Yours issue 156

Take a

BOW WOW!

What a year it has been for Ashleigh and Pudsey. We caught up with the pair as they em‘bark’ on a scary new challenge – panto!

‘I taught Pudsey a new set of moves to perform in front of the Queen’

Meeting the Queen was more nervewracking than the performance

14

Merry Christmas from YOURS

show time oung Ashleigh Butler shakes her head in frank amazement. “Last year,” says the 17-year-old from Northampton, “I was working in Argos over Christmas. This year, I’m starring in Dick Whittington at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking.” Not to mention having half-a-million pounds carefully salted away in her bank account.

What a difference a year makes!

In fact, half a year. In May, as all the world knows, Ashleigh and her adorable six-year-old dog, Pudsey – a border collie, bichon frise, Chinese crested cross – saw off the opposition to win Britain’s Got Talent, the first animal act to carry off the top prize.

And no one could have been more pleased, Ashleigh excepted, than Simon Cowell, the dog-loving Svengali who brought the show to TV in the first place. “Everyone knows that Simon loves dogs,” says Ashleigh, “so I was trying my hardest from the start not to let him down.”

The last time she saw Old King Cowell was when Simon gave her a lift to America in his private jet. “I was there to appear on America’s Got Talent, the Jay Leno Show and for various other engagements. It was an eight-hour flight and I was really nervous in advance because I didn’t know what I was going to have to talk about with Simon. And I didn’t want to annoy him. But, as it turned out, he was lovely. He’s very good at making people feel at their ease. Pudsey was in his bed next to my feet most of the flight although he did walk around a bit. He took it all in his stride but then he’s become a very well travelled dog.”

No one is a bigger fan of Pudsey, of course, than Ashleigh herself.

“The whole reason I auditioned was because I wanted to show other people how brilliant he is. But I never, ever expected to win in a million years.

Getting to the finals was beyond my wildest dreams so winning was just out of this world.

“From Day One, I thought Jonathan and Charlotte would win. When it was down to just the two acts, I knew it

Y

would be them. So I was completely shocked when they called out our names.”

In the event, she and Pudsey polled 39 per cent of the total votes. “I was amazed,” she says. The burning question now is whether all this adulation has given her four-legged wonderdog airs and graces. “No, he’s still the same old Pudsey. We still compete in agility shows around the country although not as many these days because we’re so busy with other things. I do it for him as much as for me, though. He absolutely loves it.”

With such a hectic schedule, she’s had little chance to enjoy the spoils of her win. “I’ve bought quite a lot of clothes because I need so many different outfits for personal appearances. I like everything from New Look to River Island.” And what about Pudsey? What have been his rewards? “He’s having much posher food now,” says Ashleigh. “Today, for instance, he had pasta.

And, if it’s a really important performance coming up, I’ll give him a cheeseburger, his favourite treat.”

He’ll certainly need pasta-powered energy for his new role – appearing with Ashleigh in Dick Whittington. The good news he isn’t sharing the stage with a real cat! Ashleigh, who plays Alice Fitzwarren, Dick’s love interest, says: “Dick will have his cat and I’ll have my dog. It won’t be a real cat, of course.

I don’t think I’d get much out of Pudsey if there was a real cat on stage.”

All this unexpected success has left Ashleigh with little or no private life. “I haven’t been able to see my friends for about three or four months now, but they understand and they’re very

supportive.” Nor is she complaining.

“I wouldn’t change what’s happening for the world.”

She also makes a point of giving back. “We did some work recently for Battersea Dogs’ Home. We’re big supporters. A lot of my friends’ dogs are rescues from there. And we got a request not long ago for an autograph from Pudsey for a little girl who’s sick in hospital. So I sent her his paw print and my signature.”

The pair’s star status, meanwhile, continues to rise, from Children In Need to a recent appearance on this year’s Royal Variety Show. “I taught Pudsey a set of new moves to perform in front of the Queen. Being presented to her afterwards was more nervewracking than the performance itself.”

But the icing on the dog biscuit has to be his very own ‘autobidography,’ published by Little, Brown. Ashleigh showed him an early copy. “He seemed pleased,” she says and laughs.

“I still have to pinch myself that, in little over six months since winning Britain’s Got Talent, Pudsey has his own book.

It’s all a little bit crazy.” ✤ Dick Whittington is at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking, until Sunday January 6. For details, call 0844 871 7645 or visit www.atgtickets. com/woking

PIC:MATRIXPICTURES;REX FEATURES;WENN

By Richard Barber

Oh, yes he is! Pudsey plays Alice’s dog in the panto Dick Whittington Merry Christmas from YOURS

15

‘Why I’ll always Carry On‘

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a Carry On film on the telly! Here Liz Fraser chats about being in the iconic comedies – and why she never watches them now

By Carole Richardson o this day Liz Fraser is still recognised as the sexy ‘dumb blonde’ from four Carry On films, although it was only a tiny part of her career.

Fans who remember her scantily clad heyday still do a double take at traffic lights and people constantly come up to her in the supermarket and ask if it’s really her.

Now 82, she has no regrets about her part in the saucy comedies, but she’s prouder of her later, more emotionally challenging roles in TV dramas such as Miss Marple and Eskimos Do It. And it still rankles that the Carry On actors were paid so little (they received

T

24

Merry Christmas from YOURS

just £600 a film with no repeat fees at all.

Liz says: “I never watch the films. I think it is because I am not shown as an actress. I am not that flibbertigibbet tottering on the screen – I don’t feel it’s connected to me at all. But I enjoyed making the films. We had some fun. I loved the end of Carry On Regardless when we all ran amok, hosing each other down as we demolished a building.

We were covered in dust, but we

didn’t care. There wasn’t one member of the Carry On team you couldn’t like, although my favourites were Sid (James) and Joan (Sims).”

Born on August 14, 1930, in Southwark, Liz has recently published her autobiography dedicating it to her mother, a shopkeeper, ‘for working her socks off to give me a good start’. Her beloved father, a victim of TB, died aged 40 when she was only 11.

Liz had a private education and went on to gain a scholarship to drama school which she attended in the evenings while working as a secretary.

“When you know nothing, you’re afraid of nothing,” she comments on her early auditions.

After touring with various shows, she became a BBC extra, popping up in Dixon of Dock Green, as well as landing small movie parts including a promotional film for Butlins in 1954.

In the Sixties, Liz’s voluptuous curves and fun personality made her perfect for saucy roles. However, her career as a sex

symbol was brought to an end in her 40s when she underwent Liz on… a partial mastectomy. “I turned SID JAMES… “I knew down a lot of things where they him very well. He was a wanted you in your bra and mate who called me Lizzel. pants,” she says.

We’d go and have tea together.”

While her professional JUDY GARLAND… “My idol and I life was successful, got to have dinner with her.” her private life wasn’t JUNE WHITFIELD… “My without heartbreak. best friend; we play Scrabble One marriage ended in together.” divorce and her second ARTHUR ASKEY… “He thought I ended traumatically in was a hoot.” widowhood. It is a great TOMMY COOPER…“The sadness to Liz that she funniest man there never had children. ever was.”

Now in her 80s, she lives BENNY HILL… “He in London with her beloved couldn’t say anything dog, Brodie Basset. Thanks to nasty” shrewd financial investments, she is comfortably off and still loves driving, playing bridge and doing Variety Club charity work, for which she’d like to be and physically, even though I’ve remembered as much as her had cancer three times.” acting career. For several years Despite undergoing a she was a Samaritans volunteer. hysterectomy and having had a She advises: “I’d say the secret pacemaker fitted, Liz affirms: “I to getting older is to mentally feel good and I don’t look back.” downsize your age. If you’re 100, Although she hasn’t done pretend you are only 84. In my much work in the last year, Liz mind, I am in my late 50s. I am has no intention of retiring. certainly keeping well, mentally “I’d like to get more roles on television playing women of my age, and I’d love to be on the Antiques Roadshow. But one of my real ambitions is to go round the track on Top Gear – and possibly win!”

Liz plans to spend Christmas Day with friends in her local pub, The Eight Bells – and she won’t be watching any Carry On Liz with Ian films on the telly!

Carmichael in the ✤ Liz Fraser… and other 1959 comedy characters My Autobiography I’m All Right Jack is out now, is published by and with Kenneth Signum Books, and is out now, Williams in Carry On Cruising (1962) priced £18.99.

Five books to give away

Yours has five copies of Liz’s autobiography to give away. Simply send a postcard to the Yours address on page three, marked Liz Fraser competition. If you don’t wish to be contacted by Yours in the future, write ‘no further contact’ on the postcard.

Merry Christmas from YOURS

25

PICS: ALAMY AND REX FEATURES

comedy great

Update your

PARTY LOOK Add some instant glamour to your outfit with some stunning accessories from just £2 By Jo Winch

INSTANT UPDATE!

GREAT FINISHING TOUCHES

Sequin scarf, £18, M&Co; satin bag, £35 , Jenny Packham at Debenhams; ring, £12, ball tassel stretch bracelet; £15, both Jon Richard at Debenhams.

PAT WEARS: White beaded dress, £59, 10-18, Next; shrug, £25, 12-30, Marisota; earrings, £15, Mood at Debenhams; gold statement necklace, £18, Ben de Lisi at Debenhams; gold bracelet, £18, Isme; ring, £12, jet necklace (in box), £18 both Jon Richard at Debenhams.

34

YOURS

EVERY FORTNIGHT

Style

BARGAIN BUY BEAUTIES

notes

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Gold bangles, £2 each, Primark; pearlescent petal bracelet, £8, Wallis; rainbow beaded cuff, £18, Star by Julian McDonald at Debenhams; purple pearl bracelet, £5, Mood at Debenhams; black and gold bracelet, £25, Isme; pink semi precious crystal ball clasp bracelet, £10, Jon Richard at Debenhams; gold beaded bangle, £5, George at Asda; purple crystal mix bracelet, £20, Jon Richard at Debenhams.

TOP TO BOTTOM: Silver clasp detail bag, £12.50, Next; silver box bag, £25, Debenhams; pleated satin bag, £25, Julien Macdonald at Debenhams; gold sequin bag, £25, M&Co.

DRESS TO IMPRESS

LEFT TO RIGHT: Silver pumps with black toe, £22, 3-9, Red Herring at Debenhams; pink velour with bow, £25, 3-8, M&S; gold glitter with bow, £28, 3-9, Faith at Debenhams; blue velvet with bow, £28, 3-9, Faith at Debenhams.

STOCKISTS: Bonmarché 01924 700 100; Debenhams 08445 616 161; George at Asda 0500 100 055; M&Co 0800 0317 200; Marisota www.marisota.co.uk; M&S 0845 609 0200; Next 0844 844 8939; Primark 0118 960 6300; Wallis 0845 1214520 Details correct at time of going to press

››

Now visit www.yours.co.uk for more great fashion advice

››

PICS: RUTH JENKINSON

BAGS OF CHOICE

Black sheer sequin shrug, £20, 14-22, Bonmarché; T-bar shoes, £25, 3-8, M&S; red bangle, £8, Wallis; spike necklace, Isme, £28; crystal cube necklace, £15, Jon Richard at Debenhams.

Next issue: Beautiful and bright bags for any occasion

35

How to...

Sparkle this Christmas!

Hang on to your get-up-and-go over the festive season

t can feel as though life is all a bit too much at this busy time of year. Our vitality-boosting tips will help to keep your energy levels up so you can get on and enjoy the festive fun this Christmas.

I

✤ Don’t skip breakfast Breakfast is especially important during the cold, dark months of winter. After eight hours or so of sleep, your body needs food to get your metabolism revved up again, ready for the day ahead.

For long-lasting energy, go for a slice of wholemeal toast, a bowl of wholegrain cereal with semiskimmed milk, some scrambled egg or a warming bowl of porridge.

✤ Get some exercise Exercise is often the last thing we want to do when we’re feeling washed out, but the truth is that regular exercise will make you feel less tired in the long run. Just 20 minutes of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, cycling or vacuuming, is all your brain and body need to stay alert and energised.

5 INSTANT ENERGISERS ENERGY ESSENTIALS Put a couple of drops of a reviving essential oil onto a tissue and inhale.

Peppermint, rosemary or bergamot will all help to refresh and revive you.

Be rgamot

1

Mint R ose mary

L

✤ See the light It’s all too tempting to stay indoors when it’s cold outside but it’s important to get out during daylight hours. Daylight sends messages via your eyes to your brain to produce less melatonin, the chemical that makes us feel sleepy. You can reverse the trick by making sure your bedroom is as dark as possible at night. This increases the amount of melatonin you produce and promotes a refreshing night’s sleep. ✤ Snack sensibly Most of us tend to go for a cup of something hot with a biscuit when we need a lift but, while the sugar and caffeine will perk you up for a short while, you’ll soon find your energy flagging again. To keep your energy up for longer, go for foods that take longer to digest. These include foods rich in protein, wholegrain carbohydrates and other foods high in fibre, including fruit and vegetables. A slice of wholemeal toast, a banana, low-fat yogurt, a hardboiled egg or a handful of unsalted nuts will all give longer-lasting energy. ✤ Don’t forget water Being dehydrated can make you feel lethargic and irritable. As we get older our sense of thirst gets less reliable. Make a conscious effort to have at least six to eight

Stay calm and make a list What with shopping, cooking and entertaining, life can feel quite stressful as Christmas approaches. In the short term, the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol give your energy a boost, but too much stress can sap your energy reserves. To keep stress levels down, the mental health charity Mind recommends you should try not to do too many things at once. Make a list of everything you have to do, arrange them in order of importance and do the most urgent ones first. Each time you complete a task, take a few moments to pause, relax and award yourself a pat on the back.

drinks a day. Water, juice, tea and coffee are all fine, but alcohol can leave you more dehydrated.

“A good way to tell if you’re hydrated is if your urine is a pale straw colour,” says Dr Emma Derbyshire, spokesperson for the Natural Hydration Council.

“Anything darker indicates more fluid is needed.” ✤ Vitamin D power Lack of sunshine can leave you short of Vitamin D which can make you feel tired. Good sources of Vitamin D include eggs, meat and oily fish, such as salmon and sardines. Look out for foods that are fortified with Vitamin D, including margarine, breakfast cereals and dairy

products. Doctors recommend that everyone over 65 takes a daily Vitamin D supplement, especially during the winter months; ask your GP or pharmacist for more details. ✤ Rediscover your spark Some people swear by the energy-boosting power of a food supplement called co-enzyme Q10. This vitamin-like substance is present naturally in our bodies and helps our cells to produce energy. As we get older, our levels of co-enzyme Q10 start to drop, and some people find that taking a supplement gives them more energy. You may like to try Boots Pharmaceuticals CO Q10 50mg (£11.99 for 60 capsules).

DON’T JUST SIT THERE! Stand up, pace about, stretch and yawn. This will give your brain a quick burst of oxygen.

If necessary, open a window and take some good deep breaths.

2

ry

TAKE A CAT NAP A quick ten minutes of shut-eye will refresh you without leaving you feeling groggy.

3

FLOWER POWER The Bach Original Flower Remedy Olive helps restore emotional strength and vitality and get you back on top form. Available from Holland & Barrett (£6.65 for 20ml).

4

WORDS: MARTINE GALLIE. PICS: RUTH JENKINSON; ALAMY; THINKSTOCK; GETTY IMAGES

Lost your oomph? Try these quick pick-me-ups.

ENJOY A TWIRL Put a lively song on and jig around the room – it will put a smile on your face as well as lifting your energy level.

5

*See your GP before taking supplements or herbal remedies, particularly if you take prescribed medicines.

Always speak to your GP before stopping any medication or before starting any diet or exercise regime.

Merry Christmas from YOURS

51

‘ My unforgett a From dinner disasters to unexpected arrivals, you share your stories…

GOODWILL TO ALL The Christmas that stays in my mind was in 1956 when I was selfish and my parents very caring. My father was friendly with the minister of the nearby Presbyterian church whose eldest child was in my class. That autumn, the minister died. My parents decided we’d spend Christmas with his widow and children. This didn’t suit me, as I thought Father Christmas wouldn’t know where I was. Of course, the presents were at the foot of the bed as usual!

Alison James, Lichfield, Staffs

YULETIDE SURPRISE After our son left home to work abroad in the Caribbean, the first Christmas he was away was going to be difficult as he would be very much missed by the family. Two days before Christmas Day in 1997, he appeared unexpectedly at my front door at 8.30am, complete with a festive bow on his head. He was able to welcome his sister’s first baby into the world on New Year’s Day before returning to the Caribbean.

These events turned it into an emotional but fantastic time, and it remains our best Christmas.

Mrs Doreen Williams, Leverstock Green, Herts

58

YOURS MerryEVERY Christmas FORTNIGHT from YOURS

t able Christmas’ MY WHITE WEDDING My best ever Christmas was in 1964. I married my fiancé, Alwyn, on Boxing Day at my local church, Great Horton Methodist, Bradford, at 11.30am. We were both 20 years old. I had seven bridesmaids, and my six-year-old brother was pageboy. My bridesmaids’ dresses were different colours (one salmon, two yellow, two pink and two white). Each wore a matching muff with a sprig of holly. After the wedding service, everybody walked across the main road to the Scout hut, as there was no other place that would open for a reception at Christmas. My auntie, who owned a confectioner’s shop,

CHRISTMAS DOWN UNDER

catered for 50 guests, and made my wedding cake. It was a very cold day and, just as our friends and family were leaving, it started to snow. Not only did I have the best Christmas ever, we get to celebrate our anniversary together every year.

Mrs Maureen Sharp, Bradford, West Yorkshire

It was a very cold day and, just as our friends and family were leaving, it started to snow…

My most memorable Christmas was last year.

Having recently lost my husband, I flew to Australia to see my five greatgrandchildren for the first time. They are aged from four to seven years. They told their teachers I was coming from near the North Pole!

Mrs Kath Finch, Market Harborough, Leicestershire

GLAD TIDINGS My most memorable Christmas was in 2004. My daughter, who’d had six unsuccessful attempts at IVF, came to see us on Christmas morning. She gave us a card, and inside was a scan photo – she was pregnant! Holly was born the following July and is, as you can imagine, very precious to us all.

Mrs E M Duest, Cheltenham, Glos

AN ANGEL’S SMILE Christmas 1966 is the one my wife and I hold closest to our hearts. When our first daughter, Victoria, was six months old, she was full of energy and mischief.

However, by the time she was ten months old, she was skinny, tired and listless, and constantly being sick. Eventually, a specialist diagnosed coeliac disease and she was rushed into St Peter’s Hospital, Chertsey.

My wife sat with Victoria in an isolation cubicle every day for

ten weeks as she lay in her cot, unable even to sit up. I joined them each day immediately after work, taking over the cuddles and encouraging her to drink a liquid feed, the only food she could tolerate. On Christmas Eve, we left deflated and disappointed that Victoria would not be joining us at home for her first Christmas.

It was difficult to absorb and seemed so unfair.

We got up early on Christmas Day and, armed with presents

and goodwill messages, drove to the hospital. As we arrived outside her cubicle and looked in, we were absolutely amazed.

Our little girl was sitting up in her cot looking at a storybook. As we walked in, she looked up at us and an enormous smile lit up her face. What a brilliant Christmas present – our little girl was on the mend. The three of us had a wonderful day and we have never looked back.

John Brook, Christchurch, Dorset

Merry Christmas from YOURS

59

TOP TIPS FOR A

Stress-free Christmas dinner Valuable advice for when everything starts to hot up in the kitchen…

Do all the preparations find you getting as steamed up as the kitchen windows? Morrisons’ executive chef, Neil Nugent, and Organised Home’s Cynthia Ewer tell us how to stop the pressure getting to you…

✢ Neil’s Top Tip: “Some ovens have one area that’s hotter than the rest. If you notice part of your turkey browning, just cover that area with tin foil. This will help to balance out the cooking.”

MEAT-FREE RESCUE… Festive Stroganoff with Herb Crumb To

…and serving up

Unexpected vegetarian guests?

Here is a speedy, easy solution

To ensure things run smoothly, Neil suggests you share out non-cooking jobs such as laying and dressing the table, and keeping drinks topped up.

Finally, remember that you can steer the party’s mood.

Cynthia advises: “Handle mishaps with grace. A good Other points to consider: hostess smiles as she ✢ Prepare a cold starter so you won’t pours salt on a red need to find extra cooking space. wine stain, reassures ✢ If you have an unexpected vegetarian her guest and moves guest, you can make a meat-free on. Somebody who stroganoff (pictured right) from fusses and moans, ingredients you already have to hand. with towels and ✢ Use serving dishes at the table and let carpet cleaner, everyone plate their own up. makes everyone uncomfortable.”

In the making…

The secret to serving the perfect turkey is rest it! Take it out of the oven 30-60 minutes before serving, leave uncovered for ten minutes, then cover with foil until you plate up. You can then use the oven for roasting vegetables.

Serves:

4

Per serving: 446 cals Fat: 30g Sat fat: 18g

Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes Ingredients: ✢ 675g (1lb 8oz) potatoes, peeled and cut into small chunks ✢ 150ml (51/4floz) milk ✢ 3 tbsp mixed fresh herbs, finely chopped ✢ Salt and pepper, to taste ✢ 40g (11/2oz) butter or margarine ✢ 450g (1lb) assorted mushrooms, roughly chopped ✢ 2 cloves garlic, crushed ✢ 150ml (51/2floz) double cream ✢ 50g (2oz) fresh white breadcrumbs ✢ Mixed fresh herbs, to garnish

WE RECOMMEND ✢ M&S Asian Style Scottish Smoked Salmon Starters, £6 for four Everything you’d expect from M&S food – good quality, great tasting and a little bit different.

Lovely presentation and no washing up!

72

Merry Christmas from YOURS

✢ McCain Roast Potatoes, £1.85/907g Just what you need to help dinner go smoothly – and these roasties are lower in fat and saturated fats than the usual options.

FOOD

notes

Quick fixes…

For those last-minute emergencies that can’t be avoided SOLUTIONS IN THE CUPBOARD… Salmon Pâtê If you end up with extra guests, this easy recipe should buy you some time Serves:

4

Per serving: 175cals Fat: 14.6g Sat fat:

8g

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Ingredients: ✢ Large can pink salmon, drained ✢ 100g (3½oz) cream cheese ✢ 1 tbsp dill (or chives, if preferred) ✢ 2 tsp lemon juice ✢ Black pepper ✢ Bread, toasted ✢ Prepared salad (optional) 1 Place the salmon in a bowl with the cream cheese, dill and lemon juice.

2 Mash together and season with black pepper.

3 Serve with toast and salad.

b Topping

© Canned Food UK, www.cannedfood.co.uk

© The Vegetarian Society, www.veggiechristmas.org

✢ Tesco Fresh and Easy Winter Vegetables, £1.50/480g Tesco’s Fresh and Easy range is designed to be straightforward and healthy. Their veggies are another kitchen must-have this Christmas…

CROWD PLEASER… Adams and Harlow Handraised Pork Pie

£5.95/440g (1lb) If all else fails, make sure you’ve got an Adams and Harlow pie handy. They are made with well-spiced, good quality meat and have the advantage of freezing well. We had ours in storage for about a month and when we finally tried it there was no compromise on taste. Of course, it’s only a quick fix provided you remember to get it out of the freezer in time! ✢ To find local stockists, call 01775 725956 or visit www.adamsandharlow.co.uk. They can also be bought from British Fine Foods; call 01892 890690 or visit www.britishfinefoods.com

THREE WISE CHOICES… Christmas Puds in five minutes If time isn’t on your side, save hours of cooking and steamed-up kitchen windows with our favourite gourmet puddings ✢ Aldi Specially Selected Luxury 12-month Matured Christmas Pudding, £6.99/750g A real kick comes from the French Brandy and English Cider.

4 5

✢ Asda Extra Special six-month Matured Luxury Christmas Pudding, £3/454g This is a lovely moist pudding, with the tasty addition of larger nut pieces.

4 5

✢ Adnams Christmas Pudding made with Broadside Beer, £12.99/900g The Broadside beer complements the fruits’ sweetness perfectly.

5 5 PIC: ALAMY

1 Boil or steam the potatoes until tender. Drain and return to the pan.

2 Heat the milk, add to potatoes and mash well, with 1 tbsp herbs and seasoning.

3 Melt 15g (1/2oz) butter or margarine in another pan. Add mushrooms and garlic and cook gently for 5 minutes.

4 Stir in cream and season, then cover and warm over a gentle heat.

5 Melt the remaining butter or margarine in a third pan, stirring in the breadcrumbs and remaining herbs.

6 Put a portion of potato on each plate, cover in sauce and finish with crumb topping. Just before serving, toast under a hot grill until golden-brown, garnish with fresh herbs.

Merry Christmas from YOURS

73

❙ knitting ❙

What a softie!

FOR KNITTERS WITH MOST EXPERIENCE

★★★★

This chunky knit will keep him warm on chilly winter days MEASUREMENTS To fit chest 81-86

91-97 102-107 112-117 122-127 132-137 cm

32-34

36-38

40-42

44-46

48-50

52-54 in

Actual measurement 91

100

113

122

131

140

cm

36

39 /2

1

44 /2

48

51 /2

55¼

in

1

1

Full length 60

64

70

72

74

76

cm

23 /4

25 /4

27 /2

28 /4

29 /4

30

in

3

1

1

1

1

Sleeve length 45

46

47

48

49

50

cm

173/4

18

181/2

19

191/4

193/4

in

MATERIALS

12(14:16:18:19:21) 50g balls of Sirdar Big Softie F040 in shade 351 Wispy.

Pair each of 8mm (UK0) and 10mm (UK000) knitting needles.

Cable needle.

Stitch holders.

Yarn quantities are based on average requirements when specified tension and yarn is used.

Different yarn may be used but ensure tension of replacement yarn matches that stated in the pattern for best results.

TENSION

Always check tension carefully and adjust needle sizes throughout if necessary.

9 sts and 12 rows = 10cm/4in square over stocking stitch using 10mm(UK000) needles or the size required to give the correct tension. It is essential to work to the stated tension to ensure success.

82

Merry Christmas from YOURS

ABBREVIATIONS

Alt – alternate; beg – beginning; cm – centimetres; CN – cable needle; cont – continue(ing); dec – decrease(ing); foll – following; g – grammes; in – inch(es); inc – increase(ing); k – knit; mm – millimetres; 0 – no stitches, times or rows; p – purl; patt – pattern; rem – remain(ing); rep – repeat; RS – right side; st(s) – stitch(es); st-st – stocking stitch (knit on right side rows, purl on wrong side rows); tog – together.

NOTES

Figures in brackets () refer to larger sizes (see measurements chart). Where one set of figures is given this applies to all sizes. If a zero is given, this means you do not need to work these instructions.

Circle the size you wish to make before you start.

BACK

Using 8mm (UK0) needles and 2 needle method cast on 45(51:55:61:65:71) sts.

1st row (RS) k1, (p1, k1) to end.