Innehållsförteckning för 89 från Simply Crochet

This issue we have gorgeous projects for autumn and the festive season. While it may feel a little early, we wanted to give you plenty of time to start on your gift making. Did you spot our sparkly Christmas card set? We love our sparkly mini-makes and hope you have fun making them – as well as sending them to someone special! At the other end of the gift scale, the mint accessories (that poncho!) collection is simply stunning – sure to find fans on Christmas morning. In other news, we are delighted to be supporting Jeanette Sloan’s BIPOC in Fiber crowdfunder – find out more next issue.…

MABEL BUNNY & CO CLAIRE GELDER (£12.99, Search Press) Prepare to fall in love with these snuggly toys! From Claire Gelder of Wool Couture fame, the collection includes 15 oversized amigurumi animals, including a koala, lamb, polar bear, and of course bunny, as well as three baby versions – aww! Worked up in soft, chunky yarn, they are seriously cuddly and make great gifts for children and adults alike. CROCHET WITH LONDON KAYE LONDON KAYE (£18.99, Abrams) We have long been admirers of street artist London Kaye. As well as jaw-dropping photos of some of her yarn-bombing escapades, this book includes more than a dozen of her unique patterns, from crochet covers for your sneakers to her signature eyeball design. EDWARD’S MENAGERIE: THE NEW COLLECTION KERRY LORD (£16.99, Pavilion Books)…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Stylecraft Life DK (75% acrylic, 25% wool, 100g/298m) 8 balls of Mint (2342) ■ A 4.5mm (US 7) hook ■ A 5mm (US H/8) hook For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft 01484 848435 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk TENSION Pattern repeat of 16 sts and 11 rows measures 10x10cm (4x4in) over pattern using a 4.5mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS (ONE SIZE) 80x64cm (31½x25in) ABBREVIATIONS cable4 Skip next 2 sts, FPdtr in next 2 sts from 2 rows below, FPdtr into first and second skipped sts from 2 rows below cable6 Skip next 3 sts, FPdtr in next 3 sts from 2 rows below, FPdtr into first, second and third skipped sts from 2 rows below For a full list, see page 90 The cosiness of a…

Recently, I was sat crocheting yet another blanket when my husband said something that completely stopped me in my tracks: “I like the border you’ve started”. I couldn’t believe my ears. It was indeed a border I had started but I hadn’t turned the corner or changed colour and had no idea how he knew! When I asked him he replied that it was obvious as it looked like I was ‘completing the balance’ of the blanket. I’m still a little amazed at the conversation (and proud that some of my crochet and design influence must have finally rubbed off), and it got me thinking about what makes the perfect border. CHOOSING THE RIGHT BORDER “There’s a growing trend for using mixed crafts to create” My style of borders is…

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.…

YOU WILL NEED ■ West Yorkshire Spinners Colourlab DK (100% wool 100g/225m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Stormy Grey (373) Yarn B Citrus Yellow (229) Yarn C Aqua Green (705) ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook ■ A 5mm (US H/8) hook ■ 2 buttons, 20mm For yarn stockists contact West Yorkshire Spinners 01535 664500 www.wyspinners.com TENSION 17 sts over 13 rows to measure 10x10 (4x4in) over half treble ribbing using a 4mm hook or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Legwarmers measure 40cm (16in) in length and 28cm (11in) in circumference around rib ABBREVIATIONS Fhtr (Foundation half treble) Ch3 (counts as first st), *yrh, insert hook into last ch from hook, yrh and pull up a loop, yrh and pull through one loop (ch-1 made), complete as…

YOU WILL NEED Mistletoe ■ Ricorumi (100% cotton, 25g/58m), a small amount of each: White (001), Green (049) ■ Rico Creative Cotton DK (100% cotton, 50g/115m), a small amount of Red (008) ■ Rico Creative Lamé (62% polyester, 38% polyamide, 25g/135m), a small amount of Silver (001) ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook Unicorn ■ Ricorumi (100% cotton, 25g/58m) a small amount of each: Pistachio (047), White (001), Wine Red (029), Black (060), Raspberry (013) ■ Rico Creative Lamé (62% polyester, 38% polyamide, 25g/135m) a small amount of Gold (002) ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook ■ A safety eye, 5mm For yarn stockists contact Rico www.rico-design.co.uk TENSION 17 sts and 17 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over pattern using a 4mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension…

ESME CRICK Esme describes herself as equal parts crochet designer, teacher and mum and she’s never far from her hook. This issue, she’s created a gorgeous neo-mint bag – find it on page 21. ANIQUA WILKERSON Aniqua is a crocheter on a mission – and she made her Malik doll as a contribution to the growing discussion on diversity in crochet. Discover it over on page 28. PAT STRONG Pat learned the craft of crochet from her grandmother and now she’s passing her love of it on to the world through her designs. Check out her gorgeous cardigan on page 42. SAMANTHA OSMOND Samantha is a passionate storyteller who feels crochet allows her to bring her whimsical characters into the real world, to have real-life adventures! See her squish bears…

REACH FOR THE STARS The Kawaii Shooting Star Scarf will cheer you up no end as you head out on those dark winter mornings and with the fluffy yarn you’ll be super-cosy. Stellar! Pattern from Etsy –search for HELLOhappy. LOOKING GOOD Perfect to throw on for autumn walks, the Oriole Triangle Scarf with tassels will keep you warm while looking uber-stylish. Pattern from Etsy – see haileybailey. LITTLE MERMAID Bring out your inner Ariel with this fabulous Mermaid Cable Scarf with fishtail braid pattern in zingy brights. Pattern from Etsy – search RebeccasStylings. HEADS UP A guaranteed win for Christmas Jumper Day, this Santa Heads Scarf truly brings the festive cheer! Find the pattern on Etsy – search for Donnas CrochetDesigns. LET IT SNOW We love the pockets in this…

1 Identify the post of the next stitch. Then work yrh (as usual for a treble stitch) 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…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Scheepjes Catona (100% cotton, 25g/62.5m) 1 ball of Snow White (106) Blonde Mermaid A small amount of each: Yarn A Powder Pink (238) Yarn B Vivid Blue (146) Yarn C Emerald (515) Yarn D Primrose (522) Red-haired Mermaid A small amount of each: Yarn A Nude (255) Yarn B Apple Granny (513) Yarn C Cyan (397) Yarn D Hot Red (115) Black-haired Mermaid A small amount of each: Yarn A Hazelnut (503) Yarn B Emerald (515) Yarn C Primrose (522) Yarn D Jet Black (110) ■ Scheepjes Twinkle (88% cotton, 12% polyester, 50g/150m) 1 ball of Gold (941) ■ Small amounts of black and pink yarn for facial features ■ A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook ■ Toy stuffing ■ Stitch markers For yarn stockists…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Deramores Studio DK (100% acrylic, 100g/250m) 5 balls of Yarn A Pearl (70002) 3 balls of Yarn B Mustard (70058) 2 balls of each: Cranberry (70071) Peridot (70011) Indigo (70040) ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook ■ A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook For yarn stockists contact Deramores 01733 777345 www.deramores.com TENSION Tension is not critical for this project but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Blanket measures approx 104x123cm (41x48½in) ABBREVIATIONS mtr (mosaic tr) Work standard tr st in skipped st 2 rows below, work the mtr in front of the ch-sps worked in the previous 2 rows standing htr Place slip knot on hook, yrh, insert hook into st specified, yrh and pull up a loop, yrh and pull through all loops on…

Textile waste is on the rise. Without finding another purpose, large amounts of textiles are automatically piled onto landfills, adding to pollution. As resources become more scarce, the need to use recycled materials is more important than ever. “Recently it was revealed that there has been an 811% increase in textile waste since 1960,” says a representative from The Sustainable Fashion Collective (www.the-sustainable-fashion-collective. com), an expert holistic advice platform that helps the textile industry to produce, market and sell more responsibly. “Whether it’s a fast-produced mechanical textile or a naturally-dyed hand-woven textile, they can all still go to landfill, making it so that the value is lost forever.” This is where recycled yarn and cotton comes into play for us crafters. But, how exactly is this made and what is…

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. The Promoter reserves the right in its sole discretion to substitute any prize with cash or a prize of comparable value. Unless otherwise stated, the Competition is open to all UK residents of 18 years and over, except employees of the Promoter and any party involved in the competition or their…

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…

Materials list for entire CAL project ■ Ricorumi (100% cotton, 25g/58m) 2 balls of White (001) 1 ball of each: Pink (011) Candy Pink (012) Raspberry (013) Midnight Blue (035) Pistachio (047) Wine Red (029) Orange (027) Green (049) Fuchsia (014) Sky Blue (031) Purple (020) Yellow (006) Black (060) ■ Rico Creative Lamé (62% polyester, 38% polyamide, 25g/135m) 1 ball of each: Gold (002) Silver (001) ■ Rico Creative Cotton (100% cotton, DK, 50g/115m) 1 ball each of: Red Fir Green ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook ■ 60x35cm cushion pad ■ 3 safety eyes, 5mm size ■ 1 safety eye, 3mm size…

My favourite crochet make is my doll named Jamila, which means beautiful. I had her in mind because I wanted her to be a beautiful representation of my mission. This important mission is to promote pride and confidence in children of colour (particularly girls, and even more specifically black girls) in efforts to combat self-hate. Every detail about her was very important and purposefully chosen. She is currently my favourite because of those meaningful details. Jamila is a reminder to the world that black is beautiful too! Far too often we correlate bad things with ‘black’. As a crochet doll maker I want to share my perspective through creating designs that reflect the beauty of our black girls. I chose Jamila’s skin tone in the darkest shade of brown I…

CABLED MITTENS Stay warm and stylish with Ilaria Caliri’s pair of beautiful winter mittens. ■ Stylecraft Life DK (75% acrylic, 25% wool, 100g/298m), 1 ball of Yarn A Mint (2342) ■ Stylecraft Eskimo DK (100% polyester, 50g/90m), 1 ball of Yarn B Natural (5211) ■ A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook ■ PU Leather ‘Hand Made’ labels from www.amazon.co.uk (optional) TENSION 8 sts and 8 rows to measure 5x5cm (2x2in) over extended double crochet worked in rounds using Yarn A and 3.5mm hook or size required to achieve tension MEASUREMENTS 20cm (8in) around fingers, 25cm (9¾in) around hand, 22cm (8¾in) long ABBREVIATIONS  cable1 (a 2-st cable) (Skip 1 st, FPtr around next st, FPtr around skipped st) cable2 (a 6-st cable) (Skip 3 sts, FPdtr around next 3 sts 2 rows…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Scheepjes Softfun (60% cotton, 40% acrylic, 50g/140m) 2 balls of each: Shade 2623 (brown) Shade 2511 (blue) 1 ball of each: Shade 2408 (black) Shade 2426 (white) Shade 2517 (green) Shade 2427 (orange) ■ A 2.75mm (US C/2) hook ■ A 3.25mm (US D/3) hook ■ A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook ■ A 3.75mm (US F/5) hook ■ 2 safety eyes, 15mm ■ 2 white felt circles, 25mm ■ 2 buttons, 20mm ■ Wooden dowel, 1cm diameter, 20cm long ■ Toy stuffing ■ Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Doll measures 46cm (18in) tall ABBREVIATIONS 5-tr cluster *Yrh, insert hook into st specified, yrh and pull up…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Rowan Felted Tweed DK (50% wool, 25% alpaca, 25% viscose, 50g/175m) Yarn A Lotus Leaf (205) Yarn B Eden (209) Yarn C Mineral (181) Yarn D Ginger (154) Yarn E Vaseline Green (204) Yarn F Camel (157) Yarn G Avocado (161) Yarn H Zinnia (198) Yarn J Cinnamon (175) See table for measurements and yarn quantities ■ A 4mm (US G/6) crochet hook ■ 5 buttons, 1.5cm For yarn stockists contact LoveCrafts 01409 404010 www.lovecrafts.com TENSION 18 sts and 12 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over stitch pattern using a 4mm hook or size needed to obtain stated tension ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 90 Bust width a: 46 (52.5: 57: 63.5)cm, 18 (20½: 24½: 25)in Length b: 59 (61: 63: 65)cm, 23¼ (24:…

LACE STAR MOTIF Ch8, ss in first ch to make a ring. ROUND 1 Ch1 (does not count as st) 15dc in ring, ss to first dc to join. ROUND 1 Ch1 (does not count as st), *dc in next st, ch4, dc in second ch from hook, ch2, skip next dc of round 1, dc in next st* rep from * 5 times, ss to first dc to join. FASTEN OFF and weave in ends. NOVITA HYGGE WOOL WEIGHT Super-chunky CONTENT 100% wool BALL 100g/60m HOOK 10mm RRP £6.30 With their Finnish roots always at the fore, this Hygge wool by Novita certainly lives up to its name – it feels like a big, cosy hug! The combination of 100% wool and the super-chunky weight means it has a…

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.…