JUNE 2016
CONTENTS
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14 43
53
60
24
36
ER COV JECT PRO
17
Who cares?
...WE DO! At Let’s Knit we understand that nothing is more annoying than errors in knitting patterns. As part of our total commitment to ensuring that your experience of our magazine is as enjoyable as possible, we’re proud to offer
l Should you encounter any problems we are more than happy to provide support and assistance. Contact us and we will endeavour to respond as soon as possible. By email: support@letsknit.co.uk By post: at the address on page 95(please mark your envelope ‘Support’) (Please note we cannot offer assistance with patterns not published in Let’s Knit)
14 STYLISH SUMMER TOP Lynne Rowe’s easy wardrobe essential is our cover garment 17 COOL COTTON VEST Learn a new stitch pattern with Kelly Menzies’ textured top 20 CABLED SWEATER A simple cotton jumper which is perfect for beginner garment knitters
THE LET’S KNIT PATTERN PROMISE:
l Exclusive patterns featured in Let’s Knit have been professionally checked and reproduced with the utmost care. Updates can be found at www.letsknit.co.uk
PATTERNS
86 63
53 TIME FOR TEA Choose from two summer-ready tea cosy patterns by Siân Brown 56 FLATTERING GILET Pat Menchini’s cotton garment is great for layering 60 LITTLE BIRDS PART SIX Make the final instalment of our pastel baby blanket knitalong 62 BRILLIANT BLOOMS Make easy little flowers to embellish and adorn by Lynne Rowe
24 IN BLOOM Make pretty flowers with a super easy pattern for your home
68 FREE SPIRIT TUNIC Knit a timeless summer top for layering by Susie Johns
27 SUMMER OF SOCKS Find three fab patterns to continue our Summer of Socks
73 THE GREAT OUTDOORS Get ready for summer with a fun and colourful picnic set
36 JUNIOR EXPLORER A fun childrens garment designed by Jenny Watson
77 TIGER LILY PART TWO Make a cute animal suit for your doll by Val Pierce
43 PURPLE MOOR Knit a textured cosy for your tablet in British wool
80 CHLOE & CLARA Crochet super cute dolls with colourful dresses by Diana Bensted
47 LITTLE SOLDIER Julie Ferguson’s simple baby blanket is wonderfully British
86 CLASSIC BABY VEST Learn to make Lynne Rowe’s cute baby vest with a step-by-step guide
04 www.letsknit.co.uk
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This month’s
FREE
GIFTS! 36 77
25
4 FREE BRITISH WOOL DOWNLOADS! SEE PAGE 45
40
summer of
SOCKS
27
SHOPPING
PEOPLE
39 RED, WHITE AND BLUE We look at yarns of every variety in patriotic colours
98 LAST WORD We chat with Cilla Webb, designer and author of Knitted Fairy Tales
33 SUPER BRIGHT Explore eight of our favourite colourful neon yarns
63 STYLE SPOTLIGHT We find the best British buys for you this season 89 WHAT’S IN STORE Get the hot gossip from our favourite shops around the UK
FOCUS
12 LOOK WHAT’S NEW FOR YOU Catch up with the latest news and gossip from the knitting universe
40 10 REASONS WHY WE LOVE BRITISH WOOL Celebrate homegrown fibres and look at why it’s so amazing
73
50 STOP AND SHARE Catch up with the LK community
KNIT JERRY OR HIS GARDEN BUDDDIES WITH YOUR FREE YARN KIT AND PATTERN BOOKLET! JUST FOR YOU! GREAT OFFERS: l
ALF PRICE YARN KIT H see page 9 FREE GIFT When you subscribe today. Find out more on page 90!
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IN EVERY ISSUE..
62
3 Welcome 9 This Month’s Free Gift 10 June Is The Month 49 Coming Next Month 50 Tea Break 76 Bookshelf 81 Can We Help? 85 Giveaways 90 Subscriptions 92 Practical Guides 94 Step By Step
10
65 THE KNIT LIFE We listen to what knitting means to our readers
05 Back issues from Jan 2011 onwards are available on the Let’s Knit app! www.letsknit.co.uk
SIMPLE LACE PATTERN
Chill out in our
EXCLUSIVE TO
COOL COTTON VEST I
Skirt, £39, Monsoon; Necklace, £12.50, Diva at Topshop; Bracelet, £15, Mood by Jon Richard
t’s always fun to learn new stitch patterns and we love this lacy design. The way the increases and decreases are positioned for the eyelets gives a wonderful raised texture to the fabric. The neutral shade means it will go with all sorts of summer skirts and trousers. Why not pair it with a contrasting colour to wear underneath?
meet our DESIGNER “Ideal for the summer months ahead, this straightforward pattern is super simple and a pleasure to knit. Perfect with jeans, shorts or a skirt, it’s a must have for any wardrobe.” KELLY MENZIES
17 www.letsknit.co.uk
THREE SOCK PATTERNS TO TRY!
STEPPING OUT
summer of
SOCKS
EXCLUSIVE TO
Our Summer of Socks continues with three more marvellous patterns!
S
ocks are brilliant; not just for their portability, which means you can pop them in your bag for a spot of al fresco knitting, but because for such small projects there is so much scope for creativity! You can introduce colour, lace or textured effects and we’ve got three patterns that show off a great range of techniques, including beading, slip stitch colourwork and toe-up construction. Go on, take your pick!
27 www.letsknit.co.uk
Summer of socks 2.indd 2
29/04/2016 15:01
BRITISH SPECIAL
KNIT THIS IN BRITISH WOOL!
37 www.letsknit.co.uk
Junior explorer.indd 2
29/04/2016 14:55
BRITISH SPECIAL EXCLUSIVE TO
Purple Moor K
Lucinda Ganderton’s tablet cover is a quick and easy weekend make
nitted simplicity can be just as striking as intricate colourwork or lace patterns. This case alternates easy knit and purl stitches to form a basketweave effect and uses them in a different sequence to make a ribbed cuff and moss stitch edging. There’s a bit of shaping on the flap, but you could always keep this section straight if you prefer, then work two smaller button loops to keep the cover fastened.
meet our DESIGNER “The combination of basketweave stitch and 100% wool yarn gives you a chunky fabric that will cushion your tablet. Don’t block the finished piece as you would for a garment or you will flatten out the texture” LUCINDA GANDERTON
43 www.letsknit.co.uk
Purple moor.indd 2
29/04/2016 15:18
Little Soldier
BRITISH SPECIAL
EXCLUSIVE TO
C
lassic soldier motifs give this patriotic project timeless appeal – and it’s suitable for beginners! You only need to know how to knit and purl, because the soldiers can be sewn on afterwards using a technique called Swiss darning. Take a look at our Knitwise panel for how to do this.
KNIT A CLASSIC!
Julie Ferguson’s beautiful blanket will be treasured for years to come
meet our DESIGNER “This blanket can be made in two ways - either using the intarsia method to knit the soldier motifs as you go or using Swiss embroidery where the motifs are embroidered onto the knitted blanket afterwards.” JULIE FERGUSON
47 www.letsknit.co.uk
PRETTY HOMEWARES EXCLUSIVE TO
Time for Tea Choose from two summer-ready patterns by Siân Brown
W
e at Let’s Knit like to celebrate all things British and there’s nothing more British than a good old cup of tea so why not make your next brew the pride of the nation by crafting a stylish cosy. The insulating qualities of the superbly soft alpaca and merino blend yarn will keep your tea warmer for longer so it’s a practical project too. The two designs feature simple but distinctly different stitches, one using rib and moss stitch to create a tweed pattern and the other using garter stitch and honeycomb. Why not make both?
JUST ONE BALL OF EACH COLOUR!
meet our DESIGNER “A teacosy is a great way to introduce a bit of colour to your kitchen - I have one for every season!” SIÂN BROWN
53 www.letsknit.co.uk
10, 12, 14), rep from * once, work Row 1 of Panel, k3 (4, 5, 6, 7) £ Row 2: p3 (4, 5, 6, 7), * work Row 2 of Panel, p6 (8, 10, 12, 14), rep from * once, work Row 2 of Panel, p5 (6, 7, 8, 9) £ Rows 3-18: rep Rows 1-2 eight times working Rows 3-18 of Panel £ Next row: k2, * k2tog, k18 (20, 22, 24, 26), skpo, rep from * once, k2tog, k20 (22, 24, 26, 28). 63 (69, 75, 81, 87) sts £ *** Beg with a p row cont in st st without shaping until work meas 26cm from beg ending after a k row £ Next row: p5 (1, 4, 7, 4), * p2tog, p2 (3, 3, 3, 4), rep from * to last 6 (3, 6, 9, 5) sts, p2tog, p to end. 49 (55, 61, 67, 73) sts Change to 3.25mm needles £ Row 1 (RS): k2, [p1, k1] to last st, k1 £ Row 2: k1, [p1, k1] to end These two rows set 1x1 rib £ Rep Rows 1-2 five times more *** Change to 4mm needles £ Row 1 (RS): k2, [p2, k1] to last five sts, p2, k3 £ Row 2: p3, [k2, p1] to last four sts, k2, p2 These two rows set rib £ Rep Rows 1-2 for 5cm, ending after a Row 2
EXCLUSIVE TO
Shape front slope Next row (dec row): k1, skpo, rib to end £ Next row: rib to last two sts, p2 £ Cont to dec at front edge by rep dec row on every foll RS row until 42 (50, 55, 64, 70) sts rem, then on every foll fourth row until 31 (36, 40, 45, 50) sts rem £ Cont without shaping until front meas 61 (64, 66, 69, 72) cm from beg, ending at side edge
Shape shoulder Cast off 6 (7, 8, 9, 10) sts at beg of next row and three foll alt rows. 7 (8, 8, 9, 10) sts £ Work one row £ Cast off
LEFT FRONT £ Work as Right front to **. 78 (84, 90, 96, 102) sts
Work first panel section £ Row 1 (RS): k3 (4, 5, 6, 7), * work Row 1 of Panel, k10 (12, 14, 16, 18), rep from * once, work Row 1 of Panel, k7 (8, 9, 10, 11) £ Row 2: p7 (8, 9, 10, 11), * work Row 2 of Panel, p10 (12, 14, 16, 18), rep from * once, work Row 2 of Panel, k to end £ Rows 3-18: rep Rows 1-2 eight times but working Rows 3-18 of Panel £ Next row: k22 (24, 26, 28, 30), * skpo, k2tog, k22 (24, 26, 28, 30), rep from * once, skpo, k to end. 73 (79, 85, 91, 97) sts £ Next row: p
Work second panel section
meet our DESIGNER
£ Row 1: k3 (4, 5, 6, 7), * work Row 1 of Panel, k8 (10, 12, 14, 16), rep from * once, work Row 1 of Panel, k6 (7, 8, 9, 10) £ Keeping Panel correct as placed work 17 rows £ Next row: k21 (23, 25, 27, 29), * skpo, k2tog, k20 (22, 24, 26, 28), rep from * once, skpo, k to end. 68 (74, 80, 86, 92) sts £ Next row: p
“The skirt section comprises lacy, ladder panels with shaping between them.” PAT MENCHINI
57 www.letsknit.co.uk
THE KNIT LIFE We talk to our fellow knitters to find out what their hobby means to them
W
e all know that knitting is a practical skill, as are all crafts, but many people don’t realise that it can actually be so much more than that, especially to the people who do it. Yes, knitting enables you to quickly whip up a project for something you can’t find in the shops, but it also brings feelings of satisfaction, pride, and – when it goes well – can be wonderfully calming. What is often dismissed as a mere hobby can get people through some of the toughest times and can change their outlook on life, even if it’s simply by making them smile. Read on to find out how amazing knitting can be.
“A DAY WITHOUT KNITTING HAS EITHER BEEN A PARTY OR A DISASTER” LK READER LINDA NAGLE REVEALS WHAT KNITTING MEANS TO HER “I need to have something on the needles at all times, a day without knitting is a day which has either been a party or a disaster. I take my knitting everywhere, it keeps me sane in hospital waiting rooms with partner or mother and it whiles away time on buses, trains and in doctors’ waiting rooms. At the end of the process, I have an item that was made from the heart whether it be a blanket square, doll’s clothes, a cardigan for my mother or an Aran for my 3XL other half! When we go on holiday, I get to visit new shops and find new yarns to knit with. My daughter Cathie has drawers full of cardigans I have knitted her. When she washes them to unwearable, she cuts off the buttons before she scraps them, so I have envelopes full of buttons! I’m happiest when my daughter says, ‘Mum, can you knit your grandson a sweater like the one you knitted me years ago?’ When someone admires my work, I beam from ear to ear; I can do something right!”
Linda’s grandson in one of her handknitted sweaters
65 www.letsknit.co.uk
The knit life (f).indd 3
29/04/2016 15:27
“The bodice section is worked in rows, but the skirt part is worked in the round, so make sure you adjust the stocking stitch pattern accordingly.�
EXCLUSIVE TO
LK Deputy Editor Adrienne Chandler
69 www.letsknit.co.uk
Free spirit tunic.indd 2
29/04/2016 14:44
PICNIC ESSENTIALS
The Great Outdoors EXCLUSIVE TO
Helen Ardley’s al fresco set is fun to make and perfect for summer afternoons
U
se a crisp cotton yarn to make place mats, coasters, bunting, tablecloth weights and a sunglasses case – everything you’ll need for the perfect picnic! This project is great for beginners who are eager to add lots of new stitch patterns and techniques to their knowledge bank.
73 www.letsknit.co.uk
The great outdoors.indd 2
29/04/2016 15:24
CUTE DOLL OUTFIT
Tiger Lily Part two
Y
ou might have spotted our lovely little lady, Tiger Lily, in the May issue of Let’s Knit. Well now it’s time to make her something fun to dress up in! Val has designed a cute and easy tiger-inspired jumpsuit which uses simple stripes on repeat, minimal sewing up and is the perfect skill level for beginners ready to put a few new skills into action. You can get Part One by going online at www.letsknit.co.uk/ tigerlilydollpart1. Don’t forget to share your finished dolls with us, see page 51 for contact details!
Make Val Pierce’s doll suit to play dress up
EXCLUSIVE TO
meet our DESIGNER “Why not make the tiger suit using just one colour and the hat without the face and you will have a complete new outfit for your doll.” VAL PIERCE
77 www.letsknit.co.uk
TigerLily part2.indd 2
29/04/2016 15:43
TM
TM
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FEATURE | YARN SHOP DAY
EXCLUSIVE TO
“For more fabulous crochet toy patterns, visit our sister website www.topcrochetpatterns.com” LK Deputy Editor Adrienne Chandler
81 www.letsknit.co.uk
YSD Chloe & Clara.indd 2
29/04/2016 16:20