Innehållsförteckning för Issue 37 från Simply Crochet

ERIKA KNIGHT Brighton-based designer and yarn mogul Erika is sharing the secrets of her creative process and her fave fibres this month on page 58. Plus, see page 16 for some scrummy designs using her yarn. KATH WEBBER Writer and crochet designer Kath has been pompom-wrangling this month, hooking a dynamite duo of slouchy beanies as part of our super-chunky collection. Find them on page 26. LOUISE SMITH Kitty-loving crocheter Louise Smith has been getting into the festive spirit, creating a brilliant DIY Christmas jumper project for us. Hint: it involves snowflakes. In a big way. See page 51. BECKY GARRATT Becky is an illustrator and amigurumi whizz. This issue, she’s whipped up an incredible crochet cuckoo clock for us with a distinct festive flavour. Turn over to page 66…

1 FOR ARTY TYPES One hexie motif, some tassels and a twig – you’ve got a stylish wall hanging. 2 FOR CAFFEINE ADDICTS Mug hugs or a stack of coasters will do the trick. 3 FOR THE HOUSE PROUD Make festive decorations or garlands with basic shapes. 4 FOR FASHIONISTAS A crochet flower and a pin makes a pretty brooch. 5 FOR CRAFTY PALS A skein of extra-special yarn or a trip to a craft event are sure to go down a treat.…

BEAR WITH US We’re just dotty about this portly teddy bear. He’s got stripy paws and ears, and a delightfully bemused expression. Hook him a jumper with contrasting spots, stitch on those all-important eyebrows and he’s ready to be cuddled. GIVE IT SOME WELLY Pick three shades you love and whip up a pair of stripy welly toppers. This simple, speedy project will make a great gift for puddle-splashers, or those who just like to stay warm. You could fit them to your favourite winter boots, too. BABY GOT BACKPACK Cool stripes and contrasting bobbles make this drawstring bag a gem for both adults and kiddos alike. How about working it in monochrome for a more chic look? If you’ve never made a bag before, hook this one. ALL WRAPPED…

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…

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS 4PLY WEIGHT 4MM HOOK YOU WILL NEED • Madelinetosh Tosh Sock (100% wool, 100g/361m), 2 skeins of Vermillion (011) • A 4mm (US G/6) hook For yarn stockists, contact Loop 020 7288 1160 www.loopknittingshop.com TENSION One motif measures 10x12cm MEASUREMENTS Finished shawl meas 80x145cm (31›x57in) after blocking ABBREVIATIONS 5-tr cluster (Yrh, insert hook in space indicated, yrh and pull up loop, yrh and draw through 2 loops) 5 times, inserting the hook in the same space each time, yrh and draw through all loops on hook. Picot Ch3, ss in first ch. For a full list, see page 92 . The question is, who wants to be a vermillionaire? Pick up two skeins of gorgeous scarlet 4ply and hook your own diamond motif shawl.…

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS DK WEIGHT 4MM HOOK YOU WILL NEED • Cleckheaton Australian Superfine Merino 8ply (100% superfine merino wool, 65g/130m), 11 balls of True Blue (50), see table for measurements • A 4mm (US G/6) hook For yarn stockists, contact Cleckheaton www.cleckheaton  superfine.com.au TENSION The first 4 rounds of the motif measure 11cm across, using a 4mm hook or size needed to obtain correct tension. 18 sts and 9 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) in stitch pattern using a 4mm hook or hook size needed to obtain correct tension. ABBREVIATIONS Popcorn 5tr in sp indicated, remove hook from loop then insert hook from front to back through first of 5tr, replace loop on hook and draw through st Picot Ch3, ss in first ch For a full…

YOUR NEXT STEPS! Perfect your pretty popcorn stitches by making our cute Christmas tree. EASY-PEASY TO MAKE DK WEIGHT 3MM 4MM YOU WILL NEED Adriafil Classic Mirage DK (55% wool, 45% acrylic, 50g/125m), 1 ball of each: Green (85), Red (17) A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook A 4mm (US G/6) hook For yarn stockists, contact Deramores 0800 488 0708 www.deramores.com MEASUREMENTS Tree measures 8cm (3in) tall without flower ABBREVIATIONS Picot Ch2, ss to first ch Puff stitch (Yrh, insert hook in stitch, yrh, pull up a loop) 3 times working into the same stitch as indicated, yrh, pull through all loops on hook Popcorn stitch Work 5tr into the next stitch, carefully remove working loop from hook, insert hook in top of first of the 5…

Classic pillar box lippy, the scarlet-lacquered soles of a pair of Louboutins and Marilyn’s divine sequinned number in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes – there’s a lot to be said for red. Taking inspiration from this stunning, mid-sixties suit, we urge you to unleash your inner vintage dame and hook a matching jacket and skirt. The winter suit set is worked in a gorgeous lacy fan repeat with scalloped edges, using a wool yarn by Twilley’s. The jacket alone is an utter treasure, but paired with that sensible-yet-vampy knee-length skirt the resulting outfit is a veritable knockout – Mad Men alert. If you fancy giving this project a spin, visit www.wonkyzebra.etsy.com to find the pattern. You’ll receive another crochet suit pattern free if you purchase this one using the code SCred. Not…

NOV 7 Crochet Polar Bear Workshop, £37, TOFT Studio, Dunchurch, Warwickshire, 01788 810626 www.thetoftalpacashop.co.uk NOV 14 Festiwool, from £3, North Herts College, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, 0789 017 6704 www.festiwool.com NOV 18 Make Your Own Lampshade, £35, Wistow Gallery, Wistow, Leicestershire, 0741 117 9021 lilacpearl01@btinternet.com NOV 21 Tunisian Crochet Workshop, £25, Wool-n-Things, Baldock, Hertfordshire, 01462 612889 www.wool-n-things.co.uk NOV 22 Bobbin Lace Christmas Decoration, £111, West Dean College, Chichester, 01243 818300 www.westdean.org.uk NOV 26-29 The Knitting & Stitching Show, £14, Harrogate International Centre, www.theknittingandstitchingshow.com…

EASY-PEASY TO MAKE DK WEIGHT 2.5MM HOOK YOU WILL NEED • Sirdar Cotton DK (100% cotton, 100g/212m), 1 ball of each: Honeysuckle (508) Sundance (507) Galore Red (510) Cottonfield (517) Blossom (526) • A 2.5mm (US B/1 or C/2) hook • Toy stuffing • Red and black marker pens/ embroidery thread for facial features For yarn stockists, contact Sirdar 01924 231682 www.sirdar.co.uk MEASUREMENTS Each baby in its leaf bed measures 12cm (4¾in) tall ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 . Each one of these little sleeping dolls is tucked up in an oak leaf bed and topped with an acorn cap. Hibernation suddenly looks like a very good idea. Hook up one or two of these drowsy darlings before bedtime. NOTES The head, body and…

DOUBLE, TREBLE 4PLY, DK, ARAN 2.5, 3, 4 & 4.5MM YOU WILL NEED • An assortment of 4ply, DK and aran-weight yarns • A 2.5mm (US B/1 or C/2) hook for the garland chain • A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook • A 4mm (US G/6) hook • A 4.5mm (US 7) hook • Tapestry needle For yarn stockists, contact Loop 020 7288 1160 www.loopknittingshop.com TENSION Not crucial for this pattern, but adjust the hook size to produce a firm fabric that will hold its shape for the motif MEASUREMENTS Finished motif measurements: 2.5-6.5cm (1-2›in) diameter ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 . Loop founder Susan Cropper says: “Designed by Rachel Atkinson and shown here crocheted in the DyeForYarn shade ‘Golden Beehive’, these Whimsy…

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS ARAN WEIGHT 4MM HOOK YOU WILL NEED • Rico Creative Cotton Aran (100% cotton, 50g/85m), 1 ball of each: Nougat (056), Nature (060), Tangerine (076), Red (005), Cherry (065), Light Pistachio (044), Light Green (040), Green (049); 2 balls of Brown (058) • A 4mm (US G/6) hook • Toy stuffing • Small amount of black felt For yarn stockists, contact Rico www.rico-design.co.uk MEASUREMENTS 30cm (11¾in) wide by 40cm (15¾in) tall, without pine cone weights, 65cm (25½in) tall with pine cone weights ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 . Hook a Christmassy wall-hanging decoration that will make you smile year after year. This fun design is all about the details – there are icicles, snow-dusted evergreens, a red-breasted robin and even Father…

TREE MOTIF Ch4, ss to first ch to form a ring. Round 1 Ch3 (counts as tr), 2tr into ring, ch3, 3tr into ring, ch3, 3tr into ring, ch3. Ss to top of beg ch-3. Round 2 Ss into next 2 sts and next ch-3 sp, ch3 (counts as tr), (2tr, ch2, 3tr) into same ch-3 sp, ch2, (3tr, ch2, 3tr) into next ch-3 sp, ch2, 3tr into next ch-3 sp, ch5, ss into 3rd ch from hook, ch2, 3tr into same ch-3 sp, ch2, ss to top of beg ch-3. Fasten off . TRUNK Row 1 Rejoin yarn with a ss into ch-2 sp at bottom of triangle. Ch4, 2dtr. Fasten off and weave in ends. CASHMERED CASHMERED WEIGHT 3ply CONTENT 100% cashmere BALL 25g/160m HOOK 3mm RRP £13.95…

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…

DESIGNER CROCHET Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby (£16.99, Lark) Easy-to-follow projects for those who’d like to try garments with drape and shape using an array of stitch patterns. Aimed at the intermediate stitcher comfy with increases and decreases. Find a cardi, poncho, stylish sweater dress and much more. MODERN NURSERY BABY BLANKETS Tara Cousins (£5.99, Leisure Arts) Six cosy, reversible blankets for the nursery or play room that use simple colour changes, shaping or charming appliqué. Choose from bright designs such as a ladybird, chicks or sailing boat. LET’S GO CAMPING! Kate Bruning (£9.99, Kyle Books) In need of another holiday? Hook your own adventure with this adorable set of camping-themed toys. There’s a caravan, ice cream van and more to make, plus handy diagrams to help with the construction. HOW TO EMBROIDER…

TRY A LITTLE TEXTURE This snuggly Wilma’s Cable Scarf by Annette is a real beauty. For the pattern, see www.myrosevalley.blogspot.co.uk WRAP IT UP Hook Tamara Kelly’s brilliantly named Alpaca Your Wrap. Visit www.moogly blog.com to find the lacy pattern. FELT IT GOOD How cute are these bunnies? Visit www.oliver bonas.com to pick up a pair of adorable felt baby slippers. BOBBLE BEAUTY Make a pretty textured cowl with this pattern from Simply Crochet issue 24. See page 94 for back issues info. CABLE CAP Don’t you just love Charmed by Ewe’s Uptown Cable Beanie? www.charmedby ewe.com is the place to go.…

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS SUPER CHUNKY 10MM 12MM YOU WILL NEED • Debbie Bliss Roma (70% wool, 30% alpaca, 100g/80m), Steel (53003) See table for yarn quantities and measurements • A 10mm (US N/15) hook • A 12mm (US O/17) hook • Tapestry needle For yarn stockists, contact Designer Yarns 01535 664222 www.designeryarns.uk.com TENSION 6½ sts and 5½ rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over htr using a 12mm hook or size needed to obtain tension ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 . What happens when you mix relaxed, everyday style with dressing gown levels of comfort? A rather marvellous snuggly cardigan, that’s what. This understated design by Simone Francis boasts three-quarter-length sleeves, a chic shawl collar, and super-chunky wool and alpaca mix softness. You’ll be using…

EASY-PEASY TO MAKE DK WEIGHT 3.5MM HOOK YOU WILL NEED • Wendy Supreme Luxury Cotton Sparkle DK (100% mercerised cotton, 100g/201m), 1 ball of 1910 (white) • A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook • A plain jumper For yarn stockists, contact TB Ramsden 01943 872264 www.tbramsden.co.uk MEASUREMENTS Overall motif measures 25cm (9¾in) Snowflake motifs measure 4cm (1½in), 5cm (2in), 6cm (2¼in) and 9cm (3½in) diameter from Small to Extra Large ABBREVIATIONS Front and Back loop stitch (fbl) Insert hook in the front loop of the next st, yrh and draw yarn through, insert hook in the back loop of the same st, yrh and draw yarn through, yrh and draw through all loops on hook. You can replace this stitch in the pattern with a double crochet stitch if…

EASY-PEASY TO MAKE 4PLY WEIGHT 3MM HOOK YOU WILL NEED • Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino (55% wool, 33% acrylic, 12% cashmere, 50g/125m), 5 balls of Mist (057) • A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook • Ribbon 1m (1yd) • 3 small buttons For yarn stockists, contact Designer Yarns 01535 664222 www.designeryarns.uk.com TENSION 21sts and 24 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over double crochet with a 3mm hook or size needed to obtain tension 19 sts and 11 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over stitch pattern with a 3mm hook or size needed to obtain tension ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 . This versatile frock can be worn on its own or layered over a tee in cooler weather. The super-soft yarn, ribbon detail…

EASY-PEASY TO MAKE ARAN WEIGHT 4.5MM HOOK YOU WILL NEED Louisa Harding Amitola Grande(80% wool, 20% silk,100g/250m), Amelia (527) A 4.5mm (US 7) hook For yarn stockists, contact Designer Yarns 01535 664222 www.designeryarns.uk.com ABBREVIATIONS The numerous petals and pinky-blue shades of this motif instantly reminded us of hydrangeas. The shape is worked in three rounds with four-treble and five-treble clusters creating petal effects. The chains crocheted in the final round will make your joining much simpler and add a touch of laciness to your final design, whether that’s a rug, blanket or shawl. SPECIAL STITCHES 4-tr cluster (Yrh, insert hook in space indicated, yrh and pull up loop, yrh and draw through 2 loops) 4 times, inserting the hook in the same space each time, yrh and draw…