Innehållsförteckning för Issue 93 från The Knitter

FEMININE, FITTED, warm and comfortable, this cable sweater by Gemma Atkinson is a must-have winter knit. The elegant cable pattern appears on the front and sleeves, while the back of the garment is worked entirely in ribbing. The sweater is knitted in Rowan’s Lima Colour, a chainette yarn that blends baby alpaca, merino wool and nylon. Each of the eight warm shades has a subtle blend of tones to create an interesting fabric. NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 pair 5mm (UK 6/US 8) knitting needles 1 pair 5.5mm (UK 5/US 9) knitting needles Cable needle (cn) TENSION 23 sts and 24 rows to 10cm over rib using 5.5mm needles. 27 sts and 24 rows to 10cm over patt using 5.5mm needles. Sleeve cable panel (39 sts) meas 14_cm. YARN STOCKISTS Rowan…

THIS FAIR Isle sweater for men is knitted in the round from the top down, working increases along the raglans and incorporating short rows to raise the back neck for a smart fit. It features an attractive stranded colourwork pattern around the chest and upper sleeves; extra zigzags of colour add interest around the lower sleeves and body. The sweater is knitted using DROPS Karisma, a pure wool DK which is available in a large range of solid shades and subtly heathered hues. NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 set 3mm (UK 11/US 2) double-pointed needles (DPNs) 1 set 3mm (UK 11/US 2) circular needles, 40cm long 1 set 3mm (UK 11/US 2) circular needles, 80cm long 1 set 4mm (UK 8/US 6) DPNs 1 set 4mm (UK 8/US 6) circular needles,…

“THE TREND for interesting hemlines is strong this season, so I have created this lovely drape-front jumper,” says designer Jo Allport. “It’s knitted in an exquisite yarn that shows off this design well, and the cabled sleeves add even more knitting and textural interest.” Jo has chosen to use Canopy yarn from The Fibre Company. This is a soft, shiny blend of baby alpaca, merino and bamboo, that offers a lovely drape. The colour range is stunning, too, with a choice of 20 rich, deep hues. STITCH PATTERNS CABLE PATTERN – WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS (multiple of 10 sts + 6 and 24 rows) Row 1 (RS): (P1, K4) to last st, P1. Row 2 (WS and all following WS rows): K1, (P4, K1) to end. Row 3: (P1, C4B, P1, K4)…

YARN Baa Ram Ewe Titus (4ply weight; 50% Wensleydale wool, 20% Bluefaced Leicester, wool, 30% UK alpaca; 320m/350yds per 100g skein) Chevin; 2 x 100g skeins NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 set 2.75mm (UK 12/US 2) double-pointed needles (DPNs), or circular needles, 80cm long, for Magic Loop method 1 set 3.25mm (UK 10/US 3) double-pointed needles (DPNs), or circular needles, 80cm long, for Magic Loop method Cable needle Stitch markers TENSION 30 sts and 37 rows to 10cm over st st on 3.25mm needles YARN STOCKISTS Baa Ram Ewe 0113 278 1788 www.baaramewe.co.uk SPECIAL ABBREVIATIONS C4F: Slip 2 sts onto cable needle at front of work, K2, K2 from cable needle. For general abbreviations, see p95 “WHEN DESIGNING these knee-high socks, I wanted a soft cable pattern, a stretchy fabric, and…

LAYER UP in this colourful, relaxed cardigan by Claudia Wersing. The pattern uses a self-striping yarn from Noro, called Shinryoku, which is a luxurious blend of wool and silk; the glorious colour changes ensure that even garter stitch looks stunning. The garment is long and loose, with short sleeves and a decorative cable pattern. The sleeves are worked as part of the fronts and back, while the front bands are knitted on in garter stitch. CABLE PATTERN (worked over 28 sts) Row 1 (RS): P2, K2, P8, K4, P8, K2, P2. Row 2 and every foll WS row: Work all sts as they appear. Row 3: P2, K2, P8, C4B, P8, K2, P2. Row 5: P2, K2, P8, C4B, P8, K2, P2. Row 7: P2, T3F, P6, T3B, T3F, P6,…

LISA RICHARDSON Designer and pattern editor Lisa is at the heart of Rowan’s in-house design team, and has been creating inspirational patterns for the world-famous yarn company for 11 years. She plays with shapes and stitch patterns to create wearable garments with a modern feel, and her latest pattern for us is a striking argyle top, which is on page 32. ELINE OFTEDAL Norwegian designer Eline enjoys creating Scandinavian-inspired knitwear with a modern flavour. She began selling her patterns on Etsy some years ago, and this led to her being published in Vogue Knitting. Her latest design for us is a pretty neckwarmer inspired by Victorian lace doilies, which you can find on page 46. JO ALLPORT As well as designing for brands such as Noro, Lotus and Araucania, Jo…

THIS LIGHTWEIGHT mohair top by Sarah Hatton is a modern and versatile garment. It has a stripe pattern that uses just three shades of Rowan’s Kidsilk Haze; strands are worked together in different combinations to create an almost ombre effect. The jumper has a curved front hem, shaped using short rows, and sleeves featuring a textured stitch which contrasts well with the plain body of the garment. STITCH PATTERNS STRIPE SEQUENCE 16 (16:16:18:18:20:20:20:20:22) rows using 2 ends of yarn A held together. 28 (28:28:30:30:32:32:32:32:32) rows using 1 end of yarn A and 1 end of yarn B held together. 28 (28:28:30:30:32:32:32:32:32) rows using 2 ends of yarn B held together. 28 (28:28:30:30:32:32:32:32:32) rows using 1 end of yarn B and 1 end of yarn C held together. Remaining rows using…

“THE ALL-OVER INTARSIA PATTERN CREATES A STUNNING FABRIC; THE DIAMONDS ARE HIGHLIGHTED WITH EMBROIDERY” THE EVER_POPULAR argyle pattern has been captured in knitwear here by Lisa Richardson. Her long-line tank top features an all-over intarsia design which creates a stunning fabric; the colourwork is highlighted by cream diamonds, which are embroidered on using chain stitch. A striped neckband complements the argyle pattern. Lisa has knitted her top using Rowan’s cosy and luxurious Alpaca Colour yarn; the embroidery is worked in Kidsilk Haze. BACK Using 3.25mm needles and yarn C, cast on 102 (106:114:118:126:134:138:146:150:158) sts. Row 1 (RS): K2, *P2, K2, rep from * to end. Row 2: P2, *K2, P2, rep from * to end. These 2 rows form rib. Keeping rib correct, cont in rib in stripes as folls:…

SIZE YARN Sublime Cotton Silk DK (DK weight; 75% cotton; 25% silk; 125m/137yds per 50g ball) Grey Glaze (439); 2 x 50g balls NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 set 4mm (UK 8/US 6) circular needles, 40cm long 1 stitch marker TENSION 22 sts and 28 rows to 10cm over st st on 4mm needles YARN STOCKISTS Sublime 01924 369666 www.sublimeyarns.com For general abbreviations, see p95 BLOCKING DIAGRAM “I LOVE to play with yokes when I design knitwear - I like the way a neat yoke frames the face,” says Eline Oftedal. “The inspiration for this capelet was the hardworking housewives of the 19th century, who developed intricate lace patterns and knitted doilies. Today, very few people make doilies for their homes, but the intricate patterns lend themselves very well to capelets…

NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 pair 3.25mm (UK 10/US 3) knitting needles 1 pair 4mm (UK 8/US 6) knitting needles Cable needle (cn) TENSION 22 sts and 28 rows to 10cm, over reverse st st on 4mm needles. 26 sts and 30 rows to 10cm over rib when slightly stretched, on 4mm needles. One full pattern repeat (33 sts) meas 13.3cm. RICHLY PATTERNED with cables and bobbles, this merino sweater is a classic addition to any wardrobe. Modern design touches include a front that is shorter than the back. The pattern calls for Rico’s Essentials Merino DK, which comes in a huge range of neutrals and muted berry shades, and soft pastels. BACK Using 3.25mm needles and the thumb method, cast on 131 (137:143:149:157) sts. Row 1: K2, *P1, K1; rep…

TEXTILE ART was the star attraction this year at Made London. This cutting-edge craft and design show, now in its fourth year, aims to showcase the most original designers in Britain (and beyond) in a friendly, relaxed show in a Sir John Soane-designed former church near Regent’s Park. I was delighted to have been chosen to exhibit at such a prestigious show and wave the flag for handknitting. Taking an overview of the textiles on display, I was not only struck by the interconnectivity of design in knit and weave, but also by how diverse and original the pieces were, each in its own way moving forward from its traditional craft origins into a developed contemporary style. Hattie Kerrs puts her own spin on the traditional Shetland tam o’shanter design,…

SIMPLE STRIPES in bright colours decorate this jumper and matching hat, sized to fit little ones from birth up to five years. The jumper has a practical buttoned shoulder opening; the hat is topped with a little knitted ‘stalk’. The designs are worked in Rico’s super-soft Essentials Cashlana DK yarn, which comes in 13 muted shades. JUMPER BACK Using 3.5mm needles, yarn A and the thumb method, cast on 58 (62:70:74:82) sts. Row 1: *K2, P2, rep from * to last 2 sts, K2. Row 2: P2, *K2, P2, rep from * to end. The last 2 rows set 2x2 rib. Work 5 rows more in 2x2 rib. Row 8 (WS): P5 (6:3:5:2), P2tog, [P3 (5:5:5: 5), P2tog] 9 (7:9:9:11) times, P6 (5:2:4:1). 48 (54:60:64:70) sts. Change to 4mm needles.…

LIKE SO many others, our farm at Monkley Ghyll is not only a farmhouse with fields, but also a jumble of other buildings - large and small, new and old, and built from stone, concrete, metal, plastic and wood. Each serves a different purpose, from growing food and storing wool, to giving our animals warmth and shelter from all manner of weather and protecting them from predators. Our oldest buildings are several hundred years old, and these in turn are on the site of even older, if simpler, dwellings. As the name suggests, monks used to stop here on their travels to and from Furness Abbey in Cumbria, resting and taking shelter at the Lee alongside the Ghyll where it momentarily cuts through flat ground, before once again heading downwards…

Foot length is fully adjustable within the pattern. Finished sock meas 5mm (¼in) less than actual foot length, to ensure a good fit. YARN CoopKnits Socks Yeah! (4ply weight; 75% superwash merino wool, 25% nylon; 212m/231yds per 50g skein) Ammolite (102); 2 x 50g skeins NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES set 2.25mm (UK 13/US 1) double-pointed needles (DPNs), or circular needles, 80cm long, for Magic Loop method Cable needle (cn) Stitch markers Tapestry needle TENSION 36 sts and 50 rows to 10cm over st st on 2.25mm needles YARN STOCKISTS CoopKnits www.coopknits.co.uk SPECIAL ABBREVIATIONS C2B: Slip next st to cn and hold at back of work, K1, then K1 from cn. C2F: Slip next st to cn and hold at front of work, K1, then K1 from cn. For general abbreviations, see…

“INSPIRED BY modern urban architecture, this cardigan uses a wrapped stitch ladder to create bold lines, and moss stitch panels to form textured sections,” says Emma Vining. “The moss stitch button band is worked at the same time as the fronts. The centre back panel is also knitted in moss stitch. An even tension is achieved by using short-row shaping in the front and back moss stitch panels.” NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 pair 4mm (UK 8/US 6) knitting needles 1 pair 4.5mm (UK 7/US 7) needles 7 x 15mm buttons TENSION 19 sts and 24 rows to 10cm over st st on 4.5mm needles. 19 sts and 32 rows to 10cm over moss st on 4.5mm needles. YARN STOCKISTS Cascade Yarns www.cascadeyarns.com PATTERN NOTES DECREASES Work ‘beginning of the row’…

Fair Isle facts I love the ‘Alderney’ cardigan by Martin Storey in Issue 89, but I’m confused. Is this really Fair Isle design, as indicated? I’ve understood Fair Isle to be two colours in a row, as this cardigan has, but using symmetrical, geometric motifs in small, repeated patterns (very small ones called peeries). I also understood that there is never more than five stitches before a colour change. I’ve read in a few places that it’s okay to call any stranded colour knitting “Fair Isle”. Does this not dilute the richness of knitting, making true Fair Isle, Scandinavian and Peruvian, as some examples, all the same and losing the beautifully distinctive nature of each and its history? What is The Knitter’s take on this? Sylvia Lee Saskatchewan, Canada Sylvia…

IF YOU’RE looking for a quick and cosy hat to wear during the chilly weeks of the new year, this beanie by Katya Frankel can be knitted up in a flash. Worked from the brim up, it features a knit-and-purl pattern, a comfortable amount of slouch, and a gently gathered crown. It uses Fyberspates silk-merino Scrumptious Aran, which comes in 11 beautifully rich shades and neutrals. BRIM Using 4mm needles, cast on 70 (84) sts. Pm and and join for working in the rnd, taking care not to twist sts. SET UP RIB Rnd 1: *P2, K2, P1, K2; rep from * to end. Rnd 2: Knit. Rep these 2 rnds 4 more times. Remove marker, K1, replace marker. Change to 5mm needles. BODY CHART !WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS" Rnds 1, 3…

KNITWEAR DESIGNER, writer and historian Kate Davies is much loved around the world for her beautiful patterns, fascinating essays on knitting and textile history, and her always-entertaining blog. Never one to rest on her laurels, she has added another string to her bow by launching her own yarn, called Buachaille. Inspired by her love of British wool and the landscapes and culture of her Scottish home, the yarn range has attracted huge interest from Kate’s fans. We chatted with her about her new project. Why did you decide to take on the challenge of creating your own yarn? “There were a few things that prompted my decision: first, my own disappointment in the paucity of Scottish yarns (by which I mean yarns that are raised, as well as produced or…

SUPERSTAR SOCK designer Rachel Coopey is a friendly face at yarn shows, welcoming visitors to her stand and sharing her love of sock patterns. Yet it was her display of brightly coloured hats that drew the crowds at Yarndale recently. The eye-catching accessories all appear in Toasty Volume 2, her new book of nine hat, mitten and cowl projects. Rachel took time out of her busy schedule to talk to us about her love of hats and socks, her knitting inspiration and what we can expect from her latest book. “I’ve enjoyed being creative since I was very small,” Rachel says. “I love working with colours, and I love meeting and talking with other knitters. There are so many amazing, inspiring women working in this industry, and I’m so grateful…

THE GERMAN twisted cast-on is a great method to use for top-down socks, mittens and other cuffs. It is strong yet stretchy, which is important if you are looking for a snug, even cuff that isn’t too tight at the cast-on edge. It starts in a similar way to the long-tail cast-on, or the thumb method. It’s fun to do, the first row is nice and easy to knit or rib into and, because of the added twists in each stitch, the work will spring back into shape nicely after it’s been stretched out. For an even stretchier edge, try working this over two knitting needles held together in the right hand. STEP-BY-STEP 1 Take a length of yarn from the ball and fold it in half. Make a slip…

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) 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 mrk marker P purl patt pattern(s) PB place bead PFB purl…

3 SMART SOCK PATTERNS ESSENTIAL TECHNIQUES TO TRY Including cables, lace & short-row heels EVERY KNITTER needs a pattern for a plain pair of socks, and Rachel Coopey’s design will be just the ticket when you want a straightforward sock that will show off a lovely yarn. They’re knitted from the top down with an afterthought heel, so they’re a good choice for self-striping yarns. Rachel has knitted ‘mismatched’ socks for a quirky effect; if you prefer to make two matching socks, you will need two 50g skeins of the main shade. Foot length is fully adjustable within the pattern. Finished sock meas 5mm (¼in) less than actual foot length, to ensure a good fit. YARN CoopKnits Socks Yeah! (4ply weight; 75% superwash merino wool, 25% nylon; 212m/231yds per 50g…

THE BEAUTIFUL twisted stitch patterns on these socks had a delicious source of inspiration, as Rachel Coopey explains: “Laverne works in a sweet shop, filling paper bags with sherbet pips and the other old-fashioned sweeties that inspired these socks.” The patterning is mirrored across the right and left sock, which are worked top-down with a standard heel flap. Foot length is fully adjustable within the pattern. Finished sock meas 5mm (¼in) less than actual foot length, to ensure a good fit. YARN CoopKnits Socks Yeah! (4ply weight; 75% superwash merino wool, 25% nylon; 212m/231yds per 50g skein) Chryso; 2 x 50g skeins NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 set 2.25mm (UK 13/US 1) double-pointed needles (DPNs), or circular needles, 80cm long, for Magic Loop method Cable needle (cn) Stitch markers Tapestry needle…