Innehållsförteckning för Issue 157 från Simply Knitting

Welcome to our packed Easter issue! Spring is an exciting time for crafting – with pretty blossom everywhere and lambs skipping in every field, it’s no surprise we’re super keen to knit for the new season.Why not start with a real cutie this issue and cast on Alan Dart’s delightful Primrose Lamb on page 43? Luckily for us spring is also packed with events – from February’s trade show, where all the luscious new autumn/winter yarns are launched, to The Knitting & Stitching Show at Olympia which is any day now.We can’t tell you how excited we are about meeting you all there! If you’re a fan of tantalising texture, this issue really is a treat. Lovers of lace should try our cardi on page 57 – such a pretty…

Embrace traditional family knitting with one of the latest additions to Debbie Bliss’s yarn range. Falkland Aran (£12.95 for 100g) lends itself well to stitch detail and is farmed in the Falklands using no pesticides or dips. Hunt down Debbie’s Falkland Aran book and be inspired by a range of contemporary designs using traditional stitches, for example cable and rib stitch. For more details on Falkland Aran and its accompanying book (£8.95) visit www. designeryarns.uk.com . Want to hone your talents? Fiona Morris teaches bead knitting and ›eeform knitting and lots more besides. Find a perfect class at www.distanceknitting.com MY SPECIAL SHELF... WHAT? This super-playful Baa-Baa Book Shelf (£92) is perfect for tidying away all your favorite books. Whether you’re decorating…

We loved it... SALTHOLME RSPB KNITS What? The whimsical woolly wildlife display at RSPB Saltholme nature reserve and discovery park. What did we do? Wandered around the wildlife garden taking in and snapping all the woolly knitted exhibits from eager north-east knitters, watched thousands of birds assemble on the pools and browsed the well-stocked gift shop for present ideas. What did we buy? A wonderful hot meal made with locally-sourced ingredients, followed by freshly brewed coffee and a selection of mouthwatering handmade cakes. Why you should go This busy charity is working hard to bring wildlife to everyone, with the occasional help of the crafting community. They run a selection of great events throughout the year so it’s always good to check out what craft initiatives they have going on…

1 Holding the piece of knitting you are going to pick the sts up from in your left hand, and starting at the top-right corner, insert the right needle between the first two stitches of the row. 2 Wind your wool around the needle and ‘knit’ the first stitch... 3 ...And pull the new stitch through between the two stitches. 4 Continue to work like this along the row or until you have picked up the necessary amount of stitches. Try to space your stitches evenly.…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Siân Brown “I wanted the Fair Isle above the all-over cables to give the bag a bit more interest. Then I lined it to make it firmer, meaning you can take your knitting project wherever you go!” YOU WILL NEED Debbie Bliss, Donegal Luxury Tweed Aran (90% wool, 10% Angora, 50g/88m), 2 balls of Oatmeal07 1 ball of Aqua48 A pair of 4 mm needles Lining fabric 30cm x 54cm Wadding 30cm x 54cm A pair of faux leather bag handles, 42cm long For yarn stockists contact Designer Yarns 01535 664222 www.designeryarns.uk.com TENSION Yarn used knits as Aran to this tension: 18 sts and 24 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4 mm needles MEASUREMENTS 27cm (10 in) wide and 24cm…

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 and insert the tip of the needle down through the back of the stitch on the left-hand needle. 3 Wrap the yarn round 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’ll have increased one stitch by knitting twice into the original stitch, first at the front, then at the back.…

HELLO CHEEKY! LOOK WHAT’S FRESH OFF @AMYTAY07’S KNITTING NEEDLES! IT’S STEVIE THE STARFISH FROM ISSUE 151, WITH AN ADDED CHEEKY LITTLE SMILE. AMY’S MUM IS WORKING ON HER OWN WOOLLY SEA CREATURE, TOO! RON THE PARROT DETERMINED TO SEW AS SHE GOES, @TRISHLEMOOSE IS FINISHING OFF PROJECTS LEFT, RIGHT AND CENTRE THIS YEAR. HER MOST RECENT CAST OFF, ALAN DART’S PARROT FROM ISSUE 135, IS NAMED RON. ONE MORE KNIT SELF-CONFESSED YARNAHOLIC, @KNITSTASISTA, COULDN’T RESIST CASTING ON THIS BEAUTIFUL BABY BLANKET FROM KNIT TODAY ISSUE 121. WITH ITS STUNNING LACE STITCHES, WE CAN’T BLAME HER!…

When Natalie McCulloch approached her local library as a venue for a knitting group, they couldn’t have anticipated what a noisy bunch they’d be! With all the laughter, banter, clinking of tea cups and clicking of needles, it’s not easy for anyone nearby to read quietly. The Barry Knitters started off with about half a dozen members but now 20-30 attend most weeks. All agree that the friendships they’ve made is an important reason for being part of the group. Of course everyone is united by their love of knitting and all things yarny, but for many people in the group the meetings are often the highlight of their week. Knitting for charity quickly became the main focus of the knitters’ attention, although some members enjoy a spot of crochet…

Dyeing to Spin & Knit Interweave (£21.50) Do you have an urge to create hand-dyed yarns >› ›Ã«›››Ü›› iÀvÕ››wLÀiö››Ý«iÀÌ› ›i››V›>››››iÝ«›>››Ã›››Ü› Þi››}›>vviVÌÛ knitted yarn and handspun yarn in different ways. She teaches you the fundamentals of how colour works, how to coordinate colour and how to control the results when dyeing with Ü››››>› ›Ã››››Þ>À›Ã›>› ›wLÀið›/›i› L››››››V›Õ`iۣ䛫>ÌÌiÀ›Ã›ÕÛ›}››>› › dyed yarn for you to knit with your newly dyed yarn. DIY Woven Art Rachel Denbow, (Interweave £18) Are you keen to add handmade homewares to your house using one ›v›Ì›i››› iÃÌ›VÀ>vÌÛ>À›Õ› ¶›/››Ã›}Ài>Ì› L››››LÞ›,>V›i›››i›L›Ü›ÀiÛi>›Ã› a contemporary twist on weaving. ››Ã› i›Þ›Õ½›››w› ›Li}›››iÀ›vÀ›i› ›Þ› instructions, customising tips and > Û›Vi››››i›Li›››Ã››i›ÌÃ]›››Ì›Ì›› ›i›Ì››››£x›vÀiÛ›>› ›vÕ››Þ›wLÀi›>ÀÌ› «À››iVÌÛvÀ›››ÌiÝÌÕÀi›À›V››Ü>››››>›}››}Û to retro rugs and a chic purse. And v›À}iÌ››Õ›Ì››}› ›Ü››>››iÝ«i›Ã›Ûi› loom, there’s instructions on how to ›>›i›Þ›ÕÀ›>›LÕ`}iÌ›ÛiÀÛ›››>Ì››››it Beautiful Blankets, Afghans and Throws…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Ann Franklin “This cosy uses a traditional filbert (or hazelnut) pattern for the main body of the chick. This is a simple but effective stitch pattern, which imitates the feathers of the chick.” YOU WILL NEED Paintbox Yarns, Simply DK (100% acrylic; 100g/276m)1 ball of ButtercupYellow122 (you will need 50g)1 ball of BloodOrange119 (you will need 5g)Oddment of SoftFudge109 A pair of 3¼mm needles A pair of 4mm needles A stitch holder 10g of toy stuffing For yarn stockists contact Paintbox 0845 544 2196 www.paintboxyarns.com TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 22 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles MEASUREMENTS Width 19cm (7 in) Height 29cm (11 in) to top of chick’s head To fit…

YOU WILL NEED Rooster, Almerino Aran (50% baby alpaca, 50% Merino wool, 50g/94m), 6 balls of Deep Sea (311) A pair of 4 mm needles A pair of 5mm needles 8 small buttons For yarn stockists contact Rooster 01829 740903 www.roosteryarns.com TENSION Yarn used knits as aran to this tension: 19 sts and 26 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over patt using 5mm needles MEASUREMENTS To fit a 45cm square cushion ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Check out these fun criss-crossing textures! And with that superb fringe, there really is no front or back to this cushion. Both sides look great! It’s easy-peasy to knit, you’ll have a whole set before you know it. We chose simple matching buttons for our cushion, but why not…

This issue we welcome the latest addition to the www.designeryarns.uk. com  range – Amano is a luxury range of yarns from The Andes combining elements of rich culture and heritage with the most luxurious fibres on the planet, such as alpaca and llama, cashmere and pure silk. News flash! The once special edition, now permanent Cygnet Boho Spirit collection has new shades! We love rustic looking Folk (100g for £3.99). READER POLL Do you knit decorations for Easter? 65% Say ‘yes’ they do knit for Easter Free cowl pattern If you’re looking for the ultimate spring warmer nip over to www.knitpicks.com and check out their gorgeous new Mako Cowl knitted in worsted.…

YOU WILL NEED Bergère de France, Magic + (50% acrylic, 50% wool, 50g/80m balls) A pair of 5 mm needles A pair of 7mm needles Locking stitch markers (or waste yarn) For yarn stockists contact Bergère de France www.bergeredefrance.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as aran to this tension: 16 sts and 26 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over pattern stitch using 7mm needles Yarn used knits as aran to this tension: 16 sts and 22 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over pattern stitch using 5 mm needles ABBREVIATIONS Sl1 Slip 1 st purlwise with yarn at back of work. For a full list see page 95 We love a garment worked in chunky yarn with a fun stitch pattern, and we’re also partial to a project which allows…

YOU WILL NEED Cascade Pacific Chunky (40% wool, 60% acrylic, 100g/110m balls)4 balls of Platinum245balls of Cream012balls of Gold13 A pair of 7mm needles A 7mm circular needle, 100cm long For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as Chunky to this tension: 13 sts and 19 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 7mm needles MEASUREMENTS Approx 126cm (49½in) long x 106cm (41¾in) wide ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 The intarsia in this blanket is a great introduction to colourwork. To prevent unwanted knots and tangles wind smaller lengths of yarn onto handy bobbins. It prevents those large 100g balls of yarn from getting twisted, leaving you to enjoy your knitting. BLANKET 1ST, 3RD AND 5TH STRIPS…

1 Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread yarn purlwise through the first stitch at the front and knitwise through the first stitch at the back. 2 Back to the front. Pass through first stitch knitwise, then slip the stitch from the needle. Sew into the next front st purlwise, pulling the yarn through both stitches. 3 Take the sewing needle to the back needle and ‘purl’ a stitch, then slip that stitch from the needle. ‘Knit’ into the next stitch on the back needle. 4 Repeat steps 2-3 across until all the stitches have been grafted and weave the yarn in to finish off neatly.…

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…

Dream knitting day… outside, all day! Hike to somewhere with altitude, spend time at the top enjoying the view and do some knitting. Jump in an alpine lake on the way down! Happiest knitting memory? I was in the middle of a design when I discovered, to my shock, it looked a lot like another person’s design. I changed it mid-stream with a really innovative solution of inserting a pattern break and then reversing the colourway. I called it Luke’s Diced Vest! Favourite pattern? I wear my Stopover Sweater more than anything else. It is made with Lettlopi yarn at a regular Lopi gauge, making it a super, super-quick knit. Each time I see a different colourway I think I have to knit it again. Most proud of… My books,…

Jen Bartlett Technical Editor Jared Flood’s gorgeous Rock Island shawl. I love how light and open the pattern is. I’m using Blacker Breeds BFL Lace yarn in a soft, elegant grey shade. Kirstie McLeod Editor I’m using some yarn that I dyed last month to knit a pair of ribbed socks.The yarn is really soft and a rich blend of bright reds, fun oranges and light yellows. John McAllister Art Editor I’m finally learning how to knit! I want to make some little jumpers for my chickens to stop them pecking at each other as much. I’m thinking bright neons... Louise Smith Production Assistant My favourite thing to knit is hats, whatever time of year it is! I’ve currently got two hats for my boyfriend on the go, one for…

GIDDYUP! The Pony Knitters Set (£6) comes with tape measure, crochet hook, cable needle, stitch counter and more! Email groves@stockistenquiries.co.uk QUICK SET Clover Beginners Knitting Accessory sets (£12.30) with quick-locking stitch, soft stitch ring markers, two-point protectors. Email clover@stockistenquiries.co.uk. HAPPY HIYA Hiya Hiya Accessory Set A (£30) is packed with cable needles, classic point protectors, safety pins and more. Visit www.brownberryyarns.co.ukcom.…

What makes your workshop different? The retreats last all weekend, so you get a chance to relax, settle in and enjoy yourself. There’s no rushing ›vv]››ÕÃ̛ÛÌÌ››}›Lޛ̛i›wÀi››››ÌÌ››}›>› › chatting with new friends! Three things we’ll learn? You’ll learn how much fun it is to dye your own yarn! We cover not only how to dye the yarn, but also which style might suit a particular pattern and which techniques are best for different yarn bases. Why do you love teaching? I love seeing people create something unique Ì››Ì›i›]›>› ›Ü>ÌV›››}›Ì›i›À›V››w`i›Vi› grow as they start to enjoy the process. Your top 3 tips 1. Relax and enjoy the process – the end result will still be beautiful. 2. Wear gloves and keep your workspace clean to prevent dye getting iÛiÀÞÜ›iÀi°›Î°››› ›w›>››Þ]›Li›LÀ>Ûi› with colour…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Sarah Hatton “I am always fascinated with the way that simple stitches can create something amazing. This sweater uses a simple purl stitch and a stranded slip stitch to create a striking pattern.” YOU WILL NEED Rowan Pure Wool Superwash DK (100% Merino wool, 50g/125m balls) A pair of 3¼mm needles A pair of 4mm needles Stitch holders For yarn stockists contact Rowan 01484 950630 www.knitrowan.com TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 22 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 As soon as spring begins so does our love of layering. Thankfully, this gorgeous sweater by Sarah Hatton makes the perfect addition to all those light dresses…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Ruth Maddock “Everyone loves a bunny! This cute jumper is easy to pull on and off with its envelope shoulders and the cute pompom tail adds some touchy-feely interest that they will really love.” YOU WILL NEED Debbie Bliss Rialto DK (100% Merino wool, 50g/105m) A pair of 3¼mm needles A pair of 4mm needles Stitch holders Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact Designer Yarns 01535 664222 www.designeryarns.uk.com TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 22 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS w&t: Knit side of work. Knit required number of sts, yf, slip next st, yb, slip the same stitch back onto left hand needle. Turn work, purl to end. w&t: Purl side…

STATEMENT WAVES I’ve got this gorgeous Rowan Big Wool scarf on my needles. I’m loving this pattern and my 10mm KnitPro needles! Lisa Thompson, via Facebook This pattern can be found on page 25 of the Quick & Easy Knits booklet, which came free with Simply Knitting issue 155. A NIFTY TRICK Perhaps other readers might like this tip. When instructed to ‘kfb both ends’, the bar increase isn’t symmetrical if repeated on the other side. Instead, I work the first instruction as given then work it one stitch before that place on the other side. So for the opposite side for k1, kfb, I’d work to the last three stitches, kfb, then k2. The bar occurs in the same place on either side for a neater finish, demonstrated by…

This is a photo of me with my favourite magazine and curious Robber Crabs on Christmas Island, Indian Ocean, where my daughter and I had a recent holiday. These Robber Crabs are very large and are able to open coconuts with their claws. The majority of crabs are ‘lefties’, as you can see in the photo of the crab with its coconut. Thanks for a wonderful magazine. Marie Kirby, Australia WE’D LOVE TO SEE MORE PICTURES OF YOU WITH SIMPLY KNITTING (OR YOU AND YOUR KNITTING!) ON HOLIDAY. THIS MONTH’S LETTER WRITER WINS A TOTE BAG AND NEEDLES WORTH £25, COURTESY OF WE ARE KNITTERS.…

• Creative Crafts Cardiff Meets every second Wednesday at Chapter Arts Centre CF5 1QE. Email admin@creative-craftscardiff.co.uk for more details. Free to attend. • St Andrew’s Knitting Group Meets the last Thursday of every month, 2pm, at St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Birchgrove, Cardiff CF14 4AE. Email Jackie Phillips at knitting@standrewsmethodistchurch.co.uk for more details. • Nattering Knitters Meets every Monday, 10am-12pm, at Townhill Library, Phoenix Centre, Swansea. Email townhill.library@swansea.gov.uk for more information. All ages and skill levels are welcome to attend.…

TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEW BOOK DIY Woven Art ››Ã›>›«À››iVÌ›L>Ãi`› Üi>Û››}›L››››Ì›>Ì››Ã› iÛ}›i`›v›À› ››Û›ViÛLÕÌ›>›Ã››LÕ›› Û›››Ã››››››iÛi›°› ›Ì››>ÛÃÌi«›LÞ›ÃÌi«›«››Ì›Ã›Ì›>Ì›}›Ûi› ޛ՛̛i›vÕ›››«›VÌÕÀi››v›w››Ã›››}›i>V›› project and plenty of colour and idea ››Ã«›À>Ì››››v›À›vÕÌÕÀi›«À››iVÌÃt››Ì½Ã›>› visual learner’s feast and is aimed at passing on this time-honored medium to a new generation of makers. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE CRAFT? ›ÕÀÀi›Ì›Þ››Ì½Ã›Üi>Û››}t›-ÕÀ«À›Ãit››½Ûi› Lii››Üi>Û››}›Ài}Õ›>À›Þ›v›À›>L›ÕÌ›v›ÕÀ› Þi>ÀÛ››Ü›LỠ̛iÀi½Ã›>›Ü>ÞÛÛ››ÕV›› more to learn. Someday I’m hoping to Ì>›i›>›À›}› ››i``›i››››››V›>ÃÛLiV>ÕÃi› Ì›>̽Û>›Ü›››i››iÜ››iÛi›››v›Üi>Û››}t MUST-HAVE GADGET? I feel like a pair of really sharp scissors will always take me where I want to go. Also, the Clover pompom maker. WHAT INSPIRES YOU? /›i›Ã›ÕÌ››ÜiÃÌ›1-›]››› ›>›>› ›w› ››}› Ü>ÞƯ̂››>››«Õ›>Ìi›V›››ÕÀÛLÞ›V›>›}- ››}›Ì›i›V›i››ÃÌÀÞ›››››>ÌÕÀ>›› Þi›L>̛ð YARN YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT? ››Ûi››i›>›£ä䯛›iÀ››››À›Û››}›>›Þ› >Þ°› /›iÀi½Ã›>›Ã››Ã››iÌ›››}›Ã«iV›>››>L›ÕÌ›*ÕÀ››-›››½Ã››››i››+Õ››››Þ>À›°›/›i›ÌiÝÌÕÀi› >› › ››i›Ã››››>Ài›iݵ՛ÛÌit WORST CRAFTY HABIT? ›ÕÞ››}›Ì››››ÕV››Þ>À›¶›7>›Ì]››Ã›Ì›>Ì› >VÌÕ>››Þ›«›ÃÛL›i¶t DIY Woven Art LÞ›,>V›i›››i›L›Ü››Ã››ÕÌ› ››Ü››››ÌiÀÜi>Ûi]›Ë£n®°…

One lucky reader has a chance of winning 40 balls of Rowan Summerlite 4ply, plus the pattern booklet, worth £167.50 in total! www.knitrowan.com  01484 950630 SKMLITE4PLY157 Knit yourself a luxury colour block scarf using ultra soft lambswool, worth £24.50. www.warmpixie.com  SKMPIXIE157 We’re giving away three one year subscriptions to Simply Knitting magazine, worth £57.49 each! www.theyarnloop.com  0844 322 1251 SKMSUBS157 You can win one of three copies of Sirdar’s Little Cutie Pies pattern collection, plus 10 balls of Baby Bamboo, worth £47.49 per prize. www.sirdar.co.uk  01924 231 682 SKMBAMBOO157 Win yourself a copy of Rowan’s Summerlite DK pattern book, plus 40 balls of Summerlite DK, worth £189.50 all together! www.knitrowan.com  01484 950630 SKMLITEDK157 Crafted from oak and sycamore wood, one lucky knitter can win this unique yarn bowl, worth £85!…

DUCK PATTERN (MAKE 2) NOTE Knit into yo stitches through the back loop to avoid holes appearing in work. HEAD & BODY CAST ON 7 sts. ROW 1 Knit. ROWS 2-4 K1, yo, knit to last st, yo, K1. [13 sts] ROWS 5-15 Knit. ROW 16 Ssk, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. [11 sts] ROW 17 Cast off 7 sts, k4. [4 sts] ROW 18 & 19 K1, yo, knit to last st, yo, K1. [8 sts] ROWS 20-22 Knit. ROW 23 Knit to last st, yo, K1. [9 sts] ROW 24 K1, yo, knit to end. [10 sts] ROW 25 Knit to last st, yo, K1. [11 sts] ROW 26 Cast off 3 sts, knit to end. [8 sts] ROW 27 & 28 Knit. ROW 29 & 30…

LOOKING FOR INSPIRATION? Then don’t miss the latest yarns from the experts at West Yorkshire Spinners. Try Exquisite, a mix of 80% Falkland Island wool and 20% mulberry silk, it’s one of the most luxurious yarns you can buy. Or perhaps you’ll be interested in the fab new gem colours in the Wensleydale Fleece range, from rich Peridot to vibrant Tourmaline. If you’re knitting for baby and need something luxurious, soft and washable try Bo Peep, which is 52% Falkland Island wool and 20% nylon. For stockists visit www.wyspinners.com.…

Kate Charnock Kate wanted to marry domestic and industrial heritage to commemorate the restoration of the historic canal. “Close to 100 knitters knitted more than 2,000 squares, which were sewn together to form the word #SWINGIEST in four-foot high letters!” W›i›››>Ìi›››>À››V›]››À› }iÜ>ÌiÀ›"vwViÀ›v›À› ->›v›À ›››ÌÞ›››Õ›V››]›Ü>ÛÌ>Ûi ›Ü›Ì››w› ››}› a way to draw attention to the restoration of the historic Bridgewater Canal, she knew knitting was the answer. “I loved the idea of drawing parallels between Salford’s domestic and industrial heritage. So the idea of getting people to collaborate in an immense knitting project was born!” Kate contacted local artist and expert knitter Rachael Elwell of ArtYarn, who came up with the idea of featuring typography. Kate was keen to incorporate stonemasons’ marks in the lettering. “The stonemasons chiselled these into the canal…

“I believe that children instinctively sense that the dolls were made by people who care about them.” When in times of fear, danger and tragedy, a little comfort can go a long way. That’s the thinking behind Ì›i››ââÞ›››››Ã›q›Ã›>››››››ÌÌi ›w}ÕÀiƯ̂>Ì› have become a symbol of peace for V››› Ài››i› ÕÀ››}›Ì›i›››«>VÌ›>› › >vÌiÀ›>Ì›››v›Ü>À]›>ÛÜi›››>Û›>ÌÕÀ>›› ›Ã>ÃÌiÀÃ]›>À›Õ› ›Ì›i›Ü›À› ° For Shirley O’Connell, a keen knitter herself, it was a campaign she was keen to get involved with, and she has been organising efforts in Canada since 2004. “I was watching the news broadcast the evening of 26 December 2004, when the reporter started talking about the tsunami that had hit Indonesia and surrounding countries,” she remembers. “The devastation was horrible and they showed «›VÌÕÀiÛ›v›«i›«›i›ÌÀÞ››}›Ì››w› ›>›ÞÌ›››}› familiar and looking for loved ones. The shock on the…

WEST›YORKSHIRE›SPINNERS NEATH VALLEY WOOLS W nvwools.com A 75 High Street, Glynneath, SA11 5TB Stockist of a range of quality wools and yarns by WYS, BaaRamEwe, Adriafil, Debbie Bliss, DMC, Manos, Opal and so much more as well as a range of needles by Knit Pro and Brittany. Situated in the beautiful Neath Valley. ADRIAFIL MY YARNERY W myyarnery.co.uk T 023 9217 7350 My Yarnery based in Havant, Hampshire supplies a fantastic range of yarn and haberdashery as well as patterns and all the necessary knitting and crochet accessories. Stocked brands include Adriafil, Sirdar, King Cole and Wendy, among others. Call, visit or order online! KING COLE IDA’S HOUSE W idashouse.co.uk T 01883 345220 Branded yarns always in stock: Baa Ram Ewe, Debbie Bliss, King Cole, Rico and…

Issue 156 March Diamond Sweater Cable & Lace Cowl Boys’ Blue Jumper Reversible Cardigan Cowl-neck Capelet Braided Rib Jumper Cat & Fiddle Mobile Lace Hat Button-front cape Geometric cushion PLUS! Guide to Fair Isle Issue 155 February Cabled poncho Baby cardi Stripy shawl Red cable jumper Alan Dart’s Sir Lancelot Fringed scarf Purple cardi Teddy cushion Fingerless mittens Boyfriend cardi PLUS! 5mm bamboo needles & Easy Knits booklet Issue 154 January Colourblock top Party vest Shrug Child’s jumper Man’s sweater Hat Socks Bag Mitts Alan Dart’s Yule goat and gnomes Lace cardi Wine cosy Easy knits Hot water bottle cosy Spotty jumper PLUS! Lace patterns Issue 153 December Sparkly jumpers Lace cardi Tree decorations Stocking Alan Dart’s woodland fairy and elf Festive baby knits Kids’ Christmas sweaters Santa headband Cable…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Ruth Maddock “The gorgeous colour of this yarn and its incredible softness inspired me to create a warm, flattering design that you can knit for all shapes and sizes.” YOU WILL NEED Debbie Bliss, Rialto DK (100% extrafine Merino wool, 50g/100m) A pair of 3¼mm needles A set of 3¼mm circular needles, 40cm long, or a set of DPNs A pair of 4mm needles For yarn stockists contact Designer Yarns 01535 664222 www.designeryarns.uk.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 w&t Wrap and turn: take the yarn to the opposite side of the work between the needles, slip the next st to the right-hand needle, take…

YOU WILL NEED Rowan, Brushed Fleece (65% wool, 30% alpaca, 5% polyamide, 50g/105m balls)3 balls of each: Cairn263 Tarn2542balls of: Cove251 A 6mm circular needle, 80cm long For yarn stockists contact Rowan 01484 950630 www.knitrowan.com TENSION Yarn used knits as Chunky to this tension: 13 sts and 19 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 6mm needles MEASUREMENTS 255 x 35cm (100¼in x 13¾in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Get in on the chunky knitting trend by making this oversized Fair Isle scarf by Sarah Hatton. Worked sideways, you’ll cast on a lot of stitches, but that means your scarf will be done after only 60 rows! Worked in practical shades of beige, cream and brown, it will fit seamlessly into your…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Monica Russel “Everyone loves ducks so I thought it would be fun to jazz up a tank top with duck motifs! The tank top is very easy to make and enables the knitter to try out some simple Fair Isle.” YOU WILL NEED Rooster, Almerino DK (50% alpaca, 50% Merino, 50g/113m), 2 balls of Caviar2061 ball of each: Gooseberry207 Starfish218 Custard210 Cornish201 A pair of 3 mm needles A pair of 4mm needles 2 small buttons For yarn stockists contact Rooster Yarns 01829 740903 www.roosteryarns.com TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 24 sts and 27 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over patt using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 With its sweet duck motifs and cosy but…

“Have a heart,” was my plaintive response to the usual grumping from the Accomplished Knitter. She’s been giving me grief for a knitting hiatus but, having had a particularly busy time recently, knitting has been put on the back burner once again. “It’s not as if I’ve not done anything,” I muttered weakly. Actually, I have been surprisingly productive in between a hectic workload and a total reorganisation of my living room. With new carpet and furniture, the room was gutted – a job carried out by my overeager hubby who was rather ‘surprised’ at the amount of knitting items he had to pack away. THE BIG SORT OUT Admittedly, there was rather more yarn than I remembered. I’d forgotten about the big bag shoved behind the settee, and the…

YOU WILL NEED Sirdar, Snuggly Snowflake DK (100% polyester, 25g/85m) 2 balls of Creamy (631) Hayfield, Bonus DK (100% acrylic, 100g/280m), 1 ball of each: Cream (812) and Walnut (927) 2g oddments of pale pink and bright green DK yarn 1g oddment of pale yellow DK yarn 1m lengths of black and bright yellow DK yarn A pair of 3mm needles 60g of washable toy stuffing For yarn stockists contact Sirdar 01924 231682 www.sirdar.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 26 sts and 36 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3mm needles MEASUREMENTS 23cm (9in) tall and 25cm (10in) long ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Celebrate this Easter with Alan Dart’s remarkably sweet primrose lamb. Use a fuzzy textured…

POLKA DOTS AND HEARTS I’d like to show you this jumper. My grandaughter, Valentina (9 years old), designed it and ‘Nonna’ (me) knitted it! Both Valentina and her younger sister keep me busy with their requests, but I love it. I really look forward to receiving your magazine every month in Italy. Jean Rogers, Florence OUR LETTER OF THE MONTH WRITER WINS AN AIR SNOOD KIT WORTH £50, COURTESY OF WE ARE KNITTERS! We Are Knitters has all you need to start your next knitting project. www.weareknitters.co.uk, +1 (855) 676-3019…

When Rhiannon Davies had the chance to exhibit at an art trail with her photographer partner Alex Robertson, she set herself the test of using yarn and knitting techniques as an artistic medium. “I started thinking of the cowl structure as a blank canvas into which I could just knit textures and colours as I went along,” she says. “It was really enjoyable not to work from any pattern and it was constantly interesting as the stitch patterns changed all the time – it’s a very organic process for me and meant each cowl turned out completely unique.” She adds: “I’m not a huge fan of weaving in lots of ends, so I experimented with different slip stitch patterns to incorporate the varying colours – I also really like the…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Siân Brown “With this design I wanted to create a pretty, feminine cardigan so I chose two different lace stitches and a flattering spring shape.” YOU WILL NEED Conway + Bliss, Lolli (80% cotton, 20% polyester, 50g/110m) A pair of 3¾mm needles A pair of 4mm needles A 4mm circular needle, 80cm long 7 buttons, 15mm wide For yarn stockists contact Designer Yarns 01535 664222 www.designeryarns.uk.com TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 22 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles 20 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over both lace patts using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 If you’re anything like us, as soon as spring hits you…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Fran Morgan “I wanted to design an easy knit - and what’s easier than stocking stitch? To add interest I combined it with reverse stocking and garter stitches and used a variegated yarn.” JUMPER It’s simple but stylish. Fran’s jumper is an uncomplicated knit-and-purl affair with garter stitch edges. YOU WILL NEED King Cole, Venice Chunky (7% alpaca, 30% wool, 9% polyamide, 54% polyacrylic, 50g/90m) A pair of 6mm needles For yarn stockists contact King Cole 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com TENSION Yarn used knits as chunky to this tension: 14 sts and 20 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over patt using 6mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 BACK AND FRONT (Worked alike, apart from * which denotes the lengths for back and…

Give yourself the gift of more than just a chocolate egg this Easter! We’ve hand-picked some of our favourite spring tools, from sweet markers Ì››y›À>››v>LÀ›VÃ]››ÕÃÌ›v›À›Þ›Õ° 1 Put a bow on it! Whether it’s a purse or a cardi, a hat or a cushion, ›Ì››iÛiÀ››ÕÀÌƯ̂›w››Ã››Ì›››}Û›vv›Ü›Ì›› a pretty little bow. This handy bow ›>›iÀ›Ì››››V››iÛܛ̛›Ëx›Ü›ÀÌ›››v› ribbon, plus a step-by-step DVD. £15, www.fantasticribbons.com , 01392 366762 2 7i›››Ûi›Ì›iÃi›ÃÜiiÌ› >vv› ››› and narcissus stitch markers, with >›V›>ë›››› iÀ›Ì›››ii«›Ì›i››Ã>vi°› /›iÞ›w̛ի›Ì››x½mm needles, and V>››Li›ÀiµÕiÃÌi`›››››>À}iÀ›Ã›âið £5, www.etsy.com/shop/  wychwooddreams 3 /››i›v›À›Ã››i›«››«›››vÕ›t›/››Ã›L››››››V›Õ iÛ>›vÕââÞ››>ÃÌiÀ› LÕ››Þ›>› ›>›vÕ››Ì›Ìi›L>}°›7›>Ì›>› }Ài>Ì›Ü>ޛ̛›ÕÃi›Õ«›ÃVÀ>«›Þ>À›t £4.99, www.searchpress.com , 01892 510850 4 ›Õââ›LÕâât›/››Ã›››ÌÌ›i›vi››>››Ã›ÃÕV›› a cutie, it almost seems a shame to ÕÃi››››°››ÕÌ› ››½Ì›Li›v›››i ]››i½Ã›>› sturdy (and adorable) pincushion. £10.99, www.sewing-online.com , 0115 987 4422 5 ››>}››i››i››››}›>›››ÌÌ›i›››i½Ã› ›>V›i̛ܛ̛›Ì››Ã››>ÃÌiÀ›À›LL››t››ÌÛ V››À«Þ›V››V›Ã›>› ›››ÞvÕ››…

“This pattern is great for…” “…last-minute gifts. I’m going to knit this cowl a few times and stash them all away safely for Christmas.”Louise Smith, Production Assistant YOU WILL NEED Rico Design Essentials Super Super Chunky (50% acrylic, 50% wool, 100g/100m balls) 1 ball in Salmon (shade 23) A 10mm circular needles, 80cm long For yarn stockists contact Rico Design www.rico-design.de TENSION Yarn used knits as super chunky to this tension: 9 sts and 13 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 10mm needles MEASUREMENTS 20cm (8in) x 120cm (27¼in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 If you’re looking for a really quick and easy knit that’ll keep you toasty just when you need it, then this gorgeous cowl by Jo Allport is the…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Sarah Dennis “These stripy zigzag socks show this lovely yarn off beautifully. The slip stitch pattern accentuates the colour changes, and a lovely smooth sole, heel and toe adds comfort to this textured design.” YOU WILL NEED West Yorkshire Spinners, Signature 4ply (75% wool, 25% nylon, 100g/400m balls), 1 ball of Passionfruit Cooler (811) A set of 3mm double pointed needles (DPNs) or circular needles, 80cm long, if using Magic Loop method Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact West Yorkshire Spinners 01535 664500 www.wyspinners.com TENSION Yarn used knits as 4ply to this tension: 32 sts and 42 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over Leg Chart using 3mm needles MEASUREMENTS To fit foot circumference 22cm (8 in) Actual foot circumference 19cm (7 in) Length is adjustable…

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…