IS YOUR GROUP OUR KNITTING CLUB OF THE YEAR? ISSUE 139 Dec 2018
STEPBY-STEP SCARF THE UK’S BESTSELLING KNIT MAG
14
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to wear & share
£5.99 | Dec 18 Issue 139
CARDIES • WRAPS • MITTS
Easy Unisex HAT!
EVERYDAY HEROES
US SUMPTUORN SOFT YA
S! O N I D E T U C SUPER
ONE BALL MAKE
MADE WITH LOVE
READERS CELEBRATE THEIR CHERISHED HEIRLOOMS
CROCHET TIME!
LOVE THIS!
GOT YOU COVERED!
WINTER KNITS FOR ABSOLUTELY EVERYONE
LK Nov18 Cover 139 FINAL.indd 1
ALL IN ONE
OUR FAVOURITE PROJECTIN-A-BALL YARNS
N EASY CUSHIO TOP THAT!
HOODS AND SNOODS YOU’LL LOVE TO KNIT 09/11/2018 10:44
EDITOR’S Letter
Welcome!
31
Everyone needs a cosy, comforting cardi or sweater to throw on when the wind bites or the boiler breaks down, or just for cuddling up on the sofa on winter evenings. Cue our Cosy Knits Collection, starting on page 14. This stylish set of five snuggly patterns features a cape and gilet that are perfect for bracing walks, two on-trend sweaters, and the ultimate in knitted loungewear - a luxurious pair of bedsocks. Bring on the snow, that’s what we say! Textured knits not only look great, they also make for interesting projects, and there are plenty to enjoy in this issue. Charmaine Fletcher’s squashy tote, with its mesmerising cables is one of our favourites. You’ll find it on page 31, but for more textural treats don’t miss the fingerless mittens on page 36, Nicola Valiji’s baby bootees on page 42 or Jo Allport’s ultrachunky fisherman’s rib scarf on page 84. Do you have a knit that’s been passed down or preserved through the years? We asked our readers to share stories of those makes that hold a special place in their heart, and you can read about them on page 60. If you have a knit that’s older let us know! For the next generation of heirlooms, check out our round-up of convenient project-in-a-ball yarns on page 57, with options for socks, shawls, hats and even and entire baby blanket!
21 ABOVE LEFT: The Cosy Knits Collection, starts on p14 ABOVE RIGHT: Classic cable tote, p31 LEFT: Nostalgic knits, p60 BELOW: project-in-a-ball yarns, p57
60
57
Happy Knitting
Sarah
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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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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 3 Welcome 139.indd 1
08/11/2018 16:35
December 2018
19
In this issue 86
Colour Therapy
63
SHOPPING
8 See It, Want It, Love It Our winter wonders 27 Cosy Luxury Fibres Feel amazing in these high quality yarns 57 Project-In-A-Ball Yarns Finish an entire knit with just one ball 63 Winter Berry Enjoy a burst of colour with our fruity favourites 90 Newsflash Catch up with the latest news in knitting
FOCUS Cosy Crochet Pop-pom Blanket
41 Winter Knits for Absolutely Everyone Explore our inclusive range of seasonal patterns
Classic Cabled Bag
31
60 A Touch of Nostalgia A stunning selection of sentimental knits 69 In the Hood Winter warmers to keep you cosy
79 Technique Page We show you two easy ways to increase 83 Q&A Central Providing answers for knitters everywhere
Cover Star
PEOPLE
Contact us
10 12 74 98
HAVE ANOTHER QUERY? HERE’S HOW TO GET IN TOUCH
IN EVERY ISSUE
Flare Sleeve Jumper
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 (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)
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
Knit It, Write It, Share It! Your wonderful makes and letters
Out and About Where to go and what to do
Charity Corner Knitters using their needles to make a difference
Last Word We chat to crochet expert, Mandy O’Sullivan
3 Welcome 7 Just For You This Month 28 Subscriptions 51 Coming Next Month 72 Teabreak 76 Giveaways 80 Reader Offer 81 Read & Relax 93 Knitter’s Know-How
04 letsknit.co.uk Contents 139.indd 2
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es
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Cute Dinosaur Toys!
70
Quick knit!
WIN! WIN! WIN! OVER £2,000 OF FAB PRIZES
53
ON PAGE 76
Beat the Blues Hat and Cowl
Quick knit!
PATTERNS
54
36
Misty Mittens
Chevron Chic Beginners’ Cushion
Super Speckled Gilet
Fisherman’s Rib Sweater
47
16 19 21 23 25 31 34 36 39 47 53 58 64 70 84 86 Winter Poncho
Winter Poncho Flare Sleeve Jumper Cabled Slouchy Socks Super Speckled Gilet Fisherman’s Rib Sweater Classic Cabled Bag Frosty Shawl Misty Mittens Cute Cable Slippers Beginners’ Chevron Cushion Joe and Polly the Dinosaurs Robin Redbreast Beaded Garter Lace Stole Colourwork Hat and Cowl Simple Chunky Scarf Crochet Pop-pom Blanket Cabled Slouchy Socks
1 SE3-P CT AG IO E N
e
THE COSY KNITS COLLECTION
Starts on page 14
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5 PATTERNS + SPARKLY YARN KIT JUST FOR YOU!
Knit our Ballerina Mouse with your sparkly yarn!
No for gi.f1ts
This funky fashionista looks adorable in her glittery dance costume! We’re in love with the floral additions to her bodice, along with the cross strap effect on the back of her dress. Working from the patterns on your bonus pattern leaflet you also have the option of creating a glistening group of owls or a family of radiant rabbits. Simply use your brown yarn for the bodies of your knits and your three shimmery yarns for the finer details.
ONLY
IN
THIS MONTH’S Find the pattern to make our Ballerina Mouse in your BONUS PATTERN LEAFLET
EXCLUSIVE
LOVE YOUR YARN KIT? GET MORE!
Treats you’ll love ONLY IN LET’S KNIT
Buy a 176g yarn pack for £7.99*! Simply visit letsknit.co.uk/sparkle or call 0800 923 3005. *T&C’s: postage charges apply. Limited stock available.
3Five fantastic patterns 3Fabulous glittery yarns 3Perfect for gift giving 3Love the vibrant colours
Find more fantastic craft ideas at letsknit.co.uk
Coming next issue!
FREE* YARN KIT WORTH £6.99!
SUPER-CUTE PUPPY PALS! Use your exclusive yarn pack to knit Trevor Terrier, Sam Schnauzer, Beth Beagle and Charlie Chihuahua. There are also two bonus patterns to follow.
Countdown to Christmas with this free* Jolly yarn pack! You’ll receive eight festive shades of yarn, bamboo needles and a metal crochet hook. Find out how to claim your kit over on page 80.
January issue of Let's Knit on sale Thursday 20th December
*UK customers only, just pay postage
07 letsknit.co.uk YOUR FREE GIFT 139.indd 1
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YOUR 13 PAGE FASHION SPECIAL
The COSY KNITS
Collection STAY WARM ALL WINTER LONG WITH OUR SENSATIONAL MAKES!
PAGE
16
Winter Poncho
ADD A FEMININE TOUCH WITH BOLD, STATEMENT SLEEVES
CHIC MAKE FOR THE COLDEST SEASON
Top designer style
PAGE
19
We love this time of year! If you're heading out and about on a crisp, frosty morning, look no further than our fashion-forward poncho, inspired by catwalk style. Our cosy gilet and sweater duo use simple stitches to great effect so are suitable for all skill levels. And when the weather outside is frightful, stay in and knit, snuggled up in our comfy bedsocks. Bliss!
Flare Sleeve Jumper
! t of s o s s ' t I 14
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14-26 Fashion Edit.indd 14
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THE STYLE
Edit
PAGE
Classic wardrobe staple
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Rib Sweater
PAGE
23
Chunky Gilet
FITTED AND FLATTERING MAKE
Clever cables
Fussfree style
Perfect
EASY TEXTURED STITCH PATTERN!
PAGE
21
Cabled Bedsocks
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14-26 Fashion Edit.indd 15
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Classic
ACCESSORY
pattern
CABLES CHARMAINE FLETCHER’S TEXTURED TOTE HAS BAGS OF STYLE!
You can’t beat a timeless cable when it comes to creating eye-catching three-dimensional designs. An all-over pattern like this one looks so impressive but the basic technique remains the same – if you’ve not tried it before, read our panel (overleaf) for guidance. This bag is lined to give it extra strength; we’d highly recommend this as it’ll help your project keep its shape.
• EXCLUS
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• E XC
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TO
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value yarn!
31 letsknit.co.uk Cabled tote bag.indd 3
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ACCESSORY
pattern
“We love the delicate lace work involved in this pattern!” LK Deputy Editor, Adrienne Chandler
STITCHES
S I V E TO •
SI
VE
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E TO
CLU
EXCLU
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Picking up
When it comes to picking up stitches along the lower edge of the shawl, the trick is to break up your work into manageable chunks. Find the centre point of the edge and mark that, next mark the centre point in each half, then keep dividing until your shawl is separated into eighths. This will leave you with 42 stitches to pick up between each marker, with one additional stitch on three of your eight sections.
TO • E X C L US
Next issue Top, £18, Miss Selfridge; Jeans, £45, Oasis
CHUNKY COWL BY NICOLA VALIJI
January issue of Let’s Knit on sale THURSDAY 2OTH DECEMBER
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XCLUSIVE •E TO
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one-ball knit
US
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LU
great ADVICE “You could add some pom-poms to the front of the bootees to make them more decorative.”
LK DESIGNER, Nicola
pattern
KNIT A LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS GIFT WITH NICOLA VALIJI
X • E CL
VE T
Cute Cable SLIPPERS
BABY
Valiji 39
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Grea GIFTt idea!
SPRUCE UP YOUR LIVING SPACE WITH THIS SIMPLE CUSHION FROM STYLECRAFT
We love colour-change yarns here at LK HQ. They’re especially well suited to new knitters as they allow you to focus on a new stitch effect while the shades transform before your eyes. Chevrons are a firm favourite in knitting and they’re created by increasing and decreasing in certain places across the row. Don’t worry if that sounds scary, we’ll show you how to do all the stitches as you go.
DISCOVER HOW TO: 4 4 4 4
WORK THE THUMB CAST-ON INCREASE DECREASE MAKE A BUTTONHOLE
chevr o
ns
PLUS 4 HANDY ILLUSTRATIONS 4 GREAT ADVICE IN OUR BRILLIANT TIP! PANELS over the page
BEGINNERS’ PROJECT
Chevron Chic
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09/11/2018 09:14
Don’t miss our
NEXT ISSUE JANUARY ISSUE OF LET’S KNIT ON SALE THURSDAY 20TH DECEMBER
KNIT YOUR OWN POCKET PUPS! MINI MAKES FROM SACHIYO ISHII
EXCLUSIVE
5-colour yarn kit
Plus two bonus puppy patterns!
COSY UP in our Chunky Knits Collection
UNISEX HAT AND SCARF
ALSO in this issue...
CHIC & SIMPLE CARDI
Projects subject to change
MODERN HOME STYLE
1 Easy accessories 2 Exclusive Val Pierce kangaroo toy 3 Clever cushion set 4 Learn tuck stitch 5 Crochet baby shoes 6 Become an eco-friendly knitter 51 letsknit.co.uk
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TOY
S I V E TO
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Joe & POLLY SI
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CLU
EXCLU
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TO • E X C L US
MEET SACHIYO ISHII’S DELIGHTFUL PREHISTORIC PALS
Stomp! Stomp! Stomp! Here come our dino-mite duo looking for some tasty foliage for an afternoon snack. These happy herbivores are the best of friends and always share the choicest leaves. Both are relatively simple to make with basic increases and decreases used to create the body and legs. For the neck frill on Polly the Triceratops, you will be turning the work partway through the row to create each section so read this part of the pattern carefully before you begin.
great ADVICE
“Leave long ends at the beginning and end of each piece to use for sewing up. Make French knots with black yarn if you do not have beads or are giving these to young children.”
LK DESIGNER,
Sachiyo Ishii
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09/11/2018 09:17
Croc h with et
“Read more about designer Mandy O’Sullivan on page 98!” LK Deputy Editor Adrienne Chandler
TOP YARN FOR CROCHET Make your own blanket with these brightly coloured picks!
COLOUR YOUR LIFE!
ROBIN SUPER CHUNKY
£2.19 per 100g (80m) ball. From 01789 610695, widebadger.com
CYGNET CHUNKY
£1.95 per 100g (156m) ball. From 0845 519 4573, deramores.com
KING COLE BIG VALUE CHUNKY
£2.79 per 100g (152m) ball. From theknittingnetwork.co.uk
STYLECRAFT SPECIAL CHUNKY
£1.89 per 100g (144m) ball. From 01409 404010, loveknitting.com
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P R AC T I CA L G U I D E S
Knitter’s KNOW-HOW
Essential info from
PRACTICAL GUIDES l ABBREVIATIONS l STEP-BY-STEP TECHNIQUES l PATTERNS FOR YOUR LEFTOVERS l
Square of
THE MONTH DAISY STITCH Daisy patt: sl next five sts to RH needle kwise dropping extra wraps, sl five sts back to LH needle, (k1, yfwd, k1, yfwd, k1) into all five sts tog tbl, k1 Cast on a multiple of six sts plus one ☐ K one row ☐ Row 1 (WS): p1, * (p1 wrapping yarn twice round needle) five times, p1, rep from * to end ☐ Row 2: k1, work Daisy Patt to end ☐ Row 3: p4, * (p1 wrapping yarn twice round needle) five times, p1, rep from * to last three sts, k3 ☐ Row 4: k4, work Daisy Patt to last three sts, k3 We cast on 31 stitches. Our square is knitted in DK yarn on 3.75mm needles and measures 10cm x 10cm
How to cast on (two needle method)
1
Create a slip knot on your left hand needle, pulling it taut (but not too tight). Carefully insert the right needle into the knot from front to back, passing under the left hand needle. Wrap the ball end of yarn anticlockwise around the point of the right needle.
2
Pull the loop that forms back through the original stitch (knot) and insert the tip of the left hand needle into the new stitch from underneath to transfer it from the right hand to the left hand needle. There should now be two stitches on the left needle.
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3
Repeat Steps 1 and 2, knitting into the top stitch on the left needle and returning the new stitches from the right to the left needle until you have the required number of stitches.