Innehållsförteckning för 77 från Simply Crochet

We’re ready for anything the festive season can throw at us. Office party? Hook up our collection of photo booth props, party accessories and jumpers. Chilly? Katie Jones’ neon yoked jumper is just the thing. Bare tree? See our Hook to Hook challenge for classic decorating ideas. We’re also celebrating 40 years of The Snowman by Raymond Briggs – turn to page 62 for Ilaria Caliri’s exclusive amigurumi pattern. That’s all the ingredients for a very happy, hooky Christmas!…

Cute and crochet go hand in hand and these new Miffy kits from Stitch & Story are a dream combo – and definitely not just for little ones! You can now spend the autumn evenings hooking up the iconic bunny from Dutch artist Dick Bruna’s classic books. Choose from a super-sweet amigurumi Miffy soft toy or a pair of ballet slippers with a gorgeous Miffy motif. Each of the luxury kits includes the exclusive pattern and all the yarn needed to make the finished item. The supplied yarn is Stitch & Story’s own super-soft, 100% sustainable Merino wool. The Classic Miffy Amigurumi Crochet Kit is priced at £35 and the Miffy Slippers Crochet Kit is £29. More lines are expected to launch in 2019, including homewares, and we just can’t…

The British Craft Awards from Immediate Media celebrate the very best the craft industry has to offer – and you get to decide who wins. Voting for the 2019 awards is open until 23:59 on December 16 and anyone who votes can enter the prize draw to win a £100 Amazon voucher. So think about who and what has inspired you this year and whose products or services have helped you on your way to creating amazing things, and get voting. The shortlist has 30 categories of designers and companies across crochet, stitch, knitting, craft, quilting and sewing. We’ll announce the winners with our usual fanfare next spring, but until then, head to www.britishcraftawards.com to vote and find out more.…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Use your exclusive kit from this issue or oddments of any DK yarn Yarn A Flesh Yarn B Green Yarn C Red Yarn D Brown Yarn E White Yarn F Gold ■ A pair of safety eyes ■ A 2.5mm (US B/1 or C/2) hook ■ Toy stuffing ■ Pipe cleaner ■ Bell Not included in kit: ■ Stitch markers ■ Black sewing thread TENSION Tension is not critical for this project MEASUREMENTS Elf measures approx 15cm (6in) tall ABBREVIATIONS FPhtr Yrh, insert hook around the front of the post of st indicated, yrh, pull up a loop, yrh, pull through all loops on the hook BPhtr Yrh, insert hook around the back of the post of st indicated, yrh, pull up a loop, yrh, pull…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Caron Simply Soft Party (99% acrylic, 1% metallic, 85g/150m), Fuchsia Sparkle (0002) or Red Sparkle (0015) Snow Sparkle (0001) See table for yarn quantities and measurements ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook ■ Sulky 20x36in Sticky Fabri-Solvy Stabilizer, available from www.amazon.co.uk For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION 16 sts and 9 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over tr st using a 4mm hook 16 sts and 22 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over dc st using a 4mm hook (see Notes) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 NOTES The Lettering is worked onto the Front and Back pieces at the end, over the Dc Band. You can download the lettering used from our website at www.simplycrochetmag.com You may…

YOU WILL NEED ■ DROPS Safran (100% cotton, 50g/160m), 1 ball of each: Beige (21) Lime (31) Turquoise (30) Petrol (51) Light Ice Blue (50) ■ A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook ■ Fabric glue For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION Tension is not critical for this project MEASUREMENTS Tree measures approx 10cm (4in) tall Bunting measures approx 64cm (25›in) across ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Decorating the tree is one of Christmas’ greatest joys, so why stop there? Make your own trees, match the colours to your festive theme and hang the bunting above the mantelpiece, along a shelf, or anywhere you want to add a touch of Yuletide merriment. NOTES Instructions are for 2 lengths of Bunting. You…

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 double treble stitch, yrh twice and insert the hook under the top 2 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.…

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.…

Magenta was the colour of my grandfather-in-law’s fuchsias. A soldier in WWII and retired dairy farmer, he cultivated fuchsias so dainty, they appeared to be tiny ballerinas dancing on air. To discover that this colour was named after both a battle and a flower filled me with delight! Originally called Fuchsine for the aniline dye developed in 1859 (which took its name from the fuchsia), it was renamed in the same year to celebrate French victory in the Battle of Magenta. Magenta was also the colour of my wedding dress, a shocking pink, first made famous in the 1930s by Elsa Schiaparelli and later, Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes . I felt, if it was to be the dress of a lifetime, it needed to be in a colour…

YARN FOR THE SOUL Yarn for the Soul are known for their attention to detail and outstanding quality. Take a look at the selection of indie dyed yarn, buttons and shawl pins. You’ll find something for the fibre lover in your life – or even treat yourself yarnforthesouluk@gmail.com yarnforthesoul.co.uk HOOK AND A BOOK Hook and a Book is proud to present our one-of-a-kind Christmas box, filled to bursting with festive goodies, all you need to make three beautiful projects and a gorgeous Christmas book. It makes the perfect gift for crafters, no matter their skill level! 07949 172846 hookandabook@gmail.com hookandabook.com/christmas DENISE2GO FOR CROCHET Interchangeable hooks for Tunisian or standard crochet, now available on Amazon UK! Includes 12 hook sizes (F5/3.75mm–19/15mm) and 6 cords, perfect for working projects in lace to…

THE LOWDOWN It’s simple to be in with a chance of winning one of three great hooky prizes in a future issue! Show us your Simply Crochet makes on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or via email or post by 30 November 2018. For all terms and conditions, and more information, visit www.simplycrochetmag.co.uk/competitionrules COMPETITION RULES By Promoter: Immediate Media Company Bristol Limited (“Promoter”). By taking part in one of our Competitions, you agree to be bound by these Competition Rules. Late or incomplete entries will be disqualified. No responsibility accepted for lost, delayed, ineligible or fraudulent entries. Proof of posting (if relevant) shall not be deemed proof of delivery. Entries must be submitted by an individual (not via any agency or similar) and, unless otherwise stated, are limited to one per household.…

EMMA GUESS Emma (aka Sylvia Margaret Designs) says “you can make pretty much anything with a bit of creative thinking and an innovative use of stitches.” See page 20 for her fabulous hats. EMMA FRIEDLANDER-COLLINS Crafty author and blogger Emma took up the festive photo booth challenge and hooked us up a fun set of props for the office party. See the full set on page 18. LILIANA BRUCE “I took up crochet as hobby, but now it’s my day job, an everyday challenge, and I couldn’t be happier.” Liliana of Knothing Unusual designed our gorgeous cable braid scarf on page 43. EMMA LEITH Last but not least of our three Emmas this month, the effervescent Emma Leith has made some fab fun drinks markers (page 19) to keep tabs…

NOV 9 Learn to crochet with Sophia Reed £54.95, Black Sheep Wools, The Warehouse Studios, Glaziers Ln, Culcheth WA3 4AQ www.blacksheepwools.com/workshops NOV 13 Christmas Crochet workshop £60, Made & Making, Garden Studio, South Downs Nurseries, Hassocks BN6 9LY www.madeandmaking.co.uk NOV 22-25 The Knitting & Stitching Show 14.50, Harrogate International Centre HG1 5LA www.theknittingandstitchingshow.com DEC 2 Winter Woollies Small entry fee (tbc), Home Farm Nanpantan, Leicestershire LE11 3YG bit.ly/fb_ww2018…

1 Make a foundation ring (see page 91) 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…

1 Bring needle to the front of the fabric, after securing the thread at the back. Insert needle back into same hole (or very close to it) and pull gently to leave a small loop. 2 Bring needle to the front a little way to the right, making sure the needle passes through the loop. Insert the needle back into the same hole (or very close to it). Pull gently to leave a small loop. 3 Repeat Step 2 to make more loops. 4 After the final loop, make a small stitch over the last loop to secure it.…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Novita 7 Pohjola Veljestä (45% wool, 30% Finnish wool, 25% polyamide, 100g/200m), 3 balls of Luosto (894) ■ A 4.5mm (US 7) hook For the yarn, visit John Lewis stores or order from www.johnlewis.com TENSION 14 sts and 7 rows measures 10x10cm (4x4in) over tr st MEASUREMENTS Scarf measures approx 168x25cm (66¼x9¾in) without Fringe ABBREVIATIONS FPdtr Yrh twice, insert hook around front of post of the st indicated, yrh, pull up the loop, (yrh, pull through 2 loops on the hook) 3 times For a full list, see page 92 Worked in a robust stitch pattern, this scarf has a twisted cable design down the centre with raised ridges either side. The yarn is one of those commemorating Novita’s 90th anniversary, and has a…

Donna Wilkins “I absolutely love Christmastime and feel that crochet is the perfect fit! There is nothing better than cosying up with a hot chocolate, twinkly fairy lights and a project on the hook, watching an array of festive films! This pure wool DK was so lovely to work with – I love the tone of the colours. Instantly this cute festive bird house formed in my mind as the ideal project.” See Donna’s blog at www.thecrochetcraftco.co.uk  or follow her on Instagram @thecrochetcraftco. Marianne Rawlins “Christmas is by far my favourite time of year, so this challenge was perfect for me. I wanted my decoration to be cute and modern, but also to evoke feelings of festive nostalgia – the beautiful pure wool yarn in natural tones was…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Scheepjes Cahlista (100% cotton, 50g/85m), 1 ball of each: Shocking Pink (114) Royal Orange (189) Saffron (249) Ultra Violet (282) Dark Teal (401) Apple Granny (513) Candy Apple (516) Silver Blue (528) ■ A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook For yarn stockists contact www.scheepjes.com/en TENSION Tension is not critical for this project MEASUREME NTS Each Coaster measures 11cm (4›in) in diameter ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 NOTES Each Coaster is made up of two colours. Mix and match colours as desired. Decide which colour will be Yarn A and which will be Yarn B. On Rounds 1-3 the non-working yarn is held over the sts of the previous round and worked over with the working yarn. Change colours on the last yrh…

A split complementary scheme takes a base colour and then matches it with the shades either side of its complementary colour (the colour directly opposite it on the wheel). This can be a more harmonious way to contrast colours. For the flower motif in this issue’s gorgeous blanket pattern, Kate has started with magenta and surrounded it with yellow and green. The cream surround to the motif and fuchsia backdrop really enable the colour trio to stand out. See below for more combos to try.…

SLOW DOWN Rebecca (@thesecret craftbook) made this fab little sloth brooch from issue 75 to adorn her jacket. What a great way to feel chilled out. PERFECT CIRCLE Rachel (@rachel_on_ instag) hooked up the picnic rug pattern from issue 73 for a friend’s baby. She didn’t realise it would end up so big! WATCH OUT We sent thousands of these little monsters out in kit form, just in time for Halloween. Åsa (Aasa.74) in Sweden caught one to post a pic! Cute. CURTAIN CALL Adrienne adapted a crocheted bag design from one of our ‘Hook to Hook’ challenges to hang neatly from the back of her wheelchair. Genius!…

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…

Made in association with Scheepjes. For stockists visit www.scheepjes.com This is the 10th pattern in our Hook ‘n’ Learn blanket crochet-along, which we’re 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. This issue, try Lucy’s Wave stitch with its gently undulating pattern. 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: if you’re making the Colour Crafter version, with previous stitches you made two blocks, but for this time you’ll only need to make one Wave Block. STONE WASHED XL Make one Wave Block ■ Scheepjes Stone Washed…

CROCHET BIRDS VANESSA MOONCIE (£14.99, GMC Books) We are big admirers of Vanessa’s epic creations, often involving creatures of varying sizes. For this lovely book, she’s gone small but perfectly formed and provided 10 gorgeous bird patterns, including budgies, doves and blackbirds, all with stunning photos and detailed charts. FENG CROCHET NIKKI VAN DE CAR (£10.99, RUNNER PUBLISHING) Bring more calm into your home with Nikki’s collection of 30 peaceful and practical ideas, from home décor (such as plant hangers and baskets) to sweet accessories (dreamcatchers and delicate doilies). MY SLEEPY-TIME FRIENDS CALLISTE HAWKE (£6.90, Annie’s Crochet) Turn one basic pattern for a child’s cushion into eight super-cute animals – just pick the one your recipient will love best! This little book includes patterns for a tiger, teddy and lamb.…

GNOME SWEET GNOMES This supremely wise pair could be sitting on your tree this Christmas. An original pattern by Hannah Cross from Simply Crochet magazine, the pattern is ready to download for £3.50 on www.ravelry.com SWEET SHEEP Use up leftover festive yarn by making your own flock. Wool Couture ( www.woolcouture.com ) are selling these three-packs of wooden sheep shapes for £2.99. RED NOSE DAY Who could resist squidging Richard the Reindeer’s cherry-pop nose? Get the kit to make the amigurumi critter from www.thecrochetcraftco. co.uk  for £10.99. PUDDING TIME This little pud by designer Brigitte Read doesn’t just look pretty, it’s a basket for your crochet notions! Get the free pattern from www.simplycrochetmag.com WE LOVE TREES Festive finishing touches don’t…

STRIKE A POSE Hook up a selection of truly excellent props for the next office party. They’re perfect for selfie Christmas cards too (can’t wait to see them modelled by the family pooch)! KISS ME QUICK This cute mistletoe dec will hang beautifully in the house – or carry it with you and practise your pout for maximum mistletoe matches. TURN IT AROUND This clever jumper (so quick to hook) has ‘nice’ on one side and ‘naughty’ on the other, so you can decide which side of yourself you want to show. And Santa’s comin’ to town, dontcha know… so give the poor guy a clue. WHERE DID YOU GET THAT HAT? Us crochet types do love an amazing headdress. Show your true colours with this jolly set of candy…

YOU WILL NEED ■ King Cole Timeless Chunky (90% premium acrylic, 10% alpaca, 100g/155m) Yarn A Peppercorn (2913) Yarn B Duck Egg (2910) See table for yarn quantities and measurements ■ A 6mm hook (US J/10) hook ■ Small blue button For yarn stockists contact King Cole 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com TENSION 12sts and 7 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) square over treble crochet with a 6mm hook or size needed to obtain stated tension ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Pinafore dresses are a wardrobe staple for kids as they work well in all seasons. Hook this one up now to wear with long-sleeved tees and chunky tights and it will still be going next spring, layered over a light top. Timeless Chunky’s mix of acrylic…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Paintbox Yarns Simply Aran (100% acrylic, 100g/184m), Sailor Blue (239) (See table for yarn quantities and measurements) 1 ball of each: Sky Blue (238) Neon Pink (256) Stormy Grey (204) Pure Black (201) Paper White (200) ■ A 5mm (US H/8) hook For yarn stockists contact Love Crochet www.lovecrochet.com TENSION 4.5 tr groups and 10 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over stitch pattern using a 5mm hook or size needed to obtain tension ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 This fun, colourful jumper has an oversized, slouchy fit. Its yoke and new sleeve shape add up to retro styling with a modern look, – it’s destined for the work Christmas lunch. NOTES This Jumper is made in the round in one piece…

SUCH A SOFTIE Encourage young ones to craft or hook up a cutie for a fave niece or nephew with Knitty Critter kits. www.johnlewis.com £20 YOU’VE GOT MAIL The gift that keeps on giving – Crochet Surprise offer monthly project boxes and digital packages are coming soon. See website for prices & shipping. www.crochetsurprise.com CREATIVITY FIX The new Scheejpes Studio Pack includes two magnetic boards, a full set of Catona 10g Cutie Pie yarns (all 109 colours!) plus more accessories. Pure delight in a box! www.scheepjes.com/en £79.99 YARN, AND MORE YARN If in doubt, a nice DK such as this 100% Bluefaced Leicester will always be a winner. www.wyspinners.com £4.85 for 50g SHOW OFF If they love to make and give, then customisable labels are a very funky gift. www.wunderlabel.com £16.50 PRETTY THINGS These…

HUE, SHADE, TONE AND TINT ‘Hue’ means a colour, and ‘shade’, ‘tone’ and ‘tint’ apply to variations on that colour, adding black, grey or white to achieve specific effects. This info will help you find the right colours and make decisions on choosing colours for projects. SHADE Adding black to the original hue will give a rich, intense appearance TONE Add grey to the original hue for subtle, sophisticated results TINT Adding white to the original hue will make a softer, pastel palette Made in association with Yarn and Colors. For stockist information see www.yarnandcolors.com…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Yarn and Colors Must-Have (100% cotton, 50g/125m), 11 balls of Fuchsia (049) 2 balls of each: Purple Bordeaux (050), Aventurine (079), Ecru (003) 1 ball of Gold (089) ■ A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook For stockists contact Yarn and Colors www.yarnandcolors.com TENSION The first 6 rounds of each Motif measure 10cm (4in) in diameter MEASUREMENTS Each Square measures approx 16.5x16.5cm (6½x6½in) Finished Blanket measures approx 119.5x105cm (47x41¾in) ABBREVIATIONS ttr (triple treble crochet) Yrh 3 times, insert hook into st specified, yrh, pull through the st, (yrh, pull through 2 loops on the hook) 4 times twisted 2tr Skip next st, tr into next st, work a tr into the skipped st For a full list, see page 92 It doesn’t have to be Christmas…

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.…

You can buy special Hook ‘n’ Learn kits for both Scheepjes Stone Washed XL and Colour Crafter yarns from www.blacksheepwools.com, www.deramores.com and www.woolwarehouse.co.uk. If you’ve missed the first nine patterns, the first three (Block, Waffle, Shell) are available to download for free (go to www.simplycrochetmag.co.uk), and you can get the next six (Spike, Cable, Granny Stripe, Catherine Wheel, Puff and Apache Tears) by buying copies of our back issues (see page 94) or from Ravelry (www.ravelry.com).…