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MAGICAL CHRISTMAS
16 TERRIFIC TOYS £6.99 | Nov 17 Issue 125
8 9 1 fest ive t ips and ideas
Quirky knitsll love t hey’
SPARKLY YARN!
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MISS! LK Nov17 Cover 125.indd 1
SOCK TACTICS
OUR EXPERT GUIDE TO TURNING A HEEL
WILD FIBRES
HOW TO GET THE BEST FROM WINTER YARNS
11 COSY ACCESSORIES
MAKE THIS FROM UNDER £17! LEARN WITH JO
STEP BY STEP FAIR ISLE COWL
13/10/2017 15:42
r
welcome to
Your NOVEMBER issue
HIGHLIGHTS E THE TEXTUR COLLECTION
Striking to look at, great to wear!
When you start to think about it, the sheer number of different textures you can create with knitted stitches is mind-boggling. Cables, bobbles, ribbing, moss stitch, garter stitch, brioche, loop stitch, plain old stocking stitch – and that’s before you consider the textures of different yarns, or start combining techniques together. No other textile craft offers this versatility, and it’s one of the reason we love knitting so much. Our garments and accessories in this issue are full of fabulous textures, from the wavy cables of our cover sweater (p13) to the travelling slip-stitches on our ponytail hat (p38). Plus, check out Georgia Farrell’s stunning geometric cushion on page 46, and win a copy of her new book featuring knits inspired by modern architecture. When it comes to Christmas we’re focusing on the fun, with pages of quirky knits starting on page 57, and top reader tips on keeping calm when working through your Christmas knit list. Let’s Knit turns ten years old this month! To celebrate we’ve unearthed some popular patterns from our archive and made them available online for one month only. See our blast from the past on page 31.
Happy knitting
Starts on Page 54
9 PAGE CHRISTMAS SECTION
BIGGEST EVER GIVEAWAY! Page 44 STEPBY-STEP FAIR ISLE Page 82
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Sarah
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All items from patterns published by Let’s Knit are for personal use only and cannot be sold. Multiple copies of any part of this publication may not be made, and no part of this publication whether in its original form or a reproduction thereof may be sold. All patterns featured within Let’s Knit are reproduced in good faith that they do not infringe any copyright.
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DISCLAIMER: We recommend that readers use the main specified yarn for every project as this will produce the best results. The alternatives given are suggestions only, and as no two yarns are exactly the same we advise readers to swatch an alternative yarn carefully before choosing to use it for their project. The publishers are not responsible for any safety issues arising from any items knitted from patterns contained within Let’s Knit magazine. Prices are all correct at time of print.
03 www.letsknit.co.uk
Welcome 125.indd 3
13/10/2017 16:49
Bumper yarn kit!
u Six festive colours u Includes special fleecy yarn u Worth £8 u Easy to use u 20 patterns to knit and crochet
KNIT
THIS MONTH’S GREAT GIFTS
Santa & his friends!
Exclusively for you!
Make Aine Marriott’s adorable mini toys with your free yarn. Find the patterns in your bonus pattern book!
Love Your FREE yarn Kit?
Get two kits! You can order a bumper pack that includes 150g of yarn, for only £6.99*
Reader OFFER
We’ve got your festive knits all wrapped up! Find 35 brilliant patterns in your 16-page booklet!
hday treat “As a special birt bring you we’re thrilled to r your yarn 20 pattern ideas fo u make?” kit! Which will yo
Free* yarn pack worth £5.99!
To order simply visit www.letsknit. co.uk/santa&friends *T&Cs: postage charges apply. Limited stock available.
Make it! SHARE ITe !
LK reader Sylvia Moor has made our adorable sparkly elf twins Olly and Ivy and we think they look fantastic!
Send off for your FREE* Merry yarn kit containing six colours - includes Rudy reindeer crochet pattern and silver sparkly yarn! Find more details on page 74.
Share your makes on social media, or email adrienne. chandler@aceville.co.uk
Turn to page 50 for more of your brilliant knits!
* Just pay P&P, UK customers only. Whilst stocks last
07 www.letsknit.co.uk
TMFG Nov.indd 1
13/10/2017 15:59
THE TEXTURE COLLECTION
Sparkle in Jo Allport’s...
WINTER WAVE JUMPER W
e know how much you all love strutting your stuff in sparkly wares over the winter season, and this beautiful wave-effect jumper is great for just that! In fabulous-feel mohair yarn, it will be your go-to snuggly jumper of the season. Change up the colours to suit your taste!
our expert
SAYS...
“A lovely wave cable and a stunning sparkly yarn the perfect combo for a warm and stylish winter sweater!”
LK Designer, Jo Allport
13 www.letsknit.co.uk
Wave Cable Sweater.indd 1
13/10/2017 12:35
PERFECT FOR PARTIES
Sparkle &
SHINE Style it up with Charmaine Fletcher’s skinny scarves
A
dd a bit of bling to your winter ensemble with these simple and stylish accessories. They’re an easy way to transform your outfit from day to evening and feature two simple stitch effects. There are some new techniques to try too, including a pretty picot cast-on – see our Knitwise panel (overleaf) – and an eye-catching bamboo stitch that might just be our new favourite.
great
ADVICE!
“If making the Picot edge scarf in black yarn, use brightly coloured or light wooden needles and work in a good light so it is easier to see the stitches.” LK Designer, Charmaine Fletcher
17 www.letsknit.co.uk
Skinny scarves.indd 1
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THE TEXTURE COLLECTION
Knit Siân Brown’s
ONE CABLE WONDER! C
ables are one of the biggest trends in knitted garments this winter and we love the stunning effect they bring to our sweaters. The versatility of this gorgeous make means you can wear it with jeans for a dressed down look, but it will equally look great with a skirt, thick tights and boots for a more glammed up style. Make sure to highlight the instructions for your size before you start to make the pattern easier to follow.
EASY HIGH STREET STYLE
our expert
SAYS...
“This lovely lightweight yarn gives this jumper a cosy feel whilst not being heavy.”
LK Designer, Siân Brown
23 www.letsknit.co.uk
THE TEXTURE COLLECTION
Party PONCHO Make a statement with this colourful garment from Cygnet
T
here’s nothing like a vibrant yarn to bring a smile on a grey drizzly morning! This bright and beautiful project is knitted in a bold self-patterning yarn and features an easy cable design. Cables look intricate but are actually really simple to work, it’s just a case of swapping the order of stitches on your needle. This poncho fits babies to adults so you could make a set for the whole family!
Start knitting here... BACK
Using 6mm needles, cast on 58 (78, 104, 124, 136) sts £ K 6 (8, 8, 10, 10) rows inc 14 (22, 20, 28, 28) sts evenly across last row. 72 (100, 124, 152, 164) sts
Cable pattern £ Row 1 (RS): k to end £ Row 2: k6 (8, 8, 10, 10), p to last 6 (8, 8, 10, 10) sts, k6 (8, 8, 10, 10) £ Row 3: k6 (8, 8, 10, 10), * C6F, k6, rep from * to last 6 (8, 8, 10, 10) sts, k6 (8, 8, 10, 10) £ Row 4: as Row 2 £ Row 5: k to end £ Row 6: as Row 2 £ Row 7: k6 (8, 8, 10, 10), * k6, C6B, rep from * to last 6 (8, 8, 10, 10) sts, k6 (8, 8, 10, 10) £ Row 8: as Row 2 Last eight rows form Cable patt ** £ Cont in patt until Back meas 31 (37, 47, 57, 65) cm, ending after a WS row
29 www.letsknit.co.uk
Party Poncho.indd 1
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RUSSIAN DOLLS, TINA BARRETT
“Let’s Knit was one of the first magazines to feature my designs on the front cover, I can still remember standing in the newsagent beside the copy and trying not to embarrass myself by pointing and grinning at it to every passer by. The magazine has endured because it continues to publish on-trend patterns that knitters actually want to knit. Here’s to another wonderful wool-filled ten years.”
CHEEKY CHOPS, JANE BURNS
“Happy Birthday Let’s Knit! Congratulations on ten years – it has been a pleasure and privilege to work with you all. Look forward to another ten years designing fun and sometimes quirky projects for you.”
Happy Birthday FREE PATTERNS TO DOWNLOAD
LET’S KNIT! ROCK STEADY SHRUG, LAURA STRUTT
“It was so exciting to work on the launch of the magazine, it gave me such a fantastic insight into techniques, design concepts and what it takes to create a fashionforward knitting pattern. Happy Birthday Let’s Knit!”
TO CELEBRATE TEN YEARS OF YOUR FAVOURITE MAGAZINE, WE’RE GIVING YOU THE CHANCE FOR, ONE MONTH ONLY, TO DOWNLOAD SIX POPULAR PATTERNS FOR FREE FROM WWW.LETSKNIT.CO.UK!
SHIRLEY BEAR, VAL PIERCE
BERNARD THE ELF, ZOE HALSTEAD
“Having been a contributing designer since (nearly) the beginning, I have always been in excellent company providing fun, colourful and wonderful knits for the forerunner in knitting magazines and discerning knitters everywhere.”
SORBET SHAWL, ANNIKEN ALLIS
“It’s been a pleasure and privilege to have designed my toys for Let’s Knit over the years, and to know the toys have brought so much delight to so many readers, both young and old.”
31
“I started designing for Let’s Knit in 2009 and I’m honoured to have been featured regularly in the magazine since. I love flicking through when the new issue lands on my doormat as there’s a mixture of small fun projects and bigger, slightly more challenging projects. I’ve loved working with the Let’s Knit editor and staff and would like to congratulate them on celebrating ten years. Here’s to the next ten!”
www.letsknit.co.uk
Birthday.indd 1
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COSY ACCESSORIES COLLECTION
6
SNUG & STYLISH
1
Cosy up in Helen Ardley’s cabled cowl
Accessories to knit
Measurements & Sizes 35cm x 35cm, laid flat
Knit Kit
Six snug and stylish makes for chilly winter days
I
t’s a truth universally acknowledged that you can never have too many winter warmer accessories – and they all make brilliant quick-knit gifts. Teens will love Helen Ardley’s ponytail hat and it features an interesting new stitch pattern to try. New slippers are almost as
Beat the Blues
Yarn: Katia Merino 100%, shades (A) 74 Blue, (B) 8 Sky Blue, (C) 55 Turquoise, (D) 58 Jeans, (E) 34 Green Blue, one 50g ball of each Needles: 4mm Cable needle Tapestry needle
quintessential as socks at Christmastime and Lynne Rowe’s cosy pair are sure to be a winner. If you love texture then Jacinta Bowie’s be-tasselled set is the make for you, while cable fans will become obsessed with our stylish ombre cowl. Which will you make first?
Tension Square l 32 sts x 33 rows l 10cm x 10cm l Over pattern
1
l 4mm needles
For abbreviations see page 93
Special Abbreviations
Jacket, £39.99, T.K. Maxx; Top, £7.90, Uniqlo; Jeans, £19.50, Marks & Spencer
LK Deputy Editor Adrienne Chandler
33
C4F, C4B, C6B, C8B, C8F: see p93 T4L: slip next three sts onto cn, hold at front of work, p1, then k3 from cn C4R: slip next st onto cn, hold at back of work, k3, then k1 from cn T4R: slip next st onto cn, hold at back of work, k3, then p1 from cn T4B: slip next two sts onto cn, hold at back of work, k2, then p2 from cn T4F: slip next two sts onto cn, hold at front of work, p2, then k2 from cn
About the Yarn Katia Merino 100% is a pure wool DK superwash yarn that comes in 49 shades. It has an RRP of £3.95 per 50g (102m) ball. For stockists, visit www.katia.com
CABLES & TWISTS These two techniques are worked in similar ways as you are swapping the order of the stitches on your row. Traditional cables require you to knit both the stitches on your left needle and the stitches on your cable needle. Introducing purl stitches transforms these into a twist and adds a travelling effect to your cable.
knitWISE
“Play around with your favourite colour combinations!”
KEEP KNITTING ON P34
www.letsknit.co.uk
Cosy Accessories Section.indd 2
13/10/2017 15:35
A touch of speckle! Embrace new effects in your yarn with our dazzling dappled picks!
W
hen it comes to making garments and accessories with an extra-special twist, these yarns will do the work for you. Bringing a unique finish to every project. They are great for giving handmade Christmas presents a magic touch.
Natural blends Stash essentia
l!
Rustic look
Amazing textu
re
Beautifully bold 41 www.letsknit.co.uk
Don’t miss our NEXT ISSUE!
FREE Sparkly Eyelash Yarn!
KNIT
AVA THE PENGUIN
with your free yarn
Three funky colours!
PLUS 16-page
LOVE OUR PARTY KNITS COLLECTION!
BONUS Pattern Book Winter warmers & gifts galore!
MAGICAL LAST-MINUTE UNICORN TEACOSY GIFTS TO KNIT ALSO IN THIS ISSUE...
1 GLAMOROUS GARMENTS 2 FAB AND FUN ACCESSORIES 3 QUICK-KNIT DECORATIONS 4 GLITZY CROCHET TIARA 5 OUR FAVOURITE FLUFFY YARNS
EASY MAKE FOR KIDS
DECEMBER ISSUE OF LET’S KNIT ON SALE THURSDAY 23RD NOVEMBER Projects subject to change
49 Download hundreds of free knitting and crochet patterns today! www.letsknit.co.uk
CNM.indd 49
13/10/2017 11:26
8 FESTIVE PATTERNS
Have yourself a
QUIRKY LITTLE CHRISTMAS Embrace the weird and wonderful in your makes this festive season!
O
ur selection of fabulously fun decorations, toys and accessories for your tots will be sure to bring you Christmas cheer this December 25th. Each of these designs has a unique element that we know you’ll love – make sure to share photographs of your versions with us on social media. Find us @letsknitmag !
Pudding the Reindeer! Knit yourself some assistance this Christmas with Sachiyo Ishii’s festive friend!
Measurements & Sizes 30cm tall 12cm wide
Knit Kit Yarn: Sirdar Hayfield Bonus DK, shades (A) 927 Walnut, (B) 947 Chocolate, one 50g ball of each (C) 961 White, (D) 977 Signal Red, small amounts of each; (E) Sirdar Snuggly Snowflake, shade 655 Rosy Red, one 25g ball (F) oddments of black DK from your stash. Needles: 3.5mm, 4mm straight Toy Stuffing Thread: cotton Safety eyes Tapestry needle Scissors
Tension Square l 24 sts x 30 rows l 10cm x 10cm l Stocking stitch l 3.5mm needles
For abbreviations see page 93
About the Yarn Sirdar Hayfield Bonus DK is an acrylic yarn that’s available in over 60 different shades and 10% OFF costs £1.79 per 100g AT WOOL (280m) ball. Sirdar WAREHOUSE Snuggly Snowflake DK is USE CODE a fluffy textured yarn LK125 available in 15 natural and vibrant tones. It costs £1.99 per 25g (85m) ball. You can purchase both yarns from 0800 505 3300, www.woolwarehouse.co.uk
EP
great
ADVICE!
“Give a little curve to the legs and the antlers, by pulling the thread tightly after sewing up the seam all the way.” LK Designer, Sachiyo Ishii
KEEP KNITTING ON P58
57 www.letsknit.co.uk
Christmas Section.indd 2
13/10/2017 15:32
EASY TOY KNIT
Zara the CAMEL We love Val Pierce’s kooky and cuddly playmate
Z
ara has had enough of the desert so is coming to yours for Christmas! She’s full of character and is pretty straightforward to knit. Although there is a fair bit of shaping, the stitches used are really simple. Take extra care when sewing the seams and embroidering the face as this is what will give your toy a really professional finish and make it a perfect gift.
69 www.letsknit.co.uk
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THE Bookshelf T I ON T
OUR PICK OF THE BEST CURRENT BOOKS, BLOGS AND MORE!
*
We know how much you love to improve and perfect your skills in the art of yarn crafts, and this book will take you on a year of knitting adventures to teach you techniques you never thought you’d be able to master. Each month includes a new amazing design from one of the world’s most renowned knitting designers, as well as a tutorial so you can learn something new. It would be a wonderful present for yourself or a fellow knitter, whether they have been knitting five minutes, five years or five decades! £20, www.acknitwear.co.uk
E COM
Jen Arnall-Culliford
IM
TI E P
Win a copy of all the books featured this month! We’ve got five sets to give away! Enter online at www.letsknit.co.uk/ giveaways
T I ON T
A YEAR OF TECHNIQUES
*COMP
ET I
Our FAVOURITE BOOK this month...
E IM
“THE PERFECT PRESENT FOR ANY CRAFTER – A WHOLE YEAR OF ADVENTURES LEARNING NEW TIPS AND TRICKS FOR THEIR KNITTING!” Paisley Tedder, Let’s Knit Editorial Assistant
MORE GREAT READS... COMING SOON!
We also LOVE… A STASH OF ONE’S OWN
We always knew there was much more to knitting than needles and yarn but this collection of essays really inspires you to think beyond the basics rediscover the Perfect for the true stories behind your most passionate stash! knitters
STUNNING DESIGNS!
CUTE AND QUIRKY!
STYLISH CROCHET!
£16.99 WWW.ABRAMSANDCHRONICLE.CO.UK
Who doesn’t love a new handbag? Now you can knit your own with a multitude of designs, shapes and sizes to choose from! LK designer Siân Brown’s patterns are always popular so we know her book is going to be a big hit. You can practise adding embellishments including sequins! £12.99, www.searchpress.com
Do you love making toys for the tots in your life, or even yourself? If yes is the answer then Sarah Keen’s book is essential for your festive wishlist! With doll patterns in every shape and style, it will keep you busy well into 2018 and beyond! The easy-tofollow instructions mean this book is great for beginners too. £14.99, www.thegmcgroup.com
Filled with makes for all over your home, this book gave us all of the vintage vibes! Granny squares are our favourite things to make to use up scraps from our stash and Emma Varnham’s book features 20 crochet projects that will have you crafting well into the night. £14.99, www.thegmcgroup.com
MAKING WINTER
CHECK OUT The butterfly bag on p81 – perfect for a little princess this Christmas!
CHECK OUT The farmer doll on p126 – he’s our favourite.
CHECK OUT The bunting on p135 – ingenious and great to keep to use year after year.
Expand your craft repertoire with this stunning book published by LOM Art. It’s filled with fantastic crochet projects, tasty recipes and creative projects to Gorgeous makes warm your for the season! soul this winter.
£14.99 FROM WWW.AMAZON.CO.UK
73 www.letsknit.co.uk
Bookshelf 125.indd 1
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help? CAN WE
THIS MONTH:
USING UP SMALL AMOUNTS OF YARN + ECO-FRIENDLY TIPS
I need a pattern for...
AN EASY CHRISTMAS STOCKING
The neatest way to CHANGE COLOUR
When joining in a new shade don’t knot your strands together; instead, insert the needle into your stitch ready to knit and simply start using your new colour, leaving a long tail and pulling it taut once you’ve worked a few stitches. Download this stripy elf hat FREE from www.letsknit.co.uk Stripe The Halls stocking, FREE from www. yarnspirations.com
Good to ORW KON END UR YA N
IF Y HE TIMES T IS THREE W YOUR RO F O H T G LEN D U SHOUL THEN YO FT OUGH LE N E E V A H H TO FINIS
Namn Stocking by MillaMia, £3.90 from www.loveknitting.com
together by yarn store odds and ends enough, use them ve ha u yo en wh , weight and blankets. for scarves, toys
One way to become a more environmentally friendly knitter is to be selective about the yarn you choose. Think about where the yarn comes from and the manufacturing process. If you focus on smaller, independent yarn producers, it’s easier to find the information you need. For example, if I buy yarn from Whistlebare in Northumberland www.whistlebare.co.uk), I know the yarn will be either mohair from their stunning angora goats (you can see them on YouTube) or wool from their Wensleydale sheep. The yarn is produced in small quantities, spun in Yorkshire then hand-dyed in an array of beautiful colours back on Whistlebare Farm. Another option is to reclaim yarn from old sweaters. This is not only an environmentally friendly and
sustainable approach to knitting, but it also makes economical sense. Recently I purchased a large cashmere sweater from a second-hand shop. That’s a sweater’s worth of cashmere for under £10! Another suggestion is that you use every last inch of yarn – don’t throw anything away. You could take all your yarn scraps and join them together, end to end, using a Russian join. Personally, I’d only do this with more substantial scraps – but you might have more patience than me! You end up with a unique ball of yarn made from otherwise unusable leftovers. If you’ve never heard of a Russian join I recommend VeryPink Knits’ video tutorial on YouTube.
77 www.letsknit.co.uk
Mary Lou’s Holiday Stocking, FREE from www.purlsoho.com
TOP PICK
I’d like to be a more environmentally friendly knitter, what should I do?
we
Martine’s
MARTINE ELLIS IS A KNITTER, TEACHER, CRAFTER, BLOGGER AND PODCASTER BASED IN GUERNSEY. WWW.MARTINEELLIS.COM
Ask MARTINE
LK Editor Sarah Neal
Unravelling sweaters is simple when you know how, but there is a bit of a learning curve, so I highly recommend you join Emily Felix’s Unraveling Club www.unraveling.club