Innehållsförteckning för Issue 85 från The Knitter

The beautiful and often dramatic British coastline is a never-ending source of inspiration for artists and designers. Our SEASPRAY COLLECTION draws on the textures, colours and skies seen around our shores to create stunning garments. Deborah Helmke’s ‘Sea Kelp’ tunic features rippling cables, while Anniken Allis has given her fitted top an exquisite lace yoke. Jo Allport goes for relaxed style with her lace-hemmed jumper, and Rita Taylor’s smocked cardigan has a vintage feel. To herald the summer, we have lots of lovely lace for you, from a sweet shell top and a lace-yoked summer sweater by SARAH HATTON, to a pretty shawl in handpainted yarn and romantic socks by BARB BROWN. Meanwhile, colourwork fans will enjoy the delicate motifs of SASHA KAGAN’s intarsia rosebud sweater, and the charming children’s…

Rowan’s Kidsilk Haze is arguably the most popular and enduring yarn produced by the Yorkshire company. Here, in Marie Wallin’s latest pattern book, the yarn’s potential to create effortlessly simple yet sophisticated garments is clearly demonstrated. The Simple Shapes Kidsilk Haze collection contains eight designs, with a focus on lightweight, oversized silhouettes for summer wear. Styles are relaxed yet feminine. ‘Foxglove’ is an ethereal T-shirt featuring delicate lace around the bottom half, while ‘Lupin’ is a babydoll-style jumper with a cabled central panel and boatneck. ‘Feverfew’ uses tiny cables for a ribbed effect, and has an unusual cutaway detail in the front hem. ‘Lilac’ is a loose jumper with a flared hem and an all-over lace pattern, and ‘Carnation’ has a wide neckline and a narrow strip of lace down…

Inspired by the British coastline, the new pattern collection from Yarn Stories has style-conscious children in mind. Designed by Sue Batley-Kyle, the Drift collection has comfortable knits with a modern twist. ‘Shingle’ (pictured right) is a versatile textured cardigan with cabled details, while ‘Sandpiper’ (below left) is a relaxed sweater with contrast colour sleeves and an unusual wrap-over neck. The lacy ‘Pebble’ cardigan for girls comes with a pattern for a matching bag, and ‘Starboard’ is a classic Aranstyle sweater with quirky star textures on the elbows. There’s also a selection of modern hats, capes, mitts and scarves. Patterns are sized to fit children aged two to 11, and cost £4 each. They all use Yarn Stories Fine Merino DK yarn. www.yarnstories.com 01484 848431 Spiky! Knit Rustle the Hedgehog and you…

A HANDPAINTED, variegated yarn is used for a dramatic effect on this lace shawl by Anni Howard. The openwork stitch pattern looks stunning in this colourway of soft pastels. The yarn used is Artesano’s Handpainted DK, a blend of alpaca and wool that produces a fabric with a lush, soft feel and a gentle halo. The knitted-on edging is worked in garter stitch and finished with a drop-stitch pattern for a textured, shell-like effect, which is emphasised during the blocking process. SIZE Approximately 195cm (76¾in) wide and 68cm (26¾in) deep YARN Artesano Hand-Painted Alpaca Blend DK (DK weight; 50% alpaca, 50% wool; 100m/109yds per 50g skein) Peacock Feather (EZ71); 6 x 50g skeins NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 pair 4.5mm (UK 7/US 7) knitting needles 1 set 4.5mm (UK 7/US 7)…

THE SEASPRAY COLLECTION Waves, wind, ocean and shoreline are captured in our collection of textured summer knits “HIGH STREET styles are all about shaped hemlines and lace this year.” says Jo Allport. “This top fits the bill nicely, and is knitted in a cool, marled cotton yarn by Louisa Harding that’s brand-new for summer. It will look equally good with shorts or something more formal. Knit the stocking stitch body upwards in the normal way, and the lacework downwards.” SIZE YARN Louisa Harding Azalea (DK weight; 100% cotton; 240m/262yds per 100g ball) NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 set 3.25mm (UK 10/US 3) circular needles, 60cm long 1 pair 4mm (UK 8/US 6) knitting needles 1 set 4mm (UK 8/US 6) circular needles, 80cm long 1 locking stitch marker 3 stitch markers…

“THE HAND-DYED GOTLAND YARN FEELS LIGHT, SOFT YET WARM” ANNIKEN ALLIS has the ability to combine beautiful lace patterns with elegant shapes to create stunning garments. Her latest design for us is this neat, fitted summer sweater. The sleeves and yoke are worked as two sideways pieces, with shaping for the neck. The two pieces are sewn together, then stitches are picked up for the body which is worked top down in the round with waist shaping. Anniken has used Sublime’s Baby Cashmere Merino Silk 4ply yarn, which creates a wonderfully draping, luxurious fabric. SIZE YARN Sublime Baby Cashmere Merino Silk 4ply (4ply weight; 75% merino, 20% silk, 5% cashmere; 170m/184yds per 50g ball) NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 pair 3.75mm (UK 9/US 5) knitting needles 1 set 3.75mm (UK 9/US…

SIZE YARN Bergère de France Coton Fifty (4ply weight; 50% cotton, 50% acrylic; 140m/153yds per 50g ball) NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 pair 2.5mm (UK 13-12/US 1-2) knitting needles 1 pair 3mm (UK 11/US 2-3) knitting needles Cable needle (cn) TENSION 26 sts and 37 rows to 10cm over st st on 3mm needles. 24 sts and 37 rows to 10cm over patt st on 3mm needles. YARN STOCKISTS Bergère de France www.bergeredefrance.co.uk CHART KEY K on RS; P on WS yo K2tog Sl1, K1, psso Sl2, K1, p2sso P2tog 1 purled dec 1 purled dble dec Repeat SPECIAL ABBREVIATIONS 1 purled dec: Slip 1 st to cn in front of work. Slip the next st from LH needle to RH needle. Slip back the st from cn to LH needle,…

SIZE YARN Bergère de France Duvetine (Chunky weight; 73% acrylic, 19% polyamide, 8% polyester; 70m/76½yds per 50g balls) NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 pair 5.5mm (UK 5/US 9) knitting needles 1 pair 6.5mm (UK 3/US 10.5) knitting needles Cable needle (cn) Removable stitch markers TENSION 12 sts and 17 rows to 10cm over st st on 6.5mm needles. 45 sts in Patt st meas 33½cm. YARN STOCKISTS Bergère de France www.bergeredefrance.co.uk SPECIAL ABBREVIATIONS C6F: Slip 3 sts onto cn at front of work, K3, K3 from cn. C7F: Slip 5 sts to cn at front of work, K2, K5 from cn. For general abbreviations, see p95 This pattern appears in Bergère de France’s Magazine 177, which is a seasonal collection of 30 patterns for men and women that blend traditional style…

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) 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 from back to front. Knit lifted loop through front of loop MB make a bobble MS main shade P purl patt pattern(s) PB place bead PFB purl…

SASHA KAGAN Much admired around the world for her colourful and elegant intarsia designs, Sasha has been creating knitwear patterns from her home in rural Wales for more than 40 years. This month, she has designed a fresh, feminine tunic which features a quilted texture and a pattern of tiny roses. You can find Sasha’s design on page 8. RITA TAYLOR Rita has been designing since she was a small child, making up clothes patterns for her teddy bear. The photographs she takes of the landscapes and architecture around her Norfolk home inspire many of her knitting and crochet designs, as does her love for vintage style. This month, she has created a timeless cardigan for us, on page 52. ANNIKEN ALLIS Originally from Norway, Anniken has lived in England…

Subtitled ‘Knits for Everyday Adventures’, this latest pattern collection from Hannah Fettig is packed with the elegantly simple knits we’ve come to expect from the Knitbot designer. It contains nine designs for chic cardigans, sweaters and a hat, which are sure to become versatile, much-loved wardrobe essentials. Intriguingly, each pattern contains two sets of instructions, for seamless and seamed versions, so you can knit the construction you prefer. The book also contains articles on gauge, fit and yarn substitution. The ‘Moto Jacket’ has a swingy, waterfallstyle neckline that can be partially buttoned with a wide collar, or buttoned up completely with a sculptural collar. ‘Rosemont’ is a comfortable, oversized cardigan with a shawl collar, while ‘Boothbay’ and ‘Hancock’ are relaxed little cardigans for everyday wear. We love the textured edgings…

Unlike those of its neighbour Estonia, the knitting traditions of Lithuania are not widely known outside of the Baltic country. Now, authors Donna Druchunas and June Hall have set out to share their passion for Lithuania’s knitting heritage with their brand-new book. Containing more than 25 patterns for mittens, gloves and socks, Lithuanian Knitting: Continuing Traditions will enable knitters to explore its vibrant colourwork. What’s more, the book offers an in-depth exploration of Lithuania’s knitting history and folk art traditions, personal stories, a look at the modern-day knitting scene, and step-by-step instructions for special techniques including Lithuanian sock heels, Baltic braids, fringe edges and more. www.lithuanianknitting.com Bead beauty Sign up to Anniken Allis’s Beads & Lace Club to create very special shawls www.yarnaddict.co.uk JUST DELIGHTFUL Rooster Yarns has released six new…

Events and workshops to inspire your knitting 6 June Leeds Leeds Wool Festival http://bit.ly/leedswool 7 June Warwickshire Introduction to Owning Alpacas www.thetoftalpacashop.co.uk 01788 810626 13 June London Steeking www.liberty.co.uk 020 7734 1234 16 June Bovey Tracey, Devon Top-down Socks using DPNs with Anniken Allis www.spinayarndevon.co.uk 01626 836203 20 June Swansea Lavish Lace www.fyberknitics.co.uk 07933 750344 20-21 June Yelverton, Devon The Big Woolly www.dartmoortweed.org/events 07957 930196 21 June Dorking, Surrey Learn To Spin www.gilliangladrag.co.uk 01306 898144 26-27 June Cumbria Woolfest www.woolfest.co.uk 016974 78707 27 June Lichfield Short Row Shaping 01543 415837 27 June Ipswich Lace Knitting with Anni Howard www.jennywrensyarns.co.uk 01473 805208 5 July Stamford Professional Finishing Techniques (Part 2) www.i-love-ewe.com 01780 762645 11 July Stirling Professional Finishing Techniques with Carol Meldrum www.mcadirect.com 0131 558 1747 11 July Leeds Knitting With…

Time on my side I recently retired from work and decided I would have more time to tackle all those patterns I had avoided with the excuse that I needed to devote too much attention to them. Surely I could now devote more time to knitting - apart from the one thousand friends to catch up with, classes to join, jobs to complete, allotment to dig, son’s wedding, delightful granddaughter to babysit, knitting group to organise… I started with a lace scarf pattern; on the finished scarf, one end is lovely, but the other end look rather random - at least it looks beautiful from a distance with the less-thanperfect end tucked in. I then tried Hannah Fettig’s ‘Birdie’ cardigan, which I had admired when it was pictured on The…

“THIS PULLOVER was inspired by the movement water creates on botanicals in the sea,” says Deborah Helmke. “This garment is worked from the bottom up in two pieces (front and back), with sleeves cast on and worked to the shoulder.” The main body is worked in a striking cable and lace pattern, while the sleeves and yoke use a contrasting mesh lace stitch. It’s knitted in a tweedy wool-cotton yarn from Sublime, called Luxurious Tweed DK. SIZE YARN Sublime Luxurious Tweed DK (DK weight; 60% wool, 40% cotton; 135m/148yds per 50g ball) NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 set 4mm (UK 8/US 6) circular needles, 80cm long or longer Cable needle (cn) TENSION 24 sts and 26 rows to 10cm over K2, P2 rib. 24 sts and 26 rows to 10cm over…

I FIRST came across Tin Can Knits at the Yarndale festival back in October 2014, and I wondered how the company could have been off my radar for so long. So many of their patterns are ‘must knits’, with sweaters, socks, hats and gloves for men, women and children, which combine practicality with a stylish twist. The photographs illustrating their books depict a rugged, Canadian charm, showing us the whole family enjoying the great outdoors while wrapped up warm in their Tin Can Knits sweaters. They are not just selling patterns, they are selling a lifestyle. Emily is the company’s advocate on this side of the Atlantic, having moved to Scotland at the age of 28. She was single, unemployed and keen to travel and work abroad. The city of…

THIS ELEGANT top by Sarah Hatton will be quick to knit, as it’s worked in an aran-weight yarn on 6mm needles - making it perfect for a last-minute holiday garment. It features a pretty lace stitch pattern around the yoke, a wide neckline, and neat cap sleeves. The pattern calls for Rowan’s brand-new yarn for spring-summer, Cotton Lustre. This blend of cotton, modal and linen has a lovely drape, and is available in 10 summery shades inspired by British wildflowers. SIZE YARN Rowan Cotton Lustre (Aran weight; 55% cotton, 35% nylon, 10% linen; 80m/87yds per 50g ball) NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 pair 5mm (UK 6/US 8) knitting needles 1 pair 6mm (UK 4/US 10) needles TENSION 17 sts and 24 rows to 10cm over st st using 6mm needles. 17…

Your essential buying guide to the best suppliers of yarn and knitting accessories. To advertise in The Knitter Boutique please contact Emma Hunter on 0117 314 7398 WEST MIDLANDS Remember When www.rememberwhenshop.co.uk info@rememberwhenshop.co.uk 01675 466418 We stock an extensive range of knitting yarns including Bergere de France, Colinette, Debbie Bliss, Rowan, Sublime, Noro, Adriafil, Wendy and Stylecraft. 80 High Street Coleshill, Birmingham B46 3AH. Postal service available. SOUTH CENTRAL Liss Wools www.lisswools.co.uk hilary@lisswools.co.uk 01730 893941 With big comfy sofas and loads of lovely knitting and crochet things, why not treat yourself to a visit? 38 Station Road, Liss Hants, GU33 7DP 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…

“THIS ULTRA feminine, easy-fit tunic features an all-over design of rosebuds and a quilted effect diamond pattern,” says Sasha Kagan. “The cuffs and welt are trimmed with a delicate lace stitch pattern, highlighted with satin ribbon and finished off with bows. Rowan’s Baby Merino Silk DK and Kidsilk Haze yarns are an ideal choice to produce a soft, luxurious fabric.” SIZE Measurements include lace edging. YARN Rowan Baby Merino Silk DK (DK weight; 66% wool, 34% silk; 135m/148yds per 50g ball) Rowan Kidsilk Haze (Laceweight; 70% mohair, 30% silk; 210m/230yds per 25g ball) NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 pair 3mm (UK 11/US 3) knitting needles 1 pair 4mm (UK 8/US 6) knitting needles 1 set 4mm (UK 8/US 6) circular needles, 40cm long 1 set 4.5mm (UK 7/US 7) double-pointed needles…

FAROES FESTIVAL Eighty knitters from nine countries unite for a unique performance http://bit.ly/faroeknit CAST OFF THE EZ WAY Step-by-step video of Elizabeth Zimmermann’s sewn cast-off method http://bit.ly/EZsewnBO STYLE SECRETS Go behind the scenes at a Brooklyn Tweed photoshoot with Jared Flood http://bit.ly/jaredshoot THE SHEARER’S ART A Foula crofter demonstrates his skill as he hand-shears his flock of sheep http://bit.ly/foulashearing…

THIS MODERN summer sweater has been created exclusively for The Knitter by Cleckheaton, using its luxurious Australian Superfine Merino yarn. It has a boxy shape, cropped sleeves, a neckband knitted in the round, and an attractive textured fabric. “The garment uses a standard construction because the seams provide stability to the soft, fine fabric, particularly across the shoulders and back neck,” says Cleckheaton’s creative director Ann Morgan. SIZE YARN Cleckheaton Australian Superfine Merino (DK weight; 100% merino wool; 130m/142yds per 65g ball) NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 pair 4mm (UK 8/US 6) knitting needles 1 pair 3.25mm (UK 10/US 3) knitting needles 1 set 3.25mm circular needles, 40-60cm long 1 stitch marker TENSION 23 sts and 33 rows to 10cm over patt on 4mm needles YARN STOCKISTS Cleckheaton www.cleckheatonsuperfine.com.au BLOCKING DIAGRAM…

BEYOND THE TRIANGULAR SHAWL THE KNITTED shawl has a rich and varied history, and exquisite examples of lace shawls can be found in the heritage of many great knitting communities. Stitch patterns and shapes are handed down through the generations, maintaining cultural heritage and often exhibiting distinctive style. Over time the knitted shawl has known many guises. On trend The popularity of the knitted shawl has not waned as time has marched on - far from it. Ravelry.com, the online knitting community and pattern database, offers a fascinating insight into the development of the shawl as a knitting concept. Scrolling through the lists of Ravelry designs serves as a good barometer of the current shawl knitting trends. While there are still many beautiful examples of shawls which echo traditional shapes…

THIS CLASSIC round-necked cardigan by Rita Taylor uses a smocked stitch pattern on the shoulders and lower back which gives it a vintage feel; the button bands are worked in moss stitch. The garment is knitted in a hand-dyed yarn from The Little Grey Sheep, which is made from pure Gotland wool and feels light, soft yet warm. SIZE YARN The Little Grey Sheep Gotland DK (DK weight; 100% wool; 230m/251yds per 100g skein) NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 pair 3.25mm (UK 10/US 3) knitting needles 1 pair 4mm (UK 8/US 6) knitting needles 6 (6:7:7:7:7:7:7) buttons TENSION 22 sts and 30 rows to 10cm or 4in over st st using 4mm needles YARN STOCKISTS The Little Grey Sheep 07771 741346 www.thelittlegreysheep.co.uk SPECIAL ABBREVIATIONS Sl 3 wyif: Slip 3 sts pwise…

WANDERLUST by Tanis Gray (Interweave Press, £15.99) Subtitled ‘Modern Knits for Bohemian Style’, this new book from Tanis Gray has a fashionable feel, and is packed with 46 patterns from a range of exciting designers. As a source of ideas for gifts and quick knits, this is a great book to own. There’s a tempting array of scarves, shawls, hats, mitts and more, for both men and women. We love the handsome textures of the ‘Flurry’ hat by Paulina Popiolek, the ‘Snoqualmine’ asymmetric wrap with vine lace by Beth Kling, and a pair of pretty cable mittens by Angela Hahn. In the garments section, interesting constructions and appealing stitch patterns abound. ‘Penelope’ is a top-down cardigan with contrasting textures by Elena Nodel, while ‘Blue Rock’ is a neatly shaped cowl-neck…

THIS FAIR Isle sleeveless sweater for babies and toddlers has a charming swimming fish motif - just perfect for a summer holiday at the seaside! The ribbed edges are worked in a contrast colour for the first two rows, which is a sweet touch. The Rooster Almerino Baby yarn is a delightfully soft blend of merino and alpaca, which knits up beautifully. It comes in a range of 15 muted shades with a vintage feel. The garment is shown here in a colourway of pinks, cream and green, but it would look just as smart on little boys by incorporating more red, green or blue into the design. SIZE YARN Rooster Almerino Baby (Baby/sport weight; 50% baby alpaca, 50% merino wool; 125m/137yds per 50g ball) Plus 1 x 50g ball…

“THE STITCH pattern used on my knee-high socks is an adaptation of one called Pea Pods,” says Barb Brown. “But when it’s knitted upside down, it always makes me think of Alice in Wonderland and the mushrooms she ate. The picot cast-on, patterned top and textured heel give a frilly, feminine touch. The panel of pattern runs up the back of the leg, with shaping on either side, giving your calves a shapely look.” Barb has knitted her socks in King Cole’s super-soft Merino Blend 4ply yarn. SIZE Foot length is adjustable and instructions for this are given in pattern. YARN King Cole Merino Blend 4ply (4ply weight; 100% superwash wool; 180m/204yds per 50g ball) Aran (46); 3 (3:4) x 50g balls NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 set 2.75mm (UK 12/US…

To fit bust sizes 32-50 inches AN UNUSUAL shape and romantic stitch pattern make this summer top by Vibe Ulrik a real head-turner. The back comprises two overlapping pieces for an open, draping effect, and is knitted in stocking stitch. The front features a beautiful lace and cable pattern, which is worked using Rowan’s Kidsilk Haze and Fine Lace yarns held together to create a fluffy and luxurious fabric. SIZE YARN Rowan Kidsilk Haze (Laceweight; 70% mohair, 30% silk; 210m/229yds per 25g ball) Rowan Fine Lace (Laceweight; 80% baby Suri alpaca, 20% merino wool; 400m/437yds per 50g ball) NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 pair 5mm (UK 6/US 8) knitting needles Cable needle (cn) TENSION 18 sts and 24 rows to 10cm over st st using 5mm needles and one strand each…