Simply Knitting

hello

This issue we’ve been concentrating on the intricacies of detail and how adding a lot, or a little, can make a knitting design shine. There are so many ways we can add interest to our knits – the thick cord on a winding cable cardigan; the bright rainbow of colours in a dense Fair Isle scarf or the surprise addition of travelling vine stitch to a sleeve or back panel (all three of which you can find in this issue). It’s taken me a while to realise that taking your time to make your details as perfect as possible will reap rewards when it comes to getting ultimate knitting satisfaction. After all, how can you resist smiling when you catch your newly knitted cardigan (with its pin-sharp cable pattern) in…

editor’s choice

Seams Hand Cream Originally created for seamstresses to help soothe their dry hands, this top cream soothes without leaving a residue on yarns and fabrics (£14 for 75ml). www.seamsbeauty.co.uk. Queen of Yarn Pin Badge Wear your knitting passion with pride by donning this perky pin from Channypeascorner (£8). shop.channypeascorner.com. MIllaMia Naturally Soft Sock Gloriously soft but hardwearing, Naturally Soft Sock creates a plump fabric that’s gentle on your feet (£4.50 for 50g). Buy at www.lovecrafts.com or call 01409 404 010. Rico Superba Susu 4 ply This vibrant range is ideal for wrapping up warmly whatever the time of year (£7.50 for 100g). Visit www.rico-design.defor stockists. 7 Brothers Korpi Aran Inspired by tree bark, flowing water and meandering forest paths, Korpi Aran (£5.50 for 100g) is ideal for family knits. Visit www.novitaknits.com for stockists. Amanda Berry’s Toy Cars Bright, squishy and lots…

buy-me-now books

BIG YARN, BEAUTIFUL LACE KNITS by Barbara Benson (Stackpole Books, £15.95) Introducing a new lace look! Traditionally knitted in finer weight yarns, this book turns delicate lace knitting on its head. With its bulky yarn patterns, lace becomes bold, graphic, and dramatic! Enjoy quicker knits, shorter lace repeats and easy-to-learn new stitches and techniques that are especially good for those new to lace. The patterns include shawls, mitts, hats, cowls and blankets. HARRY POTTER: KNITTING MAGIC by Tanis Grey (Simon & Schuster USA, £16) Channel the joy of Harry Potter to your needles with the ultimate knitter’s guide. Including over 25 magical knits with truly gorgeous photography, this book includes familiar patterns for clothing, home projects and keepsakes. A must-have for all knitting Harry Potter fans, this book also includes fun facts, original costume sketches,…

jane burns

Jane is a designer and brand development co-ordinator for King Cole Up early or slow to rise? I’m a late riser as I’m a night owl, often working well into the evening. First job of the day? Checking emails, so I know anything urgent has been dealt with. Mid-morning pick-me-up? A cup of tea and some biscuits around 3.30pm – did I mention I’m not a morning person? Fave time to sit back and take five? 6.30pm, when I like to clear my head and take a break before I pick up my needles and start working on design commissions. Leisurely lunchtime? Unless I’m working in the office, I don’t really have a lunchtime – I know it’s naughty! Clocking-off time? As many designers will tell you we’re terrible at clocking off – even when we’re…

the latest from stylecraft?

Get summer knitting early with the wonderful new print-effect yarn from Stylecraft. Regatta (£5 for 100g) comes in six exciting shade combinations to bring a little sunny zing planning to your winter knitting. Check out its selection of accompanying patterns from kids and ladies cardis to cool summer tops. Or perhaps you’re thinking of knitting for a summer baby – Bambino Prints (£3.50 for 100g) creates a gentle Fair Isle effect and adds delicate colourwork to your cardis and jumpers. Find it in four fresh news shades. For stockists visit www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk or call 01484 848435.…

hot new yarns

James C Brett Lazy Days Super Chunky Looking for super squishy chunky yarn? James C Brett is sumptuous, easy to care for and is perfect for slobby oversized garments (£3.29 for 100g) Caron Skinny Cakes Sister to popular aran yarn Caron Cakes, Caron Skinny Cakes (£9.99 for 200g) is a new DK yarn that comes in a wool and acrylic mix and a familiar range of wonderful colourways. Wool And The Gang Heal The Wool This upcycled chunky wool is made from excess fibres that would otherwise be lost to landfill and respun to create a 100% upcycled yarn that’s a dream to knit with (£14.49 for 200g). Opal Magic Skies Weave a yarn with a silver thread and it’ll seem heaven sent! Cast on this dreamy sock yarn for a pair of socks you’ll never want…