Innehållsförteckning för 78 från Simply Crochet

Rainbows and wreaths are so in right now, and we couldn’t be happier to be bringing you both! On page 14 you can snuggle into blankets, cushions, mitts and more (great for beginners, too); and turn to this issue’s gorgeous 2019 calendar to get going on Kate Eastwood’s beautiful wreaths. Four stunning seasonal wreaths will keep you crocheting all year – and for more year-round inspiration, subscribe! Turn to page 32 to see our latest special gift, and if you’re reading in the States, there’s a great offer on page 86. Don’t miss out on all the crochet goodies we’ll be bringing you in 2019!…

Feast your eyes on the delicious new Gourmet Crochet collection from TOFT! Kerry Lord’s latest kits feature six different amigurumi seafood designs and come served up in a can. Pull back the ring and you’ll find two 25g balls of pure British wool and a pattern recipe card so you can start rustling up your gourmet creation. There’s video support for all the techniques online too. Choose from tins of sardines, prawns, snails, mussels, mackerel or scallops – or collect all six and knock up a seafood platter. Yum yum! Each kit is £16 or you can buy all six for £90. We’ve fallen for these cute little tins hook, line and sinker, and think they’ll make perfect stocking fillers too! Available from www.toftuk.com…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Patons Merino Extrafine DK (100% wool, 50g/120m), 1 ball of each: Yarn A Apple Green (173) Yarn B Iris (168) Small amounts of: For heart Yarn C Pink (137) For fish Yarn D Orange (125) ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION 18 sts over 10 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over stitch pattern MEASUREMENTS 8.5x16cm (3›x6in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 NOTES The Phone Case is made in a ripple pattern changing colour every two rows. Do not cut the yarn at the end of a colour change row but bring it up the side of the work, ready to be joined again. To make the case wider simply…

Looking back over the past year, it has, without a doubt, been my busiest crocheting year to date, with my little hooks hardly being put down between projects! From my own book of crocheted projects to Simply Crochet’s 2019 calendar (included with the magazine you’re holding), it’s been pretty hectic. But I’m absolutely not complaining as that’s exactly how I like it. BACK AT THE START For the past few years I have begun each year with a little self-indulgent crochet treat for myself! I get everything ready to start a new project in that limbo week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, when a little bit of calm descends and there’s time to sit on the sofa, catch up on the Christmas television and relax…

YOU WILL NEED ■ West Yorkshire Spinners The Croft Shetland Aran, (100% wool, 100g/166m), 4 balls of Lerwick (637) ■ A 4.5mm (US 7) hook ■ 4 clear press studs ■ 45x45cm cushion insert ■ Tartan ribbon, approx 1.5m For yarn stockists contact WY Spinners 01535 664500 www.wyspinners.com TENSION First 6 rounds measure 13cm (5in) in diameter MEASUREMENTS Cushion measures 44x44cm (17›x17›in) ABBREVIATIONS popcorn Work 6tr in the same st, drop the loop from the hook, insert the hook from front to back in the top of first tr worked, put the hook back in the dropped loop and pull through the first tr, ch1 beg popcorn Ch3, 5tr in same space as ch-3, work as for popcorn inserting the hook into the top of the beg ch-3…

“When I’m not crafting, I’m either drawing, spending time with my lovely (but cheeky) little ones and their very handsome dad, or on stage. I’m in a theatre company and do four different shows a year, which we spend a lot of time rehearsing for. They are my second family and we always have a blast. Whether it’s a serious drama or a colourful Christmas pantomime, I love every second.” The Bothers can be adopted from Lou’s Etsy shop at www.yarntistryuk.etsy.com . Keep up to date with new designs over on Facebook ( www.facebook.com/yarntistry ).…

YOU WILL NEED ■ King Cole Merino Blend 4ply (100% wool, 50g/180m), 2 balls of each: Biscuit (3125) Sage (853) ■ A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook For yarn stockists contact King Cole 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com TENSION 24 sts and 18 rows measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over moss st MEASUREMENTS Blanket measures approx 55x84cm (21½x33in) ABBREVIATIONS reverse dc (Dc in the next st to the right) repeat as instructed moss st (Ch1, skip 1 st, dc in next ch-1 sp) repeat as instructed Soft and sweet, this striped and small baby blanket is perfect to have on the go. Hook one up for expecting parents or new arrivals, just in time for Christmas. It’s the ideal project for practising your moss stitch, too. NOTES Change colour on the final yrh…

Despite their reputation, I have a soft spot for toadstools, in particular the Fly Agaric. A vibrant vermilion, adorned with creamy speckles, festooned with lace ruffles and a mild but magical menace, they are the best ambassador for the orange-red family. This colour is special as it is also my heritage. My family comes from an area in Australia that is populated with 19th century, red-brick buildings. At sunrise and sunset, an other-worldly glow emanates from the walls, producing a vermilion so warm, it lights up your soul. And yet, for such a beautiful colour, it carries a lethal past. Vermilion was originally made from cinnabar, an elemental ore from which mercury was extracted. Its toxicity was recognised early on by the ancient Romans and the Chinese, and so they…

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 a mix where not only can colours easily be combined but the different yarns can be effortlessly mixed, too.”…

SLOW DOWN Sahoy (@Scameronell) shared her superb hooded blanket from a pattern in issue 73. We’re loving the colourful fringe and beautiful fold. GRANNY LOVE Sara (@inkypink68) hooked up our gorgeous blanket pattern from issue 64, and already has Mabel the cat’s seal of approval. WATCH OUT A reader of the Dutch-language edition of Simply Crochet (@klaartje neirinckx) shared this sweet blanket from issue 54. STILL GOT CANDY Sarah (@loveto.run) hooked up this pumpkin bucket in time for Halloween 2018. The free pattern is still on our website, so save it for next year’s celebrations!…

This treasured sweater was originally made in the fall of 2016, and published in January 2017. It was the first sweater I had made for my husband that was my own design. He vetted everything from the colour of the yarn, to the type, to the design, “Simple, but not too simple,” he specified. I wanted to make him a crocheted sweater that he actually liked and would definitely wear. The very first sweater I made him was a free pattern I had found and it needed many custom edits to fit. It was also in a colour I chose, that I knew he looked good in – lavender. Apparently he did not care how good he looked in it, he wasn’t going to wear it – ha! – serves…

“With cherry blossom being at the forefront of my mind for the Spring Wreath,” says Kate, “it seemed only natural to try and incorporate some branches bursting into flower. So I went on a little twig hunt around the garden, and found that by carefully pushing the twigs into the wreath base, I could create a 3D effect of overhanging branches that I covered with tiny leaves and flowers.” YOU WILL NEED ■ Rico Creative Ricorumi, (100% cotton, 25g/58m), 1 ball of each:Powder (022) Coral (009) Smokey Rose (010) Pistachio (047) Light Green (046) Vanilla (005) Yellow (006) ■ A 2.5mm (US B/1) hook ■ Ribbon, 3cm wide, 40cm length ■ Wreath base, 30cm diameter (available from www.littlecraftybugs.co.uk) ■ 4 small twigs ■ Glue gun ■ String ■ Starch spray…

SARA SCALES Sara teaches crochet classes, and designs miniatures and doll crochet, which you can find on Etsy. This issue, she designed the gorgeous Christmas star cushion on page 47. MARTINE DE REGT Self-taught crocheter Martine loves designing her own patterns, from shawls to bags to amigurumi animals and dolls. Hook up her unique reindeer doll on page 28. ELISABETH DAVIS DE HERRAIZ Elisabeth stumbled upon crochet by accident a decade ago and has never looked back – she says a day without crochet isn’t a full day! She’s designed a baby blanket for us on page 67. HELEN MCLEAN Aka Sew Sew Baby, designer and blogger Helen is mum to three boys, a self-taught crocheter and a self-confessed yarn addict. Crochet keeps her sane... See her rainbow blanket on…

Every month, three subscribers win a prize as a thank you for their loyalty. This month, the winners (below) will each receive a Lily Sugar ‘n’ Cream yarn pack. Check your issue next month to see if you’re a winner! Emma Pryce-Jones, Andover Lianne Craven, Newcastle Upon Tyne Kim Morrish, Plymouth Immediate Media Company, publishers of Simply Crochet, Subs Stars giveaway Terms and Conditions: Prizes were dispatched before the on-sale date of this issue. There are no cash alternatives. Three winning entries will be chosen at random from all current subscribers. The draw is final and no correspondence will be entered into.…

CROCHETERS UNITE! We’ve been given a mission and we’ve accepted it… We are going to save the planet. OK, not singlehandedly, but we’ll do our bit. This bag (£13.95, www.noths.com ) states our intentions loud and proud. DITCH CLOTHS Crochet dishcloths are a doddle to make, they’re better for the planet and will save you money too. Find this pattern by JLZCreations on Etsy for £2.82 GET HOOOKED Hoooked’s eco yarns are made using recycled textile yarn. This Zpagetti in the zingy Super Pink is £7.03 for 120m. Find it at www.loveknitting.com BAG FOR LIFE Cut a dash in the supermarket with your own handmade bag for life. Get the pattern for this natty number from JensTangledThreads on Etsy for £4.68 SCRUB A DUB These…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Scheepjes Stonewashed DK (78% cotton, 22% acrylic, 50g/130m), 1 ball of each: Yarn A Pink Quartzite (821) Yarn B Carmelian (823) Yarn C Citrine (817) Yarn D Malachite (825) Yarn E Enstatite (832) Yarn F Rose Quartz (820) ■ Scheepjes Sweetheart (100% polyester, 100g/153m), 1 ball of Yarn G White (01) ■ A 4mm (USG/6) hook ■ Toy stuffing ■ A small amount of black stranded cotton ■ Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com TENSION Tension is not critical for this project MEASUREMENTS Doll measures 38cm (15in) in height ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Our little Santa’s helper is all dressed up for some festive fun. Her dress, hat and boots are finished with snowy white fur, and she’s…

YOU WILL NEED ■ West Yorkshire Spinners Re:Treat (100% wool, 100g/140m) Yarn A Unwind (094) Yarn B Harmony (184) Yarn C Escape (562) Yarn D Relax (093) See table for yarn quantities and measurements ■ A 6mm (US J/10) hook For yarn stockists contact WY Spinners 01535 664500 www.wyspinners.com TENSION 9 htr and 9 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over half treble using a 6mm hook or size needed to obtain tension ABBREVIATIONS puff stitch *Yrh and insert into st or sp instructed, pull yarn up to height of st (approx height of a dtr), leaving 3 loops on hook; rep from * 4 more times [11 loops on hook], yrh and draw through all loops, ch1 to close rtr (reverse treble) Work a standard treble working from…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Hoooked Milano Eco Barbante (85% recycled cotton, 15% other recycled fibres, 200g/204m), 2 balls of Orchid ■ A 4.5mm (US 7) hook ■ Stitch markers For yarn stockists, see www.hoooked.co.uk TENSION 12 htr over 8 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) MEASUREMENTS Bag measures 26x16cm (10›x6›in) ABBREVIATIONS Hook up a this gorgeous clutch pattern to match your new outfit, or to give as a quick gift. The semi-circle front and full-on fringe is trend city, and so is the shade – purple is the colour of the year, dontcha know. Not your thing? This recycled yarn comes in 21 shades, so you’ll easily find a shade you love. NOTES The Body of the Bag is worked using 2 strands of yarn and the Flap is…

1 Check your yarn’s ball band for advice on whether to dry, wet or steam block your item. To wet block, wash the item before pinning. For dry and steam blocking, pin out when dry. To pin out, lay the item flat on a towel over a blanket. 2 Using long, rust-proof pins or blocking wires, pin out to the measurements in your pattern (check the schematic for garments). Start at the corners, then move evenly around the edges. You can reposition pins if needed. 3 Place pins inside the last row or round of stitches, not in the actual stitches or you risk distorting them. Insert the pin’s point towards the centre of the fabric, away from the edge, to balance out the forces involved. 4 For wet blocking,…

This issue’s cushion cover project uses a square tetrad scheme, which takes two pairs of complementary colours, evenly spaced around the colour wheel, and places them together. To prevent this combination from becoming overpowering, look at using different tints and tones of the selected shades. The resulting effect is enticingly colourful but pleasingly complementary. See below for more combos to try.…

BOW MOTIF Ch136. ROUND 1 Dc in 2nd ch from hook and in next 5ch, ch1, skip 1ch, *dc in next 3ch, 2dc in each of next 4ch, dc in next 3ch, ch1, skip 1ch*; repeat from * twice, dc in next 6ch. FASTEN OFF . TO MAKE UP Lay shape flat. Take a length of yarn and, with RS facing, thread through 1st, 2nd and 3rd ch1-sp, loop round in between bows and thread through again, then tie ends together. You may find it helpful to put a stitch marker in each ch-sp. FASTEN OFF and weave in ends. SKEIN QUEEN SELKINO WEIGHT 4ply CONTENT 70% superwash merino, 30% silk SKEIN 100g/400m HOOK 3.5mm RRP £21 This hand-dyed silk and merino blend is so soft it just slides off…

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 19 December 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.…

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 11th pattern in our Hook ‘n’ Learn blanket crochet-along, which we’ve been running throughout the year (see box opposite for how to get the full set!). It’s the perfect project for beginners and fun for more experienced stitchers too. Next issue we’ll introduce the final stitch, and in the following issue we’ll show you how to put it all together! This instalment features the lovely, textured Basketweave stitch. Choose between the soft shades of Stone Washed XL, or the bright tones of Colour Crafter. Note: if you’re making the Colour Crafter version, with some of the previous stitches you made two blocks, but this time you’ll only need to make one Basketweave Block. STONE WASHED XL Make one…

Our gorgeous seasonal wreaths are the creations of clever designer Kate Eastwood, AKA Just Pootling (her blog is at justpootling.blogspot.com). Kate loved working on our calendar, saying, “The seasons are, without a doubt, one of my favourite crochet inspirations. Living in Wiltshire, I am lucky enough to be surrounded by the most beautiful countryside as far as the eye can see, and there will never be a day when I don’t revel in the seasonal changes around me. To be able to combine this love with my crochet by bringing the outside in with wreaths, garlands and decorations for the home brings me enormous pleasure.” Kate chose Rico Creative Ricorumi DK for the wreaths. “When making anything small and detailed, I find cotton is the perfect go-to yarn as it…

“At the time of making the wreaths”, explains Kate, “we were right in the middle of one of the most glorious summers we have had in this country for some time – the fields on my drive to work were full of the most beautifully golden corn, with the occasional burst of a brilliant poppy. This was the perfect starting point for my Summer Wreath, before adding daisies and cornflowers for contrast. The wreath is finished off with a couple of cabbage white butterflies and one little bee, happily buzzing away.” YOU WILL NEED ■ Rico Creative Ricorumi, (100% cotton, 25g/58m), 1 ball of each: White (001) Vanilla (005) Red (028) Pistachio (047) Caramel (053) Ecru (054) Black (060) Cream (002) Teal (040) Denim (034) ■ A 2.5mm (US B/1)…

“For the Autumn Wreath I decided to go for something a little different from my usual autumn makes of oak leaves and acorns,” muses Kate. “Our garden at home is surrounded with an ancient beech hedge and watching the colours changing come autumn is the first sign that it’s time to start getting cosy indoors. Beech leaves are a great foundation for this wreath. I also wanted to create the feeling of a woodland floor, so lots of little toadstools fitted the bill and to finish, I added some Michaelmas daisies, a true harvest flower.” YOU WILL NEED ■ Rico Creative Ricorumi (100% cotton, 25g/58m), 1 ball of each: Cream (002) Fox (025) Smokey Orange (024) Burgundy (030) Mauve (019) Nougat (056) Beige (055) ■ A 2.5mm (US B/1 or…

STRIPY BLANKETS TO CROCHET HAAFNER LINSSEN (£10.99, Search Press) Relaxing, repetitive and quick to work, stripy crochet patterns are wonderful therapy. In this latest book from the author of best-seller Mandalas to Crochet, you’ll find 20 super-stylish blanket patterns, plus all the instructions you need. Grab your hook and get in the flow! BABY BOOTIES SUSIE JOHNS (£5.99, GMC) A new baby on the horizon is the perfect excuse to get hooking a special gift, and what could be cuter than a handmade pair of teeny tiny booties? Baby Booties includes 10 gorgeous designs from teddy slippers and pretty daisy shoes to watermelon booties. Adorable! CORNER TO CORNER CROCHET JESS COPPOM (£17.65, Sewandso) As you probably know, corner-to-corner crochet is a technique where you crochet small tiles on the diagonal,…

GIVE IT A SQUEEZE This mega-pillow gives out all the comforts without expecting anything in exchange. You’ll be fighting over who gets it in no time (our bet’s on the kids though. You don’t stand a chance). BOBBLE HEAD You’ll be easy to find in the January sales when sporting this fabulous headgear, with its giant pompom and swirling shades. It’s just brimming with rainbow shades. Geddit? ALL WRAPPED UP This cosy scarf is quick to hook up and you can tuck one end into the other to make sure the cold stays out. It looks fab when paired with a hat, and even better when your bestie is wearing her Christmas gifts with pride. SUPER-SIZE ME Lounging on the sofa watching festive flicks never looked this good. The rainbow…

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 ■ Wool and the Gang Feeling Good Yarn (70% baby alpaca, 23% nylon 7% merino, 50g/130m) Duck Egg Blue See table for yarn quantities and measurements ■ A 5.5 mm (US I/9) hook ■ Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact Wool and the Gang www.woolandthegang.com TENSION 11.5 sts and 7 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over tr using a 5.5mm hook; alternatively measure 23 sts and 14 rows over 20x20cm (8x8in) ABBREVIATIONS FPtr (Front Post treble) Yrh, starting from front, insert hook from front to back to front around post of st in row below, complete as a tr st BPtr (Back Post treble) Yrh, starting from back, insert hook from back to front to back around post of st in row below, complete as…

THE PROLIFIC CRAFTER In the Shropshire Hills nestles Church Stretton where The Prolific Crafter brings the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty indoors. Our range of outstanding yarns, including Schoppel, WYS, Fyberspates, UK Alpaca and more, provides gifts for crafters and everything needed to create beautiful crafted gifts. 9 High Street, Church Stretton, SY6 6BU. info@theprolificcrafter.co.uk theprolificcrafter.co.uk WIN EVERY CROCHETER’S DREAM Join Crochet Surprise by 5 Dec 2018 for your chance to win a year’s free subscription (valued at $442.80). So what is Crochet Surprise? We are a vibrant community who relax and unwind over a special crochet project, delivered to your door each month. Pattern, yarn, accessories, tea and much more all included. hello@crochetsurprise.com crochetsurprise.com DENISE2GO FOR CROCHET Interchangeable hooks for Tunisian or standard crochet, now available on Amazon UK!…

Magdalene Lee “I wanted to create slippers that would keep frosty toes snug on cold winter days, be easy to slip on and off, and look stylish enough that you might be tempted to wear them  outdoors. Hence these cute moccasins were born, with pink puffs and soles for textural and visual contrast. The structure and shaping allows the slippers to hug your feet. The yarn is chunky, soft, and fluffy – perfect for warm and cosy slippers.” See Magdalene on Ravelry at www.ravelry.com/designers/magdalene-lee Liz Ward “When I’m designing, I like to create patterns that are simple and easy to follow. I’m mostly known as a amigurumi designer and I brought some of that pattern style to this design.  With these slippers I wanted to create a classic style and…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Yarn and Colors Must-Have (100% cotton, 50g/125m), 2 balls of each: Ecru (003) Gold (089) Eucalyptus (080) Old Pink (047) Denim (061) 1 ball of each: Pepper (032) Coral (041) Red Wine (030) ■ A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook ■ Cushion insert, 45x45cm (17¾x17¾in) For stockists contact Yarn and Colors www.yarnandcolors.com TENSION 7 rounds to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over Square Motif pattern MEASUREMENTS Cushion measures 41x41cm (16¼x16¼in) ABBREVIATIONS If your life is far from monochrome, then pick a whole host of complementary shades from vibrant vermilion to dusty gold. The perfect pick-me-up for plain sofas. NOTES Use a mixture of Coral, Pepper and Red Wine for the Berries. FRONT SQUARE MOTIF (MAKE 9) Using Ecru, ch4, ss to first ch to form a loop.…

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 10 patterns, the first three (Block, Waffle, Shell are available to download for free (www.simplycrochetmag.co.uk),and you can get the next seven (Spike, Cable, Granny Stripe, Catherine Wheel, Puff, Apache Tears, Wave) by buying copies of our back issues (see page 94) or from Ravelry (www.ravelry.com).…

We are thrilled to bring you Simply Crochet’s 2019 calendar! Back in the summer when I first spoke to Kate Eastwood about designing a calendar for us, she jumped at the chance, but we both had a little chuckle at the timing, as Kate had just finished work on a book – for which she’d been busy designing 25 wreaths! But Kate says, “I could not have been more delighted to be asked, and my brain began frantically ticking over to try and find new ideas. Then the inspiration started to flow and I was soon immersed in hooking my way through the seasons.” The inspiration did indeed flow, and Kate has created four stunning wreaths for us. Making them will be a lovely way to crochet through the year,…