Innehållsförteckning för October 2020 från Simply Knitting

The pages of this issue are filled with summer and autumn temptation, as the projects squish together into this multi-season collection! I find the later summer months often feel a little autumnal here in the UK, so I’m always grateful for a collection of cosy cover-ups alongside my warm-weather favourites. Thankfully, with many of us spending a little more time out and about, we have more opportunity to show off all those wonderful garments we’ve been knitting stealthily at home. And we’re not finished yet! I’m itching to knit the triumphant, bright cardigan by Siân Brown you see on our cover. Isn’t it the cheeriest thing you’ve ever seen? And if I had unlimited time I would knit Monica Russel’s simple yellow T-shirt in all the colours of the rainbow…

When the pandemic was rife and lockdown imminent, I very quickly went into panic mode! On the plus side, being immediately furloughed from my job I suddenly had lots of time on my hands, time to improve my knitting skills, but on the negative, how would I cope? Without the support of The Accomplished Knitter, I started to wonder what would happen when I made a mistake. THE YARN-SHOP DASH Before lockdown I made a last-minute dash to a local yarn shop. Calmly and patiently the owner asked a series of questions on my abilities, confidence levels and family situation before suggesting a simple colourful blanket for a family baby due later in the year. It seemed a sensible idea — straightforward blocks of rainbow colours, no intricate pattern –…

★STAR LETTER★ PLENTY OF PATTERNS! Hi SK team, I was just wondering if I’d get a mag this month when it arrived this morning! Well done on giving us lots of doable and inspiring items. My sister gave me one very large ball of yarn that can be the basis of your current KAL blanket. I could make the bolster cushion (SK 198) from stash yarn, including a ripped and much worn cotton jumper of old, and might make it fit my recently repainted deck chair! I will also probably do a hanger cover. I’ve sent a pic of last year’s flower basket tea cosy which comes out to the garden with me. Thank you again for your special efforts. Joan Proven, South Queensferry You’re very welcome Joan – it’s…

Check your issue next month to see if you’re selected as a lucky winner! 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 Melissa Leapman’s 6000+ Pullover Possibilities book worth £21.99 – the must-have companion for any knitter, making it easy to customise jumper patterns to your size, shape, and style! E Barthorpe, Newark P Davis, Cambridge J Lakin, Nottingham Worth £21.99! IMMEDIATE MEDIA COMPANY, PUBLISHERS OF SIMPLY KNITTING, SUBS STARS GIVEAWAY TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Prizes were dispatched before the on sale date of this issue. There are no cash alternatives. Three winning entries will be chosen at random from all current subscribers. The draw is final and no correspondence will be entered into.…

GREAT GIFT idea! IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED □ Deramores Studio DK (100% acrylic, 100g/250m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Blue Haze (70036) Yarn B Lavender (70008) Yarn C Light Pink (70034) Yarn D Vanilla (70068) Yarn E Peony (70003) Yarn F Lime (70069) □ A pair of 4mm needles □ Round cushion pad, 35cm diameter □ A small amount of toy stuffing TENSION 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles MEASUREMENTS To fit 35cm diameter round cushion pad ABBREVIATIONS w&t wrap and turn: with the RS facing, slip the next st purlwise on to the right hand needle, bring the yarn forward between the two needles, slip the st back to the left hand needle and take the yarn…

1 DYE YOUR OWN YARN Always wanted to try dyeing your own yarn but didn’t know where to start? UK Alpaca has you covered with its DIY dye kit! The kits are suitable for complete beginners and include full instructions, four basic dye colours, four skeins of their luxury alpaca yarn and a tote bag to keep it all in! Have fun experimenting and creating your own unique shades, then enjoy knitting up your very own hand-dyed yarn. We have two kits to give away, worth £38 each. To see more kits and scrumptious alpaca yarns, visit www.ukalpaca.com. 2 SAY IT WITH STRIPES Knitting with self-striping yarns is always such fun – watching the colours change with no ends to weave in, and they make even the simplest patterns appear…

Debbie Bliss Knitwear Designer Famed for her effortlessly stylish knit creations and extensive knowledge of knitting. Kirstie McLeod Editor Queen of socks and gadget hoarder, Kirstie has many years of knitting knowledge to share. Jen Bartlett Technical Editor Stitch expert and technical whizz, Jen likes to tackle the trickiest of knitting problems. Sophie Jordan Deputy Editor Product expert and Fair Isle fanatic, Sophie loves talking about the latest trends and cool colour combos. QUESTION OF THE MONTH TOO TENSE Q I’m really struggling to get the correct tension for my next project. Even when I get the right stitch tension, my row tension is out! Do you have any tips? Or does it really matter if my tension is slightly off, if it’s not too much? The main importance of…

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED □ Stylecraft New Swift Knit (super chunky, 80% acrylic, 20% wool, 100g/62m) For jacket yarn quantities and measurements see size table Snood 2 x 100g balls of Lagoon (6057) □ A pair of 10mm needles □ 4 (4: 5: 5: 5) buttons TENSION 9 sts and 14 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over rib patt using 10mm needles ABBREVIATIONS p1-b (purl the next st into the loop below) insert needle from back to front through loop below next st and purl For a full list see page 87 MEASUREMENTS Snood 24cm wide x 90cm circumference WHERE TO BUY □ For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft on 01484 848435 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk OR YOU COULD TRY… □ Wool Warehouse 0800 505 3300 or www.woolwarehouse.co.uk □ Delta Wool Shop…

TAKE ON A CHALLENGE YOU WILL NEED □ Novita Venla (75% wool, 25% polyamide, 100g/420m) 1 ball of Willowherb (539) □ 1 set of 2.5mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) or a 2.5mm circular needle, 80cm long, for Magic Loop □ Stitch markers TENSION 34 sts and 50 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over Chevron Pattern using 2.5mm needles MEASUREMENTS Size S (M: L) To fit foot circumference 17.5 (20.5: 23)cm, 7 (8: 9)in Actual foot circumference 16.5 (19: 21)cm, 6½ (7½: 8¼)in Length from cuff to bottom of the heel 19.5 (20.5: 21.5)cm, 7¾ (8: 8½)in Length from heel to toe Adjustable ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 WHERE TO BUY □ For yarn stockists contact Novita at www.novitaknits.com OR YOU COULD TRY… □ Lovecrafts www.lovecrafts.com 15% off Lovecrafts are…

ISSUE 201 SEPTEMBER * Pink zigzag lace T-shirt * Kid’s bobble cardigan * Sunflower hair accessories * Cute doll toy * Final part 3D floral blanket KAL * Pretty baby cardigan * Bright caterpillar toy * Camping tea cosy * Summery cushion PLUS! Cool summer cover-ups pattern booklet ISSUE 200 AUGUST * Striped variegated T-shirt * Kid’s flamingo jumper * Cupcake jumper Kid’s striped cardi * Hair accessories * Red the Dog toy * 3D floral blanket KAL * Men’s two-tone jumper * Rococo cable cushion * Summery lace shawl PLUS! Expand your Knitting Skills booklet ISSUE 199 JULY * Geometric tee * Kid’s fluffy dog sweater * Fish tea cosy * Intarsia cushion * Mosaic cardi * Floral KAL blanket (pt2) * Men’s striped jumper * Baby jacket *…

New Stylecraft Pearls Yarn Snuggly and tactile, this new yarn from Stylecraft comes with mini bobble ‘pearls’ in six pretty shades, giving your knits a lovely soft texture that’s truly unique. Find Stylecraft Pearls at www.woolwarehouse.co.uk at £4.59 for 100g. Caron Stacked Up Wrap Knitted in Caron Simply Soft, this gorgeous wrap pattern is free to download. Add more stitch pattern skills to your set with the inclusion of simple lace, seed stitch and cabling. Yarn and free pattern available at www.readicut.co.uk Gütermann Sew All Nostalgic Tins Featuring Gutermann adverts from 1925, 1927 and 1929, these gorgeous sewing tins make a welcome addition to your knitting kit. The come with sewing thread but you could pack them full of tapestry needles, stitch markers and other knit notions if you choose.…

I’M LOVING… My rainbow block blanket I started this blanket with the idea that all the hard work would become a symbol of hope, created for a very special baby, who is to be born in a very unusual year. I’M MAKING… A pandemic patchwork blanket Using certain shades of my leftover wool stash, I’m in the middle of making a blanket that will stand as a permanent record of an exceptional time in modern history. I’M SHARING… My village telephone box book exchange! Who would have thought this unusual and unexpected source of knitting support would help me with my latest project?!…

PERFECT PRESENT Lily is making this colourful scarf for her mother-in-law, who is a keen knitter herself and loves Kaffe Fassett designs. Keep it up Lily! Lily Bee via email FAST WORK This was made by Gillian using yarn oddments and Rowan Felted Tweed bought from Deramores. She took just two days to finish each part, and hopes to wear the scarf next winter. Gillian Howard, Isle of Man CHANGE IT UP! Jo used a slightly darker colour scheme and changed the Fair Isle pattern in places to add variety to her scarf – doesn’t it look amazing! Jo Waghorn via email…

I love giving my knits a good soak. It relaxes the yarn and makes the stitches look so pretty. Carol Titus Herman, via Facebook I almost always block. I knit mostly with Merino wool, and I find that blocking makes a huge difference to my sweaters and shawls. Marissa Dyke, via Facebook Been knitting over 50 years, never blocked. Sue Gilbert, via Facebook It depends on the project, stitch definition need, and desired outcome. I will wet or steam block depending on the fibre and stitches used. Jay Campbell, via Facebook A good soak and then blocking changes the look of your stitches tremendously. You don’t have to aggressively block everything. Some items you just want to gently pat and ease it into exactly the shape you want it to…

PI CIRCLES These neat, simple-to-knit circles are created with just a touch of science PI circles are knitted on DPNs and are possibly the most popular of all the circle patterns available for knitters TRY OUT THE PATTERN Cast on 8 stitches using 4 DPNs. Distribute the stitches onto needles evenly and join in the round. Round 1 Knit. Round 2 KFB all stitches (16 stitches) Rounds 3 to 4 Knit. (2 rounds) Round 5 KFB all stitches (32 stitches) Rounds 6 to 9 Knit. (4 rounds) Round 10 KFB all stitches. (64 stitches) Rounds 11 to 18 Knit. (8 rounds) Round 19 KFB all stitches. (128 stitches) Rounds 20 to 35 Knit. (16 rounds) Continue in this way, increasing every stitch when you get to the increase rounds, and…

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED □ Bergère De France Cotton Fifty (4ply, 50% cotton, 50% acrylic, 50g/140m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table □ 4 x 9mm red pearly spherical buttons (Bergere code 50361) □ A pair of 2.5mm needles □ A pair of 3mm needles □ Stitch holders TENSION 26 sts and 37 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 WHERE TO BUY □ To buy contact Bergere de France at www.bergeredefrance.co.uk OR YOU COULD TRY… □ SMD Knitting 0800 622 6225 or www.knittingwool.com □ Hollie’s Haberdashery 01782 610241 or www.hollieshaberdashery.co.uk SHOP SMART SHOP LOCAL! Turn to Page 80 TOP TIP When working intarsia it’s always a good idea to give your yarns a…

DEBBIE BLISS… PICK OR THROW? Q What is the difference between continental and English knitting? In continental-style knitting, the left hand holds the working yarn instead of the right. Knitters who use this method are sometimes called “pickers” because of the way the right-hand needle catches or ‘picks’ the yarn to pull it through the loop, rather than ‘throwing’ it around as in English-style knitting. ON THE EDGE Q Please help! Do you have any advice on how to knit neat edges? It really depends on the yarn and the stitch you are using. A slippery yarn such as cotton or viscose can make a very uneven loose edge. I sometimes slip a stitch at the beginning and end of a row, particularly in garter stitch, but this can make…

In association with the Keep Yarn on our Streets campaign As I write this it’s actually cold and rainy outside – a typical British summer! Hopefully by the time you read it the weather will have perked up and you’ll be enjoying some knitting in the sunshine. If you do have a chance to head out in search of blue skies, then try to take in your local yarn shop – they’ll definitely appreciate it! This issue we’ve rounded up a selection of stores in Cumbria, as well as chatting to Ewe & Yarn in Yorkshire, and Ginger Twist Studio in Edinburgh. We’ve also chatted to the Nightingale Country Crafts group in Aylesbury, and learned more about the work of the RNLI. If you’re in the mood for some charity…

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED □ King Cole Subtle Drifter DK (69% acrylic, 25% cotton, 6% wool, 100g/300m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table □ A pair of 3.25mm needles □ A pair of 4mm needles TENSION 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 WHERE TO BUY □ For yarn stockists contact King Cole on 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com OR YOU COULD TRY… □ Wool Warehouse www.woolwarehouse.co.uk □ wool n Stuff 01924 565740 www.woolnstuff.co.uk SHOP SMART SHOP LOCAL! Turn to page 80 20% off! Wool Warehouse are offering 20% off King Cole Subtle Drifter DK! Quote code SK202KC when you order by calling 0800 505 3300 or at www.woolwarehouse.co.uk. Offer ends 24…

THE LEARN-TO-KNIT BOOK by Vogue Knitting (Sixth & Spring, £19.99) This comprehensive guide is packed with reference detail, from yarn types and differences to reading a yarn label, from must-have tools and basic stitches to understanding tension, and from expert tips and tricks to perfect finishing. There’s also a useful stitch dictionary, and more than 30 simple patterns, including a chunky garter stitch cardigan, a striped mesh top, a textured poncho, gradient wrap and more. YOU WILL BE ABLE TO KNIT BY THE END OF THIS BOOK by Rosie Fletcher (Ilex, £14.99) Though aimed at beginners, this beautiful book packed with stunning photographs is a lovely resource of simple, classic projects – perfect for when you just haven’t got the energy for complicated lace or colourwork! There’s a great illustrated…

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED □ Sirdar Snuggly 4ply (55% nylon, 45% acrylic, 50g/226m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table. 1 ball required for all hat sizes □ A pair of 3.25mm needles □ A pair of 3.75mm needles □ Tapestry needle □ 2 small buttons □ 2 stitch holders □ 2 safety pins □ 8 (12: 13: 14: 11: 16) stitch markers for hat TENSION 27 sts and 34 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3.25mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 WHERE TO BUY □ For yarn stockists visit Sirdar at www.sirdar.com OR YOU COULD TRY… □ LoveCrafts 01409 404010 or www.lovecrafts.com □ Barsleys 01892 833464 or www.barsleys.co.uk TOP TIP Tackle any fears you may have about lace knitting…

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED □ Rowan Felted Tweed (DK, 50% wool, 25% viscose, 25% alpaca, 50g/175m) 5 balls of Yarn A Frozen (185) 2 balls of Yarn B Peony (183) 1 ball of Yarn C Pink Bliss (199) □ A pair of 4mm needles TENSION 22 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles MEASUREMENTS 39.5cm (15in) wide x 186cm (73in) long ABBREVIATIONS KB1 (knit 1 below) insert needle through centre of st below next st on needle and knit, slipping the stitch above off the needle at the same time MB (make bobble) knit into front, back and front of next st, turn, K3, turn, P3, turn, K3, turn, sk2po. For a full list see page 87 SHOP SMART SHOP LOCAL!…

VINTAGE RAINBOW SWEATER During the lockdown I’ve had time to go through old family photos. I found a photo of my mum wearing a hand-knitted sweater during the war. Imagine my delight on finding she’d kept the pattern as well! I thought I’d share the photographs with you. Pamela Phelen, via email Thank you so much for sharing them Pamela – doesn’t your mum look amazing! We love her perfectly curled hair too. £20 GIFT CARD Our letter writer wins a fab gift voucher from retailer Wool Warehouse worth £20! *Prizes subject to change…

Just for you! IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED □ Bergere de France Coton Merinos (DK, 50% cotton, 50% Merino wool, 50g/95m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table □ A pair of 4mm needles □ A pair 3.5mm needles □ Stitch holders □ 4 lockable stitch markers TENSION 22 sts and 38 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over Main Stitch Pattern using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 WHERE TO BUY □ To order visit Bergére De France www.bergeredefrance.co.uk TOP TIP Cotton is a breathable, fabric made from a plant-based fibre and is perfect for wearing in any season. It’s very absorbent so wicks moisture from your body, keeping you cool and comfy. SHOP SMART SHOP LOCAL! Turn to Page 80 SIZING COLOUR KEY…

Sunflower Cushion Pretty Hat Circular Shawl Eyeball Cushion Fair Isle Jam Flower Cushion CoCourwork Beret Textured Coaster…

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED □ King Cole Cottonsoft DK (100% cotton, 100g/210m) 9 balls of Yarn A Sky (714) and 1 ball of each: Yarn B Lime (1601) Yarn C Orange (3030) Yarn D Lemon (3031) Yarn E Cherry (719) Oddment of Yarn F any contrast colour □ A pair of 3.25mm needles □ A pair of 4mm needles □ A 4mm circular needle, 120cm long □ 45x45cm cushion pad □ 8 buttons, 2cm diameter □ Stitch markers □ Bunting rope, 2m long TENSION 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles MEASUREMENTS Cushion 45x45cm (17¾x17¾in) Blanket 110x110cm (43½x43½in) Bunting length 2m (78¾in) Bunting flag 11.5x16.5cm (4½x6½in) ABBREVIATIONS CC Contrast colour For a full list see page 87 WHERE TO BUY…

The two cast-off methods I am exploring today are ones that I use often in my own knitting, usually for toe-up socks. They are used fairly regularly by our designers for certain patterns in Simply Knitting, yet aren’t necessarily techniques that everyone remembers how to do! Both techniques appear frequently, so it’s a good opportunity for a quick recap. Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off is worked on two needles in a similar way to a regular cast-off, but with added yarnovers before each stitch. The second method, Elizabeth Zimmermann’s Sewn Bind Off, is worked into the stitches using a tapestry needle. Both produce very neat results, the latter making a great replica of the cast-on edge if you’re looking for this sort of finish. Here’s a little more information… ABOUT…

WIN PRIZES! We love a good puzzle here at Simply Knitting HQ! We have five mystery bundles to be won as crossword prizes, packed with £10 worth of knitting goodies! For sudoku prize winners, we have five copies of Colour Block Knits by Nicki Trench (£12.99), courtesy of Cico Books www.rylandpeters.com. Once you’ve completed our puzzles, head to www.gathered.how/simplyknitting and follow the links to the giveaways. You will need to sign in or register on the site to enter the giveaways, and answer a multiple choice question. Then, enter either the prize word or numbers from the shaded squares, in the blank space, along with your name and address. Find terms and conditions at www.gathered.how/competition-terms-and-conditions. Competitions close on Thursday 24 September 2020. Prizes will be sent out within three months…

Inside: • VIBRANT INTARSIA flower jumper • CUTE CHERRY cardigan for kids • GARTER STITCH & LACE T-shirt • PARASOL LACE cardi just for you • SARAH HATTON fun pop socks • SUPER CUTE doggie blanket • PRETTY BEADED girl’s headband • DEBBIE BLISS our guest expert • ALL ABOUT YOU top reader knits HALLOWEEN HAPPINESS! Spooky stitches for little monsters Play it ghoul with our fun knits! ISSUE 203 ON SALE THURS 10 SEPTEMBER SAY HELLO! WRITE TO US Simply Knitting magazine, Immediate Media, Eagle House, Bristol BS1 4ST. EMAIL US simplyknitting@immediate.co.uk FIND US AND FOLLOW US! Facebook.com/simplyknitting @SimplyKnitMag ravelry.com/groups/simply-knitting-magazine @simplyknittingmag www.pinterest.com/simplyknitmag Tell us about what you’ve been knitting! MEET THE TEAM WHAT’S YOUR KNITTING ACHILLES’ HEEL? Kirstie McLeod Editor “Long–line chunky cardigans on straight needles. I always have to transfer…