Indholdsfortegnelse for 76 i Simply Crochet

The bikinis might be going back into storage, but it can’t be all bad – we’re heading into seasonal territory, where crocheted pumpkins, spiders and Christmas puds are the norm, and guess what? We have patterns for all of them inside this issue! Show us your multicoloured spiders… and join Pony McTate on her deep sea exploration on page 32. I’ve just been on a flying visit to Helsinki for new-to-the-UK Novita’s 90th birthday party, and to see where they spin their yarns. What an adventure! Our Nordic collection (p14) features accessories and a snug jumper, all made in their scrummy yarns.…

Yarn shops the country over want you to know how much they love you by hosting a treasure hunt that will get you jumping into your car (or onto your e-bike) and exploring what regional yarn shops have to offer. Whether you like to give your yarn a squeeze before you buy, or get some helpful advice, local yarn shops are well worth a visit. Headed up by Louise Sheward of The Fibre Lounge, the Keep Yarn On Our Streets campaign is challenging crafters to collect badges from 10 of the 42 participating shops, to be in with a chance to win a £100 voucher. The hunt is running throughout October. Find more info at www.keepyarnonourstreets.co.uk and hashtag any piccies of your visits with #keepyarnonourstreets.…

YOU WILL NEED • Novita Nordic Wool (100% wool, 50g/155m): Rock (048) Pomegranate (532) Off White (010) Petrol (184) See table for yarn quantities and measurements • A 4mm (US G/6) hook For the yarn, visit John Lewis stores or order from www.johnlewis.com TENSION 16 sts and 8 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over treble crochet (without colourwork) using a 4mm hook 17 sts and 8 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over colourwork pattern worked in treble crochet, using a 4mm hook ABBREVIATIONS puff stitch (shown as P on the Chart) (Yrh, insert hook in st indicated, yrh and pull up loop) 3 times, yrh and draw through all loops on hook For a full list, see page 92 Go all out with this snug, soft and sturdy…

YOU WILL NEED • Lion Brand Wool Ease (80% acrylic, 20% wool, 85g/180m), 4 balls of Gold (171) 1 ball of each: Ranch Red (102) Cranberry (138) Avocado (174) Forest Green Heather (180) • A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook • 4 stitch markers • A tapestry needle • A pair of faux leather handles 60cm long, 2cm wide • Felt fabric, 5mm thick, approx 80x80cm • Magnetic clasp (available at www.woolwarehouse.co.uk) For yarn stockists contact Love Crochet 01409 404010 www.lovecrochet.com TENSION 18 sts and 22 rows measures 10x10cm (4x4in) over dc st using a 3.5mm hook MEASUREMENTS The finished Handbag measures 43x28cm (17x11in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Take summery roses with you into cooler days with Ilaria’s bag, complete with its on-trend mustard background.…

YOU WILL NEED • DROPS Nepal (65% wool, 35% alpaca, 50g/75m) Dark Purple (4399) Light Grey Mix (0500) See table for measurements and yarn quantities • A 6mm (US J/10) hook • 40cm pompom trim in neon pink (available at www.gilliangladrag.co.uk) For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION 15 sts over 16 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over stitch pattern ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 We are firm believers that adding a pompom trim to anything makes it even better and this two-tone sweater is no exception. Hooked up in a soft alpaca blend, kids will love the feel as much as the look. Emma’s pattern covers ages from 18 months to five years, so you could make the full set. It’s…

YOU WILL NEED • DROPS Andes (65% wool, 35% alpaca, 100g/90m), Light Beige Mix (206) (See table for yarn quantities and measurements) • A 9mm (US M/13) hook For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION 9 sts over 8 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) in htr st ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 This slouchy poncho starts life as a simple rectangle – just fold it in half and stitch along part of one of the open ends. What could be simpler? It will crochet up quickly too, so you could be wearing it by next week! NOTES The Poncho is made up from a rectangle, which is folded and joined at the shoulder. PONCHO Using a 9mm hook, ch62 (72). Row 1…

Call it amber, goldenrod, saffron or mustard, yellow-orange has never been more popular. With hashtags such as #mustard, #mustardyellow and #mymustardmakes, it has achieved instafame, filling device screens around the world with its glow. A deeply cosy hue, orange-yellow gives a universal message to slow down, whether it’s on autumnal trees or traffic lights. It’s a directive I take very seriously each year as the weather chills, one that sends me rummaging through the cupboard in search of my favourite ‘slow down’, amber cardigan. Amber can also keep us safe. Traditionally used for the iconic American school bus, taxis and signage (and Uma Thurman’s tracksuit in Kill Bill ), it is the hue most visible to our peripheral vision. This is why it’s so successful in colour schemes where small…

All the projects in our new Crochet Colour Class series are made using the Yarn and Colors Must-Have range, one of eight ranges the brand now carries. (We love the matching 10g Must-Have minis!) Owner Koen says, “With lots of love and care we have created a colour range of 100 different shades, forming the foundation of Yarn and Colors. All our ranges are based on this colour palette, creating an assortment where not only can colours easily be combined but the different yarns can be effortlessly mixed, too.”…

BY THE SEA Lisa (@tealand tangerinemaker) grabbed the last rays of sunshine and hooked up a row of our seaside bunting from issue 74. BEACH BABE When @woolymary got her copy of issue 72, she made the mermaid from the cover kit right away and even whisked her off on hols. SHRUG CHIC Andreea (@deea craftyboutique) loved issue 73’s shrug. “It’s beautiful, lightweight and versatile. One of my favourite summer makes by far. CURTAIN CALL Matilda Rose is the star of Gemma from @gemandtilda’s instagram and here she is with the beaded curtain from issue 72.…

KATIE JONES Designer Katie of @katiejonesknit offers you the chance to turn ANY jumper into a Christmas one with her fabulous sparkly pud embellishment on page 65. EMMA BASSEY Emma of @stitching_me_softly loves to create items for herself and her three girls. See page 46 for her pompom-tastic baby jumper pattern. VANESSA MOONCIE Vanessa is a designer, illustrator and interior designer and has created a set of six fab animal stool patterns for Rico. She’s made us one extra – see her polar bear perch on page 40. BECKI SCHOOLEY It’s just five years since Becki learnt to crochet, but it’s now her happy place and and her house is full of miniature crochet! Wrap up warm in her easy poncho on page 52. OTHER CONTRIBUTORS Kate Alinari, Kati Brown,…

LOVE AT FIRST BITE Get your teeth into Dinegurumi’s batty bat – a fun toy for anyone who loves a scare. Look at their Etsy store or at www.dinegurumi.de  to find more of their monstrous amigurumi creatures. MR FRANKIE Elfin Thread’s Frankenstein will melt your heart. Get the pattern from www.elfinthread.com  and find his blushing bride there too. EYE EYE Be ready for the zombie apocalypse with these fun crocheted eyeballs. Download the free pattern at www.happyberry.co.uk  and you’ll be ready with the tricks! HEADS UP! Adorn ghoulish gatherings with a skull brooch. Add LED lights in the eye sockets for spooky pizzazz. Free pattern from www.simplycrochetmag.co.uk PUMPKIN PALS Brighten up your Halloween with Nancy Anderson’s trio of jolly jar covers for…

Being a crocheter is pretty handy. There’s no problem it can’t solve. Cold? Just whip up a scarf. Bored? Fill the void with rows of meditative stitches. Local park benches looking a bit drab? Yarnbomb your way to urban renewal. So, when a friend announced she was happily pregnant, I knew what to do. Thoughtful and heartfelt, a crocheted baby gift would tick all the boxes. IN THE BEGINNING That was how my A-B-Sea blanket started out. Just a simple crochet make, I thought. I would be good and use only the yarn I had in my stash. It would be something useful made of joined squares, perhaps with a nice little fish stitched on the corner. That idea percolated away for a while until one night – ping! –…

YOU WILL NEED • Rico Creative Cotton Aran (100% cotton, 50g/85m) 7 balls of White (80) 1 ball of Black (90) • A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook • A 4mm (US G/6) hook • Stitch markers • Toy stuffing • IKEA FLISAT stool from www.ikea.co.uk For yarn stockists contact www.rico-design.co.uk TENSION 19 sts and 20 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) using a 4mm hook MEASUREMENTS To fit an IKEA FLISAT children’s stool 24x24x28cm (9½x9½x11in) ABBREVIATIONS 5-tr cluster (Yrh, insert hook into st indicated, yrh, pull up loop, yrh, draw through 2 loops on the hook) 5 times, inserting the hook in the same st each time, yrh and draw through all 6 loops on the hook For a full list, see page 92 Transform a simple stool into…

YOU WILL NEED • DROPS Brushed Alpaca Silk (77% alpaca, 23% silk, 25g/140m), 4 balls of Red (07) • A 4mm (US G/6) hook For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION 5x5 squares to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over pattern MEASUREMENTS The finished Scarf measures approx 180x45cm (70¾x17¾in) ABBREVIATIONS Solomon’s knot Pull loop on hook to 1.5cm, yrh, pull loop through the first loop on the hook, keeping both loops on hook, yrh, pull through one loop on hook, yrh, pull through both loops For a full list, see page 92 Hook up this cheery scarf for year-round lacy appeal. Team it with jumpers and tops to add a bright pop of colour to winter woollies. Made with a scrummy alpaca and silk mix, it will…

Alessandra Poggiagliolmi “The inspiration for my cushion came from my childhood, the beginning of which was spent in Calgary, Canada. My mum made simple ghost costumes for my twin sister and I from white sheets to disguise our heavy winter clothes! We filled plastic buckets shaped as pumpkin heads with our trick or treat candies. This challenge gave me back such sweet memories... thank you!” Find Alessandra online at homemadeatmyplace.blogspot.com. Kati Brown “Halloween is a favourite holiday for my mom and me. To say we decorate extensively would be a gross understatement. Spider webs are great for adding texture to the décor, so I decided on a web-shaped cushion. I wanted to avoid any gloomy vibes, so a striped, cute-but-creepy spider seemed like the perfect complement. The Majestic…

YOU WILL NEED • Stylecraft Special DK (100% acrylic, 100g/295m), 5 balls of Pistachio (1822) 3 balls of Graphite (1063) 2 balls of Grey (1099) 1 ball of each: Silver (1203) Aspen (1422) • A 5mm (US H/8) hook • A 45mm pompom maker For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft 01484 848435 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk TENSION 17 sts over 13 rows to measure 10x10cm over pattern MEASUREMENTS Finished Throw measures approx 100x150cm (39½x59in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Designer Esme had autumn on her mind when she hooked up this misty beauty. “I was inspired by walks in the countryside, through spooky mists where patches of green appear, then disappear into the grey swirls.” Make it to snuggle under, or as a Christmas present for someone special. THROW…

A triadic colour scheme takes three evenly-spaced colours from around the colour wheel and places them together. It’s my favourite way to work with colours, creating an even palette that finely balances contrast and harmony. It’s also a wonderful way of ensuring that the scheme is neither too hot (reds and oranges) nor too cold (blues and greens). In this issue’s scarf pattern, amber warmth (Mustard) is instantly chilled with a teal (Petroleum) and purple (Plum) backdrop. The amber really pops!…

THE LOWDOWN It’s simple to be in with a chance of winning one of three great hooky prizes in a future issue! Show us your Simply Crochet makes on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or via email or post by 15 November 2018. For all terms and conditions, and more information, visit www.simplycrochetmag.co.uk/competitionrules COMPETITION RULES By Promoter: Immediate Media Company Bristol Limited (“Promoter”). By taking part in one of our Competitions, you agree to be bound by these Competition Rules. Late or incomplete entries will be disqualified. No responsibility accepted for lost, delayed, ineligible or fraudulent entries. Proof of posting (if relevant) shall not be deemed proof of delivery. Entries must be submitted by an individual (not via any agency or similar) and, unless otherwise stated, are limited to one per household.…

HOLDING THE HOOK Try these methods and see which works best PENCIL METHOD Hold the hook like a pencil, in your right hand (if you’re right-handed), about 3-5cm from the hooked end. If your hook has a flat area, you’ll find it comfortable to hold it here. KNIFE METHOD Hold the hook between your thumb and forefinger, about 3-5cm from the hooked end, resting the end of the hook against your palm. This will give you lots of control. HOLDING THE YARN Even tension results in even stitches METHOD ONE Pass the ball end of the yarn between the little finger and third fingers of your left hand (if you are right-handed), then behind the third and middle fingers, over your index finger. METHOD TWO Loop the ball end of…

Made in association with Scheepjes. For stockists visit www.scheepjes.com This is the ninth pattern in our Hook ‘n’ Learn blanket crochet-along, which we’re running over the year. Perfect for beginners and fun for more experienced stitchers too, you’ll learn how to do 12 attractive stitches, then we’ll show you how to put it all together in the last issue. This month, try Lucy’s Apache Tears stitch. Choose between the beautiful soft shades of Stone Washed XL, or the bright tones of Colour Crafter (or go mad and make both!). Please note: if you’re making the Colour Crafter version you’ll need to make two Apache Tears Blocks. STONE WASHED XL Make one Apache Tears Block • Scheepjes Stone Washed XL (70% cotton, 30% acrylic, 50g/75m), 1 ball of each: Turquoise (864), Morganite…

You can buy special Hook ‘n’ Learn kits for both Scheepjes Stone Washed XL and Colour Crafter yarns from www.blacksheepwools.com, www.deramores.com an www.woolwarehouse.co.uk. If you’ve missed the first eight patterns, the first three (Block, Waffle, Shell) are available to download for free (go to www.simplycrochetmag.co.uk), and you can get the next five (Spike, Cable, Granny Stripe, Catherine Wheel and Puff) by buying copies of our back issues (see page 63) or from Ravelry (www.ravelry.com).…

The most precious thing I have ever crocheted must be this first baby blanket for my lovely granddaughter, featuring the Nalia Faye motif. Oh, how excited I was when I first heard I was going to be a grandmother! My daughter asked me to design and crochet a blanket especially for her baby and picked the colours herself – she has totally different tastes to me. At first it felt a bit too pastel, but once I had got going I started to like, even love, the shades more and more. The blanket is made with a Merino-acrylic mix and a 5mm hook. It uses a range of simple stitches – slip stitch, single, double and half-double crochet. With every stitch I got increasingly anxious to meet my granddaughter, and…

MODERN CROCHETED BLANKETS, THROWS AND PILLOWS LAURA STRUTT (£12.99, CICO Books) Give your home a makeover with these 35 stylish patterns. From a rainbow granny circle blanket in bright shades to a chunky striped throw in soft neutrals, you’ll find something to make, whatever your desired home style. BABY & KIDS CROCHET STYLE JENNIFER DOUGHERTY (£16.99, PAGE STREET PUBLISHING) Create an extra special heirloom gift for a baby or toddler with this collection of uberstylish makes. The 30 patterns include such delights as a faux bear skin nursery rug and a car seat canopy cover. So cute! DISNEY FROZEN CROCHET KATI GÁLUSZ (£19.99, Ilex Press) Melt someone’s heart with these cute characters from Disney’s Frozen movie! The book includes crochet patterns and instructions for making 12 of the film’s favourite…

NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS Comfy but snug, traditional but on-trend, what’s not to love about this to-die-for diamond pattern in wintry shades? STEAMY SECRETS The Finnish secret to warm hands is warm wrists too (and we know because they told us). These cute and cosy mittens with extra long cuffs will help you stay snug when you’re away from the fireside this winter. FEET UP, TEA SERVED Swap your slippers for these leggy beauties to keep you warm around the house in true Nordic style. Stripes of different stitches work their way up to a sweet scalloped top and tied-up finish. CHRISTMAS ROSES No freezing winds are getting through this gorgeous beast of a scarf. The colours of the stripes and floral motifs contrast beautifully with the grey base, and…

YOU WILL NEED • Scheepjes Catona (100% cotton, 10g/25m), 1 ball of: Watermelon (252) • Scheepjes Maxi Sweet Treat (100% cotton, 25g/140m), 1 ball of each: Powder Pink (238) Jet Black (110) • A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook • A 2.5cm brooch clasp • A tapestry needle For yarn stockists contact www.scheepjes.com/en TENSION Tension is not critical for this project MEASUREME NTS The Octopus should measure approx 4x8cm (1½x3in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 NOTES The Head of the Octopus is worked in rows around both sides of the foundation ch. The Arms are continued on from the Head and are worked along the edge in two rows. Check out this octopus brooch project and you’ll know exactly what everyone’s getting in their…

YOU WILL NEED • Rowan Felted Tweed Aran (50% wool, 25% alpaca, 25% viscose, 50g/87m), 4 balls of Seasalter (778) • A 5mm (US H/8) hook For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION 12 sts over 8 rows measure 10x10cm (4x4in) in tr st MEASUREMENTS The Hat measures approx 56cm (22in) in circumference ABBREVIATIONS Fdc (foundation dc) Ch2, *insert hook into last ch from hook, yrh, pull up loop, yrh, pull through one loop on the hook (this loop will sit at the base of the dc), yrh, draw through two loops on the hook (dc made); repeat from * the number of times indicated, inserting the hook into the first loop at the base of the last st worked Style and practicality? This beanie’s…

A staggering ten million balls of yarn pass through Novita’s mills and spinnery each year in Koria, south-east Finland. Their yarn is a leading brand in Nordic countries, but we’ve yet to experience it in Britain, until now… New to John Lewis’ enviable yarn offering this autumn are 11 of Novita’s most popular ranges, waiting to be discovered by crocheters looking for luxury and traditional wool-based yarns for their winter makes. Novita’s ‘New Nordic’ style, showcased by their designer pattern range, is a philosophy that gives a respectful nod to Finnish culture and heritage, while including a modern aesthetic. We honour tradition and aim to share a sense of peace, joy and accomplishment INTRODUCING... This tantalising first taste of Novita yarns to hit our shores is just right to cover…

YOU WILL NEED • Yarn and Colors Must-Have (100% cotton, 50g/125m), 2 balls of Mustard (015) 3 balls of each: Petroleum (070) Plum (051) • A 4mm (US G/6) hook • A 10mm (US N/15) hook For stockists contact Yarn and Colors www.yarnandcolors.com TENSION Each motif measures 3.5x3.5cm (11/2x11/2in) MEASUREMENTS The finished Scarf measures approx 170x15cm (67x6in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Call it what you will – mustard, sunflower or gold, this issue’s colour pick amber works beautifully with a whole host of colours, but Kate has picked out petroleum and plum to complement it for her squares scarf, made from 188 mini motifs. An ideal project for on-the-go crochet. NOTES The Scarf is made up of 188 Motifs, 72 in Petroleum, 69 in…

Most crochet patterns state the tension required, in rows and stitches of a specific type. Make a swatch at least 15cm square and check that your tension matches. Place a ruler across the swatch and insert two pins, 10cm apart. Then place the ruler along a column of stitches and insert two pins 10cm apart. Count the stitches and rows between the pins – if you have less than the pattern, your tension is too loose so you need to use a smaller hook, but if you have too many, use a larger hook. It’s usually better to match the stitches than rows, because you can always work more or fewer rows.…