Innehållsförteckning för Issue 56 från Simply Crochet

Whether you love playing with colour or learning a new technique, we’ve definitely got you covered this month! Our main collection was inspired by amazing crochet I’ve been spotting on the catwalk lately. It’s packed with brights and based on granny squares, so the projects are impressive but totally achievable. And if you’re up for a challenge, grab a double-ended hook and take your Tunisian crochet to the next level by working in the round (p80). I’m fascinated by the possibilies of this technique. Don’t just take my word for it – have a look at the beautiful jumper on p46. It’s a stunner.…

CROCHET TAXIDERMY TAYLOR HART ((£10.99, Storey Publishing) The trend for crochet taxidermy is still super popular, and American designer Taylor Hart brings together 30 quirky animal projects. Whether you opt for a woodland critter such as a fox or moose, or a more exotic flamingo or zebra, there’s plenty to inspire you and adorn your walls. The patterns are written in US crochet terms. I DREAM OF YARN FRANKLIN HABIT (£7.99 GMC) Described as “a guidebook to some of the places knitting and crochet have taken me in my dreams”, this colouring book from illustrator Franklin Habit will give you hours of contemplative fun. Printed on quality paper, the finished drawings would make lovely cards or pictures for fellow hooksters. CROCHETTERIE MOLLA MILLS (£20, Jacqui Small) We’re big fans of…

PSST Embrace clashing colours! YOU WILL NEED • Knit Picks Mighty Stitch, (20% superwash wool, 80% acrylic 190m/100g), 2 balls of each: Pomegranate (26834) Pucker (26809) Orange (26817) Alfalfa (26814) Gulfstream (26827) 3 balls of Canary (26810) These yarn quantities apply to all three sizes. See table for measurements. If you have trouble getting hold of Pucker, we suggest using Fairytale (26835) instead • A 5.5mm (US I/9) hook For yarn stockists contact KnitPicks www.knitpicks.com TENSION Individual squares measure: 13cm (5in) square for Small size 14cm (5›in) square for Medium size 15cm (6in) square for Large size All worked with a 5.5mm hook or size needed to obtain stated tension ABBREVIATIONS 2-dtr cluster (yrh twice, insert hook in st indicated, yrh and pull up loop, yrh and draw…

YOU WILL NEED • Debbie Bliss Rialto 4ply (100% wool, 50g/180m), 2 balls of each: Silver (47) Petal (52) Leaf (49) • A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook • Small pompom maker (3.5cm) For yarn stockists contact Designer Yarns 01535 664222 www.designeryarns.uk.com MEASUREMENTS Scarf measures 150x20cm (59x8in) Each motif measures 8x8cm (3x3in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Key This playful motif scarf doesn’t just have fluffy pompoms trimming the ends, oh no – they’re worked all the way through the design. In fact, there’s a whopping 48 pompoms used in total, so you’ll want to have a pompom maker handy to speed up the process. Pick three shades of 4ply yarn you love and start stitching right away. NOTES The scarf is made up…

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…

“Hook and yarn can be transformed into a token of kindness.” Want to know a secret? Those selfless acts of kindness demonstrated by crocheters who hook granny squares, beanies and blankets for charities? They’re not entirely selfless. In fact, let me be the first to admit that I’m a bit selfish by taking part in charity crochet. Seriously. Think about it – crochet, cake, camaraderie and a whole range of charities benefit from this? Time to climb on board the #crochetkind bandwagon! #CROCHETKIND MOVEMENT In late summer 2015, 18 women met up in a little village hall, deep in the English countryside. Most had never met in person, but armed with hooks and yarn, they sat down at little tables and started joining crocheted squares donated from around the world.…

Kara Gunza US stitcher Kara is the blogger behind Petals to Picots. She says: “My love of crochet started when I was little. I would sit and watch my grandmother crochet beautiful afghans, tablecloths, baby clothes, and so much more. When I was nine years old, she gave me my own hook (which I still have now, over 30 years later) and taught me how to crochet. And I’ve been crocheting ever since! I always have a project stashed in my bag.”You can find Kara sharing her patterns online at www.petalstopicots.com Sarah Shrimpton Sarah’s a crochet author and blogger based in the UK. You might know her as the face of Annaboo’s House. We asked her where she finds inspiration for her designs and she told us: “Sometimes…

YOU WILL NEED • Paintbox Simply DK (100% acrylic, 100g/276m) Yarn A Raspberry Pink (143) Yarn B Marine Blue (133) Yarn C Seville (118) Yarn D Buttercup Yellow (122) See table for yarn quantities and measurements • A 4mm (US G/6) hook • Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact Love Crochet 0845 544 2196 www.lovecrochet.com TENSION 16 sts and 8½ rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over tr group pattern using a 4mm hook ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 This design is beautifully simple. It’s planned around a granny square worked in trebles, with a gap left in the centre for attaching the hood. Matching cuffs are added for structure and cosiness, and you can make this poncho to fit children aged two to nine years.…

TUNISIAN JUMPER P46 If you’re not already familiar with it, Tunisian crochet is a wonderful technique that cleverly combines knitting and crochet to create interesting dense fabrics and pretty colour effects. While Tunisian crochet is most often worked flat, it’s actually incredibly easy to work in the round too. In this workshop, we’ll show you one simple method using spiral rounds. Working in the round means there are fewer or no seams to sew up, so the time you spend learning will save you time in the long run. All you need to start is some DK yarn and a 5mm double-ended hook. It can be straight or have a cable. You’ll need to use two balls of yarn – we’ve used two balls in the same colour, but you…

KATIE JONES Katie’s a British designer with her own sustainable knitwear label. Her outlandish crochet creations caught our eye and we just had to find out more. See page 72. MEREDITH CRAWFORD Known online as One Social Girl, US stitcher Meredith loves to share her passion for creativity. On page 98, she tells us all about her favourite crochet project to date. EMMA FRIEDLANDER-COLLINS Crafty author and blogger Emma is our guest columnist this month. On page 38, you’ll find her chatting about all things spring and her new School of Stitchcraft and Scissory. KATE HANCOCK Kate’s the amigurumi designer behind Patchwork Moose. This issue, she has whipped up an adorable kangaroo toy for us – complete with a tiny joey in the pouch! See page 40. OTHER CONTRIBUTORS Chrissie…

1 FLOWERS TO WEAR Colourful Swedish clothing brand Gudrun Sjoden ( www.gudrunsjoden.com ) can always be relied on for vibrant Scandi style, creative prints and a sustainable approach. We're loving their latest floral designs for spring. 2 LOVE CATH In sunny yellow with ginormous blooms, this ain't your usual Cath Kidston print. Shop for this Elvington cushion at www. cathkidston.com 3 IN YOUR HAIR We've got a major soft spot for Rifle Paper Co's pretty designs, and it's more than just stationery. How fab is this print? www. papermash.co.uk 4 SPOT ON Paperchase now stock products by sunny LA brand Ban.do, such as this covetable notebook. Go shopping at www. paperchase.co.uk 5 FRIDA'S FLOWERS Kahlo-inspired crochet?…

YOU WILL NEED Quantities of yarn given are enough to complete the entire blanket. You will need both colourways 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 B Cyan Blue (8891) Yarn D Granny Smith Green (8914) Yarn F Azure (8892) Yarn H California Poppy (7826) Colourway 2 • 1 skein of each: Yarn A Bright Red (8414) Yarn G Cerise (7802) Yarn C Deep Lavender (8762) Yarn E Lagoon (7812) 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 up of…

“Playing with colour is a blissful way to spend your time.” Being a crochet designer, I consider myself incredibly lucky. I write patterns for all sorts of people, from yarn companies and magazines to my own books. And while inspiration can strike in the most unlikely of situations, sometimes you have to hunt it down. Inspiration can be found all over the place. Frankly I’m a horror to take to the cinema as I spend a lot of time looking at the knitwear and costumes (I mean, have you seen the jumpers in Paddington Bear or the incredible garments in The Hunger Games?) and not so much time on plot, character development or just generally what’s going on. I also get a lot of inspiration from the people around me.…

YOU WILL NEED • Cascade 220 (100% Peruvian Highland wool, 100g/200m) Yarn A Hot Pink (9469) Yarn B Blaze (9542) For measurements and yarn quantities see table • A 5mm (US G/6) Tunisian double-ended hook • Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact LoveCrochet 0845 544 2196 www.lovecrochet.com TENSION 17 sts and 14 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over Tunisian Pattern Stitch in the round using a 5mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension 15 sts and 17 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over Tunisian Simple Stitch in the round using a 5mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Width a: 48 ( 53 : 58 : 62 )cm 19 ( 20 ¾ : 22¾ : 24½)in…

YOU WILL NEED • Hoooked Ribbon XL (80% cotton, 20% synthetic, 250g/120m), 3 balls of Silver Grey (41) 1 ball of Pearl White (28) • A 7mm (US K/10½ or L/11) hook • Safety pins or locking stitch markers For yarn stockists contact Hoooked www.hoooked.co.uk MEASUREMENTS Main bag measures 30cm (11¾in) diameter Height of bag including strap 64cm (25in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Yep, it’s a cat handbag. What can we say? We’re obsessed. Use super-chunky yarn for this playful, easy-to-hook accessory by Frank&Olive. Their wonderfully simple design is sturdy, spacious and fairly quick to create. And did you know that all of Hoooked’s yarns are made with recycled fibres? That makes it practically purrfect. NOTES Front and Back pieces are made separately. The…

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…

Just when the dull, grey days of winter seem to never end, the Unravel Festival in February offers a dose of yarn therapy. The ninth annual festival, held at The Maltings in Farnham, Surrey, brought together more than 70 exhibitors selling artisan yarns, fibre supplies and accessories. DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE Part of the fun is getting lost down a corridor in the higgledy-piggledy building and happening upon vendors like Sparkleduck (www.sparkleduck.com), with wire crates full of bold colours and glittery yarns. I wandered downstairs and swooned at Stranded Dyeworks (strandeddyeworks.co.uk) and Hill View Farm (www.hillviewmoments.com). This was one of the highlights of the show – no two stands were alike. Perhaps due to the nature of hand-dyed fibre, or a credit to the organisers, but the yarns were varied…

YOU WILL NEED • UK Alpaca Superfine Alpaca DK (75% superfine alpaca, 25% wool, 50g/112m) 3 balls of Yarn A Lunar Grey 1 ball of Yarn B Grey • A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook • A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook • Two 20mm safety eyes • Polyester toy stuffing • Stitch markers • Strong thread for stitching jointed limbs • Black embroidery thread For yarn stockists contact UK Alpaca 01884 243579 www.ukalpaca.com MEASUREMENTS Kangaroo measures approx 30cm (12in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Aren’t these just the cutest marsupials you ever did see? This mother and baby amigurumi duo are stitched with a wool and alpaca blend DK, so it’s supersoft and has a fuzzy halo for a furry look. The arms and…

1 The first stitches of the forward pass in the stitch pattern will be a Tss2tog followed by a yarn over. Continue working (Tss2tog, yo) for the forward pass. 2 When you are ready to work the return pass, insert the hook under the next stitch after the last yo. This will keep the yo in place before you work the return pass. 3 Turn work and pick up Yarn B to work the return pass. Do not work the stitch shown by the arrow; this is the one used to anchor the yo. Turn to work the forward pass at this point. 4 Your hook should already be under the first stitch needed for your Tss2tog on the forward pass. Insert the hook under the next st and complete…

CELEB SPOTTING Join The Handmade Fair hosts Kirstie Allsopp on Friday, skincare guru Liz Earle on Saturday, and The Great British Sewing Bee star, Patrick Grant, on Sunday – they’ll all be hosting exclusive sessions in the Super Theatre. Plus, see craft favourites including Chinelo Bally, Christine Leech and Erika Knight. In fact, Kirstie herself will be chatting with designer Erika Knight on Friday afternoon in the Super Theatre, finding out more about her crochet and knitwear patterns and her yarn range. HANDS-ON CRAFTING Whether you want to try a new craft, or pick up tips and tricks from the experts, enjoy hands-on workshops throughout the weekend. From willow weaving to watercolours, calligraphy to block printing, you’re guaranteed to leave feeling inspired – and with a make to take away.…

YOU WILL NEED • Knitpicks Shine Worsted (60% pima cotton, 40% modal, 50g/69m), 2 balls of each: Reef (23806) French Blue (24779) Serrano (24496) Serenade (24497) Green Apple (25352) Macaw (25360) Grapefruit (25781) Dandelion (25357) Currant (25362) • A 5mm (US H/8) hook For yarn stockists contact KnitPicks www.knitpicks.com MEASUREMENTS 77x130cm (30x51in) excluding tassels ABBREVIATIONS V-stitch (V-st) (tr, ch1, tr) in same stitch Dc V-st (dc, ch1, dc) in same stitch 3-tr cluster (3-tr cl) (Yrh, insert hook in space/st indicated, yrh and pull up loop, yrh and draw through 2 loops) 3 times, inserting the hook in the same space/st each time, yrh and draw through all loops on hook 2-tr cluster (2-tr cl) As above, but work () twice. Cluster decrease (cl dec) Work a 3-tr…

‘My designs take inspiration from nature, my garden and folklore’ Gudrun Sjödén’s colourful and playful creations are a breath of fresh air. The Scandinavian designer has made it her life’s mission to create beautiful, joyful and comfortable clothes that make women of all ages, shapes and sizes feel good about themselves. Gudrun, a textile artist by trade, launched the brand in the 1970s, and her love of textiles, craftsmanship and sustainability is woven into the very fibre of her business. She takes inspiration from nature, her garden and the folklore she’s encountered on her travels around the world, and that’s reflected in her designs. A FASHION PHENOMENON Over the last 40 years, Gudrun Sjödén has become so much more than a brand. It’s grown into a global celebration of…

SO IN LOVE There are no two ways about it –this take on our issue 54 February mandala is simply stunning. The smooth cotton yarn makes those colourful stitches sing. Well done@sallyhepple. HALFWAY THERE The unicorn-tastic pastel shades of Lang Mille Colori Baby Yarn that @funkycrochet is using to hook her shawlette from issue 42 are totally delicious. A lovely project for springtime. SOME BUNNY Creative reader @kjbusby14 has put her own spin on the amigurumi bunny from issue 54 by stitching it in pink instead! A bit of pretty ribbon completes the look - all ready for Easter.…

PSST Win the yarn to make this! YOU WILL NEED • King Cole Giza Cotton 4ply (100% cotton, 50g/158m), 1 ball of each: Yarn D Silver (2193) Yarn E Glacier (2194) Yarn I Bluebell (2198) Yarn N Green (2203) Yarn Q Yellow (2206) Yarn R Grey (2207) • A 2.5mm (US B/1 or C/2) hook For yarn stockists, contact King Cole 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com MEASUREMENTS 17.5cm (6›in) diameter ABBREVIATIONS Double treble 2 together (dtr2tog) (yrh twice, insert hook in next st, yrh and pull up loop, (yrh and draw through 2 loops) twice) twice, yrh and draw through all loops on hook Three double treble cluster (3-dtr cluster) (yrh, insert hook in next st, yrh and pull up loop, yrh and draw through 2 loops) 4 times, yrh…