Innehållsförteckning för Issue 55 från Simply Crochet

With the new season comes a fresh enthusiasm for trying new things. We’ve packed this spring issue with exciting projects and techniques for you to try your hook at. Planned pooling is an impressive colourwork technique that’s fascinating to learn (p79), and jasmine stitch (p63) is challenging, but beautiful and well worth the effort. Our main collection this month is tribal-inspired, so there’s lots of colourwork for you to stretch yourself with, too. And let’s not forget Vanessa Mooncie’s Easter amigurumi. Maximilian, the slightly bonkers bonnet-wearing snail, is my favourite by far!…

CROCHETED MANDALAS LYNNE ROWE (£4.99, Search Press) Part of the popular 20 To Make series, this collection of vibrant mandala patterns from Lynne Rowe is a great introduction to this type of design. Featuring a variety of yarn weights, the patterns range from small and simple to larger and more intricate, and are sure to get you hooked on these fascinating and oh-so colourful motifs. CROCHETED SCARVES AND COWLS NICKI TRENCH (£12.99, CICO) New from crochet queen Nicki Trench is this collection of 35 scarves and cowls. With projects inspired by her seaside home in East Sussex, you’ll find gorgeous designs for all seasons, ranging from chunky beginner scarves to complex lace creations. There’s also a handy how-to section. CUTE CROCHETED ANIMALS EMMA VARNAM (£12.99, GMC) This delightful book is…

YOU WILL NEED • DMC Natura Just Cotton (100% cotton, 50g/155m), 1 ball of each: Yarn A Bamboo (76) Yarn B Azur (56) • A 2mm (US 4 steel) hook • 20cm of silver trace chain 2mm • 8 silver jump rings 7mm • One silver jewellery clasp • A pair of needle nose pliers and cutting pliers For yarn stockists contact DMC 0116 275 4000 www.dmccreative.co.uk MEASUREMENTS Eacn triangle measures 4x4cm (1›x 1›in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 90 Mini crochet bunting that you can wear? Yes, please! Grab two shades of 4ply cotton and start stitching this beauty. ROUNDED TRIANGLE (MAKE 5) Using Yarn A, ch15, join with a ss to form a ring being careful not to twist the chains. Round 1 Ch1…

I learned how to crochet while studying for six months in Stockholm, so it’s appropriate that the theme of the 2017 Scheepjes CAL I’ve designed is hygge! My crochet adventures started when I went into a yarn shop and, in my best Swedish, said I wanted to ‘make a hat’. I left the store with very splitty, fluffy yarn and an 8mm crochet hook – not the best choice for a beginner! After a frustrating evening I threw the skein in the corner of my room, but a couple of weeks later I tried again, and suddenly my hands and brain just ‘clicked’. I then joined a craft club, where we would sit and talk and craft. In hindsight it might have been my first Scandinavian encounter with hygge! When…

"Out lander makes my fingers itch to experiment with cables and tartans.” Honestly, I would love to be the sort of person who can casually say, “We don’t have a television”, or “We spend the evenings making up collaborative family poetry and interpretive dance”. Television (and by this I mean all forms of watching movies and series on different devices) is my crochet feedbag, the carrot on the stick that propels me through long (and occasionally, although rarely, tedious) crochet projects. Crochet is a joy, but we’ve all hit the doldrums at one stage. A ginormous blanket, the second sock, the thirteenth beanie for a charity drive, or the umpteenth time of testing a pattern. THE MAGIC OF CROCHET By day, I crochet to audiobooks and podcasts (something I’ll tell…

“I think the most important thing is to get involved, interact with people. Join in and take an interest in other people. I talk to people who I’m genuinely drawn to and so I’ve ended up with a group of people who I feel very comfortable with and inspired by.” Amanda Bloom, www.littleboxofcrochet.co.uk “Don’t worry about trends. Find your favourite magazines and bloggers on social media, and check the hashtags they use. You’re bound to find a few that introduce you to more people to follow. And once you say hello to someone, who knows where that friendship may lead?” Anna Simmonds, www.craftingfingers.co.uk “You will only need to find and follow a few crocheters on Instagram to locate your tribe. Check the hashtags that they use…

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…

YOU WILL NEED • Rico Essentials Cotton DK (100% cotton, 50g/130m), 2 balls of Yarn A Grey (25) 1 ball of each: Yarn B Dusky Pink (19) Yarn C Natural (51) Yarn D Berry (15) Yarn E Plum (21) Yarn F Taupe (89) Yarn G Pumpkin (87) Yarn H Grass Green (66) • A 2.5mm (US B/1 or C/2) hook • A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook • A tapestry needle • A pair of safety eyes, 6mm diameter • Toy stuffing • Embroidery thread in black • Embroidery needle • 20cm (8in) length of 5mm (¼in) wide elastic • Four 1cm (3/8in) diameter buttons for the dress and shoes • Sewing thread to match buttons or yarn, and elastic • Sewing needle For yarn stockists contact Rico…

YOU WILL NEED • Rico Essentials Cotton DK (100% cotton, 50g/130m), 1 ball of each: Yarn A Curry (61) or Pumpkin (87) Yarn B Natural (51) or Curry (61) Yarn C Grass Green (66) • A 2.5mm (US B/1 or C/2) hook • Tapestry needle • 20-23cm (8-9in) length of florist’s wire for each stem • 50cm (19›in) length of craft wire for each leaf • Pliers to bend and twist the wire For yarn stockists contact Rico www.rico-design.co.uk  or Black Sheep Wools 01925 764231 www.blacksheepwools.com Also available from your favourite yarn store TENSION 24 sts and 26 rows to 10x10cm (4x4in) over double crochet using a 2.5mm hook. Matching the tension isn’t critical but will affect overall size and yarn quantities. MEASUREMENTS Each flower head measures approx 10cm…

YOU WILL NEED • Rico Essentials Cotton DK (100% cotton, 50g/130m), 1 ball of each: Yarn A Curry (61), Yarn B Berry (15), Yarn C Dark Teal (40) • A 2.5mm (US B/1 or C/2) hook • A tapestry needle • A pair of safety eyes, 6mm diameter • Toy stuffing • Black embroidery thread For yarn stockists contact Rico www.rico-design.co.uk  Black Sheep Wools 01925 764231 www.blacksheepwools.com Also available from your favourite yarn store TENSION 24 sts and 26 rows to 10x10cm (4x4in) over dc using a 2.5mm hook. Matching tension isn’t critical but will affect overall size and yarn quantities. MEASUREMENTS Approx 18cm (7in) in length ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 of Simply Crochet magazine With his fancy, ribbon-bedecked hat, Maximilian the Snail is…

The exquisite attention to detail is what sets UK stitcher and author Vanessa Mooncie’s designs apart. This adorable Easter amigurumi toy collection is no exception. She told us a bit about her process. “Crocheted fabric is so easy to sculpt just by varying the length of a stitch or changing the direction of the working row or round. When I work on a new design, I often have to unravel and re-work the piece before I’m happy with the shape. The mistakes can lead to unexpected success, when a finished item turns out better than originally planned. It makes you think of other ways to work and inspires new ideas!”…

ALESSANDRA HAYDEN Alessandra is the Brazilian stitcher behind Just Be Happy Crochet. She draws inspiration from her two children and from luxurious yarns. Find her sweet colourwork cardigan on page 70. KATE BRUNING Wonderfully whimsical designer and author Kate is our guest columnist this month. Flip across to page 46 to read about her top picks for on-screen colour palette inspiration. PONY MCTATE If you’re not already following crochet designer Pony on Instagram (@pony.mctate), you need to be. This creative lady is chatting about her most precious amigurumi project on page 98. KIRSTEN BALLERING This issue, Haak Maar Raak crochet blogger Kirsten is giving us the lowdown on her Hygge wrap design for the Scheepjes 2017 CAL. It’s such a beauty. Turn to page 41. OTHER CONTRIBUTORS Ilaria Caliri, Esme…

1 A PROPER BREW Tea always tastes better from a teapot, right? Take things up a notch with Cath Kidston's Ashdown Rose teapot. You could even double up and stitch a co-ordinating tea cosy to go with it, too. Head to www.cathkidston.com 2 NIFTY NIBBLES Haberdashery in iced biscuit form? Oh, yes. And some of them are tasty yarn balls. Shop for these sublime snacks at www. biscuiteers.com 3 MAGICAL MOHAIR Why not properly spoil your crafty mum with extra special indie yarn? Angelic, a mohair and silk mix, gets our vote. See www.the  knittingswede.co.uk 4 SPOT ON For bright, stylish accessories, Oliver Bonas is hard to beat. This floaty scarf in their latest collection caught our eye. www.…

YOU WILL NEED • Scheepjes Catona (100% cotton, 50g/125m) Yarn A Snow White (106) See table for yarn quantities and measurements • Scheepjes Catona Denim (100% cotton, 50g/125m), 1 ball of each: Yarn B Blue (165) Yarn C Green (170) Yarn D Yellow (120) Yarn E Orange (124) Yarn F Pink (135) • A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com TENSION 22 sts and 11 rows measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over V-st using a 3.5mm hook or size needed to obtain tension Each Rainbow Band section of 5 rows of double crochet measures 5cm deep ABBREVIATIONS V-st (tr, ch1, tr) in st indicated For a full list, see page 90 Width a: 44.5 ( 47.5 : 51.5 : 57 )cm 17½ ( 18¾ : 20¼…

Matt Spiers One Man Crochet blogger Matt is passionate about pattern. He says: “I think of an idea, then figure out how to recreate it in stitches. I like to make my designs fun, something that gives the crocheter a challenge but something they can get into a groove with while making. I love geometry, repetition and tessellation, which I try to bring into my designs. You often get unexpected results with crochet – a design can come out looking very different from an initial sketch!” Visit www.onemancrochet.com Hannah Cross Designer Hannah says: “I take inspiration for my designs from everything around me – colours, textures, shapes and styles. If something is all about the colour then that’s my starting point. If I want to focus on texture…

YOU WILL NEED • Sublime Extra Fine Merino DK (100% wool, 50g/116m), Yarn A Salty Grey (010) Yarn B Camper (408) See table for yarn quantities and measurements • A 4mm (US G/6) hook • Button, 2cm (3/4in) diameter • Stitch markers for size 5yrs only For yarn stockists contact Sublime Yarns 01924 369666 www.sublimeyarns.com TENSION 16 sts and 10 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over treble crochet using a 4mm hook or size needed to obtain tension. The Border section of double crochet in the back loop measures 10cm (4in) deep. ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 90 With this design, it’s all about the details. The willow-inspired colourwork along the bottom edge is complemented by the bold green colourblock sleeves. It has a yoke contruction…

STARRY-EYED We are loving the vibrant colour palette that new subscriber @its_sew_crochet is using to hook her granny star bunting from issue 52. This is going to look absolutely lovely. HOOK TO HOOK Having tackled the fingerless mitts already, @sweetnstitches is having a go at the hat from our first Hook to Hook challenge in issue 53. That swirly texture is looking fantastic so far. SNOW BUSINESS Get a load of those puff stitches and picots. Reader @ charlotte.cornes.3 hooked a pair of these pretty mitts in preparation for a snow storm! This pattern was in issue 53.…

PSST Win the yarn to make this! YOU WILL NEED • King Cole Giza Cotton 4ply (100% cotton, 50g/158m), 1 ball of each: Yarn B Cream (2191) Yarn F Pebble (2195) Yarn K Amber (2200) Yarn M Red (2202) Yarn O Orange (2204) Yarn S Turquoise (2208) • A 2.5mm (US B/1 or C/2) hook For yarn stockists, contact King Cole 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com MEASUREMENTS 17.5cm (6¾ in) diameter ABBREVIATIONS Six treble (sixtr) Yrh 6 times, insert hook into st indicated, yrh and pull up loop, (yrh and draw through 2 sts) 7 times Double treble 2 together (dtr2tog) *yrh twice, insert hook in st indicated, yrh and pull up loop, (yrh and draw through 2 loops) twice; rep from * once more, yrh and draw through all…

YOU WILL NEED • Rico Essentials Cotton DK (100% cotton, 50g/130m), 1 ball of each: Yarn A, Yarn B and Yarn C (in your choice of colours) 1 ball of Yarn D Grass Green (66) • A 2.5mm (US B/1 or C/2) hook • A tapestry needle • 20-23cm (8-9in) florist’s wire for each stem • Pliers to bend and trim the wire For yarn stockists contact Rico www.rico-design.co.uk  or Black Sheep Wools 01925 764231 www.blacksheepwools.com Also available from your favourite yarn store TENSION 24 sts and 26 rows to 10x10cm (4x4in) over double crochet using a 2.5mm hook. Matching the tension isn’t critical but will affect overall size and yarn quantities. MEASUREMENTS Approx 10cm (4in) diameter ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 of Simply Crochet magazine…

YOU WILL NEED • Rico Essentials Cotton DK (100% cotton, 50g/130m), 2 balls of Dark Teal (40) • A 2.5mm (US B/1 or C/2) hook • A tapestry needle • Toy stuffing For yarn stockists contact Rico www.rico-design.co.uk  or Black Sheep Wools 01925 764231 www.blacksheepwools.com Also available from your favourite yarn store TENSION 24 sts and 26 rows to 10x10cm (4x4in) over double crochet using a 2.5mm hook. Matching the tension isn’t critical but will affect overall size and yarn quantities. MEASUREMENTS Approx 9cm (3½in) tall ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 of Simply Crochet magazine Elevate the watering can from a piece of humble garden equipment to a beautiful piece of homeware. Hook up Vanessa Mooncie’s brightly-hued version and it’s perfect for showing off the crocheted…

SIMPLE STEPS HOW TO WORK A MAGIC LOOP 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 Now insert your hook into the loop, from front to back. Wrap the working yarn around the hook 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). Work your sts into the Magic Loop, over both the loop and the tail end (so two yarn strands). 4 Once you’ve worked the first round of stitches, simply pull the tail end of yarn to draw up the ring. Work a slip stitch to…

YOU WILL NEED Quantities 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 For yarn stockists contact LoveCrochet 0845 544 2196 www.lovecrochet.com Colourway 1 • 1 skein of each: Yarn A Bright Red (8414) Yarn H California Poppy (7826) Yarn E Lagoon (7812) Yarn B Cyan Blue (8891) Colourway 2 • 1 skein of each: Yarn C Deep Lavender (8762) Yarn F Azure (8892) Yarn G Cerise (7802) 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 Puff Stitch (puff st)…

1 To make a double treble crochet stitch, yrh twice and insert the hook under the top two loops of the next stitch on the previous row. Yrh and draw through the stitch only (4 loops on hook). 2 Yrh and pull the yarn through the first 2 loops only (3 loops on hook). 3 Yrh and pull the yarn through the first 2 loops only (2 loops on hook). 4 Yrh and pull the yarn through the remaining 2 loops. There’s your double treble made and you’ll have one loop left on your hook ready to do the next stitch.…

YOU WILL NEED • Debbie Bliss Rialto DK Heathers (100% merino wool, 105m/50g) Loch (93) For Hat: 2 balls For Wrap: 5 balls • A 6mm (US J/10) hook For yarn stockists contact Designer Yarns 01535 664222 www.designeryarns.uk.com TENSION Rows 2-7 of the Hat measure 7.5cm (3in), and Rows 1-9 of the Wrap measure 9cm (3½in). 14htr sts to 10cm (4in) using a 6mm hook or size needed to obtain stated tension MEASUREMENTS Slouchy Hat measures 51-56cm (20-22in) circumference Wrap measures 112x34cm (44x13¼in) before seaming ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 90 This merino wrap is worked as a simple rectangle shape, then folded and carefully seamed to create an elegant poncho with lots of lovely drape. Then of course there’s the matching hat – slouchy and…

WHAT IS PLANNED POOLING AND HOW DOES IT WORK? All you need to know about this hot new colourwork technique. We all love the vibrancy that variegated yarns can bring to a crochet project, but it turns out that you can also use them to create effects such as argyle-style patterns that have a fascinating woven look. The technique is known as yarn pooling, planned pooling or colour pooling. We’ve seen some fantastic examples of it cropping up online lately, so we dug a little deeper to find out exactly how it works. The technique involves intentionally working the colours of a multi-coloured ball of yarn in a specific way, to create a design or colour effect when you crochet. The technique is done with an easy formula and works…

Meet Warren Burrows, my much-loved amigurumi rabbit. He’s wonky and mis-stitched, but he’s absolutely my hooky treasure as he’s the very first proper thing that I ever crocheted. Warren is made from a pattern by Mari Carmen Idrovo that I modified. It was a bit ambitious for an absolute beginner like me – I could barely hold the hook, let alone read a pattern! But, in true Pony fashion, I launched myself enthusiastically into it. It took three legs and three packets of sponge fingers before I realised you worked into both the front loop and the back loop. I attached the head with sheer determination and the world’s worst handstitching. And why on earth was I attempting colour changes? But I got there, and for all his wonkiness, I…

YOU WILL NEED • Rico Essentials Cotton DK (100% cotton, 50g/130m), 2 balls of Yarn A Natural (51) 1 ball of each: Yarn B Curry (61) Yarn C Berry (15) • A 2.5mm (US B/1 or C/2) hook • A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook • A tapestry needle • Safety eyes • Toy stuffing For yarn stockists contact Rico www.rico-design.co.uk  or Black Sheep Wools 01925 764231 www.blacksheepwools.com Also available from your favourite yarn store TENSION 24 sts and 26 rows to 10x10cm (4x4in) over double crochet using a 2.5mm hook. Matching the tension isn’t critical but will affect overall size and yarn quantities. MEASUREMENTS Approx 23cm (9in) tall ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 of Simply Crochet magazine DIAGRAM FOR HEEL Arabella is definitely a…

YOU WILL NEED • Rico Essentials Cotton DK (100% cotton, 50g/130m), 2 balls of Yarn A Natural (51) 1 ball of Yarn B Taupe (89) Small amounts of: Yarn C Dusky Pink (19) Yarn D Curry (61) Yarn E Grass Green (66) • A 2.5mm (US B/1 or C/2) hook • A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook • A tapestry needle • A pair of safety eyes, 6mm diameter • Toy stuffing • Black embroidery thread • An embroidery needle For yarn stockists contact Rico www.rico-design.co.uk  or Black Sheep Wools 01925 764231 www.blacksheepwools.com Also available from your favourite yarn store TENSION 24 sts and 26 rows to 10x10cm (4x4in) over double crochet using a 2.5mm hook. Matching the tension isn’t critical but will affect overall size and yarn…