Innehållsförteckning för 68 från Simply Crochet

Crochet is brilliant at bringing people together, and to celebrate just that we are thrilled to launch our first Hook ’n’ Learn blanket on page 47. (Find out more about CALs in general on page 66, and how they help us design, focus… and socialise!) We’re also fully embracing our love of ruffles – they’re everywhere this year and we’ve given them a chic makeover, starting on page 14. If amigurumi is more your thing (or you’re looking for a project to delight a small person), turn to page 36 and get your hooks into the monstrous, glorious Mr Blue.…

DESIGN YOUR OWN CROCHET PROJECTS SARA DELANEY (£14.99, Storey) With Sara Delaney’s help you’ll soon find yourself designing your own crocheted scarves, mittens, gloves, hats and socks – the world’s your oyster. Flexible formulas and fill-in-the-blank templates take you through the process painlessly, and there’s even a companion online calculator! Nifty. CROCHET CHARACTERS SOFT & SNUGGLY CACTI JANA WHITLEY (£12.99, becker&mayer!) Cacti you can’t prick your finger on… we’re in! Choose your favourite pot shape and colour and then crochet any of the ten types of cacti or succulents to go on top. The book comes with everything you need to make two projects, including yarn, stranded cotton and eye beads. CROCHETED MANDALAS LYNNE ROWE (£4.99, Search Press) Mandalas are such relaxing projects to crochet and they’re great for using…

PSST Guess what? This yarn is machine washable! YOU WILL NEED • Rowan Hemp Tweed (75% wool, 25% hemp, 50g/95m) Pumice (138) Willow (146) See table for yarn quantities and measurements • A 4.5mm (US 7) hook For yarn stockists contact Rowan 01484 950630 www.knitrowan.com TENSION 8 rows and 17sts to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) using a 4.5mm hook ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 It’s all about the frill these days. Keep up with catwalk crochet by hooking this beautiful tweed yarn into something that’s truly special. It’s worth investing the time and the yarn – dressed up or down, it’ll take you anywhere you want to go. NOTES This sweater is worked from side to side in rows, so the first piece that you work…

YOU WILL NEED • Cotton 4ply yarn, 50g balls 2 balls of blue 1 ball of green Small amounts of black and white • A 2.5mm (US B/1 or C/2) hook • Toy stuffing MEASUREMENTS 10cm (4in) tall ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Teeth, nails and horns are the hallmarks of any proper monster, and Mr Blue has all three… But in soft cotton they can’t do a lot of damage, so no one should be scared of finding this monster under the bed! NOTES Mr Blue is worked using the amigurumi method. Work in a continuous spiral without closing off each round with a slip stitch. You may find it helpful to place a marker in the first st of each round and move it up…

HOW-TO VIDEOS Learn this stitch at youtube.comuser/simplycrochetmag/ This is the very first pattern in our Hook ‘n’ Learn blanket crochet-along, and we’ll be running it over the next year. Perfect for beginners and fun for more experienced stitchers, you’ll learn how to do 12 attractive stitches, then we’ll show you how to put it all together in the last issue. Choose between the beautiful soft shades of Stone Washed XL, or the bright tones of Colour Crafter (or go mad and make both!). Block stitch is the perfect stitch for newbies to master – it’s simple to learn and looks fab worked in two zingy colours, whichever yarn you choose. STONE WASHED XL • Scheepjes Stone Washed XL (70% cotton, 30% acrylic, 50g/75m) 3 balls of Rhodochrosite (875) 1 ball…

Sharna Moore Designer Sharna blogs at sweetsharna.simplesite.com  and shares her designs on her Instagram@sweetsharna. “The inspiration behind this wreath pattern came from a beautiful floral egg-shaped gift box with a huge giant ribbon bow tied around the middle, like the giant bow on my wreath. I love using cotton yarn to crochet with, and would absolutely use this yarn again. My go-to colours are always yellow and pink, but it was fun to add green and blue which are out of my comfort zone.” Louise Smith Louise, who’s on Instagram as @flutterlou923, is a big fan of all things cutesie: “I couldn’t resist the idea of hooking little bunny bums with cotton tails for Easter! I didn’t want to overpower the wreath with too many mixes of colours…

BUNNY FACES Make a magic loop. ROUND 1 Ch1 (does not count as st), 6dc into the loop, ss to first dc to join. [6 dc] ROUND 2 Ch1, 2dc in each st around, ss to first dc to join. [12 dc] ROUNDS 3 Ch1, (dc, 2dc in next st) 4 times, *dc in next st, ch5, dc in second ch from hook, htr in next 2 ch, ss in next ch, dc in next st; rep from *, ss to first dc to join. FASTEN OFF and weave in ends. Sew an ‘X’ with embroidery thread to make the mouth and nose, and sew two French knots to make eyes. ROWAN COTTON CASHMERE WEIGHT DK CONTENT 85% cotton, 12% cashmere SKEIN 50g/ 200m HOOK 4mm RRP £8.75 This yarn…

YOU WILL NEED • Scheepjes Twinkle (75% cotton, 25% polyester, 50g/130m) 2 balls of Yarn A Grey 911 1 ball of each: 925, 937, 933, 926, 929, 924, 936, 919, 930, 920, 910, 917, 909, 927, 928, 935, 923 • A 4.5mm hook • Felt for backing (optional) For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com TENSION 18 sts x 24 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over pattern using a 4.5mm hook MEASUREMENTS Table Runner: 73x22cm (28¾x8½in) Mat: 15x15cm (6x6 in) ABBREVIATIONS FPttr Yrh 3 times, starting at the front, insert hook from front to back to front around the post of the indicated st, yrh and pull up loop, (yrh and draw through 2 sts) 4 times FPsixtr Yrh 6 times, starting at the front, insert hook from front…

LUCY CROFT Simply Crochet regular Lucy is not only a massive colour-fiend, but also a stickler for detail, making her the perfect choice to lead our Hook ’n’ Learn blanket on page 47. SARA SCALES Sara teaches crochet classes, and designs miniatures and doll crochet, which you can find on Etsy. This issue, she designed the stunning ruffle necklace on page 20. ROSINA NORTHCOTT Rosina is a blogger, designer and lover of all things craft – and she certainly loves a challenge. This issue, she designed the brilliant slogan pencil case on page 72. SHARON MURPHY Sharon loves coming up with bold patterns for scarves and blankets, but managed to rein herself in for a slightly smaller project with her ruffle-tastic wristwarmers on page 21. OTHER CONTRIBUTORS Kate Alinari, Lou…

1 SOMEBUNNY TO LOVE Be warned, download the Spring Bunnies pattern from All About Ami (see page 32) and you are likely to end up with a whole warren of little friends! Seriously cute. Go to AllAboutAmi on www.etsy.com 2 BAGSY THAT! These gorgeous Fair Trade African Bolga baskets from Injabulo are great for an Easter egg hunt (and for yarn storage afterwards). www.injabulo.com 3 HOPPY EASTER Be sure to get a visit from the Easter Bunny with TOFT’s Emma the Bunny kit – choose your own colour of pure wool DK yarn.www.thetoftalpaca shop.co.uk 4 SO SUBLIME We are loving the sweetie shop colours of the new Sublime Isla yarn from Sirdar – just perfect for Easter knits. Go to www.sublimeyarns.com…

YOU WILL NEED • Lang Mille Colori Baby (100% wool, 50g/190m), 1 ball of Shade 55 • Lang Magic Tweed (62% virgin wool, 18% nylon, 10% acrylic, 10% viscose, 50g/200m), 1 ball of Shade 25 • A 4mm (US G/6) hook For yarn stockists contact Lang Yarns www.langyarns.com TENSION A single square motif measures 7x7cm (2¾x2¾in) MEASUREMENTS 23x10cm (9x4in) SPECIAL STITCH Puff st Lengthen loop on hook to approx half a centimetre, (yrh, insert hook into st indicated, yrh pull up loop) 4 times, yrh and draw through all loops on hook ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 A great pattern for beginners, these gorgeous mitts are made up of 18 squares – like a mini granny blanket – so you can hook a square in…

1 Make a foundation ring (see p89) and work the t-ch (1ch for dc). Now work 12 dc stitches into the ring, but do not join the last stitch and first stitch of this first round with a slip stitch. 2 Instead, work the first dc stitch of the second round into the first stitch of the first round. To do this, insert the hook into the stitch, yrh, pull yarn through, yrh and pull the yarn through both loops. 3 You’ll now be working in a spiral. Continue to work more rounds of dc stitches in a spiral, according to your pattern instructions. 4 On the last round, after you’ve worked the last dc stitch, you’ll need to finish off the spiral with a slip stitch for a neat…

YOU WILL NEED • Bernat Beyond (85% acrylic, 15% nylon, 120g/73m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Emerald Green (23013) Yarn B Royal Blue (23016) 2 balls of each: Yarn C Sunflower Yellow (23011) Yarn D Red (23008) Yarn E Navy (23017) • An 8mm (US L/11) hook • A large-eyed tapestry needle • A single duvet for stuffing For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION 8 linked trebles and 5 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) using an 8mm hook MEASUREMENTS Approx 60cm (24in) diameter ABBREVIATIONS ltr (linked treble) Insert the hook under the crossbar of the previous st and draw up a loop (counts as yrh), insert hook in next st and complete as for tr For a full list, see page 92 Kate…

YOU WILL NEED • West Yorkshire Spinners Bo Peep Luxury Baby DK (52% Falkland wool, 48% nylon, 50g/112m), 6 balls of Yarn A Tooth Fairy (011) 1 ball of each: Yarn B Piglet (269) Yarn C Unicorn (565) Yarn D Buttercup (442) • A 4mm (US G/6) crochet hook For yarn stockists contact West Yorkshire Spinners 01535 664500 www.wyspinners.com TENSION 17 sts and 20 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over dc using a 4mm hook MEASUREMENTS 67x 97cm (26½x38in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Nine little bunny bottoms, all lined up and waiting to keep the softest of skin warm and cosy, in a surprisingly simple pattern you can hook up in a flash. Who could resist it? Not us, that’s for sure. NOTES On…

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…

My favourite crocheted item is my cute koala. I designed this pattern at the beginning of 2017. I take Koala with me to lots of places – to the zoo, to the park, on holidays. While we’re there, I take heaps of snaps – he’s the perfect model for fun and adorable photographs! Koala was made with Schachenmayr Catania sport weight cotton yarn. He’s quite small so I can easily pop him into my bag and take him with me. I put photos on Instagram to show his journeys, and I’m getting a lot of positive responses. My family doesn’t mind waiting while I take photos of Koala in the wild, they even help find locations! We’ve put him in trees, on rocks, in Legoland, and more. Koala is the…

“Knowing different techniques and constructions helps to break up the pace.” One of the things I love most about crochet is that there’s always more to learn, new skills to try, and new challenges to tackle. I first started my blog as a journal so I could share what I was working on and what I was learning. I thought others might be interested in making the same projects and learning new techniques that I found helpful along the way, such as the Invisible Decrease and the Magic Circle. I’ve been blogging for about seven years now, and I still continue learning new techniques and discovering fun projects that intrigue me. TRY SOMETHING NEW If you find yourself in a creative rut, I recommend trying out a new area of…

PSST Don’t let your other half steal it – it’s yours! YOU WILL NEED • Cygnet Superwash Pure Merino DK (100% merino wool, 50g/104m) Yarn A Kingfisher (2837) Yarn B Bluebell (2156) See table for yarn quantities and measurements • A 4mm (US G/6) hook • A 5mm (US 7) hook For yarn stockists contact Cygnet Yarns 01274 743374 www.cygnetyarns.com TENSION Patt repeat of 21 sts x 15 rows measures 10cm (4in) over patt using 5mm hook ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 This casual sweater is oh-so comfortable to wear, but it looks pretty chic, too. The textured stitch pattern lends it a style all its own, and the tipped contrast edges add a bright colour pop to the classic silhouette. You’ll wonder what you…

YOU WILL NEED • Yeoman Yarns Panama DK (50% acrylic, 50% cotton, 100g/200m), 1 ball of each: Lime Fiesta Turquoise Crocus • A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook • A dark-coloured sweater For yarn stockists contact Yeoman Yarns 0116 240 4464 www.yeoman-yarns.co.uk COLOURWAYS Colourway 1 Yarn A Fiesta, Yarn B Lime, Yarn C Turquoise, Yarn D Crocus Colourway 2 Yarn A Crocus, Yarn B Turquoise, Yarn C Fiesta, Yarn D Lime Colourway 3 Yarn A Turquoise, Yarn B Crocus, Yarn C Lime, Yarn D Fiesta Colourway 4 Yarn A Crocus, Yarn B Lime, Yarn C Fiesta, Yarn D Turquoise MEASUREMENTS Each flower is approx 8cm (3in) in diameter ABBREVIATIONS Puff st (Yrh, insert hook into stitch indicated, yrh and pull up loop) three times, yrh and draw through Appliquédflowersare…

YOU WILL NEED • Debbie Bliss Cotton DK (100% cotton, 50g/84m) 2 balls of Yarn A Silver Birch (083) 1 ball of Yarn B Navy (018) • A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook • Lining fabric, 32x28cm (12½x11in) (or at least 1.25cm (½in) bigger all round than the crochet piece) • 25cm (10in) zip • Sewing needle and thread For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION 9x9 blocks to measure 12x12cm (4¾x4¾in) MEASUREMENTS Approximately 31x13cm (12¼x5in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Rosina’s cheerful pencil case is ideal for brightening up a busy desk, whether you keep your pens and pencils or crochet hooks inside. Follow her design to the letter, or thread (geddit?) your own path and stitch in names or…

YOU WILL NEED • Yarn and balloons from your free kit, or any 4ply cotton yarn and small balloons (one for each egg) • A 2.5mm (US B/1 or C/2) hook • PVA glue MEASUREMENTS Each egg is approx 7.5cm (3in) tall ABBREVIATIONS 3-dtr cluster (Yrh twice, insert hook in st, yrh and pull up loop, yrh and draw through 2 loops, 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 4-dtr cluster (Yrh twice, insert hook in st, yrh and pull up loop, yrh and draw through 2 loops, yrh and draw through 2 loops) 4 times, inserting the hook in the same st each time, yrh and draw through all 5…