LOOK! CAST ON FOR
CHRISTMAS WITH US!
£7.99 | Oct 19 Issue 149
ISSUE 149 Oct 2019
KNITALONG NATIVITY – PART ONE INSIDE!
THE UK’S BESTSELLING KNIT MAG
Patterns for all the family
34 MAKES you’ll love! Fabulous
CLEVER STITCHES ANYONE CAN DO!
CUTE PINAFORE FOR AGES 0-4
HIS MAKE T ST FOR JU
£18!
STUNNING SEASONAL PATTERNS
FUN IDEAS
MODERN STYLES
BEGINNERS’ GIFT KNIT
CHARITY SPECIAL! FIND OUT HOW YOUR NEEDLES CAN HELP OTHERS
DON’T MISS!
WHAT’S NEW!
THE BEST NEW-SEASON YARNS AND PATTERNS
FESTIVE FRENZY
SUPER-SIMPLE TREE DECS LEARN WITH US
15-PAGE BONANZA OF TRY GARTER FAIR ISLE, MERRY MAKES AND MORE! BOBBLES AND CABLES
EDITOR’S Letter
14
Welcome! It’s a unique feature of knitting that one set of basic materials - yarn and needles - can be used to create an extraordinary variety of textures, from smooth stocking stitch right up to the knottiest cable. It’s this exciting quality that we’re celebrating in our fabulous October fashion collection, which starts on page 14. Spices were the inspiration behind the collection’s striking colour scheme, and we’ve asked colour expert Helen Venables for her tips on how to wear these shades. You’ll ind her advice in the panels on each project. This month sees the launch of our Cast On For Christmas campaign. Yes, your countdown to the big day starts here (if you haven’t started already that is!) with a round-up of timeless ideas on page 47, followed by a selection of fantastic decs and other festive things to knit, including part one of our amazing nativity knitalong on page 48. We’ve also included a bonus pattern book with this issue featuring ten great makes to knit and give. Talking of giving, we know how much our readers love to knit for charity, so turn to page 64 for our extended charity special, including where to get hold of patterns for Children In Need’s mascots, Pudsey and Blush, plus lots of other great campaigns to get involved with.
22 48 ABOVE: The Terrific Texture Collection, starts on p14 ABOVE LEFT: Cosy cowl, p22 CENTRE: The Nativity Knitalong, p48 LEFT: Christmas Classics, p47 BELOW: Pudsey and Blush, p64
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Happy Knitting
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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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45 October 2019
In this issue
SHOPPING 8
16
See It, Want It, Love It! Our top picks for October
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30 Pure Merino Yarns Enjoy our lovely collection of luxury ibres
45 Trust in Terracotta Transform your look with this seasonal shade
73 Top yarns for toys Stock up your stash with this amazing collection
Cover Star
90 Newslash Catch up with the latest news in knitting
FOCUS 35 Shop the Season Find your favourites with our countdown of new releases Laurie the Winter Doll
47 Christmas Classics Prepare for the festive season with a range of timeless makes
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64 Care. Knit. Give Discover how you can make a diference through knitting
83 Totally Tubular Learn to cast on and of with our step-by-step guide
85 Q&A Central Providing answers for knitters everywhere
PEOPLE 10 Knit It, Write It, Share It! Your incredible makes and letters
12 Out and About Fill your calendar with wonderful events
66 Charity Corner Boxy Jacket
Knitters using their needles to help those in need
Hot Water Bottle Cover
98 My Life In Patterns
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)
We hear from knitter, designer and author James McIntosh
Contact us HAVE ANOTHER QUERY? HERE’S HOW TO GET IN TOUCH l Subscription enquiries/ customer services: 0800 904 7000, aceville@dctmedia.co.uk l Advertising enquiries: 01206 505114, samantha.dean@aceville.co.uk l Online registration/website enquiries: webmaster@letsknit.co.uk
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IN EVERY ISSUE 3 7 28 46 51 79 84 89 93
Welcome Just For You This Month Subscriptions Teabreak Coming Next Month Giveaways Reader Ofer Read & Relax Knitter’s Know-How
52
WIN! WIN! WIN!
48
Join our Knitalong!
OVER £1,000 OF GREAT PRIZES ON PAGE 79
The Nativity Knitalong
Adorable Elf Hat
Festive Friends Baubles
54 Quick make
PATTERNS
CAST ON FOR CHRISTMAS 15 PAGE SPECIAL
59
54 Northern Lights Sweater
Ruby Red Dress
16 Boxy Jacket 19 Travelling Cable Jumper 22 Cosy Cowl 23 Northern Lights Sweater 26 Textured Jumper 31 Beginners’ Hot Water Bottle Cover 39 Sugar Skull Bunting 43 Textured Cushion 48 The Nativity Knitalong 52 Adorable Elf Hat 54 Festive Friends Baubles 59 Ruby Red Dress 69 Laurie the Winter Doll 75 Nordic Yoke Sweater 80 Crochet Gingerbread Garland 86 Garter Stitch and Fair Isle Cowl
Textured Jumper
Travelling Cable Jumper
Cosy Cowl
1 SE4-P CT AG IO E N
THE TERRIFIC TEXTURES COLLECTION Starts on page 14 05 letsknit.co.uk
JUST FOR YOU THIS MONTH
Easy elves yarn kit & Quick-knit pattern! Meet Jingle and Tinsel. This super-cheerful duo are all set for the Christmas celebrations and you’ll be able to make them in next to no time. Your exclusive pack contains four festive shades, plus two little gold bells to finish them off. Find your easy-to-follow pattern in your bonus booklet, along with more brilliant gift ideas to try!
No for gi.f1ts THIS MONTH’S Find TEN extra makes in your
LOVE YOUR YARN KIT? GET MORE!
BONUS PATTERN BOOK!
Order an extra pack that includes 150g of yarn for £7.99*! Simply visit magazinestoyou.com or call 0800 904 7000. *T&C’s: postage charges apply. Limited stock available.
FREE* FESTIVE YARN WORTH £6.99!
*UK customers only, just pay postage
Get cracking on your Christmas knitting with this brilliant six-ball yarn collection. It includes our signature soft DK yarn in bright and cheerful shades plus a special sparkly gold yarn for that fabulous festive touch. Find out how to claim your pack on page 84.
EXCLUSIVE
Treats you’ll love ONLY IN LET’S KNIT
3Four top toy yarns 3Super cute elves to knit 3Bonus pattern booklet 3Bumper yarn pack ofer 3Six FREE* festive yarns Find hundreds of ree knitting patterns letsknit.co.uk
Coming next issue! KNIT OUR SPARKLY SANTA! Get in the festive mood with our limited edition fluffy yarn with a hint of glitz. Our Christmas character is super cute and cuddly. You’ll find the pattern in your bonus 36-page pattern booklet, along with lots more gifts and decorations to knit!
DON’T MISS 07 letsknit.co.uk
LET’S KNIT CHRISTMAS SPECIAL ON SALE THURSDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER
YOUR 14 PAGE FASHION SPECIAL
The TERRIFIC TEXTURE
Collection BOOST YOUR NEW SEASON WARDROBE WITH OUR FIVE FAB MAKES!
PAGE
Cosy
26 Textured Jumper
Great ale!
WHIP UP THIS QUICK AND EASY ACCESSORY IN NEXT TO NO TIME! ADD A POP OF COLOUR WITH A BOLD EDGING
Autumn is one of nature’s most colourful seasons and we’ve embraced the rich hues with mustard, olive, and warm red and orange tones. There are so many ways of adding texture to your projects from simple combinations of knit and purl to intertwining cables. If you’re new to cabling, start small with a quick and easy cowl, before progressing to one of our stunning statement garments.
hunky cbes PAGE Cosy Cowl
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THE STYLE
Edit omfy and coy
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COMBINE STITCH EFFECTS IN SIÂN BROWN’S STATEMENT KNIT
16 Boxy Jacket
Easy PAGE
23 Northern Lights Sweater
S impe mos t th
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STAND OUT IN THIS BOLD AND STYLISH MAKE
Travelling Cables
CELEBRATE TEXTURE WITH A CLASSIC TWEED YARN
S izes 8-26!
Look out for brilliant style tips from House of Colour’s Managing Director, Helen Venables! On each pattern in this collection, you’ll find great advice on how to wear our gorgeous autumnal palette. Find out more about colour and style analysis at houseofcolour.co.uk
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BEGINNERS’ PROJECT
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Reminiscent of the festive holly berry, this super-sweet hot water bottle is already a firm favourite here at Let's Knit HQ. Although the finished look is incredibly impressive, achieving it is surprisingly easy. Our handy Tip! Panels will take you through the basics of forming eyelets, working with a cable needle, creating bobbles and much more!
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KNIT NICOLA VALIJI’S COLOURFUL CREATION! One of the best things about this time of year is the number of celebrations and important events taking place. Why not celebrate in style with this beautiful bunting? Just remember to label your pieces as you work your way through the pattern. This will save you from confusion when the time comes to assemble your project.
meet our DESIGNER “This make was inspired by the Mexican festival Día de los Muertos or The Day of the Dead.”
LK DESIGNER, Nicola
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Valiji
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TEXTURED KNIT HELEN ARDLEY’S COMFY ACCESSORY Spice shades are bang on trend at the moment, so this gorgeous cushion is a brilliant way to update your interior. Featuring a textured pattern for added interest, Helen Ardley’s creation is perfect for knitters who are hoping to expand their skill set. If you’re worried about losing your place, why not try a highlighter or make use of our handy tick boxes?
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Check out these brilliant novelty gnomes from Sirdar! Knitted in Sirdar Funky Fur and Hayfield Bonus Glitter DK, they’re full of texture and festive cheer. They’re quick and easy to knit and you can have great fun hiding them around the house for your little ones to find. The pattern is on leaflet 8218. Visit sirdar.co.uk for stockists.
ANIMAL MAGIC How cute is this little fellow? This OhDeer Reindeer pattern is from Knitting By Post and we think he’s brilliant. With his cosy red scarf he’s all set for his Christmas Eve shift. Make sure he’s finished in time by starting your knitting now! Find this and more seasonal makes at knittingbypost.com
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GET READY FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON WITH THESE TIMELESS MAKES!
Perect Pom-poms Whip up these quick and easy decorations for the festive season. Sachiyo Ishii’s Mr and Mrs Claus have woolly pom-poms for bodies, then their faces are made using needle felting. Find the free pattern – including a how-to felt guide – at topcrochet patterns.com
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CHRISTMAS COLLECTION
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We’re always excited by King Cole’s new festive pattern books and this year doesn’t disappoint. Christmas Knits 7 features fun and simple projects by Jane Burns, including makes for baby and the home. Christmas Crochet Book 5 was designed by Zoë Halstead and we love this brilliant Advent tree (above). Both collections are available now, visit kingcole.co.uk to find a stockist near you.
STOCKING UP Red and white is a traditional colour combo and this striking stocking from Dee Hardwicke has a wonderful Scandi vibe. It’s knitted in Rowan Valley Tweed so has a brilliant heritage texture too and we love the elegant animal motif. Search ‘reindeer’ at knitrowan.com to find the free pattern.
FESTIVE SPICE Who can resist a scrumptious gingerbread man? Designed by Emma Heywood, this adorable project features a colourwork chart, plus instructions for a 4ply jumper for ages 0-5 years. There’s a whole host of picture knits available from characters to slogans, plus garment patterns in 4ply, DK and Chunky yarn. The patterns and charts are all interchangeable, too. Browse the range at ejheywood.wixsite.com/ instarsia
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Happy Home You don’t even need knitting needles to add some fabulous fibre decorations to your seasonal display. This Jolly Festive Braid Garland from Wool Couture is made from the brand’s pure merino Epic Extreme yarn. It’s so easy to make, you could even get your children involved! £19.99, woolcouturecompany.com
NEXT ISSUE
Don’t miss our
CHRISTMAS SPECIAL ISSUE OF LET’S KNIT ON SALE THURSDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER
Fluffy Sparkle Yarn!
Knit Santa with your kit
HH 150TH
Worth £7.99!
ISSUE!
SO SIMPLE TO KNIT
PLUS 36-PAGE PATTERN BOOKLET! CHRISTMAS CLASSICS
QUICK-KNIT DECORATIONS
SUPER STYLISH SWEATERS
ALSO in this issue...
1 Nativity Knitalong: Part Two! 2 Val Pierce’s Santa sloth 3 Ribbed jumper for men 4 Cosy winter warmers 5 Perfect presents for knitters 6 Bumper prize special 51 letsknit.co.uk
Projects subject to change
Get festive with our easy-to-make collection
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❄ CAST ON FOR CHRISTMAS ❄ CAST ON FOR CHRISTMAS ❄ CAST ON FOR CHRISTMAS
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LK DESIGNER,
Nicola Valiji 55 letsknit.co.uk
CAST ON FOR CHRISTMAS ❄ CAST ON FOR CHRISTMAS ❄ CAST ON FOR CHRISTMAS ❄
Ruby RED GET IN THE FESTIVE MOOD WITH THIS SWEET PINAFORE FROM PATONS Christmas knitting doesn’t have to be all snowflakes and holly; simply choosing a jolly red shade can turn a classic dress into a Yuletide favourite! This easy pattern is mostly worked in stocking stitch with a neat rib edging and a few basic stripes. Why not Swiss darn your child’s initial on the pocket for a truly custom make?
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With the coldest season fast approaching, it’s good to be wrapped up warm. Our delightful doll is as snug as a bug in her hooded poncho and snow boots. This project uses a super soft faux fur which works brilliantly for the trim. Feel free to adapt the clothing patterns with stripes or your own colourwork designs to make a whole wardrobe of outfits.
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GARMENT
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Nordic CHIC RECREATE A NORTHERN CLASSIC WITH PAULA PEREIRA’S GORGEOUS MAKE Yokes are lovely and flattering for many body shapes and this one is worked in the round from the top down, which gives the added bonus of being pretty much seam-free! You’ll use short-rows to shape the back neck and lower back and that will ensure it’s a comfy fit. Remember to keep your colourwork nice and even when working in the round.
It’s got
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“These cute mini makes would make lovely individual tree decorations too!”
TOP YARN FOR CROCHET Super sportweights and delicious DKs
LK Deputy Editor Adrienne Chandler
DEBBIE BLISS ECOBABY Cotton. £4.49 per 50g (125m) ball from 01409 404010, lovecrafts.com
SCHEEPJES RIVER WASHED Cotton and acrylic. £2.99 per 50g (130m) ball from 0800 505 3300, woolwarehouse.co.uk
et Croch with
STYLECRAFT SPECIAL DK Acrylic. £1.89 per 100g (295m) ball from 01925 764231, blacksheepwools.com
RICO DESIGN RICORUMI DK Cotton. £1.10 per 25g (58m) ball from 01376 743123, sconch.com
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LEARN WITH US
lver COWL MASTER A FAB FAIR ISLE EFFECT IN JO ALLPORT’S COSY ACCESSORY Garter stitch can often be seen as a “just a beginner stitch” but it’s actually a great way of introducing texture. Jo Allport also uses colourwork in her gorgeous cowl. You’ll need to know the basics of Fair Isle and how to weave in your yarn floats, but look out for sections of the pattern where you’ll be asked to leave these loose. See Jo’s photo tutorial on the right for this clever technique. I V E TO
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“Why not adapt this stitch pattern to make a cushion or gadget cosy?” LK Deputy Editor, Adrienne Chandler
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