Innehållsförteckning för Issue 38 från Simply Crochet

I love this time of year and have had lots of fun this month dreaming up festive makes with our designers. It’s all about keeping cosy and decking out your dining table, where you’ll be toasting the season with your loved ones. Whether it’s a bit of simple embroidery or fancy embellishment, you’ll find the details make all the difference. One thing I’ll definitely be hooking for the 25th is Ilaria Caliri’s soldier bear. Isn’t he cute? Merry Christmas, makers.…

ULTIMATE CROCHET STITCH BIBLE Erika Knight (£25, Collins & Brown) This rather hefty hardback is rammed with an incredible array of crochet stitches, motifs, edgings and more, which are just begging to be hooked. It’s great as a reference guide or if you’d like to learn something new. CHRISTMAS CROCHET Edie Eckman (£10.99, Storey) If bright, simple and stylish makes are your bag, pick up a copy of this festive volume. There are cute tree decorations, stockings, advent projects and more to make, each with clear instructions and crochet stitch charts. CATS IN HATS Sara Thomas (£9.99, Hamlyn) Creative feline lovers will adore this charming and shamelessly silly collection of 30 cat hats to be crocheted or knitted. The designs range from adorable to hilarious and would be fun to…

YOU WILL NEED • West Yorkshire Spinners Aire Valley Aran (75% British Wool, 25% Nylon, 100g/200m), Red (549), see table for yarn quantities and measurements • A 4mm (US G/6) hook • 6 buttons For yarn stockists, contact WYS 01535 664500 www.wyspinners.com TENSION 20sts and 16 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over moss st patt using a 4mm hook or size required to achieve tension ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 . a: 43 (47: 53)cm, 16¾ (18½: 21)in b: 34 (35: 36)cm, 13¼ (13¾: 14¼)in c: 42cm, 16¼in Made for yourself or someone special, our festive cardigan will transform anyone into the perfect Christmas hostess. Cut high at the waist, it’s a wonderful little cover-up to wear over a dress or just a…

YOU WILL NEED • Rowan Cocoon (80% merino wool, 20% mohair, 100g/115m), 10 balls of Frost (806) • A 7mm (US K/10½ or L/11) hook For yarn stockists, contact Rowan 01484 681881 www.knitrowan.com TENSION 12 sts and 4 rows (2 patt repeats) to 9.5x9cm (3¾x3½in) using a 7mm hook MEASUREMENTS Finished scarf measures 39x200cm (15¼x78¾in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 . Say hello to THE must-make winter accessory: Rowan’s Shivery Wrap. It’s made in super-soft and chunky Cocoon yarn, using simple crossed treble stitches for a gorgeous textured effect and a double layer of warmth. It’s also wide enough to wear in all sorts of ways: draped over your arms like a stole, wrapped around your shoulders, or just knotted into a scarf. The…

YOU WILL NEED • Rowan Wool Cotton (50% wool, 50% cotton, 50g/113m), French Navy (909), see table for yarn quantities and measurements • A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook • 4 buttons For yarn stockists, contact Rowan 01484 681881 www.knitrowan.com TENSION 17 stitches and 14 rows to 10x10cm (4x4in) measured over pattern using 3.5mm hook ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 . Perfect for any special occasion, your little one will look so smart in this blazer. Designer Sue Whiting says: “Styled to echo a classic nautical blazer, this double-breasted jacket is made in a machine-washable yarn. The simple textured stitch combines just trebles and double crochet while the jolly brass buttons complete the stylish look.” It’s sized for newborns up to 18 months, and you…

YOU WILL NEED • Lion Brand Bonbons (100% cotton, 26m/10g) For Reindeer cosy: 2 (3) skeins of Yarn A Chocolate Brown 1 (1) skein of each: Yarn B Tan, Yarn C Red, Yarn D White For Bauble cosy 2 (3) skeins of Yarn A Green 1 (1) skein of each: Yarn B Red, Yarn C White • A 3.75mm b US F/5) hook • Tapestry needle • Mason jars, pint or quart • Buttons, three 1.25cm-diameter buttons for closing, for each Cosy • Buttons, two 5cm-diameter black buttons for reindeer eyes For yarn stockists, contact Deramores 0800 488 0708 www.deramores.com TENSION 12 Star sts x 16 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) (adjust hook size if necessary to obtain tension) MEASUREMENTS Pint 9x25cm/3›x10in Quart 9x30cm/3›x12in YARN NOTE Lion Brand…

STAR MOTIF Ch5, ss to first ch to form a ring. Round 1 (RS) Ch3 (counts as tr), 2tr into ring, ch2, (3tr into ring, ch2) four times, ss to top of beg ch-3. [5 3-tr groups, 5 ch-2 sps] Round 2 Ss into next st, ch1 (does not count as st), dc into same st, *(3tr, ch2, 3tr) in next ch-2 sp, skip 1 tr, dc in next tr; rep from * 3 more times, (3tr, ch2, 3tr) in next ch-2 sp, skip 1 tr, ss to first dc to join. Fasten off and weave in ends. KING COLE URBAN WEIGHT Aran CONTENT 45% polyamide, 25% polyester, 25% acrylic, 55% polyester (metallic) BALL 100g/220m HOOK 5mm RRP £6.99 Sparkling chainette tape, variegated eyelash yarn and a thick and thin…

Over the next few pages, you’ll find simple step-by-step guides to many useful stitches and techniques that you’ll use every time you pick up a hook. 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…

STEPHANIE LAU The queen of amigurumi reveals all this month about winter crocheting, to help you survive the season. Some of her family traditions are adorable – plaid onesies anyone? Turn to page 70 now. “I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT ALL THINGS “ ’ CROCHET AND KNITTED.” HELEN ARDLEY From bags to scarves, hats to shawls, there’s not much Helen hasn’t designed. This month, she made us a gorgeous grey blanket with lacy details. Turn to page 63 for the pattern. “CREATING HAS ALWAYS BEEN PART OF MY LIFE” HANNAH CROSS Midwife and HanJan Crochet blogger Hannah is one of our awesome regular designers. This issue, she created the Scandi-inspired gnomes for us as part of our Christmas collection on page 16. “IF YOU THINK YOU CAN DO IT, YOU CAN!” FRAN…

HOOKY BIRTHDAY Stitch a whole amigurumi Nativity scene by Carolyn Christmas. See her designs and patterns at www.pinkmambo.com SWEET SNACKS We loved Twinkie Chan’s pretzel brooch pattern in Simply Crochet issue 30. See page 86 for back issue details. HUG IT OUT Make a mug hug that really can cuddle. This cosy cutie is by craft blogger Tanya at www.littlethings blogged.com JUST BOOTIFUL Crochet wellie toppers with animal faces? Adorable. Find Eka’s super-cute creations at www.noths.com BORN SIPPY Fuel up for your festive making and be queen of chic with a Kate Spade thermal mug from www.johnlewis.com…

YOU WILL NEED • DROPS Baby Merino (100% wool, 50g/175m), 1 ball of each: Red (16), Vibrant Green (31), Off White (02) • A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook • A plain beanie hat • Sewing needle and thread For yarn stockists, contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk MEASUREMENTS Christmas pudding topper measures approx 37cm (14›in) circumference Holly leaves measure 8cm (3in) long NOTES The Cream Topper and Berries are worked using the amigurumi method – work in a continuous spiral without closing off each round with a ss. You may find it helpful to place a marker in the first st of each round and move it up as you work. ABBREVIATIONS Leaf Point (Dc, ch4, ss into first ch, dc) into st or sp as…

WHAT SORT OF STITCHES COULD I WORK? We’ll show you how to work these five embroidery stitches. Embroidery is a wonderful way to embellish your crochet fabric. In issue 25’s workshop, we looked at the basics of embroidery techniques and three simple stitches. This time, we’re going to show you how to work five more embroidery stitches, to create colour, texture and motifs in your crochet fabric well after you’ve fastened off. Then you can put your new skills into practice by making our pretty festive coasters over on page 83. HOW DO I WORK RUNNING STITCH? Master this stitch and you can create various lines and effects. Running stitch is a very handy technique to learn, both for embroidery and seaming together your crochet fabrics. It’s often used for…

IN THE LONG RUN It’s incredible – contrasting folksy embroidery transforms a basic table runner into a bona fide yuletide stunner. Sharpen your embroidery skills by working a sweet fir tree motif and some simple stars. It’ll be a new festive favourite. WOOD FOR THE TREES A little crocheted tree or two can make a jolly centrepiece for your Christmas table, or liven up your mantelpiece. Raid your button stash (‘fess up, we’ve all got one) and have fun embellishing your creations so they look decidedly handmade. JUST HANGING OUT This hanging bauble basket will be the crowning glory of your festive hookery. Part chandelier, part mobile, part storage, it’s a clever creation that will look rather magical reigning over your table, don’t you think? GNOME PUN INTENDED Our mischievous…

Striking the perfect balance between sweet and stately, our toy soldier is a great make for the festive season. Ilaria Caliri has captured in crochet a long tradition of nut-cracking at Christmas, using carved wooden fairytale figures. Our bear has just as much military charm and he looks very handsome in his highly-decorated uniform – not only does he have epaulettes, but his jacket also has gold frog fastenings and his hat has gold braiding. He makes a wonderful gift and will bring delight for years to come, so make him now – and that’s an order! YOU WILL NEED • DMC Natura Just Cotton (50g/155m), 1 ball of each: Yarn A Canelle (37) Yarn B Passion (23) Yarn C Star Light (27) Yarn D Noir (11) Yarn E Tournesol…

YOU WILL NEED • Rowan Pure Linen (100% linen, 50g/130m), 1 ball of each: Yarn A Gobi (390) Yarn B Kalahari (391) Yarn C Arabian (394) Yarn D Arizona (395) • A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook For yarn stockists, contact Rowan 01484 681881 www.knitrowan.com MEASUREMENTS 15cm (6in) wide and approx 160cm (63in) long ABBREVIATIONS Picot Ch stated number of sts (eg 4 ch for a ch-4 picot), ss into first of those ch 3-tr cluster (3-tr cl) (Yrh, insert hook in space/st indicated, yrh and pull up loop, yrh and draw through 2 loops) 3 times, inserting the hook in the same space/st each time, yrh and draw through all loops on hook For a full list, see page 92 . Love it or hate…

YOU WILL NEED • Cascade 220 Heathers (100g/200m, 100% Peruvian highland wool), 6 hanks of Indigo Frost • A 5mm (US H/8) hook For yarn stockists, contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk MEASUREMENTS Each square measures 26x26cm (10¼x10¼in) Finished blanket measures 80x108cm (31½x42½in) ABBREVIATIONS 5-tr cluster (5-tr cl) (Yrh, insert hook in sp/st, yrh and pull up a loop, yrh and draw through 2 loops) 5 times, inserting hook in same sp/st, yrh and draw through all loops on hook For a full list, see page 92 When the weather turns icy, there’s nothing for it but to cosy up with your favourite film and this blanket project. The lacy treble rounds are quick to work and as it grows, it’ll keep you warm while the temperature…

YOU WILL NEED • Ella Rae Cozy Soft (75% acrylic, 25% superwash wool, 100g/195m), 1 ball of Pale Blue (33) (each coaster uses only 15g of this yarn) • Anchor Artiste Metallic No 5 (80% viscose, 20% polyester, 25g/100m), 1 ball of Turquoise (312) • DMC Lumina Metallic Thread No 3 (60% viscose, 40% metalized polyester Sinflex, 20g/150m), 1 ball of Silver (L168) • A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook • Tapestry needle (large eye and sharp point) For yarn stockists, contact www.intercontinentalyarns. co.uk , www.makeitcoats.com  or www.dmccreative.co.uk MEASUREMENTS Finished coaster measures approx 11.5cm (4›in) square. TENSION Tension is not important for this project, just make sure your coaster is square by working more or less than the 23 rows. ABBREVIATIONS For a full…

During the 1970s, a night out on the town wasn’t complete without a touch of lace, if this retro pattern combo is anything to go by. Looking at this, we can only imagine that best friends going out on the razzle dazzle together were forced to choose between wearing a shawl or embellishing an outfit with lacy motifs. And really good friends would have shared the extortionate 10p cost of this Robin pattern. Actually, we love a good embellishing project (giving new life to old clothes and all that), but even we have to draw the line at that intricate lace yoke that has more than a hint of Elizabethan ruff (less 2015, more 1615). What do you think of this lacy pair? Would you and your friend wear these?…