Innehållsförteckning för Issue 82 från The Knitter

As the winter makes way for spring here in the UK, we want to welcome the sunshine with fresh, feminine knits. LINDA PARKHOUSE’s vintage-style top on our front cover is soft, draping and flattering, while AMANDA JONES’s asymmetric jumper has a beautiful lace pattern. Bring some colour to your wardrobe with SIÂN BROWN’s intarsia sweater, or the stunning Tuscan-inspired Fair Isle jumper by KAFFE FASSETT. We know, however, that we still have plenty of chilly days ahead of us, even if the daffodils have started appearing, so our pattern collection includes some cosy layers. NICKI MERRALL’s gansey for men brings a modern aesthetic to a traditional garment (and, in our opinion, looks just as attractive on women!). AMANDA JONES’s second pattern for us is a richly textured tunic, while ANGHARAD…

SWEET STYLE Spring is in the air at Cheshire yarn company Rooster, as it unveils its new range of knitting designs. Folklore is a beautiful collection of patterns for women, aimed at enthusiastic knitters and incorporating a range of techniques from intarsia and intricate Fair Isle to cables and yoked constructions. Also new is Delightful Lace, a refreshingly modern collection by The Knitter favourite Jennie Atkinson. The patterns are designed to be versatile, worn on their own or layered with other designs in the collection, and are available to buy individually. Village Living blends vintage style with modern design, and has patterns for women and children. Meanwhile, Rooster has begun distributing the gorgeous yarns of Manos del Uruguay in the UK, along with Addi knitting needles. www.roosteryarns.com 01829 740903 Soft…

Comforting, cosy knits to wrap around ourselves once we step through our front door: that’s the theme of this new book from US yarn company Quince & Co. Each of the 18 designs here by Pam Allen will make the wearer feel cocooned in soft, gentle layers. The collection includes eight relaxed cardigans, sweaters and shrugs, plus a range of slippers and socks, a shawl and a throw, and textured cushions and baskets. ‘Tillie’ is a neat shrug with a pattern of twisted stitches, while ‘Maggie’ is a loose, ‘boyfriend’-style cardigan with cabled details. The brioche-stitch ‘Stella’ cardigan is just the thing for slipping over pyjamas, and can be worn in two ways for different looks. The simple vest tops and draping T-shirt sweaters all look elegant yet comfortable; the…

Always a go-to designer for feminine shapes and attractive stitch patterns, Debbie Bliss has created another stunning design collection with her latest book, Delphi. It showcases her new Delphi yarn, which is a tape-style ombre cotton yarn and comes in 12 sorbet shades. It’s particularly suited to textured knits and produces fabric with a soft, colour-wash effect. Among the designs are a mesh top with a dramatic sloping hemline and bold central cable panel; a cropped drop-stitch top; a neat jumper with an intricate lace pattern; and a textured, striped sweater. As well as her pattern books, Debbie is now offering single pattern leaflets, and there is an inspiring range to choose from. Our favourites include the Bobble & Wave tank top (design DB018), the lacy Sideways Knitted Sweater (DB007),…

THIS TRADITIONAL Fair Isle tank top for boys is colourful without being fussy, and hard-wearing yet comfortable. It’s knitted in Snældan 2-ply, which is a 4ply-weight heritage yarn that blends Faroese wool with soft Falkland Islands merino. It comes in an inspirational range of both undyed and saturated shades. This design by Lisbet Clements is worked in the round, incorporating steeks for the armholes which are then cut open and reinforced. SIZE YARN NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 set 3.5mm (UK 10-9/US 4) circular needles, 40cm long 2 sets 4mm (UK 8/US 6) circular needles, 40cm and 60cm long 2.5mm (UK 12/US C/2) crochet hook for the steeks Removable stitch markers TENSION 27 sts and 29 rows to 10cm over chart on 4mm needles SPECIAL ABBREVIATIONS s2kpo: Slip 2 sts together…

COLOURS OF faded brick and aged stone harmonise beautifully on this Fair Isle and striped sweater, designed by Kaffe Fassett. The effect brings to mind the ancient streets of Tuscany, and the all-over patterning produces a stunning fabric. Kaffe has used Rowan Pure Linen, a lightweight yarn with a soft sheen and relaxed drape, blended with the cotton-linen Creative Linen. The classic shape of the garment allows the colourwork to take centre stage. SIZE NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 pair 3.75mm (UK 9/US 5) knitting needles 1 pair 4.5mm (UK 7/US 7) knitting needles TENSION 17 sts and 28 rows to 10cm over patterned st st on 4.5mm needles YARN STOCKISTS Rowan 01484 681881 www.knitrowan.com For general abbreviations, see p95 YARN BLOCKING DIAGRAM CHART PATTERN NOTE The chart repeat is an…

NAMED AFTER a character in Bulgarian folklore, this feminine scoop-necked jumper features both intarsia and Fair Isle. The bold intarsia motifs really stand out against the cream fabric, while bands of colourful, floral Fair Isle encircle the lower hem and cuffs. The garment has been designed for the British spinner Rooster Yarns, using its delicious Almerino DK. This blend of baby alpaca and merino provides excellent stitch definition and a wonderfully soft fabric. SIZE NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 set 3.75mm (UK 9/US 5) circular needles 1 pair 4mm (UK 8/US 6) knitting needles Stitch holder TENSION 25 sts and 32 rows to 10cm over pattern on 4mm needles YARN STOCKISTS Rooster 01829 740903 www.roosteryarns.com YARN For general abbreviations, see p95 BLOCKING DIAGRAM PATTERN NOTES Note: During shaping do not start…

“THIS LONG tunic is knitted in a highly textured stitch to create a cosy layer,” says designer Amanda Jones. “It would be ideal to wear over a shirt on chilly days, with the extra length keeping your back nice and warm.” The garment is knitted in the round up to the armholes. The cable edging on the armholes is incorporated into the knitting. Amanda has used Blacker Yarns’ Elegance DK, which is a soft mix of merino and alpaca and provides good stitch definition. SIZE YARN NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 set 4mm (UK 8/US 6) circular needles, 60cm long 1 set 4.5mm (UK 7/US 7) circular needles, 60cm long Cable needle (cn) Stitch markers Stitch holders TENSION 26 sts and 27 rows to 10cm worked over Body Chart on 4.5mm…

YARN SUPPLIERS Artesano 0118 950 3350 www.artesanoyarns.co.uk Bergère de France www.bergeredefrance.co.uk Blacker Yarns 01566 777635 www.blackeryarns.co.uk Debbie Bliss/Louisa Harding c/o Designer Yarns 01535 664222 www.designeryarns.uk.com King Cole 01756 703670 www.kingcole.co.uk Rooster Yarns 01829 740903 www.roosteryarns.com Rowan 01484 681881 www.knitrowan.com Snældan c/o The Island Wool Company 0845 200 1162 www.islandwool.co.uk BOOK PUBLISHERS Interweave Press c/o F+W Media 01626 323200 www.fwcommunity.com/uk OTHERS Bedecked 01833 621 451 www.bedecked.co.uk Pattern updates ISSUE 78 Albertine There were a few errors in Chart D for this pattern. The corrected written Chart is as follows: Row 1 (RS): Sl 1, K3, K2tog, K5, yo, K2tog, yo, PB, yo, SSK, yo, K5, (s2kpo, K5, yo, K2tog, yo, PB, yo, SSK, yo, K5) to last 6 sts, SSK, K4. Row 2 (WS and all following WS rows): Sl 1,…

NICKI MERRALL Nicki has been designing hand-knit accessories for a number of years, but she only started publishing her patterns relatively recently, after completing an MA in Fashion and Textiles. She describes her latest design for The Knitter as “an urban gansey”, and we love her mix of traditional and modern style. Find her pattern on page 66. ANGHARAD THOMAS Designer, researcher and teacher Angharad is a textile archivist at the Knitting & Crochet Guild, and shares her explorations into the history of hand-knitted gloves through her blog, www.knittinggloves. wordpress.com. She brings us a beautiful pattern for two-colour gloves, along with an article on their history, on page 56. LINDA PARKHOUSE Having been a hand-knit designer for more than 30 years, Linda is still thrilled and inspired by all the…

NEW WAYS WITH TEXTURE Stunning stitch patterns and interesting garment shapes appear throughout Rowan’s range of pattern collections for the new season. The latest edition of its Knitting & Crochet Magazine, number 57, contains a range of romantic, retro knits from the likes of Martin Storey, Vibe Ulrik and Amy Herzog, textured designs in faded shades (including ‘Arezzo’, on page 51 of this issue), and modern essentials in shades of denim blue. Rowan introduces its new spring-summer yarns through a range of smaller pattern books, including Cotton Lustre. Sarah Hatton has created 13 neat jumpers and cardigans to showcase this chunky cotton-modal blend. Tetra Cotton has 12 relaxed garments for men and women by Lisa Richardson, using this variegated, chain-tape cotton yarn. Martin Storey brings his skills with lace and…

To celebrate the 10th anniversary year of Wonderwool Wales, we’re giving away a pair of tickets to one lucky reader! To enter, simply fill in your details online at http://competition.immediate.co.uk/TKwonderwool by 30 March. Held over the weekend of April 25 and 26 at the Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells, Wonderwool Wales bursts at the seams with quality exhibitors selling fleeces, yarns, spinning and weaving equipment, knitting and crochet products, buttons, buckles and shawl pins, patterns and more. Special exhibitions, demonstrations and have-a-go sessions on many of the exhibitor stands add to the popular programme of Woolschools workshops. Tickets cost £9. www.wonderwoolwales.co.uk 01938 820495 WIN! Show tickets Bags of style Give (or receive!) a personalised knitting tote bag for Mother’s Day www.andreafays.co.uk Keep your wood and bamboo needles in tip-top condition…

THE FRESHNESS of spring is captured in this light, floaty shawl by Anniken Allis. It’s a top-down, triangular shawl with a diamond lace pattern, worked in a lilac shade with an edging in a soft citrus colour. The cast-off is worked in the main shade, to contrast with the edging. Anniken has used Debbie Bliss’s ever-popular Rialto Lace merino yarn, which comes in a wide choice of colours. She includes advice here on making a larger version of the shawl. SIZE Wingspan: 150cm (60in) Depth: 80cm (31½in) YARN Debbie Bliss Rialto Lace (Lace weight; 100% wool; 390m/427yds per 50g ball) A Iris (30); 1 x 50g ball B Acid Yellow (35); 1 x 50g ball NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 set 3.5mm (UK 10-9/US 4) circular needles, 80cm long TENSION 15…

We asked... Have you knitted the same pattern more than once? I’m thinking about casting on a second ‘Birch’ shawl... “The good thing about it is that you get a chance to improve on the last time you did the pattern!” WildKnitter @WildKnitter “If you get a good result from a pattern, it’s satisfying to do again.” Elizabeth Raymond @lizknits99 “I’ve planned my fifth ‘Nuvem’ shawl by Martina Behm. Some patterns are worth knitting several times.” Michi @Lilamixa “I think it depends on whether you knit something else in between. Two identical projects one after another can get boring.” Tracey Smith @catnapped3 “I do it all the time with socks and gloves. Why should a shawl be any different? Enjoy it, and if you don’t just stop.” Roz Todd @rozaroonie…

About our expert Clare Devine is a technical editor, knitting teacher and designer with a passion for sock knitting, and is the author of the e-book Sock Anatomy (http://bit.ly/sockanatomy) THE WORLD of knitting is full of choices; this is what makes it such a spectacular space to inhabit. Sock knitting is no exception, but the myriad of options when it comes to getting the best fit can sometimes feel a little overwhelming. It needn’t be, though: with a few simple guidelines you can navigate the world of toe increases and decreases to find the perfect toe for you. In many sock patterns the toe is a trapezoid shape, achieved with four decreases or increases on alternate rounds depending on the direction you are knitting in. Take a quick look at…

A DELICATE cable design decorates these toe-up socks by Marina Orry. The ‘beanstalk’ pattern runs centrally up the socks, which are knitted with a standard heel flap. Marina has used the luxurious, handpainted Rowan Fine Art sock yarn, which knits up into a subtly variegated fabric. If you’re interested in achieving the perfect fit for your sock toes, see our masterclass on page 40. SIZE To fit foot circumference 19 cm (22:25)cm [7½ (8½:9¾)in] Foot and leg length are adjustable within the pattern. YARN Rowan Fine Art (4ply weight; 45% wool, 25% polyamide, 20% mohair, 10% silk; 400m/437yds per 100g skein) Serin (301); 1 x 100g skein NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 set 2.5mm (UK 13-12/US 1-2) DPNs or long circular needles for Magic Loop Cable needle Tapestry needle Stitch marker…

THIS DESIGN for little girls includes panels of chunky ‘XO’ cables and a thick fabric of corn stitch to create a warm and cosy garment. It has an unusual fold-over collar that is tucked through a crochet loop to close. It’s knitted in Bergère de France’s Berlaine yarn, which is a combed wool that’s smooth and machine-washable, and available in a choice of 15 warm colours. SIZE YARN NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 pair 3.5mm (UK 10-9/US 4) knitting needles 3mm (UK 11/US C/2-D/3) crochet hook Cable needle (cn) 6 x 18mm buttons TENSION 24 sts and 28 rows to 10cm over corn st on 3.5mm needles. 25 st cable pattern measures 6cm. YARN STOCKISTS Bergère de France www.bergeredefrance.co.uk SPECIAL ABBREVIATIONS Skyo2: Slip 1 pwise, K1, yo, pass slip st over…

THIS CROPPED long-sleeve cardigan by Martin Storey is feminine yet practical – partner it with a dress or shirt for a touch of warmth on spring days. The simple round neckline has a single button fastening, and the lovely lace stitch pattern is used all over the garment. It is knitted using Rowan’s brand-new yarn, Summerlite 4ply. This 100% cotton 4ply knits up into a smooth, matt fabric, and comes in a choice of 16 soft pastel colours and warm aubergine and navy. SIZE YARN NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 pair 2.25mm (UK 13/US 1) knitting needles 1 pair 3mm (UK 11/US 2/3) knitting needles Cable needle 1 x 15mm button (sample uses RW5021 from Bedecked) TENSION 28 sts and 36 rows to 10cm over patt using 3mm needles YARN STOCKISTS…

SIZE YARN NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 pair 3.5mm (UK 10-9/US 4) knitting needles 1 pair 3.25mm (UK 10/US 3) knitting needles 1 pair 3mm (UK 11/US 2-3) knitting needles 1 pair 2.75mm (UK 12/US 2) knitting needles 1 pair 2.25mm (UK 13/US 1) knitting needles 1 pair 2mm (UK 14/US 0) knitting needles Stitch holder TENSION 28 sts and 33 rows to 10cm over patt using 3.5mm needles YARN STOCKISTS King Cole 01756 703670 www.kingcole.co.uk SPECIAL ABBREVIATIONS s2kpo: Slip 2 sts together pwise, K1, pass 2 slipped sts over. For general abbreviations, see p95 BLOCKING DIAGRAM IF YOU like the vintage look, you’ll enjoy creating this 1920s-inspired top by Linda Parkhouse. Its classic chevron stitch pattern is given a fresh feel with a design of graduated stripes in blue, white…

KNOW YOUR KNOTS! Clara Parkes shows us the Fisherman’s Knot, which you’ll find so useful http://bit.ly/claraknot SPEEDY STITCHES Marvel at the technique of Hazel Tindall, one of world’s fastest knitters http://bit.ly/hazeltknits GLIMPSES OF THE PAST The Pathé archives have fascinating footage of knitters from years gone by http://bit.ly/pathepoland STYLE FILE Curious about what’s in the new Rowan magazine? Take a look here www.youtube.com/user/RowanYarns…

Q I’ve decided my finished cardigan would look better with an i-cord edging. Can I add one retrospectively? A Yes, it is possible to add an i-cord to a finished piece of knitting. You’ll need to pick up stitches along the edge of the piece you’ll be attaching the i-cord to. It’s vital that you pick them up as close to the edge as possible - if you pick up a whole stitch, the edge stitch will show through the i-cord (1). Next, cast on the number of stitches required, depending on how thick you want your i-cord edging to be. Pull your yarn tightly behind the i-cord stitches and knit across the i-cord stitches. * Pull your yarn tightly behind the i-cord stitches and knit across all but one…

Knitted nuptials For my wedding, I decided I would knit all the flowers and centrepieces. I started after Christmas 2013, and spent several months furiously knitting away before the wedding in October. I am a relatively new knitter - I only learnt in 2012. The project included two bouquets for myself and my sister, made of poppies sewn into a polystyrene ball, two bouquets of knitted campanulas for the bridesmaids, 12 carnation buttonholes for the men of the wedding party, two flower balls for the hallway (poppies), six flower balls for the hallway (anemones - this was a mission!), six hanging bouquets of campanula for the hallway, 40 arrangements of table flowers including campanula, tulips, roses and hollyhocks, and 14 table runners (each one took eight hours). My wedding colours…

WORKED FROM the top down, this elegant cardigan from Bergère de France incorporates a variety of rib patterns to showcase the loveliness of the Pure Douceur yarn. It’s an aran-weight blend of superkid mohair, polyamide and wool which is light yet warm, and comes in a range of pastel shades plus a rich purple, red, blue and moss green. The simple, slouchy beanie with a rolled edge is knitted in the same yarn. SIZE CARDIGAN: YARN CARDIGAN: HAT: Bergère de France Pure Douceur (Aran weight; 58% superkid mohair, 37% polyamide, 5% wool; 250m/273yds per 50g ball) Pigeon (29481); 1 x 50g ball NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES CARDIGAN: 1 set 4mm (UK 8/US 6) circular needles, 80cm long 1 set 4.5mm (UK 7/US 7) circular needles, 80cm long 2 metal fasteners (sample…

A SLANTING hemline creates an interesting silhouette on this pretty jumper by Amanda Jones. An intricate, shell-like lace pattern is used across the yoke, and is repeated around the hem and cuffs. The use of a variegated yarn also makes a big impact; Amanda has worked her jumper in the new Linen Silk DK yarn from Artesano, which blends wool, silk and linen and creates a lovely draping fabric. SIZE NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 pair 4.5mm (UK 7/US 7) knitting needles 1 pair 4mm (UK 8/US 6) knitting needles 1 set 3.5mm (UK 10-9/US 4) circular needles, 60cm long Stitch holders Stitch markers TENSION 20 sts and 28 rows to 10cm over st st on 4mm needles. 20 sts and 24 rows to 10cm over patt on 4mm needles. YARN…

“THIS DESIGN is inspired by the traditional two-colour gloves that are knitted in Sanquhar in Scotland and in Yorkshire, but with a modern twist,” says Angharad Thomas. “In March we are looking forward to spring but often still need gloves, so this design is dotted with small flowers. They can also be knitted as mittens by casting off before the fingers are started.” SIZE Circumference around hand: 19cm (7_in) Length from wrist to middle finger: 26_cm (10_in) Finger length is adjustable within pattern YARN Rowan Fine Tweed (4ply weight; 100% wool; 90m/98yds per 25g ball) 2 x 25g balls of each: A Bell Busk (376) B Richmond (381) NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 set of 3.25mm (UK 10/US 3) double-pointed needles (DPNs), or circular needles, 60cm long, for Magic Loop method…

“I LOVE the symbolism of patterns in traditional ganseys. What symbols would be used for an urban gansey?” says Nicki Merrall. “The stitches in ‘London Town’ are inspired by The Gherkin building, brickwork, manhole covers, and the rivers whose meanders have been fixed by urban planning.” The garment is knitted in one piece in the round, from a deep wide rib up to the underarm gussets. At this point the front and back yokes are knitted separately in rows. Shoulder saddles are joined to the front and back shoulders as they are knitted. Finally the sleeves stitches are picked up from the armholes and the sleeves are knitted top-down in the round. SIZE YARN NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 set 4mm (UK 8/US 6) circular needles, 80cm long 1 set 3.5mm…

THINK OF a knitter and you may envisage someone with a pen, marking off rows they’ve knitted on a printed pattern and circling the instructions for the size they’re making. Or do you see a knitter using their computer, choosing and downloading a pattern book, then following the instructions on their electronic device? A quick, unscientific straw poll amongst friends revealed that ebooks are great for convenience or for printing individual patterns to make notes on, but nothing beats the look and feel of a hard copy. Meghan Fernandes, editor of Pom Pom Quarterly, sums it up: “Knitters are tactile people; we love the feel of yarn and fibre… and that same mentality crosses over into our love of beautiful paper”. Freedom to publish Large wool and design companies, such…

To advertise in The Knitter Boutique please contact Robyn Mcbryde on 0117 300 8204 SCOTLAND Wool for Ewe www.woolforewe.com info@woolforewe.com 01224 643 738 Get set for Spring, new season collections now in stock! There’s yarns for every budget and patterns for every style at Scotlands best independent yarn store. 83-85 Rosemount Place, Aberdeen, AB25 2YE SOUTH CENTRAL Oxford Yarn Store www.oxfordyarnstore.co.uk info@oxfordyarnstore.co.uk 01865 604112 Exquisite yarns and notions for all tastes. Rowan, Debbie Bliss, Noro, Cascade, Manos, Artesano, Colinette, Louisa Harding, Jamieson, Araucania, Jarol, Lanas Stop, Isager, Mirasol, John Arbon. 3 North Parade Ave, Oxford OX2 6LX ISLE OF WIGHT Taj Crafts www.tajcrafts.co.uk tajcrafts@outlook.com 01983 868123 Be inspired, visit us to view our range of yarns to suit all pockets including Drops, Noro, Stylecraft and Devon Sun Yarns. There is…