Let's Knit, issue 87, December 2014

ISSUE 87 DEC 2014

STRANDED KNITTINGSTEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

SHOPPING SPECIALCHUNKY YARNS

CROCHET SPECIAL:FAB POINSETTIA

TRYTHIS!

VAL PIERCE EXCLUSIVE Polar Bear Pattern + Interview

LAST MINUTE

THE UK’S BESTSELLING KNIT MAG

CHRISTMASGIFT KNITSBEAUTIFUL BOLERO

DRESSY JACKETSKINNY SCARF & CLUTCH

FESTIVE MAKES

SLIP-STITCH SET– IT’S EASY!

KNIT OUR

Packed with

OUR PUPPY ISA PERFECT GIFT

Projects in yarns you love!•DEBBIE BLISS•RICO •STYLECRAFT • KING COLE •ROWAN •SIRDAR •KATIA

ISSUE 87 DEC 2014 £5.99

Create a stylishfestiveHOME!

FOR KIDS OF ALL AGESADORABLE HAT

LK Cover 87 qx_Layout 1 06/11/2014 16:26 Page 1

PATTERNS13 Golden Girl

Make a lightweight sparklycardi in time for Christmas!

16 RhubarbLooking for the perfect knittedgift? Try this adorable puppyby Amanda Berry!

21 Candy CaneCreate an amazing checkedeffect on a hat and scarf usingslip-stitch colourwork

24 Lilac EmbraceStay cosy in a chunky hooded scarf with a prettycable pattern

31 Winter BerryGet in the festive spirit with acheerful red-and-white cushion

37 EvergreenWrap up warm in a distinctive jacket with tweed-effect borders

41 Purple DreamLearn how to knit the knotstitch with Kelly Menzies’hooded cowl

46 LeonardKnit a friendly polar bear,exclusively designed by Val Pierce

53 Little GingerMake your boy or girl agingerbread-inspired hat!

57 Coin TossPractise stripes and Fair Islewith these miniature purses

65 All That GlittersAdd instant glamour to youroutfits with a gold scarf andclutch set

69 Matryoshka MagicNicola Valiji’s Russian DollChristmas decorations arefabulous quick makes!

73 Ruby KissesMake a pretty red sweater forgirls aged 2-11

81 Christmas CrackersNeed some last-minuteChristmas knits? Try this set ofthree by Susie Johns

84 Blooming MarvellousCrochet a gorgeous replicapoinsettia and holly leaves

W H A T ’ S I N S I D E

04www.letsknit.co.uk

DECEMBER 2014

CONTENTS73

57

6941

21 81

31

65

16

Contents_LK Project Template 07/11/2014 16:24 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

SHOPPING28 Fill Up Your Stockings

Find the perfect little gifts forknitters and non-knitters alike!

34 Supersize MeKnit up your next project in no time with these amazingsuperchunky yarns

68 Colour TherapyChoose from one of eightbright green yarns thisChristmas

80 What’s in StoreGet the hot gossip from ourfavourite shops around theUK

FOCUS8 Let’s Knit Loves

Catch up with the latest newsfrom the knitting universe

61 Scandinavian KnittingLearn the fascinating historybehind Scandi-style knits

89 Knit SchoolLearn how to knit strandedcolourwork with deputyeditor Adrienne Chandler

PEOPLE44 A Passion for Craft

Find out more about Val Pierce,LK’s treasured toy designer

50 Stop and ShareCatch up with the LKcommunity

72 “Making a difference with theskills you have”Knitters use an LK pattern tohelp kids in need

98 Last WordMeredith Crawford chats aboutblogging, knitting and her lifeas One Sheepish Girl!

IN EVERY ISSUE...3 Welcome7 This Month’s Free Gift10 December is the Month49 Coming Next Month52 Tea Break64 Bookshelf78 Subscriptions91 Giveaways92 Turn the Tables93 Essential Information94 Start Right95 Final Stages

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

BONUSGIFT!

Get 30 bonus patterns in yourWinter Warmers book, including

six to make with your Scandi yarn kit!

37

4613

24Yourcovermake!

53 81

84

Contents_LK Project Template 07/11/2014 16:25 Page 2

Whether it’s your work do or a New Year’sEve bash, there’s nothing more useful than

a light cardigan for the chilly outdoorswhich can be quickly rolled up and stored

in your bag. The back and fronts of thiscardigan are worked in one piece on a

circular needle right up until the armholes,so it will hug your shape perfectly. The

whole thing is tied together with a brightpink ribbon, which is a great accent to the

pale gold colour!

meet ourDESIGNER

“This yarn has a lovely sparkleand is a bit heavier than thefine kid silk yarns, so good for ajacket. The cerise ribbon addsa bright contrast to the gold.”SIÂN BROWN

EXCLUSIVE TO


E A S Y G L A M O U R C A R D I

GoldenGirl

Siân Brown’s simplecardigan is the perfect

finishing touch to party outfits

Golden Girl_LK Project Template 06/11/2014 16:48 Page 2

W A R M W I N T E R W E A R

EXCLUSIVE TO

meet ourDESIGNER

“Stand out in the crowd thiswinter with this striking red andwhite check set. Made in a softwool and cotton blend yarn byRowan, it's definitely somethingyou will be able to snuggle intoand keep warm!”

HELEN ARDLEY21

www.letsknit.co.uk

Add some style to your wardrobewith Helen Ardley's red andwhite scarf and hat combo

Candy Cane

We all know how important it is to wrap up over thechilly months and this accessories set is the perfect

way to do just that. Crafted using traditionalScandinavian shades, you'll be able to wear both itemsyear after year without either of them ever going out of

fashion. Make sure you keep an eye on the colourchanges as you work throughout, and watch out for

whether you should hold your yarn at the front or backof the work when slipping stitches.

Candy Cane_LK Project Template 07/11/2014 12:43 Page 1

F E S T I V E F A I R I S L E

Bring a seasonal touch to any home with this gorgeous red and whitecushion cover. Inspired by the traditional winter shades of cranberry

red and snow white, you'll find this lovely homeware is a great additionto any living space. Crafted using a combination of stocking stitch and apretty Fair Isle pattern, it's also a great project for those who have never

attempted stranded colourwork before.

EXCLUSIVE TO

31

Back issues from Jan 2011 onwards are available on the Let’s Knit app! www.letsknit.co.uk

Introduce some Nordic colours to your life withJulie Ferguson's elegant cushion cover

meet ourDESIGNER

“An ideal project if you are new tostranded colourwork, this stylishChristmas cushion uses traditionalNordic red and white in a simpleFair isle design against a plainbackground.”JULIE FERGUSON

Winter Berry

Winter Berry_LK Project Template 07/11/2014 12:48 Page 2

There's more to the colder monthsthan boring, dull shades, so why notspruce up your winter wear with this

gorgeous jacket? Soft to touch andwith a quirky border, you will certainly

stand out from the crowd whateverthe occasion. Despite using a circularneedle, this garment is knitted flat, so

remember to turn your work at theend of each row, just like you would

using straight needles.

meet ourDESIGNER

“Easy to wear and easy to knit,this smart jacket will brighten upa pair of jeans but will also lookgood teamed with a specialoccasion outfit.”RUTH MADDOCK

EXCLUSIVE TO


C O L O U R F U L B O R D E R E D J A C K E T

EvergreenAdd some style to your wardrobe with Ruth

Maddock's pretty garment

Evergreen_LK Project Template 07/11/2014 10:28 Page 2

The colder months are well and trulyupon us, and what better way to staysnug than with this cosy chaperon

hooded cowl? The wool and alpaca yarnensures that it’s both incredibly warmand soft to touch. Stylish, practical and

in a rich shade of purple, its prettypattern is crafted using a combination

of purl together and knit togetherstitches – make sure you check ourKnitwise panel (overleaf) for tips.

meet ourDESIGNER

“When working the knotstitches, keep your work loose,pulling enough yarn throughwhen working the p2tog so it iseasy to work the k2tog. This willalso keep the pattern fromtugging in the wrong areas.”KELLY MENZIES

EXCLUSIVE TO


C O S Y W I N T E R A C C E S S O R Y

Purple DreamWrap up this season withKelly Menzies’ elegant

winter wear

Hooded Cowl_LK Project Template 06/11/2014 16:54 Page 2

Run, run, as fast as you can! You can’tcatch me... I’ve got my new hat on!

Making gingerbread is a great way tokeep the kids entertained while they’re

on holiday, and it’s sure to bring upwarm, happy memories of food fights in

the kitchen and decorating faces withbrightly coloured icing. That’s why your

kids are sure to love this prettygingerbread hat, with sizes available

from toddlers to teens!

meet ourDESIGNER

“To give this hat a nice firmstructure, it is worked on smallerneedles than would normally beused for this yarn.”JANE BURNS

EXCLUSIVE TO


C U T E F E S T I V E H A T

Little GingerJane Burns’

gingerbread hat is abrilliant knit for the

countdown to Christmas!

Little Ginger_LK Project Template 07/11/2014 09:04 Page 2

Q U I C K - K N I T P U R S E S E T

Practise your two-colour striping technique or improve your Fair Islewith these cute festive pompom purses. They will be ideal for keeping

loose change safe, and you can experiment with different colourcombinations to make them last all year round. Or why not use them tohold gift cards for loved ones as a little extra something this Christmas?

EXCLUSIVE TO

57Back issues from Jan 2011 onwards are available on the Let’s Knit app! www.letsknit.co.uk

meet ourDESIGNER

“Use these festive purses instead ofwrapping paper for small gifts suchas jewellery, money or vouchers –just add a greeting tag.”LYNNE ROWE

Keep your change handy with these quickpurses by Lynne Rowe

Coin Toss

Coin Toss_LK Project Template 07/11/2014 12:29 Page 2

ScandinavianF E A T U R E | S C A N D I K N I T S

STYLELove scandi knits? LK’s Amy Adams has been

discovering the stories behind one of theworld’s most popular knitting styles

When you hear “Scandi style”, what comes to mind? Snowflake jumpers, thick mittens andsimple colour palettes are some of the most common trends that we see in the UK, but there isso much more to fall in love with! After all, the Scandinavian countries each have severaldifferent regions, all with their own traditions. However, there are certain common themesthat many of them share. Traditionally, most knitting patterns used stranded colourwork,although cables and knit-and-purl designs were also found. Jerseys were mostly knitted in theround and then steeked to create armholes. And in many of the areas which depended on theknitting trade, anyone who could knit would contribute!

We spoke to Carlos Zachrison of the design duo Arne & Carlos about their latest book,Knitting Scandinavian Style, which focuses on the traditions of Setesdal in Norway.

‘It will always be popular’“We've always been interested in the artsand crafts heritage of Norway, because it isone of the few countries in the world whereour folk costumes are still in use,” beginsCarlos. “They are worn for special occasions

such as weddings, baptisms,formal occasions, and of

course our national dayon 17th May. It

means that all thedifferent

techniqueshave survived,as there isgreat demandfor the hand-

sewn, embroidered and knitted garmentsthat form parts of the costumes.”

Norway has so much knitting history, sowhat is it about Setesdal that the pair loves?For one thing, it was the home of Arne’sgrandmother and many of the patterns in thebook were inspired by photos, postcards andChristmas cards found in her attic. In fact,there is a whole chapter in the book whichwas inspired by a sweater with hearts aroundthe edge which she is wearing in his parents’wedding photo. A sense of family andtradition is clear throughout the book, and inmany ways it explains Arne’s own connectionto knitting as a craft. “Arne comes from thecountryside of Norway, where everyone

knits. It's just the way of life there. He grewup with three generations in the same houseand everyone was knitting, so it's a naturalthing there for most people.”

LOOKING AHEADBut this wasn’t the only reason that theydecided to focus on Setesdal. “The knittingtraditions there are very rich and it is thehome of some of the most iconic Norwegianpatterns, such as the ‘x and o’ design (seemittens, left). The knitting traditions for


Scandi knits Feature Qx_LK Project Template 06/11/2014 17:05 Page 2


meet ourDESIGNER

“Adding gold to any outfit withsimple yet stylish accessoriesinstantly creates an impact andit’s easy to make the transitionfrom day to evening in no timeat all.”CHARMAINE FLETCHER

EXCLUSIVE TO All thatGlitters

Glam up your party outfits withCharmaine Fletcher's matching

scarf and clutch

S PA R K LY AC C E S S O R I E S S E T

Gold is a fantastic colour at this time of year. It goes witheverything, it's suitably festive, and who wouldn't want that

added bit of sparkle to really make them stand out of acrowd? This set is also embellished with pretty golden beads,

so it's a great opportunity to raid your stash for somethingreally unique!

All that Glitters (P) qx_LK Project Template 07/11/2014 12:00 Page 2

Q U I C K C H R I S T M A S D E C S

Matryoshka dolls were first made in the 1890s, carved andpainted by two men inspired by a Japanese toy. They quickly

became a popular tradition in Russia and were sold all around theworld! Nicola Valiji's dolls might not slot inside each other, butthey do come in three different sizes. Why not make several for

your tree, and swap the colour combinations aroundto make each one unique?

MatryoshkaMagic

69

Back issues from Jan 2011 onwards are available on the Let’s Knit app! www.letsknit.co.uk

Decorate your tree with NicolaValiji's sparkly Russian dolls

meet ourDESIGNER

“These cute Russian dolls can beused as tree decorations orknitted in different colouredyarns. They would be ideal in achild's bedroom!”

NICOLA VALIJI

Russian Dolls_LK Project Template 07/11/2014 12:40 Page 2

81

www.letsknit.co.uk

meet ourDESIGNER

“These Christmas hats are greatfor dressing up over the festiveseason. The Santa hat fits mostadult heads while the Elf hat isdesigned for the youngermembers of the family.”

SUSIE JOHNS

ChristmasCrackers

Knit some last minute gifts withSusie Johns’ easy makes

F E S T I V E Q U I C K K N I T S

EXCLUSIVE TO

With December 25th growing ever closer, the last thing youwant to be doing is frantically trying to finish complex

projects that won't be done in time. Why not try making one ofour quick knits instead? The Santa and Elf hats are a cute

combination, perfect for those seasonal dinners with the wholefamily, and the wreath is a Yuletide decoration that would look

great in any home. Each one is easy for beginners, too!

Christmas Crackers qx_LK Project Template 07/11/2014 12:21 Page 2

Documents

Let's Knit, issue 87, December 2014