The Annual Issue Four — Pattern Previews
Being surrounded by our vintage mill machines all day means we live in a constant state of nostalgia so each year, in a tribute to the yearly treat from our childhood, we create our very own Annual. The Annual’s pages are packed to the rafters with puzzles, local walks, recipes, illustrations, articles and oodles of yarn and tops info. Plus each issue features exclusive patterns designed specifically for our yarns from some of our most favourite designers.
We are all keen gardeners and nature lovers at the mill, so this year we have chosen to focus on all things horticultural for The Annual, issue four – whether you are of the romantic cottage garden ‘picnic blanket and a book’ persuasion or the ‘roll your sleeves up and get your hands dirty’ school of thought, we hope there is something to pique your interest in this pattern collection.
With one garment and six accessories including one crochet pattern, using a variety of techniques and shown across our full range of yarns we think there is something for everyone whatever the skillset or style. We are absolutely chuffed to bits at the brilliant ideas our talented designers have come up with and we hope you are too!
All the patterns are available to view in Ravelry as well.
Apple Blossom Shawl – Ashley Lee
This knitting pattern evokes the texture of vintage broderie anglaise and delicate clusters of apple blossom and leaves. Worked in either Appledore Lace or Knit by Numbers 4ply, the small shawl can be worn close around the neck with a little knot, while the large shawl can be draped around your shoulders. Both are perfect for strolling around the garden and beyond.
This triangular shawl with an all-over lace pattern and eyelet motif border is suitable for those new to lace, while also providing enough interest for more advanced knitters.
Samples shown – neckerchief size in Appledore Lace in Quench and handdyed Woolmatters Calendula Calypso on KBN 4ply. Shawl size shown in KBN 4ply Olive gradient (KBN61 with KBN59, KBN 58, KBN 56).
Peapod Socks – Donna Essery
Fresh peas eaten straight from the pod in the veg garden are the inspiration for these playful socks. Bobbles and a trailing cable capture the essence of these decorative plants.
For a durable sock that will cope with a season down the allotment go for our Exmoor Sock 4ply, or for pottering about the greenhouse try Devonia 4ply for a no-nylon version. These socks feature a short or long leg, depending on how many peapods you fancy.
Samples shown – short leg version in Exmoor Sock Bibble Bug, long leg version in Devonia 4ply Sugar Snap and handspun Appledore Golden Knob.
Perennial Blooms Cowl – Marie Wallin
Perennials are the mainstay of any floral border. Much like stranded colourwork, their striking array of blooms can be used to astonishing effect by an experienced gardener. When knitted, both Marie’s British Breeds (which we spin) and our Harvest Hues 4ply create the perfect layer to keep out the chill.
Incorporating up to 14 colours, this cowl mimics the visual treat of a garden bursting with flowers, while a palette of just five shades gives the air of a classic floral bouquet.
Samples shown – small in Harvest Hues 4ply 5 colour version, medium in Marie Wallin British Breeds 4ply 14 colour version, large in Harvest Hues 4ply 14 colour version.
Walled Garden Vest – Sonja Bargielowska
This playful vest is inspired by mossy paving stones and the patina of old brickwork. With its log-cabin construction, you can easily add as much or as little colour as you like.
Starting at the centre and working out in a modular fashion, this vest knits up quickly in squishy garter stitch using our Harvest Hues Worsted or Appledore Aran (coming soon!).
Finished with a split hem and a folded rib at the neck for a little extra cosiness, its the perfect transitional layer whatever the weather.
Samples shown – version 1 in Harvest Hues Worsted in Peat with Russet, Barley, Bracken, Medlar, Flax. Version 2 in Appledore Aran in Whimple Wonder with Spicy Pippin. Version 3 in handspun Tarasque limited edition tops from 2022.
Rambling Rose Wrap & Blanket – Fay Dashper-Hughes
Rambling roses are a quintessential feature of any cottage garden. They offer interest all year round from fragrant blooms at the height of summer to colourful rosehips in the waning autumnal months.
This versatile wrap in our muted shades of Devonia 4ply, is ideal for those cooler evenings, while our Yarnadelic Worsted makes a soft blanket that is perfect for picnics.
The main body is crocheted in a simple one-row repeat followed by border rounds. The rosehips are added as an optional embellishment, using a mixture of surface crochet and embroidery.
Samples shown – Wrap in Devonia 4ply in Sandbar, Lap Blanket in Yarnadelic Worsted in Woman in Blue. Embroidery in Devonia 4ply and Harvest Hues 4ply.
Hops & Meadow Shawl – Jule Kebelmann
The untamed garden contains many climbing plants, like hops, which grow rapidly, winding themselves around fences, buildings and even other plants.
The delicate creeping lace and cabled edging of this shawl celebrates that exuberance, while the body evokes wildflower meadows with their bold pops of colour nestled among the long grass.
Made with our hardiest DK yarns, Appledore and Devon Naturals, it’s guaranteed to keep you warm when collecting your harvest from the kitchen garden, or taking a break to listen to the birds.
Samples shown – Appledore DK in Foxwhelp and Slack Ma Girdle, Devon Naturals DK in Gladys and Reggie, and handspun Yarnadelic Pink Moon and Devonia Pollen Gold.
Shifting Seasons Beret – Maaike van Geijn
Inspired by fresh spring growth and moody, autumnal gardens, each season arrives with its own unique palette. Spring with its bold pops of colour amongst a background of bare branches and frosty mornings and Autumn awash with muted rusts and purples and gentle misty evenings.
This stylish beret is knitted from the brim to the crown and contains delicate colourwork motifs that work perfectly with mini skeins of both our Harvest Hues and Knit by Numbers 4ply. It’s the ideal headwear for those times of year when warm days can suddenly transition to cool evenings.
Samples shown – spring colours in KBN 4ply (KBN 111, KBN55, KBN 17, KBN 97) and autumn colours in Harvest Hues 4ply in Elder, Russet, Raindrop and Silver Birch
So that’s all the patterns for this issue – we’re absolutely smitten with them and are already planning more versions for ourselves! Let us know which ones you’re loving and what your plans are for them – we love seeing all your amazing creations!
The Annual, issue four also includes a whole host of other goodies – stay tuned for another post with more details on those.