Innehållsförteckning för 91 från Simply Crochet

The festive season has really hit its stride now and if you’re anything like us, you’ll be worrying about what you’ve forgotten to worry about. Luckily, if it’s gifts keeping you up at night, a brand new present is just a crochet away – check out our quick-hook gifts collection on page 14 – eight fun makes that will please everyone from your great-aunt in-law to your dad. And if (like me) you’re a sucker for an alpaca, don’t miss the bouclé beauty on page 30. Elsewhere in the mag, read up on the brand new BIPOC in Fiber website and their important mission to promote diversity in craft. Happy hooking!…

JAPANESE WONDER CROCHET NIHON VOGUE (£9.35, Tuttle) You’ll be familiar with the stitches (bullion, crocodile, waffle…), but not with the way they’re ingeniously put together to create delights for your wardrobe and your home. Translated from Japanese, this is Eastern style pure and simple. The 25 projects include beautiful bags and purses, a shawl, jewellery, potholders, coasters and a throw. YARN TEA ROOM SCHEEPJES (£7.95, Scheepjes) Scheepjes’ eagerly anticipated bi-annual pattern book contains 16 projects for yarnies (knit as well as crochet). The garments, accessories and soft furnishings have all been created by Scheepjes’ team of designers using Scheepjes’ yummy yarn. The theme is ‘tea’, so look out for some tasty, soothing treats. NEEDLE-FELTED ANIMALS MIA UNDERWOOD (£9.35, CICO) Mia’s book is filled with 35 of the cutest ever animals…

HOT WATER BOTTLE A charming, travel-size hot water bottle with a retro feel. Designed by Hannah Cross ■ DROPS Cotton Merino Uni Colour (50% wool, 50% cotton 50g/110m), 1 ball of each: Forest Green (11), Red (06), Powder Pink (05), Mustard Yellow (15), ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook ■ A 500ml hot water bottle TENSION Tension is not critical for this project but may affect yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS To fit a 500ml hot water bottle that is 13x22cm (5x8¾in) NOTES Construct a matching Front and Back for the Cover, join as instructed, then add the Cuff. Change colour on the last yrh of the previous stitch. This project uses approx 25g of each colour. HOTTIE COVER FRONT/BACK (MAKE 2) Using Forest Green, ch22. Row 1 (RS) Dc in…

When I was young I made an angel tree decoration for my mum. It was one of the ones you colour in and then bake in the oven to seal the colours. The only problem was that I coloured half of the hair on the angel green by mistake. Unfortunately there was no saving that poor angel’s hair and I was distraught. Over the years I’ve had many more crafting failures, but I’m glad to say I’ve now got a thriving collection of crochet and craft to decorate the house with over the festive season. O LITTLE TOWN OF HANDMADE DECORATIONS “For something like this it is essential to cherish the making process” There’s something magical and beautifully honest about having handmade creations adorn the house during the festive season,…

1 To make a triple treble stitch, yrh three times and insert the hook into the next stitch on the previous row, or into the 6th chain from the hook if you’re working into the foundation chain. Yrh. 2 Pull the yarn through the chain loop (5 loops on hook). *Yrh and pull the yarn through the first two loops on the hook (4 loops on hook). Repeat from * (3 loops on hook). Yrh again. 3 Pull the yarn through the first two loops on the hook only (2 loops on hook). Yrh and gently pull the yarn through the 2 loops on the hook to finish the stitch. 4 Your finished triple treble stitch should look like this. You can see how it sits neatly next to the…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Scheepjes River Washed (78% cotton, 22% acrylic, 50g/130m) 2 balls of Colorado (941) ■ A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com TENSION 2 pattern repeats and 9 rows measure 10x10cm (4x4in) using a 3.5mm hook or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Handwarmers measure 16cm (6¼in) in length, 20cm (8in) circumference Cowl measures 18x51cm (7x20in) ABBREVIATIONS shell Work 7tr in same st or sp tr4tog (Yrh, insert hook into next st and pull up a loop, yrh and pull through 2 loops on hook) 4 times, yrh and pull through all loops on hook tr7tog (Yrh, insert hook into next st and pull up a loop, yrh and pull through 2 loops on hook) 7 times, yrh and pull through all…

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…

MAGALI POUMEYROL Magali’s grandmothers introduced her to the joy of crochet 35 years ago. Then, in 2012 she discovered amigurumi – now she can’t help but deisgn them! Find her bear toy on page 16. ELEONORA TULLY For Eleonora, sharing her crochet passion with others through designs, workshops and social media is a huge part of her life! Check out her craft case on page 19. KELLY GROVES Kelly designs with beginners in mind, wanting to learn new crochet techniques and stitches. With just a hook and yarn the possibilities are endless! Find her poncho on page 26. LISA STURMEY Lisa started crocheting just three years ago and hasn’t stopped since! She loves designing cute toys and gets lots of ideas from her 13 year old daughter Ellie. Find her…

12 JAN Learn to Crochet with Emma Leith £50, Emma’s Studio, Wiltshire www.emmaleith.co.uk 19 JAN Waltham Abbey Wool Show £4.50, Waltham Abbey Marriott Hotel, Essex www.walthamabbeywoolshow.co.uk 25 JAN Beginners’ Crochet with Sue Maton £30, Norfolk Yarn shop, Norwich www.norfolkyarn.co.uk 30 JAN The Creative Craft Show £10, Eventcity, Manchester www.stitchandhobby.co.uk 13 FEB Craft4Crafters Show £10, The Westpoint Centre, Exeter www.craft4crafters.co.uk…

YOU WILL NEED ■ King Cole Galaxy DK (65% acrylic, 31% wool, 4% soft payette, 50g/175m) 10 balls of Capri (3255) ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook ■ Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact Deramores 01733 777345 www.deramores.com TENSION 10 sts over 8 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over stitch pattern using a 4mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS 103x58cm (40½x22¾in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Your friends won’t believe you made this stunning poncho, but what they really wouldn’t believe is how easy it is. Sequin yarn self-embellishes as you work, while the rectangular shape is deceptively easy. NOTES The Poncho is worked in two rectangle pieces, which are seamed together along the top and sides leaving openings for the neck and…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Paintbox Simply Aran (100% acrylic, 100g/184m) 1 ball of each: Red Wine (215) Vanilla Cream (207) ■ A 6mm (US J/10) hook For yarn stockists contact Love Crafts 01409 404010 www.lovecrochet.com TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Bottle Holder measures 32cm (12½in) tall ABBREVIATIONS sdc (split double crochet) Work a standard dc st, but working between the legs of the st below instead of into the top of the st For a full list, see page 92 At the height of the festive season a bottle is an appropriate gift, but if you feel it lacks the personal touch this holder is the answer. NOTES Bottle Holder is worked from the bottom up. A second…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Scheepjes Whirl (60% cotton, 40% acrylic, 220g/1000m) 1 ball of Jade JimJam (560) ■ Scheepjes Whirlette (60% cotton, 40% acrylic, 100g/455m) 1 ball of Mint (856) ■ A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook ■ 4 stitch markers For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com/en TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Table Runner measures 160x60cm (63x23¾in) after blocking ABBREVIATIONS shell (3tr, ch1, 3tr) in ch-sp or st indicated v-st in tr2tog (1tr, ch2, 1tr) between posts of the tr2tog st in round below tr2tog over 4 sts *Yrh, insert hook into next st, yrh and pull up a loop, yrh and pull through 2 loops on hook**, skip 2 sts; rep from * to **, yrh…

As every hookster knows, handmade items come inbued with a special sense of care and affection, making hand crocheted gifts a perfect present for friends and family. But what about those who aren’t lucky enough to have a big community around them? If you have a little more to give within the season of good will, try spending it working on projects for those in need and let them experience the same joy as those closest to you. From warming blankets to penguin-sized jumpers, here are some causes you can get involved with. SANDS Sands has an army of knitters and crocheters around the country, who create beautiful white baby blankets to help families at an extremely difficult time, when their baby has died before, during or shortly after birth.…

CHAIN DAISIES Ch10, ss in first ch to make a ring ROUND 1 *Ch10, ss in ring* rep 10 times, ss in first ch of first ch10. FASTEN OFF AND WEAVE IN ENDS SIRDAR MYSTICAL WEIGHT Super chunky CONTENT 98% acrylic, 2% polyester BALL 100g/70m HOOK 10mm RRP £5.49 Mystical is a very appropriate name for this interesting yarn! Considering it’s completely synthetic, it has many qualities that may surprise you – most markedly in its construction. It’s a bouclé-style with loose loops running down the strand, but one that has an real wool/roving style that gives it a big bloom. Subtle shiny fibres also run throughout, coming together to make a soft and chunky yarn perfect for winter warmers! Mystical is available in six variegated shades. Machine washable at…

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.…

My love affair with crochet began over 20 years ago, and has never stopped. I still crochet every day – I love the art of it and really enjoy learning new techniques whenever or however I can. To feed my obsession for hooky progression, over the years I’ve sigend up to a whole host of online classes with Blueprint (formerly Craftsy). One of my absolute favourites is modern Irish freeform with Myra Wood. As I followed along with this class, I made a lace sleeveless pullover. I absolutely loved it and even as I was finishing it, I knew I would make another. Interestingly, later down the line I wore my crafted pullover when attending my first CGOA (Crochet Guild of America) Chain Link conference in Chicago and was delighted…

WADDLING WONDER Nestling in the palm of your hand, these adorable little feathered angels are surely descended from the North Pole heavens. Pdf pattern for two penguins, so they each have a friend. Search for Etsy shop RNata. COOL CUP Scalding hot drinks and sensitive fingers don’t mix – so keep them apart with this cup cosy, perfect for stockings. Pattern from Etsy shop DeesCozyCreations. BIG HEAD This penguin’s got a real head for finances – although admittedly mainly coins. P-p-p-pick up the 10-page pdf pattern from Etsy search for shop – LauLovesCrochet. CHICK -A-DEE If anyone doesn’t fall for this amigurumi cutey pie, then their heart must be as cold as the South Pole. Pdf pattern from Etsy – search for shop PatchworkMoose. RAGTAG DUO One for you, and…

YOU WILL NEED ■ King Cole Pricewise DK (100% acrylic, 100g/282m) 1 ball of each: White (001) Natural (046) A small amount of each: Baby Green (002) Baby Pink (004) Baby Lilac (3208) ■ A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook ■ Stitch markers ■ Black stranded cotton ■ 2 safety eyes, 12mm ■ Toy stuffing For stockists contact King Cole 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Alpaca measures approx 35cm (13¾in) tall ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 If at first glance you mistook this season’s trending animal, the alpaca, as last year’s trending animal, the llama, you must be feeling some kind of silly right now. Just look at her straight ears…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Lion Brand Beautiful You (100% acrylic, 100g/298m) Capri (148) See table for measurements and yarn quantities ■ A 3.25mm (US D/3) hook (see Notes) ■ A 3.5mm (US E/4) for Neckline Edging only ■ 6 buttons, 1.5cm For yarn stockists contact LoveCrafts 01409 404010 www.lovecrafts.com TENSION 20 sts and 12 rows measures 10x10cm (4x4in) over stitch patt with a 3.25mm hook or size required to achieve tension ABBREVIATIONS cb5 (cable 5-st group) 4tr, tr in st before first tr (crossed tr), skip next st; Note: at the beg of a row, work the crossed tr into the base of the beg ch-3 pc5 (popcorn 5-st group) 2tr, 5tr in next st, remove hook and insert from front to back into top of first tr of 5-tr,…

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…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Sirdar Snuggle Baby Bamboo (80% bamboo, 20% wool, 50g/95m), 1 ball of each: Yarn A Nellie (099) Yarn B Lemonade (116) ■ A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook ■ Toy stuffing ■ Stitch markers ■ Black stranded cotton For yarn stockists contact Sirdar 01924 231682 www.sirdar.co.uk TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Elephant Snuggle Comforter measures 13x13cm (5x5in) ABBREVIATIONS inv dec (invisible decrease) Insert hook under front loop only of next 2 sts, yrh and pull up a loop, yrh and pull through both loops on hook (alternatively work a dc2tog) For a full list, see page 92 Any parent with long hair will know the surprising power of an infant’s grabby fist. Spare your tresses…

Carol Cox, a retired Ofsted Inspector from Somerset, started crocheting for charity more than three years ago. “I read about Refugee Aid From Taunton while on Facebook. RAFT was formed and is run by volunteers in Taunton who have established links with other groups in the UK. They organise sending clothes, toys and medical supplies to refugee organisations across the world. “I felt so concerned about the wellbeing of refugees seeking shelter, particularly babies and children, that I was compelled to take action. “I crochet borders onto donated blankets, which are otherwise too small to be useful. Over my time, I’ve crocheted borders onto more than 100 blankets. I do this as I like to knit and crochet, and at the same time provide practical help to babies and children…

YOU WILL NEED Cushion back and border ■ Rico Creative Cotton DK (100% cotton, 50g/115m), 1 ball of each: Red (008), Fir Green (017) ■ Rico Creative Lamé (62% polyester, 38% polyamide, 25g/135m), a small amount of each: Silver (001), Gold (002) ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook ■ Cushion pad, 60x35cm (see notes) For yarn stockists contact Rico www.rico-design.co.uk TENSION 14 sts and 8.5 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over half treble using a 4mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Cushion measures 70x46cm (27½x18in) ABBREVIATIONS pompom bobble Ch4, 4tr cluster in 3rd ch from hook, ch3, 4tr cluster in 3rd ch from hook, ss in last ch of beg ch-4, ch1 to secure For a full list, see page 92 NOTES Cushion is made up…