Innehållsförteckning för Issue 36 från Simply Crochet

SUSAN CROPPER Susan is the founder of wonderful yarn boutique Loop. This issue, we’re catching up with her to hear about how it all began and what her plans are for Loop’s 10th anniversary. See page 50. ANNE EGAN Biker chick and regular Simply Crochet contributor Anne has designed an incredible pair of Fair Isle socks for us this issue. If you’re feeling up to the challenge, find the pattern on page 28. SIMONE FRANCIS Talented garment designer Simone created the stunning Fair Isle vest on page 32. It’s the perfect challenge if you want to improve your colourwork and become more familiar with charts. SUSAN YEATES Susan is a craft tutor and author who loves to pass on her creative skills. This issue, she’s sharing a cute-as-a-button kitten pattern…

CROCHET BEYOND THE BASICS Rita Weiss and Susan Lowman (£9.99, Leisure Arts) If you’re after a fresh challenge, this book has what you need. Try your hand at Bruges and broomstick lace, Polish stars, filet crochet and more. You’ll learn by making accessories using each of the techniques. SWEET CROCHET Sandrine Deveze (£8.18, Peter Pauper Press) This book is a real treat. There are 12 adorable projects to hook, full of whimsy and personality. Think blushing cheeks, bow ties and sparkly stars. There’s even sushi to hook, too. Each design has clear step-by-step images. ONCE UPON A TIME… IN CROCHET Lynne Rowe (£9.99, Search Press) These are the perfect toys for storytime. Find 30 fairytale favourites to hook in amigurumi. The patterns are easy to follow and there’s a great…

She may look a bit gloomy, but Janie Nabbe’s mini amigurumi Lilly doll is a little ray of sunshine, making the best of a very rainy day. We love her bright hooded raincoat, super-neat hairdo and bendy legs. Use cotton yarn and a 2mm crochet hook for good stitch definition and a pristine finish. Lilly’s charms are many but it’s her facial expression that makes her so unique. When you’re stitching her features, pay close attention to our images to make sure you get it spot on. She’s the perfect rainy day project and will also make a thoughtful gift. DOUBLE CROCHET 4PLY WEIGHT 2MM HOOK YOU WILL NEED • Use your kit or any 4ply cotton yarn in white, yellow and brown • Black embroidery floss (for mouth and…

TREBLE, STRIPES DK WEIGHT 4MM HOOK YOU WILL NEED • Rowan Tweed (100% wool, 50g/118m), Litton 592, Keld 583, Wensley 590, Tissington 600 • Rowan Fine Tweed (100% wool, 25g/90m), Leyburn 383 See table for yarn quantities and measurements • A 3.5mm (US E4) hook • A 4.5mm (US 7) hook • Stitch marker For yarn stockists, contact Rowan 01484 681881 www.knitrowan.com TENSION 20 sts and 11 rows to measure 10cm (4in) square over pattern using a 3.5mm hook ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 . Lisa Richardson’s clever tweed jacket design forms a mesh of horizontal stripes. Vertical lines of surface crochet are worked into this mesh at the end to achieve the stylish plaid look. The chic silhouette, wide collar and understated colours…

SHELL, POPCORN DK WEIGHT 4MM HOOK YOU WILL NEED • Tahki Yarns Cotton Classic Lite (100% mercerized cotton, 50g/135m), 5 skeins of Deep Leaf Green (4725) • A 4mm (US G/6) hook • Fabric for lining, 0.9m (1yd) (optional, see notes) • Stabilizer (optional, see notes) • Sewing needle and thread • Tapestry needle • Leather tote handles, 61cm (24in) long For yarn stockists, contact LoveCrochet 0845 544 2324 www.lovecrochet.com TENSION 1 shell with 5 popcorn sts at top to measure 5.5cm (2¼in) wide 1 patt rep to measure 14.5cm (5¾in), 6 rows to measure 5.5cm (2¼in) MEASUREMENTS Shoulder Bag measures 35.5cm (14in) tall and 28cm (11in) wide, not including handles Larger Beach Bag/Carry-On measures 38cm (15in) tall and 56cm (22in) wide Handles (from top of bag) measure…

DOUBLE CROCHET ARAN WEIGHT 3.5MM HOOK YOU WILL NEED • DROPS Paris (100% cotton, 50g/75m), 1 ball of each: Dark Turquoise (10), Red (12), Brown (44), White (16), Orange (13) • A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook • Stitch marker (optional) MEASUREMENTS Patch measures 10x10cm (4x4in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 . Whether you use it to fix a tear or a worn knee, or just to jazz up a plain garment, Tanya Kalyan’s monster patch is sure to raise a smile. He’s got wonky eyes, big sharp fangs and is a lot of fun to make. Try him on dungarees, T-shirts or even a bib. Plus, if you leave the top edge free when you stitch your monster patch on, he can be used as a…

OCT 9-10 Natural Fibre Company Open Days, Free, Launceston, Cornwall, 01566 777 635 www.thenaturalfibre.co.uk OCT 10 Wonderful Wool Day, £2, Memorial Hall, Owestry, Shropshire, www.facebook.com/wonderfulwoolday OCT 17-18 Bakewell Wool Gathering, £4, Bakewell Agricultural Centre, Derbyshire, 01629 813 777 www.bakewellwool.co.uk OCT 22 Crochet Snowflakes and Stars, £25, Stitched By You, Alton, Hampshire, 01420 544033 www.stitchedbyyou.co.uk OCT 24-25 Kendal Wool Gathering, £25, various venues in Kendal, Cumbria, www.kendalwoolgathering.co.uk OCT 30 Advanced Crochet Workshop, £49.95, Black Sheep Wools, Warrington, 01925 764231 www.blacksheepwools.com…

FIRM BUT FAIR ISLE A Fair Isle vest or tank top is a wardrobe must for the cooler months. This vintage-inspired design uses a contemporary palette with punchy pink and red to claim its position as a modern classic. Perfect if you need a fresh challenge. RICH PICKINGS Gather your harvest – whether that’s yarn, craft notions or good old fruit and veg – in a stripy crochet basket. This simple yet sturdy design is a fab beginner project because it’s worked in double crochet stitches using only two shades. WRAP YOUR CABLES This pair of pretty, fingerless mitts would make a fantastic gift. Plus, you’ll be getting familiar with a few different techniques as you work, such as colourwork for those pink stripes, and post trebles to create the…

DOUBLE CROCHET 4PLY WEIGHT 3MM HOOK YOU WILL NEED • Debbie Bliss Rialto 4ply (100% wool, 50g/180m), 1 ball of Grey (04) • A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook • Stitch marker • Toy stuffing • Darning needle • Black embroidery thread • Toy eyes, two cat-like press-through eyes in green • Scissors For yarn stockists, contact Designer Yarns 01535 664222 www.designeryarns.uk.com ABBREVIATIONS Invisible decrease (inv dec) Insert the hook into the front loop of the first st (do not yrh), insert the hook into the front loop of the next st, yrh, draw through first two loops on hook, yrh, draw through both loops on the hook For a full list, see page 92 . Designer Susan Yeates says: “I had a special request to…

DC, HTR, TR, DTR DK WEIGHT 4MM HOOK YOU WILL NEED • Rico Essentials Cotton DK (100% cotton, 50g/130m), 1 ball of each: Olive Grey (81) Banana (63) Pumpkin (87) Curry (61) Beige (91) Nougat (68) • A 4mm (US G/6) hook • 61cm (24in) wooden dowelling with a hole drilled in each end • Fishing wire or thread • Cord or yarn for hanging For yarn stockists, contact Rico www.rico-design.co.uk MEASUREMENTS Oak and Beach Leaf 9cm (3›in) long Maple Leaf 7.5cm (3in) long ABBREVIATIONS Ch-3 picot Ch3, ss in the first of those ch Lobe (dc, 4htr, dc) in indicated stitch For a full list, see page 92 . Crunchy, coppery falling leaves are one of the best things about autumn, but they’re not around for…

1 BEAUTIFUL BLANKET Pick up that WIP blanket, or start a new one and you could be done by Christmas. 2 PUT DOWN THE COTTON It’s time to dig the wool and alpaca out of your stash. 3 SNUGGLY SLIPPERS We defy anyone to survive October without a pair. 4 FINGERLESS MITTS You can stay warm and keep on hooking, too. Result. 5 GETTING AHEAD It might be wise to start thinking about Christmas gifts – see page 72 for help!…

NO SKULKING Get cosy and creepy with a pair of Ann’s skull-tastic slippers. For this pattern and more, visit www.glamour-4-you.com OH MY GOURD Subtly seasonal and kinda cute, you can pick up a pair of tatted pumpkin earrings at www.briella soul.etsy.com NINE LIVES There’s a range of home textiles in this ‘Cat’ print, or buy the fabric by the metre from www.sophie allport.com ON THE WEB We love Sandra’s super Spooky Bunting. Find the crochet pattern at www.sandracherryheart.blogspot.co.uk HEADS UP This amigurumi Marie Antoinette by Maike van den Dries is creepily brilliant. Find it at www.creepyand cute.etsy.com…

DOUBLE, TREBLE DK WEIGHT 4MM HOOK YOU WILL NEED • DROPS Karisma Uni Colour (100% wool, 50g/100m), Yarn A Dark Mustard (52) Yarn B Blue Turquoise (60) Yarn C Light Beige Brown (55) Yarn D Cerise (13) Yarn E Olive (57) Yarn F Red (18) See table for yarn quantities and measurements. • A 4mm (US G/6) hook • A 4.5mm (US 7) hook • Tapestry needle For yarn stockists, contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION 16 sts and 19 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over Fair Isle pattern using a 4.5mm hook ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 . Get to grips with fabulous Fair Isle and hook a colourful tank top by Simone Francis. It’s worked in patterned stripes using mainly double…

1 Make a foundation ring (see p89) and work the t-ch (1ch for dc). Now work 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 edge:…

“In my spare time, I like to mooch about vintage fairs, listen to audio books, watch box sets of shows like Breaking Bad, or watch films. I also love to travel. My dad has a great cabin in Pennsylvania where there’s absolutely nothing to do except help in the garden or hang out on the porch – heaven. Or I might go over to France, catch an exhibition, then eat and sleep.” To find out more about what else is in store for Loop’s 10th anniversary celebrations and to have a sneak peek at the new pattern book, visit www.loopknitting.com…

DOUBLE CROCHET CHUNKY WEIGHT 6.5MM HOOK YOU WILL NEED • Sirdar Hayfield Colour Rich Chunky (100% acrylic, 200g/325m), 1 ball of Plum Grey (0384) • A 6.5mm (US K/10›) hook • Stitch marker • Tapestry needle For yarn stockists, contact Sirdar 01924 231682 www.sirdar.co.uk TENSION 13sts and 16 rows to measure 10cm (4in) square over double crochet using a 6.5mm hook MEASUREMENTS To fit child aged 1-4 years old ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 . Made with self-striping yarn, this unisex children’s beanie is super street-cool. The 100% acrylic yarn makes it machine washable, which is perfect for busy kids on the go. It’s the simplest of hat patterns, made entirely from double crochet stitches worked in a spiral. Using a stitch marker is…

DOUBLE, TREBLE DK WEIGHT 4MM HOOK YOU WILL NEED • Cleckheaton Australian Superfine Merino 8ply (100% superfine merino wool, 65g/130m), Burnt Orange (29) See table for yarn quantities and measurements • A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook • A 4mm (US G/6) hook For yarn stockists, contact Cleckheaton www.cleckheaton  superfine.com.au TENSION 4 stitch patt reps to measure 11cm (4¼in), 14 rows to measure 10cm (4in) over stitch pattern using a 4mm hook. Adjust hook size to obtain correct tension. ABBREVIATIONS Htrdec (Yrh, insert hook in next st, yrh and draw up loop) twice, yrh and draw through all 5 loops on hook For a full list, see page 92 . Say hello to your new wardrobe staple. This boxy tee from top designer Ann Morgan is balanced out…

SQUARE MOTIF Ch6, ss to first ch to form a ring. Round 1 (RS) Ch3 (counts as tr), 2tr into ring, ch5, (3tr into ring, ch5) 3 times, ss to top of beg ch-3. [4 3-tr groups, 4 ch-5 sp] Round 2 Ch3 (counts as tr), tr in each of next 2 tr, (tr, ch7, tr) in ch-5 sp, *tr in each of next 3 tr, (tr, ch7, tr) in ch-5 sp; rep from * twice more, ss to top of beg ch-3. [4 5-tr groups, 4 ch-7 sp] Fasten off and weave in ends. SIRDAR HARRAP TWEED WEIGHT DK CONTENT 40% nylon, 30% wool, 24% acrylic, 6% viscose BALL 50g/155m HOOK 4mm RRP £3.01 If you like yarn with a bit of heritage then this is the tweed for…

YOUR NEXT STEPS! Improve your hairpin lace crochet skills with our stylish mini neckerchief. HAIRPIN CROCHET DK WEIGHT 4MM HOOK YOU WILL NEED • UK Alpaca Superfine DK (70% superfine alpaca, 30% Bluefaced Leicester, 50g/112m), 1 ball each of Lilac and Damson (one neckerchief only uses 12g of this yarn) • A 4mm (US G/6) hook • Hairpin loom with prongs set to 6cm For yarn stockists, contact UK Alpaca 01884 243579 www.ukalpaca.com MEASUREMENTS Finished neckerchief measures 6.5x55cm (2½x21½in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 . Crochet designer Becky Skuse says: “Hairpin crochet creates such a pretty lacy effect, it’s perfect for combining with lacy joins and edgings. Show off the stitch pattern by wearing it around your neck with this stylish neckerchief. It’s made…

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…

TREBLE CROCHET ARAN WEIGHT 5MM HOOK YOU WILL NEED • Debbie Bliss Boheme (52% wool, 34% acrylic, 14% polyamide, 50g/50m), Benoit (09) • A 5mm (US H/8) hook For yarn stockists, contact Designer Yarns 01535 664222 www.designeryarns.uk.com ABBREVIATIONS Picot Ch2, ss to the second ch from the hook For a full list, see page 92. This subtly spooky spider’s web shape is very versatile. Join a bunch of web motifs to make a cosy scarf, shawl or blanket, or use individual ones as creepy coasters for Halloween. Boheme is a new yarn in an aran weight from Debbie Bliss. Its airy, chainette texture and lively colourways makes it perfect for experimenting with motifs. It will add interest to any shape. WEB MOTIF Round 1 (RS) Ch8 (counts as ch1, dtr,…

Admittedly, this trio of seventies ladies is ridiculous at first glance. We certainly won’t be taking style cues from these bonkers broads anytime soon (anyone else thinking Ugly Betty?), but concentrate hard enough and you might just be able to see past the bizarre empty pond and the canary legs to glimpse what are actually three timeless vintage designs. There are two key factors that contribute to the appeal of a crochet poncho. The first is retro charm – is the seventies boho look ever really out of fashion? The second is achievability. Ponchos cleverly straddle the gap between blankets, accessories and garments, allowing you to create something warm and wonderfully wearable without fretting over shaping or seaming. In cream, grey, or any muted shade, any of these ponchos could…