Innehållsförteckning för Issue 172 från Simply Knitting

Welcome to a month of big celebrations! We’re overwhelmed with great events during spring and summer this year. Not only will Meghan and Harry tie the knot in May, it’s Father’s Day in June and the World Cup kicks off in Russia in July. Phew! For me, these are perfect opportunities to cast on and celebrate with your needles. Having a royal wedding tea party? Decorate it with Ann Franklin’s trio of bridal knits (p61), including gold tealight covers, red, white and blue bunting and the cutest bride and groom cake toppers you’ve ever seen! Need Father’s Day ideas? Cast on Pat Menchini’s basketweave sweater in racing green (p79). Catering for the soccer mad? Then Tea Cosy Folk’s brilliant World Cup tea cosy on page 75 is for you –…

King Cole have recently created an exciting duo of gorgeous new yarns to complement their extensive range. First, they’ve added a baby yarn to their popular Cottonsoft range – Baby Crush (£4.79 for 100g) comes in five pretty, variegated baby shades making it perfect for summer knits for little ones. Secondly, Calypso DK (£3.49 for 100g) brings summer instantly to your needles with its 8-shade range which incorporates a twist of fresh summer white. www.kingcole.com . PASTEL PRETTINESS WHAT? When knitting inspiration eludes you the best way to hunt out new ideas is through colour, and more specifcally a brand new palette. buckily, the experts at Sirdar have created just the thing for a fagging baby gift mojo. Sirdar Snuggly Pattercake DK (£9.99 for 150g) is a variegated…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Martin Storey “Working out the colour combinations for this child’s tank top was lots of fun with Rowan’s Softyak DK. Simple tank tops are a great quick and easy knit for both girls and boys.” YOU WILL NEED ■ Rowan, Softyak DK (76% cotton, 15% yak, 9% nylon, 50g/135m) ■ 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 Clear a space in the wardrobe for this on-trend kids’ emoji tank top! Cool colours, a luxury yarn and an amazingly…

1 You and a friend could be heading to The Knitting & Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace, in bondon, for the day (11-14 October 2018). We have fve pairs of tickets available, worth £34 per pair. Discover new yarns, patterns, accessories and more. www.theknittingandstitchingshow.com SKMKANDS172 2 Think of all the wonderful things you would be able to knit with ten balls of Caron Tea Cakes! That’s right, we’re giving away one cake of every shade in the Tea Cakes range. One lucky reader can knit till their rainbow heart is content with over £129 worth of yarn. www.readicut.co.uk 01162 713759 SKMTEACAKES172 3 Get ready for the season ahead with a new lightweight pullover or sweet cover-up cardi! We have nine balls of Stylecraft Batik Swirl to give away, plus four…

“Always remember your hard work is helping homeless animals during their hour of need…” We knitters never miss a chance to whip up a good deed with our needles, especially if it’s for our fuffy four-legged friends. In November last year, the National Animal Welfare Trust (NAWT) created their online Craft Club, in response to kind-hearted crafters’ on-going support of the charity. “We have a volunteer who knits at our centre near Milton Keynes,” explains Rachel Mattioni, NAWT’s Fundraising Assistant. “She has raised over £4,000 through knitting items for us to sell at events, and it is because of talented people like her that we decided to create NAWT Craft Club.” JOIN IN THE FUN The Craft Club’s online hub has information about how you can help the charity’s continuing…

TEA’S UP! WE’RE COOING OVER @ KRAFTYKATSUK’S BIRDIE TEA COSY. WHEN CAN WE COME ROUND FOR A CUPPA, SANDRA? WITH 8 CHICKENS AT HOME (+ 6 CATS + 2 DOGS), SANDRA HAS PLENTY OF INSPIRATION FOR HER COSY DESIGNS. JUST A THOUGHT RON THE PARROT, LOVINGLY KNITTED BY @TRISHLEMOOSE, LOOKS LIKE HE’S HAVING A JOLLY TIME STROLLING AMONG THE GARDEN FLOWERS. OR IS HE DEEP IN THOUGHT PLANNING HIS NEXT ‘GREAT BIG IDEA’? LOVE FOR MUM HOT OFF HER NEEDLES IS THE HEART TAPE MEASURE KIT FROM OUR ISSUE 169, LOVINGLY MADE BY @WHATSOPHIEKNITS FOR HER MUM ON MOTHER’S DAY. BOTH MUM AND DAUGHTER LOVE TO KNIT!…

Every month, three subscribers win a prize as a thank you for their loyalty to Simply Knitting. This month, the winners (below) will each receive this Papermania tote bag* – perfect for storing your knitting projects on the go! (*Contents of bags not included) Mrs Douglas, Swansea Mrs Hubbard, Queensborough Miss Broughton, Watford FIND US AND FOLLOW US! Post a pic on our Facebook page facebook.com/simplyknitting Tweet us @SimplyKnitMag twitter.com/SimplyKnitMag Add to our Finished Projects board ravelry.com/groups/simply-knitting-magazine Tag us with @simplyknittingmag instagram.com/simplyknittingmag Follow us on Pinterest www.pinterest.com/simplyknitmag EMAIL US AT: simplyknitting@immediate.co.uk WRITE TO US AT: Simply Knitting , Immediate Media Co, Tower House, Fairfax Street, Bristol BS1 3BN IMMEDIATE MEDIA COMPANY, PUBLISHERS OF SIMPLY KNITTING, SUBS STARS GIVEAWAY TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Prizes were dispatched before…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Louise Crowther “I designed Marysol (it’s Spanish for sea and sun) as a smart and fun girl who loves the outdoors. She likes nothing better than spending a day at the beach – bikini in her bag, ready for fun!” YOU WILL NEED ■ Scheepjes, Catona (100% mercerized cotton, 25g/62.5m) 2 balls of: Yarn A English Tea (404) 1 ball of each: Yarn B Yellow Gold (208) Yarn C Cyan (397) Yarn D Tangerine (281) Yarn E Snow White (106) Yarn F Poppy Rose (390) ■ Scraps of black and red yarn for eyes and mouth ■ A pair of 2½mm needles ■ A pair of 3mm needles ■ Two 2½mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) ■ A stitch holder ■ A tapestry needle ■ 3 circles of white…

What’s new Richard Longbottom, from WYS reveals their latest news. NEW PRODUCTS? We launched our Bo Peep buxury Baby in 4ply yarn weight last month. Bo Peep DK was so well received it was the natural progression. Bo Peep is a sumptuous blend of Falkland Island Wool and the fnest nylon fbres. At WYS we feel superior fbres shouldn’t be limited to luxury yarns for adult garments – this luxuriously soft and washable yarn is perfect for luxury baby knits. WHAT ELSE IS NEW? Our award winning Signature 4ply boasts an ever expanding colour palette of carefully curated ranges. For Spring/Summer 2018 we wanted to develop a range of yarn shades that accentuated the beauty of a British fower garden and from this the Florist concept ‘bloomed’ – six distinctive…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Susan Cowper “I wanted to design a footy mascot that will keep your brew warm until half-time! You can easily personalise this little fella to support your team by switching the colours and details around.” YOU WILL NEED ■ Hayfield, Bonus DK (100% acrylic, 100g/280m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A White (961) Yarn B Royal (979) Yarn C Signal Red (977) Yarn D Flesh Tone (963) ■ A pair of 3¼mm needles ■ A pair of 4mm needles ■ A pair of 5 mm needles ■ Small amount of black DK yarn to embroider facial features ■ Toy stuffing ■ A tapestry needle For yarn stockists contact Sirdar 01924 231682 www.sirdar.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 14 sts and 23…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Louise Smith “I’m always popping to the shops for bits and bobs so I made this bag with that in mind. I pictured open stitches and a soft yarn for easy carrying. The straps can be worn as a shoulder bag or a cross-body pouch!” YOU WILL NEED ■ Wendy, Aurora DK (100% acrylic, 100g/290m) 1 ball of Atmosphere (5100) ■ A 6mm circular needle, 60cm long ■ 2m of strong ribbon ■ Scrap yarn or a spare needle, for holding sts ■ Tapestry needle For yarn stockists contact Thomas B. Ramsden 01943 872 264 www.tbramsden.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 14 sts and 22 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over pattern using 6mm needles MEASUREMENTS 28.5cm (11in) wide x 34cm…

STYLECRAFT KNIT KNACKS A Lake, Isle of Wight, PO36 9JL T 01983 716890 An 0ld fashioned wool shop with a modern twist. Stockists of James C Brett, Stylecraft and Woolcraft Yarns. Patterns, needles, crochet hooks etc. Lay-away service. DMC embroidery threads and kits. Haberdashery. Family owned and run. SIRDAR KNITTING NEEDLE LANE A knittingneedlelane.co.uk T 01223 561 865 Knitting Needle Lane is an online shop a modern twist on a traditional hobby for all your knitting/crochet needs. We sell Sirdar James C Brett, Manos Del Uruguay, Wendy and Erika Knight. We also sell bespoke hand dyed yarns – we have the beauty of handpicking our skeins before they go online for sale. SIRDAR DOTTIE DI’S A 10 High Street, Hythe, Kent, CT21 5AT T 01303 772870 Now stocking Katia…

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 ■ King Cole, Superfine Alpaca Chunky (100% alpaca, 50g/62m) ■ A pair of 5mm needles ■ A pair of 6mm needles ■ A cable needle For yarn stockists contact King Cole 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com TENSION Yarn knits as chunky to this tension 14 sts and 20 rows to 10x10cm (4x4in) measured over st st using 6mm needles 19.5 sts and 21 rows to 10x10cm (4x4in) measured over cable pattern using 6mm needles 33 st cable panel is 17cm wide. 20 sts and 21 rows to 10x10cm (4x4in) measured over front band rib and garter stitch pattern using 6mm needles Front rib and garter stitch band is 6cm wide ABBREVIATIONS C7 Sl 2 sts to cable needle (cn) and hold at back of work, K1, then…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Caron, Cakes (80% acrylic, 20% wool, 200g/350m) 4 balls of Bumbleberry (17016) ■ A pair of 5 mm needles ■ Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact Readicut 01162 713759 www.readicut.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as aran to this tension: 16 sts and 22 rows to measure 10x10cm over main pattern using 5½ mm needles 16 sts and 24 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over rib pattern using 5 mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list turn to page 95 in Simply Knitting magazine CARDIGAN Note The two fronts and back are knitted as one piece from side to side, beginning at the right-front edge. RIB Cast on 150 (150: 150) sts using 5½mm needles. Row 1 *K3, P1; rep from * to last 2…

Faye Perriam-Reed Technical Editor My dad likes to go out for a daily walk along the coast so I’m knitting him a snugly 4ply hat to keep his ears cosy on windy mornings by the sea! Sarah Edwardes Digital Assistant For Father’s Day I’m knitting my dad some cosy cable socks in a lovely yarn called Austermann Step yarn. It’s a beautiful soft grey and blue colourway – his favourite! Sophie Jordan Production Editor I’m knitting a 2x2 ribbed hat for my other half in Scheepjes Stonewashed XL – he feels the cold on top these days. I hope I finish it on time! Emily Waite Designer I’m halfway through a chunky, garter stitch scarf for my dad. I’ve been knitting it for a while now, but it’s my first…

GABLE SOCKS If you’re looking for great knits for men check out the @ourneyman collection at www.knitrowan.com. It includes this sock pattern for £4! KILLAN GLOVES Chaps like practical gifts and there’s nothing more essential than a pair of simple gloves in reasonably priced DROPS yarn. www.garnstudio.com TWIN KNITS Why not cast on a matching set for you and your man? Try this Sirdar Harrup Tweed DK pattern (8107)! For stockists visit www.sirdar.co.uk.…

“Iseem to have fts and starts with my knitting, so I am not progressing as quiVkly as I’d like to, nor learning new skills. With an inVreased workload and a reVent Lad dose of fu, I have aVhieved little in reVent months whiVh is inVreasingly frustrating for those around me dealing with my Vonstant moaning! “Stop getting your knitting in a knot,” grumLled the AVVomplished Knitter, “OnVe you piVk up an exViting new Lall of wool you’ll soon get LaVk into it.” KNITTING AND NATTERING It was at my WI meeting that I fnally picked up my needles once again after a long knitting hiatus. We’d organised a social evening and asked everyone to bring their knitting projects with them. Initially there were grumbles from non-knitters, but they turned up…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Siân Brown “I wanted this garment to combine warmth and lightess and the yarn Sublime Willow works well with a simple quick-to-knit shape. The single large scale cable adds some interest.” YOU WILL NEED ■ Sublime, Willow (94% wool, 6% nylon, 125m/50g) ■ A pair of 6 mm needles ■ A pair of 7mm needles ■ A set of 6 mm circular needles For yarn stockists contact Sublime 01924 369666 www.sublimeyarns.com TENSION Yarn used knits as chunky to this tension: 15 sts and 19 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over stocking stitch using 7mm needles 24 sts of front cable Panel measure 12.5cm wide ABBREVIATIONS C4B slip next 2 sts to cn and hold at back, K2; K2 from cn C4F slip next 2 sts…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Sarah Hatton “Sometimes, when it comes to babies, simple is definitely better. This straightorward textured stitch is a classic and reminds me of vintage baby patterns – it never seems to go out of style!” YOU WILL NEED ■ West Yorkshire Spinners, Bo Peep 4ply (52% Falkland wool, 48% nylon, 50g/220m) ■ A pair of 23mm needles ■ A pair of 3¼mm needles ■ Stitch holders For yarn stockists contact West Yorkshire Spinners 01535 664500 www.wyspinners.com TENSION Yarn used knits as 4ply to this tension: 28 sts and 36 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3¼mm needles 28 sts and 39 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over patt using 3¼mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 When friends and…

CLUCK, CLUCK! Meet Harriette the chicken! She is from my own pattern. My dad asked for Ginger from Chicken Run, to add to his collection that I have made him for his campervan. After searching the internet for a pattern to no avail, I decided to make my own. So this is my take. I used a combination of DPNs, standard needles and crochet hooks to get the look I was after, and I used some leftover DK wool from my stash. Katie Fletcher, via Facebook OUR STAR LETTER WRITER WINS A MYSTERY BUNDLE OF FABULOUS YARNS * TO BOOST THEIR STASH, WORTH £50! THE BUNDLE INCLUDES A STUNNING MIX OF COLOURS AND FIBRES, PLUS A RANGE OF DIFFERENT WEIGHTS.…

Popping to your local garden centre doesn’t often involve discovering a group of ladies knitting up a storm in the café! However, that’s exaVtly what you’ll fnd if you head down to the Squire’s Garden Centres in Badshot Lea, Milford, Shepperton or Twickenham on a Wednesday morning. “We’ve noticed the rise in popularity of knitting and some of our customers told us that there were waiting lists at local groups, so we decided to start our own,” says Sarah Squire, Squire’s Deputy Chairman. “Our sessions allow people to get together in a relaxed environment and ask any questions they might have, plus it gives us the opportunity to share new knitting patterns, yarns and tools.” Each of the sessions start at 9.30am, during term time, in the centres’ Café Bars.…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Debbie Bliss, Rialto DK Prints (100% wool, 50g/105m) 1 ball in shade Seaside (14) A single ball is enough to make our two Mug Coasters and Teapot Mat ■ A set of 3.75mm circular needles, 40cm long ■ A 4mm double-pointed needle (DPN) ■ Tapestry needle For yarn stockists contact 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 22 sts and 32 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles 23 sts and 36 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over pattern using 4mm needles MEASUREMENTS Coaster 12x12cm (43x43in) square Teapot Mat 18x18cm square (7x7in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Are you always ready for a cuppa? Whether you’re a tea fiend or a coffee…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Chloe Webster “The last of my trio of cushions is possibly my favourite. I love how easy it is to create effective texture with just a few simple knitting techniques.” YOU WILL NEED ■ DMC, Natura XL (100% cotton, 100g/75m) 5 balls of shade 05 ■ A pair of 9mm needles ■ A large cable needle ■ 3 buttons For yarn stockists contact DMC 01924 231669 www.dmc.com TENSION Yarn used knits as super chunky to this tension: 10 sts and 15 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 9mm needles MEASUREMENTS To fit 40x40cm (16x16in) cushion pad ABBREVIATIONS C3F Sl next st onto cn and hold at front of work, K2; K1 from cn C3B Sl next 2 sts onto cn and hold…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Pat Menchini “I’m fascinated by the different textured effects that can be created by various forms of basketeave. I was really pleased with this version as it shows up brilliantly in this lovely green yarn.” YOU WILL NEED ■ Rico Essentials Merino DK (100% Merino wool, 50g/120m) ■ A pair of 3¼mm needles ■ A pair of 4mm needles ■ 2 stitch holders For yarn stockists contact Rico Design www.rico-design.de TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 24 sts and 36 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over patt, slightly stretched, using 4mm needles 24 sts and 33 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st, using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 If you’re going to spend time knitting…

We know you love your precious pets almost as much as you love knitting, which is why cat and dog knit treats make the perfect partners… 1 For the quirkiest of touches, fnish dog blankets and cat cushions with these sweet pet silhouette ribbons in pretty pastel shades. 89p per metre, www.minervacrafts.com 2 Knitters are often cat fanatics too. Knit them a gift this year and accompany it with the cutest of cat cards from Mary Kilvert. £2.50 per card, www.marykilvert.com 3 We’re big fans of natural wood buttons to add a rustic feel. These pet perfect offerings turn a plain cardigan into a character-flled hit. From 35p, www.totallybuttons.com 4 Ever lost a DPN down the back of the sofa? Rosyretro’s cute cat DPN…

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…

Knitting routine I work for myself and part of that is making samples for my designs. So I usually plan at least an hour knitting after lunch and then do more in the evening. I also knit if I’m on the bus or train. Happiest knitting memory Seeing one of my designs published in a magazine for the frst time. I love being able to share the pleasure knitting gives me. Social media diva or dunce Diva. I even have a diva element to my social media name – baPurplePenguin. I’m a regular on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook and love being able to keep up with the knitting community online. Most proud of… Discovering I had learned to steek years before anyone suggested it might be diffcult. I made both…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Knit Picks, Gloss DK (70% Merino, 30% silk, 50g/112m) 4 balls of Aegean (25587) ■ A pair of 5 mm needles For yarn stockists contact Knit Picks www.knitpicks.com TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 18 sts and 22 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 5 mm needles MEASUREMENTS Length 200cm (79in) Width 17cm (7in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list turn to page 95 in Simply Knitting magazine STITCH PATTERNS REVERSE STOCKING STITCH Row 1 (RS) K3, P32, K3. Row 2 K1, k2tog, K34, M1, K1. Rows 1 and 2 form pattern. STOCKING STITCH Row 1 (RS) K38. Row 2 K1, k2tog, K1, P32, K1, M1, K1. Rows 1 and 2 form pattern. RASPBERRY STITCH Row 1 (RS) K3,…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Rowan, Big Wool (100% wool, 100g/80m) 2 balls of Linen (00048) ■ A pair of 10mm needles ■ A cable needle ■ Lining fabric ■ Wadding ■ Press stud For yarn stockists contact Rowan 01484 950630 www.knitrowan.com TENSION Yarn used knits as chunky to this tension: 11 sts and 10 rows to measure over 10x10cm (4x4in) over pattern using 10mm needles MEASUREMENTS 30cm wide x 26cm high ABBREVIATIONS ML K1 keeping st on left hand needle, bring yfwd, pass yarn over left thumb to make a loop (approx 4cm), ybk and K this st again, slipping st off the needle and removing thumb, yo pass the 2 sts just worked over this loop For a full list turn to page 95 in Simply Knitting…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Siân Brown “The idea behind this design was to produce a richly coloured Fair Isle, with roses as part of the pattern for spring. I also wanted the cardigan to be an easy-to-wear shape.” YOU WILL NEED ■ Cascade, Superwash 220 (100% wool, 100g/200m) ■ A pair of 3¼mm needles ■ A pair of 4mm needles ■ 9 small buttons ■ 3 stitch holders or waste yarn For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk 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 Can you tell this cardi was made with spring in mind? Although, it’s such a beauty we’re…

I’M LOVING ALL-INCLUSIVE KNITTING …the fact that knitting can involve everyone whatever their skills and abilities. It’s a great way of getting together and having fun. I’M MAKING CHILDREN’S FAVOURITE …a teddy bears’ picnic complete with blanket, food and clothes to keep the teddies warm on a chilly day! I’M SHARING HONEY AND JAM …an idea on what to do with your left-over scraps – pretend honey and jam (plus covers) are perfect for our group project! simplyknitting.co.uk…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Caroline Birkett “This sleeveless, hooded cardigan is great for layering over a finer knit when the weather is changeable. The discreet pockets and lovely, cosy hood in aran weight will keep you warm in style.” YOU WILL NEED ■ DROPS, Alaska (100% wool, 50g/70m) ■ A pair of 4 mm needles ■ A pair of 5mm needles ■ A set of 5mm double-pointed needles (DPNs), for pockets ■ A 4 mm circular needle for armhole edgings, at least 40cm long ■ A 5mm circular needle for hood, at least 50cm long ■ 6 navy matt river shell buttons (ref TGB2647), 15mm diameter from www.textilegarden.com ■ A piece of waste yarn For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as aran…

Claire Harrison has always been interested in the history behind Gansey knitting, so she was rather excited when she found out about the Blyth Tall Ship Williams Gansey Project. “I’d seen an exhibition of Ganseys in Whitby and was in awe of the knitters,” she says. “I didn’t think I had the skills or time to make one, but things came together, and now I’m doing it!” Gansey jumpers were worn by British fshermen between the 15th and 19th centuries. Tight twists in the spin and close stitching combine to repel water. The Blyth Tall Ship Williams Gansey Project, based in Northumberland, is asking for knitters to create outfts in a special 5ply yarn. The clothes will be worn by sailors recreating a historic 1819 voyage to Antarctica. They’ll set…

TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEW BOOK Something New to Learn About Cables gives you three chapters of detailed photo tutorials, as well as beautiful patterns that you can use to practise your new cable skills. HOW DID YOU LEARN TO KNIT? My grandmothers taught me when I was about six, but I wasn’t any good at it. There were always heaps of holes where there shouldn’t have been and I never got to grips with casting on. I picked it up again when I was about 30, after a beautiful yarn shop opened in Frome, and Tina, the owner, was really patient in helping me to learn again. YOUR TOP TIPS FOR CABLES? It’s totally worth learning more than one way to achieve your cabling goal. So for example, you…

“As with knitting, I find that weaving the pattern while setting up my installations offers me a meditative state.” While growing up, Chiharu wanted to pursue painting “because I believed it was spiritually fulflling, Lut it LeVame just Volour on the Vanvas and nothing more. I Vouldn’t VonneVt my life to just painting LeVause it had no sense of Lelonging.” But everything Vhanged when she started experimenting with thread. “I Vould express myself again – with the thread I was drawing in the air on a limitless spaVe.” Chiharu relishes the sense of peace that emerges as she creates new work. “As with knitting, I fnd that weaving the pattern while setting up my installations offers me a meditative state.” Using fbres in her artwork opens up a world of…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Robin, Double Knit (100% acrylic, 100g/300m) 1 ball each of: Yarn A White (40) Yarn B Pink (46) Yarn C Brown (51) Yarn D Fondant (52) Yarn E Black (44) Yarn F Jaffa (63) Yarn G Red (42) Yarn H Sunflower (75) Yarn J Navy (43) Yarn K Honey (129) ■ A pair of 3mm needles ■ 25g of toy stuffing For yarn stockists contact TB Ramsden 01943 872 264 www.tbramsden.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 26 sts and 32 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3mm needles MEASUREMENTS 15cm (6 in) tall ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 BRIDE CAKE TOPPER LEG Cast on 8 sts using 3mm needles and Yarn A. Row 1…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Amanda Berry “After I made the kangaroo I wanted to make a joey too, but a little kangaroo toy was too big to fit in the pouch. I made a joey finger puppet that can be tucked away neatly instead.” YOU WILL NEED ■ Hayfield, Bonus DK (100% acrylic, 100g/280m) 1 ball of Oatmeal (964) ■ A pair of 3 mm needles ■ Toy stuffing 150g ■ 2 x 10mm toy safety eyes for Kangaroo ■ 2 x 4mm toy safety eyes for Joey ■ A tapestry needle For yarn stockists contact Sirdar 01924 231682 www.sirdar.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3 mm needles MEASUREMENTS Kangaroo is 24cm…

DIAMOND PATTERN ABBREVIATIONS Kbf Knit into the back and then front of the stitch CAST ON 8 sts using the long-tail method. ROW 1 (WS) Purl. ROW 2 K1, kfb, K to last 2 sts, kbf, K1. [10 sts] Repeat Rows 1 and 2 twice more. [12 sts] ROW 7 Purl. ROW 8 K1, ssk, K to last 3 sts, k2tog, K1. [10 sts] ROW 9 Purl. Repeat Rows 8 and 9, 3 more times. [4 sts] Cast off and weave in ends. Using any black DK yarn, embroider diamond outlines using photograph as guide. Block lightly. The Fibre Co. ACADIA WEIGHT DK CONTENT 60% Merino, 20% alpaca, 20% silk BALL 50g/133m NEEDLE 3¾-4mm RRP £12 Acadia is spun from a beautiful mix of silk noil (that’s the short fibre…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Yarn Stories, Fine Merino DK (100% wool, 50g/120m) 1 ball of Duck Egg (2507) ■ A pair of 4mm needles ■ A cable needle ■ 1 button ■ A 4mm crochet hook (to make button loop) optional For yarn stockists contact Yarn Stories 01484 848431 www.yarnstories.com TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 25 sts and 38 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over patt using 4mm needles MEASUREMENTS 8cm (3¼in) wide by 22cm (8¾in) long ABBREVIATIONS T3B Slip the next st onto a cn and hold at the back, K2, P1 from cn T3F Slip the next 2 sts onto a cn and hold at the front, P1, K2 from the cn For a full list see page 95 We all love…

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 collection of fabulous springtime knits. This beautiful season is frequently fresh enough for us to be grateful for a little extra cover, especially if you’re a fan of beach strolls and country walks. So, we’ve put together a selection of spring knits to help ease you comfortably into the warmer months. Choose from a variegated shawl, a half Hap, the silkiest scarf, a drapy cardigan, a cabled sleeveless top and a handy bag, each one designed to work perfectly with (or without!) your favourite shawl pins. Happy knitting! Kirstie McLeod Find us on Instagram @simplyknittingmag Presented with issue 172 of Simply Knitting magazine. Printed in the UK.…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Jamieson & Smith, Shetland Supreme Jumper Weight (100% wool, 50g/172m ball) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Mooskit (2002) Yarn B Katmollet (2008) Yarn C Yuglet (2009) Yarn D Shetland Black (2005) ■ Two 5mm circular needles, 80cm long ■ A spare 5mm needle for casting off ■ Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact Jamieson & Smith 01595 693579 www.shetlandwoolbrokers.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as 4ply to this tension: 15 sts and 32 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over garter st using 5mm needles MEASUREMENTS 142x66cm (56x26in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list turn to page 95 in Simply Knitting magazine HALF HAP SHAWL Cast on 3 sts using a 5mm circular needle, Yarn A and long-tail method. With yarn at front of knitting, make…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Rico, Creative Melange DK (53% wool, 47% acrylic, 50g/200m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Berry Mix (003) Yarn B Purple Olive (005) 3 balls of Yarn C Aqua Mix (004) ■ A 4mm circular needle, 100cm long ■ Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact Rico Design www.rico-design.de TENSION Yarn knits as DK to this tension: 22 stitches and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles MEASUREMENTS 220x45cm ABBREVIATIONS Sl2 tbl P1, p2sso Slip 2 sts together through back of loop, purl 1, pass 2 slipped sts over For a full list turn to page 95 in Simply Knitting magazine YARN OVER SHORT ROWS TECHNIQUE Each short row has a turning point, where the knitting is turned without completing…