LEARN RINGLET STITCH IN STEP BY STEP ISSUE 152 Dec 2019
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MAKES FOR MEN
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STYLISH SWEATER AND SCARF DESIGNS
OUR ROUND-UP OF THE BEST COSY YARNS
WIN £1000 WORTH OF KNITTING GOODIES
EDITOR’S Letter
Welcome!
52
Before we get into the themes of our December issue I would like to introduce the world’s newest (and coolest) superhero - Knit Girl! By day she’s Purl Jones, a yarn shop owner and knitter extraordinaire, but her fabulous knitted cape is in fact a secret weapon which gives her formidable powers. Turn to page 52 to ind the pattern for Purl and her fantastic costume, and don’t miss her essential everyday outit in next month’s magazine Elsewhere in this issue, we’re all about keeping warm, with snuggly garments and fuzzy ibres. The Wrap Up Warm Collection starts on page 14 and features ive wearable wonders to help keep out the chills. As if that’s not enough, on page 31 there’s a round-up of some of the choicest cosy patterns for every member of the family – even the four-legged ones! And following on you’ll ind our pick of the warmest yarns around for every budget, from laceweight to chunky. As ever we’ve got some great projects for little ones. Starting on page 58 there’s Nicola Valiji’s adorable sausage-dog scarf, followed by Jane Burns’ cheeky Teddy Cool cardi (p61), and inally, Zoë Halstead’s smiley star dungarees (p64). All of these projects are unisex and made from great value yarns – excellent news at this time of year!
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ABOVE RIGHT: Knit Girl (a.k.a Purl Jones), p52 ABOVE LEFT: The Wrap Up Warm Collection, p14
32
CENTRE: Super cosy yarns, p32 LEFT: Winter patterns, p31 BELOW: Teddy cool, p61
61
31
Happy Knitting
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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. 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.
03 letsknit.co.uk
45 December 2019
In this issue 81
16
SHOPPING 8
See It, Want It, Love It! Our top picks for December
32 Super Cosy Yarns Enjoy our amazing range of snuggly ibres
45 Frosty Blue Feast your eyes on our favourite wintry yarns
75 Winter Prints Explore our colourful collection of ibres
Men’s Striped Scarf
85 Newslash Catch up with the latest news in knitting
46
FOCUS 29 Keeping It Cosy Get inspired with our fantastic countdown of snuggly projects
68 Let’s Celebrate You Raise a glass to your biggest crafty achievements
Stylish Evening Bag
PEOPLE
Cover Star
10 Knit It, Write It, Share It!
82
Your incredible makes and letters
12 Out and About Fill your calendar with wonderful events
48 Charity Corner Knitters using their needles to make a diference
Cape-style Cardigan Speedy Crochet Snowman
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)
98 My Life In Patterns We hear from crochet expert and author Melanie Morita
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
04 letsknit.co.uk
IN EVERY ISSUE 3 7 26 50 51 76 80 87 93
Welcome Just For You This Month Subscriptions Teabreak Coming Next Month Reader Ofer Giveaways Read & Relax Knitter’s Know-How
71
WIN! WIN! WIN!
58
OVER
£1,000
OF GREAT PRIZES ON PAGE 80
PATTERNS Sausage Dog Scarf
40
Totally Tweed Beginners’ Cardi
43
54
Purl Jones the Secret Superhero
Party Time Shawl
Split Seam Sweater
16 Cape-style Cardigan 18 Winter Warmer Sweater 20 Mock Cable Wrap 22 Split Seam Sweater 24 Topaz Jacket 33 Men’s Nordic Sweater 36 December Rose Headband 39 Cable and Twist Cushion Cover 43 Party Time Shawl 46 Stylish Evening Bag 52 Purl Jones the Secret Superhero 58 Sausage Dog Scarf 61 Teddy Cool Jumper 64 Little Star Dungarees 71 Totally Tweed Beginners’ Cardi 77 Tasselled Tartan Scarf 81 Men’s Striped Scarf 82 Speedy Crochet Snowman 88 Textured Cushion Tutorial Winter Warmer Sweater
Mock Cable Wrap
Topaz Jacket
1 SE3-P CT AG IO E N
THE WRAP UP WARM COLLECTION Starts on page 14 05 letsknit.co.uk
JUST FOR YOU THIS MONTH
5 YARNS + EASY PENGUIN PALS
No for gi.f1ts
How cute are Steffi Hochfellner’s pocket-sized penguins? With their little party hats, they’re all ready to welcome in the new year. We’ve packed up five fab shades of our limited edition toy yarn so you can knit all three. Share your photos of your finished friends using the details on page 11 and you could be featured in the magazine. If that weren’t enough, we’ve also paired up with Rico Design to bring you a bonus booklet of great garment and accessory patterns!
❄ ❅ ❄
❅
❄ ❅ ❅ LOVE YOUR PLUS
YARN KIT? GET MORE!
BONUS PATTERNS FROM
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* BOOK WORTH £12.99!
*UK customers only, just pay postage
Discover the history of knitting and its signiicance in diferent cultures from around the world with Knits & Pieces by Danielle Holke (Unicorn Publishing Group). This fascinating read also documents the role of knitting in modern society. Turn to page 76 to ind out how to claim your copy for free!*
THIS MONTH’S
EXCLUSIVE
Treats you’ll love ONLY IN LET’S KNIT
35 super soft toy yarns 3Super cute penguin trio 3Rico pattern booklet 3Discount bumper yarn pack 3FREE* knitting book Find hundreds of knitting patterns at letsknit.co.uk
Coming next issue! KNIT HUGO & FRIENDS! Sachiyo Ishii’s mini makes are simply adorable and you can make all four puppies using your exclusive five-colour yarn pack. Plus, you’ll love your bonus pattern booklet featuring ten designs, courtesy of Thomas B. Ramsden!
DON’T MISS 07 letsknit.co.uk
JANUARY ISSUE OF LET’S KNIT ON SALE THURSDAY 19TH DECEMBER
YOUR 13 PAGE FASHION SPECIAL
The Wrap Up Warm
BEAT THE FROST IN OUR SUPER SNUGGLY SWEATER
Collection FIVE SUPER COSY PATTERNS TO KNIT, WEAR AND LOVE!
PAGE
18
PAGE
16 Cape-Style Cardigan
Winter Warmer Sweater BE INSPIRED WITH OUR TOP-DOWN COVER-UP
Unelivbly sft
hunky cbes
Keep it CA S U AL!
The midwinter may be bleak but it’s actually our favourite time of year. It is the perfect opportunity to dig out the best super snuggly fibres, chunky yarns and patterns that will keep out the chills. Take the literal approach with our faux cable wrap, or choose comfy garments that are ideal for everyday wear. Add interest to your knits with top techniques, including twists, lace and texture! 14 letsknit.co.uk
THE STYLE
Edit PAGE
Quick & esy
YOU’LL LOVE THIS CHEAT’S TWIST EFFECT!
22 Split Seam Sweater
100o%l Wo
PAGE
20 Mock Cable Wrap
Knted rom te op down
PAGE
24 lssic tye
Topaz Jacket
STYLE IT OUT WITH THIS FASHION FORWARD KNIT
THIS SUBTLY TEXTURED KNIT IS PERFECT FOR ANY OCCASION
15 letsknit.co.uk
GARMENT
Midwinter STYLE KNIT A NORDIC CLASSIC WITH A TWIST THANKS TO ARNE AND CARLOS! Designer dream-team Arne and Carlos have partnered with Rowan for a fantastic new collection of men’s garments and accessories and this is one of our favourites. The Scandi snowflake is a timeless motif but the style of the sweater keeps it modern too. Stranded colourwork creates a double-thickness fabric so this bold jumper is a super cosy choice for winter.
Statement FAIR ISLE
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pattern
HOME
pattern tive a r o c e D SIGN DE
HOME
Improvements UPDATE YOUR INTERIOR WITH SIÂN BROWN’S CUSHION COVER
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How gorgeous are the cables and twists featured in this design! Not only is this classic cushion perfect for the winter season, it will look amazing all year round. Although we love the snowy shade, you could always mix things up with a striking jewel tone or a variegated yarn. If you are new to working with a cable needle, see our handy advice panel for everything you need to know.
39 letsknit.co.uk
TO • E X C L US
ACCESSORY
pattern
Party
TIME
GLAM UP YOUR OUTFIT WITH VERONICA SHAW’S STYLISH WRAP From festive gatherings to New Year’s Eve celebrations, this knitted accessory will bring a touch of seasonal sparkle to your ensemble. It’s made using just one yarn cake, which has a beautiful colour mix and a glitzy finish. You can wear it as a traditional shawl over your shoulders or wrap and tie it using the handy loop feature.
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Great ADVICE “When working a ‘k1, p1’ decrease row, take the yarn to the back of the work ready for the next knit stitch before passing the knit stitch over as this makes it an easy, flowing move”
LK DESIGNER, Veronica
Use jus YARN t one CAKE!
Shaw 43 letsknit.co.uk
Don’t miss our
NEXT ISSUE JANUARY ISSUE OF LET’S KNIT ON SALE THURSDAY 19TH DECEMBER
5 SOFT TOY YARNS + Cute Puppy Playset
Worth £7.99!
KNIT US ALL!
PLUS
10 BONUS PATTERNS FROM T H O M A S . B. R A M S D E N
SOFT TEXTURES
PURL JONES – PART 2!
COSY GARMENTS
ALSO in this issue...
1 Hot water bottle and bedsock set 2 Easy men’s striped sweater 3 Cute dog bed 4 Quick-knit hat in step-by-step 5 Slouchy cowl 6 How to knit a cosy home 51 letsknit.co.uk
Projects subject to change
Relax and unwind with our wonderfully comfy knits!
KIDS’
pattern
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This delightful cardigan from Jane Burns is a brilliant example of a trendy, unisex design. Our fantastic model is wearing a knit for ages two to three, but sizes go up to nine years. The body of this seamless raglan cardi is worked in one piece, with sleeves and buttonbands added at the very end.
TO • E X C L US
Teddy COOL
IMPRESS YOUR LITTLE ONE WITH THIS AWESOME PROJECT!
Trendy TOTS
61 letsknit.co.uk
ENHANCE YOUR WINTER WARDROBE WITH STYLECRAFT’S TRENDY PROJECT
Knitted in a warm wool yarn, this beautiful garment will leave you looking and feeling your best. Although it is fun to wear the traditional jewel tones of the festive season, these light and bright shades will provide a welcome change and will raise your spirits on even the bleakest winter day. Featuring raglan sleeves for added comfort, this comfy cardi would also make a brilliant gift for a lucky loved one.
NEW Yarn
DISCOVER HOW TO:
4 WORK TWISTS 4 SHAPE RAGLANS 4 PICK UP STITCHES 4 MAKE A BUTTONHOLE
PLUS
4 SIZES IN DIFFERENT COLOURS TO HELP YOU 4 EXTRA ADVICE IN OUR TIP! PANELSe page 71 letsknit.co.uk
BEGINNERS’ PROJECT PROJECT
Totlly Tweed
ACCESSORY
pattern
Tartan TASSELS GET CREATIVE WITH THIS EASY ACCESSORY FROM LOVECRAFTS
Super e STITC asy HES
We love the bold tartan effect in this striking scarf. And do you know what? It’s so simple to recreate. There’s no colourwork required, all you do is embroider the stripes once you’ve finished knitting. The main scarf is worked in moss stitch, which is made up of alternating knit and purl stitches. Just remember to bring your yarn between the needles when switching between each stitch.
77 letsknit.co.uk
LEARN WITH US
Textured CUSHION LEARN RINGLET STITCH WITH JO ALLPORT
GREAT FOR IMPROVERS
CHUNKY YARN
5.5MM, 6MM NEEDLES
MEASUREMENTS & SIZES
We love to discover a new textured effect and this one’s really easy to do! It’s simply a case of ‘wrapping’ small groups of stitches by slipping certain stitches. Read our special abbreviations then take a look at designer Jo’s photo tutorial to find out how it’s done. The effect really jazzes up this easy cushion but you could use it on garments and accessories too.
40cm square
KNIT KIT Yarn: West Yorkshire Spinners Re:treat, shade Calm, three 100g balls Needles: 5.5mm, 6mm Buttons: 2cm, six Cushion pad: 40cm square Tapestry needle
TENSION SQUARE n 16 sts x 20 rows n 10cm x 10cm n Ringlet patt n 6mm needles
SPECIAL ABBREVIATIONS MR: make ringlet - p2, wyif transfer these two sts pwise one at a time back to left needle, wyib sl these two sts pwise one at a time back to right needle
FOR ABBREVIATIONS SEE PAGE 97
ABOUT THE YARN West Yorkshire Spinners Re:treat is a chunky weight roving-style yarn that’s lofty and cosy. It’s a 100% British wool made from a blend of Bluefaced Leicester and Kerry Hill fibres. Projects should be washed by hand. It has an RRP of £6.50 per 100g (140m) ball. For stockists, visit wyspinners.com
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A LOCAL YARN SHOP IS A GREAT PLACE TO BUY ALL YOUR KNITTY ESSENTIALS FIND YOURS ON P91
88 letsknit.co.uk