LK 138 November 2018 by Adrienne Chandler

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XMAS COUNTDOWN GUIDE INSIDE! ISSUE 138 Nov 2018

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FESTIVE MAKE FOR under £2!

£6.99 | Nov 18 Issue 138

THE UK’S BESTSELLING KNIT MAG

47 PATTERNS! fun-toknit

LUE A V G N I Z A M A DOG COAT

k YARN CAKE SWEATER k CLASSIC BABY CARDI k XMAS PARTY SPECIAL

Step-by -step

Quick knit MITTS!

LAST-MINUTE CHRISTMAS Easy SAVES decs

Five sizes

SIZES R O 8-22 F R U N DE £20!

1 LK Nov18 Cover 138.indd 1

Casual or glam, we've got the lot!

The feelgood

FACTOR

HOW KNITTING CAN BOOST YOUR WELLBEING

LOVE THIS!

IGHT N A N I T I N K BOBBLE HAT

THE RESULTS ARE IN!

THE BRITISH KNITTING & CROCHET AWARDS 2018

LOVE THESE YARNS!

FAUX FUR + ANIMAL FIBRES FOR UNDER £4

TYLE S E V I T S E F Y EAS PRIZES TO WIN

OVER £7,000 OF GOODIES UP FOR GRABS 16/10/2018 11:48

EDITOR’S Letter

Welcome!

Perhaps it’s something to do with the time of year, but in this issue we can’t get enough of glitz, glamour, fun and celebration! The stunning garments and accessories that make up our Day-to-Night collection (p14) will have you party-ready in no time but can also be teamed with more casual attire for daytime wear. Those last-minute Christmas knits are well and truly taken care of with our six-page accessories section (p31), offering something for all the family including festive socks in five sizes. Plus there are patterns for quick and quirky decorations throughout this issue, from Santa’s washing line by Nicola Valiji on page 40 to Helen Ardley’s Scandi bird on page 95. As well as Christmas we’re also celebrating winners this month, revealing the results of the British Knitting & Crochet Awards 2018 on page 44 and shining a spotlight on many of the winning brands on page 46. A record 28,000 of you voted in this year’s awards so we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took the trouble to participate. Nothing says glamour quite like a bit of faux fur, so this month is the perfect time to feature a round up of our favourite fuzzy yarns (p27). I plan to a knit an on-trend furry gilet in the sumptuous Sirdar Alpine and I can’t wait to start! What will your next project be?

TOP LEFT: Christmas pudding socks, p35 ABOVE RIGHT: The Day-to-Night Collection, p14 LEFT: The British Knitting & Crochet Awards, starts on p44 BELOW: faux fur special, p27

Sarah

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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. 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

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Visit us at letsknit.co.uk

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.

letsknit.co.uk 3 Welcome 138.indd 1

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November 2018

In this issue

Santa’s Washing Line

SHOPPING

Crochet Christmas Rose Wreath

Santa Claus

Cover Star

8 See It, Want It, Love It Our festive favourites 27 Faux Fur Feel good in furry yarn 49 Animal Fibres for Under £4 Fantastic yarns on a budget 77 Silver Bells Sparkle and shine in these silver shade 87 Newsflash Catch up with the latest news in knitting

FOCUS

38 Christmas Countdown Getting you ready for the big day

44 The British Knitting & Crochet Awards The winners are revealed 57 The Feelgood Factor Anna Blewett explores the power of knitting

83 Q&A Central Providing answers for knitters everywhere

PEOPLE

Pearl Bead Cardigan

Let us help you!

10 Knit It, Write It, Share It! Your fantastic makes and letters 13 Out and About Where to go and what to do 60 Charity Corner Saving the world one stitch at a time 114 Last Word We chat to designer Toby Roxane Barna

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 (office hours only) BY EMAIL: support@letsknit.co.uk BY POST: at the address at the top of page 94 (please mark your envelope ‘Support’) (Please note we cannot offer assistance with patterns not published in Let’s Knit)

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

IN EVERY ISSUE 3 Welcome 7 Free For You This Month 28 Subscriptions 70 Read & Relax 50 Teabreak 51 Coming Next Month 79 Reader Offer 80 Giveaways 93 Knitter’s Know-How

04 letsknit.co.uk Contents 138.indd 2

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Quick knit!

Easy Dog Coat!

WIN! WIN! WIN! OVER £7,300 OF FAB PRIZES ON PAGE 80

PATTERNS The Knit-In A-Night Hat

31 Quick knit!

54 62

Bobble Mittens Cute Christmas Dress

Cables and Bobbles

Chic Lacy Vest

16 19 21 23 25 31 33 35 36 40 53 62 64 66 73 84 88 93 95

Glam Skinny Scarf

Pearl Bead Cardigan Chic Lacy Vest Glam Skinny Scarf Super Chunky Cardi Cable and Bobble Jumper The Easy Dog Coat The Knit-In-A-Night Hat The Unisex Scarf The Christmas Socks Santa’s Washing Line Classic Baby Cardi Cute Christmas Dress Crochet Rose Wreath Santa Claus Lace Yoke Jumper Bobble Mittens Tutorial Cosy Colourwork Sweater Square of the Month Scandi Bird Decoration

Super Chunky Cardif

1 SE3-P CT AG IO E N

THE DAY-TO-NIGHT COLLECTION

Starts on page 14

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25 PATTERNS + CHRISTMAS YARN KIT JUST FOR YOU!

Meet Rudolph the Reindeer and his festive friends!

No for gi.f1ts

This month’s amazing gift allows you to choose from 23 seasonal patterns. From Ruby and Rocky Robins to Twinkle and Tinsel the elves, you’re sure to enjoy Sachiyo Ishii’s Christmas designs. In addition to this incredible range of patterns, you will also receive a selection of five colourful yarns, including a supersoft fleecy effect. It’s just the thing for Santa’s snowy beard, angel wings, or the sweet topping of a Christmas pudding!

ONLY

LOVE YOUR FREE YARN KIT & WANT MORE? Special offer! Buy an extra pack that includes 150g of yarn for £7.99*

RA EXT

QUICK KNITS FOR CHRISTMAS PATTERN BOOK

Simply visit letsknit.co.uk/rudolph or call 0800 923 3005. *T&Cs: postage charges apply. Limited stock available

Coming next issue!

FREE* CRAFT BOOK WORTH £15.99! With 60 projects to sew, stitch, knit and crochet, Nina Granlund Sæther’s Making Cushions and Pillows will leave you spoilt for choice! We are so inspired by her collection of unique and modern designs. It’s worth £15.99! Find out how to claim your new read over on page 79. *UK customers only, just pay postage

SPARKLE YARN KIT! You’ll love this beautiful collection containing four yarns, three of which are glittery. Your great value pack will also include five wonderful toy patterns for you to choose from, including our lovely mouse!

December issue of Let's Knit on sale Thursday 22nd November 07 letsknit.co.uk

YOUR FREE GIFT 138.indd 1

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YOUR 13 PAGE FASHION SPECIAL

The DAY-TO-NIGHT

Collection

PAGE

MAKE YOUR KNITS FLATTERING, FABULOUS AND PERFECTLY PARTY-READY!

Pearl Bead Cardigan

ADD GLAMOUR WITH A GLITTERY YARN ELEGANT MAKE FOR ALL SHAPES AND SIZES

Easy H igh S treet style PAGE

19 Chic Lacy Vest

! e k a m lue va t a e r G

Whether you’re simply popping out for a festive drink or two or getting ready for a bit of a ‘do’, these five projects can transform your outfit from the everyday to something special. Use sparkly yarns or shining beads to add instant glam, or accessorise with a glitzy skinny scarf. From oversized statement garments to simple yet stylish vests, we’ve got you covered this party season.

letsknit.co.uk

14-26 Fashion Edit.indd 2

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THE STYLE PAGE

It’s party t ime!

Edit

Glam Skinny Scarf

PAGE

Super Chunky Cardi

ead gan

SPARKLE AND SHINE WITH CHARMAINE FLETCHER’S BEADED BEAUTY!

SUBTLE GLITZ MAKES THIS BOLD GARMENT PERFECT FOR ALL OCCASIONS

Up to

Speedy knit on big needles

PAGE

B rilliant textures 14-26 Fashion Edit.indd 3

Cables and Bobbles

LOVE THE METALLIC YARN!

letsknit.co.uk

12/10/2018 13:07

FAB ACCESSORIES TO KNIT

for Christmas

THESE QUICK AND STYLISH PATTERNS MAKE GREAT GIFTS FOR HIM, HER AND EVEN THE DOG!

Need a few more ideas for your gifting knit list? Kelly Menzies’ textured scarf is perfect for men and women, while her pretty purple hat is ideal for pom-pom fans. Fun socks are a classic Christmas gift and we love Lynne Rowe’s perfect pudding-inspired pattern. Don’t forget to treat your favourite pooch to their very own jumper with Helen Ardley’s adorable design!

The Easy Dog Coat KEEP YOUR BEST FRIEND WARM ON THE CHILLIEST WINTER DAYS!

Make r this fo

MEASUREMENTS & SIZES When flat: 12cm neck x 20cm bottom edge x 40cm length Our model is Albert, a two year-old Jack Russell

KNIT KIT Yarn: King Cole Big Value DK, shades (A) 4029 Red, (B) 4020 White, one 50g ball of each Needles: 3.75mm, 4mm Stitch holder Tapestry needle

TENSION SQUARE n 25 sts x 26 rows n 10cm x 10cm n over pattern n 4mm needles

FOR ABBREVIATIONS SEE PAGE 97

ABOUT THE YARN King Cole Big Value DK is a machine washable acrylic yarn that knits to a standard DK tension. It comes in over 30 colourways and costs 99p per 50g (145m) ball from 0845 003 0775, wool4less.co.uk

Start knitting here...

great ADVICE

“Adjust the length of the Underside panel to fit your dog. If you need extra length on the body of the coat, add extra stocking stitch stripe rows after the chart”

LK DESIGNER, Helen

Ardley

COAT NOTE: starting at neck Using 3.75mm needles and yarn A, cast on 80 sts £ Row 1: * k1, p1, rep from * to end This row forms rib

31 letsknit.co.uk Xmas accessories section.indd 1

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Don’t miss our

NEXT ISSUE LET’S KNIT DECEMBER ISSUE ON SALE THURSDAY 25TH OCTOBER

WINTER SPARKLE YARN PACK 4 SHADES Perfect for toys!

Gifts worth £7.99! 5 EASY-KNIT PATTERNS TO CHOOSE FROM

LOVE WINTER with our cosiest collection yet!

Gorgeous glittery effect

SNUGGLY BED SOCKS

ALSO in this issue...

CROCHET POM-POM BLANKET

1 Fab lace shawl 2 Festive robin 3 Knit for charity 4 Super chunky scarf 5 Luxury beaded wrap 6 Perfect patterns for babies 7 Step-by-step guides 51 letsknit.co.uk

Projects subject to change

SUPER-CUTE DINOSAURS!

US L

Baby Cardi

SIVE TO • E

MAKE PENNY HILL’S CHARMING KNIT FOR BOYS OR GIRLS!

If you’ve got a tiny tot to knit for this Christmas, you’ll love this adorable number. It fits ages 0-3 years and is a great unisex make. The pastel blue is such a timeless choice and the textured effect is so easy to create. If you want to make it a touch more feminine, you can embroider little flowers using lazy daisy stitch.

Great GIeFaT! id

DISCOVER HOW TO: 4 WORK MOSS STITCH 4 USE STITCH HOLDERS 4 DECREASE 4 MAKE A BUTTONHOLE

PLUS 4 SIZES IN DIFFERENT COLOURS TO HELP YOU 4 ALL THE GUIDANCE YOU NEED IN OUR TIP! PANELS over the page

BEGINNERS’ PROJECT

IVE

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Classic

53 letsknit.co.uk Beginners Pattern Baby cardi.indd 1

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KIDS’

pattern “Keep your stranding even so the bodice will stay stretchy and be nice and comfy for your little girl” LK Deputy Editor, Adrienne Chandler

Fits up to

63 letsknit.co.uk Sweet scandi.indd 3

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TOP YARN FOR CROCHET Croc h with et

These cotton-based 4ply yarns all come in festive shades

FAB FESTIVE FLOWERS

SCHEEPJES COTTON 8

costs £1.99 per 50g (170m) ball from 01925 764231, blacksheepwools.com

BERGERE DE FRANCE COTON FIFTY

costs £3.70 per 50g (140m) ball from bergeredefrance.co.uk

PATONS 100% COTTON 4PLY

costs £4.89 per 100g (330m) ball from 0845 519 4573, deramores.com

“When changing colour, join in the new shade when you close the previous round using a slip stitch” LK Deputy Editor Adrienne Chandler

ROWAN SUMMERLITE 4PLY

costs £3.79 per 50g (170m) ball from 01409 404010, loveknitting.com

letsknit.co.uk 64-65 Crochet Project 138.indd 3

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• EXCLUS

Circular

This gorgeous garment is ideal for advanced knitters who are looking to put their skills to the test. We’re obsessed with the delicate lace detail, as it perfectly complements the subtle colour of the yarn. The stylish yoke doesn’t just look amazing, it also saves you from dealing with seams at the end of your project. Why not update your wardrobe with this sweet and stylish knit? Or, if you are feeling generous, you could use the different sizes to create a beautiful gift for someone you love.

SKILLS NEEDED

4 WORKING IN THE ROUND 4 LACE TECHNIQUES 4 USING STITCH MARKERS

DISCOVER HOW TO:

4 USE YARN CAKES 4 WORK KITCHENER STITCH

SIVE TO • E

IMPRESS YOUR FRIENDS WITH ANNIKEN ALLIS’S LOVELY LACE NUMBER!

Yoke Top

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IVE

ADVANCED PROJECT