Innehållsförteckning för Issue 44 från Simply Crochet

ILARIA CALIRI Talented Italian crochet designer Ilaria hooked the high- ying sausage dog on page 51 (he’s utterly adorable) and she’s sharing her amigurumi inspirations and favourite makers with us on page 54. ANNETTE CICCARELLI Annette designs and blogs at My Rose Valley. She’s Swedish and we love her cool Scandi colour palettes. Turn to page 68 to read Annette’s top tips for selling your crochet online. HANNAH CROSS This issue, Simply Crochet regular Hannah has been busy. She designed the sashiko sampler on page 19, the blanket on page 73 and she’s revealing a very special project on page 98. MATTHEW SPIERS One Man Crochet blogger and artist Matt is known for his bold use of colour. Over on page 46, he’s chatting to us about how he goes…

HAPPY CROCHET Therese Hagstedt (£12.99, Search Press) With over 60 colourful patterns, this book has plenty to keep you happy. Whether you’re after quick accessories for you and your little ones, or larger projects for your home, these colourful designs are bound to keep you contented. MADE IN PARACORD Caitlin Wynne (£9.99, Search Press) Fancy moving onto rope? It’s amazing what you can do with a bit of cord, and these 25 patterns show you the possibilities. Make simple home accessories, jewellery and more. There is also a clear guide of all of the cord knots involved. MODERN GRANNY SQUARE CROCHET Laura Strutt (£12.99, Cico) We all love the classic granny square, but why not give it a twist? With fresh colour combos and 35 inspiring patterns, from bags and…

MODERN GEISHA Capture the charm of a traditional geisha with these graceful little Kokeshi dolls. Choose your colours and decorations, then write a special message and pop it into the secret slot in the base. Great as a gift for a friend. FRESH BLOSSOM Transform a plain sofa for spring with a beautiful cherry blossom cushion. It’s easy to make, using simple embroidery stitches and different sizes of delicate flower heads for a more natural look. Perfect for decorating your futon. TEA CEREMONY There’s no better way to serve matcha (that’s green tea to you and me) than on one of these simple coasters. Decorate yours with Japanese kanji symbols – we stitched ‘peace’, ‘life’ and ‘joy’, but how about harmony or tranquillity? SUPER SAMPLER Practise your running stitches and…

YOU WILL NEED Any 4ply cotton yarn, we used DMC Natura Just Cotton (100% cotton, 50g/155m), 1 ball of Tournesol (16) A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook Pair of trainer boots or shoes Fabric glue For yarn stockists, contact DMC 0116 275 4000 www.dmccreative.co.uk MEASUREMENTS Star motif measures approx 7.5cm in diameter Trims are made to fit your shoes ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 . Prepare to be on the receiving end of some serious shoe envy, if you give this playful customisation project a go. Why not show your go-to lace-ups a bit of handmade love? You can tweak these simple trims and bold star motif to fit your chosen footwear like a dream. Any 4ply cotton yarn will work for this…

YOU WILL NEED Rowan Handknit Cotton (100% cotton, 50g/85m), Ice Water (239) See table for yarn quantities and measurements A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook Tapestry needle 10 small buttons For yarn stockists, contact Rowan 01484 681881 www.knitrowan.com TENSION 19.5 sts and 10 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over treble crochet using a 3mm hook or size required to obtain tension (Stitch tension will be equivalent to 39 sts over 20cm) ABBREVIATIONS Front Post Quadruple Treble (FPqtr) Yrh 4 times, insert hook from front to back to front around post of st indicated, yrh and draw through st, *yrh and draw through 2 loops; repeat from * until there is one loop left on hook For a full list, see page 92 . This oh-so wearable…

Fancy the idea of getting some serious crafting time in? We know we do! What could be better than sharing a holiday with like-minded souls, taking time to crochet, seeing some gorgeous sights and perhaps even learning some new skills along the way? This year, we are very excited to be working with Arena Travel on several holidays – see below for details. The trips to Yarndale and to Florence will have both knitting and crochet tutors (I’m so looking forward to being your crochet tutor!), so why not bring a friend? (It’ll be fun for you both and save on single supplements too!) Come and join us – book your place today! FAROES READER HOLIDAY INCLUDES ALL THIS… Travel dates 15th-22nd July Return flights Edinburgh – Vágar Airport (Faroe…

YOU WILL NEED Rico Baby Classic 4ply (50% polyamide, 50% acrylic, 50g/220m), 5 balls of Yarn A White (001), 2 balls of Yarn B Ecru (003) A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook For yarn stockists, contact Rico www.rico-design.co.uk TENSION 20 sts and 14 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over half treble crochet using a 3mm hook or size required to obtain tension MEASUREMENTS 83x68cm (32x26in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 . For a project that’s destined to become a handmade heirloom, classic, calming shades are the order of the day. Raid your stash for a super-soft, machine-washable 4ply yarn that’s easy to care for and oh-so cosy. Subtle stripes and a touch of texture make this sweet and simple blanket by Hannah Cross…

HELLO MONTY Don’t you just adore this sweet version of Monty the Mammoth from issue 41? He was lovingly made by@beau_tripp. LITTLE BUNNY Super hookster @kerritaylor47 stitched the Sleepy Bunny blanket from issue 42 like a pro. We think it looks utterly fab in purple. CROCHET NEST These eggs with embroidery are by reader @red. haired.amazona. crochets. She was inspired by our embellished eggs in issue 42. So creative.…

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…

YOU WILL NEED Wendy Merino DK (100% superwash merino wool, 50g/116m), 1 ball of: Yarn A Persian Red (2352) Small amount of black and white yarn for the crochet eyes A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook Polyester toy stuffing Stitch markers TENSION Tension is not critical for this project MEASUREMENTS 16cm (6.5in) across from leg tip to leg tip ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 of Simply Crochet magazine NOTES The pattern is worked using the amigurumi method. Work sts continuously in a spiral without closing off each round with a slip stitch. It may help to use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round, moving it up as you work. PINCER ARM (MAKE 2) The pincers are made in 2 parts. Make the first claw,…

YOU WILL NEED Wendy Merino DK (100% superwash merino wool, 50g/116m), 1 ball of Yarn A Cobnut (2397), 5g of Yarn B Oasis (2389) Small amount of coloured and white yarn for the crochet eyes A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook Polyester toy stuffing Stitch marker TENSION Tension is not critical for this project MEASUREMENTS 20cm (8in) from tip of ears to tail ABBREVIATIONS Picot Ch3, ss to third ch from hook For a full list, see page 92 of Simply Crochet magazine. NOTES The pattern is worked using the amigurumi method. Work stitches continuously in a spiral without closing off each round with a slip stitch. It may help to use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round, moving it up as you work. HEAD The Head…

MAY 17 Crochet Amigurumi Workshop, £36.50, Tea & Crafting, Camden, London, 020 7097 1314 www.teaandcrafting.co.uk MAY 21-22 Women with Wool Retreat, £TBC, Chagford, Devon, 01363 775412 www.womenwithwool.co.uk MAY 22 Beyond the Basics Crochet Workshop, £35, Baa Ram Ewe, Leeds, 0113 278 1788 www.baaramewe.co.uk MAY 28 Beginners Crochet, £55, Running With Scissors, Hagglers Corner, Sheffield, 07903 046 544 www.rwssheffield.co.uk MAY 28 Fibreworks Festival, £TBC, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, 01608 645970 www.thefibreworks.co.uk MAY 29 Needle Felting Workshop, £40, The Makery, Bath, 01225 581888 www.themakery.co.uk…

YOU WILL NEED SilkIndian Duke Silk Yarn, Single Ply (100% silk, 50g/105m), 2 skeins of SIT 004 A 5mm (US H/8) hook For yarn stockists, contact SilkIndian www.silkindian.com MEASUREMENTS 16x216cm (6 x85in) after blocking ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 . Spoil yourself or a treasured friend with an oh-so drapey scarf. This luxurious, 100% silk single-ply yarn has a sheen to it, feels super-soft on the skin and is smooth to hook with. The scarf itself is worked in a relaxed, lacy stitch pattern that hangs like a dream. It’ll have you perfecting your shells and picots and working on your blocking technique. Blocking is absolutely key with this project to really open out those stitches and help them shine. Gorgeous. SPECIAL STITCHES Foundation…

YOU WILL NEED Ella Rae Cozy Soft Prints (25% superwash wool, 75% acrylic,100g/195m), Rose Parade (01), see table for yarn quantities and measurements A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook Open-ended zip, 56cm (22in) long, from For yarn stockists, contact Intercontinental Yarns 01535 664222 www. intercontinentalyarns.co.uk TENSION 16sts and 9 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over patt using a 3.5mm hook or size required to achieve tension ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 . Love vibrant colours and simple crochet makes? Meet your next project. This zippy sleeveless top is perfect for showcasing a DK yarn that’s a little more ‘out there’. Add a matching zip and a hood to the equation and you’ve got a practical crochet garment that’s as easy to hook…

YOU WILL NEED DMC Natura Just Cotton (100% cotton, 50g/155m), 1 ball of each: Yarn A Brique (86) Yarn B Passion (23) Yarn C Prussian (64) A 2.5mm (US B/1 or C/2) hook Safety eyes or black beads, approx 5mm diameter Plastic nose, approx 1cm diameter Black embroidery thread Tapestry needle Stitch markers Toy stuffing For yarn stockists, contact DMC 0116 275 4000 www.dmccreative.co.uk MEASUREMENTS 19cm (7½in) tall ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 . Sure they’re adorable, but who knew dachshunds had powers? Super Sausage is speeding through the sky to deliver an urgent letter (or maybe it’s a Simply Crochet subscription) to a special someone. He loves feeling the wind on his silky ears and showing off his cape to crowds of amazed…

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…

BASIC RIC RAC STITCH PATTERN Ch4. Row 1 Tr in the fourth ch from the hook, (tr, ch1, tr) in same st, turn. Row 2 Ch3, (2tr, ch1, tr) in ch-1 sp, turn. Rep Row 2 until piece is desired length. Fasten off and weave in ends. WORKING WITH BEADS Where instructed, place a bead as follows: Work stitch up until the final yrh, bring bead(s) up to the work, yrh (placing hook beyond bead), pull yarn through (bead will sit on WS of work). For a detailed walkthrough of this beading technique, visit our blog at www.simplycrochetmag.co.uk WEDDING GARTER The ribbon is your ‘something blue’. BC Garn Silkbloom Fino (55% merino wool, 45% silk, 50g/200m), 1 ball of IX01 (this is enough for all 3 projects) A 3mm (US…

CHEVRON MOTIF Ch18. Row 1 (RS) Tr in 4th ch from the hook, 5tr, tr3tog over next 3 ch, 5tr, 2tr in last ch, turn. Row 2 Ch3 (counts as tr), tr in st at base of ch, 5tr, tr3tog, 5tr, 2tr in last st, turn. Row 3 As Row 2. Fasten off and weave in ends. FREIA OMBRE SPORT WEIGHT DK CONTENT 100% wool BALL 75g/200m HOOK 4mm RRP £20 This hand-painted pure wool yarn looks so stunning that it might take you a while to stop admiring it and start using it. Freia’s Ombre Grande is a plump, single-ply yarn with a thick and thin quality and a slow variegation that creates a long colour change. This makes it better suited to shawls than block or motif projects.…

WHAT SORT OF STITCHES COULD I WORK? We’ll show you how to work these five embroidery stitches. Even after you fasten off, there’s still plenty of creative potential for your crochet, with a bit of embroidery know-how. In previous workshops, we’ve looked at the basics of embroidery and various stitches. This time, we’ll show you how to work five more embroidery stitches to add a splash of colour, 3D texture and all sorts of shapes to your crochet projects. You can use your new skills to create our floral sampler on page 83. HOW DO I WORK STEM STITCH? Master this stitch and you can create various lines and shapes. Stem stitch is a simple technique that looks great when used to outline shapes, especially the curves of letters and…

YOU WILL NEED DROPS Fabel Print (75% wool, 25% polyamide, 50g/205m), Sunset Print (310) A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook For yarn stockists, contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 . Get your next colour fix with variegated sock yarn. This pretty 4ply in sunset hues is the perfect match for Lucy Croft’s lacy flower motif. Why not join your delicate blossoms to make a summery 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 through all loops on hook 5-tr cluster As above but repeat () section 5 times, yrh and…

YOU WILL NEED Wendy Merino DK (100% superwash merino wool, 50g/116m), 1 ball of Yarn A Apple Green (2373), 10g of Yarn B Birch (2365), 5g of Yarn C Oasis (2389) Small amount of black and white yarn for the crochet eyes A 3.5mm (US E/4) crochet hook Polyester toy stuffing Stitch marker MEASUREMENTS 13cm (5in) from nose to back ABBREVIATIONS 5-tr cluster (Yrh, insert hook in st indicated, yrh and pull up loop, yrh and draw through 2 loops) 5 times, inserting hook in same st each time, yrh, draw through all 6 loops on hook. For a full list, see page 92 of Simply Crochet magazine. NOTES The pattern is worked using the amigurumi method. Work stitches continuously in a spiral without closing off each round with a…

LITTLE PRINCESS This has to be one of the best crochet crowns we’ve seen. You’ll find Tara’s fab free pattern at www.mamachee.com A PROPER BREW Commemorative mugs get classy with this lovely design by Emma Bridgewater. Get yourself to www.daisypark.co.uk FLY THE FLAGS Liberty’s stylish paper bunting is now available at www.berryred.co.uk. It’s a street party essential, we reckon. BORN TO RULE Treat a little monarch to one of these crochet cotton orb rattles by Hokolo at www.noths.com A HANDBAG Towering tea cups and London landmarks – this tote from www.accessorize.com is an anglophile’s dream. Ma’am.…

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,…

Colour is one of the most important factors in any crochet project. The choices you make can completely change the final outcome of a piece and they reflect your taste, style and intentions. People often comment on the use of colour in my crochet and since I’m perhaps known for my bright and bold colours, I thought it might be interesting to analyse the thinking behind this. When starting any project that uses multiple colours, I have a few rules that I apply based on my own preferences. I try not to put two colours that are similar next to each other because I believe each colour should stand out on its own merit. Whereas some people might view certain colour combinations as clashing, I think they can actually draw…

Growing up in Naples, Italy, Ilaria Caliri was happy to split her time between crafting and exploring the surrounding countryside. “I always saw my mum spending her spare time with crochet in her hands,” she remembers. “Over summers spent in my grandmother’s garden on a Sorrento hillside, my grandmother and mum taught me to crochet, knit and sew, though between rows and rounds I climbed trees and ran after the cats!” Ilaria rediscovered her love of crochet in her 20s. “My cousin told me about amigurumi and within minutes I’d found an old crochet hook and leftover yarn to make my first project!” This was only the first of a long series of adorable creations. “I soon learnt how to create 3D shapes with yarn and started to translate my…

Crochet designer Emma Lamb says: “Here is a fabulous oversized flower to get your hook into. The layers of pretty petals are crocheted in the softest Italian wool and cashmere blend yarn from Gomitoli’s. This cushion cover will surely be a favourite to cuddle up against in your cosy reading corner or crocheting nook.“ Isn’t it a beauty? It’s got everything you could want from a cushion project – colour, texture, petals, granny trebles and a divine yarn. Perfect. YOU WILL NEED Gomitoli’s Cashmere Lana 6ply (30% cashmere, 70% lambswool, 50g/107m), 3 balls of each: Yarn A Natural (10000), Yarn B Pink (10028) 1 ball of each: Yarn C Paprika (10012), Yarn D Saffron Yellow (10008) and Yarn E Sky (10033) A 4.5mm (US 7) hook 4 buttons, 2cm (¾in)…

YOU WILL NEED DMC Natura Just Cotton (100% cotton 50g/155m), 1 ball of Glacier (87), small amounts of: Rose Soraya (32), Turquoise (49), Crimson (61), Pistache (13), Acanthe (81) A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook Embroidery hoop, approx 20cm diameter Dressmakers pins A blunt-tip, large-eyed tapestry needle For yarn stockists, contact DMC 0116 275 4000 www.dmccreative.co.uk TENSION 22 sts and 24 rows to 10cm (4in) square over dc using 3mm hook or size required to achieve stated tension MEASUREMENTS Background piece measures 25cm (10in) square, to fit into a 20cm diameter hoop ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 . Designer Becky Skuse says: “With a bit of embroidery know-how, it’s easy to create colourful 3D blooms on any crochet project. This sampler is full…

Without doubt, my favourite crochet item is the bouquet I made for our wedding. It’s so special because every element of it signifies so much about me, my life, my creativity, my family, my husband and our relationship. It’s a mixture of crochet roses (probably the simplest pattern I’ve ever designed), paper roses made from old music scores (music is almost as important to me as crochet), buttons and beads from my grandmother’s collection, and vintage brooches from both sides of my family. It means so much to me because it was my way of being able to tell everyone who I am and what I love. I also love it because my husband knew nothing about it until the big day and the first thing he said to me…