Classic Lily Jacket as seen in Knit Magazine

Spring is finally here and the days are getting warmer. The perfect layering for the already beautiful but still cold spring evenings. Ideal for the first garden parties or smart for work, it will work with jeans, skirts and dresses.

If you’re looking for a striking jacket to keep out the cold without compromising on style, our Lily Jacket is just the ticket. This beautifully detailed garment was designed by Meg Crowther and has just the right amount of colour contrast detail. It’s knitted with knitshop.co.uk’s Coquette Vintage Cotton Yarn, which has a luxurious sheen and fabulous stitch definition.

Lily Jacket knitted in Coquette Vintage Cotton Yarn
colours: Wine, Carnation and Oyster

Most of the jacket is knitted in stocking stitch, which means it grows quickly, while the collars, cuffs and edging are knitted in contrasting shades using moss stitch. The combination of colours creates a jewel-like effect and references classic boxy jacket shapes from the 1950s.

To knit Lily Jacket you’ll need between eight and 13 balls of Coquette Vintage 4ply Mercerised Cotton Yarn in the main colour (depending on the size you’re knitting), plus two balls of the second colour and one or two 50g balls of the third colour. The pattern includes instructions for knitting Lily in sizes that fit 30in to 50in chests. Lily Jacket is a fantastic knit if you want the challenge of shape, grafting on borders and using multiple yarns at once, but don’t want to knit a complex lace pattern. As you can see from our photos, the end results is stunning.

Lily Jacket sleeve.

For our version, we used Coquette Vintage 4ply Mercerised Cotton Yarn in Burgundy as the main colour, with Oyster and Pastel Pink as our contrast yarns.

We’re still stocking some shades of our Coquette Cotton Yarn 4ply Mercerised, but won’t be restocking this yarn once it’s sold out. If you can’t find the colour you want, check out our Coquette Vintage yarns instead as this range replaces our 4ply Mercerised Yarn.

Lily Jacket in style classic for work!

For example, you could substitute the oyster shade for the Coquette Oyster yarn and use Coquette Vintage Yarn in Carnation instead of the Pastel Pink 4ply yarn. For the main colour use either Coquette Wine or Flame. The yarns knit to the same tension on 3.75mm needles. Coquette has a noticeable sheen and wonderful drape, just like our 4ply Mercerised Yarns.

Meg’s Lily Jacket pattern appeared in Knit magazine issue 38 in July 2011, where it was knitted in lighter colours to give a more summery, casual look. This version used 4ply Mercerised Cotton Yarn in Silver, Light Lilac and Purple. To recreate this version we recommend using http://www.knitshop.co.uk/coquette-vintage-cotton/2803-carnation-coquette.html

Back neck of Lily Jacket.

Links to this blog:

Lily Jacket pattern: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/knitshop-pattern/3050-lily-jacket.html

Knitshop.co.uk 4pl Mercerised Cotton Yarn: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/129-4ply-cotton-mercerised

Knitshop.co.uk Coquette Vintage Cotton Yarn: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/323-coquette-vintage-cotton

3.75mm bamboo needles: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/knitting-accessories/1709-bamboo-knitting-needles-375mm.html

3mm bamboo needles: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/knitting-accessories/1547-bamboo-knitting-needles-375mm.html

Meg Crowther Ravelry page: http://www.ravelry.com/designers/meg-crowther

Lily Jacket in summery colours: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lily-jacket

Knitting on holidays

Taking your knitting with you on holiday

One of the best times you catch up on your knitting and crochet projects is when you're on your summer holiday. All those hours spent killing time at airports, on planes, trains and boats is time that could easily be spent casting on and getting stuck into the first few inches of a new project. If you're not driving, so much the better: plonk your knitting bag by your feet, strap yourself into the passenger seat and get those needles clacking. Take it from us, you can get through an awful lot of stocking stitch in a round trip from London to Cornwall. Given the unpredictable British summer, working on a cover-up on your way to week away makes a lot of sense.

If you're traveling overseas, you'll probably need to pack light. A small crochet or knitting project such as a child's top is ideal. You might need to plan ahead about how to transport it, though. Airlines have differing policies about what you can take in your hold luggage. Aviation regulations state that you can take your knitting and crochet with you on international flights leaving the UK, but we wouldn't take a bet on you managing to get your favourite 30cm needles past security.

Short bamboo and plastic needles with blunt ends have a better chance of being waved through, but you're still at the mercy of the whims and mood of the airline ground staff and the airport security staff.

Single Point Bamboo Knitting Needles

Security advice changes frequently, so check current rules about what you can and can't take onboard in the terms of carriage for your airline as well as on international aviation websites. A piece of yarn onto which you can thread your in-progress knitting is a wise precaution. Some airlines confiscate projects as well as the projects they're on, so don't take a favourite project on your trip.

Don't take aviation policy as gospel either: Gatwick Airport has recently changed its policy and now expressly prohibits knitting needles. Crochet hooks may be okay as they are less likely to be seized on as 'sharp objects that could be used as a weapon'. As if!

Other airports that are part of the same airport group as Gatwick now also ban knitting needles, so if you've previously snuck some bamboo needles through in your hand luggage at Manchester Airport or Edinburgh, you may have to rethink your plans for what to pack.

We've taken circular needles on Easyjet and other European airlines without fuss (in fact, the Easyjet cabin crew thought it was a great idea and thought they might follow our lead and take up knitting in between shifts too). However, the Easyjet dangerous goods page says knitting needles mustn't be carried on the person or in the cabin, so perhaps we just got lucky.

At the BA check-in desk at Heathrow Terminal 5 they told us we couldn't take knitting needles in our hand luggage (until we waved a piece of paper showing the airport's regulations contradicting them). Internal US flights specifically say you're allowed to take your knitting stuff with you (as long as scissors are blunt and shorter than 4in), but whether you make it through security with them is down to security staff's discretion.

On flights from Stansted, for example, the security policy is that knitting needles are allowed.

Eurostar says it's happy for passengers to take and use knitting needles as long as you don't walk around the carriage brandishing them.

You can take a print-out of the rules stating that you're allowed to carry your crochet hook or needles, but there are plenty of anecdotes online of people still coming up against airport staff who won't let you through security with them.

In summary, your best bet is to make tracks for the US, since you can knit onboard when leaving the UK and on your return and spend a blissful 12 hours knitting in each direction. Or you could take a train (perhaps the Eurostar) or enjoy a staycation instead.

Bamboo Ciurcular Knitting Needles

Julieta who knits anywhere and everywhere says: "if you want to take your knitting onboard I would recommend to take circular bamboo needles they are shorter and look less threatening. I would also recommend to take cheap needles, that you don't mind loosing (just in case) and a spare string so if they take the needles off you you can at least safe your knitting and get a new set when you arrive on your holiday destination."

One last thing for you to consider, the policies from your returning country or airport will most likely be different again! So make sure you are prepared and know the rules and policies in other countries and airports.

Links to this blog:

Easyjet dangerous goods page: http://www.easyjet.com/en/dangerous-goods

Gatwick Airport security advice: http://www.gatwickinformation.co.uk/gatwick-airport-INF-information-security-rest-proh.php

Heathrow Airport security advice: http://www.heathrowairport.com/heathrow-airport-guide/heathrow-security/faqs

knitshop.co.uk bamboo needles: http://knitshop.co.uk/278-bamboo-single-point

knitshop.co.uk bamboo crochet hooks: http://knitshop.co.uk/290-bamboo-crochet-hook

knitshop.co.uk circular needles: http://knitshop.co.uk/309-metal-circular

Manchester Airport security advice: http://www.manchesterairportflightarrivals.co.uk/manchester-airport-INF-information-security-restr-proh.php

Stansted Airport security advice: http://www.stanstedairport.com/stansted-airport-guide/airport-security/security-faqs#Sharpitems

Eurostar knitting needle statement: https://www.facebook.com/eurostar/posts/10151128733736426

UK government aviation rules: https://www.gov.uk/hand-luggage-restrictions/personal-items

US TSA regulations: http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/prohibited-items#4

July Workshops

Boost your crochet skills this July

Summer lends itself to cool cottons and lighter knits, so this month’s workshops focus on some of the more delicate projects you can get stuck into.

We start July with a crochet class covering how to read a pattern containing instructions for lacework. Our Lace Crochet workshop on Friday 12 July is ideal for anyone who knows how to crochet and wants to learn how to combine the tight chains of double and treble crochet with the more open fabric that you can create with lace. We’ll build on the basic doubles you know to how make and show you how to make double doubles, slips and half trebles to add variety to your crochet design. We’ll be using fine crochet threads and small steel crochet hooks, so prepare to concentrate in order to complete your first lacy crochet project. 

If you like the idea of crochet but haven’t yet mastered holding a crochet hook and turning chains, our Crochet For Beginners class on Friday 19 July is just for you. We’ll use the techniques demonstrated in this two-hour class to get you started on your first crochet ‘make’. Choose whether you’d prefer to crochet a flower or to learn how to make a classic Granny square. 

Crochet Cotton Granny Square

With the school holidays starting later this month, we’ll also be offering two classes aimed at under-16s. Our Let’s Get Hooked class on Friday 19 July and 26 July shows kids aged over five how to knit with their fingers. Those who quickly master the technique of finger-knitting will then get the chance to try their hand at crochet.

All classes are held at our Outlet Boutique at 326 Lee High Road, SE13 5PJ from 11am to 1pm. 

Workshop at the Boutique Outlet

We’ll provide all the materials needed for each class and, where relevant, give you a pattern to take away with you so you can complete a project you started in our workshop at home. We’ll also provide plenty of support, so feel free to email or call us should you get stuck with a project we’ve shown you in our classes.

Note that children need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times when attending knitshop.co.uk classes. Hot and cold refreshments will be provided.

Once you’ve learned the basics you’ll be able to try making some of the downloading projects in our pattern library or featured in our magazines. We’ve a great selection of cotton yarns and crochet hooks to get you started.

Links to this blog:

knitshop.co.uk Cotton Yarn range: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/22-cotton-yarn

Metal crochet hooks: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/311-metal-crochet-hook

Crochet For Beginners, 19 July http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/2793-beginners-crochet-workshop.html

Let’s Get Hooked, 19 July http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/2791-lets-get-hooked.html

Let’s Get Hooked, 26 July http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/2792-lets-get-hooked.html

Get Inspired This Summer

Finally the sun managed to break through the clouds in time for the summer holidays. If you are still looking for kids activities, check out our Summer Holidays Kids Workshops. If you are looking for a light summer project for yourself, here at the knitshop, we've put together a few ideas to inspire you and help you have a smooth summer knitting.

• Learn to knit

A little time off can be ideal to learn to knit or pick up a new skill like felting or crochet. The knitshop.co.uk provides various courses and workshops across the summer which are ideal for beginners, or we offer books that will help you learn the basics to the best stitch techniques. These are great for going away or when you need to keep an eye on the children

• Visiting the knitshop.co.uk

Online and in-store we have plenty of special offers, gorgeous yarns, high quality materials, unique patterns and interesting courses to entice any keen knitter, to instil a little inspiration and provide the best yarns to create your masterpiece.

• Courses and workshops

The knitshop.co.uk have included a variety of 6 week and 2 hour workshops available to anyone interested in knitting, crochet or felting. We have even included children's specials. For example, on the 5th August Julieta from the Knitshop.co.uk will be hosting a Learn to Crochet Coloured Granny Squares Workshop. 

• Grab a Magazine

We all love a glossy magazine, grab a knitting magazine from the knitshop for ideas, inspiration, yarn reviews and the latest gossip of the happenings in the knit world. Mollie Makes suggests ways to making crochet simpler and Knitting Magazine includes a variety of knitting patterns for you to turn your hand to. They include everything from a small project to something that may take up your entire holiday! Read the latest yarn reviews about knitshop.co.uk in the recent Inside Crochet. 

• Joan Crawford

Download your knit, crochet and felting patterns from the knitshop.co.uk. Joan Crawford is a new knitting pattern available to knitshop.co.uk the online shop and is the perfect project to get stuck into this summer to create the perfect autumn jumper with style and vintage class. 

• Try something new

Be bold and try something new this summer. Ever knitted in the round? Get yourself some bamboo circular knitting needles and knit up some socks, arm warmers or something different! Try felting. Felt some floral decorations to add to your knitted fashion or go one step further and make some felted beads to create necklaces and more!

There is lots of potential for crafters of all ages this summer so take a look at the site and start a project. Julieta and knitshop.co.uk team are here for any advice, hiccups or more and remember to book your places in advance for any workshops or courses to get started on your new skills.

Good luck and happy knitting! 

Useful Links

Magazines - to browse and purchase

Joan Crawford Pattern

Patterns available at knitshop.co.uk

Felting Courses and Workshops

Kids Workshops & activities

Summer Holiday Events and Activities @knitshop.co.uk

As the term comes to an end for schools across Britain, it can be difficult to plan activities for children for the entire eight week break. The knitshop.co.uk have put together some very special courses targeted at children, and adults, of all ages.

Our courses are aimed at children with no experience in knitting, crochet or felting and we aim to teach them some basic skills and set them a project they can continue at home in their own time, in the hope the skills will keep them occupied for a few hours during the long summer holiday.

Lets Get Hooked
Wednesday August 3^rd from 2pm-4pm

The first of three creative course, lets get hooked is all about crochet. Children as young as five will be able to participate in the course therefore the younger students will be taught finger knitting before moving onto crochet.

The playful and fun environment will inspire children to learn the skills and adapt the skills into their own artwork they will be able to take home. Materials for the workshop will be provided by the knitshop. Children are encouraged to ask questions and experiment with the techniques taught to create unique pieces of artwork. We endeavour to teach skills that can be carried out at home within the students own time. Basic crochet is simple and easy for young students to understand and experiment with and this course will be very popular indeed.

Swing the Needles

Wednesday August 3^rd from 2pm-4pm

A creative workshop aims to teach children how to knit and crochet. Students as young as five years of age are welcome. The younger students will be taught how to finger knit and depending on their level of skill will furthermore be taught basic crochet skills.

Materials will be provided for the two hour workshop as well as light refreshments. No more than eight participants will be allowed to keep the course small and personal. Each student will be taught at their own skill level and at their pace of learning. Students will be encouraged to be as creative and as experimental as they desire.

Students will be able to take home any project they are working on and with a little encouragement at home, children will be able to carry on their project or start a fresh one. The skills learnt will be a fantastic creative skill to apply to holiday creative work.

Creative Hands

Friday 5^th August, from 2pm-4pm

Creative hands is all about the art of felting. Felting is a great activity for children of all ages, as well as adults. All skill levels will be accepted within this workshop and children will be taught how to be creative with wool. Materials will be provided for the workshop and each participant will be encouraged to complete their own piece of felt art to take home with them. Again, the knitshop team hope that the skills learnt here will be able to be carried on into the summer holidays to keep the children occupied.

Felting incorporates as many wool colours as desired and the artwork created through the skill of felting can be flat two dimensional work or even three dimensional work such as bead-work. We hope these skills will keep your little ones entertained.!

All three course are open to students over the age of five of all abilities. Each workshop is priced at £10 and includes all materials required to take part in the workshop as well as light refreshments.

We are currently running a summer holiday offer;

Book 1 child and the second child will be half price.

This is a fantastic opportunity if you have more than one child to entertain this summer.

All participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian throughout the duration of the workshop. Guardians and parents are welcome to participate and learn the skills themselves to keep children entertained throughout the summer, practising the skills learnt at the workshop.

Enjoy!

Links to this blog:
Workshops - more details & book online
knitshop.co.uk