Innehållsförteckning för Issue 173 från Simply Knitting

Hurrah – it finally looks a bit like summer! So, we’re celebrating with a bounty of knits for all your outdoor possibilities.Wow at garden parties with our incredibly pretty (and simple) vintage top on page 10, browse those summer fêtes with our Aztec bag on page 55, and layer up with our bold knits for the festival season on page 51. Add to this our perfectly packable texturised tee (p29), wonderfully cool-blue gilet (p61) and summer-striped linen jumper by Martin Storey (p39), and you’ll be holiday ready in no time.Talking about travelling, this month we’ve hunted down our favourite project bags (p77) to help keep your latest WIP safe and stylish, no matter where you’re heading off to. Swamped with summer birthdays? We have your little ones covered.You’ll have already…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Bronagh Miskelly “The inspiration for this chic summer top, in ice cream colours, came fom vintage knitting magazines where small details such as buttons, belts and buckles add interest to a sweater.” YOU WILL NEED ■ Yarn Stories, Fine Merino 4ply (100% Merino, 50g/178m) ■ A pair of 2 mm needles ■ A pair of 3mm needles ■ A 2 mm circular needle, 40cm long ■ Stitch holders ■ Two small buttons ■ Vintage-style buckle For yarn stockists contact Yarn Stories 01484 848431 www.yarnstories.com TENSION Yarn used knits as 4ply to this tension: 26 sts and 36 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Pair this pullover with denim jeans for a relaxed…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Jo Allport “This pretty to-tone spring dress is inspired by tubs of bright pink and red tulips – I’m sure it’ll brighten up everyone’s day!” YOU WILL NEED ■ Rico, Design Baby Classic DK (50% acrylic, 50% polyamide, 50g/165m ball) ■ A pair of 3¼mm needles ■ A pair of 4mm needles ■ Stitch markers ■ 2 stitch holders For yarn stockists contact Rico Design www.rico-design.de 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 Dec1 decrease 1 st. On a RS row, K1, ssk, K to last 3 sts, k2tog, K1. On a WS row, work a P1, p2tog at the beg and p2tog tbl, P1 at the…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Siân Brown “The idea for this was to create a really simple tee with no sleeve shaping. The chevron pattern adds interest to a solid colour and warm shades give it a summery feel…” YOU WILL NEED ■ Rico, Essentials Merino DK (100% wool, 50g/120m) ■ A pair of 3¼mm needles ■ A pair of 4mm needles ■ Stitch holder For yarn stockists contact Rico Design www.rico-design.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 23 sts and 40 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 This top is a simple shape, but is jazzed up with a textured stitch pattern and bright stripes. And there are no complicated stitches – the…

Very British Toddler Knits Susan Campbell (Search Press, £12.99) When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with classic themes while making knits for young children. Even the most modern of mummies will adore the timelessness of these classic styles. Susan’s book is full of patterns for girls and boys, from jumpers and dresses to hats and toys. Many are grouped into themed collections with motifs like fowers, butterfies and mice, so you can mix and match their wardrobe. Knit Your Story in Yarn Dee Hardwicke (Stackpole Books, £17.88) Dee is both an artist and a knitter. Her book will show you how to knit foral motifs into memorable items to commemorate occasions that featured those fowers. Included are patterns for an heirloom quilt, bag, shawl, bunting…

CHANGING TONE I loved the onesie by Monica Russel, in Simply Knitting issue 171. I decided to change the colours for my version. Mary Elton, via Facebook I-CORD? I CAN! I had no idea you could use i-cords for coasters or as cast-ons and cast-offs – oh, and edgings for garments, too! Issue 172 taught me a lot. Beatrice Mulighan, Exeter GIVE IT A GO I took Fran Morgan’s challenge to knit this jumper from issue 170. It was my first attempt at this style of construction. It took me 24 days and too many hours to mention, but I am very pleased with the result. I changed the sleeve to make it easier. I love this design, thank you. Annette Harding, via Facebook THE FINAL TOUCH There is something…

Michael Harrigan is a Bangkok-based knitwear designer. Oh, he also happens VQ DG C EGTVKfGF Master Hand Knitter and Technical Editor by The Knitting Guild Association. Michael discovered his love of knitting at the age of ten, when his mother showed him the basics of knitting and crocheting. “I read knitting and crochet magazines,” says Michael. “I learned how to knit some basic baby items and scarves, and to crochet doilies – which was the start of my fascination with lace.” Growing up on a farm, in a rural part of New York, Michael’s new-found love of knitting was met with scepticism. “Knitting was not one of the approved pastimes for a young boy,” explains Michael. “So, the needles and crochet hooks were put aside.” It wasn’t until his mid-30s…

Visit www.theyarnloop.com/simply-knitting and click on the ‘Win & Save’ tab. Then, enter the correct code, along with your name and your address. If you don’t have your own email address, feel free to use ours, simplyknitting@immediate.co.uk, to submit your competition entry form. To enter the crossword and sudoku puzzles on pages 43 & 44 enter the code SKM______173 with either the prize word or prize numbers from the shaded squares, in the blank space. Find terms and conditions at www.theyarnloop.com/competition-rules. Competitions and giveaways close on 7 @une 2018.…

YOU WILL NEED ■ West Yorkshire Spinners, Aire Valley DK (75% wool, 25% nylon, 100g/230m) 2 balls of Tequila Sunrise (856) ■ A 4mm circular needle, 40cm long ■ A pair of 4mm needles ■ Zip for bag, 23cm long ■ Bag clasp fastening, 25mm width ■ Webbing (25mm depth), the length of your waist plus 50cm For yarn stockists contact West Yorkshire Spinners 01535 664500 www.wyspinners.com TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 22 sts and 44 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over garter st using 4mm needles MEASUREMENTS Boot toppers 26cm circumference (unstretched) x 18cm tall (10¼x7in) Headband 48cm circumference x 6cm wide (19x2 in) Bum bag 22cm wide x 15cm tall (83x6in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Welcome to our…

Knitting designer and yarn producer Belinda Harris-Reid is tantalising us with her latest brilliant holiday concept – a knitting hotel! Open sinVe spring 2018, this is a knit-speVifV retreat hotel with every detail designed to help you relax while inspiring you to knit. “We want to inspire and engage people in the wonderful world of ‘soft engineering,’” enthuses Belinda. “Our retreats at The Knitting Hotel are little wbre gifts of softness. People can come together to share ideas or techniques, learn new skills or come with their own work-in-progress to meet other fellow makers. This is a delicious place of calm and sea-swoosh (the noise is tranquil and transformative). There’s laughter and tea, plenty of chat and cake, Devon cream teas and, of course, lots of knitting.” The talented knitwear…

■ Sussex Crafts Knitting Club Meets Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Saturday, 12-4pm, £2; and alternate Thursdays, 7-9.30pm, £3, at 130 South Road, Haywards Heath RH16 4LT. For details go to www.sussex-crafts.co.uk/classes-groups/knitting-crochet ■ Sussex Coast College Knitting Circle Meets Thursdays,12.30-1.45pm, at Station Approach, Hastings TN34 1BA. Call Barbara Powell-@ones on 07891863731 or email bpjones@sussexcoast.ac.uk. ■ Priory Machine Knitting Club Meets the frst Tuesday of the month, 9.15am-12pm, at the Unitarian Church, South Terrace, Hastings TN34 1SA. Contact Sue Castro on 01424 713616.…

Dive into this book of 11 handknit designs in Rowan Baby Merino Silk DK yarn. The Baby Knits Õ patterns have been designed by Quail Studio and are made up of comfy jumpers, cardis, joggers and accessories. News flash! Treat yourself to this luxurious leather knitting needle pouch by Solid and Marl, which is available for £49 from www.notonthehigh street.com. READER POLL Is knitting your only hobby? 81% said no, it’s not my only hobby Ready for your next knitting kit? Wander over to www.weareknitters.co.uk and take a peek at their cool new cotton summer pattern kits – they’re hot!…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Amanda Berry “If you want to make a toy that looks like your own pet, then use different colours, or get experimental with Swiss darning to add patches of colour to create the perfect match.” YOU WILL NEED ■ Hayfield, Bonus DK (100% acrylic, 100g/280m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Walnut (927) Yarn B Cream (812) Yarn C Oatmeal (964) Yarn D Dark Grey Mix (790) ■ A pair of 3 mm knitting needles ■ Toy filling (250g) ■ Two 8mm toy safety eyes per toy 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 22cm tall ABBREVIATIONS For…

BUTTERFLY PATTERN WINGS CAST ON 16 sts using long-tail method. ROW 1 (WS) Knit. ROW 2 Knit. ROW 3 K1, ssk, K to last 3 sts, k2tog, K1. [14 sts] ROW 4 Knit. Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until 4 sts remain. NEXT ROW K1, M1, K to last st, M1, K1. [6 sts] NEXT ROW Knit. Repeat these 2 rows until you have 20 sts. Cast off and weave in ends. BODY AND TAIL Ch12 using a crochet hook, ss in second ch from hook and each of next 4 ch, ch4, place Wings (with RS facing) between 4 ch just made and 6 ch remaining (bunch up to fit), ss in third ch from end, ch2, fasten off and tie knots at ends. Trim to neaten.…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Louise Smith “I remember the magic of the Tooth Fairy visiting and finding a shiny pound coin under my pillow in the morning! I wanted to pass that joy onto my nieces and nephews, with a knitted tist.” YOU WILL NEED ■ Patons, Baby Smiles Fairytale Fab 4ply (100% acrylic, 50g/184m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Light Blue (01054) Yarn B White Cream (01002) ■ A pair of 3mm needles ■ A 2.5mm crochet hook (for the cord) ■ Small amount of black embroidery thread (for the eyes) ■ Small amount of pink embroidery thread (for the mouth) ■ Small amount of red embroidery thread (for the toothbrush and heart) ■ Small amount of white embroidery thread (for the toothbrush bristles) ■ Tapestry needle For yarn…

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 and Wendy. 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 – Polaris…

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…

Kirstie McLeod Editor I’ve cast on a pair of toe-up socks to help me brush up on the method – I’ve been knitting top-down for yonks now! It’s definitely time for a change in techniques. Claire Watkins Art Editor I’ve got a chunky cowl on the go, it’s been a really calm project to pick up and put down. It’s aWool and the Gang kit, with all the bits and bobs and it’s in simple garter stitch. Louise Smith Production Assistant A cushion, a bag, a pair of socks, Rory’s jumper, another pair of socks, Sophie’s cardigan, a blanket… the list is fairly endless for me, ha ha! Nicola Lynn Art Editor I’ve been eyeing up the cute baby bootees we had in issue 167’s Snuggly Knits booklet, the crocodile…

1 Working with the yarn at the back of your knitting, insert the point of the RH needle into the next st as if to knit, but instead slip the first st onto the RH needle. 2 Now slip the next st from the LH needle onto the RH needle in the same way as for Step 1. 3 Push the point of the LH needle through the front of both the slipped sts. 4 Bring the yarn around just as you would for a knit st and knit these two sts together. You will now have a single st on the RH needle, and your two slipped ones will create a left-leaning decrease.…

1 Push the point of your right-hand needle through the first two stitches on your left-hand needle, going from right to left as you would for a purl stitch. 2 Bring yarn anti-clockwise around the needle, between the two needles. 3 Pull the yarn through both stitches, as you would when working a purl stitch, and drop both stitches from the left-hand needle. 4 Purling two stitches together decreases your stitch count by one, and the decrease stitch leans to the right. This is how a series looks on the right side of stocking stitch.…

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-hand needle between the first two stitches of the row. 2 Wind your yarn 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 number of stitches. Try to space your stitches evenly.…

Without doubt, my favourite knitting book, and the one I turn to again and again, is Knitting Without Tears , the wrst knitting book written by the legendary Elizabeth Zimmerman. This delightful book is like sitting by a toasty wre and knitting with a dear, wise friend. Written in a wonderfully engaging conversational style, it is a treasure trove of invaluable tips and tricks for any problem that might come up in my knitting. But what stands out for me is the true love of the craft that shines through in her writing, along with her conviction that: “…knitting soothes the troubled spirit, and it doesn’t hurt the un-troubled spirit either.” The book contains several projects to knit too: seamless and colourwork sweaters, as well as baby jackets and accessories.…

ALL EARS! AS SOON AS @BUBS ANDBOBBINS SAW OUR EASTER BUNNY HAT IN ISSUE 170, SHE JUST HAD TO KNIT IT! SHE’S SO HAPPY WITH HER FINISHED BUNNY BONNET THAT SHE’S ALMOST HOPPING WITH JOY… COSY CAP @NANSTAMP2 HAD FUN KNITTING KIRSTIE MCLEOD’S SPRING GREEN HAT, IN A BEAUTIFUL TEAL BLUE. SHE SAYS ITS SO WARM IN BROWN SHEEP LAMB’S PRIDE BULKY YARN. IT LOOKS SO PRETTY AND COSY TO US! TWEET-HEART WE CAN’T BELIEVE THIS IS @WHAT SOPHIEKNITS’ FIRST TIME KNITTING USING INTARSIA. WE LOVE HER COLOUR-CODING METHOD TO KEEP TRACK OF HER YARN CHANGES, TOO. THOSE ARE SUCH NEAT STITCHES!…

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 pretty set of Moroccan suitcases worth £19.95 – perfect for storing your many balls of yarn! Mrs Notley, Sudbury Mrs Purdue, Shaftesbury Mrs Prout, Stanford-Le-Hope 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 the on…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Monica Fuertes “When I was a little girl, I loved the cute, colourful Dino in the Flintstones. He was like a pet dog, always happy and full of enegry. That character inspired me to knit this colourful dinosaur!” YOU WILL NEED ■ Red Heart, Super Saver (100% acrylic, 198g/333m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Spring Green (0672) Yarn B Bright Yellow (0324) Yarn C Hot Red (0390) Yarn D Light Blue (0381) Yarn E Baby Pink (0724) Yarn F White (0311) ■ A pair of 4mm needles ■ 2 black safety eyes, 9mm in diameter ■ 4 green buttons (for Arms and Legs) ■ A tapestry needle ■ 95g of toy stuffing For yarn stockists contact Red Heart 01484 681881 www.redheart.co.uk TENSION Yarn used…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Siân Brown “The design for the bag was inspired by a simple Aztec pattern I spotted, using warm colours. Rope handles and a bright lining make for a summery look.” YOU WILL NEED ■ Scheepjes, Cahlista (100% cotton, 50g/85m) 2 balls of: Yarn A Old Lace (130) 1 ball of each: Yarn B Royal Orange (189) Yarn C Ginger Gold (383) ■ A pair of 4 mm needles ■ Fabric lining and wadding measuring 30cm wide x 53cm deep (11¾x20¾in) ■ 2 lengths of rope measuring 1cm wide x 40cm long ( 1/3x15¾in) for handles ■ Press stud to fasten For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com TENSION Yarn used knits as aran to this tension: 20 sts and 23 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Pat Menchini “This pretty yarn dictates simplicity as the colouring does all the work. I designed the gilet to be simple to sew up at the end, as well as knit!” YOU WILL NEED ■ Sublime, Evie Prints (94% cotton, 6% nylon, 50g/115m ball) ■ A pair of 4mm needles ■ A pair of 5mm needles ■ A pair of 5 mm needles ■ Stitch holders ■ One large button from Duttons for Buttons, 01423 502092 For yarn stockists contact Sublime 01924 369666 www.sublimeyarns.com TENSION Yarn used knits as aran to this tension: 18 sts and 24 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 5mm needles ABBREVIATIONS M3 (K1, P1, K1) all into front of next st For a full list see page…

Many knitters dread sewing up their projects, and will leave a cardigan languishing in pieces in the WIP pile for months rather than actually finish the thing! But rest assured, it really is easy once you know a few simple techniques to keep you on track. JOINING A VERTICAL SEAM When joining a vertical seam, although you may be tempted to use backstitch, with a few exceptions (see tip, right) you’re better off using mattress stitch. Mattress stitch is a way of joining two pieces of knitting by using the vertical ‘ladder’ created within the column of stitches at the edge of each piece. Weaving in and out of this ladder can give you an invisible finish, and you can adjust the tension easily as you go. We’re using contrast…

Save up and spend six wonderful days indulging yourself and your knitting in Country Clare, Ireland in May 2019 (from £1,349). Meet Jane Crowfoot and attend her wonderful workshops, then head out and discover the stunning scenery of Ennis, the charming city of Galway and visit the Leenane Sheep and Wool Centre amidst the rugged Connemara landscape. Enjoy a full day excursion to the smallest of the Aran Islands for a chance to learn about Aran knitting. Visit www.arenatravel.com . arena Travel www.arenatravel.com…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Sarah Murray “I love the zingy colours of the self-striping yarn, and the contrast it makes with the black. The zigzags almost look as if the black has been torn to let the colours shine through.” YOU WILL NEED ■ Stylecraft, Special 4ply (100% acrylic, 100g/422m) 1 ball of Yarn A Black (1002) ■ Stylecraft, Head Over Heels (75% wool, 25% nylon, 100g/400m) 1 ball of Yarn B Matterhorn (3100) ■ A length of contrasting 4ply waste yarn, approximately 50cm (19¾in) ■ A set of 3mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) ■ Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft 01484 848435 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as 4ply to this tension: 32 sts and 36 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over patt using 3mm needles MEASUREMENTS To…

Rico Design CREATIVE MELANGE LACE WEIGHT lace CONTENT 95% cotton, 5% polyester BALL 50g/260m NEEDLE 2½mm RRP £4.99 With its high cotton content, Creative Melange Lace is perfect for shawls and summer tops – and there are several new shades for this season. It’s a fine printed yarn, with a smooth texture that knits into a lightweight and delicate fabric. Rico have designed a range of lovely garments using this yarn, including a lacy wrap and a stunning floaty cardigan. Available in a range of 12 self-striping, flecked colours, summer-inspired shades include intermingled pinks, turquoises and denim hues. Delicate machine wash at 30˚C, dry flat and cool iron. www.rico-design.de/en Cygnet Yarns BOHO SPIRIT WEIGHT aran CONTENT 100% acrylic BALL 100g/240m NEEDLE 4-5mm RRP £3.49 Say hello to one of latest…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Dario Tubiana “I have always been keen on geometric shapes and Tetris ™ . For this sweater I wanted to pay a tribute to the fascinating randomness of the shapes created by the colourful bricks.” YOU WILL NEED ■ Rowan, Pure Wool Superwash Worsted (100g/200m) ■ A pair of 3mm knitting needles ■ A pair of 4mm knitting needles ■ Stitch holders For yarn stockists contact Rowan 01484 950630 www.knitrowan.com TENSION Yarn used knits as worsted to this tension: 20 sts and 24 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over stocking stitch using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS K22 (24: 26: 28)B work the given sts for your size in the colour indicated For a full list see page 95 Meet your teen’s new favourite jumper! Wonderfully simple,…

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…

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…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Louise Smith “My fiend’s nan has a huge thing for elephants; placemats, statues, bags, cushions – you name it, she has it with an elelphant on. I thought to more for her collection couldn’t hurt…” YOU WILL NEED ■ Yarn from your kit or any DK yarn in green, pink and white ■ A pair of 3mm needles ■ A small amount of black embroidery thread ■ A small square of floral fabric (for ears) ■ A small amount of toy stuffing ■ A tapestry needle TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 20 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3mm needles MEASUREMENTS 6cm (2 in) tall ABBREVIATIONS Sometimes, good things come in small sizes! Made using simple stocking…

MAGICAL MAKES! WHAT? Make dreams come true with TB Ramsden’s gorgeously soft Peter Pan Baby Cotton DK! This 50% cotton 50% polyester blend (£3.69 for 100g) is machine washable at 30ºC making it easy to clean away the day’s fun, and it’s hypoallergenic too for delicate skins. It comes in a pretty pastel palette of six classic shades that both little pixies and mum will love, from cream and pink, to blue and lilac grey, making it ideal for a gift for a newborn or baby’s wrst birthday. Check out the fabulous accompanying patterns for inspiration, from a trio of cute animal toys, a beautiful heart motif blanket and adorable stripy sweaters. WHERE? www.woolwarehouse.co.uk. Seek out beautiful and wearable shapes this spring with a selection of 14 breathtaking designs from…

What makes your workshop different? My French workshops are particularly unique because of where they are. I always try to provide a happy, relaxed environment in which to learn. What will we learn? This year I’m covering knitting with beads, specialised gansey techniques, and buttonholes, among others. Why do you love teaching? I enjoy passing on my knowledge – it’s great when students get that ‘aha’ moment. What questions do you always get? I get such a wide range of questions, I can’t think of a particular one. Common mistakes People often have trouble picking stitches up neatly around the neckline and work their decreases too close to the edge. Your top 3 tips 1 Knit a tension square to get the right shape and size; 2 Check whether you…

Every spare moment of my day fnds me with knitting needles in my hand. However, spare moments have LeVome a Lit of a rarity just reVently! As I write this my 11-day-old LaLy Loy is asleep (thankfully!) next to me. I knitted one or two baby things in the past, for my little nephew, but putting my own child into an item of clothing I’ve lovingly knitted for him was such a beautiful moment. Quite emotional actually. If I say that to anyone else they might judge me, but I know I’m safe saying it to other knitters! PREPARING FOR BABY In preparing for the arrival of my little one I busted out a favourite pattern of mine: The Moth Heaven, Welcome to The Flock pattern. I made it in…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Jane Burns “This racing car sweater with its easy-to-read stranded colourwork section will fly off your needles. Why not change the colours for your favourite team?” YOU WILL NEED ■ King Cole, Merino Blend DK (100% wool, 50g/104m) ■ A set of 3¼mm circular needles, 40cm long ■ A set of 3¼mm circular needles, 60cm long ■ A set of 4mm circular needles, 40cm long ■ A set of 4mm circular needles, 60cm long ■ Stitch markers ■ Scrap yarn or stitch holders ■ Patches from www.sewingcentres.com: 2 x Craft Factory Motif CFM2\020 1 x Craft Factory Motif CFM2\013 For yarn stockists contact King Cole 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 22 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Martin Storey “Inspired by summer’s multilayered blue skies, I filled this jumper with a popular slip-stitch texture creating a satisfing, robust-but-cool throwover for breezier days.” YOU WILL NEED ■ Rowan, Creative Linen (50% linen, 50% cotton, 100g/200m skein) ■ A pair of 4mm needles ■ A pair of 4 mm needles ■ Stitch holders For yarn stockists contact Rowan 01484 950630 www.knitrowan.com TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 20 sts and 32 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4 mm needles ABBREVIATIONS  ytb take yarn to back (WS) of work ytf bring yarn to front (RS) of work For a full list see page 95 How often do you find a knit you’re pretty sure you’ll make more than…

KIND KNITTING I thought you might like to see my version of the bear jumper from issue 165. It will be going to a charity in Elgin, which caters for parents and toddlers from lonely or vulnerable backgrounds. I hope the little girl who receives it will get as much pleasure from wearing it as I had knitting it. I like to knit up as many of the children’s patterns in your magazine as I can. Keep it up! Jean Scott, Fochabers…

1 Update your wardrobe for summer with this stylish collared cardi by King Cole. Four lucky knitters will win eight balls of Cottonsoft Candy, which is enough to knit this trendy jacket in any of the sizes available. Each bundle is worth £31.71. www.kingcole.com 01756 703670 SKMCANDY173 2 Take your knitting with you in style! Three on-the-go knitters can get their hands on Prym’s pretty and practical canvas travel bag, worth £54. Each bag has a sturdy wooden handle, plus a comfy canvas strap. There’s enough room in each one for a large project. www.sewingquarter.com 0800 112 4433 SKMPRYMBAG173 3 Five of you will be adding this beautiful stitch collection to your libraries, as seen in our book reviews on page 36. With over 160 absolutely stunning designs inside, both…

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

Picture the scene: you’re looking out to sea with a pier in the foreground, you’ve got incredible views of storms, crashing waves and a constantly-changing sky. Now, imagine if you were knitting in that dramatic scene! Well, that’s how it is for the knitters of Hastings Knitters, who meet in White Rock Theatre right on the Sussex coast for a two-hour stint of knitting and chatting every week. “It’s a great way to start the week,” says Rachel Holtom, one of the group’s founders. We agree, Rachel! There are about 26 members with an age range from 20s to 80s. Members chip in £1 for tea, coffee and biscuits – sometimes made by participants. “The group started when my friend Aimi put out a call for help with an event…

Doctor by day, knitter by night, caring person 24/7! Sarah Holmes is one of the brilliant doctors working for Marie Curie UK and last year she went one step further for her patients, using knitting. “When I saw the limited edition Marie Curie yarn, developed with West Yorkshire Spinners by Christine’s wool shop last year, I decided I would like to knit every patient in the hospice a pair of socks to open on Christmas Day,’ explains Sarah. The yarn was exclusively available from the Birmingham shop, Christine’s, and from their online counterpart, www.cityknits.co.uk. Sarah set herself a goal of knitting 16 pairs with the wool, but after sharing her ambition on Instagram she quickly found herself inundated with hundreds of socks. “Socks came in from all around the world…

NEW PRODUCTS? binen Drape is one of this season’s most exciting yarns. Not only does it have a wonderful lustre, but its linen and viscose-blend drape is very elegant. With eight Mediterranean hues and a desirable collection of garment patterns, this yarn will turn heads. Our designs are cool and classic, and include lacy tops and open-tie cardis which are perfect for any occasion. WHAT ELSE IS NEW? Our new baby yarn, Bambino! This DK yarn comes in eight soft shades, staying traditional with pale pastel baby shades, and is 100% acrylic but has the appearance of soft Merino yarn. Its accompanying pattern collection features pinafores, frills and pointed hoods! PLANS FOR 2018? We’ll be at the Knitting & Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace in October. Not only is it…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Jo Allport “I love illusions, whether they are pictures or something more crafty, and this teedy cushion pattern is no exception. Which triangles do you see first?” YOU WILL NEED ■ Rico, Design Creative Soft Wool Aran (75% acrylic, 25% wool, 100g/300m) 2 balls of Yarn A Light Grey (016) 1 ball of Yarn B Pink (011) ■ A pair of 4 mm needles ■ A pair of 5mm needles ■ 8 buttons (2cm diameter) ■ A 45cm square cushion inner For yarn stockists contact Rico Design www.rico-design.de TENSION Yarn used knits as aran to this tension: 20 sts and 33 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over patt using 5mm needles MEASUREMENTS To fit a 45cm square cushion ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page…

Tell us a bit about your home life I live with my husband Simon, four children and two cats. They all act as models for my knitting – some more willingly than others! Daily knitting routine I tend to do any pattern writing or editing in the mornings, when my technical brain is more alert, followed by knitting in the afternoons. Your dream knitting day would be… To spend the day surrounded by new and interesting yarns, knitting swatches and getting inspired to create new things. Best knitting companions I tend to knit alone, but my two cats (Comet and buna) are my knitting companions. Favourite pattern I love knitting cables and lace and anything with different textures. I don’t like sewing things up, so anything knitted in the round…