Let's Knit, Issue 86, November 2014
-
Upload
letsknitmag -
Category
Documents
-
view
219 -
download
2
description
Transcript of Let's Knit, Issue 86, November 2014
PATTERNS13 Festive Sparkle
Get ready for party season witha glitzy patterned sweater
16 BernadetteSanta has a brand new helperand she can’t wait to get started!
21 Old GoldStay on trend with an oversized cabled cowl
25 Lilac WineLearn to knit the ripple stitchfor this versatile stripy pullover
30 Alphabet ChartsPersonalise some stockings with your FREE yarn kit
31 Siberian WinterCharmaine Fletcher’s faux-furhat and collar set will finish offyour winter wardrobe perfectly
36 Over the RainbowTry an unusual slip-stitchcolourwork technique with thischeerful cowl
38 Bright SparkGet happy feet with these brightscandi socks by Sarah Hazell
41 Gloved UpLynne Rowe’s fingerless glovesare essential this Christmas
46 Blue MoonPractise cabling with a prettypullover by Anniken Allis
53 Home Sweet HomeKnit this beautiful gingerbreadhouse and bring some festivecheer to your home!
60 Digital HeartProtect your gadgets with apretty Fair Isle cosy
63 Season’s GreetingsIs it a Christmas card, or alovingly handmade decorationfor your tree?
71 Sea BreezeConjure memories of yoursummer holidays with thisbeautiful blue cushion
75 Midnight HuesGo to your local yarn store tobuy the yarn for this cabledjumper by James C. Brett
81 Wandering StarBabies will love this matchinghat and cardi set!
W H A T ’ S I N S I D E
04www.letsknit.co.uk
CHRISTMAS 2014
CONTENTS63
53
2189
81 31
25
41
38
36
Contents 86 Qx_LK Project Template 10/10/2014 15:36 Page 1
05Back issues from Jan 2011 onwards are available on the Let’s Knit app! www.letsknit.co.uk
W H A T ’ S I N S I D E
89 Christmas FeastCrochet a pretty table runner tobring your festive kitchen to life
SHOPPING28 Rustic Chic
Be inspired by the naturalworld with these top buys
34 Faking ItGet the faux-fur look thiswinter season
44 A Luxury Knitted ChristmasNeed some ideas for yourwishlist? Don’t worry, we’rehere to help!
86 Colour TherapyTake your pick from eightgorgeous rust-coloured yarns!
91 What’s in StoreGet the hot gossip from ourfavourite shops around the UK
FOCUS8 Let’s Knit Loves
Catch up with the latest newsand gossip from the knittinguniverse
56 British Knitting Awards:The Results!Find out who you chose to beyour winners this year!
67 Know Your FibresDiscover more about yourfavourite yarns
87 Knit SchoolLearn how to pick upstitches from deputy editorAdrienne Chandler
PEOPLE50 Stop and Share
Catch up with the LKcommunity
98 Last WordKat Goldin reveals the secrets of her knitting stash!
IN EVERY ISSUE...3 Welcome7 This Month’s Free Gift10 November is the Month49 Coming Next Month52 Tea Break70 Bookshelf78 Subscriptions
At Let’s Knit we understandthat nothing is moreannoying than errors inknitting patterns. As part ofour total commitment toensuring that yourexperience of our magazineis as enjoyable as possible,we’re proud to offer THE LET’S KNIT
PATTERN PROMISE:
• Exclusive patternsfeatured in Let’s Knit havebeen professionallychecked and reproducedwith the utmost care.Updates can be found atwww.letsknit.co.uk • Should you encounter any problems we are morethan happy to providesupport and assistance.Contact us and we willendeavour to respond as soon as possible.By email:
[email protected] telephone: 01206508622 (office hours only)By post: at the address onpage 95 (please mark your envelope ‘Support’) (Please note we cannotoffer assistance withpatterns not published in Let’s Knit)
Whocares?...We do!
This month’s
GIFT!
Choose from tenexclusive Christmasdecoration patterns
with our FREE yarn kit!
46
751316
Yourcovermake!
60 30
85 Giveaways92 Turn the Tables93 Essential Information94 Start Right95 Final Stages
71
Contents 86 Qx_LK Project Template 10/10/2014 15:37 Page 2
13
www.letsknit.co.uk
meet ourDESIGNER
“This jumper uses a simpletextured stitch, and thegarment is a flattering shape.The yarn has a sparkle whichgives it a different kind of look.”
SIÂN BROWN
EXCLUSIVE TO
FestiveSparkle
Add some shine to your Yuletidewardrobe with Siân Brown's
beautiful sweater
P R E T T Y S H I M M E R Y J U M P E R
Perfectfor parties
With so much shopping to do for theChristmas festivities the last thing you need isthe worry of finding something to wear! Neverfear - once you've made yourself this twinkling top
you will never be stuck for an outfit again! Pair it withtrousers or a simple skirt for an effortless
combination suitable for almost any occasion – oneless thing to worry about over the holiday season!
Festive sparkle (P) qx_LK Project Template 10/10/2014 12:35 Page 2
C O S Y C O W L
EXCLUSIVE TO
meet ourDESIGNER
“A giant cowl is definitely thiswinter’s must-have accessory.This one knits up in no time, andthe King Cole yarn is reallyeconomical too!HELEN ARDLEY
21
www.letsknit.co.uk
Stay snug over the coldermonths with this gorgeous
wardrobe essential byHelen Ardley
Cowls and bulky yarns are right on trendthis season, so why not combine them
both by making this contemporarychunky accessory? Worked in mustardyellow, this project is a statement piece
that stands out against the typicallymuted winter shades. The thick
yarn means the project will knitup nice and quickly, so it'salso a good choice for thosewho can't wait to see their
finished piece!
Old Gold
Old gold_LK Project Template 09/10/2014 16:34 Page 2
25www.letsknit.co.uk
meet ourDESIGNER
“There are many different shadesin this colour range which wouldlook good together in this design,so have fun trying them out!”
LINDA PARKHOUSE
EXCLUSIVE TO
Lilac WineMake a statement in Linda
Parkhouse’s bold, cosy sweater
E S S E N T I A L W I N T E R K N I T
Fan and feather is a truly classic stitch patternthat creates a fabulous ripple effect. It works really
well with stripe patterns and we love the mixture ofpurple hues used here. It’s knitted in an aran wool yarnso is super snuggly and an ideal winter wardrobe staple.
Learn anew stitch
Lilac wine (P) qx_LK Project Template 10/10/2014 14:12 Page 2
O N - T R E N D A C C E S S O R I E S
It's important to stay snug on chilly days and this set is justthe thing for keeping out the biting winds. We love the
combination of a smooth and furry yarn – the textured cuffand border is perfect for recreating that classic Russianstyle. Designer Charmaine has come up with an unusual
technique to ensure a seamless transition between the twoyarns. Read the Knitwise panel overleaf to find out more.
SiberianWinter
EXCLUSIVE TO
31Back issues from Jan 2011 onwards are available on the Let’s Knit app! www.letsknit.co.uk
Cosy up with CharmaineFletcher’s Cossack-inspired
hat and collar
meet ourDESIGNER
“This hat is made in the round sothere are no seams. Whendecreasing using the furry yarn, it isimportant to use markers to helpyou keep count. There is an unusualmethod for changing the yarns;read more in the Knitwise panel.”CHARMAINE FLETCHER
Siberian Winter_LK Project Template 10/10/2014 16:25 Page 2
41
www.letsknit.co.uk
meet ourDESIGNER
“Simple and pretty, thesefingerless mittens are quick toknit and would make a greatlast-minute gift.”LYNNE ROWE
EXCLUSIVE TO
P R E T T Y W I N T E R A C C E S S O R I E S
Gloved UpKeep cosy with a pair of fingerless
mittens by Lynne RoweWe all know how clumsy gloves can feel andhow annoying it can be taking them off every
time you want to use your touch screen phone.The solution? Fingerless mittens! These snug makes
will keep your palms nice and warm without getting inthe way when you're out and about. A good alternative
to Fair Isle, they are made using a four row patternrepeat and a slip stitch to create a tweed fabric effect.
Gloved up (P) qx_LK Project Template 10/10/2014 12:38 Page 2
53
www.letsknit.co.uk
meet ourDESIGNER
“Sadly I do not likegingerbread biscuits, but notwanting to exclude them frommy biscuit-filled life, I decidedto knit my very owngingerbread house!”JANE BURNS
F E S T I V E D O O R S T O P
EXCLUSIVE TO Home Sweet Home
Add some timeless charm to your decorationswith this Yuletide ornament from Jane Burns
What Christmas would be complete without aGingerbread house? With windows, button adornments and
even knitted icing, this is a great, calorie-free way to enjoy aseasonal treat! Made predominantly in stocking stitch with a
simple cable pattern on the roof and swiss-darnedembellishments, it’s also a good make for those crafters looking
to start their first winter project.
Home sweet home qx_LK Project Template 09/10/2014 16:42 Page 2
E A S Y T R E E D E C S
Elevate the humble greetings cardwith these brilliant two-in-one
makes. As well as getting ahandmade card, your friends andfamily will be delighted to receive
a special knitted decoration to hangin their home. There are three jollydesigns to choose from: a wreath, a Christmas tree and a stocking.They're great for beginners and
they’re quick to knit so why not make all three?
Season’sGreetings
EXCLUSIVE TO
63Back issues from Jan 2011 onwards are available on the Let’s Knit app! www.letsknit.co.uk
Give a card with a twistwith these three designs
from Nicola Valiji
meet ourDESIGNER
“This project is a handmade cardand gift all in one. It’s great forusing up small amounts of spareyarn and your friends willappreciate a decoration that canbe used year after year!”NICOLA VALIJI
Toppers that double
as gifts!
Season's Greetings_LK Project Template 10/10/2014 14:51 Page 2
WOOLSheep adorn fields and countrysides across the world and thesehumble creatures have been providing us with beautiful wool forthousands of years. One of the things that makes it so popular is itselasticity or ‘crimp’. It will hold its shape when stretched and won’tbecome brittle or break. There are so many sheep breeds out thereand different breeds produce wool that is suited todifferent projects.
Soft and smooth yarns are usually made offibres where the individual strands have asmaller diameter; this is known as the microncount. A micron is equal to one millionth of ametre. They may also have a longer staple –that’s the length of the fibre. Long staplescan be spun more tightlyand will havefewer stickingout fibres, whichcan make theyarn feel tickly.
Here in Britain, weare so lucky to have a hugenumber of brilliant breeds.Bluefaced Leicester iswonderfully soft against theskin and will certainly dispelany myths of ‘scratchy Britishwool’. One of the finest fleecesis from merino sheep (right),now most commonly found inAustralia. These sheep producereally thick fleeces, so are bredespecially for their wool.
67www.letsknit.co.uk
F E A T U R E | F A N T A S T I C F I B R E S
FIBRESKnow your
Find out more about your favourite yarns!
Born, bred and made in Yorkshire,Wendy Ramsdale DK is a pure wool yarn
blended from Masham fleece from localsheep. It costs £3.74 per 50g (112m) ball
from 0117 300 5211, www.getknitted.com
Yarn comes in many varieties and as knitters, it’s importantto have an understanding and appreciation of the materialswe use. There’s more to choosing a yarn than just liking thecolour and this handy guide will break down some of the
need-to-know facts about different fibres to help you sourcethe best yarn for your project. We’ve also included a fewmore unusual blends to tempt you to try something new!
SHOPPING LIST
Merino is such a soft fibre it can be even worn bythose with super sensitive skin. Katia
Merino Baby is a 4ply yarn that’s perfect for little ones. It has an
RRP of £4.35 per 50g (165m) ball.For stockists: www.katia.com
New for AW14/15, Patons MerinoExtrafine Big is a bright, bold yarnthat is soft, smooth and fabulouslychunky. It costs £3.95 per (50g)40m ball from 01829 740903,www.laughinghens.com
Available in natural, dyed or variegatedshades, West Yorkshire Spinners
Bluefaced Leicester comes in DK oraran weight. Prices start with an RRP of£4.85 per 50g (112m) ball. For stockists:01535 664500, www.wyspinners.com
Available in over 200 shades, Jamieson’sof Shetland Spindrift is a classic Britishwool that’s close to a 4ply in tension, and isgreat for Fair Isle and vintage knits. £2.90per 25g (105m) ball from 01595 693114,www.jamiesonsofshetland.co.uk
Most people aresensitive to thelanolin in wool,rather than the
wool itself
Fantastic Fibres Feature Qx_LK Project Template 10/10/2014 16:29 Page 2
71
www.letsknit.co.uk
meet ourDESIGNER
“Sea breeze is given extratexture by working thecoloured stripes in reversestocking stitch. It’s simple butvery effective.”
JULIE FERGUSON
Sea BreezeBring the ocean into your everyday
life with a teal cushion cover by Julie Ferguson
P R E T T Y H O M E W A R E M A K E
EXCLUSIVE TO
There’s nothing quite as calming as the gentle currents ofmaritime air, and with this three-striped chevron
accessory you can now bring serenity into the heart of yourhome. Knitted predominantly in stocking stitch, this is a simpleproject that will add a splash of colour to any bed or living room.
It’s also crafted using superwash wool, so there’s no need to worryabout it getting dirty!
Sea breeze qx_LK Project Template 08/10/2014 16:29 Page 2
81
www.letsknit.co.uk
meet ourDESIGNER
“This little set is fun and easy towear, and the yarn is machinewashable, which is a bonus. I havecut off 2m lengths of yarn towork the Fair Isle stars on thefront of the cardigan and the hatto avoid too much stranding.”
MONICA RUSSEL
EXCLUSIVE TO Wandering StarWe love this bright and bold baby
set from Monica Russel
M O D E R N B A B Y S E T
Regular readers of LK will know how much welove to see babies in cheerful colourways, and
this striking hat and cardi combo certainlyticks all the right boxes. The star motifs use theFair Isle method of stranding the yarns across the
back of the work – just remember not to pull them tootightly on the hat as you’ll need it to stretch.
Wandering star (P) qx_LK Project Template 10/10/2014 15:08 Page 2
C R O C H E T H O M E W A R E S F O R B E G I N N E R S
Christmas Feast
EXCLUSIVE TO
meet ourDESIGNER
“This table runner can be easilyadapted to fit any table. Simplyrearrange the squares, addingmore if necessary. Join where thesquares meet and work theborder as instructed.”
JANE BURNS
89
www.letsknit.co.uk
Add some festive sparkle to the big spread with Jane Burns' table runner
Christmas homewares don't all have to be redand green. This project uses muted shades, but
the cotton-blend yarn has been plied with athread of metallic silver which makes it perfectfor the holiday season. The pattern is made up
of lots of squares, which are then sewn together,meaning you can easily change the
size and shape of runner to suit your table.
Christmas feast_LK Project Template 09/10/2014 16:31 Page 2