MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR STASH - TOP TIPS! ISSUE 157 May 2020
Perfect patterns
TO STAY IN WITH
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CUDDLY SHEEP FROM VAL PIERCE
27+ GREAT THINGS TO MAKE!
M AKE THIS IN S I ZES 6- 2 0
BEGINNERS' PROJECTS
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IDEAL FIRST GARMENT
Simple cabled bag
ALL THIS & MORE
INSIDE!
1 LK May20 Cover 157.indd 1
TRY SOMETHING BUTTERFLY STITCH NEW! - LEARN HOW TODAY! Tiny teddies play set BE A REBEL!
6 KNITTING RULES IT’S OK TO BREAK
FRESHEN UP YOUR KNITTY SKILLS WITH OUR FAB GUIDE! SECRET WEAPONS
YARNS THAT DO THE COLOURWORK FOR YOU
£6.99 | May 20 Issue 157
SAY WHAT?!
YOUR FUNNIEST COMMENTS FROM NON-KNITTERS 27/03/2020 16:32
EDITOR’S Letter
Welcome!
33 14
It’s been a challenging few weeks for all of us. Wherever you are, we hope you’re safe and well. As we gradually adjust to staying indoors and keeping our distance from friends and relatives, we can at least rest assured that the comfort, creativity and calm-inducing properties of our knitting will always be there for us. This issue of Let’s Knit is packed with patterns to keep you busy, from Julie Ferguson’s beautiful one-ball shawl on page 33 to Jo Allport’s fun and funky kids’ cardigan on page 63. It’s also full of terrific tips on how to keep crafting through the crisis, including fab resources you can turn to from the comfort of home (p12), handy things to knit from your stash (p56), inspiring ways to top up your skills (p45), and, in our regular mindfulness feature, a reminder of the power knitting has to help you keep calm (p70) We’ve also got plenty of other fab features, including ecofriendly products for knitters (p31) and a round-up the funniest things non-knitters have said to you about your knitting! (p83) We were disappointed to have to postpone Yarn Shop Day, our annual celebration of bricks and mortar stores, due to take place in May. It will definitely be rescheduled, but in the meantime, we would urge you to do all you can to support these local stores. Many are keeping connected with their customers through social media, and you’ll find a directory of terrific independent stores on page 88. Why not look them up?
ABOVE RIGHT: beautiful oneball shawl, p33 ABOVE LEFT: this months’ fashion collection, p14
31
CENTRE: eco friendly products for knitters. p31 LEFT: top up your skills, p45 BELOW: fun and funky kids’ cardigan, p63
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All items from patterns published by Let’s Knit are for personal use only and cannot be sold. Multiple copies of any part of this publication may not be made, and no part of this publication whether in its original form or a reproduction thereof may be sold. All patterns featured within Let’s Knit are reproduced in good faith that they do not infringe any copyright. DISCLAIMER: We recommend that readers use the main specified yarn for every project as this will produce the best results. The alternatives given are suggestions only, and as no two yarns
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are exactly the same we advise readers to swatch an alternative yarn carefully before choosing to use it for their project. The publishers are not responsible for any safety issues arising from any items knitted from patterns contained within Let’s Knit magazine. Please note that toys with small parts are not suitable for children under three years of age. If making a toy for a very young child, omit any buttons and embroider the details instead. Babies should be supervised when playing with toys. Prices are all correct at time of print.
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SHOPPING
8 See It, Want It, Love It! Our top picks for May
May 2020
In this issue
24
67
Cover Star
31 This Month We’re Loving... The Environment Explore our exciting eco options
36 Your Secret Weapon
Uncover the joys of colour changing yarns
43 Cool in Cantaloupe
Freshen up your look with this stylish shade
69 Natural For Baby
Choose from our collection of pure baby yarns
80 Newsflash
Catch up with the latest news in the world of knitting
FOCUS
45 Step Up Your Skills
Find out how to take your knitting to the next level
Baby Tunic and Trousers
41
56 Stash-busting Secrets
Find endless inspiration with our handy tips for using up your yarn
61 6 Knitting Rules That Were Made To Be Broken Do something different with our rebellious guide
62 What’s The Secret?
Learn how to create eyelets and improve your Fair Isle
70 Keep Calm & Cast On Sit back and relax with our mindfulness special
83 Say What?
Have a giggle with our collection of hilarious reactions
PEOPLE
10 Knit It, Write It, Share It! Your incredible makes and letters
Batwing Lace Top
Towel Braids
12 Handmade at Home
Our guide to enjoying your hobby inside
74 Charity Corner
Let us help you! WE UNDERSTAND THAT NOTHING IS MORE ANNOYING THAN ERRORS IN KNITTING PATTERNS, SO HERE’S OUR PROMISE TO YOU l Exclusive patterns featured in Let’s Knit have been professionally checked and reproduced with the utmost care. Updates can be found at letsknit.co.uk/pattern-updates l Should you encounter any problems we are more than happy to provide support and assistance. Contact us and we will endeavour to respond as soon as possible.
BY PHONE: 01206 508622 (office hours only) BY EMAIL: support@letsknit.co.uk BY POST: at the address at the top of page 94 (please mark your envelope ‘Support’) (Please note we cannot offer assistance with patterns not published in Let’s Knit)
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
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Knitters using their needles to make a difference
98 My Life In Patterns
Movie knits designer and champion of British wool, Jennifer Monahan
IN EVERY ISSUE 3 Welcome 7 Just For You This Month 28 Subscriptions 50 Teabreak 51 Coming Next Month 52 Reader Offer 58 Read & Relax 76 Giveaways 93 Knitter’s Know-How
27/03/2020 18:43
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WIN! WIN! WIN!
53
OVER
£1,000
OF GREAT PRIZES ON PAGE 76
PATTERNS
Jake The Sheep Kids’ Cardigan with Bobbles
48
37
54
Leaf Cushion
Cabled Denim Bag
Waterfall Cardigan
Butterfly Stitch Top
16 Top-down Lace Cardigan 20 Butterfly Stitch Top 22 Stranded Jumper 24 Batwing Lace Top 26 Waterfall Cardigan 33 Artisan Shawl 38 Leaf Cushion 41 Towel Braids 48 Cabled Denim Bag 53 Jake The Sheep 59 Fringed Wall Hanging 63 Kids’ Cardigan with Bobbles 67 Baby Tunic and Trousers 71 Classic Cardigan 77 Teddy Bear’s Picnic 84 Cosy Cowl Tutorial 86 Crochet Soap Holders TopDown Lace Cardi
Stranded Jumper
1 SE 4-P CT AG IO E N
THE SEAMLESS COLLECTION
Starts on page 14
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JUST FOR YOU THIS MONTH
EASY UNICORN KIT WITH SPARKLY YARN Meet Sparkle-Dash! Steffi Hochfellner’s magical unicorn pal can be made using your exclusive kit. We’ve given you all the yarn you need, including our special glittery turquoise yarn to add a touch of unicorn magic! The instruction leaflet is in the box too. This issue, we’re delighted to present a fantastic extra pattern book from Rico Design. You’ll find eight fun and stylish knits for women and babies in your bonus collection. Enjoy!
No. 1 for gifts
THIS MONTH’S
LOVE YOUR YARN KIT? GET MORE!
WOW! PATTERN BOOK EXTRA 8 stylish knits from Rico Design
150g bumper kit including fabulous sparkle yarn for only £7.99*! Simply visit magazinestoyou.com or call 0800 904 7000 *T&Cs: postage charges apply. Limited stock available.
FREE* YARN BUNDLE, WORTH OVER £20! Be inspired by the rainbow of shades available in this fantastic yarn collection! This bumper set is available for free* and contains 22 balls of yarn, including brilliant ombre effects. Whether you love knitting or crochet, there’s plenty to keep your crafty fingers busy. Turn to page 52 to claim your bundle today! *UK customers only, just pay postage
EXCLUSIVE
Treats you’ll love ONLY IN LET’S KNIT
3Special sparkly yarn 3Easy unicorn toy pattern 3Money-off discounts 316-page bonus pattern book 3 FREE* bumper yarn bundle
Find over 1,700 fabulous knitting patterns at letsknit.co.uk
Coming next issue! INTRODUCING THE LOVABLE RASCALS! Make Sachiyo Ishii’s three cheeky monkeys using your yarn pack and add colours from your stash to complete their sweet outfits. These quick-to-knit critters are so simple to make. Plus, there are two adorable puppy patterns to knit too!
DON’T MISS
JUNE ISSUE OF LET’S KNIT ON SALE THURSDAY 7TH MAY
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WHAT TO DO Today!
This month we’re being inspired by pretty pastel shades and gorgeous spring blooms, plus we’re exploring the online crafting community!
Handmade 4
at HOME
STAY IN AND CHECK OUT THESE GREAT IDEAS
CRAFTY
WEBSITES TO VISIT TODAY CROCHET PATTERNS 1 TOP
Our sister site is full of quick makes. topcrochetpatterns.com
2CRAFTS BEAUTIFUL
Whatever your hobby, be inspired with this great selection. crafts-beautiful.com
Knitting s Group Newide fellow
3 PAPERCRAFTER
to craft alongs are a It’s such a joy knitting groups fibre fans, and st that. Being stuck ju great way to do ean having to miss tm online indoors doesn' e virtual groups ing out, as there ar ar sh ue to contin that allow you ress. The UK Hand og pr in ks or ok your w ation's Facebo Knitting Associ to e ac pl l ea page is an id ch. start your sear
Discover DIGITAL
IF YOU’VE MISSED AN ISSUE OF YOUR FAVOURITE KNITTING MAGAZINE, THEN WORRY NOT! YOU CAN BUY DIGITAL COPIES OF ISSUES DATING BACK TO JANUARY 2011. THEY CAN BE READ ON A PC, MAC, IPAD, IPHONE, ANDROID DEVICE OR AMAZON KINDLE FIRE. VISIT POCKETMAGS. COM/LETS-KNITMAGAZINE TO BROWSE AND BUY.
There's more than just stationery here. papercraftermagazine.co.uk
4SEW
Whip up garments galore with these patterns and ideas. sewmag.co.uk
Great Idea
SORT YOUR STASH
Staying at home provides a great opportunity to sort through your yarn stash and put it into some semblance of order. People like to organise in different ways so if your first thought is colour, that’s how you should categorise your stash. Other people prefer to sort by yarn weight or fibre. We’ve got some brilliant stash-busting project ideas over on page 56.
DON'T FORGET
There are two Bank Holidays in May which means longer weekends and more knitting time! Remember, the May Day Bank Holiday has been moved to Friday 8th May to commemorate VE Day.
WATCH & LISTEN KEEP YOURSELF BUSY WITH THESE GREAT FINDS!
LK Blog of the Month We love a long weekend! Find great Bank Holiday Knits ideas with our What To Make In Just Three Days feature at letsknit.co.uk/blog
Listen to this!
Vlog Spot
if you need to keep your eyes on your WIP, why not listen to the fantastic selection of podcasts, radio shows, comedy, drama and much more at bbc.co.uk/sounds
Trisha (a.k.a TyeDyeDiva) and Arthella (Heiress Knits) share their latest projects and discuss the joys of living a creative life in their Best Day Ever! Crafting Podcast. Search on youtube.com to be inspired!
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GE W
YOUR 14 PAGE FASHION SPECIAL
The Seamless
Collection
PAIR WITH JEANS FOR EVERYDAY STYLE
CHOOSE FUSS-FREE FINISHING WITH THESE GORGEOUS KNITS
PAGE
20
Butterfly Stitch Top
PAGE
16
GIVE STRIPES A LIFT WITH THIS CLEVER STITCH PATTERN!
Top-Down Lace Cardigan
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If sewing up is your least favourite part of knitting, then a) you’re not alone, and b) we’ve got five fabulous patterns to solve that problem in one fell swoop. Working in the round automatically eliminates side seams, and we’ve also got one-piece knits that are created from the top down. Try incorporating the sleeves into the body, like in Anniken Allis’s beautiful batwing design (p24), or pick up and knit to join your elements together. It’s time to get clever with construction! Which will you make first?
Perfect for summer
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THE STYLE
Edit
GET CREATIVE WITH YARN CAKES
PAGE
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Stranded Jumper
TH OR DAY E
Waterfall Cardigan
S imple colourwork
Delightful denim
PAGE
LOOK FORWARD TO SUMMER WITH THIS PRETTY KNIT
24
Batwing Lace Top
Love the eyelet detail THIS TEXTURED COTTON COVER-UP IS MADE IN ONE PIECE
CLASstSitcIhC moss
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ACCESSORY
pattern
ARTISAN Adventure
USE A HAND-DYED YARN TO MAKE THIS GORGEOUS SHAWL BY JULIE FERGUSON
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If you picked up the March Issue of Let’s Knit, you will already know how much we love hand-dyed yarn! If you share our enthusiasm, why not treat yourself to this stunning shawl? Knitted in a gorgeous fibre from Truly Hooked, it is a beautiful blend of simple garter stitch and intricate eyelets. Quick to knit, easy to make up and a joy to look at, this pretty pattern is not to be missed!
TO • E X C L US
One-ofa-kind YARN
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Add a knitty touch to your towels and flannels with these quick and easy transformations. There are three styles to try including a fabulous fringe effect. These embellishments would also work well on cushions, blankets or bags. As more and more people are switching to bar soap, this little holder is a super practical addition to your bathroom.
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BRIGHTEN YOUR WASHROOM WITH SUSIE JOHNS’ VIBRANT SET
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Don’t miss our...
Quick & easy toy knits
Next issue JUNE ISSUE OF LET’S KNIT ON SALE THURSDAY 7TH MAY
FREE* YARN! EIGHT BRIGHT
LITTLE RASCALS YARN KIT!
Worth
SHADES
Soft yarn + fab pattern ideas
Worth £7.99
£6.99! FAB PATTERN ALSO! DOWNLOADS
SUMMER LOVING!
Discover light and lacy knits and fabulous stitch effects with our exciting new pattern collection
PLUS
Projects subject to change. *Just pay postage, UK customers only
4 TOP TIPS FOR SUMMER KNITTING SUCCESS 4 BRING THE OUTDOORS IN AND BE INSPIRED! 4 BEST BUY SHOPPING GUIDES FOR ALL YOUR KNITTING NEEDS
PLUS!
BONUS PATTERN BOOK
From
pattern picks
it our garden-themed blanket Kn 2 h eat wr ry ber aw str a th wi r me 1 Celebrate sum with Siân Brown’s flower bud shawl ise sor ces Ac 4 s ina ler bal ma pri s er’ op 3 Crochet Hannah Co inta Bowie's beautiful lace sweater Jac on st Ca 6 rs bea ing dd we le rab ado 5 Gift Susie Johns’ 51
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TOY
Our handsome four-legged friend is a Valais Blacknose and if you haven’t seen one before, we can only describe them as a bundle of teddy bear-like sheepy adorability. Their cuddly fleeces and sweet faces will melt any heart and designer Val has captured them perfectly. Watch your stitch counts when working with the bouclé yarn as the texture means it can be tricky to spot any mistakes.
pattern
Jake the SHEEP
VAL PIERCE HAS DONE IT AGAIN WITH ANOTHER SUPER CUTE CREATION!
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Hang In THERE
BRIGHTEN UP YOUR SPACE WITH THIS CHIC DESIGN FROM NICOLA VALIJI Spending more time at home gives you the opportunity to embrace the joys of interior design and we think there is no better way to do this than with your knitting needles. This beautiful wall hanging would cost a great deal from a high end boutique, but you can create your own version for under £12! Attractive, affordable and begging to be personalised, it is the perfect fit for stylish knitters.
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KIDS’
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Here at Let’s Knit HQ we are always on the look out for new and exciting ways to embellish our projects, so you can imagine our delight when we first spotted the bobbles on this super-cute jumper. Simple to make and incredibly effective, they add an unusual design touch to an otherwise traditional knit. With an age range of three months to seven years, youngsters everywhere will be able to embrace this funky look.
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YOUR LITTLE ONE WILL LOVE THIS FUNKY GARMENT FROM JO ALLPORT
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Natural WONDER TREAT YOUR TOT TO THIS GORGEOUS TUNIC AND TROUSER SET
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LK favourite Susie Johns has used a natural fibre and colour palette to create an utterly adorable outfit for the little one in your life. This unisex knit is a traditional choice that will give your youngster a fuss-free look throughout the spring and summer months. Not only is this project attractive, it is also practical, as the tunic features a generous neckline and slits up the side, with the shorts held up by elastic and offering plenty of room for nappies or training pants.
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GARMENT
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pattern
KNIT MARTIN STOREY’S ELEMENTARY CARDIGAN
Drapey, textured, and comfortable to wear, there are many things to love about this chic and stylish knit from Rowan. One more thing to note: it’s got pockets, which makes it practical too! There’s a four-row knit and purl pattern repeat that’s easy to remember and the sleeves are worked along with the body to reduce the amount of sewing up. The neutral shade makes it an everyday favourite but you could use any colour you like!
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Teddy bear’s PICNIC MAKE PLAYTIME EVEN MORE FUN WITH THIS FAB TOY SET!
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If you go down to the woods today you’ll find these three little cuties with a basket full of tasty goodies! Our sweet bears are designed by Sachiyo Ishii and come with an adorable pattern for a traditional checked blanket, as well as a bear-sized picnic basket and selection of fruit. If you love miniature makes, this is the project for you.
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LEARN WITH US
GREAT FOR IMPROVERS
4PLY YARN
3.5MM NEEDLES
Crossed COWL HAVE A GO AT A BRAND NEW STITCH!
MEASUREMENTS & SIZES
24cm deep x 120cm circumference
KNIT KIT
Known as Indian cross stitch, this lovely effect is really simple to achieve and LK designer Jo Allport is here to show you everything you need to know. Just follow her step-by-step guide on the right. This cowl is the ideal project for first-time cross stitchers as there’s no shaping at all. It’ll also keep out any lingering chilly winds when you're out in the garden. Perfect!
Yarn: Rowan Island Blend Fine, shade 103 Wedgewood, three 50g skeins Needles: 3.5mm Tapestry needle
TENSION SQUARE n 25 sts x 24 rows n 10cm x 10cm n Over pattern n 3.5mm needles
SPECIAL ABBREVIATIONS
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Rowan Island Blend Fine mixes 70% wool, 15% silk and 15% alpaca. Projects should be washed by hand. It costs £14.79 per 50g (165m) skein from 01925 764231, blacksheepwools.com
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cross 8: sl eight sts dropping extra loops, using left needle pass first four slipped sts on right needle over next four slipped sts to cross them, return sts to left needle in the new order and k these eight sts cross 4: sl four sts dropping extra loops, using left needle pass first two slipped sts on right needle over next two slipped sts to cross them, return sts to left needle in the new order and k these four sts
A LOCAL YARN SHOP IS A GREAT PLACE TO BUY ALL YOUR KNITTY ESSENTIALS FIND YOURS ON P88
Brand
NEW YARN!
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