Innehållsförteckning för Issue 175 från Simply Knitting

Where do you get your knitting inspiration? Over the past few days I’ve been adding yarn and craft show dates to my calendar. I enjoy being on the move and outdoors during the warmer months, and find it hard to stay away from the lure of squishable yarn and a chat with fellow knitters. More shows these days include areas for children’s crafts and I’m thrilled to see how many little ones are eager to pick up needles and cast on with just the smallest amount of encouragement – new generations of knitters always have the most original ideas too! Recently I attended a Cologne trade show and touredYorkshire for a creative boost, visiting a host of makers and yarn spinners and getting a sneak peak at their new ranges…

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.…

What makes your workshop different? Coming from an engineering background, I try to take a logical, step-by-step approach to teaching. I want knitters to have fun and to stretch themselves a little. What will we learn? Knitters learn a variety of methods to try in different situations, why something works and wÝiÛv›À›c››››››«À›b›i›Ã° Why do you love teaching? I love watching knitters move from frustration to joy as they master a new technique. What questions do you always get? How do I tighten up cable stitches? Common mistakes With short rows, knitters often twist the stitch when they slip it, which means it won’t look quite right even if their technique is correct. With chart reading I spend a lot of time looking at how to read the wrong side rows.…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Amanda Berry “These are so easy to knit! On each blank side of the cube you can let your imagination run wild and use Swiss darning to embroider letters or shapes to personalise your project.” YOU WILL NEED ■ Paintbox, Baby DK (55% acrylic, 45% nylon, 50g/167m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Bubblegum Pink (750) Yarn B Paper White (700) Yarn C Blush Pink (753) ■ A pair of 3mm needles ■ Toy stuffing ■ Tapestry needle For yarn stockists contact Love Knitting 0845 544 2196 www.loveknitting.com TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 25 sts and 36 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3mm needles MEASUREMENTS Large 11cm (4 in) cube Small 7.5cm (3in) cube ABBREVIATIONS For a…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Pat Menchini “I designed this top in four easy pieces so that knitters who don’t like intarsia can easily make this. Yes, you do then have to join the seams, but this is straigh›orward with mattress stitch!” YOU WILL NEED ■ Stylecraft, Linen Drape DK (70% viscose, 30% linen, 100g/185m) ■ A pair of 3¼mm needles ■ A pair of 4mm needles ■ 2 buttons For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft 01484 848435 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over Basket Stitch using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Whether you’ve fallen in love with the fresh green shades, the unusual hemline or the textured basket stitch of this…

1 Are you a shawl knitter, or do you simply fancy cuddling six luxurious skeins of Merino wool? One lucky knitter will have the chance to squish these six skeins of The Yarn Collective Bloomsbury DK (worth £101.40) and knit them into something beautiful. www.loveknitting.com0845 544 2196 SKMBLOOMSBURY175  2 Treat yourself to The Knitting Gift Shop’s luxurious Shades of Wearable yarn, a super soft Falkland Merino yarn expertly spun by @ohn Arbon. We have wÛi›-›> ›Ü››>b›i›››Ü››››ÌÛ (£29.95 each) to give away, each including two skeins of yarn and the cowl pattern. www.theknittinggiftshop.co.uk, 07528 812731 SKMSHADOW175  3 Cast on your new fave summer cardi with We Are Knitter’s Son Cardigan Kit. We have two packs to give away, each worth £77. Inside Ì›i›››Ì]›Þ›Õ’›››w› ›Ã›Ý›Ã›i››Ã››v› 100% pima cotton, a pair of 5mm…

If you’re relatively new to lace knitting, or just haven’t mustered up the courage to plough on in, a bag can be a great place to start. When you’re knitting straight there’s no need to incorporate any shaping into your fabric, making it easier to concentrate on the stitch pattern at hand. This lovely lace bag by Siân Brown is knitted in soft, luxurious Merino wool for the perfect finish. Note The bottom of the bag is a curved shape because of the stitch. BAG (MAKE 2) Cast on 53 sts using 4½mm needles. Purl one row. Row 1 (RS) K4, *k2tog, K3, yo, K1, yo, K3, skpo, K6; rep from * to last 15 sts, k2tog, K3, yo, K1, yo, K3, skpo, K4. Row 2 and every…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Monica Fuertes “Vintage tin robots ›om the 1950s, inspired this design. They were such sweet and cool toys, made ›om rectangular box shapes, in bright colours – they are my favourite robots!” YOU WILL NEED ■ Red Heart, Super Saver (100% acrylic, 198g/333m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Grey Heather (0400) Yarn B Delft Blue (0885) Yarn C Hot Red (0390) Yarn D Spring Green (0672) Yarn E Bright Yellow (0324) Yarn F White (0311) Yarn G Black (0312) ■ A pair of 4mm needles ■ Small amount of black thread ■ Small amount of white thread ■ 2 black glass eyes, 9mm diameter ■ Tapestry needle ■ 90g toy stuffing ■ 2 red buttons (for arms) ■ Small amount of white felt ■ 4 different-coloured…

STASH BUSTER @LEONAKING6881 MADE GOOD USE OF SOME DK YARN IN HER STASH TO WHIP UP ANN FRANKLIN’S EASTER BUNNY BAG FROM ISSUE 170. WE’RE HOPPING WITH JOY AT HOW CUTE THIS BAG LOOKS – AMAZING! SOCK ADDICT WE’RE GLAD IT’S NOT JUST US WHO KNITS A SOCK PATTERN MULTIPLE TIMES BECAUSE WE LOVE IT SO MUCH. THIS IS @NANSTAMP2’S SECOND PAIR IN THE PETUNIA DURSLEY PATTERN AND IT WON’T BE HER LAST. ONTO A WINNER WE’RE SO HAPPY TO SEE @PATCHWORK_ DRAGON PUTTING HER YARN PRIZE FROM US TO GOOD USE. SHE’S HOOKING UP A FAB CUSHION FOR HER SOFA. THAT BOBBLE TEXTURE WORKS SO WELL WITH THE COLOURS.…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Fran Morgan “This light, practical alternative to a T-shirt is ideal for not-so-warm summer days. I always think lace and stocking stitch merge the best of both knitting worlds.” YOU WILL NEED ■ Rico, Creative Cotton Aran (100% cotton, 50g/85m) ■ A set of 3 mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) for sleeves ■ Two 3 mm circular needles, 40cm and 80cm long ■ A set of 4mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) for sleeves ■ Two 4mm circular needles, 60cm and 80cm long For yarn stockists contact Rico Design www.rico-design.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as aran to this tension: 18 sts and 24 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over patt using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS  dec2pwise p2tog, sl next st knitwise, place both slipped st and p2tog st back…

These socks have a twisted rib. Many sock knitters like to use a twisted rib pattern as this gives an incredibly neat finish. Only work the knit stitches as twisted as otherwise your cuff may not have enough stretch. As with any rib pattern, make sure that the cast-on stitch count is a multiple of the number of stitches in each rib repeat. Options for twisted rib rounds 1x1 twisted rib *K1 tbl, P1; rep from * to end. 2x2 twisted rib *(K1 tbl) twice, P2; rep from * to end. 3x3 twisted rib *(K1 tbl) 3 times, P3; rep from * to end. 4x4 twisted rib *(K1 tbl) 4 times, P4; rep from * to end.…

YOU WILL NEED ■ West Yorkshire Spinners, Bluefaced Leicester DK, (100% wool, 50g/112m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Pomegranate (569) Yarn B Coral (524) Yarn C Honey (289) Yarn D Mocha (662) Yarn E Teal (134) ■ A pair of 4mm needles ■ A 4mm circular needle, 40cm long ■ A spare 4mm needle for the three-needle cast off ■ Stuffing (for the Travel Cushion) ■ Tapestry needle For yarn stockists contact West Yorkshire Spinners 01535 664500 www.wyspinners.com TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles MEASUREMENTS E-reader cover 12x20cm (4¾x8in) Eye mask 48cm (19in) circumference Neck cushion 25cm (10in) high x 34cm (13 in) wide ABBREVIATIONS K5A knit 5 sts…

A consistent crafter will never be without their trusty tape measure. Whether you’re loyal to knitting, or dabble in a whole host of crafts, you can never have too many – one for every project bag! 1 Take a trip back in time with the beautiful Sajou Wooden Tape Measure. A vintage-style option with a cherrywood stain, the tape unwinds by pulling on a ring and is rewound by turning the knob on top of the tape measure. It is 2.5cm in height (not including the knob) and comes with either red, blue or pink ribbon and Sajou embroidery. £17.50, www.loopknittingshop.com 2 and 6 These adorable tape measures are a perfect pick-me-up for any crafter. Available in two iÛ}›Ã›q›v›Ý››À›y›À>››q›i>c››Ì>«i› measure is retractable, measures in cm and inches and…

Head to Purl Soho and check out their latest aran yarn addition. New Lantern (approx £14.30 for 100g) is made up of a white cotton core wrapped with a linen thread, delivering a defined and flowing drape. Made in Japan, it comes in 25 soothing colours with wonderful names such as Pink Salt, French Prune, Moth Wing and Beech Leaf. Perfect for one-of-a-kind sweaters and blankets, or practical items such as dishcloths, this irregularly-spun yarn is wonderfully rewarding to knit with.…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Ann Franklin “For maximum usefulness, I wanted a bag that can be held in a number of ways – on the washing line, over an arm, or simply left sitting on the floor.” YOU WILL NEED ■ Stylecraft, Life Vintage Look DK (75% acrylic, 25% wool, 100g/298m), 1 ball of Moorland (2136) ■ A pair of 4mm needles ■ A cable needle ■ A 15cm (6in) macramé hoop (or inner hoop from an embroidery hoop or similar) ■ A 17mm diameter button ■ Tapestry needle For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft 01484 848435 www.stylecraft-yarns.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 MEASUREMENTS 12cm (4›in) tall, excluding handle 15cm (6in)…

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…

Issue 174 August Lacy cardi Summer top Empire-line top Butterfly baby cardi Child’s textured poncho Unicorn tea cosy Farmyard animals Hero teddy Holiday collection Hanging baskets PLUS! Knitting tips for crochet hooks booklet Issue 173 July Simple vintage top Baby bow dress Loose textured T-shirt Racing car jumper Stripy summer jumper Stylish Aztec bag Short-sleeved cardigan Cat and dog duo Cool zigzag socks Tooth fairy pouch Cute mini elephant pair Teen gamer hoodie Issue 172 June Fair Isle cardi Longline hoodie Roll-neck jumper Textured men’s jumper Cute baby jumper Child’s emoji tank top Football tea cosy Kangaroo toys Dress up doll Wedding collection PLUS! Stylish spring pattern booklet Issue 171 May Cropped jumper Cute royal teddy toy Longline cardigan Baby pod & hat Simple lace poncho Geometric blanket Wrap-around cardigan…

SOUTH EAST Chang Crafted 27 Station Road, Birchington, Kent CT7 9DJ 01843 210105 www.changcrafted.co.uk Tues-Sat 9.30am-4pm Chang Crafted is a creative hub where people come to source craft supplies and exchange ideas and inspiration. Knitters and crocheters can choose from a range of classes and workshops, and loom knitting is a featured attraction. Stocked yarns include Bergère de France, West Yorkshire Spinners and Rowan, as well as owner Fiona Chang’s indie-dyed yarns. With a tea and coffee counter and a seaside feel to the area (near Margate), Chang Crafted is an ideal travel destination for yarn aficionados! Damaris Crafts Unit 3, Spire Ridge, Midgham, Berkshire RG7 5XB 0118 971 2151 www.damariscrafts.co.uk Tues-Sat 10am-5pm Damaris Crafts features yarns from Debbie Bliss, Ella Rae and Mondial, among other ranges. Visitors can also…

The Knitting Room 99 Malahide Road, Donnycarney, Dublin D03 DY27 01 831 4464 www.theknittingroom.ie Tues-Sat 10am-5pm Visitors taking in the sites of Dublin should not miss The Knitting Room to add some craft-related memories to the holiday! The Knitting Room prides itself on being ‘not just a wool shop, but a community of crafters’, with knitting and crochet classes for all levels, and a kids’ club as well. Yarns include Debbie Bliss, Rico, Stylecraft, Noro, King Cole, Rosarios4 and Mondial. Located on the road from Dublin city to the beautiful coastal village of Malahide, the shop is also near the historic William Chambers house and Casino Marino. Row by Roe 28 Main Street, Limavady, Co Londonderry BT49 0FJ 028 7727 7396 www.rowbyroe.co.uk Tues-Fri 9.30am-5pm, Sat 10am-5pm Row by Roe is…

9-NIGHT KNITTING TOURS Explore Southern Ireland and the Aran Islands, Donegal and Causeway Coast, or Scotland, including the Highlands. Quality accommodation, meals and visits are included, as well as workshops with local and experienced instructors. South of Ireland with the Aran Islands 12 Aug, 23 Sep Scotland with the Highlands 17 Sep Donegal and Causeway Coast 7 Oct 7-NIGHT KNITTING TOURS Choose Donegal and Galway or Kerry and Kilkenny. See Ireland’s stunning scenery and craft locations and take part in great knitting workshops with experienced local instructors. Quality accommodation, meals and visits included. North West and West Ireland with Donegal and Galway 11 Aug, 8 Sep Kerry and Kilkenny 19 Aug 6-NIGHT LUXURY RETREATS Featuring Donegal in the North West of Ireland or Kerry in the South West; with six…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Louise Smith “I’m always marking my place in books with old receipts, and thought it was time I knitted something special. And here he is – my goo› sunflower bookmark with fun wobbly eyes!” YOU WILL NEED ■ Any DK yarn in: yellow, brown, pink and green ■ A pair of 2 mm needles ■ A pair of 2 mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) ■ A pair of googly eyes ■ Small amount of pink felt ■ Tapestry needle ■ Pink sewing thread or glue TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 25 sts and 37 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 2 mm needles MEASUREMENTS 30cm (12in) tall 8cm (3¼in) wide at head 4.5cm (1¾in) wide at pot ABBREVIATIONS B&T Break and…

SOCK IT TO ’EM! WHAT? Sock knitting fanatics will love The Enhanced Socker’s Rule (£15) by Fleece boved Products, as it makes mincemeat of sizing! Whether you’re knitting from the toe up or the cuff down, this great measure can be used to accurately assess exactly where you’re at with your tootsie warmers. Made from laser-cut wood for precision and ›>› ›w››Ã›i`›Ü›Ì››>›b>›Ã>››«›››Ã›]› this top knitting tool also includes a needle gauge for 2mm, 2.5mm, 2.75mm and 3mm knitting needle sizes, shoe sizes that come in both UK and EUR preferences and a metal ring for attaching it to your knitting bag. WHERE? If you’re a fan of quirky craft «>À>«›iÀ›>››>]›Þ›Õ’›››w› ›«›i›Ìޛ̛›Ìi›«Ì› you in addition to this handy gadget at www.etsy.com/uk/shop/mymamaknits. This issue we’ve fallen in love with Scheepjes latest bookazine,…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Jane Burns “When planning this design I spent many hours watching the lavender bushes in my garden – they are filled with regimental black and gold bees buzzing around minding their own business.” YOU WILL NEED ■ King Cole, Merino Blend DK (100% wool, 50g/104m) ■ King Cole, Glitz DK (97% acrylic, 3% polyester, 100g/290m) ■ A 3¼mm circular needle, 60cm long ■ A 4mm circular needle, 60cm long ■ A set of 3¼mm DPNs ■ A set of 4mm DPNs ■ Stitch markers ■ Scrap yarn or stitch holders ■ Two small black buttons ■ 3m black ric rac braid ■ Black sewing thread For yarn stockists contact King Cole 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 22 sts…

“ O›i›Õ›iÝ«iVÌi`›Li›iwÌ› I’ve discovered through experimenting with (primarily) vintage knitting patterns is the new-found connection I’m generating with my family and their past. Some of the patterns I’ve recently found and knitted feel like things my grandma may have made for herself (in her youth, I hasten to point out). She was >›Ã››>›Ü>ÞƯ̂iÀi›Ì››wÝ››Þ›ÃÌ›Ìc›iÛ Ü›i››››wÀÃÌ›«›c›i`›Õ«›>›«>›À››v››››ÌÌ››}› needles, so it all feels very appropriate to be doing what I am. A (knitting) circle, if you will – and yes, that joke is about as old as she would be! THE FABULOUS SEVENTIES This time, though, I am bypassing my grandma’s era and making something from more recent history, heading straight towards the kind of styles that could have once hung in my mum’s wardrobe. I have gone to the 1970s and made a…

Easy Lace Knits Anniken Allis (Stackpole Books, £15.95) If you’ve always wanted to knit lace, but have been a little too intimidated to try, pop this great book on your ‘must-buy’ list. It’s packed with 20 gorgeous patterns for shawls, tops, scarves and much more. Filled with simple, easy-to-learn lace patterns that look far more complex than they are, this book makes lace accessible to every knitter. Apart from patterns it also includes top tips, as well as full instructions on how to work all of the basic lace stitches used throughout. Knitted Baskets Nola Heidbreder & Linda Pietz (Spring House Press, £17.26) Clear away your clutter and bring order to your home with a gorgeous collection of knitted baskets that are both pretty and practical. From Noah’s Ark toy…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Rowan, Mako Cotton (63% cotton, 37% Lyocell, 50g/100m) ■ A pair of 5mm needles ■ A pair of 5 mm needles ■ Stitch holders For yarn stockists contact Rowan 01484 950630 www.knitrowan.com TENSION Yarn used knits as aran to this tension: 16 sts and 20 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over patt using 5 mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Whatever you do, add this great number to your knit list, even if it’s the last thing you knit all summer. Designed in Rowan Mako Cotton it’s knitted with a fascinating yarn made with 37% Lyocell. This unusual man-made fibre is derived from plant-based material and has brilliant moisture absorbency properties. The pattern stitch is a large openwork one which…

Be our Club of the Month Email us at simplyknitting@immediate.co.uk or write to us at the ad dress on page 51. Meet Celf a Chrefft Popeth Cymraeg, from Prestatyn. That might sound like a bit of a mouthful to non-Welsh speakers – it means Art and Craft Welsh Unlimited – but Welsh culture is at the heart of this special craft group. “All the members are also students in the Welsh language learners group in Prestatyn,” explains leader Haf Parry. “As so many of them were keen on craft and wanted to introduce a Welsh theme into some of their projects, Popeth Cymraeg offered the craft session once a week.” So, for two hours every Wednesday the group meet to learn Welsh and then the crafters of the class stay…

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.…

This is a photo of me taken in the Keukenhof Gardens in Holland. I saw all the beautiful tulips on that wonderful day with such an array of magnificent colours. It was breathtaking. I always travel with my favourite Simply Knitting magazine, as it’s so good to enjoy on every journey because I can’t wait to read it. Julie Carey, Wirral 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 BUNDLE OF KNITTING BOOKS* TO TOP UP THEIR SHELF, WORTH £30.…

1 Insert the point of the right-hand needle into the next stitch as if to knit, but instead slip the stitch on to the right-hand needle. 2 For the next stitch, insert the right-hand needle into the next two stitches on the left-hand needle and knit them together. 3 Insert the point of the left-hand needle into the slipped stitch on the right-hand needle and lift it over the k2tog. 4 Continue knitting as directed in the pattern. This decrease forms a slant that slopes towards the left.…

STANDARD CUFF The standard stitch pattern used for cuffs is a ribbed one, which creates plenty of stretch without sacrificing strength where your sock needs it most. Options for rib rounds 1x1 rib (cast-on stitch count needs to be a multiple of 2) *K1, P1; rep from * to end. 2x2 rib (cast-on stitch count needs to be a multiple of 4) *K2, P2; rep from * to end. 3x3 rib (cast-on stitch count needs to be a multiple of 6) *K3, P3; rep from * to end. 4x4 rib (cast-on stitch count needs to be a multiple of 8) *K4, P4; rep from * to end. Note For these rib patterns to work, the cast on needs to be a multiple of a certain number. If this doesn’t work…

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 Pass through first stitch on the front needle knitwise, then slip the stitch from the needle. Sew into the next front st purlwise, pulling the yarn through both stitches. 3 Sew into the first stitch on the back needles purlwise, then slip that stitch from the needle. Sew into the next stitch on the back needle knitwise. 4 Repeat steps 2-3 across. A simple way to remember the order is ‘knit, purl, purl, knit’! When all the stitches have been grafted, weave the yarn in to finish off neatly.…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Anniken Allis “Colour blocking has been big on the ca›alks recently and this top uses ›o different stitch patterns and ›o colours, creating an elegant top which you can dress up or down.” YOU WILL NEED ■ Stylecraft, Classique Cotton DK (100% cotton, 50g/92m) ■ A pair of 4mm needles ■ A 4mm circular needle, 40cm long ■ 2 stitch markers ■ Stitch holders For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft 01484 848435 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 20 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles, after blocking ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Stay cool all summer long with this trim top with colour block pattern. Worked in garter and stocking stitch,…

Wool Warehouse are over the moon to announce that some of Cygnet’s favourite ranges are now available on their website. Check out their selection of Kiddies Super Safe & Soft DK, Cottony DK, Seriously Chunky and Boho Spirit. Find them at www.woolwarehouse.co.uk  or call 01926 882818. READER POLL Do you buy more yarn ›om shops or online? 50% say they like to support local retailers Free pattern Wednesday Did you know that every Wednesday www.deramores.com release a ›ee pattern via their newsletter? Don’t miss out – sign up today! News flash ! Mrs Moon’s baby DK yarn Swaddle is changing its name Ì››*Õ``››}]›Ì››wÌ›››› perfectly with their Plump and Podgy yarns. cisit www.mrsmoon.co.uk.…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Ann Franklin “I combined ›iendly faces with fun colours to create these exciting zoo animal skittles for little ones. They have wider bottoms, with flat bases, for extra stability when playing.” YOU WILL NEED ■ Hayfield, Bonus DK (100% acrylic, 100g/280m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Fox (0779) Yarn B Bright Lemon (0819) Yarn C Black (0965) Yarn D Pumpkin (0766) Yarn E White (0961) Yarn F Bright Orange (0981) Yarn G Silver Grey (0838) Yarn H Lemon Grass (0699) ■ A pair of 3¼mm needles ■ 6 cardboard discs, 8cm diameter (optional, for bases) ■ 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 34 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in)…

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/KING COLE/PATONS COLORCRAFT A Saffron Walden, Essex. CB10 1HL T 01799 522607 We are also a multi Art & Craft shop selling craft supplies to make anything! Artists materials & all crafty bits. We have been established for over forty years and are always ready to help. Mon to Sat 9-30 to 5pm. SIRDAR DOTTIE DI’S A 10 High Street, Hythe, Kent, CT21 5AT T 01303 772870 Now stocking Katia – Polaris and Paint Cakes, Sirdar – Spirit, Rico – Creative Cotton…

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…

Summer holidays and family staycations are the perfect time to seek out a yarn shop or two – there are bound to be many independent yarn shops you haven’t visited yet! Here is our guide to local havens for knitters and hooksters, from the South Downs of England to the Scottish Highlands, and all the favourite tourist spots in between. After the sightseeing, long walks and museum visits, steal a few moments to get yourself a woolly souvenir! If visiting a few shops isn’t enough to sate your yarny desires, take a look at the wonderful breaks from KnittingTours.com and the Irish Tourism Group over on page 26, and go for an entirely yarn-focused holiday next time. Spoil yourself, you know you want to!…

The Border Tart Cheviot House, Chesters, Hawick, Scottish Borders TD9 8TH 07900 522651 thebordertart@gmail.com www.tartsart.co.uk Fri-Sun 10am-4.30pm Lindsay Roberts is behind The Border Tart brand. She offers indigo-dyed yarn and fibre for knitting, crochet and weaving. Fibres include British wools, merino, linen, silk, alpaca and yak. Her workspace is in the small village of Chesters, five miles from the border with England. A holiday cottage nearby entices visitors to stay. Craic’n’Yarn 15A Main Street, Drymen, Stirlingshire G63 0BQ 01360 661476 www.craicnyarn.com Mon 2-5pm, Tues, Thurs, Fri-Sat 10am-5pm Craic’n’Yarn loves British/Scottish fibres and natural yarns – yarns with a story are a favourite! This is the place to get an extra-special memento of natural yarn, such as local, hand-dyed yarn from Strathearn Fleece and Fibre, Kate Davies Buachaille, The Knitting Goddess,…

Artisan Alley UK www.artisanalleyuk.com Find all your favourite yarn brands, including Scheepjes, Stylecraft, Three Bears and West Yorkshire Spinners. Cambrian Mountains Wool www.cambrianmountainswool.org www.cambrianwool.co.uk Cambrian Mountains Wool has rekindled the historic links between local sheep farmers, wool processors, designers, makers and retailers, and sells a range of original wool products from fleece farmed in Wales. Gorgeous Yarns www.gorgeousyarns.co.uk Specialists in natural fibres, hand-dyed, luxury yarns that are gorgeous to knit or crochet with, and to wear. Hawkshaw Sheep Tweedsmuir, Biggar ML12 6QS 01899 636983 www.hawkshaw-sheep-yarn.co.uk The majority of yarns, fleece and tweed cloth stocked are produced with fleeces from their hill farm’s sheep, as well as alpaca. Go to www.hawkshaw-sheep-yarn.co.uk/news to find out where you can meet them at shows. Hilda Haarhoff Knitwear Design 0782 888 0195 www.hildaknitwear.co.uk Hilda offers…

SOUTH EAST £5 OFF! IDA'S HOUSE 27 High Street, Caterham on the Hill, Surrey CR3 5UE 01883 345220 www.idashouse.co.uk Mon-Tues, Thurs-Sat 10am-5pm Social Club Tues & Thurs 7-9pm OFFER DETAILS: £5 off when you spend a minimum of £50 in store. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offers. Voucher expires on 31 August 2018. 10% OFF! YARNFEST The Old Telephone Exchange, Long Lane, Hermitage, Thatcham, Berkshire RG18 9QS 01635 201660 www.yarnfest.co.uk Tues, Thurs 10am-5.30pm, Weds 10am-8.30pm, Fri 10am-5.30pm, Sat 9.30am-5.30pm Sun 10.30am-4pm OFFER DETAILS: 10% off all yarn purchases, valid in store only. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offers. Voucher expires on 31 August 2018. 10% OFF! LOOP LONDON 15 Camden Passage, Islington, London N1 8EA 020 7288 1160 www.loopknitting.com Tues-Sat 11am-6pm, Late…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Siân Brown “I love how textures can breathe life into solid colours. Pebble stitch is a great intermediate stitch, it’s just so touchable! Add an eye-popping pink yarn for a cardi that will turn heads.” YOU WILL NEED ■ King Cole, Cottonsoft DK (100% cotton, 100g/210m) ■ A pair of 3¾mm needles ■ A pair of 4mm needles ■ A 3¾mm circular needle, 60cm long ■ 1 medium button For yarn stockists contact King Cole 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 19 sts and 32 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over pebble stitch using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Texture is set to be one of the top fashion trends this summer, taking us…

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.…

I’M LOVING A cool contender ...light summery knits made in bright colours and laceweight yarns. It’s lovely to have a break from using chunky wool. I’M MAKING Something else... ...a ribbed mini skirt (probably not to be worn as a matching set). As always, I bought far too much wool! I’M SHARING The Handknitter’s Handbook My sister recently gave me this book and ›Ì’Û›Þ››iÜ››››ÌÌ››}›b›b›i°››› ››››Ûi›w› ››}› a comprehensive handbook!…

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BOOK I love knitting dolls and wanted to share that passion with other knitters, so I designed a basic human doll pattern, and some animal dolls too, «›ÕÛ>››>ÀÀ>Þ››v››ÕÌwÌÛ>› ›>cciÃÛÀ›ið› I was going for a bit of a simple, modern Scandi look for my dolls. The basic body shape is the same, so Þ›Õ›c>››ÃÜ>«›Ì›i››ÕÌwÌÛ>À›Õ› ]›>› › you can change their colouring and hairstyle to create personalised dolls. There are also some cute pets – cats, a rabbit, a poodle and a dachshund. YOUR FAVOURITE TECHNIQUE? I’ve recently got into knitting socks and I love that bit where you do the short rows to shape the heel, so your knitting sort of changes direction. ENGLISH OR CONTINENTAL? English because that’s how I learned to knit and I think…

1 Insert the point of the right-hand needle through the loops of the next two stitches as if to knit. 2 Wind the yarn round the tip of the right-hand needle and pull the yarn through the two stitches, knitting them both together. 3 Drop the two stitches from the left-hand needle and keep the new stitch on the right-hand needle. 4 Knitting two stitches together decreases your stitch count by one, and the decrease stitch leans to the right. This is how a series of k2tog decreases will look.…

■ The Knitting Knutters ›iiÌÛ›››Ì›i›wÀÃÌ›/›ÕÀÃ`>Þ››v›Ì›i››››Ì›]›vÀ›››Ç«›]› at Cross Foxes Pub, 1 Meliden Road, Prestatyn LL19 9SB. For more info email joolsjones46@hotmail.com. ■ Ruthin Knit and Natter ›iiÌÛ/›ÕÀà >ÞÃ]›Ç°Îä››°Îä«›]›>̛̛i››››ÃiÀÛ>Ì›Ûi› Club, 58 Well Street, Ruthin, Denbighshire LL15 1AW. ›››Ì>VÌ››>›››››ä£nÓ{›ÇäÇ›{››v›À›››Ài›››v›À›>Ì›››° ■ Bramhall Knit and Knatter ›iiÌÛ›››Ì›i›wÀÃÌ›>› ›Ì››À ›/ÕiÃ`>Þ››v›Ì›i››››Ì›]› 9.30am-12pm, at the United Reformed Church, ,›L››Ã››>›i]››À>››>››]›-Ì›V›«›ÀÌ›-›Ç›Ó*›°›/›iÀi› is a cost of £1 per meeting, for endless cups of tea/ coffee and biscuits. Contact jc.james@talktalk.net.…

SPECIAL REQUEST When I saw the unicorn hoodie in issue 167, I knew immediately that I had to knit it for my granddaughter Emily’s fifth birthday. It looked awesome and I knew that I would have fun knitting it but had to wait till after all the Christmas knitting was done, and I had a rest over Christmas before setting to work on it. My husband, Peter, was totally bemused as to what was going on and was even more so when I got to making the rainbow hair – I hadn’t shown him the actual pattern! He was very impressed once I had put it all together and he could work out what it was. Emily was over the moon when she opened the present on her birthday! She…

“The best part about designing my own yarn is all the colours I can choose and helping mummy...” Who would have thought that a sock catwalk (yes, that’s a thing!) would lead to a trend-topping knitting kit that raises money for a really deserving cause? You might have spotted the popular Mummy and Me Socks online recently, or at Wool@@13 in May, and if you haven’t, head to www.fortheloveofyarn.co.ukto pick up your very own box. Each sock kit contains a 100g skein of hand-dyed yarn inspired by the colours of the Children’s biver Disease Foundation (CbDF), a matching 50g skein, a 50g semi-solid skein and patterns to knit adult and child-sized socks. Plus, all the proceeds go to helping CbDF. LIFE CHANGING “I’ve never liked the saying ‘charity begins at…

“The woolly knits I create for my dolls are a tribute to my childhood. A knitted hat with a big bow can reveal a doll’s diva tendencies!” Growing up in 1980s Poland meant that artist Karina Harrison didn’t have lots of toys, which was a great motivation for getting creative. “I remember my cousins and I making dolls out of granny’s yarn leftovers,” she says. “Granny ›>`›Ì››Ã›w››i`›Ü›Ì››v>LÀ›V›ÃVÀ>«Ã]›LÕÌÌ››Ã›>› ›Li> Ûq› ÌÀi>ÃÕÀi›ÌÀ›ÛiÛÜi›››Ûi`›Ì››À>› °›7›i››››}›Ì››Þ›wÀÃÌ››>ÀL›i]› I’d sew her dresses and ask granny to knit her jumpers.” After Karina’s sons were born she enjoyed making them cars and dens from cardboard. Dolls still played a vital role, however. “I would make little people out of corks with knitted hats and felt capes,” Karina recalls. “Then I thought I’d like to make bigger, more detailed dolls,…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Opal Sock, Relief (75% wool, 25% nylon, 100g/400m), 1 ball of Square (9490) ■ A set of 2¼mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) or a 2¼mm circular needle, at least 80cm long, for Magic Loop method ■ Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact 0117 300 5244 www.viridianyarn.com TENSION Yarn used knits as 4ply to this tension: 32 sts and 46 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 2¼mm needles MEASUREMENTS To fit an average adult foot, approx 23 to 25cm (9 to 10¼in) long and approx 22cm (8 in) circumference Actual sock foot length 22cm (8 in) when laid flat and measured from back of heel to centre of toe. Actual sock circumference 20cm (8in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 If…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Siân Brown “I was walking home a few months ago when I spotted this geometric stained-glass window. It inspired me to create this simple-to-knit intarsia cushion, with a bright colour combo.” YOU WILL NEED ■ Rico, Essentials Soft Merino Aran (100% wool, 50g/100m) 3 balls of Natural (060) 2 balls of Light Grey (020) 1 ball of Sun Yellow (067) ■ A pair of 5mm needles ■ 5 medium buttons For yarn stockists contact Rico Design www.rico-design.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as aran to this tension: 18 sts and 23 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 5mm needles MEASUREMENTS 40x40cm (15›x15›in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Get creative with colours and stitch your favourites into Siân Brown’s log cabin…

SWEET PATTERN CAST ON 16 sts. ROWS 1 Knit. ROW 2 K4, P8, K4. Repeat Rows 1 and 2, 10 more times. [12 rows total] Cast off leaving a long tail for sewing up. Weave cast-off tail through back of work until you reach st st. Wrap yarn tail around knitting, between the st st and garter st. Pull tightly and secure with a knot. Sew cast-on and cast-off edges of st st together. Stuff st st section lightly. Wrap yarn tail around knitting, between the st st and garter st. Pull tightly and secure with a knot. Weave in any remaining ends. King Cole FINESSE COTTON SILK DK WEIGHT DK CONTENT 77% cotton, 33% silk BALL 50g/120m NEEDLE 4mm RRP £3 Give your summer wardrobe an uplift of shimmer,…

NEW PRODUCTS? This month we launched Big calue DK 50g – a 44 shade,100% premium acrylic yarn. It comes with 16 new knitting patterns – four for babies, four cute toys and eight adult knits. You’ll love this yarn’s quality and versatility! WHAT ELSE IS NEW? We have some amazing new yarns launching ›ÛiÀ›Ì›i››iÝÌ›wÛi››››Ì›Ã°›››››››ÕÌ› for a new addition to the fantastic Drifter range, a brand-new cake yarn and a stunning alpaca mix that’s sure Ì››yÞ››vv›Ì›i›Ã›i›Ûið UPCOMING SHOWS Find us at the Autumn Fair at the NEC in Birmingham from 2-5 September. Our stand number is 4C60–D61 and we’d love to see you there, so come over and say hi. PLANS FOR 2018 It’s already a very exciting year for King Cole. We’re really looking forward to all the new launches…

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.…

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…

Home life I live with my wonderful Rory in beautiful Bristol. Apart from knitting, we share very similar interests so we spend a lot of our free time together. Daily knitting routine I knit in the mornings before work, at lunch (if I have time) and when I get home from work. Dream knitting day Surrounded by cats and dogs while someone brings me tea, biscuits and fruit. Happiest knitting memory Showing my granddad what I was working on and having him say, “That’s really lovely, bou, nice tension.” It felt great to have his seal of approval. Favourite pattern Hmm… that’s a hard one! An obvious choice is Cookie A’s Monkey Socks, seeing as I’ve knitted them three times and don’t plan to stop there. They taught me how…

In Barcelona, Chrissie found a gorgeous yarn shop, All You Knit Is Love, tucked down a side street in the city’s Gothic Quarter. A placard outside read ‘Rethink your souvenir!’ – which Chrissie took to heart, leaving the shop with a smile on her face and a bag full of locally produced linen and wool yarns! Back home in the UK, Chrissie got to thinking about all the lovely local yarn shops dotted across the country, and all the wonderful yarny souvenirs they could offer travelling knitters and crocheters. And voilà, the UK Yarn Shop Guide was born!…

Knit One… Maes Gwyn, Cader Road, Dolgellau, Gwynedd LL40 1RB 01341 422194 www.knitonedolgellau.com Tues-Sat 10am-5pm Local yarns from Llanfachreth and Abersoch will give visitors to Knit One a proper Welsh yarn keepsake! In addition to local producers, the shop offers Rowan, Erika Knight, Sirdar, Hayfield, Sublime, Katia, James C. Brett, Stylecraft, Wendy, Adriafil, Baa Ram Ewe and West Yorkshire Spinners. The shop is situated in the historic wool town of Dolgellau, nestled in the foothills of Cader Idris. The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty surrounding the town is a popular walking and outdoor pursuits destination. Nearby is Coed y Brenin forest and Visitor Centre, for family activities and mountain biking. Rosemary’s Wool Shop Birmingham House, 22 Alban Square, Aberaeron, Ceredigion SA46 0AH 01545 905051 www.rosemaryswoolshop.co.uk Mon-Sat 9:30am-5pm Walking along the…