We've had several calls from readers who are struggling with the Tilly Twirl pattern from the 'Beautiful Toys to Knit' leaflet, free with issue 66.
Here are the corrections we know about at this stage – we hope we've caught all the mistakes, but if you've spotted one, please do let us know.
SHAPE CHEEKS
Next row (RS) K6, sl 1, k2tog, psso, K7, k3tog, K6. [21 sts]
BACK OF HEAD
Next row K1, *m1, K1; rep from * to end of row. [11 sts]
Next row Purl.
Next row * K2, m1; rep from * to last st, K1. [16 sts]
SHAPE TUMMY
Row 17 (RS) K6, m1, (K3, K1) twice, K1, m1, (K3, m1) twice, K6. [31 sts]
Work 7 rows straight.
Dec 1 st at each end of the next and every foll alt row until 21 sts rem.
Next row Purl.
Next row K1, *k2tog, K2; rep from * to end of row. [16 sts]
Next row P1, (p2tog) to last st, K1. [9 sts]
Next row K1, (k2tog) to end of row. [5 sts]
Work 3 rows straight.
Cast off.
HAIR
Row 1 * Cast on 31 sts using 4mm needles and yellow yarn, turn, cast off 30sts, leaving the last st on needle; rep from * until you have worked 9 strands, fasten off at the end of the last strand.
We apologize for any confusion this has caused and hope that you'll enjoy knitting Tilly and her clothes.
Tuesday March 30, 2010 Tilly Twirl, issue 66
Distribution problems, north-east England
A couple of people have been in touch to say they can't get hold of issue 66 in north-east England. I've contacted our Trade Marketing people to let them know this - it may be that there has been some sort of distribution problem.
I'll update you when I know more.
UPDATE: The problem was affecting the Sunderland distribution area only, and Trade Marketing have told me it should now be resolved and copies are going out.
I'll update you when I know more.
UPDATE: The problem was affecting the Sunderland distribution area only, and Trade Marketing have told me it should now be resolved and copies are going out.
Monday March 29, 2010 Cardi-gone
 |
| Miriam McDonald Simply Knitting's Production Editor |
Last weekend I cast on the Little Daisy swing cardigan from Sublime's Third Little Sublime Handknit Book (612). (You can see all the pictures from the book on Knitting Fever's website.) Ironically, I've given up the yarn diet but this little knit was a real stashbuster. It used two part-balls of DK baby yarn, one Sirdar Snuggly DK and the other Patons Fairytale Velvet. A swatch had been knitted from each to go in the magazine ages ago, but I'd hung onto the remainder – throwing out yarn is wrong! – and it was the perfect amount for the cardigan. I used the Snuggly for the garter stitch areas and the Fairytale Velvet for the stocking stitch parts. The pattern worked perfectly, and by yesterday evening I had a completed Little Daisy, in need of a single button to be complete.
The cardigan bumped a lace project I'd been working on for a swap. I've never knitted lace before but it's what my partner has asked for. Knitting a cute little cardigan, so quick and so simple, was the perfect antidote to 'lace fatigue'. I think I'll see what other part-balls I have in the stash and cast on something else for Pebbles Project tonight.
Are you working on any charity knits right now? How do you decide what to knit? Do you choose the charity first, or are you attracted to charities collecting particular sorts of garment?
Friday March 26, 2010 Knitabulous – knitting blog review
It's another rainy Friday in Bath so we're escaping to sunny New South Wales, Australia by reading the Knitabulous blog.
Ailsa, the blog's author, also dyes her own yarn which means she's got some great, vivid colours in her stash. One of the fascinating things about reading blogs by indie dyers is discovering that each dyer seems to have a palette as unique as a thumb print. You might not be able to tell at first glance who dyed an individual skein, but given a selection of ten or more, you'd be able to match dyer to lot. (Now that would be a fun game for a knitting show!)
As you'd expect, Ailsa has a great eye for colour and she also has a knack (or is it shear hard work?) for catching moments with her camera which illustrate her posts well and provide a lovely yarny glimpse into a bright life half a world – and half a year, season-wise – away from our gloomy weather.
Read a great blog? Write a great blog? Tell us what it is and why you like it, and you might see it here next Friday.
Thursday March 25, 2010 Simply Knitting Issue 66 – on sale today!
The Spring issue of Simply Knitting is hits shop shelves across the UK today! We've got 25 bright and cheerful knits tucked between the covers – including three fab tea cosies designed to support Marie Curie Cancer Care's Blooming Great Tea Party fundraiser.
Click for a larger image.
Drab winter weather often works its way into our wardrobes, so spring is a great time to get rid of the grey and cast on a bright new knit! We've got some lovely, cheerful designs for you this month, including our stunning floral cardigan on the cover, a dainty smock-style top and a bright tank top and skirt set with a lovely Fair Isle pattern.
We've also got a pretty Mobius scarf to keep out any spring breezes – and we haven't forgotten the kids. We've got a stripy tank top they'll love – and it comes with instructions to help you learn to knit in the round.
We've also got 10 great knits for the whole family in our Quick & Easy Knits section.
Click for a larger image.
Amanda Crawford has designed a stunning heirloom blanket for us and you'll find the first part in this issue.
We've also got some super-sweet lace socks, a cable bag – which is simple enough for teens and tweens to knit themselves – an adorable hat and bootees for a new baby, mitts for men and great gifts for gardeners.
Alan Dart has designed a Blooming Great Tea Party of his own – a chimp's tea party, that is!
Although we're glad that zoos have stopped the practice, these knitted toys look absolutely charming. You'll find the patterns for the chimps in this first part and the tea set in issue 67, on sale Thursday 22 April 2010.
Other great things to look out for in issue 66 include:
Click for a larger image.
Drab winter weather often works its way into our wardrobes, so spring is a great time to get rid of the grey and cast on a bright new knit! We've got some lovely, cheerful designs for you this month, including our stunning floral cardigan on the cover, a dainty smock-style top and a bright tank top and skirt set with a lovely Fair Isle pattern.
We've also got a pretty Mobius scarf to keep out any spring breezes – and we haven't forgotten the kids. We've got a stripy tank top they'll love – and it comes with instructions to help you learn to knit in the round.
We've also got 10 great knits for the whole family in our Quick & Easy Knits section.
Click for a larger image.
Amanda Crawford has designed a stunning heirloom blanket for us and you'll find the first part in this issue.
We've also got some super-sweet lace socks, a cable bag – which is simple enough for teens and tweens to knit themselves – an adorable hat and bootees for a new baby, mitts for men and great gifts for gardeners.
Alan Dart has designed a Blooming Great Tea Party of his own – a chimp's tea party, that is!
Although we're glad that zoos have stopped the practice, these knitted toys look absolutely charming. You'll find the patterns for the chimps in this first part and the tea set in issue 67, on sale Thursday 22 April 2010.
Other great things to look out for in issue 66 include:
- The Knitted Gingerbread House goes to Thailand!
- Alan Dart shows off new designs.
- Find out how you can support Marie Curie Cancer Care – and win great knitting goodies at the same time!
Stunning silk knitting bag – your gift when you subscribe!
Subscribe to Simply
Knitting before 31 May 2010 and quote the offer code below and as well as your
favourite magazine we'll send you a stunning silk knitting bag.
As a subscriber, you'll:
This offer is for new UK subscribers subscribing by Direct Debit. Offer ends 31 May 2010. Visit MyFavouriteMagazines.co.uk or call 0844 848 2852 for full terms and conditions. You must quote the offer code or use the link above to receive your offer.
Yarn and needles not included. Colours may vary from those shown.
Why we like it
You can never have too many project bags – particularly when they're as glamorous as this one.
This Della Q Rosemary silk knitting bag has long handles so you can easily rest it on your arm as you knit on the go. A toggle fastening lets the yarn feed through easily with no zips or velcro to snag the fibre.
It's a sturdy bag and surprisingly roomy. We love the gorgeous colours and the clever little pocket at the front which is ideal for a notions case – or your mobile and credit card, if you're good at travelling light!
As a subscriber, you'll:
- Save 23% on the shop price
- Get your special cover gift with every issue
- Get subscriber-only pages every issue
- Exclusive access to our special subscriber website
- Get 13 issues a year of your favourite magazine – with FREE delivery to your door
- Benefit
from a 60 day money back guarantee.
This offer is for new UK subscribers subscribing by Direct Debit. Offer ends 31 May 2010. Visit MyFavouriteMagazines.co.uk or call 0844 848 2852 for full terms and conditions. You must quote the offer code or use the link above to receive your offer.
Yarn and needles not included. Colours may vary from those shown.
Why we like it
You can never have too many project bags – particularly when they're as glamorous as this one.
This Della Q Rosemary silk knitting bag has long handles so you can easily rest it on your arm as you knit on the go. A toggle fastening lets the yarn feed through easily with no zips or velcro to snag the fibre.
It's a sturdy bag and surprisingly roomy. We love the gorgeous colours and the clever little pocket at the front which is ideal for a notions case – or your mobile and credit card, if you're good at travelling light!
Wednesday March 24, 2010 Woolly jumper for little lamb
Today's knitting-in-the-news story comes from a farm just a half-hour drive away from Simply Knitting HQ and is reported in our local: This Is Bristol.
The headline is Our knitting gambol paid off for lamb and it's about a lamb – called Shaun – who's being hand-reared and is suffering from the cold more than his fellows. To help keep him snug, Scarlett Jones who "lives at the farm with her farmer partner Chris Marsh" and a neighbour have knitted him a sort of horse-coat style jacket and a cap.
It seems like life imitating art and is particularly entertaining as Shaun the Sheep creators, Aardman Animations, are also based in Bristol.
The piece is interesting to read – although we do wish the photo of Shaun was bigger: we'd like a better look at the knitting!
It's great to see that knitting is being used in another different and interesting way but it's a reminder of how specialized we are and how reliant we are on items being manufactured by other people. We're not saying that mass-production is a bad thing, just that it's probably the first time in history when the skills needed for whipping up a little jacket for a poorly sheep are rare enough that it's newsworthy.
Tuesday March 23, 2010 Giant knitted blanket for Welsh mountain
Knitting is in the news again – this time it's the BBC with the headline Giant blanket in mountain 'hug'. The story is about Ann Jordan, a student at the Swansea Met, who has knitted a blanket for a mountain.
The blanket doesn't cover the whole mountain – that would be a lot of knitting! – but it's fascinating to hear about the story behind the artwork and the way wool is tied to the region. The article is well worth reading and the blanket is on display until 25 April 2010 – so you could drop in if you're driving that way to Wonderwool but do check the weather and that the walk is suitable for you.
The story includes some of the facts and figures about the blanket which are particularly fascinating for knitters. A real understanding of what 8kg of yarn (for example) looks like might make it less – or more – impressive. For example, it's a lot of yarn to buy, spin or knit at one time – but it'll still fit in the car, and you could probably carry it home on the bus without too much trouble. It's 80 pairs of socks – a lot – but maybe only eight jumpers (particularly if you're knitting larger sizes) or four fairly ordinary throws.
It's certainly a heck of a lot of yarn to work into one project and the end result looks amazing. The BBC website also has a photo gallery with more pictures of the project and you can also read more about the blanket on the Black Mountain at the Brecon Beacons site.
Monday March 22, 2010 Competitions – Simply Knitting issue 66
Simply Knitting issue 66
hits the shops on Thursday 25 March 2010. Enter our great giveaways and
competitions by using the links below.
Injabulo buttons giveaway, page 6
Artesano yarn giveaway, page 10
Festival of Quilts show tickets giveaway, page 12
Prize crossword, page 94
Prize sudoku, page 94
Injabulo buttons giveaway, page 6
Artesano yarn giveaway, page 10
Festival of Quilts show tickets giveaway, page 12
Prize crossword, page 94
Prize sudoku, page 94
Friday March 19, 2010 Stitch & Craft Show 2010 - Trying something new
 |
| Elizabeth Bagwell Simply Knitting's Reviews Editor |
We've got a really great stand this year so please come and see it! We're upstairs, right next to Web of Wool and Toft Alpacas so it's a rather tempting place to work.
If you'd like to get some knitting advice or try a new craft drop by as there'll be representatives from Simply Knitting and The Knitter on the stand every day as well as CrossStitcher and PaperCraft Inspirations. The CrossStitcher team can show you how to get started stitching or offer advice and the PaperCraft Inspirations team have got a table set up and can help you make your first card as well as offer advice if you find yourself hooked!
I love trying new things at the show – yesterday I had a go at card making under the watchful eye of the PaperCraft Inspirations technical editor, Angela. The end result was pretty simple but surprisingly quick and certainly looked good enough to send.
Wednesday March 17, 2010 Yarn diet, begone!
| |
| Miriam McDonald Simply Knitting's Production Editor |
I QUIT THE YARN DIET!
There. We've had the new Colinette shade cards in. My first ever non-scarf project was a Colinette jumper, in bright blue Firecracker (the colourway looks greenish here, but mine is definitely turquoise). Colinette yarns are great for encouraging new knitters because the combination of startling colours and textures means even stocking stitch looks amazing. Their yarns still grab me every time I see them, and looking at the shade cards I thought, "Why am I ruling out buying more yarn? This is great, and this is wonderful, and ooh! New colours…". So, now I am not ruling out purchasing yarn. I made it through two and a half months, and my yarn spend is definitely down on last year, which is a success of sorts, although the stash is still larger than it needs to be. Still, with the purchasing habit broken, hopefully the stash will keep shrinking.
Tuesday March 16, 2010 Stitch & Craft Show 2010 – who's where and what's on
If you're still dithering about whether or not to come down and see us at the Stitch & Craft Show 2010 we've got two new pieces of information which might help you decide.
The show exhibitors have posted the Exhibition Info (pdf) – a list of the vendors and exhibitors attending the show – and an expert from the Show Guide (pdf) which tells you all about how to get there and the workshops going on when you do, making it easy to book yourself on a coach last minute (if there's room!) and sign up to learn something new for just £7 – although we should warn you that some of the classes have already sold out.
Monday March 15, 2010 Alan Dart Trail at the Stitch & Craft Show 2010
There's no trickery involved – Alan Dart's toy designs really do look that good! Check them out in person at the Stitch & Craft Show 2010. This year, we've scattered the cabinets displaying Alan's work around the show, so you'll come across different creatures as you shop or stroll.
Print out the image above or buy a show guide on the day to help you find your way around the trail – there are four cabinets to spot, each with a different display!
New Leaf, issue 65 (UPDATED)
Thanks to Maria Birchall for sending this correction in so quickly.
She says: I discovered a mistake on the back. After the word purlwise, row 19 reads: K1, p2tog, P4, *P26 (28:28:34:34:34); rep from * once, P17 (23:28:31:36:41). The P26 and the P17 should be K26 and K17.
You should knit rather than purl for all sizes.
Update 15 March 2010: We've had another phone call about this pattern and a sharp-eyed reader has pointed out a mistake. Row 9 includes instructions which read k2tog, K5, * K26. This is incorrect and should read k2tog, P5, *K26.
Apologies for the errors – we hope you'll enjoy knitting this pattern.
She says: I discovered a mistake on the back. After the word purlwise, row 19 reads: K1, p2tog, P4, *P26 (28:28:34:34:34); rep from * once, P17 (23:28:31:36:41). The P26 and the P17 should be K26 and K17.
You should knit rather than purl for all sizes.
Update 15 March 2010: We've had another phone call about this pattern and a sharp-eyed reader has pointed out a mistake. Row 9 includes instructions which read k2tog, K5, * K26. This is incorrect and should read k2tog, P5, *K26.
Apologies for the errors – we hope you'll enjoy knitting this pattern.
Sunday March 14, 2010 Mothering Sunday – 'I thank my lucky stars that my mother knitted'
Today is Mothering Sunday here in the UK, and up and down the country people will sending flowers and cards to say 'thank you' to their mums.
As part of our current series of your letters about Inspirational Knitters, we've got a lovely note to share today about remembering.
Trudy Weeks from Binghampton, New York, USA sent us this brilliant photo and says: That’s my dear departed mother who worked full time as a secretary also, but had the patience of Job to teach me how to knit. I have continued knitting my whole life (I’ll be 62 in March) and thank my lucky stars that my mother knitted and passed this most wonderful hobby on to me, along with sewing, quilting, embroidery, et al.
Thank you so much for sending us your photo, Trudy. It's a lovely shot and it's great to have such a direct link to your mum as shared hobby – or rather, hobbies!
We’d love to hear your stories about the people who inspired you to start knit – or to keep – knitting or helped you on your way. Send your stories and photos to simplyknitting@futurenet.com
Saturday March 13, 2010 Inspirational Knitters – 'She was always knitting for other people'
Angela Braviner from
Jarrow sent us this lovely story of teaching by example: her mum was a constant knitter, and she's now carrying on her mother's work knitting for charity.
My mum, Muriel, taught me how to knit when I was six or seven years old, and helped me with school projects and encouraged my love of knitting throughout the years, she says.
She was a knitter herself, both by machine and hand, and was always knitting for other people, never herself.
She knit hats in bright colours and sent them to a charity for foreign seamen. We always used to tease her because the colours often clashed, but she said the brighter the better to cheer them up on cold days.
More recently she knit squares to be made into blankets, as part of a group. Another lady collected the squares and sewed them together. Mum would knit on car and coach journeys, and while she was watching television. Again we used to tease her when she said a particular destination was a "3 square journey"!
Mum died after a battle with cancer, just before the end of last year. I found in her cupboard, three bags of squares already knitted waiting to be made up, two bags of wool waiting to be knitted and half a square on her needles.
I'll finish the square, add it to the many she had and continue to knit squares like she did. How many squares will it be from Jarrow to Kenmore, where I'm going at Easter? I'll let you know.
It's surprising how often small things can make a big difference. We're sure that Muriel would be thrilled to know her squares will still be knit – and the people who receive the blankets will get plenty of use out of them.
We’d love to hear your stories about the people who inspired you to start knit – or to keep on – knitting or helped you on your way. Send your stories and photos to simplyknitting@futurenet.com
My mum, Muriel, taught me how to knit when I was six or seven years old, and helped me with school projects and encouraged my love of knitting throughout the years, she says.
She was a knitter herself, both by machine and hand, and was always knitting for other people, never herself.
She knit hats in bright colours and sent them to a charity for foreign seamen. We always used to tease her because the colours often clashed, but she said the brighter the better to cheer them up on cold days.
More recently she knit squares to be made into blankets, as part of a group. Another lady collected the squares and sewed them together. Mum would knit on car and coach journeys, and while she was watching television. Again we used to tease her when she said a particular destination was a "3 square journey"!
Mum died after a battle with cancer, just before the end of last year. I found in her cupboard, three bags of squares already knitted waiting to be made up, two bags of wool waiting to be knitted and half a square on her needles.
I'll finish the square, add it to the many she had and continue to knit squares like she did. How many squares will it be from Jarrow to Kenmore, where I'm going at Easter? I'll let you know.
It's surprising how often small things can make a big difference. We're sure that Muriel would be thrilled to know her squares will still be knit – and the people who receive the blankets will get plenty of use out of them.
We’d love to hear your stories about the people who inspired you to start knit – or to keep on – knitting or helped you on your way. Send your stories and photos to simplyknitting@futurenet.com
Friday March 12, 2010 Stitch & Craft 2010: Get 'em by 1pm
Discount prices for tickets to Stitch & Craft 2010 are only available until 1pm GMT today.
If you're already planning to go to the show, you can save £2 per ticket by buying in advance. Adult tickets cost £8 instead of £10, concession tickets (pensioners/ full time students) cost £7 instead of £8, and tickets for children aged 12 to 18 cost £3 instead of £4.
To buy tickets online, visit Twisted Thread or call the ticket hotline on 01473 320407.
If you're already planning to go to the show, you can save £2 per ticket by buying in advance. Adult tickets cost £8 instead of £10, concession tickets (pensioners/ full time students) cost £7 instead of £8, and tickets for children aged 12 to 18 cost £3 instead of £4.
To buy tickets online, visit Twisted Thread or call the ticket hotline on 01473 320407.
Tech Knitting – knitting blog review
As we're blogging about inspiring knitters this week, it seems apt to review the Tech Knitting blog as it has inspired us to think more about our knitting that we ever would have otherwise.
Focusing on the technical aspects of knitting like how stitches interact and what knitting mills look like on the inside it's an invaluable resource for any knitter who wants to learn a bit more about their craft but doesn't want to spend half their life reinventing garter stitch.
Read a great blog? Write a great blog? Tell us what it is and why you like it, and you might see it here next Friday.
Thursday March 11, 2010 Inspirational Knitters – 'I hope someone will remember me teaching them to knit'
Knitting is a gift you can give away time and time again – not just physical items, although of course those are lovely but the skills you've learned. Christine Taylor sent us her story about passing skills on from one generation to the next.
My Mum taught me to knit when I was five or six years old, she says. This was at the time when knitting was taught in primary schools – boys and girls started off knitting dishcloths.
My mum knitted all my jumpers, some patterned, some plain, and my dad sewed my skirts – he pleated the material and sewed it on to a kind-of vest top. My grandmother taught me to crochet when I was around thirteen.
I carried on to teach all of my children to knit – three girls and a boy. I think they could still pick it up again and one girl still sometimes knits things and can be quite creative in her designs.
My passion (as it became) for knitting has led me on to forming a craft club that meets once a month, mostly for knitters, where we make things for our own use, but also for charity.
I hope someone will remember me teaching them to knit and crochet – I am always grateful to the people that started me off.
This is a great reminder that you can share your skills with people of any age – whether it's your kids, your friends or even your own mum or grandma. After all, whatever they say you can teach an old dog new tricks.
We’d love to hear your stories about the people who inspired you to start knit – or to keep on – knitting or helped you on your way. Send your stories and photos to simplyknitting@futurenet.com
My Mum taught me to knit when I was five or six years old, she says. This was at the time when knitting was taught in primary schools – boys and girls started off knitting dishcloths.
My mum knitted all my jumpers, some patterned, some plain, and my dad sewed my skirts – he pleated the material and sewed it on to a kind-of vest top. My grandmother taught me to crochet when I was around thirteen.
I carried on to teach all of my children to knit – three girls and a boy. I think they could still pick it up again and one girl still sometimes knits things and can be quite creative in her designs.
My passion (as it became) for knitting has led me on to forming a craft club that meets once a month, mostly for knitters, where we make things for our own use, but also for charity.
I hope someone will remember me teaching them to knit and crochet – I am always grateful to the people that started me off.
This is a great reminder that you can share your skills with people of any age – whether it's your kids, your friends or even your own mum or grandma. After all, whatever they say you can teach an old dog new tricks.
We’d love to hear your stories about the people who inspired you to start knit – or to keep on – knitting or helped you on your way. Send your stories and photos to simplyknitting@futurenet.com
Wednesday March 10, 2010 Inspirational Knitters – 'It was not a perfectly crafted piece of work'
Knitted gifts – even the imperfect ones – can be part of a strong bond which holds people together across long distances, as today's story from Marion Shropshire in Shrewsbury shows.
In 1963, my parents were among the hoards who decided to move the family to the New World – Canada in our case – in order to benefit from a higher standard of living, since dad was a tool maker and could earn more money there, says Marion.
Getting close to our departure date, my Granny asked me for a keepsake since in those days when you emigrated, the chances were that you would not see home again – how things have changed!
I was none too sure of what I should give, but settled for a yellow knitted purse that I had made, with a gold button to fasten it closed.
It was not a perfectly crafted piece of work, and I think there was an extra buttonhole here or there, but Granny gratefully accepted this precious gift. I have so much to be grateful to her for. My mum taught me to knit and of course, her mother taught her.
We're sure that the knitted purse – extra buttonholes and all – was well loved. It's particularly magical to pass on a skill and see it come back to you.
We’d love to hear your stories about the people who inspired you to start knit – or to keep on – knitting or helped you on your way. Send your stories and photos to simplyknitting@futurenet.com
In 1963, my parents were among the hoards who decided to move the family to the New World – Canada in our case – in order to benefit from a higher standard of living, since dad was a tool maker and could earn more money there, says Marion.
Getting close to our departure date, my Granny asked me for a keepsake since in those days when you emigrated, the chances were that you would not see home again – how things have changed!
I was none too sure of what I should give, but settled for a yellow knitted purse that I had made, with a gold button to fasten it closed.
It was not a perfectly crafted piece of work, and I think there was an extra buttonhole here or there, but Granny gratefully accepted this precious gift. I have so much to be grateful to her for. My mum taught me to knit and of course, her mother taught her.
We're sure that the knitted purse – extra buttonholes and all – was well loved. It's particularly magical to pass on a skill and see it come back to you.
We’d love to hear your stories about the people who inspired you to start knit – or to keep on – knitting or helped you on your way. Send your stories and photos to simplyknitting@futurenet.com
