Innehållsförteckning för 72 från Simply Crochet

We’ve headed east for our collection inspiration this issue. Choose from easy, quick lotus blossoms and bunting or take on a challenge with Emma Leith’s fabulous curtain (page 16). On a smaller scale, we’re very excited to include an exclusive pattern for an Irish Terrier from TOFT on page 44 – oh yes, we are spoiling you! Even George Takei is getting in on the wondrous craft that is crochet at the moment – he posted a video of Katika just before we went to press – and we’re talking to this amazing crochet artist on page 52. Keep your cool, hooky chums……

CROCHET WORKSHOP ERIKA KNIGHT (£14.99, Quadrille Publishing) This is a great book for new and experienced crocheters alike. Erika takes you through 20 gorgeous projects, each one introducing a new stitch or technique that builds up your crochet skills. Stitches include double and trebles, lace and ripple shell stitch, and more. The projects are beautifully photographed and come with clear diagrams and illustrations. CUDDLY ANIMALS TO CROCHET LUCIA FÖRTHMANN (£12.99, Search Press) Amigurumi fans can get stuck into 28 cute animal creations in this fun book. Chapters focus on forest and farm animals, sea and pond creatures and animals from around the world. You’ll meet Emily the Sheep, Timmy the Tiger, Jimmy the Koala, Cyril the Sloth, Charlie the Sea Turtle, and many more! CROCHETED HOODS AND COWLS TAMMY FLORES…

YOU WILL NEED • DROPS Safran (100% cotton, 50g/160m), 1 ball of each: Light Blue Purple (05) Beige (21) Peach (12) Off White (18) • A 3mm (C/2 or D/3) hook • A stitch marker • Stranded cotton in black • Stranded cotton in light pink • Small amount of stuffing For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION 22 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over dc using 3mm hook MEASUREMENTS Teacup measures 7cm (2¾in) tall and 8cm (3¼in) in diameter ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 What a little sweet-tea! Hook up this cute pincushion for a quick crochet fix. The soft pastel colour palette and face means you’ll want this little friend next to you whenever you’re finishing off…

YOU WILL NEED • Lily Sugar ‘n Cream (100% cotton, 71g/109m) 3 balls of Yarn A White (00001) 2 balls of Yarn B Seabreeze (01201) 1 ball of Yarn C Jute (00082) • A 4.5mm (US 7) hook • A 5mm (US H/8) hook • A cushion pad, 40cm (16in) square For yarn stockists contact Readicut 01162 713 759 www.readicut.co.uk TENSION 16 sts and 16 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over double crochet using a 5mm hook MEASUREMENT Cushion measures 40x40cm (16x16in) ABBREVIATIONS Reverse dc Working from left to right, insert hook into next st to the right, yrh and pull though loop, yrh, pull through two loops on the hook For a full list, see page 92 Eleanora’s wave cushion is a great first project for you…

YOU WILL NEED • Scheepjes Catona (100% cotton, 50g/125m), 1 ball of each: Yarn A Green Yellow (245) Yarn B Linen (505) • A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook • A plain lampshade • Beads (optional), 4 required for each 10cm (11¾in) of braid • A Multipom pompom maker (www.multipom.com) • A tapestry needle For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com/en TENSION 16sts to measure 10cm(4in) in length ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 For a simply stylish beginner crochet project, this lampshade trim is just the thing. The pattern can be adapted to fit any size of lampshade, perfect for upcycling that flea market find. For this project we gave the Multipom tool a try, an easy way to create more than one pompom at…

This month’s projct harnesses the transition of green to yellow in the garden. An extended analogous colour scheme was perfect for this, as it uses the colours on either side. In this case, the range covered blue-green, green, yellow-green, yellow and yellow-orange. Using the aptly-named Birch to join the motifs together enhances the central motif, a trick that works well when lots of colours are being used.…

“For Instagram, vary the types of images you place next to each other in a feed.” The saying goes, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” For many, being a crochet designer is the dream profession. But there’s more to making it than choosing your favourite yarns. Whether you want to get noticed online, see your work in print or make sure your technical skills are on point, we’ve gathered some top tips from those designers who do it every day. LET’S GET DIGITAL Growing your online presence is a good place to start. With blogging and Instagram, you can show off your skills, learn from experienced designers, and connect with the crochet community. Perhaps you have been inspired by…

1 Identify the post of the next stitch. Then work yrh (as usual for a tr) and insert hook into the front of the fabric, around the back of the post, and bring out hook on other side of post. 2 Work the rest of the stitch as you usually would for a treble, so yrh and carefully pull the loop of yarn out of the fabric – it should loop around the post of the stitch. 3 Work yrh again and pull the yarn through the first 2 loops. Yrh and pull the yarn through the remaining 2 loops to complete the front post treble stitch. 4 You’ll see how the stitch is raised up, compared to the rest of the fabric. Work more front post treble stitches in…

SMILEY SHAPE Make a magic loop. ROUND 1 Ch1 (does not count as st), 6dc in loop, ss to first dc to join. ROUND 2 Ch1, 2dc in each st around, ss to first dc to join. ROUND 3 Ch3 (counts as tr), tr in st at base of ch3, ch2, skip next st, (2tr in next st) twice, ch2, skip next st, 2tr in next st, tr in next st, ch10, skip 4sts, tr in next st, join with ss in top of starting ch3. ROUND 4 Ch1, *dc in next 3sts, 2dc* repeat 6 times working into chains where appropriate, ss to first dc to join. WENDY ATTITUDE WEIGHT Mega chunky CONTENT 89% acrylic, 11% nylon BALL 100g/80m HOOK 12mm RRP £7.15 What a fun yarn to add…

Most crochet patterns state the tension required, in rows and stitches of a specific type. Make a swatch at least 15cm square and check that your tension matches. Place a ruler across the swatch and insert two pins, 10cm apart. Then place the ruler along a column of stitches and insert two pins 10cm apart. Count the stitches and rows between the pins – if you have less than the pattern, your tension is too loose so you need to use a smaller hook, but if you have too many, use a larger hook. It’s usually better to match the stitches than rows, because you can always work more or fewer rows.…

PONY MCTATE New Zealand-based hookster Pony has a fearless sense of style and a playful attitude to crochet. Take a look at her gorgeous summery lacy motif top, our cover star, over on page 36. LISA RICHARDSON Top-notch designer Lisa works at Rowan, making the most of their simply scrumptious yarns. This issue we’re showcasing her stunning woven shawl. You’ll find it on page 54. MARGARET O’MARA With over 25 years of design experience, Margaret’s aim is to teach fellow crocheters to improve the look of their work. She hooked up Kate Bruning’s table runner for us, on page 61. VICKY GORRY Vicky doesn’t miss a trick, she snaps any passing shapes and colours that inspire her. She has far too many WIPs and an addiction to hand-dyed yarn! See…

DON’T BLINK! A TARDIS stitch marker? Or a sonic screwdriver? Yes! We are loving these Dalektable Doctor Who-themed markers. Great little gifts for the Whovian in your life too. Available from TwistedYarnsStore. WHAT A HOOT Let these wise owls keep count of your rows. Each set of six colourful markers comes with a kilt pin in an organza gift bag. From DianaSianCrafts. SO SWEET These fab liquorice allsort markers are handmade from polymer clay but look good enough to eat. Don’t crochet when you’re hungry… From chapelviewcrafts. PRETTY KITTIES Here’s five happy moggies to keep you company while you’re hooking… and they won’t get your ball of yarn in a tangle. From CraftyCatKnittyBits. LITTLE GEMS These dinky little flowers were inspired by 1970s jelly gem sweets – cute. Packs come…

Turns out, I am about to hit a little transitioning moment in my life. For the first time in as long as I can remember, I don’t have any set plans. I’m about to finish a job, to which I’ve dedicated every ounce of energy for the past 10 years. I need to find a new home, but my nesting grounds have always been where my job has taken me. Stay in Germany or move back to my native England and start over? That’s the million-dollar question, along with a ton of other nibbling anxieties (DRAMA QUEEN!). It’s a truly exciting time in my life – I do see that, but daunting, to say the least. “I don’t abandon my thoughts, but as I crochet, they run alongside my stitches.”…

YOU WILL NEED • TOFT DK (100% wool, 25g/55m), 4 balls of Fudge, 1 ball of Black • A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook • Polyester toy filling • A stitch marker For yarn stockists contact TOFT 01788 810626 www.toftuk.com MEASUREMENTS Approx 16cm (10›in) tall in seated position ABBREVIATIONS Loop st Insert the hook through the stitch, wrap the yarn from front to back over the thumb of your non-hook hand and yarn over with the yarn behind your thumb. Hold the loop on your thumb at the required length and complete the double crochet stitch. Moving your thumb forwards and releasing the loop to position it on the RS of the fabric, work the next stitch to secure the loop in place For a full list,…

1 Start working the last stitch of the last row of the old colour, but stop before you work the final yrh of the stitch. Cut off the old yarn, leaving a tail about 7cm long. 2 Now loop your new yarn colour around the hook, leaving a long tail of yarn (about 7cm long). 3 Pull the new yarn loop through the remaining two loops to finish off the stitch. Pull the old and new yarn ends to tighten the loop on the hook. 4 Now you can work the turning chain of the new row in the new colour (for example, 3ch for treble, or 2ch for half treble). Then work the stitches of the new row in the new yarn colour.…

“I love to go outside to play with my three-year-old daughter. We love to go for walks in city parks with fountains, children’s parks and playgrounds. I also like to go to the cinema to watch comedies, dramas and cartoons. I’m often inspired by actors in my work. “ To find out more about Katika and see more of her artworks, including her Eyes series, portraits, animals and birds, just pop over to her website at www.katika-art.com…

YOU WILL NEED • Yarn and Colors Must-Have (100% cotton, 50g/125m), 3 balls of Birch (004) 1 ball of each: Pistachio (084) Peridot (083) Vanilla (010) Aventurine (079) Sunflower (014) Glass (072) Lemon (012) • A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook For yarn stockists contact Yarn and Colors www.yarnandcolors.com TENSION Each Square measures 11x11cm (41/4x41/4in) MEASUREMENTS The finished Table Runner should measure 33x133cm (13x521/4in) ABBREVIATIONS 3FPdtrtog (3 front post double treble together) *Yrh twice, insert hook behind post from right to left, yrh, bring hook back, (yrh, pull through first 2 loops on hook) twice; repeat from * into the next 2 sts, yrh, pull through all loops on hook FPdtr (Front post double treble) Yrh twice, insert hook behind post from right to left, yrh, bring hook back,…

KNITWEAR DESIGN WORKSHOP SHIRLEY PADEN (£16.99, Interweave) An in-depth guide to how to design your own garments – aimed at knitters, but includes helpful sizing advice and more. DESIGN YOUR OWN CROCHET PROJECTS SARA DELANEY (£14.99, Storey Publishing) Expert guidance for creating customised crocheted garments and accessories. A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO WRITING KNITTING PATTERNS KATE ATHERLY (£20.99, Interweave) Another one for knitters with plenty of advice for budding crochet designers. A COLOUR STORY acolorstory.com Take your photos to another level with this innovative and easy-to-use app. CASHFLOW MANAGER www.cashflowmanager.co.uk Keep on top of your business admin with this mobile invoicing app. SCRIBUS www.scribus.net This open source page layout software is a cost-effective way to create diagrams. INKSCAPE inkscape.org/en A free multi-platform vector drawing package for creating charts and more.…

YOU WILL NEED • Caron Cotton Cakes (60% cotton, 40% acrylic, 100g/193m) in Nested Blues (49010) See table for yarn quantities and measurements • A 5mm (US H/8 hook Available from Readicut, phone 01162 713759 or visit www.readicut.co.uk TENSION 15sts and 11 rounds to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) with a 5mm hook or size needed to obtain tension ABBREVIATIONS HBhtr (Herringbone half treble) Yrh, insert hook into st, yrh and pull through st and next loop on hook, yrh and pull through remaining 2 loops on hook. To work a HBhtr2tog, work the first st up to the last yrh, repeat in the second st, yrh and pull through all loops on hook. For a full list, see page 92 This charming jumper is crocheted in one piece in…

Complete the final stitch, then cut the yarn about 15cm from the work. Pull it through the last loop on the hook and pull to close the loop. Thread the yarn tail onto a tapestry needle and weave into the back of the work. Most crochet items don’t need a lot of blocking, but cotton lace work usually does. To do this, carefully pin out the item with rust-proof pins, mist with a water spray and leave to dry naturally.…

YOU WILL NEED Use your free gift or oddments of any DK yarn • Yarn A Peach • Yarn B Turquoise • Yarn C Yellow • Yarn D Gold • A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook • Stitch marker • A pair of 6mm safety eyes • 2 lilac-pink shell sequins • 18 gold sequins • Toy stuffing MEASUREMENTS Mermaid measures 15cm (6in) from head to tail ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 You know summer’s here when mermaids come out to play! This fierce little lady, with her lilac hair and turquoise tail, is a quick project to keep your hooky fingers happy this weekend. NOTES The pattern is worked using the amigurumi method. Work in a continuous spiral without closing off the round with a ss. It…

PSST A cotton/acrylic blend is perfect for beach wear YOU WILL NEED • Bergère de France 4ply Coton Fifty (50% cotton, 50% acrylic, 50g/140m), Coco (22493) See table for yarn quantities and measurements • A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook For yarn stockists contact Bergère de France www.bergeredefrance.co.uk TENSION Each Motif measures 5.7x5.7cm (2¼x2¼in) using a 3mm hook; adjust hook size up or down if necessary. Check carefully, as a small difference in the measurement on each Motif will make a big difference to the overall measurement of the Top ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Meet your new summer wardrobe staple! Wear our oh-so gorgeous lacy cotton number over a bright tee or bikini to make the most of its motif design. NOTES Motifs…

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…

Hook to Hook Louisa Sheward We were challenged to give macramé a run for its money and come up with our own design for a crocheted plant holder, made with 100% natural jute. My inspiration for the hanger was a mixture of traditional macramé plant holders and climbing plants. I decided that I wanted to use cables to give an illusion of plants climbing up a garden trellis, working from the pot holder to the back piece. Find more of Louisa’s crochet creations at www.thefibrelounge.com Sherrie Yabsley My inspiration for the plant hanger came from my love of retro 70s macramé plant hangers and my passion for crochet. I thought it would be great to design a crochet version using similar elements of macramé. I went with an…

YOU WILL NEED • Rowan Creative Linen (50% linen, 50% cotton, 100g/200m), 2 balls of Yarn A Natural (621) 1 ball of Yarn B Mustard (647) • Rowan Softyak DK (76% cotton, 15% yak, 9% nylon, 50g/135m), 4 balls of Yarn D Meadow (237) 2 balls of each: Yarn C Prairie (233) Yarn E Lawn (241) Yarn F Pampas (235) • A 4.5mm (US 7) hook • A stitch marker For stockists call 01484 950630 or visit www.knitrowan.com TENSION 18 sts and 8 rows should measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over the mesh pattern MEASUREMENTS The Wrap measures 56x200cm (22x78¾in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Watch the sun go down in style, wrapped in this gorgeous shawl with stunning weave detail in a range of rustic shades.…

Could the immortal words of Dylan Thomas, “The force that through the green fuse drives the flower” capture chartreuse more? Audacious and mercurial, it is the force of nature, breathing life into spring. If chartreuse were to be described as the bridge between yellow and green, it would be a suspension bridge, full of energy and motion, used carefully by some and with a frenetic exhilaration by others. NEON POP In my work I use chartreuse delicately to bring light and contrast into a colour scheme. And yet, in my home, I have rejoiced in its recent incarnation of neon, adorning my couch with bright splashes of velvety cushions, a delicious contrast against its pale blue. There was much joy in planning this month’s project. Working with the yellow-green family,…

All the projects in our new Crochet Colour Class series are made using the Yarn and Colors Must-Have range, one of eight ranges the brand now carries. (We love the matching 10g Must-Have minis!) Owner Koen says, “With lots of love and care we have created a colour range of 100 different shades, forming the foundation of Yarn and Colors. All our ranges are based on this colour palette, creating an assortment where not only colours can easily be combined but the different yarns can be effortlessly mixed, too.”…

YOU WILL NEED • Lana Grossa Summer Lace (97% cotton, 3% polyester, 50g/195m), 4 balls of Mint (103) • A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook For yarn stockists contact www.lovecrochet.com TENSION Each Diamond Motif measures 14x10cm (5½x4in) using a 3.5mm hook MEASUREMENTS Shawl measures 151x42cm (59.5x16½in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 This unusual shawl is made up of motifs worked in an openwork pattern, which are joined together as you go. Designer Vicky has chosen an oh-so soft variegated cotton yarn with gentle colour changes. Choose from nine colourways from cool to hot shades – perfect for warmer days. NOTES The Shawl is made from individual Diamond Motifs, joined together on the last round of each Motif. Motifs are worked in rounds on the RS throughout.…

BEGINNERS’ CROCHET STARTER KIT This kit includes everything to get you started in a drawstring bag. The wool and bags come in a variety of colours, with optional personalisation. Children’s kits also available. etsy.com/uk/shop/zanycraftsuk | zanycrafts@outlook.com THE PUDGY RABBIT Getting into a new craft is easy with these DIY crochet kits. They include everything you need to create each fun project. With a wide range of designs ranging from cute dogs to funny cakes, they make the perfect creative gift. Come craft with us today! www.thepudgyrabbit.com | Instagram: ThePudgyRabbit SEW LOVELY KEEPSAKES KEEPSAKE BEAR KIT Make your own Memory Bear. This kit includes absolutely everything you need to transform your loved one’s garments into precious, keepsake memory bears. A range of Keepsake sewing patterns are also available from Sew Lovely Keepsakes. www.sewlovelykeepsakes.co.uk…

PANDA-MONIUM! @thesecretcraftbook really enjoyed making Ilaria Caliri’s amigurumi panda from issue 70. She says, “I love his little satchel!” Yes, he’s looking pretty dapper and it keeps his bamboo snacks handy! LOVELY LACE @coppercorn has been busy making our one-skein shawl from issue 59. She used a recycled silk cashmere yarn. Stunning! Don’t miss our special shawl booklet next issue. FLOWER BED Just look what @emlikesbooks did with the flower pattern from the card kit with issue 70. She loved it so much she had to make a garland of them. Yes, flower bunting – we like your thinking……

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. MAKING A SLIPKNOT The first loop on…

This is the fifth pattern in our gorgeous Hook ‘n’ Learn blanket crochet-along, which we’ll be running over the 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!). Please note: the previous stitches for the Colour Crafter version have required two blocks, but for this one you need to make only one Cable block. STONE WASHED XL Make one Cable Block • Scheepjes Stone Washed XL (70% cotton, 30% acrylic, 50g/75m), 3 balls of Malachite (825) • A 5.5mm (US I/9) hook For yarn…

Although my favourite crochet piece is almost always the most recent thing I’ve made, my Old Romance Blanket holds a special place in my heart. After I’d published my first ever pattern (something that happened almost accidentally and was never part of a grand plan!), I didn’t think I’d be able to design anything as good again. But then… I had a new idea. I found a glorious colour scheme while browsing at my local yarn shop. They are very patient with me, letting me spend hours pulling out balls of yarn, putting them back or even wandering around with them to see them in different light. I eventually picked out a rich palette, inspired by a painting I’d found at a jumble sale that made me think of old…