LEARN DROP STITCH • TRY SOCK KNITTING ISSUE 127 Jan 2018
Top skills in step-by-step
KNIT OUR GIANT CUSHION
£5.99 | Jan 18 Issue 127
THIS WEEKEND! THE UK’S BESTSELLING KNIT MAG
Snuggle up in hats, sweaters & cowls
FAB BUNNY TO MAKE WITH YOUR FREE YARN
14 Bright
& COSY MAKES! Keep warm with us!
QUICK & CHUNKY
Special
LOVE THIS! LK Jan18 Cover 127.indd 1
EASY JUMPER FROM UNDER £12
! R E T R A M S T I KN • WINTER YARNS FOR UNDER £4 • MAKE YOUR FIBRES GO FURTHER
WIN A YEAR OF YARN!
PLUS KNITTING BAGS, NEEDLES & MORE
ADORABLE DRAUGHTY DOG
How to tell if your yarn is good value!
TREAT YOURSELF!
INDULGENT GOODIES TO BOOST YOUR MOOD
AMAZING OMBRE
KNIT OUR GORGEOUS WRAP IN NEUTRAL SHADES 08/12/2017 13:28
Your JANUARY issue
welcome to
HIGHLIGHTS THE COSY EDIT
Stylish makes to keep you warm and snug
When the cold weather begins to bite there’s absolutely nothing better than a snuggly jumper or a chunky cowl to ward off the chills, especially one you’ve chosen the yarn for and knitted with your own fair hands. That’s why we’ve dedicated this issue to cosy, comforting knits, and there’s something here for every taste and skill level. Finish off your outfit with Pat Menchini’s fashionable chunky cape (p13), layer up in Jacinta Bowie’s gorgeous tank (p17), insulate your home with Nicola Valiji’s adorable doggie draught excluder (p43) and keep tots toasty with Kelly Menzies’ baby earflap hat (p73). See our feature on page 59 on choosing the right yarn for the job and caring for your knits so they last a lifetime. Fancy winning a year’s worth of yarn? Just tell us what you think about Let’s Knit by filling in our survey on page 41 and you could be in with a chance of bagging this great prize. With your Christmas gift knits done and dusted it’s time to think about making something for yourself, and we’ve got some great recommendations for you in our pick of the best indulgent knitty treats around (p37).
ACCESSORISE WITH US! Hats, wraps, bags and more TOP REASONS TO GET EXCITED ABOUT THE NEW YEAR Page 28
JOIN IN WITH OUR SOCKALONG Part 1 on page 80
Happy knitting
Subscribe today and receive your FREE* 1500g of yarn plus two patterns! See page 30.
Sarah
sarah.neal@aceville.co.uk
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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.
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contents
Cover Star
JANUARY 2018
This Month’s Patterns 13 CHIC CAPELET
Feel fantastic in Pat Menchini's stunning accessory!
17 TEXTURED TOP
Layer up in Jacinta Bowie's stylish tank
20 BEAUTIFUL BOUCLE
56 PERCY AND PRU PENGUIN
Make our miniature frosty friends!
62 WINTER SUNRISE
Wrap yourself in Veronica Shaw's vibrant shawlette
64 TOASTY TWEED
Beat the cold in Julie Ferguson's hat and mittens set!
67 BEAUTIFULLY WRAPPED
A cosy jumper by Fran Morgan
Keep out the cold in Veronica Shaw's tasselled wrap
23 SNUG AND STYLISH
70 KNIT FOR WOOLLY HAT DAY
25 LET IT SNOW
73 POMPOM PERFECT
A simple cowl by Jane Burns Knit this trendy winter accessory
32 FAIR ISLE JUMPER
Snuggle up in this colourful hat and sweater from Drops
43 ALFIE THE SAUSAGE DOG Keep the cold at bay with our adorable draught excluder!
47 WINTER WONDER
Cuddle up with Lucinda Ganderton's cabled cushion
53 PIPPIN THE MOUSE
Susie Johns' pocket size playmate!
Support a great cause
Keep your little one warm with Kelly Menzies' baby hat
76 CUTE CRITTERS
Crochet Sarah Shrimpton's animal headbands
80 SOCKALONG PART 1
Winwick Mum shows you how to make a pair of Impressive socks!
84 L EARN A NEW STITCH!
Make a pretty scarf with Jo Allport
86 BEAT THE BLUES
Siân Brown's stunning tote
Let us help you! WE UNDERSTAND THAT NOTHING IS MORE ANNOYING THAN ERRORS IN KNITTING PATTERNS, SO HERE'S OUR PROMISE TO YOU 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/ patternupdates 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 phone: 01206 508622 (office hours only) By email: support@letsknit.co.uk By post: at the address on page 92 (please mark your envelope ‘Support’) (Please note we cannot offer assistance with patterns not published in Let’s Knit)
Useful contacts
84 73
HAVE ANOTHER QUERY? HERE’S HOW TO GET IN TOUCH l Subscription enquiries/ customer services: 0330 333 0042, crafts@ magazinestoyou.com l Advertising enquiries: 01206 505114, samantha. dean@aceville.co.uk l Online registration/ website enquiries: webmaster@letsknit.co.uk
04 www.letsknit.co.uk
Contents 127.indd 1
08/12/2017 15:20
46
25 Shopping
53
8 39
39 WINTER WARMERS FOR
43
UNDER £4! Stay snuggly on a budget with our yarn picks
46 ICE, ICE BABY!
70
Beat the chill with beautiful blue
97 NEWSFLASH
Great goodies and events you won't want to miss!
Focus
10 LOOK WHAT'S NEW FOR YOU
17
28 2018: NEW YEAR, NEW KNITS
76
Cheers to another year of fantastic knitty goodness!
WIN OVER £2,200
37 KNITTERS' DELIGHTS!
Treat yourself with these luxury items
41 TELL US WHAT YOU THINK OF LET'S KNIT
WORTH OF PRIZES
You could win a year's worth of yarn!
59 KNIT THRIFTY
Make the most of your yarn with our handy guide!
ON PAGES 66, 72 & 98
20
Our pick of January's news, yarns & more
People
50 STOP & SHARE
62
we
hat you've been knitting this month W
98 LAST WORD
We find out more from Knitting by Post creator and designer, Vicky Gordon
In Every Issue 3 7 8 30 49 52 66 79 92 94
WELCOME THIS MONTH’S FREE GIFT JANUARY IS THE MONTH SUBSCRIPTIONS COMING NEXT MONTH TEA BREAK BOOKSHELF CAN WE HELP? PRACTICAL GUIDES STEP BY STEP
05 Back issues from Jan 2011 onwards are available on the Let’s Knit app! www.letsknit.co.uk
Contents 127.indd 2
08/12/2017 15:21
THIS MONTH’S FREE GIFTS ively
Chunky Knit Kit
u u u u u
Super soft yarn Three bright colours FREE 7mm needles Perfect for baby knits 5 patterns to choose from
Exclus for you!
Find more fab chunky knits for free at www.letsknit.co.uk Discover an exciting range of yarn, knitting and crochet kits at www.craftstoreuk.com
Love toys? Make Steffi Dobbertin’s large bunny with your FREE chunky yarn kit!
KNIT FOR BABY
Make Susie Johns’ adorable hat and bootees using your FREE yarn and needles! Find the pattern in your bonus pattern leaflet.
Claim Your FREE* Book On Page 48! How’s this for a treat? You can get a free copy of Emma King’s book, Fun & Funky Knitting worth £9.99! Published by Collins and Brown, it features 30 patterns for all skill levels, ranging from hats and mittens to bags and embellishments. It’s full of great ideas and cosy makes to reward you for all that hard work gift knitting! Turn to page 48 to find out more.
“Chunky yarn knits up really quickly so you can make these projects in just an evening or two!”
Make it! SHARE IT! LK reader Alison Strickland has made one of our adorable penguin chicks from last issue. We think it’s fabulous!
Share your makes on social media, or email adrienne. chandler@aceville.co.uk
Turn to page 50 for more of your brilliant knits!
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THE COSY EDIT
Feel fantastic in Pat Menchini’s...
CHIC CAPELET S
ome of our favourite pieces in our wardrobe are those that can go with almost any outfit and this beautiful capelet is bound to become one of them. The cosy alpaca fibres will keep you warm and snuggly, and you can adapt it to suit either a daytime or evening occasion. Be sure to highlight the instructions for your size to make the pattern easier to follow.
Knits up quick in chunky yarn
great
ADVICE!
“Spread the weight of your knitting by working flat on a circular needle.”
LK Designer, Pat Menchini
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THE COSY EDIT
Layer up in Jacinta Bowie’s
TEXTURED TOP K
nitting is such a tactile craft and the fabrics it produces can be just as wonderful to feel. This design features subtle moss stitch and bold cables that combine to make an eye-catching garment. The short sleeves mean it’s great for layering with a long-sleeved top and we love the warm gold shade that reminds us of early winter sunsets; the perfect time for snuggling in cosy knitwear!
Knit th from u is nder £14!
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Cable and moss top.indd 1
08/12/2017 11:45
“This stylish knit will see you through this winter, the next and many more after that!”
SLEEVES NOTE: The colour block sequence is as folls 22cm in yarn A including rib, 15cm in yarn B, and 8cm in yarn C Using 4.5mm needles and yarn A cast on 38 (42, 46, 50) sts £ Row 1: k2, * p2, k2, rep from * to end £ Row 2: p2, * k2, p2, rep from * to end £ Rep last row two rows five times more Change to 5mm needles £ Beg with a k row, work four rows in st st £ Next row: k2, m1, k to last two sts, m1, k2 £ Work five rows £ Rep last six rows until there are 68 (72, 78, 82) sts £ Work until Sleeve meas 45cm £ Cast off
LK Editorial Assistant Paisley Tedder
NECKBAND Jeans from a selection at Marks & Spencer
Join right shoulder seam £ Using 4.5mm needles and yarn C, pick up and k22 sts down left neck, k across 14 (16, 18, 20) sts left on holder for Front neck, pick up and k22 sts up right neck, k across 34 (36, 38, 40) sts left on holder for Back neck. 92 (96, 100, 104) sts £ Rib row: [k2, p2] to end £ Work five more rows in rib £ Cast off
TO MAKE UP
knitWISE
Sew left shoulder seam and Neckband. Fold Sleeve in half and placing fold on shoulder seam, sew in place. Sew Sleeve top in place matching marks. Sew side seams. Weave in ends LK
coming
PICKING UP STITCHES It’s important to do this as evenly as possible, so use stitch markers to divide the section where you’re picking up into smaller parts. Insert the right hand needle just below the edge of your knitting, wrap the working yarn around it and pull it through to create a new stitch.
NEXT ISSUE!
STRIKING LACE SLEEVED CARDIGAN BY JO ALLPORT February issue of Let’s Knit on sale THURSDAY 18TH JANUARY
21 www.letsknit.co.uk
Boucle top.indd 2
08/12/2017 08:58
ACCESSORISE WITH US!
Let it SNOW
Celebrate the winter season with Julie Ferguson’s cosy cowl
T
here’s something about Fair Isle patterns that are perfect for the coldest season, not least because the stranding technique creates a double layer of fabric that’s perfect for super snug knits. This eye-catching cowl uses self-patterning sock yarn for a bold background and the snowflakes add a real festive touch.
25 www.letsknit.co.uk
LOVE THE POMPOM TREND!
“When choosing which size to knit, measure your chest and add a few centimetres for ease, then look at which actual measurement is closest to your size� LK Deputy Editor Adrienne Chandler
knitWISE
INSIDE OUT This hat and jumper set both use the Fair Isle colourwork technique. When working in the round it is important to keep your strands nice and even. To avoid stranding too tightly, turn your work inside out so the WS is facing outwards. Continue knitting in the same direction as before, you will be working around the inside of your tube. Doing this will mean the strands have to take the longest route between stitches, so you are less likely to pull them too tight.
SPOT CHART
KEY
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Winter Warmers for Under £4 Stay warm and snuggly in your yarn on a budget!
W
e love winter knitting, but at a time when our yarn budget has been spent on gift knits, it can be hard to find a purse-friendly fibre for those warm jumpers and thick cardigans we want to make for ourselves. Not to worry, LK have found some of the cosiest yarns around – all for less than £4 per ball so whatever post-Christmas project you’re working on, we’ll have just the yarn to make it, without breaking the bank.
Cosy touch
Great effect
Bargain buy Best for baby
Beautifully bright 39 www.letsknit.co.uk
YarnShopping 127.indd 2
08/12/2017 09:15
KING COLE BIG VALUE BABY CHUNKY, shade 2514 Soft Blue. £2.49 per 100g (152m) ball from 0845 519 4573, www.deramores.com KATIA MERINO BABY, shade 511 Sky Blue. It has an RRP of £3.95 per 50g (125m) ball. For stockists visit www.katia.com CASCADE YARNS® 220 SUPERWASH MERINO, shade 31 Baby Blue. £7.86 per 100g (201m) ball from 0845 544 2196, www.loveknitting.com BAG, £50, 0333 320 2663, www.cathkidston.com COSY WINTER JUMPER in Rowan Brushed Fleece Pattern Phoebe costs £4 from www.knitrowan.com
Ice, Ice BABY!
BEAT THE WINTER CHILL WITH OUR BEAUTIFUL BLUE SHADES! JUMPER, £16, 0871 231 2000, www.jdwilliams.co.uk
BERNAT BEYOND, shade 23014 Sky Blue. £4.99 per 120g (73m) ball from 0800 505 3300, www.woolwarehouse.co.uk
ROWAN CAMELLO, shade 10. £6.95 per 25g (175m) ball from 01829 740903, www.laughinghens.com
PETER PAN PRECIOUS CHUNKY, shade 3432 Hug. It costs £2.90 per 50g (75m) ball from 0845 003 0775, www.wool4less.co.uk
STYLECRAFT SPECIAL ARAN, shade 1019 Cloud Blue. £1.79 per 100g (196m) ball from 01254 708068, www.minervacrafts.com
DRESS, £48, 0333 777 4588, www.lipsy.co.uk
SHOES, £65, 0800 092 3355, www.very.co.uk
RICO BABY GLITZ DK, shade 005 Aqua. £3.49 per 50g (165m) ball from 01925 764231, www.blacksheepwools.com
46
SHIRT, £39, 0344 800 8877, www.debenhams.com
ESSE LAPSIS OF LUXURY NAIL VARNISH, £7.99, 0345 671 0709, www.superdrug.com
www.letsknit.co.uk
ColourTherapy 127.indd 46
08/12/2017 11:48
Don’t miss our NEXT ISSUE!
FREE OLLIE THE OWL YARN KIT!
YOUR EASY-KNIT, EASY-WEAR STYLE COLLECTION
CUTE
KNITTED CACTI!
4 COLOURS PLUS SIMPLE TOY PATTERN
LOVELY
LACE-SLEEVED CARDI
1 STYLISH ACCESSORIES 2 SWEET BABY KNITS ALSO IN 3 EASY YARN CAKE SCARF 4 PART 2 OF OUR WINWICK THIS ISSUE... MUM SOCKALONG 5 MEET JEM WESTON!
CLASSIC
TEDDY BEAR FROM VAL PIERCE FEBRUARY ISSUE OF LET’S KNIT ON SALE THURSDAY 18TH JANUARY
Projects subject to change
49 Download hundreds of free knitting and crochet patterns today! www.letsknit.co.uk
CNM 127.indd 49
08/12/2017 09:01
STORYTIME KNIT
Pippin the MOUSE Knit Susie Johns’ adorable pocket-sized playmate
T
his sleepy fellow is all tucked up in his little pea pod bed and is such a charming make for storytime. There are a few new techniques for you to try including short row shaping which involves turning part way through your row, and a provisional cast on - see our Knitwise panel for how to do this. Make sure you use safety toy stuffing and sew all the pieces together really securely.
New techniques to try!
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Pippin mouse in peapod.indd 1
08/12/2017 09:27
ACCESSORISE WITH US!
Toasty
All you
NEED!
TWEED
Measurements & Sizes
Hat Circumference: 43cm Height (with brim turned back): 23cm Mitts Circumference: 19cm Length: 25cm
Knit Kit Yarn: Stylecraft Alpaca Tweed DK, (A) shade 1646 Duck Egg; (B) shade 1660 Ocean, one 100g ball of each Needles: 4mm
Tension Square l 21sts
x 28 rows x 10cm l Stocking stitch l 4mm needles l 10cm
For abbreviations see page 93
About the Yarn Stylecraft Alpaca Tweed DK is an acrylic, alpaca and viscose blend available in 12 vibrant and pastel shades. It costs £4.49 per 100g (240m) ball from 01254 708068, www.minervacrafts.com
Need an Alternative? James C. Brett Misty DK has a delicate heathered effect of contrasting fibres in contemporary tones. It has an RRP of £2.59 per 100g (280m) ball. For stockists visit www.jamescbrett.co.uk
knitWISE
TWO-COLOUR STRIPES Avoid having lots of ends to sew in by carrying the unused colour up the side of the work instead of cutting it. Remember this method only works if your stripes begin and end at the same side due to having an even number of rows.
Beat the winter cold in Julie Ferguson’s cosy hat and mittens set
A
t this time of year, nobody can have too many hat and mitten sets to fight off the chill and this stylish pair will be perfect to make for yourself now you’ve knitted everyone else a set! We’re all about keeping cosy this month and we know you’re going to love the texture on this beautiful set that will look fantastic with an oversized knitted jumper and chunky winter coat.
Start knitting here... HAT BRIM Using 4mm needles and yarn A, cast on 20 sts £ Work in garter st until work meas 48cm £ Cast off
MAIN BODY Change to yarn B £ Pick up and k 90 sts along side edge of garter st strip £ Beg with a p row, work five rows in st st ** Join in yarn A £ K two rows Change to yarn B £ Work six rows in st st *** £ Rep from ** to *** four more times
Shape crown Cont in yarn A only £ Row 1: * k13, k2tog, rep from * to end. 84 sts £ Row 2 and every alt row: k £ Row 3: * k12, k2tog, rep from * to end. 78 sts £ Row 5: * k11, k2tog, rep from * to end. 72 sts £ Row 7: * k10, k2tog, rep from * to end. 66 sts £ Row 9: * k9, k2tog, rep from * to end. 60 sts £ Row 11: * k8, k2tog, rep from * to
end. 54 sts £ Row 13: * k7, k2tog, rep from * to end. 48 sts £ Row 15: * k6, k2tog, rep from * to end. 42 sts £ Row 17: * k5, k2tog, rep from * to end. 36 sts £ Row 19: * k4, k2tog, rep from * to end. 30 sts £ Row 21: * k3, k2tog, rep from * to end. 24 sts £ Row 23: * k2, k2tog, rep from * to
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end. 18 sts £ Row 25: * k1, k2tog, rep from * to end. 12 sts £ Row 27: * k2tog, rep from * to end. Six sts £ Cut yarn, thread through rem sts, pull up tightly and fasten off
TO MAKE UP Sew up side seam. Hat can be worn with brim folded up or down
THE COSY EDIT
Beautifully WRAPPED Keep the cold out with Veronica Shaw’s tasselled number
T
he neutral colours in this wrap are perfect to go with any outfit and the chevron design gives it a fabulously modern look. Knitted in a blend of Falkland wool and alpaca, it will keep you super snug as well as looking on-trend! Make sure you block your wrap once you’ve finished knitting to bring out the chevron design and attach alternate coloured tassels to give it that extra something special
Add tassels to complete the look
great
ADVICE!
“Edging the longer ends with whip stitch makes this a truly double-sided garment but with two slightly different looks!”
Veronica Shaw, LK Designer
67 www.letsknit.co.uk
Veronica wrap.indd 2
08/12/2017 14:59
KNITS FOR KIDS
Pompom
PERFECT Keep little heads warm with Kelly Menzies’ adorable hat
O
n frosty days a bobble hat is a must-have to stay toasty and snug! The pompom is a gorgeous detail in this pattern and using soft merino wool will ensure the texture is gentle on skin. We love the Fair Isle effect and contemporary colours in this design, they are fantastically cute and not as complex as some Fair Isle patterns, so ideal if this is your first attempt! Why not pick your favourite colour combinations when you knit this or choose shades that match your little one’s coat?
IN SIZES 0-24 MONTHS !
great
ADVICE!
“To make your Fair Isle stitches pop, ensure your contrast colour is always held below your main colour”
LK Designer, Kelly Menzies
73 www.letsknit.co.uk