Innehållsförteckning för Issue 144 från Simply Crochet

In the post-Christmas pause before the new year, I think we all do a lot of reflecting. Who do we want to be? What do we want to accomplish? Personally, my goal is remain close with my far-flung loved ones. I’m planning to send Alice Tarry’s fractal socks from page 14 to my sons living abroad, Freddy Goat’s sassy ami’ granny on page 31 to a US-based friend and one of Heather Gibbs’ motif animals on page 51 to a busy relative and her new baby. What are your goals this year? Share your makes on Instagram tagged #sctreblemaker, or on our Facebook group Simply Crochet SCtreblemakers. We love to see them! Editor, Simply Crochet…

CROCHET STITCHES STEP BY STEP CLAIRE MONTGOMERIE (£14.99, Dorling Kindersley) If you’re hoping to improve your crochet know-how, this book is a great place to start. It’s a practical guide to over 150 crochet stitches and includes tips on finding the right stitch pattern for your project, be it a blanket, jumper, toy or pair of socks. Essentially, it makes the process of expanding your stitch repertoire simple, attractive and fun! MAMA MADE MINIS: KNOTTED LOVEYS ALYSON DRATCH AND LINDSAY MCNUTT (£17.99, Page Street Publishing) Hook up simple, extrachunky lovey toys for infants and toddlers with this collection from Instagram sensation Mama Made Minis. Hook 16 quick-to-make amigurumi creatures using handy step-by-step assembly guides as well as top tips and tricks. Each toy includes large knots on the animal’s knees,…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Scheepjes Metropolis (75% wool, 25% nylon, 50g/200m) Yarn A Manilla (012) Yarn B Bordeaux (058) Yarn C Dubai (047) Yarn D Ulsan (015) See table for measurements and yarn quantities ■ A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com/en TENSION 19 sts and 10 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) using a 3.5mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 86 Width a: 52 (56: 60.5: 65: 69: 73: 77.5)cm, 20½ (22: 24: 25½: 27: 28¾: 30¼)in Length b: 61 (61: 61: 63: 63: 64.5: 64.5)cm, 21¾ (21¾: 21¾: 22¼: 22¼: 23: 23)in Sleeve length c: 44 (44: 44: 46.5: 46.5: 46.5: 46.5)cm, 15 (15: 15: 16: 16: 16: 16)in This spiral really looks like it’s…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Stylecraft Special Aran (100% acrylic, 100g/196m) 5 balls of Mushroom (1832) ■ A 6mm (US J/10) hook ■ A piece of card, 13x7cm ■ Locking stitch markers ■ 4 wooden beads, 20mm with 4mm inner holes ■ A cushion pad, 40x60cm For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft 01484 848435 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk TENSION 12 sts and 13 rows measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over Panel 1 pattern using a 6mm hook, or size needed to obtain tension MEASUREMENTS Cushion cover measures 40x60cm (16x24in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 86 For 10% OFF at www.blacksheepwools.com use the code STY144 at the checkout Offer ends 12 February 2024 With its textured waves and fluffy tassels, this sophisticated cushion is as fun to hold as it is to look at. Make it…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Peter Pan Precious Chunky (80% nylon, 20% polyester, 50g/75m) 1 ball of each: Hug (3432) Blue Kiss (3433) Pink Chick (3436) Yellow Cuddle (3437) Purple ■ A small amount of DK yarn in black ■ A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook ■ A 5.5mm (US I/9) hook ■ A5 diary For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehous.co.uk TENSION 16 sts and 18 rows measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over double crochet using a 5.5mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS To fit A5 diary ABBREVIATIONS dc5tog (Insert hook in next st, yrh and pull up a loop) 5 times, yrh and pull through all loops on hook For a full list, see page 86 Now is your time! Seize the day, every day, in…

I’m always in awe of the sheer number of ways you can make a crochet blanket. Motifs, colourwork techniques, Tunisian crochet… all of these can be used to create jaw-dropping throws. I know so many people who got into crochet simply because they saw a blanket they just had to make. Personally, whenever I lose my cro-jo, I always return to blanket-making – there’s just something satsifying about hooking up something so big and so cosy. Here, we have four colourful throws by some of your favourite designers for you to fall in love with, all in soft Cygnet yarn. We hope you find them as inspiring as we did! Editor, Simply Crochet…

“I want the maker to always feel excited for the next row” JOANNE FOWLER Joanne designs shapely, colourful crochet wearables that are interesting and enjoyable to make. She’s always let her imagination guide her making. Try her fractal scarf on page 14. “Be curious and creative” ALICE TARRY As well as designing patterns, Alice has taught crochet locally for over a decade. She loves to encourage people to try new techniques and colours. See her headband and bag on page 14. “I'm a lover of all things yarn-made” ELLA BURCH Ella has turned her mind to crochet design in recent years and has a keen interest in womenswear, colour and textural patterns. Discover her two-in-one scarf on page 71. “The beauty of crochet is how it inspires creativity” NICKI BYRNES…

COME CELEBRATE THE ANCIENT ROMAN FESTIVAL OF SATURNALIA WITH ME! I’M BARB, A GRANNY WITH A WILD SIDE… BY DAY I’M CARDI BARB OVER THERE, BUT BY NIGHT I’M PARTY BARB. SO LET’S BOOGIE TOGETHER! YOU WILL NEED ■ Scheepjes Catona (100% cotton, 50g/125m) 1 ball of each: Root Beer (157) Mercury (074) ■ Scheepjes Catona (100% cotton, 25g/62.5m) 1 ball of each: Green Yellow (245) Lime Juice (392) Shocking Pink (114) ■ A 2mm (US B/1) hook ■ A stitch marker ■ Toy stuffing ■ Black stranded cotton ■ Craft wire, 1mm diameter ■ Craft glue ■ A scrap of white felt For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com/en TENSION Tension is not critical, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Saturnalia Barb measures 12cm (4¾in) tall ABBREVIATIONS…

YOU WILL NEED ■ West Yorkshire Spinners Retreat Super Chunky Roving (100% wool, 200g/120m) Hat 1 ball of Passion (1115)  Cowl 3 balls of Passion (1115) ■ A 9mm (US M/13) hook ■ A 10mm (US N/15) hook ■ A stitch marker ■ A pompom maker, 85mm For yarn stockists contact WY Spinners 01535 664500 www.wyspinners.com TENSION Hat: 4 dc v-sts and 8 rounds measure 10x10xm (4x4in) Cowl: 3.5 htr v-sts and 6 rows measure 10x10cm (4x4in) MEASUREMENTS Hat measures 50cm (19¾in) in circumference Cowl measures 155x24cm (51x9½) before joining ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 86 For 10% OFF at www.blacksheepwools.com use the code WYS144 at the checkout Offer ends 12 February 2024 With a beautiful stitch pattern and tactile ribbing, this satisfying chunky set is sure to…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Scheepjes Colour Crafter (100% acrylic, 100g/300m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Weert (1001) Yarn B Gouda (1081)  Yarn C Burum (1709) Yarn D Veenendaal (1064) Yarn E Gent (2002)  Yarn F Rotterdam (1063) Yarn G Ede (1002) ■ A 3mm (US D/3) hook ■ Toy stuffing For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com/en TENSION Tension is not critical, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Block Animals measures approx 24cm (9½in) tall ABBREVIATIONS surface crochet Position yarn on WS, insert hook from RS to WS, yrh and pull up a loop, pull through loop on hook, *insert hook back through to WS in direction you want the surface crochet to travel, yrh and pull up a loop, pull through loop on hook; rep from…

Crochet is a very visual, tactile medium, so bringing it into the audio-only realm of podcasts might not seem like the most obvious move. But, believe it or not, it works – crochet podcasts abound, sharing everything from tips and jokes to business advice. Some are chatty and make you feel like you’re sitting with a hilarious group of crafty friends; others will inspire you with uplifting stories of hooksters overcoming adversity; and still others will help you decide what to hook – or do – next. We asked crochet designer Marianne Rawlins to have a listen to some of the most popular crochet podcasts out there and give us the low-down on what they’re like and who they’re best for… MAKING STITCHES BEST FOR: MULTICRAFTERS Making Stitches host Lindsay…

WINNER! A YEAR OF FAIRY TALES Lesley McKeane finished all 12 Flower Fairies from our 2023 calendar and is now using the finished set to help raise money for hospice charity Marie Curie. We’re so pleased that our patterns could help you support a good cause, Lesley. To donate, visit her Just Giving page at bit.ly/40QmAyY RAIN OR SHINE Sarah Welsh hooked this sun and cloud blanket from issue 124 as a gift for her granddaughter. She used yarn from her stash to create a pink gradient effect that puts a unique spin on the original project and adds some dimension to the granny square design. We love it, Sarah, and we’re sure your granddaughter will too! LET’S EAR IT Ruth Dove hadn’t crocheted in a while, but when she…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Cygnet Colour Rush DK (100% acrylic, 100g/360m) 4 balls of Yarn A Duststorm (659) ■ Cygnet DK (100% acrylic, 100g/298m) 3 balls of Yarn B Aqua (211) ■ A 6.5 mm (US K/10½) Tunisian hook, 33cm long or cabled with end cap ■ A 6.5 mm (US K/10½) hook ■ Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact Cygnet Yarns 01274 743374 www.cygnetyarns.com TENSION Tension is not critical, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Blanket measures approx 104x130cm (41x51¼in) ABBREVIATIONS Tfs (Tunisian foundation stitch) Loop on hook counts as first st, *insert hook in next ch/row-end, yrh and pull up a loop, leave loop on hook; rep from * are indicated Tss (Tunisian simple stitch) Loop on hook counts as first st, *insert hook through…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Cygnet Silcaress (100% acrylic, 100g/245m) 5 balls of White (2080) 1 ball each: Fondant (2837) Spring Peach (2148) Buttercup (2887) Apple (2956) Mellow (2297) Cornflower (2119) Sugarplum (2491) ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook For yarn stockists contact Cygnet Yarns 01274 743374 www.cygnetyarns.com TENSION Tension is not critical, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Blanket measures approx 95x130cm (37½x51¼in) ABBREVIATIONS c2c block Ss in ch-3 sp on next block, ch3, 3tr in same sp For a full list, see page 18 For a lighthearted touch to your bed or sofa, hook up this rainbow corner-to-corner throw. Or, give it as a gift filled with love! NOTES Blanket is worked in a corner-to-corner (c2c) construction, working blocks diagonally across each row. Each ‘block’ is…

True organics Artist Melissa Webb combines vintage crocheted fabric with her own crochet and dye work to create plant-like forms that envelop ordinary human elements like television screens and beds. She builds primordial forests of crochet, allowing her creations to evolve in response to her surroundings, materials and ideas. Visit www.melissawebbart.com STRIPE ME Love the look of a crochet sweater but don’t have the patience for garment making? You’ll get the best of both worlds with the Pumpkin Spice Moss Stitch Scarf from Raffamusa Designs. This project is youthful, cosy and completely reversible. Visit www.raffamusadesigns.com to get the pattern for free or download an ad-free version for about £2.73 on Ravelry, Etsy or LoveCrafts. I LOAF YOU The adorably squishy amigurumi Bearguette is a carb-lover’s dream! He’s extra soft and…

CLUTCH BAG Nature, meet fashion. This ammonite-esque mini bag by Alice Tarry is sure to bring you out of your shell at any social event ■ Scheepjes Metropolis (75% wool, 25% nylon, 50g/200m), 1 ball of each: Dubai (047), Sydney (048), Ulsan (015), Lahore (014), Glasgow (002) ■ A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook ■ A stitch marker TENSION Centre Circle measures 7cm (2¾in) in diameter using a 4mm hook MEASUREMENTS Bag measures 22cm (8¾in) wide NOTES This pattern works with 2 strands of yarn held together as one throughout. The Bag is made from 2 Centre Circles. Circles are joined together when working the Shell. The Handle is worked off the Bag at the end. Parts of this pattern are worked using the amigurumi…

Toni loves the neverending possibilities of Tunisian crochet Tunisian crochet is a versatile technique that’s gaining popularity with stitchers of every discipline. Seemingly at the crossroads of knitting and traditional crochet, Tunisian crochet has a unique style that will hook you from the very first stitch. A LITTLE BACKGROUND Tunisian crochet has always had an air of mystery, likely because craft historians still can’t pinpoint its true origin. The most reputable sources suggest it was developed in either North Africa or the Middle East. The earliest known reference to Tunisian crochet is in a French knitting magazine from the early 1800s. Back then, it was called ‘tricot crochet’. It’s also been called afghan crochet, shepherd’s knitting and railroad knitting. The main feature that sets Tunisian crochet apart from other needle…

YOU WILL NEED ■ West Yorkshire Spinners Elements (60% lyocell, 40% wool, 50g/112m) Yarn A Ocean Spray (1138) See table for measurements and yarn quantities 1 ball of each: Yarn B Seashell (1100) Yarn C French Lavender (1144) Yarn D Living Coral (1103) Yarn E Summer Haze (1107)  Yarn F Cool Aloe (1102) Yarn G Cherry Blossom (1105) ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook ■ Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact WY Spinners 01535 664500 www.wyspinners.com TENSION 18 stitches and 9 rows measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over treble crochet using a 4mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension ABBREVIATIONS reverse dc Insert hook in next st to right (or left if left-handed), yrh and pull up a loop, yrh and pull through 2 loops on hook For a full…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Stylecraft Naturals Organic Cotton (100% cotton, 50g/105m) 7 balls of Blue Dusk (7200) 2 balls of each: Azure (7198) Jade (7191) Seagreen (7192) Citronelle (7175) ■ A 3.75mm (US F/5) hook ■ A piece of foam, at least 42x42cm, approx 3mm thick ■ A zip, 45cm long ■ A tassel maker ■ Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft 01484 848435 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk TENSION 19 sts and 33 rows measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over double crochet using a 3.75mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Bag measures 44x23cm (17¼x9in) at Base and 23cm (9in) tall ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 86 Whether you’re off to the gym, on a trip or even heading into work, you can be sure everything will fit in…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Paintbox Yarns Wool Blend DK (75% acrylic, 25% wool, 100g/260m) 2 balls of Gravel (23) 1 ball of each: Racing Green (20) Mint (21) Paper White (01) ■ A 4.5mm (US 7) hook For yarn stockists contact LoveCrafts 01409 404010 www.lovecrafts.com TENSION Tension is not critical, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Scarf measures 32cm (12½in) wide and 180cm (71in) long ABBREVIATIONS fdtr3d (front double treble 3 down) Dtr in fl of stitch 3 rows below, working in front of dc from row below bdtr3d (back double treble 3 down) Dtr in bl of stitch 3 rows below, working behind dc from row below For a full list, see page 86 Show off a variety of crochet skills when you wrap up in…

ISSUE 143 Find all the Christmas patterns you need in our November issue! Inside, you’ll find exuberantly festive decorations, fun amigurumi gifts, star garlands, reindeer-themed accessories and décor and two comfy jumpers to wear or give on Christmas day. It’s a real one-stop-shop for a handmade holiday. SEE OUR BACK ISSUE PROJECTS IN DETAIL ON RAVELRY BIT.LY/RAVSIMPLYC RETURN TO THE APP TO BUY YOUR BACK ISSUES All issues of Simply Crochet are available as digital editions, ready to read whenever you want. Every purchase is permanently stored in your magazine library. Once your magazine has downloaded, an internet connection is not required, so you can take your magazine with you wherever you go. EVERY ISSUE IS AVAILABLE DIGITALLY, STARTING FROM ISSUE ONE! ISSUE 142 Nordic Christmas collection, Tunisian snowflake jumper, ami’…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Cygnet DK (100% acrylic, 100g/298m) 3 balls of Lilac (223) 2 balls of each: Peppermint (178) Sunshine (184) ■ Cygnet Baby Colour Soft (100% acrylic, 100g/360m) 2 balls of Floral Dreams (558) ■ A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook ■ 41 buttons, 20mm (optional) For yarn stockists contact Cygnet Yarns 01274 743374 www.cygnetyarns.com TENSION Tension is not critical, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Blanket measures approx 94x94cm (37x37in) ABBREVIATIONS picot Ch3, ss in last ch from hook For a full list, see page 18 Filled with big blooms with button centres, this throw is a sumptuous showstopper! If you love motifs, this make is for you. NOTES Blanket is made up of 81 Motifs, each worked in rounds with RS facing throughout. Motifs…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Cygnet Silcaress DK (100% acrylic, 100g/245m) 2 balls of each: Raspberry (2278) Velvet (2777) Clementine (2093) Sherbert (2723) Buttercup (2887) Apple (2956) 1 ball of Fondant (2837) ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook For yarn stockists contact Cygnet Yarns 01274 743374 www.cygnetyarns.com TENSION Each Hexagon measures 23cm (9in) in diameter across widest points after blocking MEASUREMENTS Blanket measures approx 116x157cm (45¾x61¾in) after blocking ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 18 The traditional hexagon motif blanket has been given a modern twist, with the shapes arranged in colourful stripes. NOTES Blanket is made up of 49 Hexagons, which are joined together at the end. Each Hexagon is worked in rounds with RS facing throughout. We recommend blocking the Hexagons to the measurements listed before joining. HEXAGON…