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JOIN OUR WINWICK MUM SOCKALONG
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ISSUE 124 Xmas 2017
Start Felix the bear tonight!
THE UK’S BESTSELLING KNIT MAG
Grgeous gits, stunning decs+ mre
PAGES OF PERFECT PRESENTS
Christmas
£5.99 | Xmas 17 Issue 124
MADE EASY! QUICK M A K ES you’ll love
ng Speedy st ocki fillers
EASY MAKE IN SILKY YARN
SEASONAL SWEATER IN SIZES 8-34!
FESTIVE & FABULOUS! STYLISH SEASONAL MAKES TO KNIT & WEAR GREAT WAYS WITH EMBROIDERY HOOPS
DON’T
MISS!
NEW SERIES!
CROCHET CUTE
THE WINNERS ARE!
JO ALLPORT'S EXPERT HOW-TO GUIDE
ADORABLE BAKING BEAR THAT’S IDEAL FOR BEGINNERS
BRITISH KNITTING AWARDS – 2017’S BIGGEST STARS!
Your CHRISTMAS issue
welcome to
HIGHLIGHTS THE FESTIVE COLLECTION Stunning garments and gifts for all the family
It’s Christmas! Well, not for a couple of months perhaps, but that’s near enough when there are umpteen gifts, toys and decorations to knit, not forgetting the cosy winter garments and accessories we can’t resist casting on! We’ve got pages of tempting patterns for you in this issue, from our fab collection of seasonal-themed garments, including Jacinta Bowie’s stunning red hoody, to our quick and easy decs which you’ll find on page 59. And if you’re hoping Santa might bring you some knitty gifts this year don’t write your list without checking out our great ideas on page 79, or our pick of the best sparkly yarns on page 67. If you’ve always fancied knitting socks but never been brave enough to cast on then don’t miss our step-by-step ‘sockalong’. It’s hosted by celebrated blogger Christine Perry, a.k.a Winwick Mum, and part one starts on page 84. The results of the 2017 British Knitting & Crochet Awards are in! Our annual recognition of the best and brightest in our industry is a major event in the knitting and crochet calendar, and it wouldn’t be possible if not for the thousands of you who voted, so thanks very much! You’ll find the results on page 70. Happy knitting
Page 84
Sockalong with Winwick Mum
TOP BUYS TO ADD TO YOUR WISHLIST Page 79 British Knitting & Crochet Awards – results announced! Page 70
Subscribe today and receive your FREE 1200g of yarn and accessories ! See page 40.
Sarah
sarah.neal@aceville.co.uk
www Find us at www.facebook.com/letsknitmag
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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.
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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 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. Prices are all correct at time of print.
03 www.letsknit.co.uk
contents
Cover Star
CHRISTMAS SPECIAL 2017
This Month’s Patterns 13 GLAM CARDIGAN
Knit Jacinta Bowie's robin sweater!
27 PERFECT PRESENTS
Sian Brown's Christmas party staple
Nine patterns to make and give this Christmas
16 DIAMOND-YOKE SWEATER Be fab in Fair Isle and cables
43
21 CHRISTMAS JUMPER
43 WINTER MIST Make Charmaine Fletcher's fabulous accessories
50 FESTIVE FINGER PUPPETS Jane Burns' fun and friendly toys
59 TREATS FOR YOUR TREE Ten patterns to give your tree the handmade touch
75 QUICK CHUNKY HOODY Jacinta Bowie's cosy essential
84 JOIN OUR SOCKALONG! Winwick Mum teaches us how to make the perfect pair!
88 HOW TO PICK UP STITCHES Knit Jo Allport's step-by-step mittens and learn a new skill
13
93 MRS PAWS Liz Ward's crocheted, cuddly cutie!
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 www.letsknit.co.uk/ patternupdates 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 on page 102 (please mark your envelope ‘Support’) (Please note we cannot offer assistance with patterns not published in Let’s Knit)
27
Useful contacts HAVE ANOTHER QUERY? HERE’S HOW TO GET IN TOUCH l Subscription enquiries/ customer services: 0330 333 0042, customerhelp @subscribe.aceville.co.uk l Advertising enquiries: 01206 505114, samantha. dean@aceville.co.uk l Online registration/ website enquiries: webmaster@letsknit.co.uk
04 www.letsknit.co.uk
21
50
25 8 Shopping 25 HOLLY BERRIES
67
Embrace the traditional with our shades of red and green!
67 GLITZ AND GLAMOUR A touch of sparkle in your yarns this Christmas
101 NEWSFLASH Great goodies and events you won't want to miss!
Focus
10 LOOK WHAT'S NEW FOR YOU
59 16
Our pick of festive news, yarns and more
84
46 THE 12 KNITS OF CHRISTMAS
93
WIN OVER £1,800
The best makes to knit and give this festive season
70 THE BRITISH KNITTING AND CROCHET AWARDS 2017 The winners are announced!
73 MANKNIT The man inspiring men everywhere to pick up the needles
WORTH OF PRIZES
79 DEAR SANTA Fantastic treats and where to find them!
ON PAGES 49, 73, 91 & 106
People
54 STOP AND SHARE
we
75
What you've been knitting this month
106 LAST WORD We get the latest from indie yarn-dyer, Verity Castledine
In Every Issue 3 WELCOME 7 THIS MONTH’S FREE GIFT 8 CHRISTMAS IS THE SEASON 40 SUBSCRIPTIONS 49 BOOKSHELF 53 COMING NEXT MONTH 56 TEA BREAK 83 CAN WE HELP? 91 GIVEAWAYS 102 PRACTICAL GUIDES 104 STEP BY STEP
59 05
Back issues from Jan 2011 onwards are available on the Let’s Knit app! www.letsknit.co.uk
Fre cue lf yarn kit!
u u u u u
Five Christmas colours Special sparkly yarn Worth £7 Perfect for festive knits Easy toy patterns
FREE WITH
19 Quick & Fun
FESTIVE K NITS LK 124 XMAS 2017
OSE YOU LOVE EOUS GIFTS FOR TH
EASY TOYS & GORG
KNIT
THIS MONTH’S FREE GIFTS
Olly & Ivy the elf twins!
Make our sweet pair with your free yarn. Find the patterns in your bonus booklet!
Make our elf r twins with you FREE sparkly yarn kit!
SANTA BABY! STITCH THIS FOR A TINY TOT
Get two kits! You can order a bumper pack that includes 150g of yarn, for only £6.99*
124. Not to be sold
With Let’s Knit issue
19 brilliant patterns in your 16-page booklet. Toys, SUPER CUTE decorations, MOUSE TOY gifts and RN CUSHION ICO UN ING AZ d AM ING FILLERS Aso insde:SO S d SWEET STOCK RIE more! CES AC d SIMPLE PERFECT PATTERNS FOR NEW KNITTERS
To order simply visit www.letsknit. co.uk/elftwins
ally Olly & Ivy look re only use detailed but they on, simple stitches. Go give them a go!
Reader OFFER
ove Your FREE yarn Kit?
separately
HOLIDAY HOMEWARES
Exclusively for you!
*T&C’s: postage charges apply. Limited stock available.
Free* yarn pack fr every reader!
Make it! SHARE IT!
LK reader Agnes Mcclounnan knitted our cute and cuddly Tom the Cat from last issue. Great job, Agnes!
Send off for your FREE* Aloha yarn kit containing six colours - includes pretty shimmer yarn! Find more details on page 74.
Share your makes on social media, or email adrienne. chandler@aceville.co.uk
Turn to page 54 for more of your brilliant knits!
* Just pay P&P, UK customers only
07 www.letsknit.co.uk
THE FESTIVE COLLECTION
Dress to impress in our
GLAM CHRISTMAS CARDIGAN! t can be tricky finding creative ways to re-use the classic statement pieces in your wardrobe from winters gone by, but this stunning piece is perfect for bringing life into old outfits. The versatile style makes it ideal for the party season and the powerful purple is set to be a huge trend this year. Make sure to highlight the instructions for your size before you start to make the pattern easier to follow!
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our expert
SAYS...
“The deep lace border and cap sleeves create a flattering, feminine style. The tweedy yarn and velvet ribbon add texture.” LK Designer, Siân Brown
13 www.letsknit.co.uk
£ Next row: skpo, patt to last two sts, k2tog £ Next row: patt to end £ Rep last two rows 4 (4, 5, 6, 6, 7, 8) times more. 59 (63, 67, 71, 75, 79, 83) sts ** £ Cont in patt until armhole meas 20 (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) cm, ending after a WS row
Pair this jumper with skinny jeans and your favourite boots for a stylish winter look!
Shape shoulders
£ Cast off 8 (9, 9, 10, 10, 11, 11) sts at beg of next two rows and 9 (9, 10, 10, 11, 11, 12) sts at beg of foll two rows Leave rem 25 (27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37) sts on holder
FRONT
£ Work as given for Back to **
Shape left neck and shoulder
£ Next row: patt 22 (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28), turn and work on these sts for first side of Front neck £ Next row: patt to end £ Next row: patt to last two sts, skpo £ Rep last two rows four times more. 17 (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23) sts £ Cont without shaping until Front meas same as Back to start of shoulder shaping, ending at armhole edge £ Next row: cast off 8 (9, 9, 10, 10, 11, 11) sts, patt to end. 9 (9, 10, 10, 11, 11, 12) sts £ Work one row £ Cast off
Shaping right neck and shoulder
£ With RS facing place centre 15 (17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27) sts on a holder, rejoin yarn to rem sts, patt to end £ Next row: patt to end £ Next row: k2tog, patt to end £ Rep last two rows four times more. 17 (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23) sts £ Cont without shaping until Front meas same as Back to start of shoulder shaping, ending at armhole edge £ Next row: cast off 8 (9, 9, 10, 10, 11, 11) sts, patt to end. 9 (9, 10, 10, 11, 11, 12) sts £ Work one row £ Cast off
Two fab techniques to try!
SLEEVES Using 4.5mm needles and yarn A, cast on 30 (34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54) sts £ Row 1: p2 (4, 2, 4, 2, 4, 2), [k2, p2] to last 4 (6, 4, 6, 4, 6, 4) sts, k2, p to end
17 www.letsknit.co.uk
THE FESTIVE COLLECTION
Knit Jacinta Bowie’s
STYLISH CHRISTMAS JUMPER o supersized and super stylish with this year’s Christmas jumper! It’s the perfect festive make for fashionista relatives or as a fun and cosy knit for yourself. Team it with leggings or skinny jeans to complete the look. The robin is worked using the intarsia technique - see the Knitwise panel - but the snowflakes and finer details are embroidered afterwards using Swiss darning and chain stitch.
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Make this in sizes 8-34!
our expert
SAYS...
“This oversized sweater is great for Christmas and beyond! The yarn offers excellent value for money too.”
LK Designer, Jacinta Bowie
21 www.letsknit.co.uk
ESSENTIAL CHRISTMAS KNITS
Patterns for all skill levels
Perfect
PRESENTS EIGHT FANTASTIC GIFT KNIT IDEAS FOR ALL THE FAMILY
D
elight your nearest and dearest with a handknitted gift that’s made with love! Over the following 12 pages you’ll find
a great selection of projects that are easy to complete in time for the big day. So, grab your needles and cast on, knit, wrap, repeat!
27 www.letsknit.co.uk
YOUR NEW FAVE ACCESSORIES
Winter MIST Stay cosy in Charmaine Fletcher’s fabulous fringed scarves! ome projects are wonderfully simple but still look super stylish and these accessories definitely fall into that category. They’re knitted in a classic chunky yarn which shows off the stitch pattern to great effect and works up really quickly. There are two sizes to choose from – our main picture shows the larger version but there is a smaller one if you’re short of time. You could drape it over your shoulders or fasten it with a belt - how will you wear yours?
S
our expert
SAYS...
“The tassels give this scarf a fabulous designer look. Save any trimmings and use them to stuff a cushion or pincushion!”
LK Designer, Charmaine Fletcher
43 www.letsknit.co.uk
Don’t miss our NEXT ISSUE!
BUMPER Yarn Kit!
20 PATTERNS TO KNIT & CROCHET! Knit Santa & Friends with your kit
Inlcudes fleecy yarn!
PLUS 16-page
SPECTACULAR 10TH BIRTHDAY SPECIAL!
COSY COLOURFUL COWL
FESTIVE PATTERN
Collection
Toys & gifts you’ll love!
CUTE XMAS TOYS
1 SIMPLE CABLE SWEATER 2 GREAT GIFTS TO KNIT ALSO IN AND GIVE 3 CROCHET SNOWMEN BUNTING 4 QUICK THIS ISSUE... ACCESSORIES 5 AMAZING PRIZES TO BE WON!
KIDS’ FESTIVE JUMPER
NOVEMBER ISSUE OF LET’S KNIT ON SALE THURSDAY 26TH OCTOBER 53 Download hundreds of free knitting and crochet patterns today! www.letsknit.co.uk
ESSENTIAL CHRISTMAS KNITS
Treats for
YOUR TREE
OUR HANDKNITTED DECS ARE JUST THE THING TO JOLLY-UP YOUR FESTIVE HOME
Q
uick to make and full of Christmas cheer, these colourful decs will give your tree a touch of homespun charm. They can also
be hung in a window, from a shelf or on the back of a door. We’d love to see photos of your festive decorating schemes!
59 www.letsknit.co.uk
�
Glitz & Glamour �
Twinkle, twinkle sparkly yarn!
veryone loves a bit of sparkle at Christmas, it’s everywhere! From decorations, to party dresses and make up it only seems natural that it creeps into our knitting too. With so many gorgeous glittery yarns available, we felt it was our duty at LK towers to inform on the particulars of these essentials for jubiliant Christmas knitting!
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Shimmery shine
A party in your stash
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Show-stopper
0 E PAG E 7
Make a statem
ent
Fab ‘n’ fun 67 www.letsknit.co.uk
THE FESTIVE COLLECTION
Cosy up in Jacinta Bowie’s
QUICK CHUNKY HOODY ig, red and beautifully snuggly, this is the perfect cold-weather knit and the colour makes it fabulously festive too! Be guided by the measurements given, rather than your high street dress size. If you’d like a looser fit, just make the next size up. The stitches for the hood are left on holders but you could cast these off and work a more classic neckband if you prefer.
B
“In this pattern, diferent sizes ae created by diferent sized cables. Read through the pattern before you begin so you know which cable to do.” LK Deputy Editor Adrienne Chandler
our expert
SAYS...
“Thanks to the chunky yarn, this satisfying knit grows much more quickly than you might expect.”
LK Designer, Jacinta Bowie
75 www.letsknit.co.uk
Mrs PAWS Crochet Liz Ward’s baking bear!
eet Mrs Paws! This delightful teddy is full of both seasonal cheer and charming details, from her little pinny to sweet collar. She mostly uses simple double crochet stitches, with traditional shaping methods, while the pinny uses half treble stitches. Make sure you stuff your bear when the pattern tells you to as it will be really tricky later on. Head to your local yarn shop to buy all your supplies!
M
Crochet your own festive ted!
93 www.letsknit.co.uk