Innehållsförteckning för Issue 62 från Simply Crochet

As we speak, I’m about to head off on a trip from the Scottish Isles to the Faroes. Of course, I’m packing plenty of crochet! What could be more apt than our stunning tartan and plaid collection? It’s spot on for getting to grips with new techniques as our designers have come up with three inventive ways to create plaid effects in crochet. And then Halloween isn’t far off either, so you’ll find crafty treats and costume ideas in this issue, too. I’ve got a real soft spot for Ilaria Caliri’s Day of the Dead-inspired doll (p30). Happy hooking!…

CROCHETED BABY SHOES VAL PIERCE (£4.99, Search Press) Baby shoes make a great gift for little ones, and this collection of 20 designs will have you oohing and aaahing. Find advice on how to adjust the size to fit baby’s toes and have fun creating all the fun details. Our faves include pastel bootees, pompom pumps, strawberry shoes and sweet slippers. CROCHETED ANIMAL HATS NICKI TRENCH (£12.99, CICO Books) With her trademark gorgeous designs, easy-to-follow patterns and clear photos, Nicki’s collection of 35 fun animal hats is a winner. Learn to create whiskers, ears, eyes and noses and keep kids, babies and grown-ups cosy in cute topper designs, including birds, insects, pets, wild animals and even a dinosaur. COLORFUL CROCHET MARIANNE DEKKERS-ROOS (£14.95, Tuva) Inject some colour into your crochet…

YOU WILL NEED • Patons Wool Aran, (100% wool, 50g/85m), Yarn A Cherry (231) Yarn B Merlot (232) Yarn C Mocca (212) 1 ball of each for all sizes: Yarn D Camel (205) Yarn E Olive (271) See table for measurements and yarn quantities • A 4mm (US G/6) hook • 2cm (3/4in) wide elastic (approx 20cm longer than waistband) • Pins For yarn stockists contact MEZ Crafts 01484 950630 www.mezcrafts.co.uk TENSION 22sts and 19 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over pattern using a 4mm hook or size required to obtain tension ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Forgo the complex pleats and hook a tartan mini instead of going full kilt. It’s worked in the round so there’s no seaming to worry about, and all…

“This year I’m using a little amigurumi to create candy skulls.” Every household has its favourite time of year. For some, it’s the summer with the promise of long hot days, paddling in the sea and picnics in the park. For others it’s Christmas, with trees already up and decorated by December 1st, pressies and cards being lovingly made and heaps of cosy nights in. For me, it has to be autumn. As the end of September creeps around with its final flourish of berries, and the evenings crisp up with frost through the lovely, long October nights, a childlike sense of excitement grips me. I don’t know if it’s the changing colours of the leaves, exploding with their ruby and gold hues, or if it’s the joy of being…

PSST Hooked in cosy British wool! YOU WILL NEED • Baa Ram Ewe Titus 4ply (75% British wool, 25% UK alpaca, 100g/320m), Yarn A Eccup (06) Yarn B Bramley Baths (12) For measurements and yarn quantities see table • A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook • Stitch markers • 5 ( 5 : 5 : 5 : 7 : 7 ) 10/12mm buttons For yarn stockists contact Baa Ram Ewe 0113 278 1788 www.baaramewe.co.uk TENSION 11 dc3tog (pattern repeats) and 24 rows measure 10x10cm (4x4in) square over Trinity Stitch with 3.5mm hook. Please note this is an elastic fabric and tension should be measured on a blocked sample, measured flat. ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 If you’re investing time in stitching something to wear, it should…

For our 2017 limited edition Simply Crochet colourway, we asked Kim from Golding Yarns to dream up something special. She did not disappoint! Her Sherbet Fizz sock set includes an eye-popping skein of hand-dyed 4ply and a neon mini skein to go with it. Perfect for our contrasting crochet socks on p67. Can you tell us a bit about you and your yarns? I’m a part-time dyer, full-time teacher and deputy head, living and working in Norwich. I work out of my studio shed in the back garden, often accompanied by Peggy-Sue the basset hound X beagle and my two cats, Wilson and Warrick. I love to dye brightly-coloured, speckled skeins of yarn inspired by TV, film and pop culture. What’s your workspace like? The studio is full of inspirational…

YOU WILL NEED • Adriafil Mirage (55% wool, 45% acrylic, 50g/125m), 7 balls of Yarn A Medium Melange Beige (93) 1 ball of each: Yarn B Dark Rust (23) Yarn C Melange Hazelnut (91), Yarn D Melange Anthracite Grey (54) Yarn E Cream (11) • A 4.5mm (US 7) hook • A 30x40cm (12x16in) cushion pad for each cushion • Tapestry needle For yarn stockists contact LoveCrochet 0845 544 2196 www.lovecrochet.com TENSION 22sts and 25 rows to measure 10x10cm over dc using a 4.5mm hook or size needed to obtain tension ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Embrace vintage vibes with this sweet woodland creatures cushion duo. The hare and badger look like they’re worked in cross stitch or needlepoint, but it’s all just double crochet…

PSST Win the yarn to make this! YOU WILL NEED • King Cole Giza Cotton 4ply (100% cotton, 50g/158m), 1 ball of each: Brown (2205), Yellow (2206), Grey (2207), Silver (2193), Green (2203), Argent (2249) • A 2.5mm (US B/1 or C/2) hook For yarn stockists, contact King Cole 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com MEASUREMENTS 17cm (63/4in) diameter 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 hook 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…

YOU WILL NEED • Rico Creative Cotton Aran (100% cotton, 50g/85m), 3 balls of Yarn A Light Pistachio (44) 2 balls of Yarn B Black (90) and 1 ball of Yarn C White (80) • A 4mm (US G/6) hook • Bag handles • Black fabric for lining, approx 35x75cm (14x30in) (optional – see notes) For yarn stockists contact Deramores 0845 519 4573 www.deramores.com TENSION A single diamond motif measures 13cm (5in) across at widest point and 21cm (8¼in) in height using a 4mm hook MEASUREMENTS 28x32cm (11x12½in) excluding handles ABBREVIATIONS Popcorn St 5tr in the next st, drop the loop from the hook, insert hook in first tr of 5-tr group, pick up dropped loop and pull through the first tr For a full list, see page…

YOU WILL NEED • Rico Creative Cotton Aran 100% cotton, 50g/85m), 4 balls of Yarn A Black (90) 3 balls of Yarn B White (80) 1 ball of Yarn C Light Pistachio (44) • A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook • 2 bag handles For yarn stockists contact Deramores 0845 519 4573 www.deramores.com MEASUREMENTS 43x31cm (17x12›in) excluding handles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 of Simply Crochet We reckon this brilliant bag will become the most reached-for accessory in your wardrobe. Cool classic hound’s tooth pattern? Check. Roomy enough for all your essentials (and at least three WIPS)? Check. And that’s the tooth. NOTE For the Base and Bag Sides, work in the round without closing off each round with a slip stitch. You may find it…

YOU WILL NEED • Paintbox Yarns Simply Aran (100% acrylic, 100g/184m), 1 ball of each: Buttercup Yellow (222), Tomato Red (212), Mandarin Orange (217), Neon Pink (256), Rich Mauve (244), Grass Green (229), Evergreen (230), Spearmint Green (225) Paper White (200) • A 5mm (US H/8) hook • A small amount of dark 4ply cotton yarn for features • Toy stuffing for skulls • Wreath base (internal diameter 20cm/7¾in) MEASUREMENTS Finished wreath approx 35cm (13¾in) diameter Tassel 15cm (6in) long Flowers 5cm (2in) diameter Leaves 5cm (2in) long Skulls 6cm (2½in) tall ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 of Simply Crochet NOTES The skulls are worked using the amigurumi method. Work in a continuous spiral without closing off each round with a ss. You may find it helpful…

BRYONY HITCHCOCK Bryony is super-organised – she’s already started planning Christmas makes (should we panic yet?). In fact, her woodland cushions would make amazing gifts for wildlife lovers. P73. KIM LAUDAN Indie dyer Kim is the busy bee behind Golding Yarns. She’s also a teacher and is sharing some hand-dyeing wisdom and all the goss on her special Simply Crochet sock skein set on p58. ROHN STRONG US stitcher Rohn has a thing for crochet socks. This issue, he’s designed a stonking neon pair for us (p67), and has 10 top tips to get you hooked on sock making too – see p65. KIRSTEN BALLERING You’ll probably recognise Haakmaarraak blogger Kirsten as the designer of the fabulous Hygge crochet-along. Flip to p98 to get the skinny on her favourite project.…

PUMP IT UP A pumpkin of almost Cinderella-esque proportions that you can sit on? Oh, yes. Visit www.repeatcrafterme.com  for the Yarnspirations lookbook crochet pattern. We’re pretty pumped about this one. LET’S HANG OUT Creepy amigurumi gets two thumbs up from us. Lalylala’s frightfully cute 4 Seasons Halloween Special pattern trio can be found at www.lalylala.com SUGAR SKULL This skull brownie cake is just begging to be decorated with sweets. You’ll need the nifty Skull Tube Cake Pan from www. wilton.com . Bake Off, watch your back. BERNAT POP We’re loving Bernat Pop’s Halloweeny shades. It's a very yummy gradient cake yarn made from 100% acrylic. Shop at www.wool  warehouse.co.uk GOTTA HAVE GLITZ Keep things classy and do Halloween the…

YOU WILL NEED • Scheepjes Secret Garden (20% silk, 20% cotton, 60% polyester, 93m/50g), 2 balls of each: Yarn A Herb Garden (702) Yarn B Secluded Lake (703) Yarn C Stepping stones (710) 4 balls of Yarn D Lily Pond (709) • A 4mm (US G/6) hook • Stitch markers • Tapestry needle For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com MEASUREMENTS 235x45cm (92½x17¾in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Designer Sue Pinner says: “This long wrap with it’s decorative triangle edging and graduating circles was inspired by Nettipattam, the ornaments worn by elephants in Kerala’s ceremonies and festivals.” It’s a statement accessory that would be showstopping in any shades. BASIC CIRCLE PATTERN Using Yarn A, make a magic loop with 8 wraps of the yarn around your…

Sylvia Margaret “Elaborate collars are my crochet trademark. I wanted to keep it classy and with the time invested in making, I wanted it to be something that could be worn more than once. So, thinking ‘Halloween party’, I thought 'what would Morticia Addams wear?' This led to me create a Victorian Gothic-style high neck piece. At first glance it just looks like a fancy collar, but look again and you can see the skulls – a real talking piece that would transform any little black dress.” See www.sylviamargaret.co.uk Miki Hemphill Miki is a self-confessed crochet addict, yarn hoarder and crazy cat lady. She loves bright colours and modern boho vibes, sharing her makes and patterns on her Set Free My Gypsy Soul blog at www.sfmgs.co.uk…

GRANNY CIRCLE Ch5, ss to first ch to join into a ring. ROUND 1 Ch3 (counts as tr throughout), tr into ring, ch1, (2tr into ring, ch1) 5 times, ss to top of beg ch-3. [6 ch-sps] ROUND 2 Ss into next ch-sp, (ch3, tr, ch1, 2tr, ch1) in same ch-sp, (2tr, ch1, 2tr, ch1) in each rem ch-sp, ss to top of beg ch-3. [12 ch-sps] ROUND 3 Ss along to next ch-sp, ch3, 2tr in same ch-sp, ch1, (3tr, ch1) in each rem ch-sp around, ss to top of beg ch-3. FASTEN OFF and weave in ends. DI GILPIN LALLAND WEIGHT DK CONTENT 100% lambswool, BALL 50g/175m HOOK 3.75mm RRP £7.95 Get the vintage look with this 100% Scottish lambswool yarn that’s made in Scotland, too. It’s a…

Right now, my Spicy Diamond blanket is my favourite crochet make. There are a lot of happy memories attached to this blanket. It’s also special as it is out of my normal palette. Usually I gravitate towards projects with lots of colour. For this one I chose a more muted palette – way out of my comfort zone but I’m so happy with it! I made this blanket on holiday in Spain. The first ‘real’ holiday I took with my then-boyfriend, now husband. We just got in the car and drove all the way down to Spain with me crocheting the motifs. I was working on joining this blanket on the beach there. It was hot and I was just buried in heaps of blanket, joining. People must have thought…

PSST Our charts will help you tackle tapestry crochet YOU WILL NEED • Rico Creative Cotton Aran (100% cotton, 50g/85m), 2 balls of each: Yarn A White (80) Yarn B Black (90) 1 ball of Yarn C Light Pistachio (44) • A 4mm (US G/6) hook • 2 bag handles For yarn stockists contact Deramores 0845 519 4573 www.deramores.com MEASUREMENTS 27x21cm (10½x8¼in) excluding handles Panel before seaming measures 40x40.5cm (15¾x16in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 of Simply Crochet Add some serious chic to your wardrobe with this striking black and white accessory with contrasting trim. The circle design looks really impressive but is easy to achieve with some clever colour changes and simple stitches. NOTE The Bag is made as one flat panel, and then…

YOU WILL NEED • Scheepjes Catona (100% cotton, 50g/130m), 1 ball of each: Yarn A Jet Black (110) Yarn B Tyrian Purple (128) • Scheepjes Catona (100% cotton, 25g/62.5m), 1 ball of each: Yarn C Bridal White (105) Yarn D Candy Apple (516) Yarn E Emerald (515) Yarn F Tropic (253) Yarn G Petrol Blue (400) • A 2.5mm (US B/1 or C/2) hook • Black tulle fabric (2 pieces 48x8cm/19x3in) • A pair of safety eyes approx 8mm diameter • 1 small button (10mm) • Sewing pins • Tapestry and sewing needle • Stitch markers • Toy stuffing • Adhesive tape For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com MEASUREMENTS Doll measures 27cm (10›in) tall ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 This little lady’s all dressed up…

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 • King Cole Bamboo Cotton (50% bamboo viscose, 50% cotton, 100g/230m), Yarn A Jaffa (3049) Yarn B Earth (626) Yarn C White (530) See table for yarn quantities and measurements • A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook • 6 medium wooden buttons • A small amount of toy stuffing (for the tail) • Tapestry needle For yarn stockists contact King Cole 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com TENSION 20 sts and 24 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over double crochet using a 3mm hook or size required to obtain tension ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Make woodland walks (or just nipping to the shops) way more whimsical with the cutest of hooded cardigans. This foxy project even has a tail and is sized for…

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…

PSST 100% cotton gives a crisp, clean finish YOU WILL NEED • Rico Creative Cotton Aran (100% cotton, 50g/85m), 6 balls of Yarn A Black (90) 3 balls of Yarn B White (80) 1 ball of Yarn C Light Pistachio (44) • A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook • Stitch markers • 1 bag handle For yarn stockists contact Deramores 0845 519 4573 www.deramores.com MEASUREMENTS Approx 31x37cm (12¼x14½in) excluding handle ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 of Simply Crochet Monochrome kitties with glowing green eyes? Oh yeah. Get in on the rucksack trend by hooking this beauty. The striking pattern and shape is a nod to woven Colombian Mochila bags and is achieved with tapestry crochet. NOTE From Round 2, work in the round without closing off…