Innehållsförteckning för Issue 49 från Simply Crochet

AMANDA BLOOM The enterprising (and totally lovely) lady behind monthly subscription service Little Box of Crochet shares her very favourite project with us on page 98. It’s a whole lot of funghi. KATE EASTWOOD Just Pootling crochet blogger Kate has designed a beautiful leafy garland for us that also doubles as a wreath. You’ll nd it on page 73. Prepare for some serious autumnal eye candy. LUCY CROFT Simply Crochet regular Lucy is a wizard with colour. She put those skills to good use designing the Pick ‘n’ Mix blanket for our crochet-along. Get the lowdown on page 40. EMMA FRIEDLANDER COLLINS Author, Steel&Stitch blogger and #crochetgirlgang encourager – Emma is one busy bee. Find her magical mittens on page 24 and her crocodile stitch makes on page 63. OTHER…

GREET A BLACK CAT We don’t think this cute kitten could possibly bring you bad luck. The pattern’s from Simply Crochet issue 36. See p86 for back issues. OUT AT NIGHT Baking with the kids could be a fun way to celebrate. Go to www. kitchencraft.co.uk  for cookie cutters. STAR BAKER Why not dress your kitchen concoctions up for the occasion with this ghostly glitter cake topper? Pinterest perfect. Shop now at www. candleandcake.co.uk OH, GO ON THEN If you like your treats a little more sophisticated (or just plain boozy), this box of chocs ought to do it. Find it at www.hotel  chocolat.com PUMPKIN PATCH Autumn baby about to arrive? Welcome them to the fold with super-cute pumpkin bootees.…

We’re taking a rain check on the weather and getting blown away by White Stuff’s new season collections. Move over shorts, autumn is on its way! White Stuff’s key pieces for the new season are all about showcasing style. Denim at the office? Sure. Knitwear without sleeves? Why not? Faultlessly flattering peplums? Yes please! With modern silhouettes in a muted palette of navy, burgundy and khaki, this is the time to reinvent your staples and these classics are ready and waiting, whatever the weather. Valid until 31st October 2016. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other o er or in White Stu outlet shops and concessions. O er applies to full-price items only. Cannot be used to buy gift cards and charity items. SPECIAL READER OFFER All Simply Crochet…

YOU WILL NEED Knit Picks Preciosa Tonal Worsted (100% merino, 250m/100g), 1 skein in Anemone (26722) A 4mm (US G/6) hook For yarn stockists contact Knit Picks www.knitpicks.com MEASUREMENTS 10x17cm (4x6¾in) NOTES Each Mitt is made up of 2 motifs that are edged tog around the top and bottom and seamed down the sides. For all 3-st clusters (tr, dtr or ttr), (work required st stopping before last yrh) 3 times, inserting hook in same sp each time, yrh and draw through all loops on hook. ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Make a cosy fingerless mitt and hat set using just one skein of this scrummy yarn. Find the matching hat pattern for free on our blog at www.simplycrochetmag.co.uk MITTS (MAKE 2) MOTIFS…

“Design is often about translating other people's inspiration.” When asked which area of pattern writing is the one that I find the most difficult, it wouldn’t be the maths or the grading, the charting or even the editing – it would have to be writing the blurb describing the inspiration for the design and its title. That 100 word introduction so often escapes me, and I find that I sit for ages with the cursor simply flashing at me as I try to think up something other than “Sometimes all you need is a simple stitch in a great yarn,” to pop into the pattern description. And as for names, it’s lucky that my children aren’t named One, Two and Three! Some patterns do have a great story to tell…

YOU WILL NEED Wendy Pixile DK (100% ultra fine acrylic, 100g/225m), Marine (3377) See table for yarn quantities and measurements A 5mm (US H) hook For yarn stockists contact TB Ramsden 01943 872264 www.tbramsden.co.uk TENSION 17sts and 8.5 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over stitch pattern using a 5mm hook or size needed to obtain tension ABBREVIATIONS Diamond Ch4, dc into centre tr of the 5-tr group on previous row, turn. Ch1 (does not count as st), dc in each of the 4 ch, turn, (ch1, dc in each of last 4 dc, turn) 3 times then carry on with next st. Shell (2tr, ch1, 2tr) in the st or sp indicated. For a full list, see page 92 Use Wendy’s flecked Pixile yarn to hook a lacy…

LIGHTNING BOLT MOTIF Ch17. ROW 1 Dc in 2nd ch from hook, dc in next ch, htr in next 2 ch, 4tr in next ch, htr in next 2 ch, tr3tog over next 3 ch, htr in next 2 ch, tr in next 2 ch, dtr in next 2 ch, turn. [17 sts] ROW 2 Ch4 (does not count as st), dtr in first 2 sts, tr in next 2 sts, htr in next st, tr3tog over next 3 sts, htr in next 2 sts, 4tr in next st, htr in next 3 sts, dc in next 2 sts, ss in last st. Fasten off . CONWAY & BLISS CLEO WEIGHT Aran CONTENT 62% cotton, 32% polyamide BALL50g/90m HOOK 5mm RRP £4.95 Soft, smooth and stretchy, there’s loads of potential…

1 Make a foundation ring (turn to page 89 ) and work the t-ch (1ch for dc). Now work 12 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…

There’s one piece of crochet I treasure above all others. Actually, it’s three items – a trio of toadstools designed for me by my brilliant friend Kate Bruning of Greedy for Colour. These beautiful little funghi are so precious for a few reasons. The first is that this was the first ever Little Box of Crochet design. From the moment we decided on our debut kit’s theme, I knew that Kate would make the toadstools charming and unique, and she didn’t let me down. It was love at first sight! It was also such fun to work with Kate. She lives in New Zealand and I live in the UK so there were lots of emails and Skyping, with Kate drinking tea while I sipped wine, or vice versa! I’ve…

YOU WILL NEED White DK yarn A 2.5mm (US B/1 or C/2) hook Safety eyes Toy stuffing Tapestry needle Stitch marker MEASUREMENTS 13cm (5in) tall ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Get your Halloween craft on with our speedy friendly ghost. This gorgeous ghoul may be small but she’s full of personality. Hooks at the ready. NOTES The ghost is worked using the amigurumi method. Work in a continuous spiral without closing off each round with a slip stitch. Place a marker in the first st of each round and move it up as you work. HEAD Using White, make a magic loop. Round 1 (RS) Ch1 (does not count as st), 8dc into loop. [8 sts] Round 2 2dc in each dc around. [16 sts] Round 3…

YOU WILL NEED Quantites of yarn given are enough to complete the entire blanket. You will need both colourways and borders as listed below. Cascade 220 (100% Peruvian Highland wool, 100g/200m), see below for details. A 5mm (US H/8) hook For yarn stockists contact LoveCrochet 0845 544 2196 www.lovecrochet.com Colourway 1 • 1 skein of each: Yarn B Cyan Blue (8891) Yarn C Violet (7809) Yarn E Lagoon (7812) Yarn F Azure (8892) Colourway 2 • 1 skein of each: Yarn A Bright Red (8414) Yarn G Cerise (7802) Yarn D Granny Smith Green (8914) Yarn H Orange Sherbet (7825) Border • 2 skeins of Yarn K Grey (8501) MEASUREMENTS Each square measures 20x20cm (8x8in) Finished blanket measures 144x94cm (56½x37in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92…

YOU WILL NEED DMCNaturaJustCotton(100% cotton, 50g/155m), 1 ball of each: GrisArgent09 Prune59 Gardenia36 Malva31 Tournesol16 Noir11 A 2.5mm (US B/1 or C/2) hook Safety eyes (about 8mm diameter) Black tulle fabric (approx 12x16cm) Pipe cleaners (optional) Thin wire Stitch markers Toy stuffing Tapestry needle For yarn stockists contact DMC 0116 275 4000 www.dmccreative.co.uk MEASUREMENTS 23cm (9in) tall ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Say hi to Batgirl. This independent lady is all dressed up for Halloween (even her boots have tiny bat ears) and isn’t afraid to do her own thing. This is one project you’ll definitely want hanging around. So cute. NOTES The pattern is worked using the amigurumi method. Work in a continuous spiral without closing off the round with a ss. It…

YOU WILL NEED RowanSummerliteDK100% cotton, 130m/50g), Mushroom454 See table for yarn quantities and measurements 1 ball in Steel458for all sizes Small amount of orange yarn for mouth A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook A 4mm (US G/6) hook 4 stitch markers 2 press stud fasteners Small amount of shirring elastic (if desired) Tapestry needle For yarn stockists contact Rowan 01484 950630 www.knitrowan.com TENSION 16 sts and 9 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over treble crochet using a 4mm hook or size needed to achieve stated tension ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 These koala dungarees are nothing short of adorable. There’s even a tail on the back. Aussie style for newborns and up. NOTES Each side of the dungarees is worked in one piece and then…

Dutch yarn manufacturer Scheepjes has a team of bloggers who regularly produce projects via their blogs and the company Facebook page, www. facebook.com/scheepjes . In 2014, Marinke Slump, aka Wink, designed Scheepjes’ first ever crochet-along, or CAL, and it was a huge success. “We had no idea if this project would be popular, but Marinke took the idea and ran with it,” says Simy Somer, Scheepjes Creative Director. “It far exceeded our expectations and proved to us that our customers wanted more projects like this.” Then, in 2015, Marinke pitched an idea for a beach-themed crochet-along, and this became Scheepjes’ 2016 CAL, Last Dance on the Beach. “Marinke came to the Scheepjes HQ and presented her ideas and initial designs for the CAL,” says Simy.…

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…

COLD WEATHER CROCHET MARLAINA ‘MARLY’ BIRD (£16.54, Interweave) Growing up in Colorado, Marly Bird has plenty of experience of cold weather, but her 21 designs in this book aren’t just cosy, they’re full of texture and colour, too. The scarf on the cover is a fave, but there are also beanies, mitts, shawls, slippers and blankets, for men and women. EDWARD’S CROCHET IMAGINARIUM KERRY LORD (£14.99, Pavilion) This book is an infinite source of creativity – if you’re into toy-making, it’s a must. Find basic patterns for a head and body, plus flipbook pages with 23 arms, 23 legs and 23 head effects to mix and match. With loads of ideas for modifications, you could make millions of toys. CROCHET GEOMETRY SHANNON MULLETT BOWLSBY (£16.99, Lark Books) Shannon’s collection of…

YOU WILL NEED Black DK yarn A 2.5mm (US B/1 or C/2) hook Safety eyes Toy stuffing Tapestry needle Stitch marker Small amount of black felt MEASUREMENTS 13cm (5in) tall ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see p92 Bob’s a brilliant companion – he’s always got a unique perspective on things and is more than content just hanging out. NOTES The bat is worked using the amigurumi method. Work in a continuous spiral without closing off each round with a slip stitch. Place a marker in the first st of each round and move it up as you work. HEAD Using Black, make a magic loop. Round 1 (RS) Ch1 (does not count as st), 8dc into loop. [8 sts] Round 2 2dc in each dc around. [16 sts] Round 3…

YOU WILL NEED CaronSimplySoft100% acrylic, 141.7g/228m), CharcoalHeather9508 King Cole Moments (100% polyester, 50g/90m), Lipstick488For measurements and yarn quantities see table Small amount of Caron Simply Soft (100% acrylic, 170g/288m), Yarn C Neon Coral (9772) A 6mm (US J/10) Tunisian hook A 7mm (US K/10½ or L11) Tunisian hook A 5.5mm (US I/9) standard hook Open-ended zip (see Notes) 2 closed end zips 10cm (4in) 7 buttons 1.5cm (½in) Stitch marker Pompom maker (small) Tapestry needle Sewing needle For yarn stockists contact LoveCrochet 0845 544 2196 www.lovecrochet.com  King Cole 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com TENSION 10.5 sts and 13 rows in Tunisian Knit Stitch and Yarn A meas 10x10cm (4x4in), using a 7mm hook or size needed to achieve stated tension ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 This…

I got hooked on crochet at a time when I was eager to get back to doing something crafty after a drought in my uni years. A nudge from a good friend who was learning to knit encouraged me to pick up a crochet hook. I wanted to learn a craft that was portable and crochet felt a bit unique at the time. In a geeky way, I sort of love the maths involved in a complicated lacy crochet pattern but I am just as happy making a repetitive blanket. When it came to designing this colourful block blanket for the crochet-along, I had a few special conditions to work with. First of all I was keen to make my baby daughter a blanket that she could keep for many…

YOU WILL NEED ScheepjesMaxi100 cotton, 100g/560m), 2 balls of Cream087and 1 ball of Black000 A 1.75mm (US 5 steel) hook Waterproof lining fabric 40x40cm (16x16in) Zip 30cm (12in) Leather belt 75cm (291/2in) For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.com MEASUREMENTS 32x32cm (12 x12 in) Base measures 12cm (5in) NOTES The bag is worked in a tube from the bottom up, working both colours in the same Round and incorporating the non-working yarn into the sts to create a neat finish. Change colour in the final yrh of each st. The finished tube is then folded at the bottom to created boxed bag corners with a rectangular base and the lining is added. If you prefer not to use boxed bag corners then a simple bottom…

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 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 trip to Florence will have both knitting and crochet tutors, so why not bring a friend? (It’ll be fun for you both and save on single supplements too!) And I may even see you on the Christmas Markets cruise – watch this space… Come and join us – book your place today! CHRISTMAS MARKETS INCLUDES ALL THIS… Travel dates 28 November-1 December Return flights London Heathrow…

YOU WILL NEED DMC Natura Just Cotton (100% cotton, 50g/155m), 2 balls of each: Curry (N74), Moss Green (N75), Brique (N86) 1 ball of each: Forêt (N46), Ombre (N39), Lin (N78), Safran (N47) A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook 2 x 50g Natural raffia Florist wire String Small amount of black embroidery thread/thin yarn for eyes/noses White cotton thread for whiskers Small of amount of toy stuffing Needle and thread For yarn stockists contact DMC 0116 275 4000 www.dmccreative.co.uk MEASUREMENTS Finished garland measures approx 132cm (52in) long Individual items range from 2.5cm (1in) long for pinecones to 13cm (5in) long for Large Sycamore Leaves ABBREVIATIONS Ch-3 picot ch3, ss into first of those ch For a full list, see page 92 Hedgehogs, turning leaves, pumpkins and sweet…

HIT THE BEACH Is anyone else missing summer already? Here’s @ thefoxdenstudio working on our issue 46 stripy jumper in Wollacombe, Devon. We love how her flipflops match her WIP. SUPER STRIPES Here’s a splendid finished version of the issue 46 stripy jumper by @jojotwinkletoes – it’s wonderful to see you lovely readers wearing your completed makes with such pride. Great job. LADY IN RED @nixbits66 made her lacy issue 47 You’re Golden shawl in a bold red shade. Look how many different ways you can wear it. We’ve got some love for Bertha, her doily covered mannequin, too.…