Innehållsförteckning för Issue 52 från Simply Crochet

With the new year fast approaching, I’ve been thinking about challenging myself with some new techniques. If you fancy brushing up your skills, check out our free Yarniversity tutorials at www.youtube.com/SimplyCrochetMag. There’s everything from magic loop to crocodile stitch and even if you’re a leftie like me, we’ve got you covered! It’s also prime time for hooking winter warmers – Ilaria’s fab jacket on p28 is top of my list at the mo. Whatever you’re making, keep cosy!…

CROCHETED SCOODIES MAGDALENA MELZER & ANNE THIEMEYER (£10.99,SearchPress) If you’ve never heard of a scoodie, prepare to get cosy. These snuggly head and neck warmers are a cross between a scarf, a snood and a hat/hoodie. This book has 20 scoodie designs for every taste, using a variety of yarns and shades, plus a beginner-friendly how-to section. CROCHET SNOWFLAKES CAITLIN SAINO (£10.99, Search Press) Winter is perfect for hooking snowflakes. This book’s 40 beautiful patterns are divided by skill level and each includes a stitch chart and step-by-step photos of the making process. Most are made in lightweight yarn, but you can use any yarn, then be inspired by the project ideas at the back. SWEET SHOES FOR WEE ONES KRISTI SIMPSON (£6.99, Search Press) Who could resist this adorable…

We reckon this simple project is almost as easy to make as its paper counterpart. Pick cheery shades of cotton and get to it. NOTES Colours can be used in any order or sequence. BASIC LOOP PATTERN Ch7. Row 1 (RS) Dc in second ch from hook, dc in each ch across, turn. [6 sts] Row 2 Ch1 (does not count as st), dc in each st across, turn. [6 sts] Rows 3-27 Repeat Row 2, 25 more times. Row 28 (WS) (Joining Row) Ch1 (does not count as st), fold loop so that the last Row meets Row 1, ss across working through each st and into the corresponding st from Row 1 to join. Fasten off and weave in ends, turn the loop so the RS is facing…

YOU WILL NEED • King Cole Baby Alpaca DK (100% alpaca, 50g/100m), 4 balls of Yarn A Fawn (501) 1 ball of Yarn B Straw (1791) • Small amounts of a black 4-ply yarn for facial details • A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook • Toy safety eyes (15mm/›in dia) • Toy stuffing • Craft glue (optional) For yarn stockists contact King Cole 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com MEASUREMENTS Approx 30cm (12in) tall excluding hair ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Naturally, an amigurumi alpaca toy just has to be hooked with super-soft alpaca yarn. This King Cole DK doesn’t disappoint in the strokability stakes and it adds a bit of fuzz. NOTES The pattern is worked using the amigurumi method. Work in a continuous spiral without…

YOU WILL NEED • Scheepjes Catona (100% mercerised cotton, 50g/125m), 1 ball of Vivid Blue (146) • A 2.75mm (US C/2) hook • Two packs of Debbie Abrahams size 8 seed beads, Clear (34) For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com TENSION 26 sts and 29 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over double crochet using a 2.75mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension, although tension is not critical for this project MEASUREMENTS Bag measures 8cm (3¼) by 16cm (6›in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Designer Susie Johns says: “This little purse is dainty enough for the most formal of occasions, but will also accommodate essentials such as a phone, debit card, lipstick and house keys.“ NOTES Before you start, thread 630 beads on to…

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…

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…

YOU WILL NEED • Sublime Baby Cashmere Merino Silk DK (75% extra fine mer›no wool, 20% silk, 5% cashmere, 50g/116m) in Sweet Leaf (456) See table for yarn quantities and measurements • A 4mm (US G/6) hook • Tapestry needle • One 12mm (½in) diameter button • Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact Sublime 01924 369666 www.sublimeyarns.com TENSION 19sts and 22 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over double crochet using a 4mm hook or size needed to achieve stated tension ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 With its pretty shell stitches and vintage vibes, this matinée-style coat would make a grand ‘welcome to the world’ gift for new arrivals. The full skirt, scalloped edge and super-soft yarn make it feel extra special. NOTES The yoke is…

Picking my favourite crochet project is a really difficult question for me to answer, as I pour my heart into everything that I design. But, right now, the crocheted item that means the most to me is my Amara shawl. This shawl is special to me because I made it for myself to celebrate a milestone in my career – being asked to co-host the Crochet Guild of America fashion show with one of my crochet idols, Lily Chin. There were several influences on this design. I needed something to wear on stage and I needed it fast! I decided it had to be something sparkly and fun, but also super lightweight – the conference was held in South Carolina which in July is rather warm! Then, since the theme…

YOU WILL NEED • MillaMia Naturally Soft Aran (100% merino wool, 50g/80m), 2 balls of Teal (231) For yarn stockists contact MillaMia www.millamia.com • A 5.5mm (US I/9) hook • Large wooden button from your free pack or one button, 6cm diameter MEASUREMENTS 56cm (22in) circumference at brim, 23cm (9in) depth ABBREVIATIONS Star st See p4 Htr2tog See p4 For a full list, see page 92 of Simply Crochet Pretty star stitches and a super-sized wooden button take this beanie from basic to beautiful. The wide band and dense fabric of the crown ensure a warm finish, and the shape is something that we think men will love, too. Winter walks have never looked so stylish. NOTES The Band is worked first in Rounds on both sides of a foundation…

YOU WILL NEED • MillaMia Naturally Soft Aran (100% merino wool, 50g/80m), 2 balls of Shocking Pink (244) For yarn stockists contact MillaMia www.millamia.com • A 5.5mm (US I/9) hook • Large wooden button from your free pack or one button, 6cm diameter MEASUREMENTS Circumference at brim 44cm (17›in) Diameter of hat laid flat 26cm (10›in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 of Simply Crochet Shine bright this winter with a cute hat made with star stitch. Also known as a marguerite or daisy stitch, or a spiked cluster, this pretty stitch creates a gorgeously thick and dense texture that’s ideal for cosy crochet items. SPECIAL STITCHES Star Stitch Ch3, insert hook into 2nd ch from hook, yrh and pull up loop, insert hook into 3rd ch from…

AMANDA BLOOM Meet the lovely lady behind the Little Box of Crochet subscription service. Amanda’s chatting away to us about the triumphs and challenges of her hooky venture over on p52. JANINE TSAKISIRIS Aussie stitcher Janine loves the simple, relaxing rhythm of hook and yarn. Amigurumi lovers can unwind with her super-cute Annie the Alpaca toy on p34. We’re smitten. TAMARA KELLY Tamara is the American crochet designer behind the Moogly blog. This issue, she’s spilling the beans about a very special shawl design. Read all about it on p98. PAT STRONG Pat learnt the craft from her grandmother and now she’s passing on her love of it to the world with her designs. Turn to p65 to find Pat’s mint matinée-style jacket for baby. So sweet. OTHER CONTRIBUTORS Kate…

YOU WILL NEED • Lana Grossa Feltro (100% wool, 50g/50m) in Zyklam (62) See table for yarn quantities and measurements • A 6mm (US J/10) hook • Use your free button, or a 6cm (2¼in) diameter button • Tapestry needle For yarn stockists contact LoveCrochet 0845 544 2196 www.lovecrochet.com TENSION 9 sts and 8 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4 in) over pattern using a 6mm hook or size required to achieve tension ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92 Bold silhouette, cropped sleeves, huge pocket and jumbo button – this is one heck of a jacket. It’s hooked in berry-coloured wool and wins big in the style stakes. NOTES Fronts, Back and Sleeves are worked separately from the bottom up. The front pocket and right front panel…

When I came up with the idea for A Day at the Circus, my new book, I consulted the pocket in my brain still taken up with the imaginary world of a five-year-old and asked whether it would like to spend six months immersed in circus life. “Yes,” it said. As a child, I loved the circus. My plan aged five was to become a clown, or, failing that, the tutu-wearing, horse-riding lady. Then a few years ago, I took my then very little boys to see a circus featuring a performing dog troupe. I was thrilled to relive the magic, knowing that happy animals were performing, and it didn’t take very long for my fingers to start twitching with new ideas. UNFORGETTABLE CROCHET CHARACTERS Earlier this year I fell…

YOU WILL NEED • Scheepjes Lizzy (80% viscose, 20% metallised polyester, 21g/101m), 3 balls of each: Yarn A Black (09) Yarn B Silver (02) Yarn C White (01) • Scheepjes Catona (100% cotton, 50g/125m), 3 balls of: Yarn D Snow White (106) • A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook • A 4mm (US E/4) hook • 36x36cm cushion pad • Needle and white sewing thread For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com TENSION Using two strands of Lizzy held together, 17 sts and 8.5 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4 in) over dc using a 4mm hook or size required to achieve tension Using Catona yarn, 19 sts and 10 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4 in) over dc using a 3mm hook or size required to achieve tension MEASUREMENTS…

Have you heard the one about the crocheter who encouraged women across the world to help her make the biggest ever granny blanket? Or the charity fundraiser who crochets while running marathons? Or the police officers, coordinating efforts to make the world’s biggest afghan? There’s an astonishing array of crochet world records out there – inspirational, motivational, and rather beautiful efforts to bring countless people and stitches together for a common goal. Here are a few that have wowed us. A BEAUTIFUL BLANKET Subasri Natarajan, from India, recently succeeded in a spectacular attempt to make the world’s largest crochet blanket, with help from a few friends. Guinness World Records announced that the efforts of Subasri’s group Mother India’s Crochet Queens were a resounding success, culminating in an immense crochet blanket…

VERY HANDY @ac_olsson76 has chosen a soft grey yarn to crochet her fingerless mitts from issue 49. They look splendid and very wintry. Did you know there’s a free matching hat on our blog? COLOUR HIT Wow, get a load of those brights! This is one heck of a WIP. Hookster @sparkles2611 is using zingy cotton yarns to make her vibrant mandala shawl from Simply Crochet issue 47. TOASTY TOES Do you remember these Simone Francis socks from issue 26? @abluebirdon myshoulder is stitching them with Stylecraft Alpaca Tweed DK. They’re going to be granny-tastic and so snuggly!…

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 • MillaMia Naturally Soft Aran (100% merino wool, 50g/80m), 1 ball of each: Yarn A Shocking Pink (244) Yarn B Teal (231) Yarn C Oat (228) For yarn stockists contact MillaMia www.millamia.com • A 5.5mm (US I/9) hook • Two small wooden buttons from your free pack or two buttons, 2cm diameter MEASUREMENTS Each mitt meas 22x10cm (8›x4in) ABBREVIATIONS Star st See p4. The Chart overleaf shows Star Stitch worked in the round rather than in rows as in this pattern. The same method applies without the slip stitch to join the round For a full list, see page 92 of Simply Crochet Cold hands, warm heart. If this is you, hook up this pair of mitts to slide on over gloves, or to keep in your…

YOU WILL NEED • MillaMia Naturally Soft Aran (100% merino wool, 50g/80m), 2 balls of each: Yarn A Shocking Pink (244) Yarn B Teal (231) Yarn C Oat (228) For yarn stockists contact MillaMia www.millamia.com • A 5.5mm (US I/9) hook • Large wooden button from your free pack or one button, 6cm diameter MEASUREMENTS Bag measures 34x30cm (13¼x11¾in) without strap, strap adds 50cm (19¾in) ABBREVIATIONS Star st see p4 For a full list, see page 92 of Simply Crochet NOTES The base of the bag is worked using the amigurumi method. Work in a continuous spiral without closing off each round with a slip stitch. You may find it helpful to place a marker in the first st of each round and move it up as you work. When…

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 A Bright Red (8414) Yarn D Granny Smith Green (8914) Yarn G Cerise (7802) Yarn H California Poppy (7826) Colourway 2 • 1 skein of each: Yarn F Azure (8892) Yarn C Deep Lavender (8762) Yarn E Lagoon (7812) Yarn B Cyan Blue (8891) Border • 2 skeins of Yarn K Grey (8501) MEASUREMENTS Each square meas 20x20cm (8x8in) Finished blanket meas 144x94cm (56½x37in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list,…

“I like to keep my eyes open for objects I can use in my work.” For me, the beginning of a new year is the perfect time to have a think about my craft goals and where I might seek out some fresh ideas. One of the most common questions I’m asked in interviews is where my inspiration comes from. My favourite and most honest answer is that inspiration – or being inspired – for my crochet projects is in fact a state of mind. I don’t often go to a specific location or website to look for crochet inspiration. I just always like to keep my eyes open for objects, colours and/or feelings that I love and that I can somehow incorporate organically into my work. The world provides…

YOU WILL NEED • DROPS Baby Alpaca Silk (70% alpaca, 30% silk, 50g/167m), 7 balls of Yarn A Pistachio (7219) • DROPS Glitter (10g/700m), 1 spool of Yarn B Silver (02) • A 4mm (US G/6) hook • A 20cm (8in) piece of card to make tassels For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION 2 stitch patt repeats and 10 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over stitch patt using a 4mm hook or size needed to obtain tension ABBREVIATIONS Bead Stitch Working around the post of the treble just made (yrh, insert hook behind post from right to left, draw up loop) 4 times (9 loops on hook), yrh, draw hook through first 8 loops on hook, yrh, draw hook through final 2 loops on…

YOU WILL NEED • DROPS Nepal (65% wool, 35% alpaca, 50g/75m), 4 balls of Deep Ocean (8905) • A 4.5mm (US 7) hook For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION 14sts and 10 rows measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over htr using a 4.5mm hook or size needed to obtain stated tension MEASUREMENTS The finished and blocked scarf measures approx 142x26cm (56x10in) ABBREVIATIONS XFPtr (Crossed front post trebles) Skip next FPtr 2 rows below, FPtr around next FPtr, FPtr around skipped FPtr, skip 2htr in current row Left Slant Htr in next st, FPtr around FPtr 2 rows below and to the right, skip next st of current row Right Slant Skip next st, FPtr around FPtr 2 rows below and to the left, htr in next…

HOW TO WORK A QUAD DC STITCH Insert hook into front loop of next stitch, yrh, pull through loop, (insert hook into the unworked front loop of the stitch on the next row below, yrh, pull through loop) 3 times, (5 loops on hook), (yrh, pull through 2 loops) 4 times. BRIGHT BABY BLOCKS Put a fun, handmade twist on the classic baby block idea with the playful colour and texture of quad double crochet. • Stylecraft Cotton DK Classique (100% cotton, 100g/184m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Lavender (3673) Yarn B Hot Pink (3668) Yarn C Busy Lizzie (3657) Yarn D Ivory (3665) Yarn E Tropical Jade (3676) Yarn F Greek Blue (3095) Yarn G Sunflower (3662) For yarn stockists, contact Stylecraft 01535 609798 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk • A 4mm…

SNOWFLAKE MOTIF CH-4 PICOT Ch4, ss into first ch. Ch6, ss into first ch to make a ring. ROUND 1 (RS) Ch3, (counts as tr), tr into ring, (ch2, 2tr into ring) 5 times, ch2, ss to top of beg ch-3. [12sts, 6 ch-sps] ROUND 2 Ch1 (does not count as st), dc in each of first 2 tr, (ch6, dc in each of next 2 tr) 5 times, ch6, ss to first dc. ROUND 3 Ss into next st and ch-6 sp, (4dc, ch-4 picot, ss, ch6, ss, ch-4 picot, ss, 4dc, ch3) into each ch-6 sp, ss to first dc. FASTEN OFF and weave in ends. Block. TOWN END ALPACAS PURE NATURAL ALPACA WEIGHT DK CONTENT 100% alpaca BALL 50g/111m HOOK 4mm RRP £9 Buttery soft and oh-so…

YOU WILL NEED • MillaMia Naturally Soft Aran (100% merino wool, 50g/80m), 1 ball of each: Yarn A Shocking Pink (244) Yarn B Teal (231) Yarn C Oat (228) For yarn stockists contact MillaMia www.millamia.com • A 5.5mm (US I/9) hook • Large wooden button from your free pack or one button, 6cm diameter • Snap fastener • Tapestry needle MEASUREMENTS 67x18cm (26›x 7in) ABBREVIATIONS Star st See p4 For a full list, see page 92 of Simply Crochet Complement the mitts on page 6 with this matching wraparound short scarf in tricolour rows. While the oversized button adds texture and interest, a hidden snap fastener behind it will ensure that the scarf stays nice and snug against your neck. Get toasty. SCARF Using Yarn B, ch102. Row 1 Dc…