Innehållsförteckning för Issue 40 från Simply Crochet

KERRY LORD Kerry is an amigurumi critter creator and head honcho at TOFT Alpaca. On page 46, she’s spilling the beans about her own crochet journey and her two Edward’s Menagerie books. “I LOVE DISCOVERING UNUSUAL COLOUR COMBINATIONS.” LUCY CROFT Regular Simply Crochet contributor Lucy is our go-to gal for crochet motifs. We love the way her passion for colour comes through in her designs. See her latest glitzy motif on page 95. “I'M A VISUAL LEARNER AND FIND CHARTS EASIER TO FOLLOW” NICKI TRENCH Star crochet designer and tutor Nicki is offering some words of hooky wisdom for novice crocheters this issue. Pick up some of her expert tips in our special beginners’ feature on page 62. “I ALWAYS SAY A DAY WITHOUT CROCHET ISN’T A FULL DAY.” ELISABETH…

BELOVED BOBBLES Have a go at drawing shapes with textured stitches. Find this cushion pattern at www.thebabycrow.etsy.com WRAPPED UP Cécile Balladino’s Heart to Heart blanket from issue 34 would be a lovely gift. See page 86 for back issues info. SAY IT RIGHT Pay a visit to www.oakroom shop.co.uk and you’ll find ribbon for decorating your swoonsome Valentine makes. HEAD TO TOE Feeling it in your fingers and your toes? It’s time to get socks. These soft, cosy ones are from www.bouxavenue.com STITCH SMITTEN Treat yourself or a beloved fellow crafter to a set of stitch markers from www.crafty catknittybits.etsy.com. So pretty.…

1 Start by inserting the hook under the top two loops of the next stitch on the previous row. Begin to work a double crochet stitch in the usual way, working yrh and pull loop through (2 loops on hook). 2 Without finishing the first dc, begin the next dc by inserting the hook in the next stitch on the previous row. Again, work yrh and pull loop through (3 loops on hook). 3 Now complete both dc stitches together by working yrh and pull this loop through all 3 loops on the hook. 4 This is how your completed dc2tog should look. You will have neatly decreased one stitch. On subsequent rows, you can simply work a stitch into the top of the dc2tog stitch as usual.…

YOU WILL NEED • Rooster Almerino DK (50% baby alpaca, 50% merino wool, 50g/113m) 2 balls of Yarn A Smoothie (093) 3 balls of Yarn B Cornish (01) 4 balls of Yarn C Hazlenut (02) • A 5mm (US H/8) hook For yarn stockists, contact Rooster 01829 740903 www.roosteryarns.com MEASUREMENTS 21x165cm (8›x65in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 . Designer Emma Potter describes this project as: “A super-easy, ice-lolly-inspired, colour-block long scarf in a pretty sedge stitch for a lovely texture and made using luxury alpaca/merino blend wool.” We’re definitely seeing those creamy Neapolitan colours in there. Very tasty. And the woven-looking sedge stitch is just a simple one-row repeat that provides lovely squishy texture. This is a great make if you’re new to crochet…

1 Check your yarn’s ball band for advice on whether to dry, wet or steam block your item. To wet block, wash the item before pinning. For dry and steam blocking, pin out when dry. To pin out, lay the item flat on a towel over a blanket. 2 Using long, rust-proof pins or blocking wires, pin out to the measurements in your pattern (check the schematic for garments). Start at the corners, then move evenly around the edges. You can reposition pins if needed. 3 Place pins inside the last row or round of stitches, not in the actual stitches or you risk distorting them. Insert the pin’s point towards the centre of the fabric, away from the edge, to balance out the forces involved. 4 For wet blocking,…

Earlier this month, the Simply Crochet team took a trip to Cornwall for a behind-the-scenes look at how Blacker’s yarns are produced. Owner Sue Blacker was on hand to make sure we knew our woollen from our worsted spun and to share her irrepressible passion for British wool. We arrived on scouring day. The mill was humming and there was an unmistakable, but not unpleasant, sheepy smell in the air. Sue explained what Blacker do and we had a bit of a British breeds 101 session, which of course included some yarn squeezing. The Natural Fibre Company mill in Launceston is responsible for producing all Blacker’s yarns, but they also spin for producers across Europe. They have all the facilities to transform raw fleece into finished yarn that’s ready to…

YOU WILL NEED • Stylecraft Special DK (100% premium acrylic, 100g/295m), 2 (2: 2: 3) balls of Yarn A Denim (1302), 1 ball in Yarn B Matador (1010) for all sizes, see table for measurements • A 4mm (US G/6) hook • 18 buttons, 2cm diameter For yarn stockists, contact Stylecraft 01535 609798 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk TENSION 15 sts and 20 rows to measure 10x10cm(4x4in) over dc using a 4mm hook or size needed to obtain correct tension ABBREVIATIONS Double crochet 3 sts together (dc3tog) (Insert hook into next st, pull up a loop) 3 times, yrh, pull through all loops on hook For a full list, see page 92 These denim blue dungarees are packed with playful details, from the contrasting surface crochet and crisscross straps to the…

YOU WILL NEED • SILKINDIAN Maharaja Silk Yarn, (100% silk, 100g/730m), 1 skein of Shade MH 003 • A 2mm (US 4 steel) hook • Plastic curtain rings, 25mm (1in) diameter • Scarf (see below for measurements) For yarn stockists, contact SILKINDIAN www.silkindian.com MEASUREMENTS Scarf measures 140x63cm (55x24¾in) without edging and edging is 10cm (4in) deep including tassels We edged the two short sides of a triangular scarf, a total of 174cm (68½in) of edging ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 . Accessories should be more fun than humdrum, don’t you think? A simple scarf edging with some outlandish extras makes a superb wardrobe addition. Tassels, pompoms and slinky silk – you name it, this project’s got it. It looks handmade for all the right…

With a brilliantly twisted look, crochet cables are surprisingly simple to do, using front and back post stitches. Whatever project you’re work on, cables will add interest and texture to a design. Chunky yarns look especially good with cables, but you can also experiment with finer yarns and small makes. We’ll show you just how it’s all done. Once you’ve mastered the technique, use your new skills to make our trendy cabled headband on page 83. WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW? Want to create raised braids, twists and cables? We’ll show you how… To work cables, you need to be able to work post stitches. They’re very simple to crochet and are just worked around the post of the stitch on the row below, instead of into the top…

YOU WILL NEED • Stylecraft Cabaret (98% acrylic, 2% polyester 100g/230m), Sunset (3570) • A 4mm (US G/6) hook For yarn stockists, contact Stylecraft 01535 609798 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Simple shapes are often the best choices for showing off fancier yarns. Stylecraft’s Cabaret DK is no wallflower. It’s a glittery, variegated yarn with lots of punchy colourways to try. And Lucy Croft’s delicate diamond motif looks like the perfect match for it. We’d join these shapes to make a bright blanket or a glitzy V-shaped shawl. What will your crochet diamonds make? DIAMOND MOTIF Make a magic loop. Round 1 (RS) Ch4 (counts as tr, ch1), (tr, ch1) 7 times into loop, ss to 3rd ch of beg ch-4 to join.…

EIGHTH WONDER The squashy simplicity of a pyramid cushion cannot be overlooked. These canny makes are worked as tubes, then seamed to create the unusual three-dimensional shape. Pick a handful of bright, contrasting colours to really make them pop. SNAP HAPPY Stash your hooks in a cute zipped case – it’s perfect for pencils, too. We’ve combined vintage camera appreciation and Instagram passion in one crafty project. It’s a fairly speedy make that would be a fab treat for you or a hooky pal. A COLOURFUL CUPPA Need a crochet fix quick? Whip up a motif mug hug or two in a decidedly retro colour palette. You can adjust the length of the two fastening button loops so your cosy will fit comfortably around your chosen cup. Get a brew…

YOU WILL NEED • Rowan Cocoon (80% merino wool, 20% mohair, 100g/115m), Kiwi (0816), see table for yarn quantities and measurements • A 5.5mm (US I/9) hook • A 6mm (US J/10) hook • Stitch markers For yarn stockists, contact Rowan 01484 681881 www.knitrowan.com TENSION 10 sts and 9 rows to meas 10x10cm (4x4in) over tr/dc stitch pattern (measure from a tr row) in rows using a 6mm hook or size needed to obtain correct tension Each Bobble Panel meas 12cm (4¾in) wide ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 . Love texture? You’re in for a treat. This cosy polo neck jumper’s got ribbing and bobbles to play with. It’s the kind of jumper that makes us wish for extra cold days so we can…

1 Start working the last stitch of the last row of the old colour, but stop before you work the final yrh of the last stitch. Cut off the old colour of yarn, leaving a tail approx 7cm long. 2 Now loop your new yarn colour around the hook, leaving a tail of yarn approx 7cm long. 3 Pull the new yarn colour loop through the remaining two loops to finish off the stitch. Pull the old and new yarn ends to tighten the loop on the hook and knot together, if desired. 4 Now you can work the turning chain of the new row in the new colour (such as ch1 for double crochet), then work the stitches of the new row in the new yarn colour.…

YOU WILL NEED • Brown Sheep Lamb’s Pride Worsted (85% wool, 15% mohair, 113g/174m), 1 skein of each: Yarn A Supreme Purple (M100) [sample uses Wild Violet (M173)], Yarn B Grey Heather (M03) • A 5.5mm (US I/9) hook For yarn stockists, contact LoveCrochet 0800 802 1189 www.lovecrochet.com TENSION 8 sts and 8 rows to measure 5x5cm (2x2in) square in main st pattern MEASUREMENTS 18cm (7in) circumference and 20.5cm (8in) long ABBREVIATIONS blo working in back loop only For a full list, see page 92 Crochet designer Beth Nielsen says: “These graphic mitts are a great introduction to tapestry crochet. They’re a modern piece that’s fun to make and wear.” Get stitching. NOTES One yarn is worked in dc, while another is carried along work. To switch…

YOU WILL NEED • The sample uses 1 skein of Freia Fine Handpaints Lace Ombré Grande in Atlantis, a suggested alternative is Schoppel-wolle Lace Ball (75% superwash wool, 25% nylon, 100g/800m), 1 ball • A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook • Tapestry needle • Blocking board and blocking pins For yarn stockists, contact Loop 020 7288 1160 www.loopknittingshop.com MEASUREMENTS 120x56cm (47›x22in) after blocking ABBREVIATIONS Picot Ch3, ss in first ch. For a full list, see page 92 . Chase away those post-Christmas blues with a fix of fantastic graduated colour. This gorgeous ombre design by shawl queen Elisabeth Davis de Herraiz is perfect for showing off a special 100g ball of laceweight yarn. Not worked with such a fine yarn before? Don’t worry, you’ll be using a trusty…

YOU WILL NEED • Scheepjeswol Stone Washed XL (70% cotton, 30% acrylic, 50g/75m), 16 balls of Coral (856) • A 6mm (US J/10) hook For yarn stockists, contact Deramores 0800 488 0708 www.deramores.com MEASUREMENTS Finished blanket measures approx 85x105cm (33½x41in) ABBREVIATIONS Herringbone Treble (HBtr) (Yrh, insert hook into st, yrh, draw though st and first loop on hook, yrh, draw through next loop on hook, yrh draw through rem 2 loops) For a full list, see page 92 . Time to get cosy with crochet cables. Designer Kath Webber says: ”With chunky cables and herringbone stitch, this beautifully thick blanket packs in warmth and texture. This fabulously textured blanket features two different panels to test your crochet know-how. The cables are created by working FPdtr and BPdtr,…

YOUR NEXT STEPS! Use your knowledge of crossed stitches to create this gorgeous cabled headband. YOU WILL NEED • DROPS Air Mix (70% alpaca, 23% polyamide, 7% wool, 50g/130m), 1 ball of Medium Grey (04) • A 5mm (US H/8) hook For yarn stockists, contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk MEASUREMENTS Approx 8cm (3in) wide and 55cm (21½in) circumference ABBREVIATIONS FPtr Yrh, starting from the front insert hook from front to back to front around post of st in row below, complete as for a tr stitch BPtr Yrh, starting from the back insert hook from back to front to back around post of st in row below, complete as for a tr stitch FPdtr Yrh twice, starting from the front insert hook from front to back to…

HAPPY-GURUMI Vanessa Chan (£15.15, Martingale) Packed full of adorable patterns, this book will help you build on your crochet skills and create 20 amigurumi designs, including animals, insects and even a smiley birthday cake. The clear crochet basics section makes it suitable for newbies. LUCY SPARROW’S FELT WORLD Lucy Sparrow (£16.99, Prestel) Artist Lucy Sparrow, noted for her corner shop of felt makes in 2014, has created felt versions of everything from digestive biscuits and London buses to atomic bombs. This is an inspiring catalogue of her work. WEEKEND CROCHET FOR BABIES Sue Whiting (£9.99, IMM Lifestyle Books) Hook the perfect gift for new arrivals with simple patterns for baby garments, toys and accessories that can be hooked in a weekend. Projects are sized for ages newborn to 18 months.…

YOU WILL NEED • DK yarn in pink and red • A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook • Embroidery hoop, 12cm (4¾in) diameter • Red ribbon for hanging • Stitch markers MEASUREMENTS 12cm (4¾in) diameter ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 . When it’s on its own, a crochet motif is just a motif. Here’s the magic bit – stretch that motif over an embroidery hoop, add a length of pretty ribbon and you’ve got a charming, arty keepsake that says it all. Raid your stash for a pair of bright DK yarns to make this decorative delight. SPECIAL ABBREVIATIONS 2-tr cl (Yrh, insert hook in space indicated, yrh and pull up loop, yrh and draw through 2 loops) twice, inserting hook in the same space…

Confession time: we’re a little obsessed with otters here in the Simply Crochet office, and it’s not solely due to a certain Mr Cumberbatch. Did you know that pairs or groups of otters hold hands (or paws) so they don’t float away from each other while they sleep? It’s called rafting. We looked it up. They’re pretty much the original romantics. What could be a better Valentine gift for your sweetheart, then, than a pair of loved-up amigurumi otters? Otterly adorable. YOU WILL NEED • DMC Natura Just Cotton (100% cotton, 50g/155m), 1 ball of each: Salomé (N80), Lin (N78) • A 2.5mm (US C/1 or B/2) hook • Safety eyes or black beads, approx 5mm diameter • Plastic nose, approx 1cm • Black embroidery thread • Pipe cleaners •…

“I love to spend time with my family and catch up on sleep. I am a big believer in an early night solving most problems, so I grab the opportunity to recharge my batteries when I can. My job does require me to think fast and creatively nearly every day and this is impossible if you’re tired. My ideal day off would involve not having to do anything at a particular time. Edward and I would ditch our routine, do the things we want when we want and if that means we stay in our pyjamas reading and eating toast in bed then so be it!” See more at www.thetoftalpacashop.co.uk…

YOU WILL NEED • Rowan Kidsilk Haze Shine (12% cotton, 61% mohair, 27% silk, 6.25g/10m), 1 ball of Trance (582) • A 4mm (US G/6) hook For yarn stockists, contact Rowan 01484 681881 www.knitrowan.com MEASUREMENTS 7.5x40cm (3x15¾in) ABBREVIATIONS V-Stitch (tr, ch2, tr) into same st Ch-3 picot Ch3, ss in first st Ch-5 picot Ch5, ss in first st For a full list, see page 92 . Worked in an exquisite yarn, even the simplest design can become a real treasure. This collar is fairly straightforward to make, but the lacy structure, fancy fibres and Swarovski crystals make it look and feel extra special. A collar-style necklace can take an outfit from drab to fab and is a great way to use smaller quantities of luxurious yarn…

BLOCK IT @betty_button used a cool colour block effect on her treble jumper from issue 35, and what a transformation. It looks great. PARTY TIME Ooh, this baby dress stitched by @karanth. archana is utterly divine in rich red with contrasting details. Pattern from issue 37. STAR STITCHES We reckon @scarletrose112 has done a stellar job making these sweet stars from our yarn review pattern in issue 38.…

FLOWER MOTIF Ch5, ss to first ch to form a ring. Round 1 (RS) Ch3 (counts as tr), 15tr into ring, ss to top of beg ch-3. [16 sts] Round 2 * Ch6, skip st at base of ch, ss into next st; repeat from * 7 more times. Fasten off and weave in ends. DEBBIE BLISS BABY CASHMERINO WEIGHT DK CONTENT 55% wool, 33% acrylic, 12% cashmere BALL 50g/125m HOOK 3mm RRP £4.95 Baby Cashmerino’s weight sits somewhere between a 4ply and a DK. It has a smooth, rounded appearance and comes in 56 delectable solid shades. The clever mix of fibres means it’s soft and springy, gentle on the skin and machine washable, too. This combination of qualities makes Baby Cashmerino absolutely perfect for baby projects. Worked in…

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…

The little amigurumi Chinese New Year Dragon that I made in January 2012 is my favourite crochet item. He’s one of my most popular patterns. Many people have been directed to my blog after seeing him online and in Simply Crochet’s first issue! He’s part of a Chinese New Year series that I started when I began blogging in 2010. For the past five years, I’ve been designing an amigurumi animal based on that zodiac year. So far, I have made a Chinese New Year Doll, which was my first original design, a Dragon, Snake, Pony and Sheep. I had so much fun making this baby dragon and giving him plenty of cute details. It’s amazing how you can bring ideas to life by sketching a design, figuring out what…