The Knitter 171

We love colourwork, and this month we’ve taken inspiration from traditional Scottish textiles for our fabulous Tartan Collection. Knit up a colourful piece for your wardrobe, with designs from Carol Meldrum, Jacinta Bowie, Chloé Elizabeth Birch, and Sasha Kagan. Also in this issue, we discover how Madeline Brown uses old Aran sweaters to create beautiful new pieces, explore a stretchy cast-on method in our Masterclass, and review the best new yarns. HAPPY KNITTING! from Kirstie and The Knitter team Winter style Jackets, cardigans & cosy accessories to cast on now…

Bronagh Miskelly Designer, writer and technical editor Bronagh has had her patterns published in a range of magazines, and is closely involved with the UK Hand Knitting Association. Her latest design for us is a pretty shawl with floral sprig textures, knitted in a special silk-blend yarn. Turn to p25. 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 cropped, ballet-style wrap cardigan with vintage details. You can find the pattern on p68. Chloé Elizabeth Birch Chloé is a freelance knitwear designer living in Cornwall, who loves to design fun yet timeless pieces. Chloe has created a number of patterns for West Yorkshire Spinners, and her first pattern for The Knitter is a stunning coat…

“THIS DESIGN was inspired by a tiny cluster of barnacles perched on a rugged rock,” explains Emma Vining. “The stitch pattern is knitted with a series of linked hexagons, forming long lines of little barnacles. The textures of the rock and sandy beach are represented by alternate stocking stitch and reverse stocking stitch backgrounds.” Emma’s design is knitted in the gorgeously cosy Tundra yarn from The Fibre Company, which comes in 25 elegant colours. SIZE YARN The Fibre Company Tundra (Chunky weight; 60% baby alpaca, 30% Merino wool, 10% silk; 109m/119yds per 100g skein) NEEDLES & ACCESSORIES 1 pair 5.5mm (UK 5/US 9)knitting needles1 pair 6mm (UK 4/US 10)knitting needlesStitch holdersStitch markersCable needle (cn) (optional) TENSION 13 sts and 20 rows to 10cm over st st pattern using 6mm needles. 18 sts and 20 rows to 10cm over…

ROMANTIC KNITS For its latest craft magazine, yarn brand Scheepjes has taken inspiration from the styles of the Pre-Raphaelite and Arts & Crafts movements of the late 19th century. YARN 12 - Romance is filled with beautifully photographed knitting and crochet projects, plus a selection of fascinating essays and interviews with artisan makers. The choice of knitting projects in the book include a sweater by Fiona Alice with a contemporary cropped shape and pleated shoulders, knitted in a shimmering yarn. ‘Holman Slipover’ is a modern take on the classic Fair Isle vest by Dario Tubiana, and uses a palette of deep greens and blues. Carmen Jorissen’s ‘Miller’ mittens feature a floral stranded colourwork design, while Ruskin’ is a colourwork scarf by Martin Up North, which has tile-like motifs in nostalgic, faded shades. There…

BLANKETS & THROWS TO KNIT by Debbie Abrahams The queen of the knitted patchwork blanket, Debbie Abrahams, invites us to get creative with her colourful new book! She presents 100 different blanket square options using colourwork, texture and beading, which can be combined to make your own unique throws. There are also 12 complete blanket projects to make. £12.99, Collins & Brown MODERN VINTAGE KNITTING by Venita Kidwai Venita Kidwai’s love of vintage knitting, particularly the intricate, highly ornamented styles of the Victorian era, is on display in this beautiful book. There are 10 projects for cowls and handwarmers featuring elaborate lace stitch patterns, many of which are highlighted with tiny beads. Among our favourites is the ‘Haringey Neck Wrap’, a long, contoured lace collar with a dramatic picot edging. £14.69, www.amazon.co.uk THE SHETLAND TRADER BOOK 3: HERITAGE by…

CLARTY CLOGS by Fine Fettle Fibres Price £18 per 100g/400m. 75% British wool, 25% nylon. Available in seven hand-dyed colourways. www.finefettlefibres.uk 01670 600001 RUSTIC SOCK by Ainsworth & Prin Price £19 per 110g/385m. 100% British Bluefaced Leicester wool. Available in six hand-dyed shades. www.theknittingshed.com 01903 683 683 PIMLICO DK by Beautiful Knitters Price £27 per 100g/212m. 60% superwash merino wool, 20% silk, 20% yak. Available in eight hand-dyed shades. www.beautifulknitters.co.uk 020 7821 6496…