Innehållsförteckning för 128 från The Knitter

We love the start of autumn, when we can plan all the cosy knits we want to cast on! To provide inspiration for your seasonal knitting, we have projects in colour and cables, including an elegantly textured sweater, a chic colourwork jumper, and a feminine fitted cardigan. In this issue, we also celebrate Rowan’s 40th birthday, and welcome the arrival of Finnish yarn brand Novita to the UK. HAPPY KNITTING! from The Knitter team Seasonal styles Layering pieces for your autumn wardrobe…

NATURE KNITS Sasha Kagan is famous for her intarsia patterns inspired by plants and flowers, and she will be sharing a lifetime of design experience in a special two-day workshop. ‘Design From Nature for Handknitting’ will be held on 26-27 October, amid the beautiful surroundings of the Sculpture by the Lakes park in Dorset. Workshop participants will take a tour of the park to take inspiration from nature, and will then learn how to graph out their designs and use intarsia to produce knitted fabrics and alternative colourways. The two-day course costs £200, which includes a choice of yarns to knit with, from 4ply to DK in wool, silk, alpaca and blends. It also includes lunch, and tea and coffee. For details, call 07720 637808, or email info@sculpturebythelakes.co.uk Irish beauty…

Events and workshops to inspire your knitting 1 September Newbury Southern Wool Show www.southernwoolshow.co.uk 07741 452295 1 September Alnmouth Northumberland Alnmouth Wool Festival www.sheeptales.org 8 September Bath Fearless Cables & Chart Reading with Carol Feller www.ayarnstory.co.uk 01225 429239 8-9 September Perth Perth Festival of Yarn www.perthfestivalofyarn.uk 9 September Bath Seamless Skills & Techniques with Carol Feller www.ayarnstory.co.uk 01225 429239 13 September Bovey Tracey Knit a Brioche Cowl www.spinayarndevon.co.uk 01626 836203 14 September Warrington Mindful Knitting www.blacksheepwools.com 01925 764231 15 September Solihull Knitting Colourwork The Easy Way www.stitchsolihull.com 0121 314 6888 15 September Ipswich Finishing Techniques www.jennywrensyarns.co.uk 01473 805208 15 September Cleethorpes Christmas Knit & Crochet Workshop www.agoodyarn.co.uk 01472 508707 20 September London Learn to Knit Toe-Up Socks www.wildandwoollyshop.co.uk 020 8985 5231 22 September London Shake Your Shawl Shapes! knitwithattitude.com 020…

THE ALL-OVER cable fabric on this boy’s jumper has a timeless, handsome look. It has been designed by Martin Storey for boys aged from three to 12 years; the sweater features raglan sleeves and a shawl collar which is finished with a single button. The sample has been knitted in Rowan’s Softyak DK yarn, a blend of cotton, yak and nylon which is machine-washable at 30°C. It comes in a choice of 20 neutral, pastel and warm shades. SIZE YARN NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 pair 3.25mm (UK 10/US 3) knitting needles 3.25mm (UK 10/US 3) circular needles, at least 40cm long 1 pair 4mm (UK 8/US 6) knitting needles Cable needle (cn) Stitch holder 1 button TENSION 34 sts and 33 rows to 10cm over cable pattern on 4mm needles…

TO CREATE this feminine jumper, the stranded colourwork panels for the front and back are worked first, which are then joined at the shoulders. Next, stitches are picked up along the edges of the panels, and the sides of the jumper are knitted in stocking stitch with garter stitch ridges. The neckline is finished with a few rows in garter stitch. Nadya Stalling’s design calls for Rowan’s aran-weight Hemp Tweed, which has a firm handle yet feels smooth and soft. It comes in 17 warm, tweedy colours. SIZE YARN NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 pair 4.5mm (UK 7/US 7) knitting needles 4.5mm (UK 7/US 7) circular needles, 150cm long Stitch markers Waste yarn or stitch holders TENSION 18 sts and 24 rows to 10cm over st st using 4.5mm needles. 19…

LAST MONTH, we brought you the patterns for a stylish knitted floor cushion and pillow. Now you can complete the Brooke’s Mill set, with this smart slip stitch design. Its mosaic-effect fabric is worked in two shades of Rowan’s beautifully smooth, matt Summerlite 4ply cotton yarn. SIZE 40cm (16in) square YARN Rowan Summerlite 4ply (4ply weight; 100% cotton; 175m/191yds per 50g ball) A Still Grey (422); 3 x 50g balls B Touch of Gold (439); 1 x 50g ball NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 pair 3mm (UK 11/US 2-3) knitting needles Cushion pad, 40cm (16in) square TENSION 30 sts and 47 rows to 10cm over pattern using 3mm needles. 28 sts and 36 rows to 10cm over st st using 3mm needles. YARN STOCKISTS Rowan 01484 950630 www.knitrowan.com For general abbreviations,…

THE NAME of Kim Hargreaves is inextricably linked with Rowan Yarns. She was fundamental in helping to establish Rowan’s design style in her role as in-house knitwear designer, working with its varied yarns to create attractive, modern patterns. Today, Kim is a successful independent designer, regularly publishing her own pattern collections, but she has fond memories of her time with the Yorkshire yarn company, and looks back at her early career as Rowan celebrates its 40th anniversary. How did you start out as a knitwear and crochet designer? “After pestering one of Rowan’s founders, Stephen Sheard, he saw my potential and gave me a chance - for which I’ve been ever grateful.” When did you first come across the Rowan brand and what did you think of it? “My mum…

Helen Ardley Helen is a prolific designer; formerly part of the Rowan and Patons design team, she now creates patterns for a wide range of knitting and crochet magazines. Helen has a talent for designing bags and homewares, and for this issue she has created a beautiful baby blanket, on page 30. Jennie Atkinson Jennie has a worldwide fanbase, thanks to her feminine designs which have appeared in Vogue Knitting, The Knitter and Rowan’s magazines. This month, she has designed a vintage-style ribbed cardigan with flared cuffs. You can find her pattern on page 24. Pat Strong Pat learnt her knitting skills from her grandmother, and loves to pass on her knowledge to others through her patterns, which she creates for magazines including Simply Knitting and Simply Crochet. Her latest…

MADDER MEDLEY Carrie Bostick Hoge Carrie Bostick Hoge is known for her pared-back modern style, and her new e-book contains nine projects with a broad appeal. There are elegant sweaters with colourwork yokes, swingy pullovers, and a neat top-down cardigan with pockets, along with a cowl, a wrap and a beautifully textured blanket. The ‘Islands’ seamless cardigan is particularly lovely, with its striking lace panel on the back. $26.40, http://bit.ly/maddermedley EASY LACE KNITS by Anniken Allis Anniken Allis has been designing intricate lace patterns for The Knitter for many years, and in her newest book she aims to help novice lace knitters to gain the skills and confidence they need to create beautiful shawls and lacy garments. Along with tutorials on lace knitting techniques, and on reading lace charts, there…

THIS V-NECKED cardigan by Jennie Atkinson has a flattering yet comfortable fit. It’s worked in 1x1 ribbing throughout, which gives a stretchy fabric, while waist shaping gives a semi-fitted look. The cropped sleeves are finished with flared, leaf-like cuffs incorporating diamonds of moss stitch. Jennie’s design is knitted in The Fibre Co.’s Cumbria Fingering yarn, a blend of merino, Masham wool and mohair that has a wonderful softness and handle. SIZE YARN NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 pair 2.75mm (UK 12/US 2) knitting needles 1 pair 3mm (UK 11/US 2 ½) knitting needles One 3.75mm (UK 9/US 5) knitting needle Stitch holders or waste yarn Six removable markers 6 x 15mm buttons TENSION 38 sts and 38 rows to 10cm over rib pattern on 3mm needles YARN STOCKISTS The Fibre Co.…

Knitted Ganseys, Revised and Updated is published by Interweave Press on 31 August, priced £22.99. To order a copy, call 01206 255777 KNITTING GANSEYS by Beth Brown-Reinsel (£22.99) IT HAS been 25 years since Beth Brown-Reinsel published her influential book on gansey knitting, and this revised edition has been fully updated with new patterns and more information on gansey traditions. It’s a must-have book for anyone interested in knitting gansey sweaters, and particularly for people who’d like to design their own. More than 100 pages are dedicated to deconstructing the traditional gansey, in a series of chapters examining each specific design element. These include chapters on special cast-ons, ribbing and welts, underarm gussets, shoulder straps, sleeves, necklines and neckbands, and much more. There is also a comprehensive section on stitch…

THIS CARDIGAN by Mari Kangas and Sisko Sälpäkivi is typical of modern Nordic design, which draws on the region’s textile heritage while using contemporary shapes and patterning. The long, relaxed garment has a simple shape, with handy lined pockets. Its fabric combines slip stitch colourwork with an array of textures, including moss stitch and visible floats on the right side of the work. It’s knitted in two yarns from Finnish brand Novita: a pure wool and a soft wool-cotton blend. SIZE NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 pair 6mm (UK 4/US 10) knitting needles 1 pair 7mm (UK 2/US 10½-11) knitting needles 3 buttons Stitch holders TENSION 16 sts and 26 rows to 10cm over textured pattern on 6mm needles, with two strands held together YARN KEY CHART BLOCKING DIAGRAM YARN STOCKISTS…

JACKO’S CRAFTY CORNER Jacko’s Crafty Corner is home to high quality hand-dyed yarn. My online family run business started up from my complete obsession and love for yarn. I wanted beautiful variegated yarn to be easily accessible for those in the UK who usually must shop abroad for such colourful beauties. Enter Code BOBY10 to receive 10% off your next purchase. Valid until September 30th 2018 12pm BST. jackoscraftycorner.com 07949 161 547 STRANDED DYEWORKS Based on the Sussex coast, Stranded Dyeworks specialises in creating exquisitely hand dyed yarn across a whole spectrum of colours, from subtle semi solids to vibrant variegates. Our aim is to create yarn we’re passionate about, so you can create projects that you’re passionate about. strandeddyeworks.co.uk 07584 486 658 EWE & PLY Ewe & Ply is…

BACK IN 2014, Christine Biedermann was busy working in London and knitting in her spare time. Since then, she has been on an incredibly exciting journey - not only does she now have her own yarn brand, but she also runs a yarn store in Munich - while still continuing with her job in London. “I like to be busy, but these days my feet hardly touch the ground!” Christine says. It all began when Christine was chatting with a close friend, who, along with her father, kept Bavarian Merino sheep on their organic farm in Munich. “My friend mentioned that they didn’t receive much money for their fleeces - I thought that was such a shame,” says Christine. “My friend knew that I was a knitter, and asked me…

THESE SHORT socks are topped with lacy cuffs worked in a contrast colour. They start with a folded picot edge, which is easy to work and produces tiny scallops along the top edge. A lace section is then knitted, followed by a garter stitch ridge in the main colour. The rest of the sock is then worked in stocking stitch. The design is knitted in DROPS Flora, a soft and bouncy blend of wool and alpaca that comes in a wide choice of solid and heathered shades. SIZE YARN NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES Set of 2.5mm (UK 13-12/US 1-2) double-pointed needles (DPNs), or circular needles, 60cm long, for Magic Loop method Stitch markers Locking stitch marker TENSION 26 sts and 34 rows to 10cm over st st on 2.5mm needles YARN…

PAT STRONG’S jumper design is an ideal transitional piece between summer and autumn. It has a soft and lightweight fabric, thanks to the use of Baa Ram Ewe’s Titus 4ply, a blend of British breed wools and alpaca. Pat has used a stripe pattern on her design in two delicate shades of Titus, separated by rounds of brighter teal. The raglan jumper has cropped sleeves, and is finished with a pretty cabled neckline which is knitted on to the live stitches around the top of the yoke. SIZE YARN NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 3mm (UK 11/US 2-3) circular needles, 80cm long Set of 3mm (UK 11/US 2-3) double-pointed needles (DPNs) 3.5mm (UK 10-9/US 4) circular needles, 80cm long Set of 3.5mm (UK 10-9/US 4) double-pointed needles (DPNs) Cable needle (cn) Stitch…

Q I’ve seen a reference to the sewn cast-off method. How is it worked, and what is it used for? A The sewn cast-off was developed by Elizabeth Zimmermann, and she created it to complement the look of a long-tail cast-on. She described it as “casting-on casting-off”, and considered it a useful stretchy method for stocking stitch and garter stitch. To work the sewn cast-off, break your yarn, leaving a tail at least three times as long as your desired cast-off edge. Thread the tail onto a tapestry needle.…

SIZE 63cm x 84cm (25in x 33in) YARN Sirdar No.1 (DK weight; 50% nylon, 50% acrylic; 230m/251yds per 100g balls) Watermelon (218); 4 x 100g balls NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 4mm (UK 8/US 6) knitting needles 3.5mm (UK 9/US E/4) crochet hook TENSION 21 sts and 30 rows to 10cm over pattern on 4mm needles YARN STOCKISTS Sirdar 01924 371 501 www.sirdar.co.uk Pattern uses UK crochet abbreviations. For general abbreviations, see p81 EVERY BABY needs its own special blanket, and this design by Helen Ardley is pretty yet practical. It has an all-over lace pattern which has a traditional look, a scalloped crochet edging along two sides, and is finished with a tassel on each corner. It’s knitted in an easy-care yarn from Sirdar, called No. 1, which comes in a…

HELEN METCALFE’S jumper has a classic, round-necked shape with set-in sleeves. It feels special thanks to the use of a luxurious yarn and a smart stitch pattern. This features knot stitch motifs on columns of twisted stitches, worked on a background of reverse stocking stitch. The Plump yarn from Mrs Moon is aptly named - it’s a soft and squidgy mix of merino and baby alpaca, and feels wonderful next to the skin. It comes in 19 tempting colours. SIZE YARN NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 pair 3.75mm (UK 9/US 5) knitting needles 1 pair 4mm (UK 8/US 6) knitting needles 3.75mm (UK 9/US 5) circular needles, 40cm long 2 stitch holders TENSION 25 sts and 30 rows to 10cm over chart patt using 4mm needles YARN STOCKISTS Mrs Moon www.mrsmoon.co.uk…

NOVITA IS a huge name in Finland and the Nordic countries, but it is little known in Britain. That’s about to change, as the Finnish yarn brand is to begin selling its yarn ranges through John Lewis. British knitters will be able to explore Novita’s ‘New Nordic’ style - a philosophy which pays homage to Finnish culture and heritage, while offering a modern aesthetic. Eleven of the company’s most popular yarns will be available to buy at John Lewis department stores and also through its online shop from the beginning of September. Classic yarns Novita runs the largest yarn spinnery in the Nordic region, and ten million balls of yarn pass through its mill each year. “All of our wool comes from the northern hemisphere,” says Erika Appelström, Novita’s brand…

“COCOON YOURSELF in this oversized cardigan; the ideal throw-on so you can take your coffee break al fresco,” says designer Kephren Pritchett. “It has a splendid large cable detail worked all the way down the back, and a rolled rib neckline to keep you warm.” Her cardigan is knitted in Woolfolk Får, a gorgeous yarn using Patagonian merino that’s spun and dyed in Peru. SIZE YARN Note: since the sample cardigan was knitted, this shade has been discontinued, although a wide choice of other neutral beige and light brown colours is still available in the Woolfolk Får range. NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 5mm (UK 6/US 8) circular needles, 80cm long Set of 4.5mm (UK 7/US 7) double-pointed needles (DPNs) Stitch markers Cable needle (cn) Stitch holder TENSION 18 sts and 28…

A PROVISIONAL CAST-ON is usually worked initially to start knitting in one direction with live cast-on stitches, so that you can come back to these later and work the opposite way. They can also be helpful if you’re not sure what sort of edging you want to use until later, or if you want the edging to be worked in a particular direction that doesn’t work with the rest of the pattern, or if you are unsure of the length. I’ve used a provisional cast-on before when I wasn’t quite sure if I’d have enough yarn to complete a sweater. Casting on provisionally meant I could work the body and then come back to the rib edging later, working it until I ran out of yarn. Note that when you…

Abbreviations alt alternate approx approximately beg beginning ch chain 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 (see M1L) M1pw make 1 st purlwise: with LH 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…