Innehållsförteckning för Issue 53 från Simply Crochet

Another year, another yarn love affair. I’ve fallen for mohair in a big way. If you haven’t thought about hooking with mohair you really should – it makes a gorgeous light, fluffy and warm fabric which works up incredibly quickly because you use a big hook. Check out our mohair projects on p16. We’ve got some more exciting new things for you, too. Flip to page 57 to see our first ever Hook to Hook designer challenge. Ooh, and if you’re loving the January mandala in your Simply Crochet calendar, hook a real life version on p95. Oh, how we spoil you. Happy hooky 2017.…

ONE-SKEIN BABY PROJECTS SHARON SILVERMAN (£6.99, Leisure Arts) Raid your stash for colourful DK and aran yarns to make these adorable baby projects. The nine simple patterns include bibs, toys, booties and hats, in different sizes – perfect as gifts for new parents or to entice a new crocheter. Most patterns use 50-100g of yarn and use US terms, but there are bonus online tutorials. INDISPENSABLE STITCH COLLECTIONFOR CROCHETERS MELISSALEAPMAN (£16.99, Creative Publishing International) A great reference guide for every crocheter’s bookshelf, with a whopping 200 stitch patterns divided into sections of similar types, making it easy to navigate. Each one includes written instructions and a symbol chart. 35 CROCHETED BAGS EMMA FRIEDLANDERCOLLINS (£12.99, CICO Books) Whether you like satchels or shoppers, this book has a practical yet pretty pattern…

YOU WILL NEED • Use your free kit, or an oddment of DK yarn • A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook MEASUREMENTS 8x8cm (3x3in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 We’re pretty smitten with the idea of adorning a plain notebook with one of these motifs – hello bespoke journal. A handful of these simple shapes could easily become a garland, coasters or even cake toppers. Valentine’s prep starts here. HEART MOTIF Make a magic loop. Round 1 Ch3 (counts as tr), 2tr into loop, ch2 (3tr into loop, ch2) 3 times, ss to top of beg ch-3 to join. [4 3-tr groups, 4 ch-2 sps] Round 2 Ss across to first ch-2 sp, ch3 (counts as tr), (2tr, ch2, 3tr) in same ch-2 sp, ch1, *(3tr, ch2, 3tr,…

YOU WILL NEED • Scheepjes Catona (100% cotton, 50g/125m), 1 ball each of: Yarn A Purple (282) Yarn B Pale Pink (255) Yarn C Brown (383) • A scrap of black DK cotton yarn • A 2.5mm (US B/1) hook • Toy stuffing • Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com MEASUREMENTS 20cm (73/4in) tall ABBREVIATIONS Invdec Invisible Decrease (insert hook in front loop of next st) twice, yrh and draw through all loops on hook Dc3tog (insert hook in next st, yrh and draw a loop through) 3 times, yrh and draw through all loops on hook For a full list, see page 92 Stately and fabulously curvaceous, this windswept dame will be a lesson in shaping for you. She’s worked using the amigurumi method and…

1 To start a Magic Loop, don’t make a slipknot. Instead, make a loop with the yarn, leaving a tail around 10cm long. Make sure the tail end is under the working yarn. 2 Insert your hook into the loop, from front to back. Wrap the working yarn around the hook anticlockwise and pull the yarn through the loop. 3 Make a t-ch for the sts you want to work (above, we made 1 t-ch for dc). Now work your sts into the Magic Loop, making sure you work over both the loop and the tail end (so two yarn strands). 4 Once you’ve worked the number of stitches you need, simply pull the tail end of the yarn to draw up the ring. Work a slip stitch to join…

YOU WILL NEED • Cascade 220 (100% Peruvian Highland wool, 110g/200m), 1 skein of each: Yarn A Cotton Candy (9478) Yarn B Butter (8687) Yarn C Chartreuse (7814) Yarn D Aqua (8951) Yarn E Bright Nectarine (9615) Yarn F White (8505) Yarn G Black (8555) • A 4mm (US G/6) hook • A 5mm (US H/8) hook • Tapestry needle • Lining fabric, 19x51cm (7½x20in) (optional) • 1m (1yd) length of 1cm (›/›in) diameter gold cord • Small quantity of gold embroidery thread For yarn stockists contact LoveCrochet 0845 544 2196 www.lovecrochet.com TENSION 18 sts and 17 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over double crochet using a 5mm hook. Matching exact tension is not critical. MEASUREMENTS 18x25cm (7x9¾in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Designer Emma…

YOU WILL NEED • Stylecraft Special DK (100% acrylic, 100g/295m), 4 balls of: Parchment (1218) 2 balls of: Graphite (1063) 1 ball of each: Boysenberry (1828) Duck Egg (1820) Burgundy (1035) Pale Rose (1080) Khaki (1027) Lime (1712) Sage (1725) Grey (1099) Cloud Blue (1019) Turquoise (1068) Teal (1062) • A 5mm (US H/8) hook For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft 01535 609798 www.stylecraft-uk.co.uk TENSION Each square meas approx 25x25cm (10x10in) MEASUREMENTS Finished throw meas approx 100x155cm (39x61in) ABBREVIATIONS Bobble st Ch3, (yrh, insert hook in 2nd ch from hook, draw up loop) twice, yrh, draw hook through all 5 loops on hook, ch1 to close For a full list, see page 92 For this beautiful throw, designer Esme Crick was inspired by the work of artist and colour…

YOU WILL NEED • Lily Sugar ‘n Cream (100% cotton, 71g/109m), Yarn A Ecru (0004) Yarn B Hot Pink (1740) Yarn C Soft Violet (0093) Yard D Hot Blue (1742) Yarn E Hot Green (1712) Yarn F Yellow (0010) • A 5mm (US H/8) hook • A 40cm (16in) square cushion pad For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 For devoted stitchers, there are few things more exciting than adding a rainbow of yarny wonder to your hook, especially when your chosen pattern is wonderfully cosy and packed to the brim with playful frilly texture. Diagonal stripes are go. BASE GRID Using Yarn A, ch68. Row 1 Tr in 8th chain from hook (this makes the first space…

1 First, make sure you fasten off, weave in ends and block pieces. Place pieces right sides together. Insert hook into the first stitch on both pieces. Make a slip knot and place it onto the hook. 2 Pull the slip knot through both stitches to bring it to the front. Now insert hook into the 2nd stitch of both layers and work a slip stitch. Work a slip stitch in the 3rd stitches of both layers. 3 Continue working slip sts along the edge, as far as you need to. Fasten off, weave in ends, open out the seam and lightly press from the wrong side. 4 From the right side, the slip stitch seam forms an ‘invisible’ join (see above). It forms a firm, flat seam that won’t…

PEACHY KEEN Meet our newest colour crush – a perfect pastel combo brought to life in @bamcrafts’ sweet baby cardigan from issue 32. That soft velvet ribbon is a gorgeous finishing touch. Missed out on that issue? Search for ‘Sugar & Spice’ on Ravelry where you can download the pattern for £3.50. DRUM ROLL PLEASE The detail on this adorable drummer bear stitched by reader Psyschick is nothing short of magnificent. Ilaira Caliri’s original design was in Simply Crochet issue 38. Yes, he is very festive but cute amigurumi is for life, not just for Christmas, right? LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE It’s fantastic to see the next generation rocking handmade threads, particularly when they’re of the Simply Crochet variety.OK, we’re biased, but you can’t deny that this version of Fran Morgan’s…

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…

LOU BARNES Lou’s a designer and the star of our Simply Crochet YouTube channel. This issue, she’s also our guest columnist. Read all about her imaginative creations on page 40. ANJA TOONEN Dutch author and designer Anja has a way with amigurumi shaping. Seriously, just take one look at her fabulously curvaceous doll on page 34 and try to tell us otherwise. Case closed. JENNY KING If you loved Jenny’s floaty granny treble jumper design in issue 50, you’ll want to turn to page 52 to learn more about this fascinating Aussie designer and her Get Squared technique. SANDRINE DEVEZE French stitcher and blogger Sandrine is sharing the story behind an unbelievably cute jumbo amigurumi project this issue. Flip across to page 98 and prepare to be bowled over. OTHER…

1 CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN How cute are these mountain cushions? They’re made in cosy wool fabric, available from Loaf ( www.loaf.com ). They’d be a fab addition for a kid’s room, but we won’t be giving them up without a fight. 2 STAR COVER-UP The Big Chill cardigan from issue 37 is causing a bit of a stir on Pinterest. Download the pattern from Ravelry at http://bit. ly/sc53chill 3 SWEET SCENTS Wouldn’t you rather be smelling an Orla Kiely lavender candle? Us too. Get yours from good old John Lewis www. johnlewis.com . Instant hygge points. 4 PASTEL PERFECT Ah, tea – is there a gloomy morning it can’t turn around? Serve your brew in a stylish Abstract Teapot…

PSST Crochet mesh might just be the new black! YOU WILL NEED • Bergere de France Caline (60% acrylic, 20% wool, 20% polyamide, 50g/180m), Carabosse (22858), 1 ball of Nono for all sizes (22856) For yarn quantities of Carabosse and measurements see table • A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook • Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact Bergere de France www.bergeredefrance.co.uk TENSION 29 sts and 13 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over Mesh Pattern using a 3mm hook or size needed to obtain tension ABBREVIATIONS 1 motif (ch2, tr) For a full list, see page 92 It’s no secret that us crocheters are crazy about colour, but sometimes a gal needs a bit of black in her wardrobe. It really does go with everything and the…

When I was a child, in the throes of a grump, I had a tendency to throw things on the floor in a huff – teddies, my hairbrush, a pillow – and on every single one of these occasions, I'd feel a pang of guilt. Not because I'd made a bit of a mess or because I'd lost my temper, but because I was absolutely convinced that my actions had somehow made these completely inanimate objects feel abused and unloved. This bizarre way of looking at things stretched as far as the food that I ate, too. If something had an adorable face on it or was particularly cute or beautifully put together, I would really struggle to eat it without feeling terrible afterwards. If a plant in my care…

1 Secure yarn at back of fabric and bring needle to the front of the fabric 01  . Push the needle into the fabric one hole to the left02 . 2 Bring the needle up from the back to the front of the fabric two holes to the right 03  . Then insert the needle back into the fabric one hole to the left of here04 . 3 This will join up your stitches and start forming a line. 4 Repeat from step 2, moving horizontally, vertically or diagonally, to create a line as long as you need it to be.…

I learned to crochet from my mum when I was little. She’d been crocheting for years, but always made the same afghan over and over again because she couldn’t read patterns. She wanted to learn more, but (especially before the internet!) almost all crochet instructions are written. And even though I could read the patterns, their terminology and abbreviations could be really confusing. My goal has always been to create animals that anyone who can do a basic stitch can do! I stand by that. If you’ve learned the basics, then you can do any of my patterns. I’m always thinking, “What can I teach someone in this pattern?” When I release a new pattern, it’s full of basic techniques, then I add a new technique and provide step-by-step photos…

Just imagine – a few golden days filled with nothing more than yarn, hooks and chatter – sounds heavenly, doesn’t it? Whether you want guidance on techniques, or simply the opportunity to crochet in peace, we’re certain there’s a perfect escape to suit your needs. And with more crochet retreats and holidays on offer than ever, your biggest challenge might be choosing just one! Check out our guide. SOAK UP INSPIRATION Inspired Minds is a new venture set up by Debbie Abrahams, Jane Crowfoot and their husbands Steve and Andy “to offer knitters and crocheters the chance to come and spend relaxing weekends in nice locations!” They currently have two workshop weekends planned for next year – one at Wadenhoe House near Peterborough and one at the Marsham Court Hotel…

Have you heard about our crochet-along? Simply Crochet subscribers receive an extra pattern each month to make Lucy Croft’s fabulous Pick ‘n’ Mix block blanket – it’s a stunner. The project is hooked in gorgeous Cascade 220 yarn, with packs available from LoveCrochet, and we’ve just launched a new, more budget-friendly alternative. Get your hands on a Paintbox Yarns pack for our CAL for just £40.50 at www.lovecrochet.com. Turn to page 32 for details. PAMPERED POOCHES Prove your pooch is the cutest with Stylecraft’s Pampered Pooches competition. This January, they’re looking for the most adorable dogs sporting handmade garb. The closing date is 31 January and winners will receive goodies from Stylecraft. See www.facebook.com/  stylecraftyarn for further information. JOIN THE AMI CLUB Toy makers, time to listen up –…

YOU WILL NEED Quantites of yarn given are enough to complete the entire blanket. You will need both colourways and borders as listed below. • Cascade 220 (100% Peruvian Highland wool, 100g/200m), see below for details • A 5mm (US H/8) hook Colourway 1 • 1 skein of each: Yarn A Bright Red (8414) Yarn C Deep Lavender (8762) Yarn F Azure (8892) Yarn H California Poppy (7826) Colourway 2 • 1 skein of each: Yarn E Lagoon (7812) Yarn G Cerise (7802) Yarn B Cyan Blue (8891) Yarn D Granny Smith Green (8914) Border • 2 skeins of Yarn K Grey (8501) MEASUREMENTS Each square meas 20x20cm (8x8in) Finished blanket meas 144x94cm (56½x37in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 The Pick ‘n’ Mix crochet-along blanket is made…

YOU WILL NEED • DROPS Alpaca (100% alpaca, 167m/50g), 1 ball of each: Yarn A Light Pink (3140) Yarn B Medium Pink (3720) Yarn C Dark Pink (3770) Yarn D Medium Brown (0403) • DROPS Glitter (60% cupro, 40% metal, 700m/10g), 1 spool of Silver (02) • A 4.5mm (US 7) hook • A stitch marker For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION 15 sts and 9 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over treble crochet using a 4.5mm hook MEASUREMENTS Approx 160x70 cm (63x27›in) ABBREVIATIONS Small shell 5tr in same sp Large shell Working in same sp: (Dtr, ch1) twice, dtr, picot, (dtr, ch1) twice, dtr Picot Ch3, ss to first ch For a full list, see page 92 This delicate shawl, worked in a…

1 Bring needle to the front of the fabric, after securing the thread at the back. Insert needle back into same hole (or very close to it) and pull gently to leave a small loop. 2 Bring needle to the front a little way to the right, making sure the needle passes through the loop. Insert the needle back into the same hole (or very close to it). Pull gently to leave a small loop. 3 Repeat Step 2 to make more loops. 4 After the final loop, make a small stitch over the last loop to secure it.…

Growing up in Australia, learning to crochet was an unlikely pastime for Jenny King. The outdoorsy culture meant there were few opportunities to pick up yarn crafts – it wasn’t taught in school and, as far as Jenny knows, other children she encountered had no interest in the art of hooks and yarn. Fortunately for us, however, Jenny “was walking to the beat of my own drum, I think. An aunt showed me one stitch and a cousin taught me another, and then the rest I learnt from books or by asking people. I learnt how to increase and decrease from a lady in the caravan park when we were on holiday when I was 12!” Happily, as Jenny’s thirst for crochet patterns grew, she discovered magazines crammed with “beautiful…

BASIC RAISED RIPPLE STITCH PATTERN Ch an odd number of sts, plus 2 for the foundation ch. Row 1 Tr in 4th ch from hook, tr in each ch to end, turn. Row 2 Ch1 (does not count as st), dc in each tr to end, working last dc in top of beg ch-3, turn. Row 3 Ch3 (counts as tr), *skip next dc, FPtr around tr in row below skipped dc, tr in next dc; repeat from * to end of row, turn. Row 4 Repeat Row 2. Row 5 Ch3, *tr in next dc, skip next dc, FPtr around tr in row below skipped dc; repeat from * across to last tr, tr in last tr. Repeat Rows 2-5 until pattern is desired length. HOT WATER BOTTLE COVER…

YOU WILL NEED • Knit Picks Mighty Stitch (20% superwash wool, 80% acrylic, 100g/190m), 3 balls of Yarn A White (26807) 1 ball of each: Yarn B Blush (26818) Yarn C Sky (26830) Yarn D Wisteria (26824) Yarn E Silver (26820) • A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook • A 6mm (US J/10) hook For yarn stockists contact Knit Picks www.knitpicks.com TENSION Each square measures 9x9cm (3½x3½in) MEASUREMENTS The finished blanket measures approx 78x68cm (30¾x26¾in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 A calming palette of pastels and a yarn that’s easy to care for? That sounds like the recipe for a knockout baby blanket to us. Plus, the mini squares that make it up are totally gorgeous and simple to hook. NOTES Block each square before joining…

HEART MOTIF ROUND 1 (RS) Ch2, 5dc in 2nd ch from hook. [5sts] ROUND 2 Ch1, 2dc in each st to end of round, ss to ch at beg of round to join. [10 sts] ROUND 3 Ch2 (counts as tr), tr into st at base of ch, (2tr, htr) in next st, 2dc in next st, dc in next st, (htr, tr, htr) in next st, dc in next st, 2dc in next st, (htr, 2tr) in next st, (tr, htr) in next st, ss to last st of round (centre st of heart). [20 sts] FASTEN OFF and weave in ends. WOOL AND THE GANG TAKE CARE MOHAIR WEIGHT Aran CONTENT 78% mohair, 13% wool, 9% polyamide BALL 50g/100m HOOK 8-12mm RRP £10.95 The ultimate in comfort yarn,…

YOU WILL NEED • King Cole Giza Cotton 4ply (100% cotton, 50g/158m), 1 ball of each: Glacier (2194) Pebble (2195) Bluebell (2198) Plum (2198) Black (2201) Turquoise (2208) • A 2.5mm (US B/1 or C/2) hook For yarn stockists, contact King Cole 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com ABBREVIATIONS Picot ch2, ss to 2nd ch from hook. Sixtr Yrh 6 times, insert hook into st indicated, yrh and pull up loop, (yrh and draw through 2 sts) 7 times For a full list, see page 92 This gorgeous design is the first in our series of 12 colourful mandalas for 2017, hooked with King Cole’s Giza cotton 4ply yarn. The pattern matches the January illustration in your Simply Crochet 2017 calendar – you can make the…