Innehållsförteckning för Issue 146 från Simply Crochet

Recently, I’ve been reflecting on what crochet means to me. It’s a way for me to express myself, to connect with others and to earn a living. It’s almost like a superpower! I wave my wand (er, hook) and I’m wearing Ella Burch’s Little Red Riding Hood snood from page 15. I wave it again and my bedroom is decorated with Marianne Rawlins’ fun flower cushions from page 63. And again – I’ve crafted a kids’ ami’ tool set by Maria Jeczmyk from page 45! Share your own makes on Instagram tagged #sctreblemaker, or on our Facebook group, Simply Crochet SCtreblemakers. We love to see them! Editor, Simply Crochet…

I’m Lily, and I’ve been teaching yarncrafts internationally since 1989. I was named to the Crochet Hall of Fame in 2015 and have been involved in some aspect of the fashion industry since age 13, designing for magazines and yarn companies since 1982 and working for designers such as Ralph Lauren and Diane von Fürstenberg. I was officially named ‘fastest crocheter in the world’ in a 2002 international competition and have authored books on knitting and crochet since 1999. I’ve made hundreds of appearances on television and in print media and am on the season 13 and 14 cast of PBS’ Knit and Crochet Now. But most of all, I’m proud of my teaching skills. Come learn something new with me! When working in the round, the ends are joined…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Stylecraft Bellissima (100% acrylic, 100g/268m) Silver Lining (3928) See table for measurements and yarn quantities ■ A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook ■ A 4.5mm (US 7) hook For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft 01484 848435 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk TENSION 15 sts and 10 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over pattern using 4.5 mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension ABBREVIATIONS FPV (front post v) Skip 1 st, FPdtr around next st 2 rows below, tr in next st on current row, FPdtr around same st as last FPdtr, skip next st on current row For a full list, see page 78 Width a: 50 (55: 60.5: 66: 71: 77)cm, 19¾ (21¾: 23¾: 26: 28: 30)in Length b: 58 (58: 60: 60:…

FIND AN EVENT Click on the calendar to discover local and national events There are over 500 yarn shops in our community of independent retailers. Each one has a warm welcome and offers you the personal service you’ve always loved. You can chat about a project. Feel the quality of the yarn. Pick up some useful advice. Join the shop’s craft group. Invest in a stash for the future. And much, much more. Before you start your next knitting or crochet project, or if you need help with an existing one, visit ukhandknitting.com to see what your yarn shops can offer you. WE ARE UK HAND KNITTING…

We occasionally hear whispers about celebrities who dabble in craft, but legendary Broadway and television actress Sutton Foster is different – she proclaims her love of crochet and other crafts loudly and proudly. The star even uses craft as a framing device for her own life story in her memoir, Hooked. (Great title!) Sutton is known for her Tony Award-winning performances in the musicals Thoroughly Modern Millie and Anything Goes, as well as her starring role in all seven seasons of the American television series Younger. 1 Simply Crochet: What types of crochet projects do you like best, and do you have an all-time favourite project? Sutton Foster: I really love granny squares and small projects. One of my favourites was a granny square blanket I made when I was…

Acurious crafting trend has been spreading across the UK for the last few years. This phenomenon is a combination of yarnbombing and random acts of kindness, and you may have seen a few of them on your own local streets – that’s right, we’re talking about crochet postbox toppers! Pillar boxes, standing bright and proud on so many street corners, are being adorned with colourful crochet ‘hats’ made by talented locals. These custom creations are themed to celebrate everything from the changing seasons to important national events. It’s a yarny form of street art, and we love it! Crochet toppers have been cheering up postboxes on high streets and beyond since around 2012, according to Royal Mail. As ubiquitous emblems of Britain’s visual history, pillar boxes make ideal plinths for…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Sirdar Happy Chenille DK (100% polyester, 15g/38m) 6 balls of each: Sparkler (0025) Fizzy (0029) Fuzzy (0013) Bon Bon (0017) ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook ■ Toy stuffing For yarn stockists contact Sirdar 01924 231682 www.sirdar.com TENSION Tension is not critical, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Cushion measures approx 36cm (14¼in) in diameter ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 78 These extra-chunky flowers prove that Y2K style is back in vogue! Flip them over to reveal different colours on either side. NOTES Cushions are worked in panels starting at the centre, working in the round on the RS only. Petals are added one by one working in rows. FLOWER CUSHIONS To make 2 cushions, work 4 sides in contrasting colours…

IT’S IN THE BAG Anne Novis loved creating this cross-body bag from issue 140 – so much so that she gave it a professional finishing touch. “I love the colours and just had to add a beautiful lining,” she says. “It makes me smile.” It makes us smile too, Anne! Thank you for sharing your finish with us. ROUND ROBIN Hookster Rachel Joudrey made this robin blanket for her toddler, whose name is – you guessed it – Robin! Little Robin liked it so much that she confiscated the blanket before Rachel had time to add the legs. Looks like these birds might have to stay legless for a while. We can see why Robin loves this make so much! TWICE THE FUN What’s the best hooky Christmas gift you…

SCAN ME Learn more online! 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…

YOU WILL NEED ■ DROPS Delight (75% wool, 25% polyamide, 50g/175m) 2 balls of each: Green/Beige (08) Beige/Grey/Pink (05) ■ A 5mm (US H/8) hook ■ Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION 14 sts and 8.5 rounds measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over treble crochet using a 5mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Socks measure 23 (24: 27)cm (9 (9½: 10½)in) long across foot ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 78 of Simply Crochet magazine If you’re new to sock making, these cosy cuties are a great place to start! They also work well as quick-to-make gifts. NOTES Socks are worked from the top down, in 3 sizes: Small, Medium and Large. Work with 2 strands of yarn held together as…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Schoppel Wolle Zauberball 4ply (75% wool 25% nylon, 100g/420m), 2 balls of Fuchsienbeet (1536) ■ A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook ■ Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION 23 sts over 16 rounds to measure 10x10cm (4in) over pattern using a 3mm hook MEASUREMENTS Socks fit UK shoe sizes 5-8 ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 78 of Simply Crochet magazine Never let the sun go down on a party with these knee-to-toe sunset socks – a perfect accompaniment to a pair of novelty wellies. NOTES Parts of the pattern are worked in a continuous spiral, without closing off each round with a ss. You may find it helpful to mark the last st of each round, moving…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Stylecraft Head Over Heels Allstars (75% wool 25% nylon, 100g/400m) 1 ball of Splash (3920) ■ A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook ■ Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft 01484 848435 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk TENSION 24 sts and 30 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over pattern using a 3mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Sock measures 18.5 (20: 21.5: 23)cm (7¼ (7¾: 8½: 9)in) in circumference ABBREVIATIONS x-tr Skip 1 st, tr in next st, tr in skipped st For a full list, see page 78 of Simply Crochet magazine Socks are classic gifts, and this super-stripy pair is definitely on our wish-list… though we’re not sure whether they’re more fun to make or receive! We love that they showcase two different…

VICTORIA KAIRIS Victoria is completely amigurumi-obsessed and loves the challenge of making her characters as cute as they can possibly be. Fall in love with her amigurumi frog prince on page 15. EMMA FRIEDLANDER-COLLINS Crafty author and blogger Emma worked on our Embellish project this issue – she upcycled a pair of hoop earrings with beautiful crochet mandalas. Discover her design on page 41. MARIA JĘCZMYK Maria’s trademark is making crochet maps, but she loves all good colourwork and texture. She makes her amigurumi debut in this issue with the kid’s tool set on page 45. KELLY WILSON MOORE Blogger/designer Kelly has been crocheting since childhood. Her design ethos is ‘happy crochet’ – bright, colourful and as cute as possible! Her checkerboard scarf is on page 39. OTHER CONTRIBUTORS HAE…

THE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO CROCHET CLAIRE MONTGOMERIE (£12.99, Search Press) If you’re new to crochet and are looking for a comprehensive guide to get you started, this complete course might be just the book for you. Inside, you’ll use eight projects to learn multiple different techniques, incuding increasing and decreasing, changing colour and joining seams. You’ll work your way through the steps while learning the abbreviations – and having fun! THE COMPLETE CROCHET HANDBOOK JANE CROWFOOT (£14.99, Search Press) As an in-depth crochet resource from one of the world’s top designers, this volume would be a welcome addition to any crafter’s library. The book is packed with helpful tips and techniques for creating a professional finish, no matter your crochet skill level. It even has advice on how to add…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Any DK cotton yarn in: Yarn A ivory Yarn B brown Yarn C black Yarn D white ■ A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook ■ A 2.5mm (US B/1 or C/2) hook ■ Toy stuffing TENSION Tension is not critical, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Gromit measures approx 10cm (4in) tall ABBREVIATIONS invdec Insert hook in front loop of next st, insert hook in front loop of next st across, yrh and pull through both sts, yrh and pull through 2 loops on hook For a full list, see page 78 When he’s not busy getting his owner, Wallace, out of various scrapes, this clever little beagle makes for a wonderful companion – hook him up for your home! NOTES Gromit…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Scheepjes Stonewashed (78% cotton, 22% acrylic, 50g/130m) 1 ball of each: Red Jasper (807) Lilac Quartz (818) Turquoise (824) Fosterite (826) Peridot (827) Beryl (833) Morganite (834) Tourmaline (836) ■ A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com/en TENSION Tension is not critical, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Scarf measures approx 148x27cm (58¼x10½in) excluding tassels ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 78 By using simple colourwork and working in rows, you can hook up this flower garden-worthy scarf for the chilly first days of spring. NOTES Scarf is worked in rows throughout. Each row is worked using 4 colours: 2 colours on the first half of the row and 2 colours on the second half. Change colour on…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Any aran-weight yarn in: Yarn A bright pink Yarn B orange Yarn C white Yarn D purple Yarn E mint green Yarn F light pink Yarn G yellow Yarn H black Yarn I lilac ■ A 5mm (US H/8) hook TENSION Tension is not critical, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Bunting measures approx 150cm (59in) long Each flag measures approx 16cm (6¼in) wide ABBREVIATIONS popcorn Work 5tr in st/sp indicated, remove live loop from hook, insert hook in top of first tr, place loop back on hook and pull through st, ch1 to close exdtr (extended double treble) Yrh twice, insert hook in st indicated, yrh and pull up a loop, yrh and pull through first loop on hook, (yrh and pull…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Scheepjes Whirlette (60% cotton, 40% acrylic, 100g/455m) 2 balls of Yarn A Ice (86) ■ Scheepjes Whirl (60% cotton, 40% acrylic, 2200g/1000m) 1 ball of Yarn B Shrinking Violet (558) ■ A 4.5mm (US 7) hook For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com/en TENSION Tension is not critical, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Blanket measures approx 81x107cm (31¾x42in) ABBREVIATIONS mtr (mosaic treble) Work a treble into the skipped st 3 rows below, working in front of the ch-sps of the prev 2 rows For a full list, see page 78 The sharp lines and corners of this modern throw are sure to add a level of smart sophistication to your living room décor. NOTES Blanket is worked in rows in the mosaic style.…

COUNTING DOWN Joanna Griffiths, aka @foxe.label, got ready for Christmas this year with the pastel Advent calendar from issue 141. It looks fantasic, Joanna – well done! BIG PAPA Smurf-tastic make! Margie Elisabeth, aka @margieelisabeths world, is starting her year off right with the Papa Smurf pattern from our 2024 calendar. Great work! GET BETTER SOON Isobel Pitcher, aka @okthenwhatsnext, made the throwback poncho from issue 140 while recovering from shoulder surgery. She says it was excellent rehab. COOL CUSTOMER Sharon Benfield, aka @daisyloopscrochet, hooked up this penguin jar topper from issue 143. As she told the designer, Ellie’s Craft Boutique, “I do love a penguin!”…

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Nothing beats a good pair of socks. Though they’re often a winter project staple, I love to refresh my springtime sock collection with joyful colours and pretty filet. Here, you’ll find all the socks you’ll need for the warmer months and beyond – long socks to wear with boots, comfy striped socks for padding around the house and lightweight filet socks that slip easily into shoes or even sandals (if you’re feeling brave). I especially love giving handmade socks as gifts this time of year. Not many people expect to receive them, and I find they’re often met with delighted surprise and an instant try-on. So, discover your next sock project inside… Editor, Simply Crochet…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Dyebath Delisock (75% Merino, 25% nylon, 100g/400m) 1 skein of Stormcloud ■ A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook ■ A stitch marker For yarn contact Wool Bath 01225 469144 www.woolbath.co.uk TENSION 26 sts and 20 rounds measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over pattern using a 3.5mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS To fit UK shoe size 4-7 Socks measure 18cm (7in) in circumference around foot ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 78 of Simply Crochet magazine We really love your tiger feet! Pad around your home in these trendy yet timeless black and white socks, or give them as a gift. NOTES Socks are worked from the top down. The pattern has been written so it can be adapted to different sizes if required.…

YOU WILL NEED ■ DROPS Fabel (75% wool, 25% polyamide, 50g/205m) 3 balls of Mustard (111) ■ A 2mm (US B/1) hook ■ Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION 28 sts and 16 rounds measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over treble crochet using a 2mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Socks measure 22 (24: 27)cm (8¾ (9½: 10½)in) long across foot ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 78 of Simply Crochet magazine A touch of elegant trim there, a filet flower here – these pretty socks are all about the details! Pair with Mary Janes for a sweet look. NOTES Socks are worked from the top down, in 3 sizes: Small, Medium and Large. There are 3 Stitch Diagrams on page…

Sleeping Beauty Snow White Jack & the Beanstalk Little Red Riding Hood The Princess & the Frog SLEEPING BEAUTY BLANKET You’ll have only pleasant dreams under this light and airy motif blanket by Marianne Rawlins. Its hues give it an old-world charm ■ Rico Creative Melange Aran (51% wool, 49% acrylic, 200g/640m), 1 ball of Olive-Rust (021) ■ Rico Creative Soft Wool Aran (76% acrylic, 25% wool, 100g/300m), 3 balls of each: Berry (013), Cherry (009) ■ A 6.5mm (US K10½) hook TENSION Tension is not critical, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Blanket measures approx 110x110cm (43¼x43¼in) NOTES Blanket is made up of 36 Squares, which are worked in rounds with RS facing and joined together with a double crochet seam. A Border is worked around the Blanket at…

YOU WILL NEED ■ DROPS Safran (100% cotton, 160m/50g) 1 ball each of: Medium Grey (07) Sunshine (11) Light Brown (22) Turquoise (30) ■ A 3mm (US D/3) hook ■ A tapestry needle ■ Toy stuffing ■ A stitch marker For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION 21 sts and 25 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over dc MEASUREMENTS Hammer measures approx 17x11cm (6½x4½in) Spannner measures approx 18cm (7in) Screwdriver measures approx 16cm (6½in) Saw measures approx 20x10cm (8x4in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 78 Finally, a safe – and quiet – way to let kids play with tools! Before you know it, your tots will be ‘fixing’ everything with their new toys. NOTES The Hammer Handle, Screwdriver and Spanner are worked using the amigurumi…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Rowan Handknit Cotton (100% cotton, 50g/85m) 11 balls of Yarn A Ice Water (239) 7 balls of Yarn B Atlantic (346) ■ A 4.5mm (US 7) hook For yarn stockists contact Rowan 01924 371501 www.knitrowan.com TENSION Tension is not critical, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Wrap measures approx 47x196cm (18½x77in) ABBREVIATIONS tr2d Tr in unworked fl 2 rows below For a full list, see page 78 Whether you’re relaxing at a ski lodge, on a tropical island or in your own conservatory, it’s always handy to have a heavy shawl like this one to wrap about your shoulders. NOTES Wrap is worked in rows using the overlay mosaic technique. Fasten off at the end of each row and join the next colour…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Fyberspates Gleem Lace (55% Superwash Bluefaced Leicester, 45% silk, 100g/800m) 2 skeins of Heavenly (724) ■ A 1.25mm (US 12 steel) hook ■ A piece of cardboard 16x16cm for fringe For yarn stockists contact Fyberspates www.fyberspates.com TENSION 14 filet blocks and 15 rows measure 10x10cm (4x4in) after blocking MEASUREMENTS Shawl measures approx 132x60cm (52x23½in) ABBREVIATIONS open block Tr in next st, ch2, skip 2 sts or chs filled block Tr in next 3 sts edge block At beg row: Ch6, tr in base of ch-6; at end of row: (tr, ch2, dtr in final st) For a full list, see page 78 During a recent trip back to North Ossetia, Eléna was inspired to translate her culture’s motifs and handicrafts into airy filet crochet. PATTERN NOTES…

‘K’ PATTERN Ch8 (loosely). ROW 1 Dc in second ch from hook, dc in each ch across, turn. [7 dc] ROW 2 Ss in first 4 dc, ch1, dc (tightly) in st at base of ch-1, turn. ROW 3 Ch5 (loosely), dc in second ch from hook, dc in next 3 ch, ss in dc from Row 2. ROW 4 Ch4, ss in each ch across, ss in dc from Row 2. FASTEN OFF and weave in ends. The leftover yarns from this yarn review will be donated to Knit for Peace. Learn more at www.knitforpeace.org.uk and go to www.gathered.how for more yarn donation ideas. YARNSMITHS PLAY BABY DK WEIGHT DK CONTENT 100% acrylic BALL 100g/360m HOOK 4mm RRP £4.50 Get creative with colour with a soft, self-striping DK. Each tone…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Opal Uni 4ply (75% wool, 25% nylon, 100g/425m) Lilac (5186) See table for measurements and yarn quantities ■ A 2.5mm (US B/1) hook ■ A 2.75mm (US C/2) hook ■ Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION 28 sts and 32 rounds to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over double crochet using a 2.75mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension 3.5 stitch pattern repeats of Lace Patt measures 10cm (4in) using a 2.75mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 78 of Simply Crochet magazine You can make socks and sandals your statement look for spring when you’ve got this perfect pair on your feet. NOTES Socks are worked from the Toe up.…