Table of contents for Volume 8 Issue 2 in Australian Knitting

No matter what the garment, this season will see yarn become a standout feature in knitwear designs. Combine this with a powerful array of monochrome shades, chunky stitches and some interesting weaving and you have knitwear that will stand-out from the crowd this season. With an intense focus on yarn, more dramatic stitch types will come into play. Whether this is in the form of cable, stockinette or woven, the knitwear gods this season say the bigger the stitch, the better! Use a 6.5-7mm needle to tackle the chunkiest of yarns and quickly knit a nice, warm garment. Another huge trend in the realm of fashion at the moment is defined-looking knit stitches. These obvious stitches are appearing in the unlikeliest of items such as pants, tights and even bags.…

as well as being an author, I am a technology specialist for TV production. My job takes me all over the world – anywhere that has a TV station and a few computers. Apart from my passport and laptop, three things travel with me always. The book I am reading, the book I am writing and my knitting. I was taught to knit as a child, but stopped in my teens. I came back to it for a single project – to knit a gift for a friend, made of wool purchased in her home country of Canada. As I sat in my hotel room and worked on it, I realized again how much I enjoyed knitting. The rhythm is relaxing after a hard day of staring at recalcitrant computers.…

YARN • 3, 4, 5, 6, 6, 7 balls 50gm Patons Dreamtime Merino 8ply in Natural 2949 OR • 1, 2, 2, 2, 2, 3 8ply balls 100gm Patons Big Baby in Stone 2563 • 4 (4, 4, 5, 5, 6) buttons. NEEDLES AND TOOLS • 3.75mm knitting needles • 4.00mm knitting needles • Cable needle • Wool sewing needle MEASUREMENTS Size: 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 months To fit chest: 35, 40, 45, 50, 53, 55cm Finished fit at underarm: 42, 47, 52, 57, 60, 62cm Garment length: 23, 26, 29, 32, 35, 37cm Sleeve length: 11, 13, 16, 19, 21, 23cm SPECIAL ABBREVIATIONS C4F = Slip next 3 sts onto cable needle and leave at front of work, P1, then K3 from cable needle. C4B = Slip next st onto cable needle and leave…

YARN • 2 skeins 100gm Knit Picks Biggo in Bamboo Heather 26572 NEEDLES AND TOOLS • 8.00mm knitting needles or circular needles • Wool sewing needle MEASUREMENTS 23cm wide x 148cm long TENSION 12 sts by 18 rows over stitch pattern on 8.00mm needles to 10cm GETTING STARTED Notes: The stitch pattern is reversible so it looks the same on the right and wrong side. To create a more finished edge, slip the first knit stitch of each row as to purl. Stitch Pattern (worked flat)  Row 1: RS - K1, *K2, P2,*; repeat from * to *, end K2. Row 2: WS - K1, P1, *P1, K2, P1*; rep from * to *, end K1. WORKING PATTERN Cast on 27 stitches. Knit one row. Begin stitch pattern. Rep Rows 1 and 2…

YARN • 11, 13, 14, 15 balls 50gm Patons Totem Merino 8ply in Fuchsia 4361 NEEDLES AND TOOLS • 3.25mm knitting needles • 4.00mm knitting needles • 4.00mm circular knitting needle 80cm • 4 stitch-holders • Wool sewing needle • 18cm zipper and matching thread for zipper (optional) MEASUREMENTS Size: XS, S, M, L To fit bust: 70, 80, 90, 100cm Finished fit: 84, 92, 100, 110cm Garment length: 54, 55, 56, 57cm Sleeve length: 43cm TENSION 22 sts by 30 rows over stocking st, on 4.00mm needles to 10cm. WORKING PATTERN BACK Using 3.25mm needles, cast on 95 (105, 113, 123) sts. Row 1: K2, * P1, K1, rep from * to last st, K1. Row 2: K1, * P1, K1, rep from * to end. Rep these 2 rows 8 times. 18 rows rib in…

YARN • 8, 9, 11, 12 Hanks 50gm Amuri DK 8ply shade #2041 NEEDLES AND TOOLS • 4.00mm knitting needles • Markers MEASUREMENTS To fit bust , 76-81, 86-91, 96-102, 107-112cm Finished fit, 109, 120, 130, 142cm Garment length, 64, 66, 68, 70cm Sleeve length , 32, 32, 34, 36cm TENSION 22 sts by 30 rows over Stst on 4.00mm needles to 10cm. WORKING PATTERN BACK With 4.00mm needles, cast on 122 (134, 146, 158) sts. Row 1: RS - K2; *p2, k2; rep from * to end. Row 2: WS - *P2, k2; rep from * to last 2 sts, p2. Rep these 2 rows 6 times more. Beg Main Pattern  Row 1: RS - *P2, k10; rep from * to last 2 sts, p2. Row 2: WS - K2; *p10, k2;…

YARN • 2 balls Noro Kureyon • 5 buttons NEEDLES AND TOOLS • 6.00mm needles • Wool sewing needle MEASUREMENTS Width approx 28cm Length 75cm TENSION Not critical to project WORKING PATTERN Using 6.00mm needles cast on 44 stitches loosely. Row 1: K2 *yo, K2tog, K1 repeat from * to end of row. Row 2: P2, * K1, P2, repeat from * to end of row. Row 3: K2, *k2tog, yo, K1, repeat from * to end of row. Row 4: P1, * K1, P2, repeat from * to last 4 sts, K1, P3. MAKING UP Repeat pattern until work measures 75cm from beginning. Cast off loosely. Sew buttons evenly along one short edge. Button up to join into a cowl. Knitting Yarns by Mail 114 Fox and Fanckes Rd Boolarra Sth, Vic Ph:…

YARN • 2 balls 50g knitalpaca Luxa with a Twist or Luxa alpaca yarn. NEEDLES AND TOOLS • 4.50mm set double pointed needles • 5.50mm set double pointed needles MEASUREMENTS Size to fit medium adult head TENSION Tension is not critical to this project WORKING PATTERN Using 4.50mm needles cast on 92 sts and join to a round. Work 8 rounds in K2, P2 rib. Change to 5.50mm needles and work in the following 4 round pattern. Rounds 1 and 2: *P2, K2* to end of round. Rounds 3 and 4: *K2, P2* to end of round. Continue working the pattern until work measures 15 – 20 cm, ending with a 4th round. (The longer you make this section the more ‘floppy’ the beret becomes). Shape crown Round 1: *P2 tog, K2* to…

New products It’s that time of year where knitters begin stashing projects they intent to knit for the cold season ahead. If you plan on increasing your workload this winter, why not consider re-stocking your yarn supply or updating your needles with these exciting new products. The first is a plush yarn by Paragon, which launched in March 2016. The yarn combines the fibres that knitters love, into one luxe yarn. Merino adds a nice bounce while the alpaca adds softness and warmth. Finally, the touch of silk adds strength and a subtle sheen. The yarn is composed of 50% Fine Merino Wool, 25% Baby Alpaca, 25% Mulberry Silk; 123 yards/50g and is Sport Weight; hand wash or dry flat. Paragon is available in 17 colour variations. Also new to…

YARN • 4, 5, 6, 7 balls 50gm Crazy Days 12ply in shade #A2 NEEDLES AND TOOLS • 5.00mm knitting needles • 5.50mm knitting needles • Stitch holder & markers MEASUREMENTS Size: 2, 4, 6, 8 years To fit chest: 56, 61, 66, 71cm Finished fit: 61, 66, 71, 76cm Garment length: 41, 44, 49, 54cm Lower Edge: 76, 84, 89, 96.5cm TENSION 16 sts by 22 rows over Stst on 5.5mm needles to 10cm WORKING PATTERN BACK **With 5.50mm needles, cast on 61 (67, 71, 77) sts. Row 1: RS – K1; *p1, k1; rep from * to end. Row 2: P1; *k1, p1; rep from * to end. Rep these 2 rows once more. Change to 5.00mm needles. Garter stitch (= k every row) for 5 rows. Change to 5.50mm needles. Rib…

YARN • 3, 4, 5, 6 balls 50gm Crazy Days 12ply in shade# A1 • 1 ball 50gm Crazy Days 12ply in shade# A1 NEEDLES AND TOOLS • 5.00mm knitting needles • 5.50mm knitting needles • Stitch holder • Markers MEASUREMENTS Size: 1-2, 3-4, 5-7, 8-10 years Garment width Garment width at widest point approx: 32, 38, 44, 50cm Hat: 1-4, 5-10 years Circumference: 42, 46cm SPECIAL ABBREVIATIONS  skp – slip 1 stitch, knit 1 stitch, pass the slipped stitch over. TENSION 16 sts by 22 rows over Stst on 5.5mm needles to 10cm WORKING PATTERN PONCHO FIRST HALF With 5.50mm needles cast on loosely 82 (96, 110, 124) sts. Row 1: RS - K2 (3, 2, 3); *p2, k2; rep from * to last 0 (1, 0, 1) st, k0 (1, 0, 1). Row 2:…

YARN • 3 balls 100gm Patons Big Baby 8ply in Colour 1 (C1) Banana 2561 • 3 balls 100gm Patons Big Baby 8ply in Colour 2 (C2) Silver 2565 NEEDLES AND TOOLS • 6.00mm circular knitting needle 60-80cm • Wool sewing needle MEASUREMENTS Width: 65cm Length: 80cm TENSION 16 sts by 30 rows over garter st, on 6.00mm needles and 2 strands of yarn together to 10cm. GETTING STARTED Note: We suggest winding the 3rd ball of each colour into two half balls. A circular needle is used to accommodate the large number of stitches. Work backwards and forwards in rows. BLANKET Using 6.00mm circular needle and 2 strands of C1 together, cast on 104 sts loosely. Work in garter st (every row knit) until Blanket measures 20cm from beginning. Note: Make sure colour…

YARN • 19, 21, 23, 26 balls 50gm Loyal 14ply in shade #966 NEEDLES AND TOOLS • 5.50mm knitting needles • 6.00mm knitting needles OR • 6mm circular needle of 100cm • 1 stitch holder • 2 markers MEASUREMENTS To fit chest: 76-81, 86-91, 96-102, 107-112cm Finished fit: 80, 90, 100, 110cm Garment length: 68, 69, 69, 70cm SPECIAL ABBREVIATIONS  skp – slip 1 stitch, knit 1 stitch, pass the slipped stitch over. TENSION 14 sts by 20 rows over Stst on 6.00mm needles to 10cm WORKING PATTERN BACK With 6.00mm needles cast on 114 (128, 142, 156) sts. Row 1: RS - P1; *(p1, k2) twice, p2, (k2, p1) twice; rep from * to last st, p1. Row 2: WS - K1; *(k1, p2) twice, k2, (p2, k1) twice; rep from * to last st,…

YARN • 10 balls 100gm, Patons Gigante NEEDLES AND TOOLS • 15.00mm circular needles 80cm MEASUREMENTS Size100cm x 140cm SPECIAL ABBREVIATIONS Slip 2K: Slip next 2 stitches one at a time from left-hand needle to right hand needle as if you were knitting them Slip 2P: Slip next 2 stitches one at a time from left-hand needle to right hand needle as if you were purling them TENSION 7 sts over rib on 15.00mm needles to 10cm GETTING STARTED Note: 2 slipped stitches are worked at the beginning of each row so that edges of throw sit flat. To keep edges of work neat, join new balls 3 sts from side edge. Ends can then be sewn in vertically through work. WORKING PATTERN Using 15.00mm needles cast on 74 sts loosely. Row…

YARN Beanie: • 2 balls 100gm Cleckheaton California 8ply in Regal 6756 Scarf 1: • 1 ball 100gm Cleckheaton California 8ply in C1 – Ox Blood 0999 • 1 ball 100gm Cleckheaton California 8ply in C2 – Volcano 5799 • 1 ball 100gm Cleckheaton California 8ply in C3 – Orange 0115 • 1 ball 100gm Cleckheaton California 8ply in C4 – Plum 2326 Scarf 2: • 1 ball 100gm Cleckheaton California 8ply in C1 – Antique Pink 0830 • 1 ball 100gm Cleckheaton California 8ply in C2 – Desert 5792 • 1 ball 100gm Cleckheaton California 8ply in C3 – Camel 0819 • 1 ball 100gm Cleckheaton California 8ply in C4 – Regal 6756 NEEDLES AND TOOLS Beanie: • 4.50mm double pointed-knitting needles (set) • 5.50mm double pointed-knitting needles (set) • Cable needle • Pom-pom maker or piece of cardboard • Wool sewing needle…

YARN • 11, 13 balls 100gm Patons Gigante in Dune 2413 NEEDLES AND TOOLS • 15.00mm knitting needles • 15.00mm circular knitting needle 80-100cm • 2 stitch holders • Wool sewing needle MEASUREMENTS Size: S-M, L-XL To fit bust : 75-85, 90-100cm Finished fit: 180, 210cm Garment length: 62, 64 TENSION 6.5 sts by 10 rows over stocking st, on 15mm needles to 10cm GETTING STARTED Note: This Poncho is worked on larger needles and at a looser tension than usually recommended for this yarn. WORKING PATTERN BACK Using 15.00mm circular needle, cast on 58 (68) sts loosely. Note: A circular needle is used to accommodate the large number of stitches. Do not join to work in rounds, but work backwards and forwards in rows. Row 1: Knit. Row 2: P1, inc in next st,…

Dressed in Knits by Alex Capshaw In this book, you’ll experiment with a variety of techniques including multidirectional knitting, colourwork, cabling and more. Unique to this guide is helpful information devoted to educating knitters on couture details that produce designer quality finished pieces. Proper seeming, picking up stitches, applying beads, turning a hem, creating pockets, steeking, adding zippers to knitwear and more are demonstrated throughout. Helpful tips on styling finished garments will also be included in the book. RRP $39.99 Family-Friendly Knits by Courtney Spainhower Create garments and accessories your entire family will love with Family-Friendly Knits. The book offers up a collection of designs you’ll love to knit and everyone will want to wear, including a selection of comfy yet stylish pullovers and cardigans for every season, hats and…

YARN • 12, 14, 16, 18 balls 50gm Loyal Aran 10ply in shade #963 NEEDLES AND TOOLS • 4.50mm knitting needles • Stitch markers MEASUREMENTS Size: 8, 10, 12, 14 years To fit chest: 71, 76, 81, 86cm Finished fit: 68, 72, 76, 80cm. Garment length: 50, 54, 59, 64cm SPECIAL ABBREVIATIONS skp – slip 1 stitch, knit 1 stitch, pass the slipped stitch over. TENSION 20 sts by 26 rows over Stst on 4.50mm needles to 10cm WORKING PATTERN BACK **With 4.50mm needles, cast on 134 (142, 150, 158) sts. Row 1: RS – K2; *p2, k2; rep from * to end. Row 2: WS – P2; *k2, p2; rep from * to end. Row 3: RS – P2; *k2, p2; rep from * to end. Row 4: WS – K2; *p2,…

YARN • 1 ball 100gm Panda Minky Plush in Lilac 205 NEEDLES AND TOOLS • 3.25mm knitting needles • 3.25mm double-pointed knitting needles • Wool sewing needle MEASUREMENTS Width: 18cm Length (excluding strap): 19cm TENSION 25 sts by 33 rows over stocking st, on 3.25mm needles to 10cm GETTING STARTED Note: This Bag is worked on smaller needles and at a firmer tension than usually recommended for this yarn. WORKING PATTERN BAG (MAKE 2 PIECES ALIKE) Using 3.25mm needles, cast on 47 sts. Row 1: Knit. Row 2: Purl. Last 2 rows form stocking st. Cont in stocking st until Bag measures 19cm from beg, ending with a purl row. Cast off loosely. i-CORD STRAP Using two 3.25mm double-pointed needles, cast on 6 sts. Row 1: K6, do not turn. Slip sts to other…

YARN 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 balls Noro Silk Garden Solo 5 col 3 (A) 4, 4, 5, 5, 5 balls Noro Silk Garden col 403 (B) 36, 36, 38, 38cm separating zipper NEEDLES AND TOOLS 5.00mm knitting needles 5.00mm circular needle 80cm Stitch holder MEASUREMENTS Size: S, M, L, XL, XXL, Waist: 84, 91, 104, 114, 124cm Garment length, 54, 55, 56.5, 57.5, 59cm Sleeve width: 24, 24, 26.5, 26.5, 28.5 TENSION 17sts by 34 rows over garter st on 5.00mm needles to 10cm GETTING STARTED Centre panel is worked from back to shoulder then separated for neck shaping, and worked to lower fronts. WORKING PATTERN With colour A cast on 28(32, 36, 40, 44) sts. Work in garter st (k every row) for 40(40, 44, 44, 48) rows,…

YARN • 1 ball knitalpaca Luxa 100% alpaca or other 8 ply yarn • Yarn scraps, buttons, or beads for trim NEEDLES AND TOOLS • 5mm knitting needles MEASUREMENTS Size to fit medium adult head TENSION Not critical to project WORKING PATTERN Cast on 10 sts. Knit 14 rows. Next and each alternate row: K2, P to last 2 sts, K2 Next Row: K2, m1, K6, m1, K2 (12 sts). Continue in this way, increasing 2 sts on each knit row, until you have 20 sts. Continue without increasing (i.e. row 1: K2, purl to last 2 sts, K2, row 2: K) until work measures 47 cm from beginning, ending with a purl row. Begin decreasing 2 sts on each knit row as follows: K2, s1, k1, psso, K to last 4 sts,…

YARN • 1 ball knitalpaca Luxa with a twist alpaca or other 8 ply yarn in each of four or five colours. OR • 1 ball knitalpaca ‘Fabula’For a hat in thicker yarn without stripes NEEDLES AND TOOLS • 4.50mm set of double pointed needles MEASUREMENTS  to fit medium adult head (approx.. 55cm diameter) TENSION (8 ply yarn) – approx. 17sts and 25 rows to 10cm WORKING PATTERN Using main colour (MC) cast on 80 sts, joining for the round. Work in K2, P2 rib for 14 rounds. Change to colour A and Knit 12 rounds. Striping pattern Work next 3 rounds in MC, 12 rounds in colour B. 3 rounds in MC 12 rounds in colour C. Continue with this striping pattern until work measures 19cm from beginning. Next Round: decrease row…

YARN • 6, 6, 7, 7, 7, 8, 8 balls 50gm Filatura Di Crosa Zarina in shade #48 NEEDLES AND TOOLS • 3.25mm knitting needles • 3.50mm knitting needles • Cable needle • 2 stitch holders • 1 marker MEASUREMENTS Finished fit: 76, 81, 86, 91, 96, 102, 107cm Garment length: 56, 57, 57, 58, 58, 59, 59cm Sleeve length: 25, 25, 25, 26, 26, 26, 26cm SPECIAL ABBREVIATIONS skp – slip 1 stitch, knit 1 stitch, pass the slipped stitch over; sl2tog-k1-psso - slip 2 stitches together to right hand needle, knit 1 stitch, pass the 2 slipped sts over. TENSION 26 sts by 34 rows over Stocking Stitch on 3.50mm needles 10cm WORKING PATTERN BACK With 3.50mm needles, cast on 139 (155, 161, 175, 181, 189, 205) sts. Row 1: RS - K0 (1,…

YARN • 5, 6, 7 balls 50gm Waikiwi 4ply in shade #430 NEEDLES AND TOOLS • 3.25mm knitting needles OR 3.25mm circular needle of 80cm or 100cm • 3.75mm knitting needles • Stitch markers MEASUREMENTS Size: Small, Med, Large Finished fit: 117, 130, 142cm Garment length: 47, 47, 48cm TENSION 28 sts by 36 rows over Stocking Stitch on 3.25mm needles to 10cm WORKING PATTERN BACK With 3.75mm needles, cast on 164 (182, 200) sts. Change to 3.25mm straight needles (or circular needle used back and forth). Row 1: RS - K2; *p2, k3, p2, k2; rep from * to end. Row 2: WS - *P2, k2, p3, k2; rep from * to last 2 sts, p2. Rep these 2 rows once more. Beg Texture Pattern  Row 1: RS - P2; *k7, p2; rep…

YARN • 8 balls* knitalpaca ‘Argenta’ alpaca/ mohair or knitalpaca ‘Luxa’ 100% alpaca NEEDLES AND TOOLS • 5.00mm knitting needles MEASUREMENTS Size length 150cm, width 50cm. TENSION Not critical to project GETTING STARTED * Each 50g ball will produce approximately 20cm of scarf, so you may adjust the number of balls accordingly. WORKING PATTERN Cast on 102 sts. Row 1: (K2, P2) 6 times, K34, (P2, K4) 7 times, P2. Row 2: (K2, P4) 7 times, K2, P34, (K2, P2) 6 times. These 2 rows form the pattern. Work in pattern until scarf measures 150cm or desired length. Cast off. Knitalpaca Ph: 03 5235 9208 www.knitalpaca.com.au…

BEGINNER'S TOOL KIT PINS Plastic-head pins are useful for checking tension and blocking out items. Pins with coloured heads are best because they do not get lost in your work. ROW COUNTER A row counter is helpful for keeping track of rows worked, particularly where increases, decreases or other kinds of patterning occur. KNITTING IN ELASTIC Elastic yarn prevents sagging in cuffs, collars and waists. You can work it in with knitting yarn on knitted or crocheted garments. KNITTING NEEDLES Knitting needles are made from plastic, aluminium or wood and come in varying lengths and widths. Straight needles come in pairs and doublepointed needles come in sets of four. TAPE MEASURE A basic tape measure is essential for checking your garment measurements. STITCH GAUGE A stitch gauge is a flat…