I’m thoroughly ashamed of myself for forgetting one vital thing when knitting for charity. I work as a volunteer in a soup kitchen and at this time of year, there’s many of us on duty to help, so I decided to knit some old-fashioned but useful pot holders for picking up warm items. As oven gloves were in short supply, one of the cooks used two of my pot holders to lift a large metal pan from the stove. I’d headed for my stash and not taken sufficient care. I’d knitted most of them in wool, but some man-made yarn had crept into the mix. The man-made yarn immediately melted onto the pan. Her quick thinking and actions meant she only suffered slight burns to her hands, but I was absolutely terrified. Please, please print this warning to others. Only use pure wool for pot holders or anything going to war zones, where there will be fire and intense heat. I’ll give you my name, but would you kindly not print it and thank you for spreading the word.
These days, we can find lots of details on line for burn tests for different fibres. In a nutshell, animal fibres such as wool don’t ignite easily, smell like burning hair and leave ash we can crush easily. Man-made fibres melt, smell acrid and form hard plastic beads. Cotton burns quickly, smells like burnt paper or wood and leaves fine, light ash.
We had a discussion at the club about the new-look Dear Anne and overall we’re pleased. It’s hard to find somewhere for snippets of information, when you don’t want page after page to plough through. It’s reminded us it’s a bit like Beryl Jarvis’ Info Sheets and we have a request for you. Please can you find the pattern of some very useful slippers you published back in the mists of time. We’ve all made them at the club, but none of us can remember the pattern, especially where the folds go. They were knitted on a chunky machine and great for using up oddments. They pack flat and we highly recommend them as a great stash-buster, that are also very practical. Here’s hoping and best wishes from all of us, Ruth
It took a bit of searching, Ruth, but we’ve found them and also included some hand knitting instructions. It’s such a simple pattern, you can sit by the fire in the evening and make them in next-to-no-time.
Machine knit version
MATERIALSUse three ends of any DK or five ends of any 4-ply and the finished weight is no more than 100 grams. Version A Small amount in Dark Brown (MC) and Pink (C). Version B Small amount in Dark Brown (MC), Mustard (A), Pink (B), Green (C), Wine (D), Cream (E) and mixture of B, C and E tog (F).
SIZES & TENSIONSize 3-4 13 sts and 22 rows to 7.5cm, 3in over garter stitch at Tension 6. Size 5-6 13 sts and 22 rows to 8cm, 3¼in over garter stitch at Tension 7. Size 7-8 13 sts and 22 rows to 9cm, 3½in over garter stitch at Tension 8.
GARTER STITCH K 2 rows. Drop every stitch one row down and reform. These 2 rows form the pattern.
VERSION ALeft slipper With carriage at right and using MC, cast on 13 sts by hand. Set RC at 000. Using MT, cont in garter st. K 22 rows. Carriage is at right. Cast on 13 sts at right edge. 26 sts. K 44 rows. Carriage is at right. Using a length of MC, cast off 13 sts at left. 13 sts. Using C, K 22 rows. RC shows 88. Cast off. Right slipper Work as for left slipper, reversing shaping by reading left for right and right for left. Making up Lay left slipper down as Diagram 1 (right side is uppermost) and reverse for right slipper. Fold left slipper as shown in Diagram 2 and reverse for right slipper. Oversew seams on wrong side as indicated on Diagram 2 and reverse for right slipper. Turn to right side, push into shape and decorate.
VERSION BLeft slipper First strip With carriage at right and using MC, cast on 13 sts by hand. Set RC at 000. Using MT, cont in garter st. K 22 rows. Using A, K 22 rows. Using B, K 22 rows. RC shows 66. Cast off. Second strip With carriage at right and using C, cast on 13 sts by hand. Set RC at 000. Using MT, cont in garter st. K 22 rows. Using D, K 22 rows. Using F, K 22 rows. RC shows 66. Cast off. Right slipper Work as for left slipper. Making up Lay first and second strips of left slipper down as Diagram 3 (wrong side is uppermost) and reverse for right slipper. Oversew seam on wrong side as on Diagram 3 and reverse for right slipper. Turnover as Diagram 4 (right side is uppermost) and reverse for right slipper. Fold left slipper as shown in Diagram 2 and reverse for right slipper. Oversew seams on wrong side as on Diagram 2 and reverse for right slipper. Turn to right side, push into shape and decorate.
VARIATIONSVersion A Knit first 44 rows in MC and last 44 rows in C. +Version BFirst strip Knit 44 rows in MC and 22 rows in C. Second strip Knit 22 rows in C and 44 rows in MC.
Hand knit version
You can make these slippers quickly and easily by hand. If you’ve a young grandchild who knits, they’re ideal to make as a gift. They’re knitted in garter stitch on big needles and you can help with the size of needle. You need a pair of 5 mm or 5¼ mm knitting needles and the materials are the same as the machine knitted version. The size of needle and tightness of knitting will determine the size of the finished slipper, so first knit a tension square.
Tension square Using three strands of DK or five strands of 4-ply yarn, cast on 13 sts. Slip the first stitch of every row and garter stitch (every row knit) for 22 rows. Aim at a square with 8.25cm, 3¼in sides to fit an average foot with shoe size 5 to 6. If the finished square measures 7.5cm, 3 in, the slipper will fit shoe sizes 3 to 4. If the finished square measures 9cm, 3½in, the slipper will fit shoe sizes 7 to 8.
TO KNIT Cast on 13 sts and work 22 rows garter stitch (every row knit). Cast on 13 sts, then work 44 rows across these 26 sts. Cast off 13 sts and work 22 rows on remaining 13 sts. Cast off. If a definite right and left slipper is required, 23 rows for the first square makes the 13 stitch cast on at the opposite edge.
ALTERNATIVE METHOD Cast on 13 sts and work 66 rows, changing colour three times. Make two strips for each slipper. Fold as shown in the diagram and stitch the oversewing from the inside. Turn right side out and push into shape.
Hobbycraft is inviting customers to discover the possibilities of Cricut with a series of free in-store demonstrations across every Hobbycraft store nationwide to Sunday 18th October.
Hosted by Cricut Ambassadors, the daily drop-in sessions run from 11.30am to 3.30pm. Customers will get to see Cricut’s new machines in action, including live demonstration of the newly launched Cricut Maker™ 5. They can also test out their skills by making a free wooden bookmark using iron-on vinyl or Infusible Ink. All materials are supplied on the day. Selected stores will also feature live demos of the new Cricut AutoPress™ 2 (15″x15″).
What is Cricut? Designed for complete beginners and seasoned creators alike, Cricut is a smart cutting and crafting tool that makes learning a new skill simple. Using a smart machine paired with easy design software, Cricut precisely cuts, draws, engraves and foils hundreds of everyday materials from paper and vinyl through to fabric, wood and leather. It allows anyone to bring personalised projects to life in minutes, whether you’re labelling home pantry jars, customising T-shirts and tote bags, creating bespoke party decorations or crafting unique gifts, home decor and fashion accessories.
Our October 2026 cover design uses all the needles on the machine for a great size range, to add another layer as the seasons change. It’s in our monthly mix of patterns for standard, mid-gauge and chunky machines. Alison Dupernex is a constant support and Bill King reminds us that machine knitting is actually easier with fewer choices! Susan Guagliumi’s expertise lives on in the Machine Knit Community and look out for Susan’s new book, on sale soon. Our newest contributor, Lidia Higson, is Chairman of Lichfield MKC (lichfieldmachineknitting.co.uk) and she helps us to start knitting again after a break. Joan Lafferty shares some fond memories (and a few giggles!) this time. We get ready for Hallowe’en with Iris Rowe’s Frankenstein and some best-buys, as the spooky season approaches. We’ve great Passap advice and after-care help from readers and our 64 colour pages are packed with techniques and help, advice, news and reviews.
Please note At present, we can only send back issues to UK mainland addresses. Otherwise, please buy the high-quality downloadable version that’s available worldwide.
Our September 2026 cover design, in a large size range, is great for wearing at any time of the year. It’s in our mix of patterns for standard, mid-gauge and chunky machines including two Anne Baker Karabee designs. Nina Miklin’s timeless classic is a man’s cardigan with a superb look and fit. Alison Dupernexis a constant support and Bill King has our very basic machines punching above their weight. With two needle beds that only knit or slip all needles, he has us knitting Jacquard! Lidia Higson begins a series of basic techniques and shares her methods of knitting cables. Joan Lafferty has to keep calm and carry on knitting, as we look at a new book… the Machine Knitter’s Reference: A blueprint for improving your knitting. As always, the magazine is packed with techniques and help, advice, news and reviews.
Please note At present, we can only send back issues to UK mainland addresses.
In the south we’re now in our fourth heatwave of the year and, at times, it’s been a ‘fry-up’, as our temperatures have been almost 40C degrees. Although it’s been too hot to go outside and impossible to potter in the garden, the press invitations are on time to view this year’s Christmas goodies! For now, I’m content to hang onto summer a bit longer.
It has to be said, though, that autumn is around the corner, with some of the yarn shows opening their doors in September. Unravel is in my part of the world at Farnham Maltings on 11th and 12th. I stopped in my tracks to see that there’s to be a machine knitting workshop on the Saturday. Designer Kemi Ajose will inspire everyone who goes along. The price is £56 for two hours, to include all materials along with Saturday entry to the festival. Find full details at farnhammaltings.com and see some of Kemi’s exciting work at cockpitstudios.org
By the way, if you’ve had yarn in your stash for too long, you can give it a second life to make room for something new. Drop it off with Destasher at Unravel. They’ll redistribute your drop offs to charities, community groups and small creative businesses. Destasher is a UK members only platform where you can give or grab, sell or buy textiles, yarn and other craft supplies. If you want to know more, visit destasher.co.uk
Moving north to Skipton, Yarndale offers all things woolly at the end of the month on 26th and 27th. Nick will be there with Uppingham Yarns (wools.co.uk). There’s a long list of exhibitors and more details about both shows in Newsline on Page 6.
I’m pleased to be getting the magazine back on track and, as you’ll read on Page 61, the October issue will be mailed to subscribers on schedule on Thursday 3rd September. It will be on sale a week later, so hand the coupon on Page 61 to your newsagent to make sure there’s a copy reserved for you. Until next time, keep knitting our way!
NEXT ISSUEOctober 2026
Subscription copies sent out Thursday 3rd September
On sale Thursday 10th September
Ask your newsagent to reserve a copy or order a subscription NOW!
Our August 2026 cover design is a quick and easy-to-knit top in a large size range. It’s in our mix of patterns for standard, mid-gauge and chunky machines. Nina Miklin’s timeless classic women’s sweater has lovely hand-covered buttons and Alison Dupernexis a constant support. Bill King reminds us to work with the characteristics of knitted fabric rather than fight them and Ruth Horrocks reaches Part 3 of her new series and shares her measurement chart for 14 childrens sizes from birth to 14 years. Joan Lafferty lives life on the edge and we’ve more new top tips from Sally Butcher (@kalamundakrafts). As always, the magazine is packed with techniques and help, advice, news and reviews.
Please note At present, we can only send back issues to UK mainland addresses.
Our July 2026 cover design is a summer sweater in a large size range and it’s in our mix of patterns for standard, mid-gauge and chunky machines. Nina Miklin’s man’s classic sweater has set-in sleeves, shaped shoulders and cable panels and Alison Dupernexis a constant support. Bill King uses just one set of stitch transfers every four rows for fabric that looks to be far more complicated than it is. Ruth Horrocks reaches Part 2 of her new series and shows us how to draft raglans with no front and back neck shaping. Joan Lafferty needs lots of patience and has to read the Instruction Manual as a last resort! We’ve fabulous top tips from Sally Butcher (@kalamundakrafts) and lots of ideas in What’s On. As always, the magazine is packed with techniques and help, advice, news and reviews.
Please note At present, we can only send back issues to UK mainland addresses.
There’s lots to interest you this month and one thing you won’t want to miss are the great tips Sally Butcher shares in Dear Anne on Page 13. She’s an avid crafter and her You Tube videos at Kalamunda Krafts Machine Knitting are extremely popular. She has step-by-step demonstrations, along with detailed techniques and tutorials using her Silver Reed SK280, SK155 and LK150. She’s an exceptional educational resource for machine knitting and her Facebook page @kalamundakrafts is highly active. If you’ve access to the internet and not found her yet, I highly recommend Sally to you.
A lot has happened since the June issue went out, albeit late, and a word or two of clarification is needed. The magazine has gone out on time, month in and month out, for the past 40 years, but you all know there’s been a wobble recently. I don’t like talking, let alone writing about my health, but I’ve needed emergency care and major surgery. I’m recovering well and over the next couple of months, I’ll get the magazine back on track. The schedule we’re working to is that we’ll be up-to-date by September, so keep an eye on ‘Coming Next Month’ on Page 61 for current details. The July issue went out to all subscribers the first week of July and the August dates are given below.
My overflowing in-box had a surprising number of queries about a free trial for DesignaKnit. It’s something that’s always been offered, but not many knitters realise it’s available. With the current financial climate as it is, you really can try before you buy. If you’re interested in this excellent garment shaping and stitch pattern design program for hand and machine knitting, full details and a QR code are on Page 7. You can also call 01691-828556, email info@softbyte.co.uk or visit www.softbyte.co.uk/dk9demo for enquiries or more information. Until next month, do stay safe in the heat… if your garden has more appeal than your knitting room right now!
NEXT ISSUEAugust 2026
Subscription copies sent out Thursday 22nd July
On sale Thursday 29th July
Ask your newsagent to reserve a copy or order a subscription NOW!
If you’d like to be in with the chance to WIN all of this yarn, simply place a Yeoman order over the value of £50. You’ll then be automatically entered, with a chance of winning.
This giveaway will be running from Friday 26th June to Friday 10th July 2026.
The winner will be announced on Monday 13th July 2026 on Yeoman’s Instagram and will also be contacted via email.
