The Knitter 173

Our latest knitwear collection is sure to brighten the gloomiest of winter days! Colourful projects include a beautiful Fair Isle cardigan, a striped lace shawl, a yoked sweater with diamond colourwork, and a jumper with marled stripes. Also in this issue, we explore the artistic colourways of Pigment & Ply, discover the story of Novita’s latest eco-friendly yarn, and go behind the scenes at Ballachly Farm with Graeme Bethune of Caithness Yarns. HAPPY KNITTING! from Kirstie and The Knitter team…

Jennie Atkinson Jennie has a worldwide fanbase, thanks to her feminine designs which have appeared in Vogue Knitting, The Knitter and Rowan’s magazines. This month, Jennie has created a neat, tie-front cardigan which is knitted in a smooth cotton yarn. You can find Jennie’s pattern on p68. Mary Henderson Mary is passionate about traditional Scottish knitting patterns, and she has won a firm following thanks to her intricate Fair Isle designs and delicate lace. Mary’s latest pattern for The Knitter is a Fair Isle cardigan which uses a stunning colour palette. Turn to p8. Sarah Hatton Sarah honed her skills as part of Rowan’s in-house design team, and she is now an independent designer who creates patterns for knitting magazines and yarn brands. We have two designs from Sarah this month: an elegant jumper for…

THIS CARDIGAN begins with a corrugated rib band knitted in rows, then is joined with a section of steek stitches to work in the round to the armholes. Once the sleeves are knitted, they are joined to the body to work the yoke, ending with short-row shaping at the back neck. The corrugated rib front bands are fastened with hidden snaps and buttons sewn on top. “The buttons are positioned mid-chest to give a ‘frock coat’ fit: the top is slightly open, and the lower half falls apart to give an easy fit,” explains Mary Henderson. SIZE YARN John Arbon Textiles Appledore DK (DK weight; 40% Devon Closewool, 40% Romney wool, 20% Exmoor Blueface wool; 250m/278yds per 100g skein) CHARTS NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 3.25mm (UK 10/US 3) circular needles, 60-80cm long3.75mm (UK 9/US 5) circular needles,…

FRENCH FANCIES For yarns and patterns infused with a modern French aesthetic, the brand Along Avec Anna has an exciting choice for keen knitters. Founded by designer Anna Dervout, who is originally from Brittany, the team has a bricks-and-mortar shop in Exeter and an online store, and their products are also available to EU customers through Etsy.com. Along Avec Anna currently has two yarn ranges: a 4ply non-mulesed superwash merino wool, and a fluffy blend of kid mohair and mulberry silk. Both yarns are offered in a choice of delicate chalky pastels, and a warmer rust, red and royal blue. The store also sells exclusive knitting-themed enamel pins, tote bags and stitch markers, plus KnitPro needles and blocking tools. Patterns for women include cardigans, raglan jumpers, yoked sweater and lightweight tops, all featuring…

KNITTING TECHNIQUES: ENTRELAC by Molly Brown If you’ve never tried the entrelac technique, which creates an intriguing fabric with a woven look, this book is the perfect place to start. It clearly explains every step of the process, including constructing each ‘tier’ of knitting, variations on the basic technique, colour explorations, working in the round, incorporating texture, and trouble-shooting. There are also five entrelac projects to try. The Crowood Press, £9.99 FARMHOUSE SOCKS by Rachel Boulahanis Rachel Boulahanis was inspired by her grandparent’s farm when designing this collection of 14 cosy sock projects, which have an heirloom look. There are lots of cable patterns, with names such as ‘Tractor Paths’, ‘Wild Foxes’ and ‘Angling Road’; a range of classic ribbed designs; the smart ‘Everyday Sock’ with arch support and padded heels; and moccasin-style slippers. £21.99, www.amazon.co.uk KNITTING TAMS:…

11-13 February Farnham Unravel www.farnhammaltings.com/artists-and-makers/craft/festivals/unravel 12 February Oxford Introduction to Brioche Knitting www.oxfordyarnstore.co.uk 01865604112 17 February Warrington Learn to Hand Dye Yarn www.blacksheepwools.com 01925 764231 24 February Salisbury Professional Finishing Techniques www.borntoknit.co.uk 07557985935 26 February Brighton Grow a Pair – Sock Knitting for Beginners www.yarnandknitting.com 01273679726 27 February Skipton Finishing Techniques www.purlandjane.co.uk 01756228247 27 February Mostyn Entrelac Knitting with Molly Brown www.abakhan.co.uk 01745562100 2-3 March Online Learn to Knit Socks https://bit.ly/jemclass 5 March Pontyclun Moebius Cast-on www.ammoniteyarns.co.uk 01443 520200 11 March Warrington Fair Isle and Steeking with Juliet Bernard www.blacksheepwools.com 01925 764231 18-20 March Stratford-upon-Avon Stitchtopia Festival Holiday www.arenatravel.com/craft-holidays/stitchtopia-festival 19 March Saffron Walden Finishing Techniques www.craft-days.co.uk 01799218429 28 March – 1 April Blackpool Gansey Knitting Motifs Holiday www.westcliffe-knitting.co.uk 01253 352943 12 May Llanelli Welsh Knitting Retreat with Sasha Kagan www.arenatravel.com 03333638100 Tell us about your event! theknitter@immediate.co.uk…