25% OFF DEBBIE BLISS YARN! ISSUE 144 May 2019
EXCLUSIVE AMANDA BERRY DERADOG
THE UK’S BESTSELLING KNIT MAG
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EDITOR’S Letter
Welcome!
14 36
This month we’re delighted to bring you a real scoop – an exclusive pattern from the nation’s favourite knitting designer Debbie Bliss! Debbie has designed a beautifully tailored A-line cable sweater (left) which makes up part of our super-stylish Sunday Best Collection. No sloppy weekend jumpers here – instead you’ll ind designs that are perfect for special occasions or for looking smart whilst still being comfortable. Yarn Shop Day 2019 takes place on 27th April and we can’t wait! Find out what’s happening in our exciting round-up on page 36, and turn to page 85 to ind a participating yarn shop local to you. There’s also a potted history of the last ive years of this great event on page 34. If you’re looking for things for your YSD shopping list, be sure to check out the fantastic picks on our best-buy guides, including pure cotton yarns for under £3 on page 41. Elsewhere in this issue we’ve got some lovely features for you. Discover our favourite patterns for lowers on page 58, read all about 11 year-old crochet sensation Jonah Larson on page 61, and learn something new from our revamped Q&A Central on page 77.
41 ABOVE RIGHT: The Sunday Best Collection, starts on p14 ABOVE LEFT: Yarn Shop Day, p36 CENTRE: pure cotton yarns for under £3, p41 LEFT: Fantastic Flowers, p58 BELOW: Q&A Central, p77
77
Happy Knitting
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Yarn Shop Day 2019 takes place on Saturday 27th April. Free patterns for this year’s mascots, the Tiny Turtle Family and Bubbles The Whale, will be available on the day from local participating stores. To find one close to you, check out our directory on page 85.
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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
37 May 2019
In this issue 26
SHOPPING 8
53
See It, Want It, Love It! Our top picks for May
37 Cool in Khaki Update your wardrobe with this stylish shade
41 Pure Cotton Yarns
Cover Star
Enjoy these fab ibres for under £3
63 Linen Blends Our lovely collection of light-weight yarns
72 Newslash Catch up with the latest news in knitting
FOCUS 34 We Love Yarn Shop Day Support your store with our special campaign Tooth Fairy Cushion
58 Fantastic Flowers Blooming marvellous patterns to knit and crochet
61 Young Talent
47
Hear from crochet kid Jonah Larson
64 A Good Yarn Sharing our favourite knitty narratives
77 Q&A Central
Skinny Rib Top
Providing answers for knitters everywhere
80 Technique Page Perfect your project with our guide to casting of
PEOPLE 10 Knit It, Write It, Share It! Your incredible makes and letters
12 Out and About Fill your calendar with wonderful events
Herbie the Basset Hound
66 Charity Corner Knitters using their needles to make a diference
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 Louis Boria, aka Brooklyn Boy Knits
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 28 46 50 51 55 84 93
Welcome Just For You This Month Subscriptions Reader Ofer Teabreak Coming Next Month Read & Relax Giveaways Knitter’s Know-How
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31
Fun kids’ knits!
WIN! WIN! WIN! NEARLY £1,500 OF GREAT PRIZES
Magical Mosaic socks
ON PAGE 84
Shoot For the Stars Sweater
78 Beginners’ Fair Isle Teacosy
59
54 Quick knit
Star Stitch Shrug Tutorial
Cable Jumper
Arrowhead Lace Cardi
Smart Cardigan
PATTERNS 16 20 23 25 27 29 39 43 47 53 59 69 73 78 82
Cable Jumper Smart Cardigan Arrowhead Lace Cardi So-soft Eyelet Top Skinny Rib Top Shoot For the Stars Sweater Market Bag Cafetière Cosy and Coaster Herbie the Basset Hound Tooth Fairy Cushion Beginners’ Fair Isle Teacosy Magical Mosaic Socks Colourful Cardi Star Stitch Shrug Tutorial Patchwork Crochet Jacket So-soft Eyelet Top
1 SE4-P CT AG IO E N
THE SUNDAY BEST COLLECTION Starts on page 14 05 letsknit.co.uk
JUST FOR YOU THIS MONTH
Leo the Lion
yarn pack & pattern! With summer just around the corner, it’s time for a cuddly friend who’s at home in the heat – meet Steffi Hochfellner’s lovely lion, Leo, complete with an impressive ombre mane! This special colour effect yarn is exclusive to Let’s Knit! You’ll find the easy-to-follow pattern in your covermount leaflet. This month, we’ve also teamed up with our friends at Stylecraft to bring you a fabulous edit of ten gorgeous patterns, with knits for the home, for little ones and of course, some must-make garments just for you. Take a peek at your bonus pattern book!
No for gi.f1ts
THIS MONTH’S
EXCLUSIVE
BONUS Stylecraft
Share your snaps! We’d love to see photos of your projects made using our yarn kits. Email or post them using the details on p11.
PATTERN BOOK
Includes ten projects to knit now! FREE* YARN KIT WORTH £6.99 Grab an extra six balls of our versatile yarn to top up your stash, worth £6.99! These DK yarns are in a fun range of colours and are perfect for smaller projects in both knitting and crochet. Turn to page 46 for details of this amazing FREE* ofer. Go for it! *UK customers only, just pay postage
Treats you’ll love ONLY IN LET’S KNIT
3Leo the Lion toy kit 34 colours, including ombre efect! 3Easy-to-follow pattern lealet 3Yarn pack worth £7.99 3Bonus Stylecraft pattern collection Find more easy toy patterns at letsknit.co.uk
Coming next issue! TOTALLY ADORABLE ARTHUR THE BEAR! Knit our timeless teddy in his matching bow-tie and boots, and smart dungarees. He’s sure to make someone ‘beary’ happy. Using simple shaping and your limited edition kit yarns, he’ll be gift-ready in next to no time.
DON’T MISS 07 letsknit.co.uk
JUNE ISSUE OF LET’S KNIT ON SALE THURSDAY 9TH MAY
YOUR 14 PAGE FASHION SPECIAL
The SUNDAY BEST
Collection
PAGE
25 So-soft eyelet top
FALL IN LOVE WITH OUR SUPER STYLISH GARMENTS
MARTIN STOREY’S NEUTRAL KNIT FITS SIZES 8-26
PAGE
26 Skinny rib top
Easy
S impe & eeant
Perect efrr sum
There are some occasions where an oversized slouchy sweater doesn’t quite it the bill – but that’s where this perfect pick of smarter styles comes in. Whether you’re looking for a formal pattern for the oice, or a neat little cardigan for an afternoon out, here are ive fantastic knits for a range of skill levels.
FEEL FUN AND FABULOUS IN THIS FITTED T-SHIRT
A local yarn shop is a great place to buy all your knitting essentials. Find yours on page 85 14 letsknit.co.uk
THE STYLE
Edit
PAGE
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BEGINNER-FRIENDLY GARMENT FOR ALL OCCASIONS
Notch Neck Cardigan
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23 hic & esy tye
Arrowhead Lace Cardigan
Ofieready knt
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16 A-line Cable Sweater
CREATE INTRICATE TWISTS IN THIS STRIKING AND FLATTERING KNIT
ebie Blss exlusive!
CRISP EYELETS MAKE THIS A SMART CHOICE FOR ANY WARDROBE
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KIDS’
pattern
SHOOT FOR the Stars EVERY BUDDING ASTRONAUT WILL WANT THIS SMART ROCKET JUMPER This timeless design from the clever team at Quail Studios can be made for a toddler to a pre-teen, and there are plenty of gorgeous shades to choose from in Rowan’s Summerlite DK palette, if you want to incorporate a child’s favourite colours. The motif is knitted in intarsia, but the bold design is deliberately easy, if you’ve not tried this great patterning technique yet. Take a trip to your local yarn shop to get all your supplies!
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2019
Funky Blanket
This year’s Yarn Shop Day is on Saturday 27th April and it’s nearly here! Head to your local store to ind these exclusive free knitting patterns. Here are a few more fantastic treats you can expect on the day… Bubbles the Whale
The Tiny Turtle Family
Sammy the Sausage Dog
THE LOST SHEEP WOOL SHOP, ROLLESBY
THE WOOLLERY, LITTLEPORT
THE TWO KNITS, MANSFIELD WOODHOUSE For this friendly store, Yarn Shop Day has become an annual highlight. “It’s great to give something back to all my customers old and new,” says owner Nicola Jackson. “There’s usually a queue at the door of people keen to get hold of one of our famous goody bags. There are lots of ofers on during the day so no one misses out on a bargain. In previous years, there have been demonstrations on various yarn-related crafts and this year will be no exception!” 3A Station Street, Mansield Woodhouse, NG19 8AE. 01623 622175
There are so many plans afoot at this vibrant store! “We love everything woolly and Yarn Shop Day is the perfect way to showcase and share,” says owner Teresa Leech. “This year we will have an all-day knit and natter with teas, cofee, and lots of cake!” Visitors can enjoy workshops and demonstrations, while local company Noodle Soup Yarns will be displaying hand-dyed yarns – look out for an exclusive YSD colourway! There’s also a special competition to knit mascot Sammy the Sausage Dog which will be judged on Norfolk Day on 27th July. 1 Bell Vue, Main Road, Rollesby, NR29 5EG. 01493 748811
REALLY MARIA, DULWICH Pop down to Really Maria on Yarn Shop Day and you’ll not only ind fantastic yarns, haberdashery and other crafting supplies, but will get the chance to meet the author of Knit & Nibble, James McIntosh! Along with Dr Thomas Ernst, James will be in store from 12-1pm, speaking about Knititation and the power of mindfulness through knitting. 15 Lordship Lane, East Dulwich, SE22 8EW. 0203 581 0909, reallymaria.com. Read more about James at knitnibble.com
CRAFTY STITCHES The team at Crafty Stitches in Northwich are working with Cheshire police to set up Pandas for Pandas, providing knitted toys for distressed children. So far, customers have made over 500 pandas and on Yarn Shop Day, there’ll be a knitting circle where you can knit for the cause. There’ll also be goody bags for customers spending £20 or more. The shop has become well-known for its stunning YSD displays, which last year included a lower arch for the town’s “In Bloom” competition. “Yarn Shop Day gives us a chance to really thank our customers for keeping us on our high street,” says Louise Hough. “We aim to make this year’s event our best yet and get our Pandas for Pandas initiative launched nationally!” 48 Witton Street, Northwich, CW9 5AG. 01606 43187, craftystitchesonline.co.uk. Learn more about the initiative at pandasforpandas.co.uk
WHICHCRAFT WOOLS Look out for exciting Yarn Shop Day goings-on at Whichcraft Wools, where the team is attempting to make Cheam’s longest yarn chain! Knit or crochet a section of chain and drop it of to the store by 23rd April. Contact the shop or check social media for instructions. The plan is to create a yarn bomb at 3pm on Yarn Shop Day. 7 Station Way, Cheam, SM3 8SD. 0208 643 3211, whichcraftwools.co.uk
FIND MORE PARTICIPATING STORES ON PAGE 85 OR VISIT LETSKNIT.CO.UK/YARNSHOPDAY 36 letsknit.co.uk
Photography ©Anders Beier
Opening its doors for the irst time on Friday 19th April The Woollery is a brand new store that will be stocking your favourite King Cole and Stylecraft yarns, including every shade of Special DK! There’ll be patterns, haberdashery and gorgeous gifts, too. The store is launching alongside Grand Models, run by owner Miriam’s brother Maurice, making it a true family afair. Delaynie’s, Innovation House, Saxon Business Park, Littleport, CB6 1XX
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If you are determined to embrace an eco-friendly outlook, this knitting project is the perfect place to start. Not only is it a fantastic alternative to plastic bags, this stylish shopper can also be made using recycled yarn! Even novice knitters will be able to master the straightforward lace detail and the simple edging.
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WAKE UP IN STYLE WITH THESE FABULOUS BREAKFAST ACCESSORIES!
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Classic
If you love the smell of coffee in the morning, you will adore this stylish set from Siân Brown. Together, the cosy and coaster will keep your cafetière at the perfect temperature. They will also add a pop of colour to your interior design scheme. Don’t be intimidated by the diamond brocade pattern. Ideally suited to beginners, it’s surprisingly easy to master!
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This cute and cuddly pooch is the latest addition to Deramores’ Deradogs Collection and is a fun knit for any dog lover. Named by LK reader Deborah Kay Marriott, we think he’s the perfect pet. The colour pattern is achieved using the intarsia technique. You can read our panel over the page to ind out how to do it. Don’t forget to share your photos using the details on page 11.
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KNIT A NEW DERADOG WITH AMANDA BERRY’S ADORABLE PATTERN
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EXCLUSIVE COLOURS + Classic teddy bear pattern
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The Serene SUMMER
Gifts worth £7.99!
collection
LIGHT-AS-AIR WRAP
ALSO in this issue...
1 Twist summer cover-up 2 Easy hearts bunting 3 Learn plaid stitch 4 Ombre picnic placemats 5 Snuggly baby blanket 6 Brilliant boxy top 7 Knit myths busted! 51 letsknit.co.uk
Projects subject to change
VINTAGE-STYLE PEGBAG
JOLLY JELLYFISH CUSHION
HOME
Tooth Fairy
CUSHION KNIT THIS CHEERFUL HOME ACCESSORY!
pattern Receiving a visit from the Tooth Fairy is always a magical experience. However, Nicola Valiji’s cushion is sure to bring even more wonder and excitement to your little one. With an attractive chevron pattern and a handy pocket, this delightful make has it all! Using simple embroidery you can even personalise the cushion for added effect.
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“This design would be loved by both boys and girls – omit the bow if you prefer!”
Fair Isle Teacosy
TRANSFORM YOUR TEA PARTIES WITH SIÂN BROWN’S STYLISH MAKE! This pretty project provides the perfect opportunity to try out Fair Isle knitting for the irst time. It’s worked in a standard stocking stitch with easy stripes and a small section of colourwork. The flowers are also deceptively simple to create and they make for a striking addition that is sure to impress your friends and family.
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4 CHANGE COLOURS 4 READ A FAIR ISLE CHART 4 CREATE STRANDED COLOURWORK 4 KNIT A SIMPLE FLOWER
PLUS 4 LEARN ABOUT COLOUR DOMINANCE 4 EXTRA GUIDANCE AND ADVICE IN OUR TIP! PANELS over the page 59 letsknit.co.uk
ACCESSORY
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MOSAICS JANE BURNS’ SUPER SOCKS ARE SO MUCH EASIER THAN THEY LOOK!
At irst glance it may seem rather advanced, but mosaic knitting is probably one of the quickest and easiest colourwork techniques to master. Your contrasting shade is reintroduced into your row by slipping stitches, so you’re actually working in stripes. Using a self-patterning effect for one of the yarns makes it look even more striking.
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pattern
Perfect BLEND COMBINE THREE YARN EFFECTS IN DESIGNETTE’S EYE-CATCHING CARDI Why use just one yarn when you can use two or three at once? It creates a really distinctive effect, as shown in Camilla Ette Gotfredsen’s chic garment. Here, you’re working in a stripe pattern with one type of yarn, whilst adding texture and glitz with two more. Using a ready-made beaded trim also adds a professional finish to your project.
Strikin g
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LEARN WITH US
Star tth SHRUG
JO ALLPORT REVEALS THIS BRILLIANT EFFECT! This simple cover-up is a great way to practise a new stitch as there’s no shaping. The body is made up of a rectangle which is folded in half, then you pick up the stitches for the front and back edging. Take a look at our photo tutorial (right), where designer Jo shows you all the techniques you need to know to create star stitch. IV
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Dress size (approx): 8-10 (12-14, 16-18, 20-22, 24-26) To it chest (cm): 81-86 (91-97, 102-107, 112-117, 122-127) Actual cuf to cuf (cm): 65 (68, 70, 73, 76) Actual depth: 42cm
KNIT KIT Yarn: Rico Design Fashion Silk Blend DK, shades (A) 12 Ecru, (B) 16 Dark Blue, two 50g balls of each Needles: 5mm, straight and (100cm) circular Locking stitch markers Tapestry needle
TENSION SQUARE n 22 sts x 14 rows n 10cm x 10cm n Star stitch n 5mm needles
FOR ABBREVIATIONS SEE PAGE 97
ABOUT THE YARN Rico Design Fashion Silk Blend is a DK weight mix of 45% cotton, 45% silk and 10% polyamide. The chainette construction makes it light to wear and a little goes a long way. Wash projects by hand. It costs £8.69 per 50g (220m) ball from 01409 404010, loveknitting.com
A local yarn shop is a great place to buy all your knitting essentials. Find yours on page 85 78 letsknit.co.uk
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