Innehållsförteckning för Issue 105 från The Knitter

9 December Bovey Tracey Christmas/Easter Baubles www.spinayarndevon.co.uk 01626 836203 11 December Edinburgh Learn to Knit Socks – Christmas Mini Socks www.gingertwiststudios.com 07599 479445 11 December Cambridge Purl Alpaca Workshop www.purlalpacadesigns.com 01223 328739 17 December Leeds How to Knit Socks www.baaramewe.co.uk 0113 278 1788 8 January Dorking Learn to Spin www.gilliangladrag.co.uk 01306 898144 8 & 22 January Skipton Sock Workshop www.purlandjane.co.uk 01756 228247 14 January Cambridge Two at a Time Magic Loop Socks www.sheepshopcambridge.co.uk 01223 311268 15 January Edinburgh Double Knitting – an introduction www.gingertwiststudios.com 07599 479445 20 January Nottingham Top Down Knitted Raglan www.knitnottingham.co.uk 0115 947 4239 21 January Bridport Continental Style Knitting Techniques www.bridportyarn.co.uk 01308 455669 21 January Warrington Therapeutic Knitting Workshop with Betsan Corkhill www.blacksheepwools.com 01925 764231 22 January Cleethorpes Sewing Up Clinic www.agoodyarn.co.uk 01472 508707 28 January…

THESE FAIR Isle placemats and coasters by Helen Ardley feature a smart colourwork pattern of diamonds. They are presented here in a range of colourways - you could make an entire set in matching colours, or mix it up for a more informal look. The mats and coasters are knitted flat, and edged with garter stitch. Helen has used Cascade Yarns 220 Fingering, which comes in a huge palette of colours, but any 4ply pure wool would work well here. SIZE Mats: 36cm x 24cm (14in x 9½in) Coasters: 12cm x 12cm (4¾in x 4¾in) YARN Cascade Yarns 220 Fingering (4ply weight; 100% wool; 250m/273yds per 50g skein) A Navy (8393); 1 x 50g skein B Sapphire (9332); 1 x 50g skein C Highland Green (9430); 1 x 50g skein…

Changing my style Thank you very much for your masterclass on Continental knitting in issue 100 - it has changed my life! I have been interested in learning this style of knitting for a long time, but just never had the time or chance. I read the article through and realised that changing my knitting method would be a good thing for me as I had a sore, aching first finger knuckle, which was stopping me knitting so much. I am an obsessive and speedy knitter and love to whizz through projects like there’s no tomorrow! I settled down, as the article suggested, with the radio on and no other distractions and had a go. I picked a triangular middle of a shawl in plain garter stitch. Progress was slow…

SIZE Circumference: 150cm (59in) Width: 35cm (13¾in) YARN Jamieson’s of Shetland Spindrift (4ply weight; 100% wool; 105m/115yds per 25g ball) A Charcoal (126); 7 x 25g balls B Natural White (104); 3 x 25g balls NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 pair 3mm (UK 11/US 2-3) knitting needles Waste yarn for provisional cast-on TENSION 30 sts and 32 rows to 10cm over patt on 3mm needles YARN STOCKISTS Jamieson’s of Shetland 01595 693114 www.jamiesonsofshetland.co.uk For general abbreviations, see p95 “THIS IS a brilliantly huge, warm scarf that can be worn in a multitude of ways,” says Orkney-based designer Hilary Grant. The project is worked flat and the ends are grafted together to form a long cowl. The smart charcoal and white colourwork pattern is knitted using Jamieson’s of Shetland classic Spindrift 4ply…

ELEGANT AND graceful, this design by Jennifer Wood is knitted from the top down, with short-row shoulder shaping, so you can easily adjust the length of the body and the sleeves. The lines of the top are emphasised with the beautiful cabled sections. “I used a lot of markers in this pattern to make the instructions clearer,” says Jennifer. “You certainly do not have to use them all, but I recommend at least using a different colour marker for the beginning of the round.” NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 set 3.5mm (UK 10-9/US 4) circular needles, 60cm long 1 set 3.5mm (UK 10-9/US 4) double-pointed needles (DPNs) Stitch markers, one in a unique colour for beg of rnd Cable needle (cn) Stitch holders or waste yarn Locking stitch markers Tapestry needle…

DENIM JACKETS never go out of style, and knitters will enjoy this woolly reworking of a classic garment! Our version has been designed by Siân Brown, using a denim shade of Debbie Bliss’s Luxury Tweed Aran yarn to create a luxuriously soft fabric. The collar, yoke, button bands and hems are worked in moss stitch; a band of tassels around the top of the bustline gives a Wild West feel, but these can be omitted. NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 pair 4mm (UK 8/ US 6) knitting needles 1 pair 5mm (UK 6/ US 8) knitting needles Stitch holder 7 x 1.5cm buttons TENSION 18 sts and 24 rows to 10cm over st st on 5mm needles YARN STOCKISTS Debbie Bliss c/o Designer Yarns 01535 664222 www.designeryarns.uk.com BACK Using 4mm needles,…

BACK IN 2005, I co-curated an exhibition which featured the work of an ‘outsider’ artist. This was my introduction to the work of Marie-Rose Lortet, who was aged sixty at the time; now, in her seventies, she is still working, and her art is having something of a moment in the spotlight. The term outsider artist means outside the usual educational trajectory of school and art college that artists take, I’m told - although artists using textiles have often not travelled any kind of normal route. Looking at art from sources other than the main ‘art world’ allowed exhibition curators to look in a different way at folk art, such as carving and quilting - work that would never normally be considered as ‘real art’. Marie-Rose has always knitted, learning…

Abbreviations alt alternate approx approximately beg beginning cn cable needle cont continue dc double crochet (US single crochet) dec decrease (work two stitches together) DK double knitting DPN double-pointed needle dtr double treble (US treble crochet) est established foll following inc increase K knit KFB knit into front and back of stitch K2tog knit the next two stitches together kwise knitwise meas measures M1 make one (inc 1 stitch) M1pw make 1 st purlwise: with RH needle lift the strand between next and last st from front to back and purl through the back loop M1L left leaning increase: with left needle tip, lift strand between needles from front to back. Knit lifted loop through back of loop M1R right leaning increase: with left needle tip, lift strand between needles…

EMMA VINING Emma honed her knitwear design skills through the City & Guilds programme, and loves to combine different techniques in her patterns. Much of her inspiration comes from the V&A Museum in London. This month, she brings us a jumper with twisted stitch details at the neck and wrists that look like knitted jewellery. Find it on page 8. CAROL MELDRUM Inspired by Scottish themes and textile traditions, former Rowan designer Carol is known for her fashionable and playful knitting patterns, and for her range of popular books including Knitlympics and Knitted Icons. Her fabulous Fair Isle dress on page 52 pairs bright colourwork with a black fabric, and has a youthful yet wearable feel. PENELOPE HEMINGWAY Writer, historian and designer Penny loves to explore the history of knitting,…

The best online knitting videos NEW YORK CRAFT Brooklyn Knitfolk’s podcast shares her latest yarn and knitting discoveries http://bit.ly/brknit KITCHEN COLOUR Discover how to dye yarn using different types of tea with ChemKnits http://bit.ly/dyetea1 LEARN WITH LUCY Lucy Neatby explains how to work a bi-coloured cast-on for double knitting http://bit.ly/lucybicco LEARN WITH LUCY Lucy Neatby explains how to work a bi-coloured cast-on for double knitting http://bit.ly/lucybicco…

SARAH HATTON loves to bring a modern twist to classic knits, and her smart cabled jumper for women has a fresh, modern look. Its cropped shape is paired with a ribbed rollneck collar and unusual cable patterning. It’s knitted in Rowan’s Pure Wool Superwash Worsted, which comes in an amazing choice of 62 shades, so you can find your perfect colour! It’s easy to care for and good value, too. NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 pair 4mm (UK 8/US 6) knitting needles 1 pair 4.5mm (UK 7/ US 7) knitting needles Stitch holders Stitch markers Cable needle (cn) TENSION 23 sts and 26 rows to 10cm over patt on 4.5mm needles YARN STOCKISTS Rowan 01484 950630 www.knitrowan.com SPECIAL ABBREVIATIONS Cr4R: Slip next 3 sts onto cn and hold at back, K1,…

THE FIRST knitting pattern in print was Natura Exenterata, or ‘Nature unbowelled by the most exquisite anatomizers of her’ - a sort of guide to running households, published in 1655. The pattern it contained was for a pair of stockings, and the pattern itself a three-page-long single sentence of the ‘order how to knit a hose’. It is not a knitting pattern in the sense we’d recognise - it assumes a lot of knowledge, and mainly concerns itself with the clock (purl pattern knitted at the ankles) and how to turn a heel. It is not consistent in its language - using a number of different words for ‘purl’ - and, as with many later patterns, the toe shaping is barely described at all. And then, in terms of written…

LIKE A tiny cabled jumper for your teapot, this quick-knit project is full of rustic charm. It’s worked flat, with a pattern of braided cables and bobbles. The top ribbed opening is cinched shut using a plaited cord, threaded through a row of eyelets below the ribbing. The cosy is knitted using Stylecraft’s Alpaca Tweed DK, which comes in 13 vintage-inspired hues. STITCH PATTERNS BRAIDED CABLE Row 1: Tw3F, Tw3B, Tw3F. Row 2: P2, K2, P4, K1. Row 3: P1, C4B, P2, K2. Row 4: As row 2. Row 5: Tw3B, Tw3F, Tw3B. Row 6: K1, P4, K2, P2. Row 7: K2, P2, C4F, P1. Row 8: As row 6. BOBBLE CABLE Row 1: P2, Tw5F, P2. Row 2: K2, P2, K1, P2, K2. Row 3: P1, Tw3B, P1, Tw3F,…

THE BEAUTIFUL landscapes of the Hebrides have proved a fertile source of inspiration for Scottish designer Alice Starmore. Her yarns and knitting patterns capture the colours and textures of these rugged islands, and in her recent presentation to the Loch Ness Knitting Festival, entitled ‘Hebridean Landscapes’, she explained how her life on the Western Isles has shaped her creative vision. Alice’s presentation was illustrated with stunning photographs, taken by her daughter Jade Starmore; Jade and Alice have kindly allowed us to reprint the photos here, along with images from their recent ‘Tràigh Mhòr’ photoshoot. Alice was born on the Isle of Lewis in the Hebrides; her parents were crofter fishermen, on a small farm. During the Second World War, her father joined the Navy, while her mother was a nurse.…

WITH ITS turtleneck collar, graphic colourwork sleeves, ‘kangaroo’ pocket and easygoing fit, this sweater should please boys who appreciate comfort and understated style. The high ribbed neck is finished with a zipped opening for a modern look, while the sleeves are worked in four smart colours. The design is knitted in Bergère de France’s Barisienne, a soft and rounded acrylic yarn that’s machine-washable and comes in loads of appealing shades. NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 pair 3mm (UK 11/US 2-3) knitting needles 1 pair 3.5mm (UK 10-9/US 4) knitting needles Non-separating zip, 18cm (7in) long Stitch holders TENSION 22 sts and 30 rows to 10cm over st st on 3.5mm needles. 23 sts and 24 rows to 10cm over Fair Isle patt on 3.5mm needles. YARN STOCKISTS Bergère de France www.bergeredefrance.co.uk…

WORKING A pair of socks in mirrored colours for the legs, cuffs, heels and toes produces a fun effect! Jane Burns has used two delicate shades of Coop Knits Socks Yeah! yarn, although you could use a single colour for the entire pair, or work matching two-colour socks - in which case, you would need an extra skein of yarn. Pretty lace adds texture on the front and back of the socks. YARN Coop Knits Socks Yeah! (4ply weight; 75% superwash merino, 25% nylon; 212m/231yds per 50g skein) A Kunzite (106); 1 x 50g skein B Chryso (108); 1 x 50g skein NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 set 2.25mm (UK 13/US 1) double-pointed needles (DPNs), or circular needles, 60-80cm long, for Magic Loop method 1 set 2.5mm (UK 13-12/US 1-2) double-pointed…

FAYE PERRIAM-REED has a challenging job on The Knitter, spending her days painstakingly checking every pattern to ensure it is easy to follow and is free from errors. She has also been designing patterns for a number of years, and loves to explore new techniques in her work. When did you learn to knit? “I’ve actually learnt twice! The first time was when I was about five, and I made a few small items for my Barbie doll before giving up. The second time was aged 21; I was at a house party, where a friend pulled out her bag of knitting. I thought it looked really cool, so asked her to teach me the basics. I went off and tried it for myself, using Golden Hands books for reference.”…

“MY DESIGN was influenced by the beautiful Rococo style of the Wallace Collection in London,” says Emma Vining. “It has a twisted stitch design around the neckline inspired by a semi-precious stone necklace, while the sleeves feature ‘bracelets’ at the wrist. The main body of the sweater is knitted in stocking stitch, which gradually changes to reverse stocking stitch with the twisted stitch necklace. An even tension is maintained by increasing for each cluster as it begins.” NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 pair 3.25mm (UK 10/US 3) knitting needles 1 pair 4mm (UK 8/US 6) knitting needles 3 stitch holders and 4 stitch markers TENSION 22 sts and 28 rows to 10cm over Chart B pattern using 4mm needles. 21 sts and 28 rows to 10cm over st st using 4mm…

After completion of some serious secret knitting to deadline recently, I’ve fallen behind with my baby knitting! Many of my friends seem to be welcoming new additions into the world recently, and I always prefer to give them something handmade. Next on my list to make is ‘Anders’ by Sorren Kerr, which I’ve had my eye on for some time now; I’m really looking forward to making something small and fun. This sweet pullover is a unisex design worked seamlessly, and has a lovely, wintry colourwork pattern. It’s sized to fit little ones aged from three months to two years. I’ll be working this one in two shades of Drops Lima for a boy in the smallest size, so its recipient should sport a stylish winter! Something gives me the…

A SEMI-CIRCLE is an attractive shape for a shawl, and this pretty design by Anniken Allis is easy to wear and will add warmth and style to your outfit. She has knitted her shawl using a variegated merino wool yarn from German independent dyer Walk Collection; because skeins are handdyed in small batches, each colourway is available in limited numbers. SIZE Wingspan: 150cm (59in) Depth: 60cm (23½in) YARN Walk Collection Delicate Merino (Heavy laceweight; 100% superfine merino wool; 600m/656yds per 100g skein) Strawberry Cheesecake; 1 x 100g skein NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 set 4mm (UK 8/US 6) circular needles, 80cm long TENSION 20 sts and 23 rows to 10cm over Chart A on 4mm needles YARN STOCKISTS Walk Collection www.walkcollection.com SPECIAL ABBREVIATIONS Russian Cast-Off: K2, slip both sts back to…

“THE CROSS-OVER INSET COLLAR WILL KEEP OUT THE WINTER CHILLS” THIS SWEATER by Pat Menchini has a handsome trellis and cable pattern. “The design incorporates two straightforward aran cables which are easy to work, and all cables are worked on the right side of work,” says Pat. Her design features a cross-over inset collar, to keep necks warm during wintry weather. The sweater has been knitted in King Cole’s Venice Chunky yarn, which includes wool and alpaca and comes in five variegated colourways. NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 pair 5mm (UK 6/ US 8) knitting needles 1 pair 6mm (UK 4/ US 10) knitting needles Cable needle (cn) Short length of waste yarn or locking stitch marker TENSION 14 sts and 20 rows to 10cm over st st on 6mm needles…

CAROL MELDRUM’S colourwork dress is her vibrant take on Fair Isle traditions. She has paired a black fabric for the top and sleeves, with Fair Isle worked in bright pink, blue, green and yellow. The top sections for the back and front are worked first, then stitches are picked up at the waist for the skirt sections, which are worked in a larger needle size. A band of garter stitch around the waist highlights the garment’s shaping. NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 pair 4mm (UK 8/US 6) knitting needles 1 pair 4.5mm (UK 7/US 7) knitting needles 1 pair 5mm (UK 6/US 8) knitting needles Tapestry needle Stitch holders or waste yarn TENSION 20 sts and 25 rows to 10cm over st st on 4.5mm needles. 21 sts and 24 rows…

About our expert Jen Arnall-Culliford is a technical knitting editor and knitwear designer with an encyclopaedic knowledge of knitting techniques LAST MONTH, our Masterclass looked at casting on in two-colour brioche stitch, and working the fabric. Here, we finish off our exploration of brioche by showing you how to cast off in two colours. CASTING OFF To create an edge that exactly matches the two-colour Italian cast-on edge featured last issue, work a Kitchener Stitch Cast-Off (also known as the Italian Cast-Off). First, thread a length of yarn four times the width of the piece of knitting to be casted off onto a tapestry needle. With RS facing (and before working either of the RS rows), work as follows: 1 Pass the tapestry needle purlwise through the first stitch and…

THIS COWL by Louisa Harding has a Fair Isle fabric that’s created by pairing a solid colour with a variegated yarn - so you can get striking results with a lot less effort! The two yarns used are Louisa’s Trenzar, a wool-alpaca blend, and Amitola Grande, a luxurious mix of wool and silk which comes in 23 self-striping colourways. The cowl is knitted in the round, following either the written or charted instructions. COWL Using 6mm circular needles and yarn A, cast on 180 sts. Pm and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist sts. Round 1: (K3A, P3B) to end. Work a further 5 rounds in two-colour rib. Starting at Chart row 1, work 42 rounds in Fair Isle pattern or work from written instructions…

WALES Love Me Yarns stores.ebay.co.uk/Love-Me-Yarns namilsom@icloud.com 07540 566574 Love Me Yarns is a treasure cove of delightful knits, stockist of Bergere de France, Conway & Bliss, Designer Yarns, Knit Pro, Katia, King Cole and many more. Daily classes for either Crochet or Knit/Natter 10-12pm. All abilities welcome £4pp refreshments provided. SOUTH WEST The Wool Merchant www.thewoolmerchant.co.uk 01884 243569 Specialising in high quality, natural fibre knitting & crochet Yarns. Open Tues-Fri 10am-4.00pm and Sat 10am-3pm. 3 Fore Street, Tiverton. And Dart Studio Yarns at The Cider Press Centre Dartington. Tel: 01803 866499 ONLINE Gorgeous Yarns www.gorgeousyarns.co.uk 01326 564211 07895116432 A range of exclusive hand dyed natural yarns to knit and crochet with. Plus quality accessories, needles, crochet hooks and project bags. Now stocking Purely Gorgeous, a very special new yarn, exclusive…

Betsy BY DEBBIE BLISS THIS CREWNECK, raglan jumper by Debbie Bliss is simply gorgeous - the perfect go-to piece for your winter wardrobe! Debbie has such a talent for knitted textures, and her latest design features a gorgeous pattern of cables, braids and moss stitch. The garment is knitted in Debbie’s own Cashmerino Aran Tonals yarn, which is a delicious blend of wool, cashmere and acrylic that comes in eight dusky, semi-solid shades. BACK AND FRONT (both alike) Using 4mm needles, cast on 108 (120:132:144) sts. Rib row: (K1, P1) to end. Rep this row 19 times more. Change to 5mm needles. Now work in patt as follows: Row 1 (RS): K1, (P1, K1) 9 (12:15:18) times, P2, K4, P2, K9, P2, K4, P2, K6, C4B, C4F, K6, P2, K4,…