YUMMY YARN CAKES! ISSUE 132 June 2018
£5.99 | June 18 Issue 132
Discover our top picks
THE UK’S BESTSELLING KNIT MAG
9 updates for your WARM WEATHER WARDROBE!
Exclusive
BORDER COLLIE BY AMANDA BERRY
MADE FROM TWO SQUARES!
Simple shapes & modern makes MOCK MACRAMÉ
EASY CARDI
5 FAB NURSERY KNITS KNIT TO FIT YOUR FEET
Handle with care THE BEST WAYS TO PROTECT, CLEAN AND STORE YOUR YARNS AND KNITS
LOVE THIS!
SWEET SUMMER SOCKS
WORLD CLASS
#KNITFORSUMMER
LEARN WITH US
GLOBAL YARN BRANDS TAKING THE UK BY STORM
OUR NEW SERIES OF SEASONAL STUNNERS
KIDS’ CARDI FOR BEGINNERS + PICKING UP STITCHES
EDITOR’S Letter
Welcome! 14
40
ABOVE: the Simple Shapes Collection, p14
28
ABOVE LEFT: yarns we love from overseas, p40 LEFT: our pick of the coolest plant-based fibres, p28 BELOW: landscape sweater knitter Sam Barsky, p45
45
Summer is coming, and with that in mind we’re keeping things cool and relaxed with fuss-free knitting in light, breathable ibres. This issue’s fashion edit features simple, lattering shapes – some involving almost no shaping at all. The bonus of warmweather knitting is that a basic square looks fantastically stylish when worked in a summer yarn with lots of drape, so beginners or those who love a quick, easy knit have some gorgeous garments at their ingertips. If you don’t believe me, check out our Simple Shapes Collection starting on page 14, which features ive stunning knits you’ll love to make and wear. The seasonal fun continues with our round-up of plant-based yarns on page 28, focusing particularly on linen and hemp. Yarns that feature these ibres are becoming increasingly popular and are great for summer knitting. We’ve cast the net wide for our article on pages 40-41 – around the world in fact! Here you’ll ind a fabulous selection of international yarns that are taking the UK by storm, with origins that stretch all the way from Denmark to Canada. Talking of travel, we’ve been chatting to the globetrotting Sam Barsky, whose amazing landmark sweaters have been national news! Find out more about Sam and his quirky picture knits on page 45. Happy knitting!
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. DISCLAIMER: We recommend that readers use the main speciied yarn for every project as this will produce the best results. The alternatives given are suggestions only, and as no two yarns
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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. Please note that toys with small parts are not suitable for children under three years of age. If making a toy for a very young child, omit any buttons and embroider the details instead. Babies should be supervised when playing with toys. Prices are all correct at time of print.
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76 June 2018
In this issue 16
Children’s Play Blankets
29
Mock Macramé
SHOPPING 8
See It, Want It, Love It Our June favourites
28 Linen and Hemp The best natural yarns for summer
35 Yarn Cakes Yummy colourful fibres in cake form
56 Ravishing Red Go bold this season
83 Newslash Knitty events and goodies you won’t want to miss
FOCUS 25 Picking Up Stitches Hone your skills
40 Around the World in 80 Skeins Our favourite international yarn brands
45 International Man of Knittery Sam Barsky and his famous landmark sweaters!
65 Create and Care How to take care of your precious knits
85 Q&A Central Your knitty questions answered
Cover Star
PEOPLE
73
Simple Stripe Top
10 Knit It, Write It, Share It! Your fantastic makes and letters
13 Out & About Where to go and what to do
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 letsknit.co.uk/pattern-updates 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 (oice hours only) BY EMAIL: support@letsknit.co.uk BY POST: at the address on page 94 (please mark your envelope ‘Support’) (Please note we cannot ofer assistance with patterns not published in Let’s Knit)
Contact us 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
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62 Charity Corner Wonderful knitters who craft for a cause
98 Last Word We chat to Herdy’s Diane Hannah
IN EVERY ISSUE 3 7 26 54 55 60 68 93
Welcome Free For You This Month Subscriptions Teabreak Coming Next Month Bumper Giveaways Read & Relax Knitter’s Know-How
51
WIN! WIN! WIN!
37
PRIZES WORTH OVER £10,000 ON PAGES 60 & 61
PATTERNS
Beginners’ pattern
43 57 Shep the Dera-dog
Lace Linen T-shirt
69
No-shaping Lace Top
16 18 20 22 24 29 32 37 43 47 51 57 69 73 76 80 86 88 93 95
Simple Stripe Top Summer Tee Lace Top Lace Linen T-shirt Textured Top Macramé Pot Holder Beaded Bags Simple Girl’s Cardigan Pretty Trainer Socks Carefree Cotton Top Summer Shawl Shep the Dera-dog Nursery Cushions Unicorn Dress Children’s Play Blankets Glamping Teacosy Pretty Pink Cape Crochet Girl’s Cardi Blanket Square Bumble Bee Stashbuster
Co 1 ol 1SE sumPA CT me GE IO r kn N its
Textured Top
Summer Tee
THE SIMPLE SHAPES COLLECTION Starts on page 14 05 letsknit.co.uk
FREE FOR YOU THIS MONTH!
Make our two lufy hedgehogs with your gift! This issue we’re giving you not one but two special effect yarns for free! In your kit you’ll find our soft sparkly eyelash yarn and a subtly textured tweed. Along with the smooth DK also included, these yarns can be used to make both Harry the Hedgehog and baby Alice. Send us your photos of your finished makes using the details on page 10.
Number for gifts 1
ng amauzires text
Harry
Alice
Find these two cute and easy toy patterns in your BONUS PATTERN leaflet!
LOVE YOUR FREE YARN KIT? Get more! Order an extra pack that includes 65g of yarn, for only £4.99*! Simply visit letsknit.co.uk/harry or call 0800 923 3005. *T&C’s: postage charges apply. Limited stock available.
EXCLUSIVE treats you’ll love
3 Three free yarns 3 Eyelash efect + tweed 3 Yarn kit worth £7.99! 3 Two easy toy patterns 3 Great for all skill levels! Visit letsknit.co.uk to download more easy toy patterns today!
Coming next issue!
HALF PRICE TOY PATTERNS!
THREE BRIGHT YARNS IN YOUR FREE TOY KIT! Knit Billy the Bunny in his cheerful stripy outfit. Get all the yarn you need plus easy pattern leaflet!
Get 50% of our brilliant 50 Toys to Knit book and pay just £4.99*! Find out more on page 36.
July issue of Let’s Knit on sale Thursday 7th June
*UK customers only, just pay postage
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YOUR 11 PAGE FASHION SPECIAL
The SIMPLE SHAPES
Collection GET READY FOR SUMMER WITH THESE FAB FIVE EASY-WEAR GARMENTS
PAGE
lve t e hlky shades!
20 No-shaping Lace Top
EASY SQUARE CONSTRUCTION LETS YOU FOCUS ON THE EYELETS!
make ths fr under £I2! PAGE
16 Simple Stripe Top
NEW COTTON-SILK YARN FOR 2018
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Minimal fuss is the key to this efortless style and our quintet of designs includes vests and tops based around easy-knit rectangles and squares. These shapes work well with soft yarns that create beautifully draping fabrics and will skim over our curves. Simple structures like these also give you the opportunity to focus on a new technique whether that’s lace or colourwork.
r
THE STYLE
Edit col sumer tye
PAGE
18 Summer Tee
PAGE
22 Lace Linen T-shirt
eaut ful drae!
SUITABLE FOR BEGINNER KNITTERS
blend
PAGE
24 Textured Top
zero shap ing required!
USE A NATURAL PLANT FIBRE FOR THIS ELEGANT KNIT
THREE STITCH EFFECTS TO TRY!
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HOME
Marvelus
MACRAMÉ SHOWCASE YOUR GREENS IN STYLE WITH LUCINDA GANDERTON’S ON-TREND DESIGN
Handmade plant holders are proving a homeware hit for 2018. This stunning mock macramé pattern features an intricate leaf motif and will create a gorgeous display if used for trailing plants, or look fresh and minimalist for growing a cute succulent. Knitted in crisp white cotton, this design is perfect for adding a contemporary feel to a corner in your home.
S I V E TO
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VE
IV
E TO
CLU
• EXCLU
X •E
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pattern
TO • E X C L US
Girls’ Cardi KNIT THIS EASY GARMENT BY SUSAN CAMPBELL The knit stitch is the first stitch you ever learnt and it’s all you need to create this adorable cardigan. Knitting every row is called garter stitch and that’s what is used throughout this pattern. The sleeves are worked along with the fronts so there are fewer seams to sew – that’s always a plus! When choosing which size to make, look at the actual chest measurement as not all children fit neatly into the supposed age bracket.
DISCOVER HOW TO:
4 CAST ON AT THE START OF A ROW 4 DECREASE 4 USE STITCH HOLDERS 4 MAKE AN I-CORD
PLUS
4 EASY-TO-FOLLOW COLOUR-CODED SIZING 4 ALL THE GUIDANCE YOU NEED IN OUR TIP PANELS over the page
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BEGINNERS’ PROJECT
Simpe
ACCESSORY
pattern
Freddie & Mabel SWEET
ADD A POP OF COLOUR TO YOUR SUMMER WARDROBE WITH NICOLA VALIJI’S SIMPLE TRAINER SOCKS
• EXCLUSI
VE
TO
IVE
TO
We're big fans of socks here at LK. They're the perfect year-round project, but short styles like this are ideal for the warmer weather. Nicola Valiji's colourful footwear won't take long to make and is a great opportunity to get to grips with sock knitting techniques. The length can easily be adjusted to fit, just work the foot without shaping until it reaches the base of your big toe, then work the 'shape toe' section.
US
• E XC LU
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SIVE TO • E X
CL
GARMENT
Briht and
Breezy STAY COOL IN SIÂN BROWN’S CAREFREE COTTON TOP If you’re busy making summer plans for an exciting getaway, this is the project for you! Knitted with breathable cotton in a gorgeous chevron knit and purl pattern, we adore the details in this design. The short sleeves and flattering shape will keep you well-covered and the subtle textured pattern makes it an eye-catching addition to your wardrobe. Pair this beauty with white jeans or linen trousers for an effortless relaxed look.
Use the hashtag #knitforsummer on Instagram to show us your warm-weather makes
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pattern
ACCESSORY
pattern
Beach BLUE CAPTURE SEASIDE HUES IN THIS GORGEOUS SUMMER SHAWL FROM DROPS
Use short-row shaping to dramatic effect in this deceptively simple shawl! The blue and white shades reflect the coastal trend perfectly and we love the flared diamonds along the outer edge. It is worked in garter stitch with easy yarn forward and knit front and back increases paired with knit two together decreases. Work carefully over the short row sections to make sure you get the correct shape.
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Don’t miss our
NEXT ISSUE JULY ISSUE OF LET’S KNIT ON SALE THURSDAY 7TH JUNE
EASY-KNIT BUNNY KIT! THREE BRIGHT YARNS INSIDE MAKE BILLY IN HIS FAB STRIPY OUTFIT!
LOVE COLOUR!
Cheerful cotton knits for summer style
Worth £7.99! LACY T-SHIRT
SIMPLE ACCESSORIES
ALSO in this issue...
1 Sunflower bunting 2 Stunning chevron top 3 Crochet feathers 4 Striped baby blanket 5 Top toy knitting tips 6 Vote in the British Knitting & Crochet Awards 55 letsknit.co.uk
Projects subject to change
VIBRANT HOMEWARES
TOY
pattern
Shep
te Brder olie MEET AMANDA BERRY’S ADORABLE ‘DERA-DOG’!
CLUSIVE T O
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IVE T
•E
O
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US
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Top toy designer Amanda has teamed up with yarn store Deramores to create a collection of four playful pooches. The name Shep was voted for by Deramores customers on the store’s Facebook page and we think it suits him perfectly! The pattern itself is pretty straightforward to work but there is a bit of colourwork required – read our panel overleaf to find out more. If Shep is being given to young children, make sure all the parts are really securely attached, omit the collar and embroider the eyes instead.
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KIDS’
pattern
Knted E TO
IV TO • E X C L US
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VE
Add a touch of the outdoors to a baby’s room with these fabulous intarsia cushions. Knitted in bold shades using soft aran yarn, they are ideal for a cosy corner and will be loved by little ones when they cuddle up for their favourite story. The raised stitches are a perfect extra detail for little fingers to play with and the fun colours are sure to appeal to youngsters!
S I V E TO
SI
CONTEMPORARY DESIGNS AND BRIGHT COLOURS ARE THE PERFECT COMBINATION IN SIÂN BROWN’S CHEERY MAKES
CLU
• EXCLU
NURSERY
X •E
KIDS’
Enhaned
Stitches LITTLE ONES WILL FEEL COMPLETELY MAGICAL IN JACINTA BOWIE’S ADORABLE UNICORN DRESS!
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pattern This is the perfect little dress for any mini unicorn fan! The bright colours and design are fantastic fun to knit and make a cute outfit for children. This is an ideal project if you’re keen to try the intarsia technique and the fringed mane and tail are sweet details that little hands will love!
LEARN WITH US
Knt a intae
TEACOSY
KEEP YOUR CUPPA PIPING HOT WITH THIS COLOURFUL MAKE FROM CHARLOTTE LIDDLE AND LUCY HOPPING
ABOUT THE YARN Head to your local yarn shop to see what DK yarn is in stock!
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E T O IV
U
FOR ABBREVIATIONS SEE PAGE 97
XCL
n 22 sts x 44 rows n 10cm x 10cm n Garter stitch n 4mm needles
C L U S I V E TO •E
TENSION SQUARE
X •E
S
Yarn: DK, shades (A) Green, (B) Red, (C) Yellow, (D) Pink, (E) Turquoise, 25g each Needles: 4mm Scissors Cardboard Tapestry needle
TO • E X C L U
KNIT KIT
We’re starting to think about our summer holidays and this cheery project is perfect for luxury camping trips! The ruffle technique creates a thick and cosy fabric which will keep your tea hotter for longer. It uses DK yarn in five bright shades, head along to your local yarn shop to see what you can find!
VE
15cm tall or to fit teacosy
SI
MEASUREMENTS & SIZES
TOP YARN FOR CROCHET et Croch h t i w
FITS AGES 4-10!
These bright and colourful, easy-care yarns are all ideal for crochet and include cooling cotton or bamboo fibres.
RICO BABY COTTON SOFT DK, 50% cotton, 50% acrylic. £2.59 per 50g (125m) ball from 0800 505 3300, woolwarehouse.co.uk
KING COLE COTTONSOFT DK, 100% cotton. £3.59 per 100g (210m) ball from 0800 622 6225, knittingwool.com
SIRDAR SNUGGLY BABY BAMBOO, 80% bamboo-sourced viscose, 20% wool. £3.49 per 50g (95m) ball from 01925 764231, blacksheepwools.com
JAMES C. BRETT COTTON ON, 50% cotton, 50% acrylic. RRP £2.09 per 50g (145m) ball. For stockists, visit jamescbrett.co.uk
Find hundreds of FREE crochet patterns to download at topcrochetpatterns.com
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