Innehållsförteckning för Issue 176 från Simply Knitting

I love a bit of sun, sea, sand… and knitting! When I take a stroll across the beach, even though the seasons are changing, I take my latest WIP with me. It’s often socks, but now I’m working on a cowl for when the weather finally decides to turn – I can’t wait to show it to you. Speaking of beaches, can you tell that I’ve had all things maritime on my mind this month? Ann Franklin’s nautical coat hangers (p77) are very smart, and would go perfectly with Susan Cowper’s seahorse cushion (p63) in your bedroom. Don’t leave your wardrobe out, either – Carol Meldrum’s clean white jumper with a nautical touch and a modern twist is a classic. With the sun still shining, linen and cottons are my…

FUNKY FINGERTIPS WHAT? Made by expert artisans, these exciting neon knitting needles are a joy to behold (and hold!). The latest launch from the We Are Knitters gang, each 100% beechwood needle has a smooth length, skilfully moulded knob and has been dipped into a vibrant neon dye to w››Ã›°›››››ÕÀ›v>›>Ì›cÛc>››c›››Ãi›vÀ››› Aquamarine, Neon Yellow and Neon Pink to help perk up their needle bags and knitting time. Available in 8mm (£15) and 15mm (£16) sizes, they are both ideal for beginners and experts >›››i›››››››}›v›À›>›c›Õ›››iÀ›w››Ã›°››v› you’ve fallen in love with these great needles (just like we have) then hurry as there is only limited stock! WHERE? Discover more about these needles at www.weareknitters.co.uk. Favourite yarn brand, Rowan, turns 40 this September! To celebrate they have a busy schedule of events planned, including…

What makes your workshops different? I always offer one-on-one support during workshops, so it doesn’t matter what level you start at, you will leave with a new skill – even experienced knitters. What will we learn? Not to panic, a new cast on (my go-to is long-tail cast on), and answers to your burning questions. Why do you love teaching?››››››i›Ì››w› › the simplest way to explain techniques so they feel easy to execute. The most common comment I get is ‘it’s so simple ››ci››’Ûi›iÝ«›>››i`››Ì’›q›››››Ûi›Ì››››Ã«›Àit What questions do you always get? ››Ü› ››Þ›Õ›wÝ›››ÃÌ>›iö›7›>Ì››Ã›Ì›i› À›}›Ì›Ü>ޛ̛›Ã››«›>›ÃÌ›Ìc›¶›7›iÀi›>Ài›Þ›Õ› vÀ››¶›››>››vÀ›››Ì›i›1-]›bÕÌ››>Ûi›››Ûi`› ›››Ì›i›1››v›À››ÛiÀ›Ìi››Þi>Àð› Common mistakes? One of the most common things I see is knitters wrapping the yarn the wrong way round purl stitches – this can twist stitches. Your top 3 tips? 1 Don’t be so hard…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Monica Russel “I wanted to create colourful fun for knitters to work with and for little ones to wear. You’ll find it an easy knit with a quick finish – just pick your favourite shades and you’re set!” YOU WILL NEED ■ King Cole, Merino Blend DK (100% wool, 50g/104m) ■ A pair of 3 mm needles ■ A 3 mm circular needle, 40cm long ■ A pair of 4mm needles ■ Stitch holder ■ 3 x medium buttons For yarn stockists contact King Cole 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Picnic in the park? Trip…

30 Knitted Headbands and Ear Warmers Jenise Hope (Stackwell Books, £13.95) Headbands are a great quick-knit project, and this book features 30 lovely ideas that are sized Ì››wÌ›b>b›iÃ]›Ì› `›iÀÃ]›c››› Ài››>› › > Õ›Ìð›*À››icÌÛ››cÀi>Ãi›››› ›vwcÕ›ÌÞ]› starting with knit/purl then moving to cable, lace and colourwork. Our favourite is the cute X & O Cables, which uses contrasting weight yarns v›À›>›«ÀiÌÌÞ›ÌiÝÌÕÀi`›w››Ã›°›/›iÀi›>Ài› also helpful photo tutorials at the back covering techniques used. Something New to Learn About Lace Arnall-Culliford Knitwear (Arnall-Culliford, £14) Knitting lace can be a little intimidating if you’re new to the technique, so @en Arnall-Culliford’s book aims to help you Ì>c››i››Ì›Ü›Ì››c››w i›ci°›9›Õ’›››w› ›››ÌÛ of step-by-step tutorials for creating all elements of lacework, including working yarn overs, reading a chart >› ›b››c›››}°›/›iÀi›>Ài›Ì›i››bi>ÕÌ›vÕ›› shawl, scarf and blanket patterns by Donna Smith, Martina…

OINK, OINK! Here’s my pig, taken from issue 174. I love him! Now to get on with making his pals... Thank you again for all the great inspiration in your magazine. Saranna Watkins, via email MAKE HER STORY! Here is my votes for women tea cosy! Diane Morgan, via Facebook PERSONAL PONCHO I just wanted to thank you for the child’s poncho pattern from your January issue this year (‘Pretty in Pink’, p31) by Monica Russel. I had some blue aran wool that I inherited when my husband’s nanna (a great knitter) sadly passed away a couple of years ago. She loved our little boy, so it seemed a fitting use of her stash to kit him out with his very own poncho. Since I knew there wasn’t enough blue…

During a visit to Donegal we found this beautiful bridge called the Bridge of Tears. It was known as this because when people left for America or Australia the families walked to this bridge and are supposed to have said their goodbyes and they never saw their family member again, as most never returned home. I took my latest issue, along with my knitting projects. One is a Croft cardigan and the other is Sarah Hatton’s fox cardigan from issue 107. I really enjoy your magazine. Siobhan Sargent, via email OUR STAR LETTER WRITER WINS A MYSTERY BUNDLE OF FABULOUS YARNS* TO BOOST THEIR STASH, WORTH £30! THE BUNDLE INCLUDES A STUNNING MIX OF COLOURS AND FIBRES, PLUS A RANGE OF DIFFERENT WEIGHTS.…

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______176 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 close on Thursday 30 August 2018.…

As well as being a great skill to master, the health Li›iwÌÛ›v››››ÌÌ››}›V>›½Ì› Li›Õ› iÀiÃÌ››>Ìi ]›>› ››Ì½Ã› Ì›iÃi››i>›››}›>L›››Ì›iÛ›v›Ì›i› VÀ>v̛̛>Ì››i ››>›iÛ›V››Ì›Ã››Ì››Ãi̛ի› ›››Ì›>› › ›LL›i››››*iV››>›]›››› ››° Knitting has been @ames’ saviour after suffering what he calls “a dark depression”. During this episode, he taught himself to knit, then decided to set up a knitting group as an incentive for getting out and about more. Knit and Nibble has grown organically, with people bringing friends, which @ames thinks is the best way. “It allows for a better welcome and more personal interactions – and that’s what it’s all about.” What sets Knit and Nibble apart from a lot of other knitting groups is that over 50% of its members are male. There are anything from 10 to 90+ people at each of the sessions,…

YOU WILL NEED • West Yorkshire Spinners, Bluefaced Leicester Aran, (100% wool, 50g/83m) For TV Remote Holder 2 balls of each: Yarn A Honey (289), Yarn B Coral (542) A small amount of Yarn C Sage (301) and Yarn D Olive (315) For Phone Case 1 ball of each: Yarn A Honey (289), Yarn B Coral (542), Yarn C Sage (301) For Mug Hug 1 ball of each: Yarn A Honey (289), Yarn B Coral (542), Yarn C Sage (301), Yarn D Olive (315) Note 1 ball of each shade is more than enough to knit BOTH the Phone Case and the Mug Hug For TV Remote Holder ■ A pair of 5mm needles ■ A 5mm crochet hook (for tassels) For Phone Case ■ A set of 2.5mm double-pointed…

Get your monthly fix of knitting joy via a knitting subscription from Kelly Connor Designs! Packed with mystery goodies all with a knitting theme, each box includes an exclusive item. You can buy a one-off box for £30 or subscribe for 6, 9 or 12 months (£60, £85 or £110 respectively). Kelly Connor Designs also offer knitting bag and stationery subscriptions – find them at www.kellyconnordesigns.com  or by emailing hello@kellyconnordesigns.com. www.kellyconnordesigns.com…

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.…

Next year will see a special event in the village of Caston, Norfolk. Knitting and crafting group Petal & Purl are hosting a spectacular festival of knitting, crafting and flowers to celebrate the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth ll. The event is called ‘Nostalgia’ and will include a very special feature – a life-sized knitted Queen! Petal & Purl was founded by a small group of friends who had worked together on previous festivals and love creating. “The group draws people from miles around who want to help,” explains bois Gill, Artistic Director of the group. “We’re currently very busy preparing for the Nostalgia festival,” bois tells us. “There will be a 1950s shopping street in the church – using wool and textiles to create the goods in the shop windows…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Sirdar, Smudge (100% polyester, 100g/100m), 1 ball of each: Yarn A Bounty (2) and Yarn B Velveteen (10) ■ A pair of 6mm knitting needles ■ A scrap of white felt ■ 2x7mm black fish-eye buttons ■ A 10cm length of Velcro, plus matching thread For yarn stockists contact Sirdar 01924 231682 www.sirdar.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as super chunky to this tension: 10 sts and 22 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 6mm needles MEASUREMENTS 30x18cm (12x7in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Cast on this simple but fun bedtime treat and you’ll soon be making up stories about how Flossie loves to keep PJs and nighties in her warm tummy… Knitted in a soft, chenille-like yarn, you’ll…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Pat Menchini “This design is all about its preppy, neat fit and simple classic lines with narrow striped ribs. The balance of the colour choice is really important here.” YOU WILL NEED ■ Hayfield, Sundance DK (50% cotton, 50% acrylic, 100g/320m) ■ A pair of 3¼mm needles ■ A pair of 4mm needles ■ A stitch holder or double-pointed needle (DPN) ■ 7 buttons (from Duttons for Buttons, 01423 502092) 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 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 Start this classic knit with the pocket linings and work your way up to a…

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…

Daily knitting routine I design full time. My typical day is pattern writing and ‘thinky’ stuff in the morning, with afternoons and evenings spent knitting away feverishly on any commissions I have on the go. Your dream knitting day The perfect knitting day would involve a constant supply of tea and cake, and no ripping back of any type or length. Add in a get together with a few of my knitting pals and I’d be in heaven! Best knitting companions I am very blessed to have a close circle of friends I see regularly who also knit and design, but my favourite knit companions of all are my husband and mini schnauzer, Angus. Fave part of the day Anyone who knows me knows I am a night owl. When…

Looking at trends for the new season makes me want to change things up, and I love swapping cushions and accessories around to give rooms a fresh feel. It’s satisfying to add in something new, so we asked designers Siân Brown and Ann Franklin to come up with five fabulous projects you can knit for your homes – not to mention for your posh sheds and caravans! From the on-trend floral garland to a traditionally elegant rose blanket, we’ve thought about looks and styles that will add something special to your precious space. All the projects are achievable with just a little know-how, so we’re keen to encourage you to take up the challenge and try out at least one of these gorgeous knits.The super-simple rose garland is a favourite,…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Rico, Creative Cotton Aran (100% cotton, 50g/85m) 2 balls of Yarn A Natural (60) 1 ball of each: Yarn B Mustard (70) Yarn C Fox (77) ■ A pair of 4½mm needles ■ 55x15cm of fabric and wadding (side lining) per basket ■ 20cm diameter of fabric and wadding (base lining) per basket For yarn stockists contact Rico Design www.rico-design.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as aran to this tension: 20 sts and 24 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4½mm needles MEASUREMENTS 17cm (6¾in) diameter, 12cm (4¾in) depth ABBREVIATIONS P7A/K7A purl or knit the next 7 sts using Yarn A For a full list turn to page 95 in Simply Knitting magazine Use this set to store all your bits and…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Debbie Bliss, Cashmerino Aran (55% Merino, 33% acrylic, 12% cashmere, 50g/90m) 3 balls of Yarn A Stone (027) 1 ball of each: Yarn B Ecru (101) Yarn C Mulberry (042) Yarn D Jade (061) Yarn E Citrus (075) Yarn F Baby Pink (603) Yarn G Copper (080) ■ A pair of 5mm needles ■ 40x40cm cushion pad ■ 6 medium buttons For yarn stockists contact LoveKnitting 0845 544 2196 www.loveknitting.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 MEASUREMENTS 40x40cm (16x16in) ABBREVIATIONS K2E/P2E Knit/purl the next 2 sts using Yarn E For a full list turn to page 95 in Simply Knitting magazine Give your comfiest chair a…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Caroline Birkett “Stripes are synonymous with summertime but they don’t always have to be multicoloured. In this design I have contrasted smooth, solid stocking stitch stripes with open lace stripes.” YOU WILL NEED ■ Rico, Essentials Cotton DK (100% cotton, 50g/130m) ■ A pair of 3¾mm needles ■ A set of 3¾mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) or a circular needle, 40cm long (for neck band) ■ A pair of 4mm needles ■ Stitch holder ■ Stitch markers 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 For a full list see page 95 Can you hear that? It’s your wardrobe calling out for…

SCHOOL SMART Cast on this duo of Stylecraft knitting patterns for back to school essentials – Pattern 4910 for jumpers and 4909 for cardigans. Call 01484 848435 for stockists. NEAT AND PETITE Wrap your littlies in this easy knit for 2-13 year olds, worked in Sirdar Wash ‘n’ Wear Double Crepe DK. Pattern 2398 can be found by calling 01924 231682 for stockists. TINY TANKS For the warmer months dress them in a smart tank top courtesy of King Cole (pattern 4942). Call 01756 703670 or visit www.kingcole.comfor stockists.…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Louise Crowther “This time of year always makes me want to pack up the car and go for a camping trip! My favourite part about Finley is the little pockets on his shorts – they’re handy and cute.” YOU WILL NEED ■ Scheepjes, Catona (100% mercerized cotton, 25g/62.5m) Yarn A English Tea (404) Yarn B Root Beer (157) Yarn C Old Lace (130) Yarn D Light Silver (172) Yarn E Tangerine (281) Yarn F Metal Grey (242) ■ Scraps of black and red yarn (for eyes, mouth and details) ■ A pair of 2 mm needles ■ A pair of 3mm needles ■ Two 2 mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) ■ Stitch holder ■ 3 circles of white felt, 15mm wide ■ Toy stuffing ■ Tapestry needle ■…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Fran Morgan “My inspiration came ›om the linen yarn. I wanted to design a plain pattern with some simple colourwork which would show off the lovely drape of the fabric.” YOU WILL NEED ■ Erika Knight, Studio Linen (85% recycled rayon linen, 15% premium linen, 50g/120m) ■ A pair of 3¼mm needles ■ A pair of 3¾mm needles For yarn stockists contact Thomas B Ramsden 01943 872264 www.tbramsden.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 22 sts and 29 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3¾mm needles ABBREVIATIONS K8A/B Knit 8 in Yarn A/B For a full list see page 95 Cool, casual and surprisingly luxurious, linen is a real pleasure to knit with, especially this recycled option from Erika…

THIS FAB CHUNKY BOOK FOLLOWS ME EVERYWHERE. I’m currently working on designing a jumper with an eyelet pattern in 4ply cotton and I’m using this book to design it from scratch. I rarely use the right yarn for my knits and this book allows me to go ‘off piste’ with ease. It’s cleverly structured so that you work your way through the designing process, from choosing yarns, considering tension and selecting your jumper shape, to casting on the correct number of stitches and deciding on your neckline – you pick and mix the elements you like and the clever Ì>b›iÛ>›››Ü›Þ›Õ›Ì››wÌ›iÛiÀÞÌ›››}›Ì›}iÌ›iÀ› perfectly. Knit for your own size or choose from XS through to XXXXb – you can even use the tables to grade your own sweater iÛ}›t›"›ci›Þ›Õ›}i̛̛i››>›}››v›y›c›››}› back and forth through…

ADDICTIVE KNIT DON’T YOU JUST LOVE IT WHEN YOU FIND A PATTERN THAT’S FUN TO KNIT AND FAB TO WEAR? @FIONAWIDDKNITS FELL IN LOVE WITH OUR VERBENA JUMPER FROM ISSUE 171 AND WE’RE LOVING THE RESULT. MOTHER’S LOVE @JUDITH_VAN_ MOURIK WAS TREATED TO A SPECIAL SIMPLY BREIEN (OUR DUTCH SISTER MAG) FOR MOTHER’S DAY THIS YEAR. PLUS TWO SWEET HANDMADE CARDS AND A BAR OF YUMMY CHOCOLATE. TREAT YOURSELF! IT’S IMPORTANT TO KNIT FOR YOURSELF AND THAT’S JUST WHAT @KNITSTASISTA IS DOING WITH OUR TOP DOG JUMPER FROM ISSUE 150’S SPECIAL BOOKLET. WE’RE LOVING THE ADDED LENGTH AND RIBBED EDGINGS.…

“I’m a girl who likes to sit on the sofa and watch a bit of 0GV›KZ›VQ›WPYKPF›KP› the evenings,” says Clare (aren’t we all?). “Last winter, pretty much every night I did this accompanied by a big bag of crisps, a huge bar of chocolate or whatever I’d been baking.” Like most of us, Clare’s not one for sitting around twiddling her thumbs but she started to find that keeping her hands busy and enjoying a tasty treat was turning into an unhealthy combo. “I knew I needed to do something to stop me hunting for snacks every night when I started losing weight in January this year,” she says. “I realised if I’m knitting, I physically don’t have a hand free for eating and that has been my mantra ever…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Amanda Berry “When I was researching flamingos I was amazed to learn their feathers are pink because they are coloured by their diet. I never knew that! I will now not stop eating blue Skittles…” YOU WILL NEED ■ Hayfield, Bonus DK (100% acrylic, 100g/280m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Pink (992) Yarn B Black (965) Yarn C Iced Pink (958) ■ A pair of 3½mm needles ■ 200g of washable toy stuffing ■ 2 domed black buttons, 7mm size ■ 75cm length of white organza ribbon, 6mm wide ■ 15x6m pink tulle 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 3½mm…

■ Angel Knits c›vÀ›i› ›Þ›}À›Õ«››v››››ÌÌiÀÛ>› ›VÀ›V›iÌiÀÛܛ›››>Ûi› Lii›››iiÌ››}›v›À›Þi>Àð››››i›>›››}››››/ÕiÃ`>ÞÛ>̛ȰÎä«››Ì››/›i› iÜ›,›Ãi›«ÕL]››ÃÃiÝ›,›>`]›››› ››› £›n›1]››À›i›>›››>›}i››››ÌÛ›› ››@}›>››°V›››Ì›› w› ››ÕÌ›››Ài›››v›À›>Ì››››>L›Ỡ̛i›V›ÕL° ■ Balham Stitch ‘n’ Bitch /››Ã›}À›Õ«››iiÌÛ›››7i ›ià >ÞÛ>̛ȫ›]›>Ì››>››>›› ››Ü›Ã›››ÕL]›Ç›››,>›Ã i››,›> ]›››› ›››-7£Ó›n+8°› ›››Ì>VÌ››Þ›Ì››>››››V°L›Ã››«@››«iÀ›>›°>V°Õ›° ■ Westender Knit Group ›iiÌÛ7i`›iÃ`>ÞÛǰÎä«››>̛̛i››À>ÞÌ›››››ÕÀÌ› «ÕL]›/›i›cÛi›Õi]›7iÃÌ››>›››}›7£Î›n*›°››››Ì>VÌ› ›Þ› >›››››Þ›°V›››iÌÌ@}›>››°V›››v›À›››Ài›››v›°…

NEW PRODUCTS? "ÕÀ›wÀÃÌ›Þ>À›t› Something to Knit With 4ply. We also have plans for another launch in the autumn. Something to Knit With is a soft blend of 70% Highland wool and 30% alpaca. WHAT ELSE IS NEW? Our third book, Something New to Learn About Lace, is due back from the printers any day now. It teaches you all about lace patterns and comes with four designs. PLANS FOR 2019 Next year will see the return of Another Year of Techniques (AYoT). We will be working with the knitting world’s best designers to help you to upgrade your techniques. Each monthly pattern is accompanied by a video tutorial and a monthly knit-along to learn new skills. GETTING IN TOUCH Most people interact with us on Ravelry, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and…

Whether you’re snipping yarns or steeking a Fair Isle jumper, our selection of scissors and snips are some of the very best around! 1 Perfect for cutting in tight spaces, these Softouch Spring action scissors come with Micro-Tip® blades. The spring action design opens the blades after each cut to reduce handstrain and an easy-open thumb lock provides safe storage when you’re not using them. £12, visit www.fiskars.co.uk for stockist details or call 01782 204141 2 These sweet and petite Hemline Folding Craft Scissors with plastic handles and measuring just 3.17cm, are ideal for travelling or keeping in a project bag or handbag. £2.09, available from www.minervacrafts.com  or call 01254 708068 3 beft-handed knitters will love splurging on this pair of specialist Ãc›ÃÛÀð››Ỡ̛i›bi›iwÌÛ ››’Ì› end…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Fran Morgan “I love a pair of frilly socks and this colourway is called Iris, so the frills are an attempt to recreate the petals of the iris flower.” YOU WILL NEED ■ Dyebath Delisock (75% superwash Merino wool, 25% nylon, 100g/420m), 1 skein of Iris OR any 4ply sock yarn ■ A set of 2¾mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) or 2¾mm circular needle, 80cm long, if using Magic Loop method For yarn search for DyeBathYarns on www.etsy.com . As the yarn used is an artisan yarn some colours may not always be available TENSION Yarn used knits as 4ply to this tension: 28 sts and 36 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 2¾mm needles MEASUREMENTS S ( M: L) To fit…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Ann Franklin “I wanted these coat hangers to have a seaside theme to bring some holiday spirit into your wardrobe all year round! The patterns are inspired by a traditional sailor’s uniform.” YOU WILL NEED ■ Sirdar, Cotton DK (100% cotton, 100g/212m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Seashell (533) Yarn B Vanilla (502) ■ A pair of 4mm needles ■ Two coat hangers, 45x15cm (17¾x6in) ■ Ten 6mm buttons (5 white and 5 light blue) 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 4mm needles 20 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over garter st using 4mm needles MEASUREMENTS 45x15cm…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Susan Cowper “The old lady in the caravan in Dickens’s tale of The Old Curiosity Shop kept gin in her teapot. I thought it would be a fun and unusual way to serve cocktails at a summer party.” YOU WILL NEED ■ Hayfield, Bonus DK (100% acrylic, 100g/180m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Lemongrass (699) Yarn B Bright Lemon (819) Yarn C Bright Orange (981) Yarn D Bright Pink (887) Yarn E Azure (824) Yarn F Signal Red (977) Yarn G White (961) Yarn H Bright Purple (828) ■ A pair of 4mm needles ■ A pair of 5 mm needles ■ Cable needle ■ 2¾mm x 24cm bamboo knitting needle for parasols (one per cosy) OR three wooden skewers with wooden beads glued to one…

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 175 September Pebble stitch cardigan Two-colour jumper Lacy green jumper Mesh short-sleeved jumper Child’s bee dress Graphic cushion Baby blocks Robot toy Travel collection Animal skittles PLUS! Your guide to the UK’s yarn shops Issue 174 August Lacy cardi Summer top Empire-line top Striped and lacy cardi 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…

Wrap yourself in summer all year round with Siân Brown’s patchwork-style flower blanket. YOU WILL NEED ■ Paintbox, Wool Mix Aran (50% wool, 50% acrylic, 100g/180m) 4 balls of Yarn A Champagne White (802), 6 balls of Yarn B Bubblegum Pink (850) 1 ball of each: Yarn C Lipstick Pink (851) Yarn D Lime Green (828) ■ A pair of 5mm needles ■ A 4mm circular needle, 100cm long For yarn stockists contact LoveKnitting 0845 544 2196 www.loveknitting.com TENSION Yarn used knits as aran to this tension: 18 sts and 25 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 5mm needles MEASUREMENTS 97x120cm (38¼x47¼in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list turn to page 95 in Simply Knitting magazine Brighten up a dreary chair, surprise a garden-loving friend, or…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Robin, DK (100% acrylic, 100g/300m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Lovat (144) Yarn B Fondant (052) Yarn C White (040) Yarn D Pink (046) ■ A pair of 5mm needles ■ 2m narrow pink ribbon For yarn stockists contact Thomas B Ramsden 01943 872264 www.tbramsden.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 20 sts and 32 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 5mm needles MEASUREMENTS Length 180cm (71in, approx 6ft) Width 6-9cm (2½-3½in) ABBREVIATIONS B&T (break and tighten) break off the yarn and thread the end through the st(s) left on the needle. Pull the end of the yarn to tighten the st(s) together K3togtbl knit the next three stitches together through the back of the loop For…

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.…

“I love getting surprise gifts, so when the Accomplished Knitter presented me with a beautifully wrapped box, I couldn’t wait to open it. Excitement, however, quickly turned to dismay… A TOASTER? That’s not what I call a suitable present! “Oh for goodness sake, it’s time for you to grow up!” she said, somewhat grumpily. “@ust open the box.” With a sinking heart I did what I was told and there, nestled in the toaster box, were seven balls of the most sumptuous yarn, in a beautiful deep burgundy. “Oh, wow!,” was my rather stunned response. “I’m not joking,” she continued, “it really is time for you to grow up. You’ve spent far too much time knitting little bits of this and that and creating nothing substantial. Here’s the pattern, there’s…

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.…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Carol Meldrum “This jumper has a touch of the nautical about it. Inspired by the classic Breton stripe, the eyelet and I-cord tie to the side adds a spot of interest when neatly gathered.” YOU WILL NEED ■ Sirdar, Cotton DK (100% cotton, 100g/212m) ■ A pair of 2¾mm needles ■ A pair of 3¼mm needles ■ A pair of 3¼mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) ■ Stitch holder For yarn stockists contact Sirdar 01924 231682 TENSION Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 24 sts and 32 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3¼mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 This simple tunic is knitted in Sirdar Cotton DK. Its great stitch definition looks super-smart in red, white and blue and…

1 The popular Scheepjes River Washed is making room for eight new fantastic shades this season, each with a gorgeous mustard-yellow base, and you can win a whole pack of Ì›i›t›7i››>Ûi›wÛi›bÕ› ›iÃ]› worth £23.92 each, of the new shades to give away (one ball of each new shade per pack). www.scheepjes.com  SKMRIVERWASHED176 2 Delve into the self-striping yarn of Caron Cakes with the wonderfully soft Chunky Cakes. We have 10 fun and colourful cakes up for grabs, worth £12.99 each. 100% acrylic, it can be machine washed and dried, and is ideal for cosy blankets and jumpers. www.readicut.co.uk 01162 713759 SKMCARONCHUNKY176 3 Waouh indeed! This massive ball of yarn could be all yours and we have three available to win. Each massive ball of Bergère de France Waouh (worth…

Start the legs and feet at the bottom, decreasing to create the webbed feet. Work a few rows of garter stitch to knit the ankle joints of the flamingo’s legs. Use a series of increases and decreases to create the teardrop shape of the wings. Swap out the glass buttons for safety eyes if you’re giving this to a little one. Tie lengths of the pink tulle around the organza ribbon to make the frilly tutu. The body starts at the bottom, using ‘kfb’ to increase the stitch count for shaping.…

Celebrate Rowan’s 40th birthday with our special edition sister magazine (£9.99) packed with 29 classic Rowan designs, designer interviews and the chance to win new season yarns. Available in supermarkets until 29 Aug then digitally at www.buysubscriptions.com/special-editions/ rowan-collection . News flash ! www.cocoknits.com’swonderfully rustic snips (£8) now come with a vegetable-tanned leather case to prevent nasty nips. READER POLL Would you prefer to teach stocking or garter stitch? 53 % said they’d prefer to teach garter stitch It’s in the stars! Knit yourself your very own star sign cushion and relax happy in the knowledge that your homeware is in celestial hands at www.stitchandstory.com.…

MEET OUR DESIGNER Susan Cowper “Underwater creatures are so interesting. I have loved seahorses since I was a little girl, they are adorable. I think people who love the sea and its wonders will love this cushion.” YOU WILL NEED ■ Sirdar, Imagination Chunky (100% acrylic, 100g/160m) 2 balls of Folklore (5) or Moonriver (4), depending on which cushion you've decided to make ■ A pair of 6½mm needles ■ A pair of 5½mm needles ■ Pins ■ Tapestry needle ■ Stuffing For yarn stockists contact Sirdar 01924 231682 www.sirdar.co.uk TENSION Yarn used knits as chunky to this tension: 14 sts and 19 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 6½mm needles MEASUREMENTS 65cm (25in) tall x 35cm (13¾in) wide ABBREVIATIONS B&T Break and tighten –…

CAT PATTERN CAT FACE CAST ON 7 sts. ROW 1 (WS) Purl to end. ROW 2 (Kfb) to end. [14 sts] ROW 3 Purl to end. ROW 4 (Kfb, K1) to end. [21 sts] ROW 5 Purl to end. ROW 6 (Kfb, K2) to end. [28 sts] ROW 7 Purl to end. ROW 8 (Kfb, K3) to end. [35 sts] Cast off purlwise. CAT EARS With RS facing, pick up and knit 5 sts along edge of the Cat Face. ROW 1 (WS) Purl to end. ROW 2 Ssk, K1, k2tog. [3 sts] ROW 3 Purl to end. ROW 4 Sk2po. [1 st] BREAK OFF yarn and thread through remaining st, pulling tightly to secure. With RS facing, count 5 sts away from the first ear and pick up and…

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.…

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.…

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…