Innehållsförteckning för Issue 60 från Simply Crochet

This issue is about taking your crochet out into the wild, whether that’s with creative ideas for your garden (crochet teepee anyone? p15), or getting stuck into a yarnbombing project. We’re chuffed that Lucy from Attic24 not only designed an amazing mandala hoop for us, she also picked the beautiful, summery colour palette for our main collection (p20). Another of my issue 60 faves is the dotty vest by Simone Francis (p40) – such a clever pattern! Whatever you hook this month, I hope your crochet takes you somewhere new.…

FREEFORM CROCHET CAROL MELDRUM (£10.99, Search Press) Starting with a guide to techniques and stitches, Carol leads you through 30 freeform projects, with chapters focusing on different motifs. Whether you opt for a bright shopper bag with a circular motif, a scarf with a mix of squares and stripes, or a neck warmer with organic spiked circle shapes, there’s plenty to inspire you to get freestyling. SIMPLE CHIC CROCHET MRS MOON ( £12.99, CICO Books) We’re big fans of Mrs Moon's (Susan Ritchie and Karen Miller) effortlessly cool style and this book showcases 35 of their latest stylish designs. Adorn your home with cushions, rugs and blankets, pep up your wardrobe with showstopping shawls and tops, plus make toys and hats for kids or a cardi for baby. All the…

YOU WILL NEED • Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK (100% cotton, 50g/125m), 1 ball of each: Candyfloss Pink (149) Dusty Rose (141) Seafoam Blue (131) Duck Egg Blue (135) Pistachio Green (124) Peach Orange (154) Banana Cream (120) Bubblegum Pink (150) • A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook • Toy stuffing For yarn stockists contact LoveCrochet 0845 544 2196 www.lovecrochet.com MEASUREMENTS 8cm (3in) long excluding tails ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Did you know that a group of mice is called a mischief? These amigurumi sugar mice look like they’re up to no good! NOTES The mice are worked from tail to nose using the amigurumi method. Work in a continuous spiral without closing off each round with a slip stitch. You may find it helpful to…

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 G Cerise (7802) Yarn D Granny Smith Green (8914) Yarn E Lagoon (7812) Yarn B Cyan Blue (8891) Colourway 2 • 1 skein of each: Yarn C Deep Lavender (8762) Yarn H California Poppy (7826) Yarn A Bright Red (8414) Yarn F Azure (8892) MEASUREMENTS Each square meas 20x20cm (8x8in) Finished blanket meas 144x94cm (56½x37in) ABBREVIATIONS Spike St Work a dc stitch in the place indicated, drawing it up to the…

1 Begin working a treble as usual: yrh, insert hook under top two loops of next stitch on prev row, yrh, pull loop through (3 loops on hook), yrh and pull through first 2 loops (2 loops on hook). 2 Without finishing the first tr, begin the next tr, working yrh, insert hook in next stitch on prev row. Again, work yrh and pull loop through, yrh and pull through first 2 loops (3 loops on hook). 3 Now complete both the treble stitches together by working yrh and pull this loop through all 3 loops on the hook. 4 This is how your completed tr2tog should look. You will have neatly decreased one tr stitch. On subsequent rows, you can simply work a stitch into the top of the…

1 To make a half treble crochet stitch, work to where you want the htr and then wind the yarn round the hook (yrh). 2 Insert the hook under the top two loops of the next stitch in the previous row. Wrap yarn around the hook again (yrh). 3 Pull the yarn through the stitch only (3 loops on hook). 4 Yarn round hook again, pull the yarn through all 3 loops. You’ve made a half treble crochet. Continue working htr into next and following sts to the end of the row.…

YOU WILL NEED • Scheepjes Alpaca Rhythm (80% alpaca, 20% extra fine wool, 200m/25g), 1 ball of each: Yarn A Twist (655) Yarn B Polka (656) Yarn C Quickstep (651) 2 balls of each: Yarn D Robotic (654) Yarn F Vogue (661) 3 balls of Yarn E Bop (670) • A 3.25mm (US D/3) hook • A stitch marker For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com TENSION 1 motif measures 14x14cm (5›x5›in) before blocking 26 sts and 9 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) on ttr side of stripe patt MEASUREMENTS Approx 200cm (79in) length x 53cm (21in) at motif end ABBREVIATIONS puff st (Yrh, insert hook in st indicated, yrh, pull up loop) 4 times, yrh, draw yarn through all loops on hook beg-tr Ch1, dc in same st,…

EMMA LEITH Artist and crochet designer Emma is chatting about some of her yarnbombing antics on p70 and sharing her most precious hooky project with us on p98. It’s a good ‘un. ERINNA LEE We first spotted Erinna’s amigurumi on Instagram (she’s @littleaquagirl) and had to find out more. On p44 she’s spilling the beans about what it’s like to run an Etsy store with your mum. RACHEL WAIN Hookster and sewist Rachel has transformed one of our fave childhood treats into an adorable amigurumi design. You can find her cheeky sugar mice hiding on p27. TWINKIE CHAN Twinkie is our guest columnist this month. She’s been thinking about how us crocheters approach trends and is giving us the skinny on how she (eventually) fell for cacti. Hard. See p38.…

NOTHING BUT NEON This isn't the image the mind usually conjures up when picturing garden twine! You can get a whole crate of Nutscene's neon twine for £19.99 at www.oakroom  shop.co.uk – fab for mats and baskets. JUST POTTY Spruce up plant pots with this rainbow popcorn stitch cosy by Miki at Set Free My Gypsy Soul. The pattern is free at www.sfmgs.co.uk LOW MAINTENANCE No garden? No problem. Stitch your own succulents with our cactus duo by Ilaria Caliri from issue 59. See p94 for info on how to get hold of our back issues. IN THE HUT If sitting on the actual ground isn't your thing, keep things classy yet bohemian with a jazzy pouffe. www.boutique  camping.com LIGHT IT UP When we first…

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…

"My instinct is to avoid what's trending." "My love has turned into an obsession. I want to make cactus everything!" "Can you give it a personal twist?" Trends are fickle and fascinating. As makers, we have the choice to craft along with what’s popular, feel part of a greater creative community, and even make money by supplying a current demand. Remember when everything at the craft fairs had moustaches on them? Skull and crossbones? Owls? My advice to people starting a crafty business has always been to buck the trends and not be a trend follower but be a trend setter. I honestly believe that standing out uniquely (and perhaps oddly) is the only way that my own brand got off the ground. I have always been…

YOU WILL NEED • Scheepjes Catona (100% mercerized cotton, 50g/125m), 1 ball of each: Yarn A Jet black (110) Yarn B Poppy rose (390) Yarn C Linen (505) • A 2.5 mm (US B/1 or C/2) hook • Stitch markers • Toy stuffing • Safety eyes • Pipe cleaners (optional) • Tapestry needle For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com MEASUREMENTS Ladybird measures 20cm (8in) tall ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 If you’ve caught the amigurumi bug, this tubby ladybird needs to be right at the top of your to-hook list. As well as being a snappy dresser (polka dots never go out of style) she’s an inquisitive creature, forever tottering about on her tiny legs, looking for adventure. Grab cotton 4ply in black, red and…

LINO PRINTING If you've always fancied giving printing a go, you've got to try lino-cut stamping – it's easy and a little bit addictive. Join top London stamping expert Zeena Shah to learn how to create a geometric floral stamp before printing onto paper to create unique gift card designs. Plus, you’ll get to keep your handmade stamp so you can carry on making personalised designs at home. Join Zeena’s Skills Workshop at 2.30pm every day – be sure to secure your space when you book your Full Experience tickets online. AIR DRY CLAY It may be that we’ve watched too many episodes of The Great Pottery Throw Down, but we’re pretty certain that crafting with clay is having a bit of a moment. It’s easy to feel intimidated at…

SUCH A SQUARE A spot of Saturday morning crochet for @clare_wil. We were delighted to spot such a fab version of our issue 55 Vibrant Squares Throw on her feed. Those little squares are amazingly neat. SWEET ON YOU @thepigeonsnest has been hooking the Frank&Olive doughnut tunic dress from issue 58 for her friend’s daughter, with snacks to fuel the making. We’re loving those sugary shades. BUNNY LOVE Our favourite thing about this bunny rabbit, named Miss B? That contrasting pink foot and floppy ear! Such sweet details. @azeenm hooked her using the Run Rabbit pattern from issue 54.…

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 • Scheepjes Softfun Aquarel (60% cotton, 40% acrylic, 50g/140m), 4 balls of Yarn A Cloudscape (804) • Scheepjes Softfun (60% cotton, 40% acrylic, 50g/140m), 1 ball of Yarn B 2489 • Scheepjes Softfun Denim (60% cotton, 40% acrylic, 50g/140m), 4 balls of Yarn C 517 • A 4.5mm (US 7) hook For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com TENSION 14sts and 8 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over treble crochet using a 4.5mm hook MEASUREMENTS Finished project size: 170x50cm (67x20in) ABBREVIATIONS V-stitch (v-st) (tr, ch3, tr) in st indicated For a full list, see page 92 of Simply Crochet magazine The painterly effect of this lovely shawl is easy to achieve with the gentle washes of colour in these yarns. Which leaves you free to enjoy…

YOU WILL NEED • Scheepjes Catona (100% cotton, 50g/125m), 2 balls of Yarn A Lilac Mist (399) 1 ball of each of Yarn B colours: Champagne (248) Light Orchid (226) Peach (523) Lime Juice (392) Kiwi (205) Soft Rose (409) Old Rose (408) Candle Light (101) • A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook • A stitch marker For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com TENSION Each Hexagon measures 4cm (1½in) corner to corner MEASUREMENTS The shawl is 13½ motifs and 54cm (21¼in) in height, 51 motifs and 179cm (70½in) wide ABBREVIATIONS 2-tr cluster (yrh, insert hook in st indicated, yrh and pull up loop, yrh and draw through 2 loops) twice, inserting the hook in the same st each time, yrh and draw through all 3 loops on…

Rachele Carmona “My shawl was inspired by the beautiful blue orchid. Its vibrant blue and deep violet petals are a sight to see, and perfect colours for matching back to a lovely yarn like Scheepjes Alpaca Rhythm. My tip for anyone making this shawl would be to take your time with the stitch count on the striped section. It’s worth it! And don’t skip blocking, as it makes for an elegant piece that pleasantly contrasts with the chic stripes.” www.cypresstextiles.net Esther De Beer “This design was inspired by my travels through Morocco. It’s really not that hard to be mesmerized by Morocco – it’s a country that tickles all your senses. I was blown away by the colourful handmade scarves, shoes and bags I saw when I strolled the markets…

PSST Cropped sleeves and cute motibs? Yes please! YOU WILL NEED • Scheepjes Stone Washed (78% cotton, 22% acrylic, 130m/50g), Red Jasper (807) For yarn quantities and measurements, see table • A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com TENSION 17 sts and 9.5 rows to meas 10x10cm (4x4in) over treble crochet using a 3.5mm hook or size needed to obtain tension Each motif measures 7x7cm ABBREVIATIONS 3-dtr cluster *yrh twice, insert hook in st indicated, yrh and pull up loop, (yrh and draw through 2 loops) twice; rep from * twice more, inserting the hook in the same st each time, yrh and draw through all 4 loops on hook 4-dtr cluster *yrh twice, insert hook in st indicated, yrh and pull up loop,…

YOU WILL NEED • DMC Petra Cotton 3 (100% cotton, 100g/280m), 1 ( 1 : 1 : 2 ) balls of Yarn A 05310 (black) 1 ball of each: 5907 (green) 53326 (pink) 5608 (peach) 53849 (teal) 5742 (yellow) See table for measurements • A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook • A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook • Tapestry needle For yarn stockists contact DMC 0116 275 4000 www.dmc.com TENSION 1 circle with a ch6 extension measures 6cm (2›in) using a 3mm hook for circle and 3.5mm hook for main st ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Like a series of dots and dashes, this quirky top is worked as a very loose mesh studded with multicoloured dots. Think mini, one-round circles, skinny straps and crochet…

YOU WILL NEED • byClaire No. 1 Cotton, (100% cotton, 50g/125m), 7 balls of each: Light yellow (309) Bright yellow (2180) Or alternatively; Schachenmayr Catania, (100% cotton, 50g/125m), 7 balls of each: Vanille (403) Sonne (208) • A 4mm (US G/6) hook • A 4.5 mm (US 7) hook • Stitch markers • Lining fabric 100x140cm (40x55in) • Prym bag strap 3m x 32mm wide For yarn stockists contact LoveCrochet 0845 544 2196 www.lovecrochet.com TENSION 16sts x 13 rows to measure 10x10 cm (4x4in) over htr using a 4mm hook and 2 strands held together MEASUREMENTS Bag meas 60cm (23¾in) wide and 46cm (18in) high without handles The motif meas 11x11cm (4¼x4¼in) ABBREVIATIONS 3-tr cluster (yrh, insert hook in st indicated, yrh and pull up loop, yrh and…

YOU WILL NEED • King Cole Giza Cotton 4ply (100% cotton, 50g/158m), 1 ball of each: Pink (2192) Red (2202) Orange (2204) Cream (2191) Rosehip (2197) Amber (2200) • A 2.5mm (US B/1 or C/2) hook For yarn stockists, contact King Cole 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com MEASUREMENTS 18cm (7in) diameter ABBREVIATIONS Picot Ch3, ss to third ch from hook Spike St Work a dc in place indicated, drawing the stitch up to the height of the current row 5-dtr cluster *yrh twice, insert hook in st indicated, yrh and pull up loop, (yrh and draw through 2 loops) twice; repeat from * 4 more times, inserting hook in the same st each time, yrh and draw through all 6 loops on hook For a full list, see page…

YOU WILL NEED • Scheepjes Sunkissed (100% cotton, 50g/170m), 2 balls of Yarn A Strawberry Ice (09) • Scheepjes Cotton 8 (100% cotton, 50g/170m), 2 balls of Yarn B Light Pink (718) • A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook • 106 x 6mm light pink glass beads For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com  Also available from your favourite yarn store TENSION Tension is not critical for this project MEASUREMENTS Final size is approximately 130cm (53in) at its widest point and 50cm (20in) deep ABBREVIATIONS 3-tr cluster (yrh, insert hook in st indicated, yrh and pull up loop, yrh and draw through 2 loops) 3 times, inserting the hook in the same st each time, yrh and draw through all 4 loops on hook For a full list,…