The Annual (issue five) – Pattern Testing NOW FULL

PLEASE BE AWARE THIS TEST IS NOW FULL, THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE WHO SIGNED UP 

Following on from the success of our third and fourth publications over the past two years, The Annual (issue five) will be published in September. All the things you’ve come to expect will be featured, such as articles, fun puzzles and illustrations, and seven new patterns (including one that’s secret for now) that have drawn inspiration from our theme of seaside kitsch.

There’s something for everyone amongst these patterns, using yarn and fibre from across our product range, with lots of fabulous colour and plenty of squish. Whether you’re a knitter, crocheter, or spinner, there will be something to encourage that inner creativity.

If you’d like to help test knit/crochet one of the patterns, then read on! But first (as we’re rather excited about them!) we’d like to show you a glimpse of six of the patterns we have in store for you… Thanks to our new illustrator Eleanor Jane for drawing these schematics for us!

Waffle Cone Hat (knitting)

by Helena Timms @hatalinesknits

Wild seas and pebble beaches. It’s never the wrong time of year for ice cream in the UK! This hat embraces our celebrated hardiness for finding a way to enjoy the good things in life, whatever the weather.

Slip stitches form the diamonds that make up the waffle cone texture while underlying stripes give a hint of helter-skelter style amusements and deckchairs on wooden piers stretching out into the sea. An optional pompom can top this hat off in a contrasting shade in the ice cream flavour of your choice.

This hat is designed in Appledore Aran, Knit By Numbers DK or Devonia DK and is guaranteed to keep you warm on the beach or strolling to the shops for a well-deserved treat.

Skills Used: increasing, decreasing, slipped cable stitch, tubular cast-on.

Download the Full Pattern Notes here >>

Striped & Textured Shawl (knitting)

by Natalie Chautemps @nataliechautempsdesigns

This shawl is inspired by La Baule, a seaside resort on the Atlantic in northwest France, which owes its fame to its beach which is one of the longest in Europe – stretching for 9km. It uses the bright colours and stripe patterns of parasols and bathing cabins and a seed stitch section evoking the texture of sand. It’s also akin to a sail flapping happily in the coastal breeze!

This drapey shawl works perfectly in the bright and colourful palette of our Knit By Numbers DK, as well as a more muted palette from our Appledore DK range. The ideal accessory to wrap up in the cool breeze of a sunset beach walk.

Skills Used: increasing, decreasing, provisional cast-on, moss stitch, joining live stitches, i-cord.

Download the Full Pattern Notes Here >>

Colourwork Mitts (crochet)

by Fay Dashper-Hughes @faydhdesigns

These cosy crochet mittens are a nod to glorious seaside walks. Those deceptive days that are full of sunshine, but with a sneaky sea breeze requiring a pair of squishy, hand-warming mittens ready and waiting in your pockets.

These mitts comes in four sizes and use either our Harvest Hues 4ply, Exmoor Sock or Devonia 4ply. With a simple three-colour wave pattern the choice is yours – reflect nature, go with bright seaside deck chair colours, or even shades of beach glass.

Skills Used: crocheting, double slip stitch, waistcoat stitch, invisible join. Ribbing can also be knitted.

Download the Full Pattern Notes Here >>

Parasol Shawl (knitting)

by Laura Penrose @_laurapenrose_

Inspired by classic striped beach umbrellas, the Parasol Shawl embraces the fun and whimsical aesthetic of a vintage seaside holiday. Go full kitsch with a fringe edging or keep it modern with a simple i-cord.

The satisfying sideways construction makes this shawl an enjoyable and moreish knit with ample opportunity to have fun with colour. Using either Devonia DK or  Yarnadelic Sport. The drapey fibres and a slightly looser gauge make this shawl the perfect extra layer for chilly summer evenings without being too warm. You can also wear it as a billowing scarf to bring some colour and sunshine to the colder, greyer months.

Skills Used: short rows, slipped stitches, picking up stitches, i-cord cast-on and cast-off.

Download the Full Pattern Notes Here >>

Summer Tee (knitting)

by Esti Juango @ileradebu

Zarauz is a beautiful town on the Basque coast, whose beach is framed by striped huts that inspired this design. It’s also another play on deckchairs with colourful canvas stripes or sticks of rock, another seaside classic.

Worked up in either Yarnadelic Sport, Knit By Numbers DK or our new Silk Sport (coming later this year), this playful tee with its dropped shoulder and sideways garter-stitch construction looks great in multiple-coloured stripes or a single colour stripe against a neutral tone. It’s the perfect garment for casual summer days on the beach.

Skills Used: increasing, decreasing, knitted flat, invisible seam, vertical seam, i-cord, long-tail cast-on, knitted cast-on. picking up stitches.

Download the Full Pattern Notes Here >>

Waves & Lace Wrap (knitting)

by Lola Johnson @thirdvaultyarns

This wrap draws inspiration from days by the seaside, wandering over pebble beaches, spotting colourful shells that peek through sandy beaches that get buried under the waves as the tide comes in. All this whilst breathing in the air that blows in off the sea.

Knitted from end to end, with each end mirroring the other this wrap knits up beautifully in our Exmoor Sock or our new Silk Sport (coming later this year). Designed to be large enough to keep out a cool sea breeze, and drapey enough to be worn as an accessory for a sophisticated night out on the town.

Skills Used: increasing, decreasing, lace, dropped stitches, sand stitch, long-tail cast-on, lace bind-off.

Download the Full Pattern Notes Here >>