Innehållsförteckning för Issue 47 från Simply Crochet

It’s been a busy month here at Simply Crochet HQ. The mag’s had a bit of a spruce up and we love our new look. What do you think? We also hit the road and visited Washington DC for this year’s TNNA show. It was wonderful to meet so many American crocheters, and I even signed up some exciting new designers – watch this space. Of course, we were back in time to put together another fantastic issue for you. This one’s packed with summery projects and hooky holiday ideas. My favourite make? It’s got to be Esme Crick’s beach bag on p47. Enjoy!…

A new baby is a joyful occasion, as well as an opportunity to hook something to welcome the little one into the world. Erika Knight has made such an event much more joyful with a new collection of baby patterns and a new yarn to make us swoon. Gossypium Cotton is a soft DK yarn that’s naturally hypoallergenic and breathable, and comes in eight pastel colours, all made in India by an eco-friendly manufacturer. It’s the perfect yarn for Erika’s Baby Collection, which includes three crochet patterns (priced at £3 each): Rhubarb pram blanket, Waffle baby blanket and Crumpet puff stitch cardigan. See www.tbramsden.co.uk…

We’re so excited about the exclusive Frank&Olive crochet pattern booklet we’ve just produced with Patons. Stylish Kids’ Crochet features 15 really fun crochet accessories and garments for kids aged two to seven years, all using Patons Extrafine Merino yarn. And the collection was actually inspired by this 100% merino yarn. The Patons Extrafine Merino range includes such gorgeous vivid colours that just scream Frank&Olive, that we couldn’t help but be inspired right away! In terms of the crochet designs themselves though, Ruby’s children, Olive and Frank are the real inspiration behind it. We know what kids love to wear, what looks majorly cute and what is cool for kids, simply because of their style and what they love to wear. We think it’s important to show how crochet can be…

“Social media has deeply changed my connection to my craft.” Let's get to the point – I have to admit to being a bit of a social media addict. My day starts with me, laying in bed, flipping through Instagram and Facebook, catching up with friends – real and “imaginary”, perusing the latest Buzzfeed article and watching what seems to be an unending stream of cat videos. If I am not really careful to limit my social media scrolling time, buses are missed, children skip breakfast, animals yell at me with hunger and my six-year-old goes to school with one shoe. Far beyond simply being a way to connect to the world, social media has deeply changed my connection to my craft. Not only has it put me in touch…

In this pattern, you’ll be asked to increase treble crochet stitches. If you’ve never done this before, don’t worry, it’s nice and easy! You just need to work two treble crochet stitches into the same stitch on the previous row, which will increase the stitch count by one. See our step-by-step guide (right) for a detailed explanation of how to do this. 1 Work a treble stitch as usual in the next stitch. Once you’ve finished the first treble, start working another treble – insert the hook into the same stitch on the previous row that you just worked into. 2 Work the second treble crochet stitch as usual. Once you’ve finished, you can see how the completed treble increase is simply two treble crochet stitches worked into the same…

YOU WILL NEED • Any DK-weight wool-blend yarn (50g balls, approx 112m per ball), blue and white: For baby blanket size: 10 balls in blue, 1 ball in white For a crib blanket size: 16 balls in blue, 2 balls in white For a lap blanket size: 23 balls in blue, 3 balls in white • A 4mm (US G/6) hook TENSION Before blocking: 16 htr and 10 rows measure 10cm (4in) square After blocking: 14 htr and 9 rows measure 10cm (4in) square MEASUREMENTS Baby blanket: 90cm (36in) square Crib blanket: 112.5cm (45in) square Lap blanket: 135cm (54in) square ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Designer Betsan Corkhill says: “Let this project be your key to a new way of thinking; like the sky, free of limitations,…

YOU WILL NEED • Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino (55% wool, 33% acrylic, 12% cashmere, 50g/125m), Butter (083) • A 4.5mm (US 7) hook For yarn stockists contact Designer Yarns 01535 664222 www.designeryarns.uk.com ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Baby Cashmerino from Debbie Bliss is our go-to yarn for super-soft projects. Why not grab a few balls of it and whip up a light summer throw using this clever block motif by Lucy Croft? Gorgeous. SUN MOTIF Make a magic loop. Round 1 (RS) Ch3 (counts as tr), 11tr into loop, ss to top of beg ch-3 to join. [12 tr] Round 2 Ch3 (counts as tr), tr in st at base of ch-3, 2tr in each tr around, ss to top of beg ch-3 to join.…

She’s played in a rock group, earned her living at a fun fair and worked as a fashion designer. How cool is Cécile? She’s also our kind of crocheter, with her wild love of colour and addiction to yarn. We caught up with her and hoped a little of her Parisian chic would rub off on us. Tell us about the first shawl you ever made? It was three years ago, a French magazine asked me to make a shawl in a hippy chic style. This theme inspired me and I knew immediately what to do. The problem was only having five days to crochet it. It was a crazy challenge and I liked that. I spent the days in Paris crocheting all day long – it was a lot…

YOU WILL NEED • DROPS Baby Merino (100% super wash merino wool, 50g/175m), 1 ball of each: Yarn A Orange (36), Yarn B Light Yellow (03), Yarn C Cerise (08), Yarn D Purple (14), Yarn E Light Turquoise (10), Yarn F Vibrant Green (31), Yarn G Pink (07), Yarn H Turquoise (32) • A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION Rounds 1-6 of pattern measure 10cm (4in) MEASUREMENTS Before blocking: 90cm (35 in) across After blocking: 108cm (42 in) across ABBREVIATIONS Beg 3-tr cluster Ch3, (yrh, insert hook into same st or sp, yrh and pull up loop, yrh and pull through 2 loops) twice, yrh and pull through all loops on hook 3-tr cluster (Yrh, insert hook into same…

YAN SCHENKEL Argentinian stitcher Yan’s amigurumi creations are so full of life and personality. Remember Henry J. Fox from issue 35? She’s spilling the beans about her Pica Pau world on p54. EMMA MITCHELL Emma’s a jewellery designer, writer and crocheter. Oh, and she’s pretty passionate about hedgerows. Turn to p98 to read about her beautiful botanical crochet garland. FRANK&OLIVE Vibrant design duo Ruby McGrath and Kimberley Battey are the creative ladies behind the Frank&Olive brand. Flip across to page 50 to hook their cute watermelon child’s dress. ANJA TOONEN Anja is a prolific author with 13 Haakpret crochet books under her belt and counting. We love the sense of fun in her creations. On p42, you’ll find Anja’s sweet crochet flower pots. OTHER CONTRIBUTORS Annelies Baes, Cécile Balladino, Kate…

Every month, three subscribers win a prize as a thank you for their loyalty to Simply Crochet. This month, the winners (below) will each receive a copy of Kat Goldin's Hook, Stitch & Give book. Mrs Kelly Liddle, Billingham Ms Patricia Mcnally, Bromley Mrs Debbie Rollason, Mablethorpe Immediate Media Company, publishers of Simply Crochet, Subs Stars giveaway terms and conditions. Prizes were dispatched before the on sale date of this issue. There are no cash alternatives. Three winning entries will be chosen at random from all current subscribers. The draw is final and no correspondence will be entered into.…

THINKING PINK Exotic, kitsch and fabulous, you’ve gotta love a flamingo or two. Why not nod to the trend with a pretty pouch? Obviously we’d swap these make-up bits for crochet hooks though. Find this bag at www.blankinsidedesign.co.uk IN THE JUNGLE You can make digging for coins in the sofa a more epic exploration with one of these stylish Tropical Leaves cushions from ww.pasx.co.uk PIN A PINEAPPLE Crafty blogger Julie from www.julieis  cocoandcocoa.com whipped up these mini pineapple motifs and you can too! Find the free pattern on her blog. WANT A CRACKER As a holiday journal or for jotting down ideas, this cute notebook soars. Get your magical macaws from www.martha  andhepsie.com JUICY FRUITS A pineapple bag and a watermelon clutch –…

Fancy the idea of getting some serious crochet time in? We know we do! What could be better than sharing a holiday with like-minded souls, taking time to hook, seeing some gorgeous sights and perhaps even learning some new yarny 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 the 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! READER HOLIDAY LAST OF THE SUMMER YARN INCLUDES ALL THIS… Traveldates23rd-26thSeptember Relaxed ‘Sit & Stitch’…

YOU WILL NEED Scheepjes Catona 50g (100% mercerised cotton, 50g/125m), Chrystaline (385) For measurements and yarn quantities see table A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook Small beads, 6 (optional) For yarn stockists contact Deramores 0845 519 4573 www.deramores.com TENSION 4 pattern reps measure 9.5cm (3 in) and 10 rows measures 10cm(4in) over Lace Stitch using 3mm hook or size needed to obtain tension ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Pick a pastel shade to hook this summer top. The lace stitch pattern is elegant and the keyhole detail in the neckline makes this garment stand out from the crowd. It's finished off with simple beaded ties. NOTES The Top is worked in two pieces from the bottom up and seamed.…

1 Cut a piece of cardboard that’s about 5cm wide and as long as you’d like your tassel to be. Make a 1cm cut in one short end of the card. Tie a knot in one end of your yarn and secure it around the slot. 2 Wrap the yarn around the length of the card to the thickness you require. If you want to use more colours, knot the yarns together at the base of the card and carry on wrapping around. 3 Cut a small piece of yarn, thread under the yarn wraps at the top of the card and knot the two ends. Cut through the bottom wraps of the tassel and snip off the starting knot(s). 4 Cut another piece of yarn and wrap it around…

Retro fashions always top our list, and if we can crochet those looks ourselves, we’re even happier! But there are a few things to consider before you reach for a pattern. We speak to some aficionados to find out how to get the best results when working with vintage patterns, how to use them as a springboard to modern designs, and what should be left in the past. Simply Crochet regular Anne Egan was drawn to vintage via a passion for crochet. “I gained a degree in Maths, then retrained in Art, and for me it all comes together in the form of crochet,” she tells us. “I found some vintage patterns while visiting Iceland. They’re mostly visual diagrams. I was intrigued by how they were designed, and it’s fun…

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,…

HAPPY SHOPPER Keen hookster @ katharinealice05 has raided her yarn stash to whip up this sweet lacy bag from Simply Crochet issue 30 – we can’t wait to see how it turns out! This colour combo is fab. GRANNY LOVE Remember this rainbow beauty from issue 30? @hjeanie78 used grey edgings for hers and it looks spectacular. It’s in pride of place in her camper. Can you spot the tiny photo bomber? MEET ERNEST US stitcher @jeslovestoast hooked this handsome chap on Memorial Day. He’s Ernest the Sea Turtle from the amgurumi booklet that came with issue 44. What a cutie.…

1 To make a double treble crochet stitch, yrh twice and insert the hook under the top two loops of the next stitch on the previous row. Yrh and draw through the stitch only (4 loops on hook). 2 Yrh and pull the yarn through the first 2 loops only (3 loops on hook). 3 Yrh and pull the yarn through the first 2 loops only (2 loops on hook). 4 Yrh and pull the yarn through the remaining 2 loops. There’s your double treble made and you’ll have one loop left on your hook ready to do the next stitch.…

This simple garland I designed and made last summer is my favourite crochet project. It was inspired by the cow parsley and wild carrot flowers that grow in the wood behind our cottage. These little lacy blooms – known as umbellifers – line the hedgerows and are my favourite group of flowers. The project represents the wildflowers of spring and summer, walks on the fens, but most particularly it was one of the first times that I had an idea for a crochet pattern and was able to fully realise it. I had worked umbellifer motifs into my silver jewellery designs in recent years but, as a new crochet designer, making the garland a reality with a hook and yarn was an exciting and satisfying few hours. Once I got…

It’s hard to believe that Elisabeth only discovered crochet in 2008, but very easy for us to understand that it took just a single afternoon of crochet for her to get hooked. Now she designs crochet clothing and accessories and her big love is creating dreamy, colourful shawls. We caught up with her to find out the secrets of the two delicious designs she is sharing with us. Tell us about the first shawl you ever made It was a half granny shawl in aran weight cotton – it’s so heavy! I made it back before I discovered lacy shawls and before sock weight yarns became my real crochet love. What are your go-to yarns for making shawls? I tend to choose sock weight yarn and you can often get…

From teeny-tiny football boots to her very own wedding bouquet, Simply Crochet regular Hannah can turn just about anything into crochet. A midwife by day (and night), she discovered crochet by chance as she recuperated from a knee operation – and hasn’t been able to stop hooking since. We caught up with this enviably-talented designer to find out more about her makes. Tell us about the first shawl you ever made? It was a vintage pattern that my mum had but of course I didn’t stick to the pattern I don’t think I’ve ever done that. I adapted it to become a lace blanket for my friend’s baby five years ago. His new baby sister now uses it and it’s still going strong. What are your go-to yarns for making…

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,…

YOU WILL NEED • Scheepjes Merino Soft (50% merino wool, 25% microfibre, 25% acrylic, 50g/105m), 8 balls of Yarn A Lowry (604) 1 ball of each: Yarn B Soutine (615) Yarn C Carney (636) Yarn D Constable (629) • A 5mm (US H/8) hook For yarn stockists contact Deramores 0845 519 4573 www.deramores.com TENSION 15 sts and 8 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over treble crochet using a 5mm hook or size needed to obtain tension MEASUREMENTS 74x175cm (29x69in) ABBREVIATIONS V-shell (3tr, ch1, 3tr) in same place Ch-3 picot Ch3, ss in first of those ch For a full list, see Simply Crochet p92 Ready for a fresh catch? There’s a whole tropical shoal swimming across this asymmetric summer stripe shawl. Stand by to increase stitches in every…

Annelies is on a mission. From her home in Holland, she wants to inspire everyone to make beautiful things they can wear. We need no convincing as we’re already in love with her stylish crochet designs. We had a chat with this creative lady who believes that all things are possible in crochet. Tell us about the first shawl you ever made After making baby scarves, I decided to try a simple granny stitch shawl. I loved making it and still have it! It’s so old and used but I want to keep it. What are your go-to yarns for making shawls? I like Malabrigo Arroyo a lot. It’s a sportweight yarn (so soft!) with lots of yardage – one skein has 300m, so it is great to make lovely…

MANDALAS TO CROCHET HAAFNER LINSSEN (£10.99, Search Press) Celebrate the joy of mandalas with the 30 designs in this book – each one is slightly different and shows the creative potential of these circles. There are handy tips, border patterns, charts for everything and seven project ideas showing fab items to make with your magical hooky mandalas. CROCHET REFRESHER SHARON SILVERMAN (£5.99, Leisure Arts) This book is small but perfectly formed and is a great refresher for anyone who feels a bit rusty in the crochet department. There are lots of handy diagrams and eight simple patterns for all the family (mostly blankets). Plus, there are extra online video tutorials. SIMPLY STITCHED YUMIKO HIGUCHI (£12.99, Zakka Workshop) 20 beautiful designs to inspire you to add stitched embellishments to your makes.…

YOU WILL NEED 1 skein of aran yarn in turquoise A 3.75mm (US F/5) hook* Bright pink embroidery thread Safety eyes, 12mm diameter Toy stuffing Stitch marker MEASUREMENTS 7.5x33x7.5cm (3x13x3in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 How adorable are these little marine cuties? Amigurumi jellyfish just seem to have so much personality. Maybe it’s the tentacles. This simple, speedy project’s definitely a winner for stashbusting. NOTE *You can use a 4mm hook in place of the 3.75mm hook. The project is worked in a continuous spiral without closing off each round with a ss. You may find it helpful to place a stitch marker in the first st of the round, moving it up as you work. TENTACLES ›MAKE 5› Ch46. Row 1 Htr in 3rd ch from…

YOU WILL NEED Scheepjes Larra (100% cotton, 50g/125m) You can use various shades for the pots and flowers, but the essential colours are 1 ball of each: 7412 (mid-brown), 7385 (dark brown), 7380 (yellow), 7310 (white), 7422 (green), 7400 (red) and 7403 (pink) A 2.5mm (US B/1 or C/2) hook Paperclips Fine-nosed pliers Polyester stuffing For yarn stockists contact Deramores 0845 519 4573 www.deramores.com MEASUREMENTS Pots measure 3.5cm (1¼in) high Pots with flowers measure 7-9cm (2¾-3½in) high ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Quick question: how does your garden grow? If it’s not already crocheted and miniature, then boy do we have a project for you. These diminutive daisies, roses, sunflowers and tulips are super-cute and belong on your desk or window sill. NOTE Leave the…

YOU WILL NEED DROPS Cotton Light (50% cotton, 50% polyester, 50g/105m), Yarn A Mint (27) 1 ball of each: Yarn B Light Pink (05) Yarn C Pink (18) Yarn D Black (20) For measurements and quantities of Yarn A see table A 4mm (US G/6) hook Stitch marker Button approx 1.5cm ( ½ in) diameter  For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION 16sts and 9 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over treble crochet using a 4mm hook or size required to obtain stated tension 24 sts to 10cm on first row of Skirt; this tension is used to calculate actual chest measurement ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 The simple yoke construction lends itself fantastically to a watermelon design. Raid your stash for DK in…

YOU WILL NEED Rowan Panama (55% viscose, 33% cotton, 12% linen, 50g/135m), Daisy (301) For measurements and yarn quantities see table This yarn has been discontinued but may still be available from some retailers A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook For yarn stockists contact Rowan 01484 681881 www.knitrowan.com TENSION 3 patt reps to 12 cm and 16 rows to 11.5 cm over Main Stitch Patt using 3mm hook or size needed to achieve stated tension Waistband section measures 10cm (4in) deep ABBREVIATIONS 2-dtr cluster (Yrh twice, insert hook in space/st indicated, yrh and pull up loop, [yrh and draw through 2 loops] twice) twice, inserting the hook in the same space/st each time, yrh and draw through all loops on hook For a full list, see page…

YOU WILL NEED For the Rainbow cushion: DMC Natura Just Cotton XL (100% cotton, 100g/75m), 2 balls of each: turquoise (07), yellow (82), peach (04), hot pink (43) Twilleys Goldfingering (80% viscose, 20% polyester, 25g/100m), 2 balls of Gold (002) DMC Natura Just Cotton XL (100% cotton, 100g/75m), 2 balls of each: turquoise (07), pale blue (73), 1 ball of grey (12) Fabric for backing, at least 48x60cm (19x24in) For the Sunshine cushion: DMC Natura Just Cotton XL (100% cotton, 100g/75m), 5 balls of yellow (82) DMC Natura Just Cotton (4ply) (100% cotton, 50g/155m), 1 ball of each: Noir (N11), Ivory (N02) Twilleys Goldfingering (80% viscose, 20% polyester, 25g/100m), 1 ball of Silver (005) A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook (for rainbow and raindrop…

FLOWER MOTIF Ch5, ss into first ch to make a ring. ROUND 1 (RS) Ch3, 11tr into ring, ss to top of beg ch-3. [12 sts] ROUND 2 *Ch5, skip 1 st, ss to next st; rep from * 5 more times. ROUND 3 *Ss into ch-5 sp, (2dc, htr, tr, ch2, ss to tr, htr, 2dc) into same ch-5 sp, ss to ss from prev round; rep from * 5 more times. Fasten off and weave in ends. ERIKA KNIGHT STUDIO LINEN WEIGHT DK CONTENT 85% recycled rayon linen, 15% premium linen SKEIN 50g/120m HOOK 3.75-4mm RRP £5.95 Fibres don’t get much kinder to the environment than linen – growing the flax plants involves using relatively little land, water, pesticides and herbicides. Plus, most of the fibres for this…

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 • Fyberspates Scrumptious Lace (55% merino wool, 45% silk, 100g/1000m), 1 skein of Gold (502) • A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook For yarn stockists contact Fyberspates 01244 246653 www.fyberspates.com TENSION 20 sts and 13 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over pattern using a 3.5mm hook or size required to achieve tension MEASUREMENTS 146x44cm (57x17in) ABBREVIATIONS 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 Simply Crochet p92 Stand by for a silky, sunshine-filled hug as you wrap this golden shawl around your shoulders. Designer Cécile Balladino has imported heaps…