Simply Knitting Sample Issue

Simply

BEST-EVER KAL Gorgeous 3D floral blanket!

ISSUE 198 £6.99

INSPIRATION YARN EXPERTS STORIES COMMUNITY

KNITS TO LOVE

ISSUE 198 2020

TREAT YOURSELF!

PRINTED IN THE UK

183

Family choice

£6.99

designs & IDEAS

0 Easy lace 0 Casual cardi 0 Kid’s jacket

Great gifts for kids

Don’t miss our bright and cosy fire engine jumper!

In siz 1-9 ye es ars

Must-knit favourites!

Perfect for sock beginners

PLUS!

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The magical world of metallic yarns

Treat yourself to a pair of simple stripy socks

exciting homewares Spring tea cosy

Trendy decorations

Metallic yarn bolster

U P TO SIZE

22

+ MORE INSIDE! • Hot knit buys • Eco shopping bag • Your letters • Fabulous freebies • The latest yarns • Prize puzzles

Knit for ! under £9

Simply In this issue

Our bright eco shopping bag is on page 55

14 47

64 C OVE R STAR !

Knitting for little ones?

21

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Cool colour work k

75

81

4o 59

27 PATTERNS 14 21 27 35 40 47 55 59 64 75 81

Modern zigzag T-Shirt Kid’s fire engine jumper 3D floral blanket KAL Simple lace jumper Metallic yarn bolster cushion Men’s shawl-collar cardi Eco shopping bag Garter stitch toddler jacket Cactus cushion & pot holder Maypole tea cosy Preppy striped socks

GREAT BUYS & TOP PRIZES 7 Wishlist Check out our gorgeous new buys, exciting events, brilliant books and more

46 Prize puzzles Quizzy ways to win knit-tastic goodies!

63 Fabulous freebies Great giveaways just for you!

72 The latest yarn reviews We take a look at eco-friendly options

35 GOOD READS & MORE

84 How to knit Our practical guide delivers all the stitches and tips to get you started

26 NEW exciting reader offer

88 Next issue

Have six issues of Simply Knitting delivered to your door for just £9.99!

Find out what you can look forward to knitting and reading next month

30 Stay in touch

90 NEW stitch of the month

Your exciting news, knits and more

Add a new stitch to your library – this issue we show you elongated chevrons!

42 The world of metallic yarns Not just for Christmas, these sparkly options are year-round contenders

SUBSCRIBE & GET A SCHEEPJES YARN COLOUR PACK!

45 Purls of wisdom Phil Saul laments the issues with not having a large enough yarn stash

52 Our mini guide to eco knitting Top tips, yarn suggestions and a look at some interesting eco-friendly materials

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57 Knitter’s world Read all about knitter Sue Howell’s wonderful Knit Your Town Project

68 Knit together Charity stories, online LYS and your top knits pack our community round-up

74 Back issues Complete your set with our directory

Let et your you iimagination run free with this amazing yarn offer!

Turn to page 32 to subscribe now

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To the point to

Stay playful this season and cast on this jaunty cropped T-shirt filled with zingy shades and a bold zigzag pattern. By Siân Brown

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GREAT for teenagers!

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call the brigade Knit a jumper that comes in the proudest of bold colours! This fabulous kid’s knit by Jane Burns is packed with wonderful detail

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FIRE ENGINE JUMPER

WHERE TO BUY TAKE ON A CHALLENGE

YOU WILL NEED ■ King Cole Big Value DK

(100% acrylic, 50g/145m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ■ A pair of 3.25mm needles ■ A pair of 4mm needles ■ 1 set of 3.25mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) or 3.5mm crochet hook ■ Stitch holders ■ 3 x grey buttons, 1.5cm diameter ■ 2 x black buttons, 3cm diameter

TENSION 22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles

■ For yarn stockists

contact King Cole on 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com

OR YOU COULD TRYÉ

FIND YOUR SIZE SIZE TO FIT CHEST ACTUAL CHEST

■ Wool Warehouse

www.woolwarehouse.co.uk ■ SMD Knitting

0800 622 6225 www.knittingwool.com

LENGTH SLEEVE LENGTH

1-2yrs

2-3yrs

cm

53

56

61

67

71

in

21

22

24

261/2

28

cm

56

62

67

73

76

in

22

241/2

261/2

283/4

30

cm

33

38

42

45

49

SHO LOCAP L! Turn to page 79

ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87

King Cole Big Value DK is a soft yarn that’s perfect for knitting jumpers for little ones

T

6-7yrs

8-9yrs

in

13

15

161/2

173/4

191/4

cm

23

26.5

29

35.5

36

in

9

101/2

111/2

133/4

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YARN

SHOP SMAR

4-5yrs

King Cole Big Value DK (50g/145m)

Yarn A Red (4029)

1

1

1

1

2

Yarn B Platinum (4051)

3

3

4

5

5

Yarn C Grey (4052)

1

1

1

1

1

Yarn D White (4020)

1

1

1

1

1

Yarn E Royal (4041)

1

1

1

1

1

Yarn F Yellow (4027)

1

1

1

1

1

Yarn G Black (4053)

1

1

1

1

1

SIZING COLOUR KEY So you can re-use this pattern, we’ve colour-coded the sizing instructions. Simply follow our colour-coded measurements and you’re off.

FIRE ENGINE JUMPER Note It might be easier to Swiss darn or duplicate stitch the smaller elements on the Chart, such as the Ladder base, Siren, Lights and Windows. See page 86 for instructions on Swiss darning.

When working Intarsia on the larger sections of the chart, remember to twist yarns on the WS side of the work at every colour change to prevent holes.

BACK Cast on 60 (68: 76: 80: 84) sts using 3.25mm needles and Yarn A. Set-up row Purl.

Change to Yarn B. Row 1 (RS) *K2, P2; rep from * to end.

Rep Row 1 until piece measures 3 (3: 4.5: 4.5: 4.5)cm from cast-on edge, ending after a RS row.

1-2 YRS SIZE ONLY Next row Purl, inc 2 sts evenly across row. [62 sts]

4-5 YRS SIZE ONLY Next row Purl, dec 2 sts evenly across row. [74 sts]

ALL OTHER SIZES Next row Purl.

Change to 4mm needles**.

Beg with a knit row, work in st st until piece measures 21.5 (25: 28: 30: 32.5)cm from cast-on edge, ending after a WS row.

SHAPE ARMHOLES Cast off 3 (3: 4: 4: 4) sts at beg of next 2 rows.

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GIVE LACE A TRY!

tickled pink

Discover the joy of eyelet lace with this pretty salmon-pink jumper, complete with square neckline. By Bronagh Miskelly Subscribe Subscribe at www.theyarnloop.com/simply-knitting at www.gathered.how/simplyknitting 35

WHERE TO BUY TAKE ON A CHALLENGE

YOU WILL NEED ■ Eden Cottage Yarns Milburn DK

(85% British Bluefaced Leicester wool, 15% mulberry silk, 50g/112m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table ■ A pair of 3.75mm needles ■ A pair of 4mm needles ■ A pair of 4.5mm needles ■ Stitch markers ■ Stitch holders

■ To buy or for more details

visit Eden Cottage Yarns SHOP SMAR on www.edencottage T SHOP yarns.co.uk

LOCAL!

OR YOU COULD Turn to TRYÉ ■ Wool on the pagExe e xx

SLEEVE

01392 669015 www.woolontheexe.com ■ Tangled Yarn 0161 217 0858 www.tangled-yarn.co.uk

TENSION 24 sts and 20 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over main body eyelet patt using 3.75mm needles

ABBREVIATIONS s2kpo slip 2 sts together knitwise, knit 1, pass 2 slipped sts over (2 sts dec’d)

The sleeves are worked from cuff to shoulder; the lace pattern creates a ‘peaked’ shape around the cuff edge

FRONT & BACK

44.5 (47: 50.5: 53.5: 55.5: 58: 60.5: 63: 65.5: 68)cm 171/2 (181/2: 20: 21: 22: 23: 24: 243/4: 253/4: 263/4)in

KEY K on RS; P on WS P on RS; K on WS

CHART A (for Body sizes 10, 14, 16, 20 and 26)

K2tog

10

SSK Yo S2kpo

For a full list see page 95

67 (68: 68: 69: 69: 71: 72: 72: 73: 74)cm 261/2 (263/4: 263/4: 271/4: 271/4: 28: 281/4: 281/4: 283/4: 291/4)in

45 (45: 46: 47: 47: 48: 49: 49: 50: 50)cm 173/4 (173/4: 18: 181/2: 181/2: 19: 191/4: 191/4: 193/4: 193/4)in

LACE JUMPER

Repeat

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1 30

25

20

15

10

5

LACE JUMPER

WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHART A (SIZES 10, 14, 16, 20 AND 26 ONLY) Row 1 K2tog, yo, *K1, yo, K4, s2kpo, K4, yo, K1, yo, s2kpo, yo; rep from * to last 15 sts, K1, yo, K4, s2kpo, K4, yo, K1, yo, ssk.

Row 2 and all WS rows P to end.

Row 3 K2tog, yo, *K2, yo, K3, s2kpo, K3, yo, K2, yo, s2kpo, yo; rep from * to last 15 sts, K2, yo, K3, s2kpo, K3, yo, K2, yo, ssk.

Row 5 K2tog, yo, *K3, yo, K2, s2kpo, K2, yo, K3, yo, s2kpo, yo; rep from * to last 15 sts, K3, yo, K2, s2kpo, K2, yo, K3, yo, ssk.

Row 7 K2tog, yo, *K4, yo, K1, s2kpo, K1, yo, K4, yo, s2kpo, yo; rep from * to last 15 sts, K4, yo, K1, s2kpo, K1, yo, K4, yo, ssk.

Row 9 K2tog, yo, *K5, yo, s2kpo, yo, K5, yo, s2kpo, yo; rep from * to last 15 sts, K5, yo, s2kpo, yo, K5, yo, ssk.

Row 10 P to end.

Rep these 10 rows for lace patt, then rep only Rows 9 and 10 for main body eyelet patt as instructed.

WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHART B (FOR SIZES 8, 12, 18, 22 AND 24 ONLY) Row 1 K1, yo, s2kpo, yo, *K1, yo, K4, s2kpo, K4, yo, K1, yo, s2kpo, yo; rep from * to last st, K1.

Row 2 and all WS rows P to end.

Row 3 K1, yo, s2kpo, yo, *K2, yo, K3, s2kpo, K3, yo, K2, yo, s2kpo, yo; rep from * to last st, K1.

Row 5 K1, yo, s2kpo, yo, *K3, yo, K2, s2kpo, K2, yo, K3, yo, s2kpo, yo; rep from * to last st, K1.

Row 7 K1, yo, s2kpo, yo, *K4, yo, K1, s2kpo, K1, yo, K4, yo, s2kpo, yo; rep from * to last st, K1.

Row 9 K1, yo, s2kpo, yo, *K5, yo, s2kpo, yo, K5, yo, s2kpo, yo; rep from * to last st, K1.

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eco-shopper

This jolly bag, filled with chunky stitches and knitted in recycled yarn, is perfect for your everyday chores. By Ann Franklin

KNIT in a weekend!

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SHOPPING BAG MEASUREMENTS IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS

YOU WILL NEED

31cm (12in) tall x 50cm (19¾in) wide

ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 87

■ Paintbox Recycled Big Cotton

(60% cotton, 40% polyester, 250g/90m) 1 ball of Yarn A Off White (003) 1 ball of Yarn B Orange (013) 1 ball of Yarn C Blue (010) ■ A 12mm circular knitting needle, 80cm long ■ 2m of white cotton webbing tape, 38mm wide ■ White strong sewing thread ■ Stitch marker

TENSION 9 sts and 11 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 12mm needles

WHERE TO BUY ■ Contact LoveCraft on

01409 404010 or www.lovecrafts.com

! xx% off

xxxxxxx xx% off xxxxxxxx!

Quote offer code xxxx when you order. To place your order call xxxxxxxxx or visit xxxxxx.

Offer ends xxxxx.

!

15% off

LoveCrafts are offering 15% off Paintbox Recycled Big Cotton! Quote offer code MAKER4 when you call 01409 404010 or visit www. lovecrafts.com. Offer ends 11 June 2020.

SHOPPING BAG Note Please check tension as this pattern will use most of the yarn.

If tension varies this may affect yarn quantities.

BASE Cast on 8 sts using 12mm circular needle and Yarn A. Row 1 (RS) Knit.

Row 2 (WS) Kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, K1. [10 sts] Continue in garter stitch (knit every row) until work measures 34cm, ending with a WS row.

Next row K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. [8 sts] Knit 1 row.

Do not break off the yarn.

SIDES Next row K8, do not turn work. Pick up and knit 33 sts along the first side of the base, pick up and knit 8 sts from the cast-on edge, pick up and knit 32 sts along the second side of the base. [81 sts] Place a marker to show the beginning of the (next) round.

Commence pattern, working in the round on these 81 sts.

Round 1 (RS) Knit.

Rounds 2 and 3 *K1, P2; rep from * to end of round.

TURN to

Round 4 Knit.

These 4 rows set the pattern. p52 for our min Break off Yarn A and join in Yarn B. eco-knitting i Work 16 rounds of pattern in Yarn B. guide!

Break off Yarn B and join in Yarn A. Work 4 rounds of pattern in Yarn A. Break off Yarn A and join in Yarn C. Work 15 rounds of pattern in Yarn C. Next round *K2tog, K7; rep from * to end of round. [72 sts] Break off Yarn C and join in Yarn A. Next 2 rounds *K1, P1; rep from * to end of round.

Cast off in rib, as set in last 2 rounds.

k

FINISHING Darn in all yarn ends. Fold the Bag so that the narrower (8 st) portions of the base are the sides of the Bag. Using 1m of webbing for each Bag handle, fold the bottom edge of each piece of webbing inwards to neaten. Sew the ends of the webbing onto the centre portions of the Bag from the bottom of the middle rounds of Yarn A to the top (cast-off) edge, placing the strap ends about 14cm apart.

Please refer to manufacturer’s instructions for care of the yarn.

STEP-BY-STEP KFB INCREASE 1 BY KNITTING INTO FRONT & BACK

1 Insert the tip of the right-hand needle into the front of the stitch and knit as normal, but don’t drop it from the left-hand needle.

2 Then take the right-hand needle behind the left-hand one and insert the tip of the needle down through the back of the stitch on the left-hand needle.

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3 Wrap the yarn around the tip of the right-hand needle to knit the stitch. Bring the needle through to make the stitch, keeping it on the right-hand needle.

4 Take the stitch off the left-hand needle. You will have increased one stitch by knitting twice into the original stitch, first at the front, then at the back.

May day Day magic With bright ribbons, flowers, a village green and more, there’s lots to love about this stunning tea cosy by Tea Cosy Folk

GREAT GIFT idea!

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MAYPOLE TEA COSY TENSION IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS

YOU WILL NEED ■ King Cole Pricewise DK

(100% acrylic; 100g/282m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A White (001) Yarn B Lime (071) Yarn C Cloud (201) Yarn D Acid (038) Yarn E Fondant (128) Yarn F Baby Peach (3285) Yarn G Mauve (3205) ■ A pair of 5.5mm needles ■ A pair of 4mm needles ■ Small amount of toy filling ■ Stitch holder ■ Tapestry needle

22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over stocking stitch using 4mm needles with single strand 14 sts and 23 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over stocking stitch using 5.5mm needles with yarn held double

WHERE TO BUY

■ For yarn stockists

contact King Cole on 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com

www.woolwarehouse.co.uk ■ Unique Knit & Sew www.

uniqueknitandsew.co.uk

TOP TIP

This project makes a great stash buster if you can’t get out to the shops, and just happen to have a collection of DK acrylic in a selection of spring-like colours.

ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95

MAIN COSY Cast on 42 sts using 5.5mm needles and Yarn A held double.

Rows 1 to 4 Starting on a RS knit row work in st st.

Row 5 (eyelet row) K1, *yo, k2tog; rep from * to last st, K1.

Rows 6 to 7 Starting on a WS purl row work in st st.

T

Turn to page 87

■ Wool Warehouse

To fit a two-pint (6-8 cup) teapot

Note Divide Yarns A, B and C into two balls so that the yarn can be used held double where specified.

SHO LOCAP L!

OR YOU COULD TRY…

MEASUREMENTS

MAYPOLE TEA COSY

SHOP SMAR

Break Yarn A and join Yarn B held double.

Row 8 *P1, p2tog; rep from * to end. [28 sts] Row 9 Purl.

Rows 10 to 22 Starting on a WS purl row work in st st.

Break Yarn B and join Yarn C held double.

Rows 23 to 32 Starting on a RS knit row work in st st.** Break yarn and place sts onto a holder.

Work a second Main Cosy in the same way from start as far as **.

Do not break yarn.

SHAPE TOP Working across sts attached to working yarn and then across the held sts with RS facing, cont as follows: Row 1 (RS) *K5, k2tog; rep from * to end. [48 sts] Rows 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 Purl.

Row 3 *K4, k2tog; rep from * to end. [40 sts] Row 5 *K3, k2tog; rep from * to end. [32 sts] Row 7 *K2, k2tog; rep from * to end. [24 sts] Row 9 *K1, k2tog; rep from * to end. [16 sts] Row 11 *K2tog; rep from * to end. [8 sts] Break yarn and thread through rem sts. Pull tight to fasten.

With the Front and Back right-sides together, join each side seam for 9.5cm from the finishing off point towards the cast-on edge. At the bottom of each side seam, join for 5.5cm upwards. The holes are left for the teapot handle and spout.

At the bottom edge, fold the hem up on the inside of the Tea Cosy along the eyelet row to create a picot hem. Sew the hem in place.

Put the Tea Cosy onto the teapot because it will be easier to sew things into place when the Tea Cosy is in place.

FINIAL Once the front and back of the tea cosy are sewn together pop it on your teapot to finish the making up

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Cast on 6 sts using 4mm needles and Yarn D. Row 1 (RS) *Kfb; rep from * to end. [12 sts] Row 2 and WS rows to Row 22 Purl.

Row 3 *K1, kfb; rep from * to end. [18 sts] Row 5 *K2, kfb; rep from * to end. [24 sts] Row 7 Knit.

YARN COMMUNITY

Knit Together!

Welcome to our community section where we take a closer look at what’s going on knitwise around the UK! In association with the Keep Yarn on our Streets campaign

N

ever has there been a more important time to connect with your virtual community, so this issue we hope to inspire you.

For fab online retailers check out our guide to Durham’s best shops. Nikki Small tells us about her gorgeous North Welsh boutique, Ewe Felty Thing, on page 69 and we introduce you to the brilliant Virtual Stitch Group created

by Andrew Kite of The Yarn Whisperer – it’s the place to be for your online knitty fix! Our Charity of the Month this issue is Knit For Peace, who work with 22,000 amazing knitters, and our special report is all about ‘60 Million Trebles,’ an creative initiative from charity HIHFAD. We also chat to Judith Goodfellow, owner of fab independent retailer, Fine Fettle Fibres UK, about her love of natural yarns. After a quick project? Our copyright-free hanger and bag patterns on page 70 make fab knits. Don’t forget to tell us about any shop, club and charity favourites you have, and send in all your photos, too!

Kirstie McLeod Editor

A knitter’s guidE to...

Durham One reason to love the county of Durham is its local small yarn retailers, here are just a few...

THE KNITTING GIFT SHOP

Contact store for details on online ordering 8 Brockwell Court, Low Willington Industrial Estate, Willington DL15 0UT This shop really is a treasure trove full of yarny goodies and gifts. Be sure to check out their fabulous line keeper – a handy tool for following patterns with. They also stock beautiful yarn bowls crafted by artisans, and have a lovely selection of locally sourced yarn to browse through. Delivery is free on all orders over £50!

Visit www.theknittinggiftshop.co.uk for more.

WOOLABALLOO

Contact store for details on online ordering The Dartmoor Suite, The Courtyard, Langley Park, Durham DH7 9XE Offering knitting yarns, accessories, books and fabulous workshops during the year, be sure to check out Woolaballoo’s website for some brilliant buys this month!

Visit www.woolaballoo.com or contact 0191 5800103 for more information.

ROCK-A-BYE-BABY Online store

This craft shops stocks knitting patterns, books, accessories and Aran and chunky yarn; in a variety of different plys. Plus, you can have it delivered straight to your door!

Visit www.rock-a-bye-baby.co.uk, email sales@rock-a-bye-baby.co.uk or call 0191 569 1771 or 07813 161176 for more.

JAN’S WOOL HUT

Currently open Tuesday to Thursday, 10am-2pm for phone orders 299 Southwick Road, Sunderland SR5 2AB Stocking yarn from Woolcraft, King Cole and James C Brett, this local craft shop prides itself on being your go-to for yarn. Currently offering a delivery service to the North Sunderland area. Please contact for further details and available services.

For more visit @janswoolhut.sunderland on Facebook or call 07794 267069.

The great news is that all the retailers above offer online services, so you can relax and enjoy these stores from home!

We do advise checking with individual stores for updates on their operational hours and services.

SAY HELLO! SEND PHOTOS OF YOUR CHARITY KNITS TO US AT Knit Together, Simply Knitting magazine, Immediate Media Co, Eagle House, Colston Avenue, Bristol BS1 4ST. EMAIL US AT simplyknitting@immediate.co.uk

WHAT IS THE ‘KEEP YARN ON OUR STREETS’ CAMPAIGN? a campaign to bring together yarn shops across the UK. Yarn shops are such a great resource, with workshops, socials and more and we want to shout about it!” says founder Louisa Sheward.

Find out more by visiting www.keepyarn onourstreets.co.uk or follow the Instagram account @keepyarnonourstreets.

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© Photo by Getty images

“It’s

YARN COMMUNITY

Take the plunge...

Join a knitting club!

This issue we discover the new and exciting Virtual Stitch Group, started recently by Andrew Kite from The Yarn Whisper…

WANT TO YOUR CLUB SEE HERE? Le t us know knitting meeabout your t-u simplykni ps at @immediatetting .co.uk!

T

WHAT’S A VIRTUAL SESSION? The sessions involve a grand mixture of projects, many members are switching between easier or smaller knits and more complexWIPs but they all share what they’re doing – Mike is encouraged by the instant feedback and the group is on hand to make suggestions and offer help when needed. Popular projects include crocheting or knitting jumpers or cardigans. The skills levels are a varied mix of intermediate to advanced knitters and crocheters. But beginners are more than welcome to join too!

z

Just because your LYS is closed, it doesn’t mean that you cannot still shop there!

Andrew Kite is a part time teacher and indie dyer

AROUND THE WORLD

Phone order service

Fellow knitters have popped up from all over the UK, Spain, Sweden and America. There have even been enquiries from people wanting to join from Australia and New Zealand! All knitters (and stitchers) are welcome to join their merry band of yarn lovers, from all over the world.

We highly recommend call or emailing your local yarn shop and checking if they are running a telephone order service, like so many small retailers. They just might be able to help.

Online shopping It’s true, nothing feels quite as satisfying as squishing that glorious skein, but there is another way to get your hands on the yarn you’re yearning for. The majority of independent retailers also have an online shop with a delivery service.

Where can we find out more?

The group meets on Zoom. All the information you need is on www.yarnwhisperer.co.uk, Instagram @the_yarnwhisperer or on Facebook @iwantyarn. Go and join the fun!

Virtual knitting groups Read about online retailer, The Yarn Whisperer, and their virtual stitch sessions (left). Then checking with your local store to see if they are offering a virtual knitting group you could join. Or, if you are part of a knitting community on social media, why not set one up yourself alongside your LYS? Do let us know how you get on!

Hand-dyed yarn from retailer The Yarn Whisperer

© Photo by Getty images

he Virtual Stitch Group meets up to four times a week with each meeting lasting just 40 minutes. This makes them a perfect little tea or coffee break, a chance to work on a few rows of your current WIP, and have a lovely catch up. Andrew Kite was inspiried to create the group to help people who are disconnected from their regular stitch groups and friends. Their members love to chat about all things yarn, including where they store and hide it! During one meeting they even had a little nose around other people’s yarn and craft rooms and spaces, which drew gasps of jealously from some and much laughter all round!

0

We our online LYS!

DID YOU KNOW? Knitting is more than a hobby, it can help you burn up to 102 calories per hour!

Crafters from all over the world are able to connect and share yarnspiration

Source: www.telegraph.co.uk

Shop of the month

Ewe Felty Thing

Every month we explore one of our favourite UK yarn shops!

Who’s in charge? Nikki Small Where can we find you? Llandudno, North Wales When did your doors first open? 19 March 2018 What is your shop like? A friendly, cosy and colourful boutique. Our enthusiastic staff

love to talk all things wool and are ready to help choose patterns, yarn or offer 1-2-1 lessons.

Popular products? We stock yarn from 25 UK and Irish indie dyers, Lykke needles and commercial non-acrylic yarns by West Yorkshire Spinners, Araucania and Noro.

SHOP SMAR

Who shops at your shop? We have a group of regulars as well as an online following,

and tourists from around the world also visit the shop for our unique range of yarns.

Top shopping tip? Take your time to enjoy the range and choose the right yarn! Let us put the kettle on for you, there is tea and biscuits to help keep you going.

22 Madoc Street, Llandudno, Wales LL30 2TL Visit www.ewefeltything.co.uk, email ewefeltything@gmail.com, or call 01492 878510

Ewe Felty Thing stocks colourful yarn from cool indie dyers

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ECO KNITTING

Special!

The mini guide to

g n i t t i n k y l d Eco- frien

With the world working towards a more sustainable future there are few things we can do as knitters to help the cause – here are just a few ideas to get you going!

10 eco-knitter! tips for being an

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Tired of an old handknitted jumper? Don’t throw it out or donate it, unpick it carefully and use the yarn to knit up another garment, wash cloths or something similar.

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Turn your knitting projects into a marathon, rather than a sprint, by considering your knits carefully, taking time to plan your patterns and yarns, not only will you be able to indulge in the knitting process, you’ll make better yarn choices too.

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Carefully hand wash your knits using a wool soap and dry flat to avoid the added cost and chemical treatments of dry cleaning.

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Plan a visit to a charity shop and hunt out old hand-knitted items that you can unpick and use the yarn again from. From baby knits and blankets to old aran jumpers and more, there’s usually plenty to choose from, and lots of yarn that you can re-use!

Turn yourself into an eco-yarn guru by checking out all the amazing new yarns on the market, made from recycled fabrics such as denim and cotton, to natural fibres like hemp and bamboo.

Make use of your local yarn shop every now and then. Shop owners love a new face and often have a wealth of knitting knowledge under their belt. Can’t get there? Give them a call or check if they’ve got a website – they may be able to offer a delivery service.

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Take an interest in the green policies of your favourite yarn companies – check out how they package and post their deliveries, if they offset their carbon footprint and offer a good selection of eco-friendly yarns.

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Offer family and friends a hand-knitted garment or accessory in sustainable yarn for Christmas or their birthday and hand it over when you next see them! Not only will they appreciate all the hours you’ve spent knitting them something special and personal, if you use recycled yarns for the item you will have stopped waste from going to land fill.

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When shopping for your knitting materials, consider planning a year’s knits in advance – ordering a larger package once, rather than smaller packages more frequently, will reduce your carbon footprint considerably.

GREAT PLACES TO BUY ECO-FRIENDLY YARN www.bigskytextiles.co.uk www.blacksheepwools.com, 01925 764231 www.eco-stitch.co.uk, 01983 400008 www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Yarnyarnyarns www.deramores.com, 0845 519 4573 www.loopknittingshop.com 52 Subscribe at www.gathered.how/simplyknitting

www.lovecrafts.com, 01409 404 010 www.outbackyarns.co.uk, 01556 504900 www.whistlebare.com, 07775 501068 www.woollychicdesigns.co.uk, 07884 435814 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk, 0800 505 3300 www.ukalpaca.com, 01884 243 579

Image: Margot Richard/Unsplash

Whenever you next can, plan to walk or take public transport or ride your bike to your nearest yarn shop – not only is it good for your health, you won’t be using any unnecessary fossil fuels.

TOP eco yarns to try A small selection of our favourite eco-friendly yarns which you might just like to cast on…

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Eco- friendly

YARN INGREDIENTS Up your knowledge with our run-down of top yarn materials

Hemp The hemp plant is quick and efficient to grow and uses a lot less pesticides and herbicides than other yarn materials when grown on a larger scale.

Cascade Eco Alpaca, £14.99 for 100g – natural and undyed 100% baby alpaca wool

Debbie Bliss EcoBaby, £4.50 for 50g – made from 100% organic fair trade cotton

Soy silk Soy silk is created from soy-bean waste left over from the production of soy in the food industry. It’s called the new ‘cashmere’.

Organic cotton Rowan Denim Revive, £4.50 for 50g – made of 95% recycled cotton, mostly taken from old denim materials

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Scheepjes Organicon, £2.50 for 50g – 100% natural organic cotton fibre

Organic cotton is grown without pesticides, making it kinder to the earth. Look out for cotton in natural shades to eliminate the dyeing process too.

recycled Yarns that are created from fabrics that would otherwise have ended up in landfill help to reduce the impact of environmental waste.

Love discovering different yarns?

Turn to page 42 this issue where we take a closer look at some of the best metallic yarns on the market. From full-on sparkle to fluffy yarns laced with glitter and so much more, there’s bound to be a yarn you’ll fall in love with!

Tencel Tencel is a cellulose fibre made by dissolving wood pulp which requires a lot less energy and water than processing cotton.

Images from top top bottom: Joyce Romero; Sharon Mccutcheon; Mia Moessinger; Ethan Bodnar; Serjan Midili, all from Unplash

Quince & Co Organic Chickadee Heathers, £8.50 for 50g – made from GOTS-certified organic wool

YARN REVIEWS

Eco-friendly yarns This issue’s exciting yarns, filled with organic cotton, recycled plastics and fabrics are designed to give the world a bigger hug 3 1

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cycled 7O% reester y l po

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SUSTA I COTTNABLE ON

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iendly eco-frc fle ks

CASCADE YARNS

ERIKA KNIGHT

BERGÈRE DE FRANCE

Why not cast on one of the greenest yarns on the shelves – ReBound, from the experts at Cascade Yarns? Made from 70% recycled polyester/PET and 30% recycled cotton its unusual combination creates a shape-retaining softness and durability you probably won’t have come across before.

You can enlist ReBound to create a multitude of hardwearing knits, from coatigans to homewares and more. It’s available in a range of ten, beautifully muted shades – the familiar-feeing Denim (above), Peach Blossom and Chilli being just three great options to choose from.

Eco-friendly production in India and bespoke sustainable cotton have been combined to create this soft, smooth yarn from Erika Knight. Sustainable to grow, naturally breathable and hypoallergenic, the cotton used in this yarn is of the highest grade, comes as a soft, fluffy, staple fibre and makes incredibly comfortable garments for year-round wear. A collection of 17 pretty shades make up this yarn’s range – from Boho (above) and green Monster, to bright orange Bobcat and fiery red Daring. Each shade, from cool to hot, is designed to stand alone or work with the rest of the range, making it ideal for Erika’s casual designs for everyday chic.

Discover the creativity of recycled yarn with this new addition to Bergère de France’s popular range! Designed to celebrate recycled and recovered materials, Ecoton comes with a natural, tweedy finish, giving it a trendy edge for all your summer knits.

Available in 11 shades, this soft yarn is fun to knit with and works up into a satisfying fabric that’s filled with texture and strength.

Let those recycled fibres do the work for you and fill your garments, accessories and homewares with a little flecked excitement!

Just watch the nuances of this top yarn unwind as you knit row after row.

REBOUND

RRP £7.18 WEIGHT Aran BALL 100g/164m NEEDLE 4.5-5.5mm CONTENT 70% recycled polyester, 30% recycled cotton CARE Hand wash cold Visit www.cascadeyarns.com for stockists.

GOSSYPIUM COTTON

RRP £3.29 WEIGHT DK BALL 50g/100m NEEDLE 3.75-4mm CONTENT 100% cotton CARE Machine wash at 30ºC Visit www.woolwarehouse.co.uk to buy.

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ECOTON

RRP £3.39 WEIGHT DK BALL 50g/130m NEEDLE 3.5mm CONTENT 48% recycled cotton, 48% recycled acrylic, 4% miscellaneous recycled fibres CARE Machine wash at 30ºC Visit www.theknittersattic.co.uk to buy.

YARN REVIEWS 4

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Next issueÉ Look out for the latest trends in the world of yarn as we get up close and personal with the newest woolly wonders. Issue 199 will be on sale Thursday 21 May.

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PAINTBOX

HOOOKED

FAB FABRICS

Recyled Big Cotton’s 250g balls are a great choice for those knitters who love their projects to come with plenty of eco credentials. Made from left over jersey cotton fabric sourced from European mills, the cotton is then shredded and blended with polyester to create this super-chunky yarn. It comes in 15 bright shades such as Red, Pink, Yellow, Black and Green. Knitting up into a thick, strong fabric, Recycled Big Cotton makes incredible homewares, from cushion covers and table runners to pot holders and shopper bags. It makes the perfect choice if you want to save fabric that would normally end up being thrown away.

Celebrate eco style for your home and wardrobe with the surprisingly smooth stitches and loose finish of Somen. Made from 100% recycled linen and cotton, this plant-based yarn is made by combining recycled cotton with sustainably grown flax.

We fell for its range of 12 well thought out colours, from Olivia (seen above) to peachy Corallo and spicy Zucca. Each ball receives top marks for speedy knitting up and oodles of luxurious drape. You really can knit up a dream in Somen, casting on eco-friendly garments and accessories for all the family. Hoooked Somen is sold in individual bobbins of 165 metres (100 grams), so make sure to select enough for your project.

Are you looking for an exceptionally creative experience? Mighty Weave is just what you need if a spot of unusual knitting is on the agenda. Saved from landfill, the 100% Welsh wool fabric used in each recycled yarn cake will be different from the next. Available in random fabric patterns, you’ll never know quite how your knitting project is going to turn out, which simply adds to the fun! Cast on using whopping 25mm needles and work in garter stitch to create cushions, mats and seat pads, or imagine structured knits of your own design by opting for this eco-friendly yarn. We loved the tartan option above, but there are more different-coloured fabrics in the range.

RRP £5.69 WEIGHT Aran BALL 100g/165m NEEDLE 4-5mm CONTENT 100% linen and recycled cotton CARE Hand wash Visit www.hoookedyarn.com to buy

RRP £8.99 WEIGHT Extra chunky BALL 500g NEEDLE 25mm CONTENT 100% fabric wool CARE Hand wash Visit www.lovefabfabrics.com

RECYCLED BIG COTTON

RRP £8.75 WEIGHT Super chunky BALL 250g/90m NEEDLE 12mm CONTENT 60% cotton, 40% polyester CARE Hand wash Visit www.lovecrafts.com to buy

SOMEN

MIGHTY WEAVE

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HOW TO KNIT

If you’re new to knitting or just need a little refresher, our knitting guide is here to make sure you get it right first time, every time cable CAST-ON method Use it for a firm edge, and when adding stitches to your work

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Make a slip knot. Insert right‑hand needle into the stitch as if to knit. Wrap the yarn around the point and pull through, slipping the stitch on to the left‑hand needle.

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Push the point of the right‑hand needle between the first and second stitches. Wrap the yarn anti‑clockwise around the point of the right‑hand needle.

Pull the loop out with the right‑hand needle, then slip it over the tip of the left‑hand needle. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until you have the number of stitches you require.

thumb CAST-ON method A great all rounder, use it to cast on stitches quickly and easily

1 Make a slip knot and place it on a needle, leaving a long tail.

The tail length depends on the number of stitches you wish to cast on. Try a length about 3 times the width of the project.

2 Hold the tail in your left hand with your thumb sticking up.

Make a circle anti‑clockwise with your thumb. You should end up with a cross on the front of your thumb.

3 Push the needle tip along the outside of your thumb so it passes through the loop. Wrap the working yarn as if to knit.

4 Draw the yarn through the thumb loop and then between the arms of the cross. Slip your thumb out and pull to tighten the stitch. Repeat from Step 2.

Knit Follow our simple steps to make the most important stitch you’ll learn

1 Hold the needle with the stitches on it in your left hand. Keeping the yarn in your right hand and at the back of your work, insert the point of the right‑hand needle up into the front loop of the first stitch, as shown.

2 Now wind the yarn anti‑ clockwise around the point of the right‑hand needle using your index finger. It’s important to keep the yarn in your right hand relatively taut to maintain an even tension as you go.

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3 Bring the right‑hand needle down through the loop, making sure that you catch the yarn you wound around the needle. This creates the stitch. Don’t pull the free yarn too tightly, let out some slack.

4 Push the point of the right needle further through the stitch you created, then gently pull the right needle up and to your left, taking the original loop with it. You’ve now created one knit stitch.

Repeat Steps 1 to 4 across the row.

HOW TO KNIT Purl

To make purl stitches, just reverse the action of plain knit stitches

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Holding the needle with all the stitches on in your left hand, and ensuring that the yarn is at the front of your work, insert the right‑hand needle down through the front loop of your first stitch as shown.

Wind the yarn around the tip of the right‑hand needle from right to left, in an anti‑clockwise motion, constantly keeping a slight tension on the yarn.

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Now slip the right‑hand needle back through the stitch, ensuring that you catch the yarn that you’ve already wound around the needle. This creates a stitch on your right‑hand needle.

Now slip the right‑hand needle back through the stitch, ensuring that you catch the yarn that you’ve already wound around the needle. This creates a stitch on your right‑hand needle.

K2TOG Knit two stitches together to give a right‑leaning decrease

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Insert the point of the right‑hand needle through the loops of the next two stitches as if to knit.

Wind the yarn around the tip of the right‑hand needle and pull the yarn through the two stitches, knitting them both together.

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Drop the two stitches from the left‑hand needle and keep the new stitch on the right‑hand needle.

Knitting two stitches together decreases your stitch count by one, and the decrease stitch leans to the right. This is how a series looks.

kfb Increase 1 stitch by knitting into the front and back of an existing stitch

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Insert the tip of the right‑hand needle into the front of the stitch and knit as normal, but don’t drop it from the left‑hand needle.

Cast off

Then take the right‑hand needle behind the left and insert the tip of the needle down through the back of the stitch on the left‑hand needle.

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Wrap the yarn around the tip of the right‑hand needle to knit the stitch. Bring the needle through to make the stitch, keeping it on the right‑hand needle.

Take the stitch off the left‑hand needle. You will have increased one stitch by knitting twice into the original stitch, first at the front, then at the back.

Finish off your knitting with this straightforward cast‑off technique

1 Start by knitting the first two stitches of the row as normal, but don’t go any further along as you usually would.

2 Insert the left‑hand needle through the first stitch, as shown. Lift this stitch over the other stitch on the right‑hand needle and over the needle point.

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Knit another stitch so you have two on the right needle. Lift the first stitch over the second, then repeat Steps 1 to 3.

When you get to the last stitch, cut the yarn about 15cm (6in) away, feed it through the loop and pull through firmly to fasten off.

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