Innehållsförteckning för January 2021 från Simply Knitting

We’ve almost made it guys, we’re just about to turn the corner into 2021, and what we hope will be a much, much better year – a year we can hopefully fill with more hugs than the last one! I don’t know what you normally do when a new year is beginning, but this year I’ll be putting together a knitting plan for the rest of 2021 and calling it ‘The Dream List’. Despite seeing hundreds of gorgeous new knitting patterns every year, I rarely get the chance to sit down and work out which ones I’m going to cast on, and for who – it’s more of a free-for-all, if I’m honest. So this festive holiday I’m going to add all my dream knits to a planner and do…

PART three TAKE ON A CHALLENGE YOU WILL NEED For the entire blanket: Novita Nordic Wool (100% wool, 50g/115m) 10ballsof OffWhite010 2 balls each of: Christmas549 IcyFlower509 Squirrel645 Saffron287 Aqua116 DarkRuby590 Moss337 Rock048 Heather554 Fir397 A pair of 3.5mm needles A pair of 4mm needles A 4mm circular needle, 80cm long TENSION 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles MEASUREMENTS Blanket 125x130cm (49x51in) Square 20x20cm (8x8in) ABBREVIATIONS MC main colour CC contrast colour For a full list see page 87 WHERE TO BUY □ For yarn stockists visit Novita at www.novita Knite.com OR YOU COULD TRY… □ LoveCrafts 01409 404010 or www.lovecrafts.com FAIR ISLE TIPS 1 Weave in ends as you go – it’ll take the pain out of weaving in a blanket’s…

I prefer round necks, I find them so much simpler to knit up and they’re warmer in winter. Elaine Williams, via Facebook For me it would have to be a V-neck or scoop – nothing I’m aware of against my throat, which I don’t find comfortable. It’s a grand excuse for making a co-ordinating scarf as well! Barbara Page, via Facebook To be honest I prefer a cardigan as I overheat quite easily and you can open the cardigan up. Rebecca KoKo Cat Price, via Twitter Round neck for me, but I knit V-necks for dad who will wear nothing else! Catherine Donley, via Facebook Round necks because they are much warmer. Julie Hayday, via Facebook Oh, I prefer round or polo necks. Phyllis Hart, via Facebook V-neck and cowl…

It’s been an odd year! I had thought my knitting output would increase dramatically as being furloughed from work resulted in unexpected free time, but disappointingly it hasn’t quite worked out like that. As I sat knitting, I realised just how much I rely on other people to help me, particularly when I hit a snag, and this caused a complete drop in self-confidence. I began a blanket as a way of continuing knitting without needing support but this too fell by the wayside. Frustrated, despondent and lacking faith in myself I packed away my needles and stopped knitting for a while. BOBBLE HATS TO THE RESCUE But as the weeks passed, I began to miss the joy of knitting in the evenings while relaxing and decided to pluck up…

GREAT GIFT idea! IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED Hayfield Bonus Aran with Wool (80% acrylic, 20% wool, 400g/840m) 2ballsof Ginger639 Hayfield Bonus DK (100% acrylic, 100g/280m) 1balleachof SignalRed977 White961 Chocolate947 BrightLemon819 Lemongrass699 Pink992 Azure824 BrightOrange981 A pair of 6mm needles A pair of 5mm needles A pair of 4mm needles TENSION 18 sts and 24 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 5mm needles and aran yarn 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles and DK yarn MEASUREMENTS 49x40cm (19¼xl5¾in) ABBREVIATIONS K6B (knit 6 below) follow the stitch down 6 rows (to cast-on row in this project). Pick up the loop of the stitch on the cast-on edge onto the left-hand needle and knit the loop together with the next…

1 CHANGE YOUR NEEDLES If you’re knitting a larger project, try using circular needles – they’re not just for knitting in the round! This way the weight of your fabric rests on the long cable, rather than on the needles themselves. Smoother yarns can also make for an easier knit, and square needles such as Knit Pro Cubics can often be beneficial for RSI and arthritis too. 2 TRY A WRIST SUPPORT These can vary in how much pressure they give and whether they support around the thumb, but plenty of knitters swear by them. 3 CHANGES UP THE PATTERN Working one way for long periods of time will not help your hands. Take a break from acres of stocking stitch to knit a ribbed hat in the round. And…

Many of us cherish the memories of learning to knit as a child. Keeping the skill alive in younger generations is as important as creating a garment that lasts beyond a trend. And that’s why Maija Nygren, a Finnish knitwear designer, came up with the idea of The Convertibles – knit kits that kids can create themselves, that grow with them and teach them about sustainable makes! During her Masters at Galashiels School of Textiles, Maija wanted to discover what the world’s most sustainable knitted kidswear garment would be like. “The initial idea came from a cardigan my mother handmade for my daughter when she was one. I realised two years later, she was still fitting the cardigan and I thought that there was an idea there I could push…

FOR MORE CHANCES TO WIN GREAT PRIZES, turn to page 39 WHAT’S THE WORD? ACROSS 1 Removed a sum of money from an account (7) 5 A Christmas Carol miser (7) 9 Friend of Big Ears? (5) 10 Pattern stitch for a Christmassy design (9) 11 --- Lee, Taiwanese-American film director (3) 12 Run away to marry (5) 13 Irish colour? (5) 14 Beige fabric used in military uniforms (5) 16 Cold symptom (6) 18 Pool of water on the ground (6) 19 Santa’s helpers (5) 22 Imitative of a past style (5) 24 Runner or broad, eg (5) 26 Slide on snow (3) 27 Academic title (9) 29 Small piece of material (5) 30 Dangerous (sport) (7) 31 Cosy shoe worn in the house (7) DOWN 1 Scandinavian country…

Tell us about Yarntelier… The Yarntelier collection evolved as a natural progression in my career recognising an opportunity to bring the most beautiful yarns and expert pattern support to knitters worldwide. With over 30 years of design experience working with yarn companies around the globe I knew that some of the finest cashmere yarns were created close to my home in Yorkshire. Together with my photographer husband Stephen we established Yarntelier in 2016. Our ethos was to develop a luxury yarn brand and support the declining local textile industry. What can knitters find at your studio? After many years of working from home, in 2018 I rented a beautiful space in a Victorian shopping arcade in Huddersfield. My studio is a little oasis of calm, the windows are north-facing so…

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED King Cole Cherished DK (100% acrylic, 100g/250m) A pair of 3.75mm needles A pair of 4mm needles Stitch holders Soft elastic for waistband Locking stitch markers 3 small buttons TENSION 20 sts and 26 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS rib2tog Work dec as k2tog or p2tog to keep rib patt correct 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… 01795570303or 01409404010or TOP TIP The button band across the left shoulder makes this nautical jumper easy to get over large heads, so it’s perfect for babies and tots who have larger heads in proportion to their bodies. For the…

KITCHENER STITCH The best way to graft your sock toes together DUPLICATE STITCH/SWISS DARNING CHAIN STITCH Perfect for hanging loops ABBREVIATIONS AND USEFUL INFO alt alternate approx approximately beg beginning 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 C2B slip next stitch to cn and hold at back, K1; K1 from cn C2F slip next stitch to cn and hold at front, K1; K1 from cn C4B slip next 2 stitches to cn and hold at back, K2; K2 from cn C4F slip next 2 stitches to cn and hold at front, K2; K2 from cn C6B slip next 3 stitches to cn and hold at back, K3;…

ISSUE 205 DECEMBER * Snowflake cardigan * Kid’s Christmas jumper *Garter stitch shawl * Men’s reindeer sweater * Gingerbread house decoration * Scandi jumper tea cosy * Fair Isle KAL(part 2) * Kid’s holly hat V-neck cardi * Pet Christmas stockings PLUS! Winter Woodland animal pattern booklet! ISSUE 204 CHRISTMAS * Christmas tree jumpeFestive Bunting * Eyelet cardigan * Holly hat * Snowman toy * Christmas pud baby jumper * Fair Isle blanket KAL (part 1) * Polo-neck sweater * Poinsettia brooch * Festive bottle bags PLUS! Bumper giveaway feature! ISSUE 203 NOVEMBER * Floral intarsia jumper * Haunted house kid’s jumper Dog blanket * Lace cardigan * Beaded headband * Zigzag T-shirt * Halloween tea cosy Monster toy * Hot air balloon cushion * Circle pattern pop socks PLUS!…

KNIT in a weekend! EASY TO KNIT YOU WILL NEED Caron Simply Soft Aran (100% acrylic, 170g/288m) 1 ball of each: Strawberry0015 Mango9605 OffWhite9702 A pair of 4mm needles A pair of 5mm needles Tapestry needle TENSION 18 sts and 24 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 5mm needles MEASUREMENTS 6m (12m: 18-24m). Circumference: 40cm (44.5cm: 49cm) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 in Simply Knitting magazine WHERE TO BUY SWISS DARNING HAT CHART HOW TO USE OUR CHARTS Work the cat’s nose in Swiss darning, and the four whiskers in straight stitch as shown on the Chart. See page 86 in Simply Knitting for more information on how to work Swiss darning. CAT BABY…

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED Bernat Softee Chunky (100% acrylic, 100g/99m) 1 ball of each: Pumpkin28630 DarkTaupe28013 Bernat Pipsqueak 100polyester 100g/109m) 1ballof Vanilla59008 A pair of 8mm needles Stitch markers Spare needle TENSION 11 sts and 14 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 8mm needles MEASUREMENTS Width 16.5cm (6½in) Length 101.5cm (40in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 in Simply Knitting magazine WHERE TO BUY FOX SCARF Note Scarf is worked from Ears to Tail. Head is folded over body of Scarf to create keyhole. EARS (MAKE 2) Cast on 1 st using Yarn B. Row 1 (RS) Kfb. [2 sts] Row 2 and all WS rows Purl. Row 3 K1, M1, K1. [3…

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED TENSION 13 sts and 16 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 6.5mm needles MEASUREMENTS Mittens one size Cowl 38cm (15in) wide, 150cm (59in) circumference ABBREVIATIONS C6B Slip next 3 stitches onto cable needle and leave at back of work. КЗ, then КЗ from cable needle C6F Slip next 3 stitches onto cable needle and leave at front of work. КЗ, then КЗ from cable needle For a full list see page 87 of Simply Knitting magazine WHERE TO BUY CABLE TIPS 1 Always use a cable needle the same size as your main needle or smaller, so that you don’t stretch the stitches. 2 Before you slip your stitches onto the cable needle make sure your working yarn is in the…

Discover Your Next Brilliant Make Join the knitters and makers on Black Sheep Wools’ Make Along Facebook Group and share your progress with like-minded followers. See what the latest knit is, learn about suitable yarns or buy a pre-made kit. The latest pattern is Louise Zass Bangham’s mittens! www.facebook.com/groups/blacksheepmakealong Cygnet Boho Spirit New Shades If you’ve fallen for the fabulously soft, variegated roving yarn Cygnet Boho Spirt (£3.80 for 100g), you’ll be thrilled to hear they have launched a further four space-dyed shades for you to sample. Sapphire, Fantasy, Eden and Luna are a beautiful mix of enchanting colours perfectly designed to make knits zing! Cast on for blankets, shawls, wrist warmers, hats and more. Visit www.cygnetyarns.com for your nearest stockist New Look For Eucalan Celebrating their 30th birthday meant…

GET the Look Page 19 IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED UK Alpaca Superfine Alpaca DK (75% superfine alpaca, 25% wool, 50g/112m) A pair of 3.5mm needles A pair of 4mm needles Split ring stitch markers Stitch holders TENSION 18 sts and 33 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over Lace Patt using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 WHERE TO BUY □ For yarn stockists contact UK Alpaca on 01884 243579 www.ukalpaca.com OR YOU COULD TRY… 01409404010or 15% off LoveCrafts are offering 15% off UK Alpaca Superfine Alpaca DK! Quote code LCKNIT15 when you order by calling 01409 404010 or visiting www. lovecrafts.com. Offer ends 14 Jan 2021. FIND YOUR SIZE SIZING COLOUR KEY So you can re-use this pattern, we’ve colour-coded the…

STAR LETTER WOODLAND WONDER I thought you would like to see the Woodland Tales mobile I have made for my twin granddaughters’ bedroom. They were born in January this year and my daughter decorated their bedroom with woodland decals before they were born. I remembered that I had seen the woodland mobile in one of the issues of Simply Knitting so I searched through my digital issues until I found it in issue 169. Keep up the good work with your magazine! I have been a subscriber for many years, although I have subscribed digitally for about seven years now as the magazines were threatening to take over the house! Lynne Fallowed, via email This mobile is the perfect addition to the twins’ bedroom, Lynne – it really matches the…

STRIPED SCARF * IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED Novita Nordic Wool (100% wool, 50g/115m) 3ballsof Sand60 1balleachof Squirrel645 Petrol180 Christmas549 Moss337 Saffron287 A pair of 4.5mm needles A pair of 5mm needles TENSION 22 sts and 27 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4.5mm needles 22 sts and 27 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over Fair Isle patt using 5mm needles MEASUREMENTS Width (across bias row) 19.5cm (7%in) Length 180cm (70%in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 WHERE TO BUY □ For yarn stockists contact Novita at www.novitaknits.com/en OR YOU COULD TRY... 01409404010or HOW TO USE OUR CHARTS Start at the bottom right-hand corner. Read all rounds from right to left. A row of squares represents a row of knitting. TOP…

We all know the joys and mental calm that can come from a long knitting session – and we’ve also all felt that ache in our hands after a couple of hours wrestling with a cable needle or fiddly lace shawl. Knitting can interact with our physical and mental health in a number of ways, which we’ll look at here. Mental health benefits We’ll start with the good news – knitting is great for your mental health. There are a number of reasons for this, with the first involved in the act of knitting itself. The term ‘mindfulness’ is everywhere now, and it might have been coined about knitting! Mindfulness is all about being present in the moment, concentrating on the simple things around us and the sensations of our…

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED Deramores Studio Aran (100% acrylic, 100g/165m) Forbothsizes1 ball of each: Caramel70632 Gardenia70602 Cappuccino70607 Poppy70606 Fern70638 A pair of 5mm needles Small amount of toy stuffing TENSION 18 sts and 24 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 5mm needles MEASUREMENTS Sizes 1-2yrs (adult) Head circumference 47 (56)cm, 18% (22)in Actual hat circumference 42 (51)cm, 16% (20)in ABBREVIATIONS B&T break yarn and thread through remaining stitches For a full list see page 87 WHERE TO BUY □ You can purchase the yarn from Deramores at www.deramores.com TOP TIP Block all the pieces by washing them and laying them out flat to dry before seaming. It will even out the edge stitches and you’ll find it easier to sew the seams. REINDEER HAT Note…

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 SIMPLE SHAWL Q I am really keen to knit my first shawl. Can you recommend a perfect first pattern and any handy tips for the best yarn to use? Mel, Northampton Knitting a shawl is a brilliant project for a novice knitter. I recommend this pretty pattern by Anniken Allis, which we featured…

YOU WILL NEED Rowan Selects Patina (DK, 46% mohair, 24% nylon, 20% wool, 10% polyester, 50g/250m) a pair of 3.25mm needles a pair of 4mm needles Stitch markers Stitch holders TENSION 22 sts and 33 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4¡n) over patt using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS WHERE TO BUY □ For yarn stockists contact Rowan on 01484 668200 www.knitrowan.com OR YOU COULD TRY... 03330503753or 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. TOP TIP Did you know switching from straight to circular needles can affect the tension of your garment? We recommend always using the same needles you knitted your tension square in. LACE JUMPER BACK Cast on 93 (103: 113: 123: 133)…

Zoe Thompson, Fundraising Events Officer & branch fundraising volunteer Charity Cats Protection Established 1927 What do you do I’m part of the Fundraising Events team which helps our amazing and passionate supporters to raise vital funds to help cats and kittens in the charity’s care. We’re a very busy team with hundreds of supporters taking part in events at any one time -from bake sales to sky dives and everything in between! In my spare time, I’m also a volunteer with my local branch, Gateshead and Newcastle. I recently raised money for the branch by making face masks, all in cat-print fabrics of course! Latest fundraising news Lots of our creative supporters and volunteers have been putting their crafting skills to good use in the last few months, while face-to-face…

A true historic British breed, the Southdown sheep was first established over 200 years ago in the UK. Its creamy soft fleece is extremely fine in texture, making it comparable to the Shetland sheep. You can find this beautiful breed romaing the hills in the South East of England, but also in some specilaist flocks dotted across the UK. You can easily spot the Southdown with its small ears covered in wool and adorable mouse brown nose and mouth! Discover more about the wonderful world of British sheep at www.britishwool.org.uk.…

TAKE ON A CHALLENGE YOU WILL NEED □ West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4ply (75% wool, 25% nylon, 100g/400m) 1 ball each: Yarn A Blueberry Bonbon (365) Yarn B Cherry Drop (529) Yarn C Chocolate Lime (395) □ 1 set of 3mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) or a 3mm circular needle, 60cm long, for Magic Loop □ Stitch marker □ Stitch holder or spare needle TENSION 29 sts and 36 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 3mm needles MEASUREMENTS To fit foot circumference 21-23cm (8¼-9in) Actual foot circumference 20.5cm (8in) Length from cuff to bottom of the heel (adjustable) 24.5cm (9½in) Length from heel to toe (adjustable) 21.5cm (8½in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 WHERE TO BUY □ For yarn stockists contact West Yorkshire Spinners on…

Are you looking for that perfect last-minute gift knit? Or perhaps you need to update your winter wardrobe a little this year? Incredible snuggly yarns and irresistibly fun designs combine fabulously in our packed gift booklet this month, delivering some of the cutest and most craveable knits around! Whether you’re knitting for friends, family or yourself you can choose from neat colourwork, chunky cables, cute details or super-wearable classic shapes. Each design uses a practical knitting skill or comes with a fun-to-knit detail, making it the perfect mix for beginners and experts alike. So what are you waiting for? Pick up those needles and make something winter wonderful. Happy knitting! WIN! All the yarn for the projects in this booklet on page 12 GET IN TOUCH! Write to us at…

KNIT for ages 4 to 12 years! TAKE ON A CHALLENGE YOU WILL NEED Bernat Softee Chunky (100% acrylic, 100g/99m) A set of 6.5mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) A set of 8mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) 6.5mm circular needles, 60cm long 8mm circular needles, 60cm long Stitch holders TENSION 11 sts and 14 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 8mm needles ABBREVIATIONS M1 Make one stitch by knitting into back of loop between two stitches (increase one stitch) For a full list see page 87 in Simply Knitting magazine WHERE TO BUY VERSION 1 VERSION 2 FIND YOUR SIZE CHART V1 CHART V2 HOW TO USE OUR CHARTS Start at the bottom right-hand corner. Read all rounds from right to left. A row of…

Easy MEN’S KNIT IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED Caron Simply Soft Solids (100% acrylic, 170g/288m) A pair of 4.5mm needles A pair of 5mm needles 4 stitch holders TENSION 18 sts and 24 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 5mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87 of Simply Knitting magazine WHERE TO BUY Makers Superstore www.makerssuperstore. com FIND YOUR SIZE 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. MEN’S V-NECK JUMPER BACK **Cast on 82 (90: 98:110:122:138) sts using 4.5mm needles. Row 1 (RS) *K2, P2; rep from * to last 2 sts, K2. Row 2 *P2, K2; rep from * to last 2 sts,…

JAPANESE WONDER KNITTING By Nihon Vogue (Tuttle Publishing, £12.99) Expand your knitting repertoire with a foray into the world of Japanese-style knitting. This book is your chance to learn about making classic stitches in the Japanese way, such as herringbone, cables and entrelac, all accompanied by swatch patterns. Japanese knitting expert Gayle Roehm talks you through the differences between the two styles, along with 23 patterns to test out your new skills on. EASY KNITS FOR BEAUTIFUL YARNS By Toby Roxane Barna (Stackpole Books, £15.95) Written by American designer and London College of Fashion graduate, Toby Roxane Barna, the patterns in this book have been created to allow the yarn to stand centre stage. This is an ideal read for intermediate knitters who love to hoard beautiful, unique yarns but…

YOU WILL NEED TENSION 22 sts and 30 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 Scheepjes at www.scheepjes.com OR YOU COULD TRY… FIND YOUR SIZE 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. DACHSHUND CARDIGAN Note This is a seamless raglan cardigan knitted in the round with the button bands picked up at the end. NECKBAND Cast on 82 (86: 86: 90: 94: 98) sts using 3.25mm circular needles and Yarn A. Do not join. Row 1 (RS) *K2, P2; rep from * to last 2 sts, K2. Row 2 (WS) *P2,…

BUNNY PALS Karen knitted these two adorable bunnies for her granddaughters, who were delighted with the pretty pair! Karen Eggleston, via email SO TWEET These sweet birds are Sharon’s first attempts at toys after only making clothing previously. She made the blackbird and bullfinch as practice, and next up she’ll be knitting a blue tit. Sharon Thompson, via email CHIRPY CHICKS Pat really enjoyed making this trio of cute Easter chicks from issue 197, although she had to change some colours due to yarn supply issues! Pat Barrett, via email Find these birds in issue 197…

Easy FAIR ISLE TAKE ON A CHALLENGE YOU WILL NEED Rico Design Fashion Modern Tweed Light + Soft Aran (60% wool, 20% polyamide, 20% viscose, 50g/94m) A pair of 4mm needles A pair of 5mm needles A pair of 5.5mm needles Stitch holders TENSION 17 sts and 24 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using one colour only and 5mm needles ABBREVIATIONS M1/M1P (make 1 knit/make 1 purl) pick up and knit/purl into the back of horizontal strand lying before next st For a full list see page 87 WHERE TO BUY □ For yarn stockists contact Rico Design at www.rico-design.de/en/home OR YOU COULD TRY… Black 01409404010or FIND YOUR SIZE SIZING COLOUR KEY So you can re-use this pattern, we’ve colour-coded the sizing instructions. Simply follow our…

Finger stretches Hold your hands out in front of you, spread your fingers forcefully and hold for 10 seconds… …then clench into a firm fist and again hold for 10 seconds. Repeat. Wrist turns Rest your forearms on a table and form relaxed fists as shown. Move both fists out to the sides away from each other, hold for five seconds and repeat. Wrist stretches Extend one arm out in front of you and use the fingers of your other hand to gently pull back your fingers, as shown. Hold for 10-20 seconds, so you can feel the stretch but it’s not uncomfortable. Repeat for your other hand. Then hold the arm so your palm is facing up, and use your other hand to pull your fingers down towards the…

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED Deramores Studio DK (100% acrylic, 100g/250m) 1 ball in each of: Frost70001 Fir70012 Raspberry70005 Powder70019 Oatmeal70020 Ebony70027 Chocolate70024 Vanilla70068 a pair of 3.25mm needles A pair of 3.25mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) a 3mm crochet hook Toy filling or cotton wool balls to stuff the heads Sewing needle and thread to attach beads and buttons Two beads/toy safety eyes per puppet, 4mm diameter White fleece pompoms (Elf, Father Christmas, Tree Fairy and Snowman hats), 2cm diameter Small red, white and black buttons (Snowman, Tree Fairy & Soldier) 1 red and one white pompom (Reindeer and Snowman noses), 7mm diameter White tulle fabric (Angel wings), 15x16cm Gold thread (Soldier, Angel, Father Christmas & Tree Fairy) White felt fabric (Mrs Christmas’s apron), 2.5x2.5cm TENSION 24 sts and…

DEBBIE BLISS... WONDERFUL WEAVES Q I have heard the phrase ‘weaving in the ends’ – what exactly is this, and how can I use it? Barbara, via email ‘Weaving in ends’ is a technique used to finish and tidy up when you’re left with yarn tails after you have finished knitting. You simply darn the loose ends into the seam or the back of stitches with a blunt darning needle. Debbie Did you know...? You can upcycle a much loved but tired knitted garment with some simple embroidery, for example Swiss darning. Swiss darning is easy to work as you are following the natural grid of stitches and rows. TOP TOOLS Q Where do I start? What are the perfect knitting tools for a beginner? Emily, via email There are…

In association with the Keep Yarn on our Streets campaign Hello and welcome to our comfy, cosy winter issue! I hope you’re getting to snuggle up under lots of warm woolies – I know that’s my plan for the next few months! It’s also a great time to get knitting for charity, and this issue we’ve got a beautiful lace scarf that will be perfect to sell at a local stall, or a wonderful gift to anyone struggling in these difficult times. We’ve also caught up with a northern knitting group that’s all about social good and community support, and learned about a project to help elderly people affected by loneliness during the pandemic. And though travel is limited at the moment, we’re dreaming of beautiful landscapes with our look…

YOU WILL NEED □ Any DK alpaca yarn, 100g/230m ball□ A pair of 4mm needles□ 8 buttons TENSION 24 sts and 28 rows to measure 4x4¡n (10x10cm) over stocking stitch using 4mm needles MEASUREMENTS 8cm (3¼in) tall ABBREVIATIONS 7 sts wrap Insert RH needle between 7th and 8th sts on LH needle, yarn round needle, draw up a long loop, knit this and first of the 7 sts together For a full list see page 87 This beautiful lace scarf uses just one ball of yarn – it’s super-soft in alpaca but would also work well in any natural DK yarn. LACE SCARF Cast on 51 sts using 4mm needles. Row 1 (RS) K1, *K1, yf, K4, sl 1, k2tog, psso, K4, yf; rep from * to last 2 sts,…

BERROCO LANAS Originating in South America, the wool for this gorgeous-to-knit yarn delivers a myriad of mottled colour into every stitch. Once knitted your fabric is super-squishy and stretchy and will flatter any worsted pattern you opt for. Made from 100% wool, the feel to this yarn is strong and warm, knitting up into a heavy drape that’ll add a touch of quality to your winter garments and accessories. The colour (above) is Teal, but colour conscious fans will also adore the other 48 wonderfully muted shades in the range with names such as Fondant, Lavender, Sunny and Mistletoe. RRP £10 WEIGHT Worsted BALL 100g/200m NEEDLE 5mm CONTENT 100% wool CARE Hand wash in cold water Visit www.lovecrafts.com or call 01409 404010 STYLECRAFT SPECIAL XL TWEED Cast on with this…

Are you looking for a nice neat stitch pattern that would look good on a cushion, bag or blanket? Then look no further than this boxy option created using super simple stitches. This great graphic pattern is a combination of garter stitch, stocking stitch and a few yarn overs and k2togs, designed to make those travelling stitches pop. Try knitting our swatch using the pattern below. Cast on a multiple of 12 sts (try 36 sts). Row 1 (RS) K8, k2tog, K1, yo, K1. Row 2 K1, P10, K1. Row 3 K7, k2tog, K1, yo, K2. Row 4 K1, P10, K1. Row 5 K6, k2tog, K1, yo, K3. Row 6 K1, P2, K1, P7, K1. Row 7 K5, k2tog, K1, yo, K4. Row 8 K1, P2, K2, P6, K1. Row…

FUN COLOUR WORK IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED Caron Simply Soft Tweeds Aran (97% acrylic, 3% viscose, 141g/219m) Caron Simply Soft Aran (100% acrylic, 170g/288m) A pair of 4.5mm needles A pair of 5mm needles 5mm crochet hook Stitch holders 6 buttons TENSION 18 sts and 24 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 5mm needles ABBREVIATIONS P2togtbl Purl next 2 stitches together through back loops For a full list see page 87 in Simply Knitting magazine WHERE TO BUY FIND YOUR SIZE 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. CHECKED CARDIGAN BACK Cast on 85 (93: 99: 111: 125:137) sts using…

Prize £190! There’s nothing quite like a fantastic yarn giveaway to lift the spirits, especially when you can use it to knit all the winter warming patterns in this booklet! With this exclusive giveaway you can indulge in 47 squishy balls of yarn including Bernat Pipsqueak, Bernat Softee Chunky, Caron Simply Soft and Caron Simply Soft Tweeds, if you’re lucky enough to be our winner, that is! Even if you don’t win, head over to our selection of great Bernat and Caron retailers (below) to check out their wonderful yarns and patterns. www.makerssuperstore.com www.ohsewcrafty.co.uk www.readicut.co.uk www.therange.co.uk www.woolwarehouse.co.uk WHAT YOU WIN! Bernat Pipsqueak Vanilla (59008) Bernat Softee Chunky White (28005) Dark Taupe (28013) Clay (28041) True Grey (28044) Great Heather (28046) Emerald (28200) Peony Pink (28417) Berry Red (28705) Glowing Gold…

GREAT GIFT idea! IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED Bernat Softee Chunky (100% acrylic, 100g/99m) 2ballsofBerryRed (28705) 1ballofClay(28041) A set of 6.5mm double-pointed needles (DPNS) A set of 8mm double-pointed needles (DPNS) Cable needle Stitch marker TENSION 11 sts and 14 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 8mm needles MEASUREMENTS To fit an average adult’s head ABBREVIATIONS Cr5B Slip next 3 stitches onto cable needle and leave at back of work, K2, then (P1, K2) from cable needle T3B Slip next stitch onto cable needle and leave at back of work, K2, then P4from cable needle T3F Slip next 2 stitches onto cable needle and leave at front of work. Pl, then K2 from cable needle For a full list see page 87 in Simply Knitting magazine WHERE…