YOUR FIRST EVER Top down jumper ISSUE 141 Feb 2019
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THE UK’S BESTSELLING KNIT MAG
Colour me happy 18 BRIGHT & EASY patterns
In Sizes 8-26!
to make you smile
AMANDA BERRY’S DRAUGHTY DOG £6.99 | Feb 19 Issue 141
CUTE KID’S KNIT
SIMPLE SPOTS FOR EVERY HOME
MAKES FOR ALL AGES AGES 0-8 YEARS!
DISCOVER CRAFTIVISM! HOW KNITTING CAN MAKE
FANCY FAIR ISLE
LOVE THIS!
5 STYLISH GARMENTS YOU'LL LOVE
THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE ANIMAL MAGIC
CROCHET HOME
UP FOR GRABS!
A ROUND-UP OF OUR FAVE KNITTED CRITTERS
BEAUTIFUL REASONS TO TRY OUR SISTER CRAFT
WIN YARN BUNDLES AND MORE GREAT PRIZES
EDITOR’S Letter
Welcome!
14 31
We could all do with a little splash of brightness to punctuate the gloom at this time of year, so that’s why the February issue of Let’s Knit is bursting with fabulous colour. Our fashion opener is the Colour-MeHappy collection featuring ive vibrant makes to wear with a smile, such as Jacinta Bowie’s fantastic Fair Isle hat on page 26. Throughout this issue you’ll ind heaps more colourful makes, including Lucinda Ganderton’s fun sampler cushion on page 31. Who knows what fate has in store for us in 2019? If you’re watching the pennies (who isn’t?!) you’ll love our round-up of top value yarns. Turn to page 30 and get stockpiling! Knitters have long been helping those less fortunate using their woolly talents, and nowadays there’s a word for it – craftivism! Turn to page 65 to ind out more about this positive movement. Want to win 25 balls of delightful Women’s Institute yarn? Fill in our short survey on page 71 (or you can do it online at letsknit.co.uk/survey). Finding out what you think will really help us improve Let’s Knit, so please do take the time to let us know – it’s much appreciated!
30 ABOVE RIGHT: The Colour-Me-Happy Collection, starts on p14 ABOVE LEFT: stunning sampler cushion, p31 CENTRE: top value yarns, p30 LEFT: How To Become A Craftivist, p65 BELOW: give us your views to win WI yarn, p71
Happy Knitting
65
71 Sarah SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
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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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February 2019
In this issue 19
Totally Teal
42
SHOPPING 8
See It, Want It, Love It Our favourite inds
Cover Star
30 Top Value Yarns Attractive and afordable ibres
42 Totally Teal Stay on trend with this stylish shade
52 Light But Warm Yarns Breathable ibres to take you through the seasons
70 Newslash Catch up with the latest news in knitting
39
FOCUS Going Dotty Cushion
65 How To Become A Craftivist Ofering a new approach to your knitting
71 Reader Survey Share your views for the chance to win a prize
75 Colourful Crochet Home Fab project ideas for brightening your interior
78 Technique Page Master two classic cast-on methods
83 Q&A Central Providing answers for knitters everywhere
PEOPLE 10 Knit It, Write It, Share It! Your incredible makes and letters
13 Out and About
48
Sweet Lace Cardi
Super-cute Guinea Pigs
Fill your calendar with wonderful events
68 Charity Corner Knitters using their needles to make a diference
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 at the top of page 94 (please mark your envelope ‘Support’) (Please note we cannot ofer assistance with patterns not published in Let’s Knit)
Contact us
98 Last Word
HAVE ANOTHER QUERY? HERE’S HOW TO GET IN TOUCH
IN EVERY ISSUE
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 letsknit.co.uk
We chat to knitting designer Erin Eileen Black
3 7 28 50 51 58 61 74 93
Welcome Free For You This Month Subscriptions Teabreak Coming Next Month Reader Ofer Read & Relax Giveaways Knitter’s Know-How
WIN! WIN! WIN!
53
Jeremy the Draught Excluder
OVER £1,000 OF GREAT PRIZES ON PAGE 74
43 Easy home knits
79
36
54
Springtime Teacosy Seam-Free Sweater
V-neck Jumper
PATTERNS
Happy Hearts Dress
16 19 22 24 26 31 36 39 43 48 53 56 59 76 79 84 86
Contrast Cardi
Fair Isle Bobble Hat
V-neck Jumper Sweet Lace Cardi Colour-pop Cardigan Contrast Cardi Fair Isle Bobble Hat Patch Perfect Cushion Springtime Teacosy Going Dotty Cushion Jeremy the Draught Excluder Super-cute Guinea Pigs Happy Hearts Dress Mermaid Tail Striped Baby Jumper Crochet Blanket Seam-Free Sweater Twist Stitch Cowl Tutorial Bonus Bunny Outits Colour Pop Cardigan
1 SE4-P CT AG IO E N
THE COLOUR-ME-HAPPY COLLECTION Starts on page 14 05 letsknit.co.uk
JUST FOR YOU THIS MONTH
Dress-up bunny kit & bonus pattern book!
No for gi.f1ts
Steffi Hochfellner’s cute bunny is the best dressed critter in town! Knit her pretty pink dress using the yarn in your kit, then use your stash for her other outfits. You’ll find the patterns in your covermount leaflet and on page 87 of the magazine. And that’s not all, we’re also treating you to a fantastic selection of Rowan designs, including simple and stylish accessories and gorgeous garments. Take a look at your bonus pattern book!
ONLY
THIS MONTH’S
IN
LOVE YOUR YARN KIT? GET MORE! BONUS ROWAN PATTERN BOOK! Includes six projects you’ll love to knit!
Order an extra pack that includes 150g of yarn for £7.99*! Simply visit letsknit.co.uk/betty or call 0800 923 3005. *T&C’s: postage charges apply. Limited stock available.
CLAIM YOUR FREE* YARN! Boost your stash with a great value pack of eight brilliant yarns, worth £6.99! You can get them for free* with our fantastic ofer over on page 58. They’re ideal for toy projects, whether you enjoy knitting or crochet. What will you make? *UK customers only, just pay postage
EXCLUSIVE
Treats you’ll love ONLY IN LET’S KNIT
3Fab playset for kids 3Four yarns, three classic colours 3Yarn pack worth £7.99! 3Bonus dress-up patterns to make 3Only in Let’s Knit Find more adorable toy patterns at letsknit.co.uk
Coming next issue! EASY EASTER FRIENDS YARN PACK WITH 16 PATTERNS TO CHOOSE FROM! You’ll love our cute and cuddly springtime mini makes, including sheep, chicks, bunnies and more. Use your five pastel yarns to knit Sachiyo Ishii’s brilliant toys.
DON’T MISS 07 letsknit.co.uk
MARCH ISSUE OF LET’S KNIT ON SALE THURSDAY 14TH FEBRUARY
YOUR 14 PAGE FASHION SPECIAL PAGE
The COLOUR-ME-HAPPY
Collection
19 Sweet Lace Cardi
BRING A SMILE WITH OUR BRIGHT AND BOLD PATTERN SET!
LOOK AHEAD TO THE NEW SEASON WITH THIS STYLISH MAKE
COSY UP IN THIS COMFY-FIT JUMPER
Esy e y e e t s!
l u f t u a Be Brtsh wol!
We don’t believe that knitty talent should be hidden under a bushel, so we’ve chosen eye-catching colour combos for each of these five makes. Use simple stitches in our beginner-friendly v-neck sweater and colour-edge cardi, or step it up with Stylecraft's lacy number. Bold hues can be used as accents too, like in our chic stripe and Fair Isle knit, while accessories can lift any outfit on a grey day.
PAGE
16 V-neck Jumper
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THE STYLE
Edit WOW YOUR FRIENDS WITH SIÂN BROWN’S CLASSY DESIGN
Colour-pop Cardigan
CHIC LINES FROM NO-FUSS KNITTING
PAGE
22 Hih tret tye
PAGE
26 MAKE A STATEMENT WITH STRANDING
Fair Isle Bobble Hat
Great fr ewbies Easy
PAGE
Fshion favurte! 15 letsknit.co.uk
24 Contrast Cardi
Patch E T O
U
XCL
IV
C L U S I V E TO •E
X •E
PERFECT
SI
MASTER SLIP STITCH COLOURWORK WITH LUCINDA GANDERTON’S EYE-CATCHING CUSHION
VE
TO • E X C L U
You don’t need to be an expert quilter to get that patchwork look and this fun project is a great way to try out different stitch effects. All the patterns used here are based on slip stitch colourwork, so you’re actually only using one colour per row. The cushion is worked in three vertical strips that are sewn together to make a panel. This is then backed with fabric to complete your project. Head along to your local yarn shop to get all your supplies!
than it looks!
Download the patterns for the other cushions for FREE at letsknit.co.uk 31 letsknit.co.uk
S
HOME
pattern “If you are pressured for time, you could always invest in a pom-pom maker” LK Deputy Editor, Adrienne Chandler
TO • E X C L US
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VE
Practi superw cal ash
SI
IV
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L U S I V E TO • EXCLU
•
C EX
TO
HOME E
LU
TO
SIVE
IV
SIVE TO • E
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BRING CHEER TO YOUR LIVING SPACE WITH NICOLA VALIJI’S COLOUR SPLASH CUSHION! Try two easy colourwork techniques in this bright and beautiful home knit. Slip stitch patterns are so much simpler than they look. You’re effectively working in basic stripes but are reintroducing previous shades by slipping stitches along the row. If you’ve not tried it before, you’ll be able to practise the method when knitting your tension square. This colourway has been inspired by Orla Kiely homewares but you can choose something that best suits your décor.
great
ADVICE
“Place pins where the buttonholes are to get the placement of the buttons correct.”
LK DESIGNER,
Nicola Valiji 39 letsknit.co.uk
LU
DOTTY
pattern
• E XC
Going
• EXCLUS
We love
TOY
JEREMY
pattern
te drauht exluder KEEP OUT THE COLD WITH AMANDA BERRY’S HOME ACCESSORY S I V E TO •
SI
VE
IV
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CLU
EXCLU
X •E
TO • E X C L US
Anti-p illing
Knitted in eight gorgeous shades, Jeremy the Draught Excluder makes for an attractive, fun and practical addition to your living space. This pattern is the perfect opportunity for you to practise moving between colours. There is also plenty of fun to be had with the finer details of this delightful dachshund. Just remember to label all of the individual parts, so that you don’t face any confusion when the time comes to make up your project.
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“Tease your stuffing before filling your toy to avoid large clumps and alumpy finish”
Dwayne
TOY
pattern
LK Designer, Sachiyo Ishii
Quick kn TOYS it
Digby
Colour
GUIDE
Daisy great ADVICE
The shades in the pattern for the Body and head are given for Daisy. For Digby use yarn C in place of yarn A and use yarn B as the contrast shade. For Dwayne use yarn D in place of yarn A and yarn E in place of yarn B.
“When changing colour ensure that you twist the yarn to prevent any holes forming”
LK DESIGNER, Sachiyo
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Ishii
SI
VE
IV
E TO
L U S I V E TO •
KIDS' EXCLU
Hapy
•
C EX
pattern
TO • E X C L US
HEARTS
If you have a baby or toddler in your life, treat them to Jacinta Bowie’s darling dress. Knitters wanting to expand their skill set will have the chance to practise their garter and picot stitches. One part pretty, one part practical, the latter stitch will prevent the edges of the dress from curling over. The attractive heart design will also ensure the recipient of your gift knows their garment was made with love.
KNIT YOUR YOUNGSTER THIS CUTE AND COSY GARMENT
baby y arn
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BABY
pattern
Sensationl STRIPES BUNDLE UP YOUR BABY IN SUSIE JOHNS' COLOURFUL KNIT TO
E
LU
• E XC
LU
SIVE TO • E
XC
Worked in seven striking shades, this pattern is ideally suited to novice knitters who are looking for a challenge. With handy press fasteners, rather than complex buttonholes or fancy bands, there is no need to shy away from this straightforward knit. Even the process of picking up stitches around the neckline is optional, as you can always defer to a blanket stitch or leave your edges unfinished. Turn over for sizing and yarn details.
IV
TO
SIVE
soft r e p Su
• EXCLUS
Start knitting here... BODY Using 4mm needles and yarn A, cast on 104 (112, 120) sts £ K six rows Change to 4mm needles and yarn B £ Cont in garter st (k every row), working in six-row
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stripes rep yarns B-G in sequence, until work meas 14 (14.5, 15) cm from cast-on edge, ending after a WS row
Left back NOTE: cont working in stripes
£ Next row (RS): k26 (28, 30), turn, leave rem sts on holder £ Next row (WS): k to end £ ** Next row: cast on two sts, k to end. 28 (30, 32) sts £ Cont without shaping on 28 (30, 32) sts, in garter st
How To Become a
Craftivist CHANGING THE WORLD ONE STITCH AT A TIME! oined in 2003 by writer Besty Greer, craftivism is a term used to describe the union of crafts and activism. It requires a thoughtful, empathetic and patient approach to creative activities. For true craftivists, every project has a clear purpose and a deep meaning. From Tunnizze Creation’s eforts to inspire a new generation to Maya Bing’s determination to run an ethical yarn shop, there is so much incredible work going on in the crafting world right now. Read on to learn more about what your fellow knitters and crafters are doing to make a diference!
C
GET INSPIRED Creative, intelligent and compassionate, author and activist Sarah Corbett is ideally suited to the craftivist cause. We caught up with her to explore her inspiring outlook and unusual projects. “In the irst chapter of my latest book How to be a Craftivist I talk about what craftivism is. The word activism is in craftivism, and that doesn’t mean donating or fundraising. Instead, it’s about trying to change structures, systems, behaviours or cultures, so that you cure the social injustice problem from the roots up. I think it’s important that we don’t just say we’re craftivists. We’re activists that sometimes use crafts. I still go on some marches that have a clear goal and are making people accountable. I also attend meetings that don’t involve crafts and have plenty of diicult conversations. I call my own projects gentle protests. I didn’t coin the word craftivism and I’m quite clear that what we do is gentle protesting. Activism is a priority, but everything we do is gentle – not weak,
but emotionally intelligent and strategic. A powerful example of a gentle protest was when I collaborated with ShareAction: a registered charity who promote smart investing. My plan was to go above the retailer’s CEO and to connect with the board members instead. There were 14 board members, so I found 14 craftivists who matched the store’s demographic. The craftivists then made bespoke handkerchiefs using the company’s own products. Each handkerchief was personalised to relect the chosen board member’s favourite colours and passions. There was also an embroidered message of encouragement (bottom right). The inished hankies were then placed alongside a handwritten letter that outlined the beneits of paying the living wage. We handed the project in and that immediately secured us an interview. Ultimately, this gentle protest led to a pay increase for 50,000 staf, which was huge. Another gentle protest involves using paper crafts to combat fast fashion. We create mini scrolls (top right) that are dropped into the pockets of clothes from stores that need to be more ethical. On each scroll, gentle protesters use their neatest hand writing to ask questions like
65 letsknit.co.uk
“who made your clothes” or “what’s the story behind this item?”. Our aim is to engage customers and fashion lovers in a non-judgemental way. I’ve been doing this for ten years because crafts can make the world a better place. I’m proud to say that we’ve changed laws and business policies, hearts and minds. However, craftivism is more than just fun; it’s fulilling and that’s a big part of the work.” Campaigning against fast fashion with mini scrolls
Bespoke hankies used to send messages to business leaders
Turn the page
CUTE CACTUS
TALL TAILS We can't think of a better way to spend a winter evening than snuggling up on the sofa and pretending to be a mermaid. This cosy pattern from Sirdar (leaflet 7907) is made in chunky yarn so is quick to crochet and fits ages four years to adult. Find your nearest stockist at sirdar.co.uk
A plant that will never die, who wouldn't want that! Sarah Abbondio's brilliant designs will bring joy to your home – and they even double up as pin cushions. Crocheted Cactuses (£6.99, Search Press) features 16 fun and fabulous projects for not-so-green fingered crafters. Call 01892 510850 or visit searchpress.com
Colourful CROCHET HOME
POT LUCK Stash your odds and ends with Susie Johns' colourful storage baskets. These simple-to-make nesting containers would be a cheery addition to any living space and are wonderfully handy too! Download the pattern for free at topcrochetpatterns.com
WE'RE HOOKED ON THESE SENSATIONAL PATTERNS!
MOD BOX Make a statement with bold patterns and modern colour combinations. We adore the striking monochrome design in this Hypno blanket and cushion pairing from Lucia Dunn. It's pattern leaflet 9527 and is crocheted in Stylecraft Special Aran. See more gorgeous homewares projects at stylecraftyarns.co.uk
RAINBOW BRIGHT
This teacosy from Lily Sugar n' Cream is a real riot of colour! It uses simple stripes in clean and classic colours and will certainly bring a smile when its time for a brew. The pattern is called Hot Hibiscus, download it for free at yarnspirations.com
TAKE A SEAT
BEAUTIFUL BUNTING Designed by blogger Mandy O'Sullivan, this pretty pastel decoration is just one of the stunning home projects featured in 12 Months of Crochet with Red Agape (£13.95, Meteoor Books). We love the colour choices and adorable tassels. Get your copy at amazon.co.uk or download the e-book at allcrochetpatterns.net
COOL COASTERS Say goodbye to water marks and mug rings on your table top with these quick makes from Drops. A mini mandala easily doubles up as a coaster and here are three fruity makes to try. To find the free pattern, head to garnstudio. com and search for Breakfast Slices.
Bring fun to the nursery with a fabulous stool cover. You'll find the pattern, along with five other animal designs in the Stool Covers booklet by Rico (96684.01.00). They're crocheted using the brand's Creative Cotton Aran which is a great value choice. Find out more at rico-design.co.uk
Subscribe to Crochet Club magazine! Visit topcrochetpatterns.com for details 75 letsknit.co.uk
Seam-re Sweater STEP UP YOUR SKILLS WITH JO ALLPORT’S COSY MAKE Worked from the top-down on circular needles, this chic jumper is the ideal opportunity to discover new techniques that will really boost your knitty repertoire. You’ll learn how to knit in the round and create a seamless garment – the only sewing up is a few stitches under the arms! Designer Jo has added a contrasting colour to the neck and sleeve edges so you’ll get to try simple stripes too!
Easy t wear o
DISCOVER HOW TO:
4 JOIN IN THE ROUND 4 KNIT ON CIRCULAR NEEDLES 4 USE STITCH MARKERS 4 CAST OFF IN RIB
PLUS 4 SIZES IN DIFFERENT COLOURS TO HELP YOU 4 GREAT ADVICE IN OUR TIP! PANELS over the page
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