Pally, and what a fab few days it turned out to be. We left with bags bursting at the seams, with plenty of new yarn to try.We also…

YOU WILL NEED West Yorkshire Spinners, Aire Valley DK (75% wool, 25% nylon, 100g/230m) A pair of 3¼mm needles A pair of 4mm needles A set of 3¼mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) Stitch holders A darning needle Toy stuffing For yarn stockists contact West Yorkshire Spinners 01535 664500 www.wyspinners.com TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 When the temperature drops, lots of warm layers are a must – especially when there are snowman building competitions and snowball fights to be had! Your little one will feel as festive as can be in this adorable reindeer hoodie, complete with ears, antlers and that all-important red…

We loved it... STITCHING, SEWING & HOBBYCRAFTS What? /›i›-Ì›ÌV›››}]›-iÜ››}› E›››LLÞVÀ>vÌÛۛܛ>Ì››Ûi›Ì››ÌÞ]› ›>›V›iÃÌiÀ]›n›£ä›-i«Ìi›LiÀ›Óä£È° What did we do? Learned how Ì›››ii ›ivi›Ì›Ü›Ì›››››››››››]››››ÌÌi ›>› scarf using just our arms and got our hands on some scrummy yarn from The Wool Shop Leeds. We also had a «ii››>Ì›}›À}i›ÕÛV›ÃÌÕ›iÛvÀ›››Ì›i› ››››››››ÀÌ››w›››The King’s Speech. Who was there? Plenty of crafty v›››]›››V›Õ ››}› i›››Ì›i››››Ì]››>À›Þ>À›Ã› and the brilliant Stitch Witch. What did we buy? ››Ã«›À››}›L›››Ã› vÀ›››-i>ÀV››*ÀiÃÃ]››>› Þ››iÜ››››ÌÌ››}› L>}ÛLÞ›››Ì››››››>}Ã]›>› ›L›ÌÛ>› › bobs from independent haberdashery Û›«›››Õi››ÕÌÌ››››iÛ}›Ã°› Show stats ››Ü››««››}›£ä]äää› visitors attended the Manchester show! What to look out for next time ››››À›ÃÌ›>Ư̂i›i ›Ã››Ü›Ü››››Ì>›i› «›>Vi››››››>Ã}›Ü›vÀ›››ÓÇ›Îä›"VÌ›LiÀ› Óä£È°›››À›Ì›i››>ÌiÃÌ››iÜÛ>L›ÕÌ›iÛi›ÌÛ ›i>À›Þ›Õ›V>›››ä£{Óx›ÓÇÓÇ££››À›Û›Ã›Ì› Ì›i›ÜiLÛÌi]›ÜÜÜ°›V›viÛi›ÌðV›°Õ›°› 60 seconds with Juliet Bernard What makes your workshops di erent? I try to structure them so that we have time to thoroughly learn one ›À›ÌÜ››ÌiV›››µÕiÃ]› regardless of whether you’re a fast or slow…

Panel jumper Subtle textures and go-with-anything colours make this fuzzy jumper by Mirasol a seasonal must-knit! Create your look from 16 stylish shades. YOU WILL NEED Mirasol, Umiña (50% alpaca, 50% wool, 100g/225m) A pair of 3¾mm needles A pair of 4½mm needles Stitch holders For yarn stockists contact Intercontinental Yarns 01535 664222 www.intercontinentalyarns.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 20 sts and 26 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4½mm needles 20 sts and 32 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over texture patt using 4½mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 TEXTURE PATTERN Row 1 Knit. Row 2 Purl. Row 3 Knit. Row 4 Knit. Rep these 4 rows. FRONT Cast on 77 (87: 97: 105: 115) sts…

TWIT TWOO KNIT WITHIN ONLY A FEW HOURS OF GETTING HER COPY OF ISSUE 150, JANE JONES HAD ALREADY MADE HER PAIR OF OWL HANDWARMERS! WE’RE WONDERING HOW MUCH SMOKE WAS COMING OFF JANE’S NEEDLES! A TOUGH KNIT CONGRATULATIONS KATY JONES! KATY GAVE HERSELF A CHALLENGE AND DECIDED TO KNIT THE LACY TOP FROM ISSUE 148. IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN A BIT TRICKY, BUT IT SURE LOOKS WORTH IT. GREAT WORK, KATY! AUTUMN RIPPLES DENISE BOWERS HAS BEEN BUSY KNITTING LINDA PARKHOUSE’S FAB ZIG ZAG JUMPER FROM ISSUE 122! WITH THE AUTUMN SEASON FINALLY HERE, DENISE IS PLANNING TO GET A LOT OF WEAR OUT OF HER STUNNING JUMPER – WE LOVE IT!…

Knit yourself a colourful creation with a Marriner DK Bumper Pack (20 x 100g), worth £20! www.marrineryarns.com  0292 083 7613 SKMDK152 Win Arm and Finger Knitting by.Laura.Strutt (£12.99), Knitted Animal.Cozies by Fiona Goble (£12.99) and 35.Knitted Baby Blankets by.Laura Strutt (£12.99), all courtesy of CICO Books. www.rylandpeters.com , 0207 025 2200 SKMCICO152 Three lucky winners can knit themselves a shawl using a skein of Araucania Botany Lace, worth £11.99! www.blacksheepwools .com, 01925 764231 SKMBOTANY152 Get kitted out with one of three Clover Jumbo Point Protectors, Small Pompom Makers and pairs of Takumi Single Pointed Needles, worth £17.20 per set! Email groves@stockistenquiries. co.uk  for more information SKMGROVES152 Win four balls of Wool and. the Gang’s new yarn, Wool Me Tender, worth £32!. www.woolandthegang .com…

• Close Knit Meets the first friday of each month,6.30-9.30 at The Friends (Quakers) Meeting House, Bath Place, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4EP. £4 per person, includes a cup of tea or coffee. Email Linda Drage at dragonskein@gmail.com for more info. • Bath Knitting & Crochet Guild Meets on the second Saturday of each month, 10am-12pm, Fashion Museum Bath, Bennett Street, Bath. Email desireegoodall@hotmail.com for more info. • Chew Valley Craft Club Meets on the second Thursday of each month, 7pm onwards, The Red Lion Pub, Bishop Sutton. Email elaine_workman@hotmail.co.uk for more info.…

Knitting From the North Hilary Grant (Kyle Books, £16.99) With this beautifully photographed collection in your hands you’ll be dreaming about long walks on blustery beaches and knitting in cosy cafés on cold winter days. Inspired by Nordic and Scottish colourwork traditions, the 30 hats, gloves, scarves and jumpers in Knitting From the North feature bright Fair Isle motifs and contemporary colours. The striking all-over-patterned circle scarves are our favourites, though they’re not for the faint-hearted! A Story in Yarn Dee Hardwicke (Quail Publishing, £12.99) What’s your story? Whatever it may be, here’s a chance to tell it in knitting with the help of designer Dee Hardwicke. She explains how to make a stunning intarsia blanket in the tradition of American patchwork quilts, using hexagonal colourwork motifs to build up…

YOU WILL NEED • Knit Picks, Shine Worsted (60% Pima cotton, 40% Modal, 50g/69m) 9 balls of each: Yarn A White (25346) Yarn B Serrano (24496) • A pair of 5mm needles • A 5mm crochet hook • A small amount of matching cotton for joining or sewing up For yarn stockists contact Knit Picks 0808 234 6084 www.knitpicks.com TENSION Yarn used knits as aran to this tension: 17 sts and 25 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 5mm needles MEASUREMENTS 122 x 108cm (48 x 42in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Toasting marshmallows over an open fire, watching Christmas movies, baking yummy holiday goodies – we all have our own favourite festive traditions! What about cosying up under a yuletide blanket?…

BEAUTIFUL HAND-DYED YARNS from a beautiful location – the world of Tabatha Thomas sounds pretty perfect to us! Look out for the popular sock weight and 4ply Dyehouse Yarns on www.tabathathomas.co.uk and on Etsy, with DK coming soon. “I’ve been experimenting with different techniques for ombré and gradient yarn,” says Linda Brown. “It’s a dyeing process that I enjoy and I have a range of lace and 4ply yarns coming out in the autumn.” Linda runs a fantastic range of workshops, too. Follow TabbyToms on Instagram and Facebook, and TabToms on Twitter, or call 07746 121967.…

COASTER PATTERN CAST ON 60 sts. ROWS 1–4 Knit. ROW 5 *K13, k2tog; rep from * to end. ROW 6 *P12, p2tog; rep from * to end. ROW 7 *K11, k2tog; rep from * to end. ROW 8 *P10, p2tog; rep from * to end. ROW 9 *K9, k2tog; rep from * to end. ROW 10 *P8, p2tog; rep from * to end. ROW 11 *K7, k2tog; rep from * to end. ROW 12 *P6, p2tog; rep from * to end. ROW 13 *K5, k2tog; rep from * to end. ROW 14 *P4, p2tog; rep from * to end. ROW 15 *K3, k2tog; rep from * to end. ROW 16 *P2, p2tog; rep from * to end. ROW 17 *K1, k2tog; rep from * to end. ROW 18 *P2tog to…

KING COLE ZIPS N CLIPS W zipsnclips.com T 01707 331777 Stockist of King Cole yarns and Patterns shop online at www.zipsnclips.com use SK2016 for 10% off or call in at 74 Haldens, WGC, Hertfordshire, AL8 7EQ. BERGÈRE DE FRANCE LA MERCERIE A 1 Penny Lane, Cowbridge, CF71 7EG T 01446 772055 Bergère de France Partner Store and stockist of Debbie Bliss, Noro, Sirdar, Adriafil, Rico and Navia. Lots of handy haberdashery and knitting accessories, classes and workshops. Knitting groups on Wednesdays. WOOLCRAFT››STYLECRAFT THE OLD LOOM MILL A Ersham Road, Hailsham BN27 2RH T 01323848007 The Old Loom Mill in Hailsham is a set of agricultural buildings converted into a craft centre, offering large selections of discounted knitting wool, fabrics, local crafts and gifts, pottery painting in South of England.…

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

YOU WILL NEED Debbie Bliss, Roma (70% wool, 30% alpaca, 100g/80m) 3 balls of DuckEgg09 C&B, Elektra (44% wool, 44% acrylic, 12% polyamide, 50g/130m) 1 ball of Grunge11 A pair of 8mm needles For yarn stockists contact Designer Yarns 01535 664222 www.designeryarns.uk.com TENSION Yarn used knits as chunky to this tension: 11 sts and 17 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 8mm needles MEASUREMENTS Armwarmers: 31cm (12¼in) long and 14cm (5 in) circumference Legwarmers: 31cm (12¼in) long and 18cm (7in) circumference The fabric is very stretchy ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 of Simply Knitting Complete your set of winter knits with these Fame-inspired leg- or armwarmers. Tuck them into boots or wear them to keep warm after dance class! ARMWARMERS Cast on…

Debora Bradley Editor-in-Chief Hats, hats and more hats! I like knitting in the round, they make great gifts and they’re easy to personalise for people with tassels, pompoms, earflaps and patterns. Nicola Lynn Art Editor I’m giving myself a festive treat this year by knitting my own Christmas jumper. It’s a Fair Isle design with lots of snowflakes and a band of reindeer across the bottom. Kirstie McLeod Commissioning Editor We have a tradition of adding a new bauble to our tree on Christmas Eve, so I’ll be knitting this year’s addition – a Scandi-inspired design. Kim Saunders Deputy Art Editor I challenged myself to knit a gift for each family member, so I started my Christmas knitting back in the summer. So far I’ve whipped up a bag, two…

TOFT’s luxurious pure wool range now comes in bold, bright colours! Spun in the UK from the finest fleeces, this lofty DK-weight yarn is silky-soft with a beautiful sheen. It knits up to create a soft handling fabric that feels fantastic against the skin. And if you buy a bundle of five 25g/60m balls for £30, TOFT will throw in a sixth ball for free! Add it to your wish list for Santa, or to buy now go to www. thetoftalpacashop.co.uk  or call 01788 810626. FEELING SHEEPISH… WHAT? Colourful coasters and greetings cards, each showing a British sheep breed ܛ̛›>›v››››>ÀÌ›››Ã«›Ài ›yiiVi°› WHO? They’re made by Katrin Eagle, a Ì>›i›Ìi ›Ü››››>ÀÌ›ÃÌ›L>Ãi ››››*iÌiÀÃwi› °› ›>ÌÀ›››Ü›À›Ã›Ü›Ì›››À›Ì›Ã››yiiVi›>› ›››V>››Þ› produced yarns in her home studio, hand spinning, weaving and needle felting.…

YOU WILL NEED Baa Baa Brighouse, Baa Baa Brew (100% Bluefaced Leicester wool, 100g/225m) 1 skein of Clifton A set of 4mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) or circular needle for Magic Loop method A 4mm crochet hook for cast on A stitch marker For yarn stockists contact Baa Baa Brighouse 01484 722662 www.baabaabrighouse.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles MEASUREMENTS S (M: L) Actual circumference: 40 (45: 49)cm after blocking To fit head circumference approx: 45 (50: 54)cm ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Need a quick Christmas gift? Find a favourite skein of DK yarn (we love this hand-dyed pure wool from Baa Baa Brighouse) and cast on…

YOU WILL NEED Rowan, Hemp Tweed (75% wool, 25% hemp, 50g/95m) A pair of 4mm needles A pair of 4 mm needles A 4mm circular needle, at least 120cm long Cable needle For yarn stockists contact Rowan 01484 950630 www.knitrowan.com TENSION Yarn used knits as aran to this tension: 26 sts and 25 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over body patt using 4 mm needles 25 sts and 27 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over sleeve rib patt using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS Cr3L Slip next 2 sts onto cable needle and leave at front of work, P1, then K2 from cable needle Cr3R Slip next st onto cable needle and leave at back of work, K2, then P1 from cable needle For a full list see page 95…

HAPPY DART-O-WEEN I thought I would send you a photo of my Alan Dart Halloween knits. I really enjoyed making these. They are fun to knit and the kids love them decorating the house at Halloween time. I’m a subscriber and am excited to start making the Mad Scientist from issue 151. Keep the great patterns coming! Corrie Bishenden, Moray A MONSTER CREATION As a regular subscriber to Simply Knitting I couldn’t resist sharing my grandson’s holiday design with you. Vincent, aged 7, has his own needles and wool but does enjoy mixing and matching my stash too. I taught him to knit last summer and this year he has become full of confidence and has improved his technique. This left-hander designed his own creation. He only asked for help…

I travelled to Toronto, Canada, to see my pen pal of 30 years and had my picture taken looking back at the CN tower. I took Simply Knitting with me to help pass the seven hour flight! My friend Sandra and her family made us so welcome. I saw my first raccoon and black squirrel! Clare Marsh, via email WE D LOVE TO SEE MORE ’ PICTURES OF YOU WITH SIMPLY KNITTING (OR EVEN JUST YOUR KNITTING!) IN FOREIGN LANDS. EVERY LETTER PRINTED HERE WILL WIN A KNITTING KIT FROM WE ARE KNITTERS.…

To enter any of our competitions visit www.theyarnloop.com/simply-knitting and click on the ‘Win & Save’ tab. Then, all you have to do is enter the correct code, your name and your address. You will need an email address to enter online, but if you don’t have one of your own, feel free to use ours! Just type simplyknitting@immediate.co.uk into the box on the form to complete your entry. Find terms and conditions on page 7. The competitions close on 4 November 2016. Good luck and happy knitting!…

"The Accomplished Knitter shook her head wearily at my latest crafting endeavours. “Why don’t you ever knit anything sensible?” she asked. “I don’t know what you mean!” I retorted guiltily. This had been a common sentiment since I presented her with the plate of ham sandwiches I’d made for my knitted afternoon tea party, an accomplishment I’d been particularly proud of. “Think about it,” she continued, “Ham sandwiches, woolly snakes, jackets for battery hens… nothing sensible or normal. I bet the rest of your knitting group are knitting jumpers or cardigans or something similar. Why can’t you?” Whilst I understood her comment, my knitting development has been quite slow due to a shortage of free time and I didn’t as yet feel ready to tackle something quite so substantial. I…

CURIOUS HANDMADE WWW.CURIOUSHANDMADE.COM Put your feet up and spend a happy coffee break in the company of designer Helen Stewart. Helen chats about what’s on her needles, her knitting to-do list and sources of inspiration, and also hosts entertaining and informative conversations with fellow designers. Listen on the website or search for Curious Handmade in iTunes. TIN CAN KNITS HTTPS://BLOG.TINCANKNITS.COM Do you know Tin Can Knits designs? If not, you’re in for a treat. Their colourful blog is packed with knitting tips, and it’s impossible to read for long without wanting to cast on a new project. Don’t say we didn’t warn you! CRAFTS FROM THE CWTCH WWW.CRAFTSFROMTHECWTCH.CO.UK Tutorials, patterns and plenty of yarny chatter can be found on Sarah Knight’s must-read knitting and crochet blog. We love the recent…

Get the latest from big brands including Noro, Debbie Bliss and Louisa Harding with the Designer Yarns blog. Host Rosee Woodland shares new yarn and pattern releases such as the gorgeous Paloma DB050 (right), plus top tips and more at www. designeryarns.uk.com/  blog. Bookmark it now! News flash ! Colourful Sirdar Aura, a chunky new blend of 80% acrylic and 20% wool, is guaranteed to brighten up your day! It’s available in 100g/138m balls, RRP £5.57. 01924 231682 www.sirdar.co.uk READER POLL Do you have a local yarn store? 70 % of you do have a yarn shop nearby! A new chapter Yarn Stories’ gorgeous yarns are available to buy online, and now they’re coming to shops too! Keep an eye out at your local…

YOU WILL NEED • Blacker, Classic Aran (100% wool, 50g/70m) Please note shade used in sample has since been discontinued • A pair of 4 mm needles • A pair of 5mm needles • 3 stitch holders For yarn stockists contact Blacker Yarns 01566 777635 www.blackeryarns.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as aran to this tension: 18 sts and 22 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 5mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, how great you look on a woolly jumper! We love the subtle tree-like motifs on this gansey-style sweater. With its easy construction and simple knit and purl stitches, this new take on the traditional holiday jumper will go down a treat. BACK Cast on…

You’ve just bought some irresistible yarn for your next big project. You’re excited to cast on, but wait! It’s in skeins and the last time you tried to undo one things ended up a bit of a woolly mess. Well, panic over! We’ve hand-picked some of the top swifts and winders to make that knotty nightmare a thing of the past. Choose your style and get winding… 1 This solid oak swift has a little trick up its sleeve – it can transform into a yarn server in just moments! With handcrafted oak pegs to keep your skein in place, and a smooth roller bearing base, this swift is hard to resist! £89, www.theknittinggiftshop.co.uk , 07528 812731 2 For a quick-winding yarn cake, this light and compact…

CAST ON: CABLE METHOD Use it for a firm edge, and when adding stitches in your work. 1 Make a slip knot. Insert right-hand needle into the stitch as if to knit. Wrap the yarn around the point and pull through, slipping the stitch on to the left-hand needle. 2 Push the point of the right-hand needle between the first and second stitches. Wrap the yarn anti-clockwise round the point of the right-hand needle. 3 Pull the loop out with the right-hand needle, then slip it over the tip of the left-hand needle. 4 Repeat steps 2 & 3 until you have the number of stitches you require. CAST ON: THUMB METHOD A great all-rounder, use it to cast on stitches quickly and easily. 1 Make a slipknot and place…

Dream knitting day Sat knitting on our badly cat-scratched, kilim-covered settee, listening to Radio 3 and drinking frothy coffees (they’ve got to be frothy!). Social media diva or dunce? Mmm… in between – a divunce I shouldn’t say this, but I’m not a big fan of social media. I think by nature I’m more of a recluse. Fave pattern Gosh, that’s hard to answer. I’d say it’s always my latest cable design – ‘Umbra’ in Rowan Knitting & Crochet Magazine 60. [Turn to page 33 for the pattern!] Knitting inspirations Everything and anything! Mostly fashion (I have a degree in Fashion) and vintage knits and textiles. Pet hate Fussy eaters. Knitting mantra My next knit design will be even better! Unfulfilled ambition Ballet dancer. Best knitting memory Knitting dishcloths at…

YOU WILL NEED FOR THE HEADBAND • Hayfield, Baby Chunky (70% acrylic, 30% nylon, 100g/155m) 1 ball of Lola (406) • A pair of 8mm needles • Cable needle FOR THE BRACELET • Hayfield, Bonus DK (100% acrylic, 100g/280m) 1 ball of Bright Pink (887) • A pair of 4mm needles • Cable needle For yarn stockists contact Sirdar 01924 231682 www.sirdar.co.uk TENSION Headband: Yarn used knits as chunky to this tension: 12.5 sts and 9 rows to measure 5x5cm (2x2in) over pattern using 8mm needles Bracelet: Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 25 sts and 11.5 rows to measure 5x5cm (2x2in) over pattern using 4mm needles MEASUREMENTS Headband: 50 x 8cm Bracelet: 21 x 4cm ABBREVIATIONS C10B Sl 5 sts to cn & hold to…

YOU WILL NEED Rico Design, Creative Bonbon Super Chunky (53% wool, 47% acrylic, 100g/100m) 3 balls of Petrol (012) A pair of 8mm needles For yarn stockists contact your local Rico Design retailer or online stockist TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 11 sts and 17 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over patt using 8mm needles MEASUREMENTS 20.5x183cm (8x72in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 of Simply Knitting There’s a chill in the air, and that means it’s time to make room in your closet for cosy knits. An oversized scarf is a great way to introduce warmth and texture to your outfit, and this beautiful blue one is just what you need to brighten up a December day! PATTERN NOTE Stitch count is variable…

YOU WILL NEED Bergère de France, Filomeche (22% polyamide, 34% acrylic, 44% wool, 50g/60m) A pair of 6mm needles A pair of 7mm needles Stitch markers Stitch holders For yarn stockists contact Bergère de France www.bergeredefrance.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as chunky to this tension: 13 sts and 17 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 7mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Can you feel a bit of a chill in the air yet? Whether it snows or not, we’re eager to get this snuggly sweater on our needles! With its super-smooth, lightweight feel, Filomeche is perfect for knitting a classic festive jumper. Take your pick of 11 soft shades to create the ultimate Christmas gift – cast on today and surprise…

YOU WILL NEED King Cole, Merino Blend DK (100% superwash wool, 50g/104m) 2 balls of BronzeGreen043 1 ball of each: Scarlet009 Sage853 Royal021 Crocus1530 Cerise1765 Gold055 A pair of 3 mm needles A pair of 4mm needles Two pieces of cardboard at least 25cm square each (or each big enough to cut out a circle with a diameter of 24cm) A small curtain ring or similar For yarn stockists contact King Cole 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles MEASUREMENTS 25cm (9¾in) diameter ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Nothing says “it’s Christmas!” like a big festive wreath hanging from your front door. This modern wreath…

YOU WILL NEED Hayfield, Bonus DK (100% acrylic, 100g/280m) 1 ball of each: Classic Red (833), Wheat (816), Orchard (904), Black (965), White (961), Flesh Tone (963), Pumpkin (766), Olive (791), Claret (841), Grass (825), Bottle Green (839) and Fox (779) Twilley’s, Goldfingering (80% viscose, 20% metallised polyester, 25g/100m) 1 ball of Gold (002) 50cm length of dusky pink DK yarn A pair of 3mm needles A stitch holder 80g washable toy stuffing 2 metal rings, 12mm diameter Long tweezers A pair of compasses Stiff card Clear adhesive Pink pencil Hair spray For yarn stockists contact Sirdar 01924 231682 www.sirdar.co.uk  Thomas B Ramsden 01943 872264 www.tbramsden.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 26 sts and 36 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using…

A COLOURFUL TRIUMPH ››ÀiVi›Ì›Þ›i›L>À›i ›››››Þ›L›}}iÃÌ› «À››iVÌ›ÞiÌ›q›>››››}›Ã›âi ››>› ›››ÌÌi › L›>››iÌt›/›i›››Ã«›À>Ì››››V>›i›Ü›i›››› bought a copy of 200 Knitted Blocks by ›>›››>Ì››°››››Ì›>››Þ]›››Ü>Û›ÕÃÌ›››Ìi› ››}›››› iÝ«iÀ››i›Ì››}›Ü›Ì›› ›vviÀi›Ì›«>ÌÌiÀ›Ã›>› › V›››ÕÀð››ÕÌ›>vÌiÀ›>VVÕ›Õ›>Ì››}›Ã›››>›Þ› L››V›Ã››› iV› i ›Ì››VÀi>Ìi›Ã››iÌ›››}› Ü›À̛ܛ››i]›Ü››V››››Ü›Õ› ›Li›«À›Õ › ›v›v›À›Þi>ÀƯ̂›V››i°››iÛ iÛ>Û›› ››}› Õ«››V>Ì›››››v›>›Þ›Ã›ÀÌ]›Ì›i››››Þ›ÀÕ›i››››> › Ü>Ư̂>Ì›i>V›››v›Ì›i››>À}iÀ›ÃµÕ>ÀiÛ›> ›Ì›› >›ÌiÀ›>Ìi›LiÌÜii››Ài ]›}Àii›››À›L›Õi›Ì›› ›>››Ì>›››>›L>›>›Vi°›››w›>››Þ›}›Ì›À›Õ› ›Ì›› >À›››}››››>››››v›Ì›i›i› Û›>ÃÌ››››Ì››>› › w››Ã›i`››Ì››vv›LÞ››››ÌÌ››}›>›Ã››«›i›}>ÀÌiÀ› ÃÌ›ÌV››L›À iÀ°›››>›› i››}›Ìi ›Ì››Li›>L›i›Ì›› Û>Ài››Ì›Ü›Ì›››Þ›v>Û›ÕÀ›Ìi››>}>â››i°› Caroline Arno, Kent OUR LETTER OF THE MONTH WRITER WINS A SELECTION OF YARNS WORTH £76, COURTESY OF WE ARE KNITTERS! With stunning, on-trend kits to choose from, plus high-quality yarns and accessories, We Are Knitters has all you could need to start your next knitting project.www.weareknitters.co.uk, +1 (855) 676-3019…

Like many of us knitters, Marie Mayhew came to the craft soon after she became a mother. “I learned to knit by taking lessons in my local yarn shop when my son was six months old,” she remembers. “He is now turning 21! I was 35 and a new mother. I’m a practical person and wanted to knit my kid’s mittens, hats and sweaters for fun but also out of necessity. Where I live in Minnesota, the winters get pretty cold, and I’m happiest when I’m busy creating.” Marie began teaching knitting workshops and after taking a class in felting, she added the technique to her extensive repertoire. It led to her designing her first pattern."i was preparing to teach an existing felted pattern back when felting was fairly new,”…

YOU WILL NEED Fyberspates, Vivacious DK (100% Merino wool, 115g/230m) A 3¾mm circular needle, 60-80cm long A set of 3¾mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) for sleeves A 4mm circular needle, 60-80cm long A set of 4mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) for sleeves 6 stitch markers, 2 in contrasting colour Stitch holders For yarn stockists contact Fyberspates 01244 346653 www.fyberspates.com/retailers TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 22 sts and 28 rounds/rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over patt using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Dress up your jeans or tone down a party skirt with this striking winter sweater. It’s casual enough to be comfy, while the unique colour effect created by the beautiful hand-dyed yarn adds enough wow to make it ideal for…

YOU WILL NEED Sirdar, Snuggly Snowflake DK (100% polyester, 25g/85m) 1 ball of each: Milky0630 Sirdar, Snuggly DK (55% nylon, 45% acrylic, 50g/165m) 1 ball of each: Flamenco0242 SoftBrown0428 PumpkinPatch0458 Black0312 PearlyPink0302 White0251 A pair of 3mm needles 15g of toy stuffing for each decoration Thin crochet cotton or strong sewing thread for hanging For yarn stockists contact Sirdar 01924 231682 www.sirdar.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 20 sts and 25 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3mm needles and Snowflake DK yarn 24 sts and 35 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3mm needles and plain DK yarn (Tension is not vital for this project) MEASUREMENTS Approx 11cm tall (excluding hanging thread) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list…

NEW YARN RANGES? Gosh, there are so many and I’m excited about all of them! We hand pick all of our yarns to ensure we are giving our customers the best quality and range of products. We’ve taken on a new brand, Vinni’s Colours from South Africa. We’ve launched with Nikkim, which is a pure cotton yarn that’s hand dyed and available in 80 colours. It really is beautiful. WORKSHOPS? We have a full workshop schedule for the autumn. We’ve just V››wÀ›i ›››ÌiÀ›i ›>Ìi›Ã›V›››››ÌÌ››}›Ü›Ì›› Ann Kingstone, a real favourite at Black Sheep. You can learn to cable without a cable needle with Juliet Bernard and the basics of pattern writing with Sarah Hatton. Full details of all of our workshops are available on our website. FUN EVENTS? We’ve started to…

WOOL Wool is breathable yet highly absorbent, so if you get caught in a rain shower in a woollen jumper it will keep you dry. As long as it’s not a boiling hot day, it will also keep you cooler for the same reasons. Wool is long-lasting and softens with wear, so make sure you keep the moths away and a wool jumper could last decades. Thanks to its naturally anti-bacterial properties, wool also requires far less washing than other fibres. Use superwash yarn if you want to wash it in a machine though, as otherwise it can felt! Like other animal fibres, wool has a ‘memory’. If you wet it and stretch it out (known as blocking) it will keep the shape it dries into, making it perfect for…

CHAIN STITCH This is the foundation of all crochet stitches. 1 About 15cm (6in) from the end of the yarn, make a loop with the ball end on top. Insert the hook through this loop and catch the yarn, pulling it through the loop. Slide the slipknot up to the hook. 2 With the hook in your right hand, hold the slipknot between thumb and finger of the left hand. Move the hook under and over the yarn. 3 Pull the hook and yarn back through the slipknot loop to form your first chain (ch) stitch. Now repeat steps 1 & 2 until you’ve formed a chain. 4 This is what your row of chains will look like. Keep going until you have the number of chains that are stated…

Welcome to our bumper collection of winter warmers! You may well have already started your Christmas knitting, but if you’re struggling to find that perfect under-the-tree gift for your best friend, auntie or granddaughter then you’re in luck, as this collection is bursting with ideas. From a simple oversized scarf with contrasting tassels to a comfy cabled sweater in the softest pure wool for the man in your life, there’s something for everyone – including a treat or two for you, of course! Find us on Instagram @simplyknittingmag…

YOU WILL NEED Debbie Bliss, Roma (70% wool, 30% alpaca, 100g/80m) 4 balls of DuckEgg09 C&B, Elektra (44% wool, 44% acrylic, 12% polyamide, 50g/130m) 1 ball of Grunge11 An 8mm circular needle, 150cm long For yarn stockists contact Designer Yarns 01535 664222 www.designeryarns.uk.com TENSION Yarn used knits as chunky to this tension: 11 sts and 17 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 8mm needles MEASUREMENTS Approximately 2m long x 38cm wide (78¾in long x 15in wide). Fabric is very stretchy ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 of Simply Knitting Wind this super-chunky scarf around your neck and you’ll be ready to brave the elements! With its flashes of hot pink and long, strokeably soft tassels, it’s just the thing for adding an extra…