Innehållsförteckning för Issue 65 från Simply Crochet

This issue we’re taking pause before launching into 2018 by hooking up gorgeous accessories to decorate our homes – with this chilly weather, we’re spending a lot more time indoors, so we can appreciate them! If you haven’t tried combining crafts before, we thoroughly recommend a bit of cross stitch. Easy, chic and oh-so effective (see page 20). Then, turn to page 68 and take stock with our feature on mindfulness – it seems us crocheters already have a headstart… And, of course, we wish you a happy, hooky new year!…

LITTLE HAPPY CIRCUS TINE NIELSEN (£14.99, Sewandso) Roll up, roll up… the circus is coming to town with this latest book by Tine Nielsen. You can crochet your own parade of amigurumi circus characters, with 12 patterns to choose from, including a clown, a strongman, an elephant, a walrus… even some popcorn. They’re great toys to hook up for children’s birthdays. COWLING AROUND VALERIE BRACEGIRDLE (£10, Wheatsheaf Print) Get your cowl on with this fab collection of nine crochet designs by inspirational designer Valerie Bracegirdle. From boho granny squares to stylish snowflake hexagonals, these designs are super-stylish, statement pieces. Valerie gives you plenty of tips on working the cowl patterns as well as ideas to make them your own. BEETLES, BUGS AND BUTTERFLIES LYDIA TRESSELT (£16.99, Sewandso) Get ready to…

YOU WILL NEED • Eden Cottage Bowland DK (100% British Wool, 100g/220m), 1 skein of Briar Rose • A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook For yarn stockists contact Eden Cottage Yarns www.edencottageyarns.co.uk TENSION 6 puff sts and 9 rows measure 10x10cm using a 3.5mm hook MEASUREMENTS To fit average adult hands, measures 18x9cm (7x3›in) at widest part ABBREVIATIONS 3htr-puff st (Yrh, insert hook in sp or st indicated, yrh and pull up loop) 3 times, inserting the hook in the same sp or st each time, yrh and draw through all loops on hook 5htr-puff st (Yrh, insert hook in sp or st indicated, yrh and pull up loop) 5 times, inserting the hook in the same sp or st each time, yrh and draw through all loops on…

YOU WILL NEED • DROPS Belle (53% cotton, 33% viscose, 14% linen, 50g/120m), 1 ball of Black (08) • A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook • A plain white T-shirt • Fabric glue • Pins, needle and black thread For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION Chain of 23sts measures 10cm ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Statement sweaters are all over the catwalk this season, and with a super simple chain, you can create your very own. The beauty of this is that you can whip up a chain in minutes, and update all those plain jumpers and tops, giving your wardrobe a new lease of life without heading to the shops. They’re so speedy you can make one for every…

Megan Hocking “When I first saw this yarn I immediately thought how beautiful it was. I wanted to make my shawl just as lovely, using pretty stitch patterns, but without over-complicating it, as I really wanted to let the colours of the yarn speak for themselves. The rich, vibrant hues remind me of my garden, which is where I got my inspiration from – the last of this year’s flowers are still popping up in their beds, the hardy little things!”You’ll find more of Megan’s pretty crochet designs on www.ravelry.com . Kate Alinari “My Bougainvillea Shawl is inspired by the plant, with its delicate flowers. For me, bougainvillea means holidays, travelling and tropical countries. With my shawl I wanted to emulate summer colours, so you can wrap…

HEXAGON MOTIF Ch12, ss to first ch to join into a ring. ROUND 1 Ch1 (does not count as dc throughout), (3dc into ring, ch2) 6 times, ss to first st. [6 3dc groups and 6 2ch-sps] ROUND 2 Ch1, *dc in next 3dc, (dc, 2ch, dc) in next 2ch-sp; rep from * five more times, ss to first st. FASTEN OFF and weave in ends. THE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE SOFT & SMOOTH WEIGHT Aran CONTENT 97% acrylic, 3% viscose SKEIN 400g/600m HOOK 5mm RRP £10 This is a soft yarn spun to create an anti-pill fibre so it stays looking fresh even after regular wear and washing. There are three new tweeds: Blue, Green and the cheerful Mustard, shown above. It’s great for winter clothing, kids’ knits and home accessories,…

Tipo Strano is an Italian name meaning ‘strange guy’. He is an alien from a planet far, far away named Crochetex. He came in peace to our planet in May 2012, armed with a stellar crochet hook and an enigmatic look. Since then he has followed me everywhere, exploring our planet with curiosity and an adventurous spirit. When Tipo Strano came to Earth he was just 15cm tall. In my laboratory we tried an experiment called ‘giantisation’. It took me a week to set up the experiment, calibrate the giantiser ray, understand the risks for Tipo Strano and, finally, we made it – a giant Tipo Strano! For long trips around the world he likes his natural form, but for big events like craft fairs, he loves to attend in…

KATE ALINARI Kate designed one of the beautiful shawls in Hook to Hook this month, inspired by bougainvillea flowers. And you can find out more about Kate on page 98. KIRSTEN BALLERING Kirsten has an instinctive eye for colour, and relishes designing in rainbow brights. She reined her colours in for her own exquisite bridal shawl, however! Find out more on page 48. FRAN MORGAN Not only does Fran have an enviable eye for colour, but she’s also a dab hand at inventing brand new stitches. Check out her peephole chevron stitch hat and scarf on page 51. AMANDA CRAWFORD As a full-time crocheter and knitter, Amanda is never happier than when she’s seeking out inspiration for her designs. She designed our beautiful waterfall lace cardi on page 26. OTHER…

WINDING DOWN This splendidly colourful Jane Crowfoot Mystical Lanterns crochet blanket is perfect for cosying up for savasana at the end of a yoga session. Find the pattern and wool packs at www.deramores.com . Namaste… BRAG BAG Just the right size for crocheting on the go – plus you get to show off about the size of your stash! www.kellyconnor designs.com FRUITY BEAUTIES These juicy coasters of the watermelon variety are ideal to pop under a green tea, smoothie, or healthy mocktail. Go to www.how-store. com  for the pattern. OFF THE HOOK A crochet hook featuring the mantra we swear by – eat, sleep, crochet, repeat. Frankly, what else is there? Find it at www.noths.com HAPPY DAYS…

PSST This is a brilliant project for perfecting your lace skills YOU WILL NEED • King Cole Majestic DK (50% wool, 30% acrylic, 20% polyamide, 50g/121m), Grey (2469) See table for yarn quantities and measurements • A 4mm (US G/6) hook • Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact King Cole 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com TENSION 22sts and 14 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over pattern ABBREVIATIONS 2-dtr cluster (Yrh twice, insert hook in st indicated, yrh and pull up loop, yrh and draw through 2 loops twice) twice, inserting the hook in the same st each time, yrh and draw through all 3 loops on hook For a full list, see page 92 A waterfall cardi is a must for your wardrobe this season – warm in a wool…

YOU WILL NEED • DROPS Cotton Merino (50% wool, 50% cotton, 50g/110m), 3 balls of each: Yarn A Light Grey (20), Yarn B Vanilla (17) Yarn C Mustard Yellow (15), 1 ball of Yarn D Grey (19) 2 balls of Yarn E White (01) • A 4mm (US G/6) hook • Tapestry needle For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk MEASUREMENTS Each hexagon measures 8cm (3in) diameter Blanket measures 88x76cm (34½x30in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Pink for a girl and blue for a boy? Pah! Say hello to grellow, the cool combo of grey and yellow. We’re buzzing about it. And what could be sweeter than welcoming a babe with a happy honeycomb blanket? BLANKET HEXAGON MOTIF (MAKE 91) Make 28 in…

YOU WILL NEED • Debbie Bliss Falkland Aran (100% merino, 100g/180m), 1 skein of each: Yarn A Claret (14) Yarn B Ginger (06) Yarn C Mustard (07) • A 4mm (US G/6) hook • Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact Designer Yarns 01535 664222 www.designeryarns.uk.com ABBREVIATIONS tr3tog (yrh, insert hook in next st, yrh and pull up loop, yrh and draw through 2 loops) 3 times, yrh and draw through all loops on hook. For a full list, see page 92 BRAID TECHNIQUE TUTORIAL For a tutorial on how to work the Braid Technique, go the our website: www.simplycrochetmag.co.uk/category/tutorials Beautiful braiding makes this beanie a real stand-out piece. Worked in three rich, contrasting shades in high quality merino aran yarn, it’s a cheerful cracker of a hat. Set…

YOU WILL NEED • Bergère de France Barisienne 12 (100% acrylic, 150g/75m), 3 balls of Birmanie (10016) • A 12mm (US O/17) hook For yarn stockists contact www.bergeredefrance.co.uk TENSION 4 star stitches measure 12cm and 2 rows of pattern measures 10cm MEASUREMENTS 20x156cm (8x61›in) ABBREVIATIONS Star stitch insert hook in centre ch-1 of previous star st, yrh, draw a loop back through, insert hook in front loop of last ‘leg’ of star st, yrh, draw a loop through, insert hook in same st as last ‘leg’ of previous star stitch, yrh, draw a loop through, (insert hook in next st along, yrh, draw a loop through) twice, yrh, draw through all 6 loops, ch1 For a full list, see page 92 of Simply Crochet Hook up this pattern…

YOU WILL NEED • Scheepjes Catona (100% mercerized cotton, 50g/25m), 1 ball of each: Yarn A Saffron (249) Yarn B Root beer (157) Yarn C Bridal white (105) Yarn D Emerald (515) • Scheepjes Luca (70% acrylic, 30% wool, 100g/180m), 1 ball of Yarn E Orange (14) • A 2.5mm (US B/1 or C/2) hook • A 3 mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook • Black stranded cotton • 2 safety eyes (9mm) • A safety nose (10mm) • Stitch markers • Toy stuffing For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com/en MEASUREMENTS Approx 14 cm (51/2 in) tall ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Ilaria Caliri’s amigurumi lion is way too cute to be a fiercesome beast! Despite his thick mane, he’s more like a cub looking…

YOU WILL NEED • Stylecraft Special DK (100% acrylic, 100g/295m), 1 ball of Graphite (1063) and approx 20g of each: Yarn A Cloud Blue (1019) Yarn B Turquoise (1068) Yarn C Empire (1829) Yarn D Bluebell (1082) Yarn E Fondant (1241) Yarn F Fuchsia Purple (1827) Yarn G Tomato (1723) Yarn H Spice (1711) Yarn I Citron (1263) Yarn J Grass Green (1821) Yarn K Kelly Green (1826) • A 3.5mm (US E/4) crochet hook • A 4mm (US G/6) crochet hook • A 4.5mm (US 7) crochet hook • Stitch markers • 4 buttons in bright colours, 2.5cm (1in) For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft 01535 609798 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk TENSION 18 sts and 12 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over tr using a 3.5mm hook MEASUREMENTS Approx 34x20cm (13½x8in)…

“As a crocheter you’re already a natural at paying attention purposefully.” Mindfulness has been big news recently. With our hectic lives reaching critical levels of overload we all need to pause occasionally and notice just how spectacular that particular assortment of clouds looks diffused against the sunset. And we don’t mean so you can snap an image and post it to Instagram, Facebook or your preferred social media channel. In fact, mindfulness is the antithesis of all that clamour. “Mindfulness is about raising our awareness,” says mindfulness practitioner, life coach and former GP, Dr Caroline Hough. “It involves paying attention on purpose in the present moment, while being fully aware of your external and internal environment.” The internal environment, she explains, is about your state of mind and stress level…

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…