Innehållsförteckning för November 2020 från Simply Knitting

Over the past few months we’ve been overwhelmed with stories about how people have coped or are still coping through this pandemic using their knitting to ‘hold their hand’. Whether it’s calming nerves, cheering themselves up, knitting for charities or making gifts and happy moments for others. It seems as we enter the shorter months of the year, the knitting community is going to be required more than ever and we wanted to remind you that we’re here with you, all the way. We all know there’s little more reassuring than a familiar project you can heave onto your lap and click away with in your favourite knitting spot. I’ve created a knitting nook (with fairy lights believe it or not) in preparation for the colder months to keep me…

Rico Fluffily, £9 for 150g Fluffily could be your big new reason to cast on - eight shades combine in this pretty DK yarn range, which comes with added sparkle. For more details visit www.rico-design.de Check out our review ON P72 West Yorkshire Spinners The Croft DK Shetland Colours & Tweed, £9.50 for 100g This unashamedly rich yarn range works the lavish look brilliantly. It comes with 12 solid and 6 complementary tweed shades in 100% superb-quality Shetland Island wool. From www.wyspinners.com. Scheepjes Softy, £2.20 for 50g A new fluffy yarn is always worth sharing, so it’s no surprise that this snuggly new yarn gets our watertight approval. Tightly spun for neatness, it comes in 26 squishy shades. From www.woolwarehouse.co.uk.…

KNIT for your favourite little monsters! EASY TO KNIT YOU WILL NEED □ Deramores Studio DK (100% acrylic; 100g/250m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table □ A pair of 3.25mm needles □ pair of 4mm needles □ Stitch holders □ 3 buttons, 1.5cm diameter □ Black felt □ Black sewing thread and needle TENSION 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles MITTEN SIZING 1-2yrs (2-5yrs: 6-9yrs) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 WHERE TO BUY □ For yarn visit Deramores at www.deramores.com SHOP SMART SHOP LOCAL! Turn to page 80 SIZING COLOUR KEY So you can re-use this pattern, we’ve colour-coded the sizing instructions. Simply follow our colour-coded measurements and you’re off. HOW TO USE OUR CHARTS Start at the…

ROARING RED Diane managed to complete this fabulous project in record time after getting her hands on issue 196 of Simply Knitting. Diane, via Facebook PERFECT POCKET Keeping to the original pattern, Maria used a marvellous shade of mustard to make this fun and funky jumper. Maria, via Facebook SUPER STRIPES We love the bright and bold shade of red that Dawn opted to use for Jane’s pattern – and the fantastic 3D antennae! Dawn, via Facebook…

I knit for my husband. My favourite items to knit have to be socks and V-neck sweaters - as he is a big fan of these! Tracy Bull, via Facebook I knit regularly for both my son and myself. Sweaters, scarfs, hats and in particular socks for him and his size 14½ feet. Jay Campbell, via Facebook Yes I knit for the man in my life, I tend to work on socks, jumpers and warm gloves. Barb De Vries Weedmark, via Facebook I like to knit for my Dad who only wears V-neck raglan sleeves, so I’m always knitting these! Catherine Donley, via Facebook I always knit socks in a variety of colours and styles and yarns - and my husband says he won’t wear any other socks as mine…

I’M LOVING… Knitting with natural fibres (in the shade!) Plans for my son’s new cardigan are under way, I just need to finish my own Fair Isle cardigan before I’m allowed to begin. I’M MAKING… A 100% cotton cardigan for me I’m loving my new-found passion for cotton, that wonderful yarn that makes summer knitting all the more manageable, especially during these unprecedented times. I’M SHARING… My love for knitting with my son Watching my son concentrate on my knitting fingers, needles and yarn is a joy to behold, especially now that he recognises that I’m knitting! It makes my heart sing!…

Taking your knitting to another level is always an exciting time for a knitter, especially when you have that eureka moment and realise how easy it has been all along! Beading is one of those wonderful techniques. With a variety of different methods to try, you could be creating opulent looking garments that really stand out. Perhaps try a cardigan with a beaded edge, or a lace vest top that’s showered with cleverly placed seed beads. Whatever you choose to knit, beading adds delightful detail you’ll love creating. CHOOSING YOUR BEADS AND YARN As beads come in all different shapes and sizes, the first thing you need to do is make sure your chosen bead has a big enough hole for either the yarn you have chosen or the bead…

Although a little different in the current circumstances, meetings are still a frequent part of the working week for most, even when working from home. But have you ever been in a meeting where you’ve had to sit through information that isn’t relevant to you - and felt like it’s a bit of a waste of your time? Well, Emma Elvidge, a PhD teacher at the University of East Anglia and avid knitter, decided to make her time in meetings as productive as possible - by taking her knitting along! “I decided to be proactive - I wasn’t in a position to start changing the format of the meetings, but I could change my own attitude to concentration and productivity,” explains Emma. “What started out as a playful exploration of…

DEBBIE BLISS… PERFECT PRESENT Q Can you please recommend an ideal gift to knit for a man? Jemma Green, via email A pair of snuggly socks or a cosy cowl or scarf are both practical and warm, making them the perfect gift that will be worn for years to come! If you want to make something bigger, and potentially more complex, then a chunky cable sweater is sure to impress, especially one in a lovely tweedy yarn. Debbie NATTY NEEDLES Q I’ve heard that a tapestry needle can be useful in knitting. What type is best, plastic or metal? Paula Tennant, via email I am never without my tapestry needle, I use one all the time for sewing seams, Swiss darning and transferring stitches. There are different types of tapestry…

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 ‘Traditional Dutch Ganseys For Children’ by Stella Ruhe, courtesy of Search Press www.searchpress.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 and answer a multiple choice question to enter the giveaways. 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 22 October Prizes will be sent out within three months…

KITCHENER STITCH The best way to graft your sock toes together Arrange your stitches so that the ones for the top of the foot are on one needle, and those for the bottom of the foot are on the other, with both needle tips pointing to the right. Cut a 40cm (15%in) tail of yarn and thread onto a tapestry needle. Using your needle, thread the tail purlwise through the first stitch on the front needle, and then knitwise through the first stitch on the back needle. *Thread tail knitwise through the first stitch on the front needle and drop off the needle. Thread the tail purlwise through the new first stitch on the needle closest to you. Thread the tail purlwise through the first stitch on the needle furthest…

ISSUE 202 OCTOBER * Slip-stitch cardigan * Preemie baby set * Bobble spray scarf * Summer T-shirt * 3D floral cushion * Kid’s veggie tank top * Beach hut homeware set * Cosy jacket and snood * Neck-knot gillet * Chevron socks PLUS! how to master stretchy cast offs! ISSUE 201 SEPTEMBER * Zigzag lace T-shirt * Kid’s bobble cardigan * Sunflower hair accessories * Doll toy * Final part 3D floral blanket KAL * Baby cardigan * 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 * Dog toy * 3D floral blanket KAL * Men’s two-tone jumper * Cable cushion *…

We Are Knitters Grace Dress Kit, £79 Creamy and comfy, this lace dress kit, designed in soft Pima Cotton, will turn a few heads whatever the season! From www.weareknitters.co.uk. Little Frankenstein Pattern Download, £2.92 Get cult status with your kids when you gift this sweet Frankenste in toy by Claire Fairall. From www.lovecrafts.com. Deramores Aztec Tile Backpack Knitting Kit, £13 Wendy Kippax’s bright backpack is knitting paradise found! It’s designed in Deramores Studio Aran, which has antipiling technology. Visit www. deramores.com for more details. Puppy Pattern Download, £3 Knitted in Sirdar Alpine, Harry the puppy feels as good as he looks! Check out his Puppy Pack pattern (£3) for his accessories too at www.blacksheepwools.com. King Cole Opium Palette Yarn, £4.98 Similar to the Opium range, Opium Palette is a beautiful…

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED □ Cascade 128 Superwash (chunky, 100% wool, 100g/117m) 6 skeins of Yarn A Moss (841) 1 skein of Yarn B Ecru (817) and small amounts of both Yarn C Pumpkin (822) and Yarn D Sapphire Heather (1951) □ A 6mm circular needle, 80-100cm long □ 4 wool bobbins for intarsia TENSION 16 sts and 22 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 6mm needles MEASUREMENTS 82x86cm ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 WHERE TO BUY □ For yarn stockists contact Cascade Yarns on at www.cascadeyarns.com OR YOU COULD TRY… □ Wool Warehouse www.woolwarehouse.co.uk □ Laughing Hens www.laughinghens.com SHOP SMART SHOP LOCAL! Turn to page 80 15% off! LoveCrafts are offering 15% off Cascade 128 Superwash! Quote offer code LOVEKNIT09 when…

BEAUTIFUL BLANKET I just thought I would send you a photo of what I have been doing during lockdown. Following the article in Simply Knitting about wool stashes, I thought you might like to see what I have knitted from my stash of leftover wool. The pattern was the KAL throw from previous issues and will, I think, look good on my granddaughter’s bed next winter. Meryl Scott, email What great stashbusting! £20 GIFT CARD Our letter writer wins a fab gift voucher from retailer Wool Warehouse worth £20!…

Pretty LACE WORK TAKE ON A CHALLENGE YOU WILL NEED □ King Cole Cottonsoft DK (100% cotton, 100g/210m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table □ A pair of 3.25mm needles □ A pair of 3.75mm needles □ Stitch holders □ 9 buttons TENSION 24 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3.75mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 WHERE TO BUY □ For yarn stockists contact King Cole on 01756 703670 or www.kingcole.com OR YOU COULD TRY… □ Deramores at www.deramores.com SHOP SMART SHOP LOCAL! Turn to page 80 10% off! Black Sheep Wools are offerning 10% off King Cole Cottonsoft DK! Quote code COT23 when you order by calling 01925 764231 or visit www.blacksheepwools. com. Offer ends 26 Oct…

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED □ Bergere De France Ecoton (DK, 48% cotton, 48% acrylic, 4% other fibres, 50g/130m) □ Bergere De France Coton Fifty (4ply, 50% cotton, 50% acrylic, 50g/140m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table □ A pair of 3mm needles □ A pair of 3.5mm needles □ 2.5mm crochet hook □ 6 green buttons, 14mm diameter TENSION 22 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3.5mm needles ABBREVIATIONS You’ll find some crochet abbreviations on page 87 but for more visit: www.gathered.how/knitting-and-crochet/crochet/simply-crochet-abbreviations-andconversions/ For a full list of knitting abbreviations see page 87 SHOP SMART SHOP LOCAL! Turn to Page 80 WHERE TO BUY □ For yarn stockists visit Bergere de France at www.bergeredefrance.co.uk OR YOU COULD TRY… □ The Knitter’s…

MAKE YOUR OWN MENAGERIE Kerry Lord is the founder of TOFT luxury yarns and author of the Edward’s Menagerie series of books which are jam-packed with adorable animal amigurumi patterns. Her new range of books contains even more cute critters that can be whipped up in no time by expert crocheters and newbies alike! Be warned though - they’re addictive! Three readers will each win a copy of ‘A Partridge in a Pear Tree’, ‘How to Crochet Animals -Wild’; ‘How to Crochet Animals - Ocean’, worth £37.97 in total. Pavilion also have some fab knitting titles at www.pavilionbooks.com A 12-MONTH MASTERCLASS Go on a year-long knitting adventure with Arnall-Culliford Knitwear’s ‘A Year of Techniques’. Each month will give you a new challenge in the form of a pattern from a…

Just for you IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED □ Hayfield Bonus DK (100% acrylic, 100g/280m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Purple (840) Yarn B Lemongrass (699) Yarn C White (961) Yarn D Biscuit (963) Yarn E Burnt Orange (647) Yarn G Black (965) Yarn F Brown yarn from stash □ A pair of 5.5mm needles □ A pair of 4mm needles, 30cm long □ 3 stitch markers □ Toy stuffing □ Tapestry needle □ Spare needle to hold stitches TENSION 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles 14 sts and 23 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 5.5mm needles and yarn held double MEASUREMENTS Fits a 2-pint teapot or a teapot that holds 6-8 cups ABBREVIATIONS For…

GREAT GIFT idea! IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED □ Hayfield Bonus DK (100% acrylic, 100g/280m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Grass (0825) Yarn B Neon (0884) Yarn C White (0961) □ A set of 3.25mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) OR a 3.25mm circular needle, 80cm long (for magic loop) □ A stitch marker □ Toy filling, 200g □ 3 buttons, 10mm diameter □ White felt □ Strong glue TENSION 24 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3.25mm needles MEASUREMENTS 23cm (9in) tall ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 Not suitable for children under 3 years old. Please attach all buttons securely, use safety buttons or replace with embroidery. TOP TIP If you’re knitting in the round using DPNs, cast on all…

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED □ West Yorkshire Spinners, Signature 4 Ply (75% wool, 25% nylon, 100g/400m); 1 ball of Cornflower (325) □ 1 set of 2.5mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) or a 2.5mm circular needle, 80cm long, for Magic Loop □ Stitch markers □ Stitch holder or spare needle TENSION 36 sts and 50 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 2.5mm needles MEASUREMENTS S (M: L) To fit foot circumference 20.5 (23: 25.5)cm, 8 (9: 10)in Actual foot circumference 17.5 (20: 22)cm, 7 (8: 8¾)in Length from cuff to bottom of the heel 13 (13.5: 14)cm, 5 (5.25: 5.5)in Length from heel to toe Adjustable ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 WHERE TO BUY □ For yarn stockists contact West Yorkshire Spinners on 01535…

Inside: • DAZZLING Christmas tree jumper • FESTIVE & FUN wine bottle bags • FAIR ISLE KAL patchwork blanket • SUPER CHUNKY polo neck jumper • MULTI-TEXTURED cotton cardigan • FUN & FIERCE kid’s tiger jumper • SANTA CLAUS washing-line bunting • QUICK & EASY Fair Isle holly hat • CHRISTMAS SHOPPING Best buys NEW KAL! SEASONAL TREATS & FAB GIFTS Christmas knits for happy holidays Start your festive knitting with us! 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 TOP AUTUMN CAST ON? Kirstie McLeod Editor “As the sandals get put away, there’s nothing like getting out the…

SWITCH & KNIT STITCH DICTIONARY By Tabetha Hedrick (Stackpole Books, £19.99) On one level this book is a beautiful, textured stitch dictionary, packed with lace, cable and knit/purl patterns you’ll be impatient to try out. On another, it’s a top introduction to making your own, personal garments, from swatching to measuring to schematics and charts, and then offering a collection of classic pieces that you can combine with the stitch patterns to create designs that are uniquely you. MAKE, STITCH & KNIT FOR BABY By Emilie Guelpa (Ilex, £17.99) There’s nothing quite as delightful as dressing a tiny baby in things you’ve made yourself, surrounding a little one with objects made with love. This new collection presents 35 craft projects, ranging from mobiles to cushions to bloomers. Knitting designs include…

Simply knitting loves TAKE ON A CHALLENGE YOU WILL NEED □ West Yorkshire Spinners Colourlab DK (100% wool, 100g/225m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table □ A pair of 3mm needles □ A pair of 3.5mm needles □ A 3mm circular needle, 40cm long □ Stitch marker □ Stitch holder TENSION 24 sts and 29 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3.5mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 WHERE TO BUY □ For yarn stockists contact West Yorkshire Spinners on 01535 664500 or at www.wyspinners.com OR YOU COULD TRY… □ The Knitting Network 01795 570303 or www.theknittingnetwork.co.uk □ Ripping Yarns 01642 711000 or www.rippingyarns.co SIZING COLOUR KEY So you can re-use this pattern, we’ve colour-coded the sizing instructions. Simply follow our colour-coded…

STAR LETTER KNITTED SAFARI Buying the SK Bookazine ‘Amanda Berry Knitted Toy Collection’ and a piano (haven’t played for 45 years) has saved me through lockdown - together with gardening! I’ve had great comments on the animals on Facebook. After buying the magazine, I picked up some yarn from the Cats Protection Shop in Plymouth just before lockdown. Starting with the pig I then moved onto the lovely giraffe and then the flamingo. The flamingo was the funniest thing to make. Everything was found at home, like the material for the flamingo skirt, an o^cut from a skirt of mine. There was no access to the usual wool shops and shops selling material. These all kept me occupied for a month on and off. June Staple, via email They look…

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 a three-ball yarn bundle of Stylecraft’s gorgeous Jeanie yarn, worth over £14! Perfect for topping up your stash! G Maggs, Durham R Pelligrini, Ardrossan C Toye, Norwich Worth £14! 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.…

Heatwaves and knitting aren’t things that most people put together but I think they’re a match made in heaven. Despite being an August baby I am not a fan of summer particularly (I much prefer cardigan weather!) and I did not enjoy the heatwaves that hit Britain this August. Extreme temperatures make everything so much harder to do, whether it’s giving your garden a good going-over, walking to the shops or keeping your child cool and protected from the sun. So we stuck to the shade when it was too hot to contemplate anything other than trying to keep as still as possible and hope for a breeze. And I knitted - the only thing that didn’t break me out in a sweat. NEVER SITTING STILL I’m rubbish at sitting…

TURN OVER for more on adding beads IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED □ Bergère de France Merinos 2.5 (4ply, 100% wool, 50g/120m) 1 ball of Yarn A Mauve Bebe □ A pair of 3.25mm needles □ Pearl 5mm beads x 36 (Trimits 5mm Pearls from Hobbycraft) □ Sewing needle (large enough to thread yarn and fit through bead hole) TENSION 27 sts and 35 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3.25mm needles MEASUREMENTS Circumference 48cm (19in) Width 3.5cm (1.5in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 WHERE TO BUY □ For yarn stockists contact Bergere de France at www.bergeredefrance.co.uk OR YOU COULD TRY… □ LoveCrafts 01409 404010 or www.lovecrafts.com □ The Knitter’s Attic 01394 547077 or www.theknittersattic.co.uk TOP TIP Although many knits ask for seed…

GREAT for teens too! TAKE ON A CHALLENGE YOU WILL NEED □ Debbie Bliss Piper (DK, 50% cotton, 50% viscose, 100g/200m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table □ A pair of 3.5mm needles □ A pair of 4mm needles TENSION 20 sts and 32 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over lace patt using 4mm needles 21 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS LI (lifted increase) insert left needle into the stitch below the stitch on right hand needle just worked, knit into that stitch. [1 st increased] For a full list see page 87 WHERE TO BUY □ For Debbie Bliss yarn contact LoveCrafts on 01409 404010 www.lovecrafts.com SHOP SMART SHOP LOCAL! Turn to page 80 15 % off…

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 NICE AND EASY? Q My daughter has asked me to knit her a simple ribbed top she’s found the pattern for, but I’m confused by the sizing. The finished measurements of the piece are smaller than the “to fit” sizes - that can’t be right, can it? Elizabeth Stanley, Winchester It might be…

In association with the Keep Yarn on our Streets campaign Autumn is now arriving, and in lots of ways life has started to return to normal - we’ve certainly loved being able to visit our favourite local yarn shops again. If you’re near Hampshire, we’ve rounded up a selection of shops packed with fine wools and accessories, plus we’ve chatted to Laili from Emily Foulds and Mia from naturally dyed yarn brand Brambles & Me. We also got to know the delightful Needle Niche knitters, and Daniel Ball from the Army Flying Museum, who’s hoping you can help out with some knitted medals for an upcoming art installation. And turn the page to read about a world-record attempt to create the longest knitted bunting ever made, currently on display in…

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED □ King Cole Big Value Chunky (100% acrylic, 100g/152m) 1 ball of Yarn A Mustard (3312) 2 balls of Yarn B Red (553) 1 ball of Yarn C Yellow (828) □ A pair of 5.5mm needles, at least 30cm long □ A pair of 4mm needles □ Toy stuffing TENSION 18 sts and 23 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 5.5mm needles MEASUREMENTS Height 48cm (19in) Width of balloon 29cm (11.5in) Width of basket 20cm (8in) ABBREVIATIONS T&D Thread the end of the yarn through the remaining stitches and through the loop of the yarn itself and draw up the knitting tightly and fasten off For a full list see page 87 20% off! Wool Warehouse are offering 20% off King…