The Knitter 162

the beauty of flowers

Light layers 14 projects using lace, cables & Fair Isle This issue features our special Spring Blossom pattern collection, which is filled with elegant, floral-inspired designs. Dario Tubiana, Jennie Atkinson, Oksana Dymyd and Carol Meldrum have used colourwork and embroidered details to celebrate the glory of spring. We also bring you a range of soft and beautiful sweaters and accessory projects, plus we explore the new archive of Scottish ganseys, and meet hand-dyer Molly of The Mimo Yarn Co. HAPPY KNITTING!…

our featured designers

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 floral cardigan for our Spring Blossom Collection on page 56, and a neat waistcoat on page 8. Kristin Blom Kristin, a Swedish graphic designer, was encouraged to get into knitwear design by Anna Maltz, and her portfolio now includes many modern, beautiful patterns for women and children. Kristin’s newest design for us is an elegant cape with cable details. Turn to page 77 for the pattern. Nicola Diggins Nicola is part of the team at yarn store The Knitting Shed, and she designs patterns and kits using its Ainsworth & Prin yarn range. Her first design for us is an elegant cabled jumper - find this,…

danbury

JENNIE ATKINSON Danbury MIMICKING A traditional fabric waistcoat, this design by Jennie Atkinson has pointed front hems, false pocket openings, and a neat fit. The front pieces are knitted in bramble stitch, while the back is in stocking stitch. The side seams have been designed to fall towards the back of the garment, and have ties to pull the back in if desired. Jennie’s pattern uses a sportweight wool from John Arbon. SIZE YARN NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 pair 3mm (UK 11/US 2-3) knitting needles 1 pair 3.25mm (UK 10/US 3) knitting needles Stitch holders Stitch markers 8 x 12mm buttons TENSION 28 sts and 36 rows to 10cm over st st on 3.25mm needles. 34 sts and 34 rows to 10cm over Bramble St using 3.25mm needles, after blocking. YARN STOCKISTS John Arbon Textiles 01769 579861 www.jarbon.com SPECIAL ABBREVIATIONS B St: Bramble Stitch. For general abbreviations, see…

the knitter loves…

VIRTUAL SHOWS Many of the UK’s major yarn festivals have now confirmed that this year’s events will take place online, and plans are now being put in place to ensure participants can still have fun, and discover and buy fabulous yarns. Among the yarn shows to be held virtually is Wonderwool Wales, which will take place on 23-24 April. Visitors can watch videos from exhibitors and find links to buy products at www.facebook.com/groups/wonderwool2021 Monty@Home, the online event for The Wool Monty show, is to be held on 12-13 June. You can find out more about its exhibitors at www.facebook.com/thewoolmontyshow Woolfest is also going online on 25-26 June, and more details are set to be announced soon at www.woolfest.co.uk. Home comforts ‘Daydreamer’ is a book of modern homewares and relaxed sweaters designed by Chloe Thurlow £12 from…

new books

THE COFFEE SOCKS COLLECTION by Dots Dabbles Designed for novice sock knitters in mind, this e-book has nine gorgeous designs which will be enjoyed by experienced knitters, too. The patterns play with lace, twisted stitches and cables, and include both top-down and toe-up constructions, and a variety of heel types. There are also two invaluable ‘vanilla’ sock recipes. £15.95; http://bit.ly/dotsdabblessock KNIT HAPPY WITH SELF-STRIPING YARNS by Stephanie Lotven Self-striping yarns can sometimes be hard to work with, but this bright book offers 25 projects designed especially to showcase multi-coloured skeins. There are artistic shawl designs, sweaters and cardigans with striped sleeves, and cheerful accessories including cowls, mittens, and hats. Stephanie Lotven will make you look at self-striping yarns in a different light! £20, Page Street Publishing STAR WARS: KNITTING THE GALAXY by Tanis Gray The official Star Wars knitting book…

local heroes

Yarn Loft 118 Hucknall Road, Nottingham NG5 1AD This stockist of artisan yarns offers Noro, Malabrigo, Baa Ram Ewe, Fyberspates, Isager, Jamieson & Smith, West Yorkshire Spinners, and Juniper Moon Farm. You can also find a wide range of pattern books, plus needles from Addi, KnitPro, and Brittany. Currently open for online orders. www.yarnloft.co.uk 07825 702433 Knit Nottingham 9 Trinity Walk, Nottingham NG1 2AN This city centre shop stocks yarns by Baa Ram Ewe, Rosarios 4, Opal, Sirdar, King Cole and Mondial. Other products include Addi needles and knitting bags. Open for phone and online orders. www.knitnottingham.co.uk 0115 947 4239 Button Moon 12 The Marketplace, Arnold NG5 6ND Discover great-value yarns from Sirdar, Stylecraft, King Cole, and James C Brett, along with an excellent choice of pattern leaflets, at this friendly store. Currently open for click and…