Innehållsförteckning för Issue 148 från Simply Crochet

…and girls just want to have fun! This issue, we’re leaning into everything that excites us. We’re embracing the ‘coquette’ trend from social media with our collection of fantastically frilly projects on page 14 and doubling down on our love of colour with Heather C Gibbs’ rainbow zebra on page 47 and Chloé Elizabeth Birch’s plaid tank top on page 26. I’ll be adding Millie Masterton’s flamingos from page 61 to a tote this spring – just for the fun of it! Share your makes on Instagram tagged #sctreblemaker, or on our Facebook group, Simply Crochet SCtreblemakers. We’d love to see them!…

LULU’S CROCHET DOLLS LULU COMPOTINE (£12.99, Search Press) Journey through all four seasons with this collection of eight adorable dollies! Each little character measures about 7-12 inches and comes with accessories and animal friends such as a ladybird, candy cane, squirrel and flower. Inside, you’ll find information on the tools you need, crochet basics, technical advice, pro tips and step-by-step photos. EASY CROCHET FOR KIDS CLAIRE MONTGOMERIE (£12.99, Cico Books) Know a child who can’t wait to try crochet? Teach kids aged seven and up the basics with this clear and entertaining book, which comes with 35 simple projects that will give even the slowest new stitcher quick results to show off to their friends. Children will work through each easy-to-digest lesson, creating phone holders, mittens, jewellery and more. CROCHET YOUR…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Rico Ricorumi DK (100% cotton, 25g/58.5m) 1 ball of each: Pastel Yellow Fox Mustard Chocolate Black Pistachio ■ A 2.5mm (US B/1 or C/2) hook ■ 2 safety eyes, 12mm ■ Toy stuffing ■ 3 buttons, 12mm ■ Black stranded cotton ■ Red pencil (optional) For yarn stockists contact Rico Design www.rico-design.com/en/home TENSION Tension is not critical, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Scarecrow measures approx 27cm (10½in) tall ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 78 NOTES Parts of this pattern are 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…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Rowan Handknit Cotton (100% cotton, 50g/85m) Ecru (251) See table for measurements and yarn quantities ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook ■ 7 shell buttons, 15mm For yarn stockists contact Rowan 01924 371501 www.knitrowan.com TENSION 2 pattern repeats measure 7cm wide and 10 rows measure 10cm long over patt using a 4mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 78 Width a: 38.5 (45.5: 52.5: 59.5: 66.5: 73.5: 80.5) cm, 15¼ (18: 20¾: 23½: 26¼: 29: 31¾) in  Length b: 49 (51: 53: 55: 59: 63: 65) cm, 19¼ (20: 20¾: 21¾: 23¼: 24¾: 25½) in Sleeve length c: 43 (45: 45: 47: 47: 49: 49) cm, 17 (17¾: 17¾: 18½: 18½: 19¼: 19¼) in NOTES Cardigan is…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Cygnet Cotton Drops (70% cotton, 30% polyamide, 200g/132m) 3 balls of Linen White (5666) 2 balls of each: Thunder Grey (5333) Light Ocean (5444) Sweet Pink (5555) Merigold (5777) ■ A 7mm (US K10½) hook ■ An 8mm (US L/11) hook For yarn stockists contact Cygnet Yarns 01274 743374 www.cygnetyarns.com TENSION Tension is not critical, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Blanket measures approx 130x110cm (51¼x43¼in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 78 NOTES The main body of the Blanket is worked in rows. A Border is added at the end. Change colour on the final yrh of st before colour change is indicated. Work over yarn tails where possible to reduce the number of ends you need to weave in. BLANKET…

‘M’ PATTERN Ch22. ROW 1 Dc in second ch from hook, dc in next 5 ch, 3dc in next ch, dc in next ch, dc4tog across next 4 ch, dc in next 2 ch, 3dc in next ch, dc in next 6 ch. [21 dc, 1 dc4tog] FASTEN OFF and weave in ends. MILLAMIA NATURALLY SOFT ARAN WEIGHT Aran CONTENT 100% extrafine Merino wool BALL 50g/80m HOOK 5mm RRP £6.50 Bring a touch of Scandi style to your crochet with this smoosh-able yarn from a company started by two Swedish sisters. This yarn is everything you could want from a Merino wool – it’s soft, warm, light, springy and easy to work into stitches with lovely, clear definition. Whether you use it for jumpers or accessories, you’ll love its cosy…

HURRY! LIMITED STOCK YOUR SUBSCRIPTION DEAL: BONUS Janome Sewing Machine worth £149! £129.87 for 13 issues including sewing machine A year of Simply Sewing magazine delivered direct to your home At least two paper dressmaking patterns with every issue HURRY! Offer ends 30th June 2024 EASY WAYS TO SUBSCRIBE: Order online at www.ourmediashop.com/SWH120 Call now on 03330 162 149* and quote code SWH120 *UK calls will cost the same as other standard fixed line numbers (starting 01 or 02) and are included as part of any inclusive or free minutes allowances (if offered by your phone tariff). Outside of free call packages call charges from mobile phones will cost between 3p and 55p per minute. Lines are open Mon to Fri 8am – 5pm. Terms and conditions: This special introductory…

ISSUE 147 Learn something new in our March issue! Take a class in chemistry and biology with six science-inspired homewares, get a little paleontologist excited with a dinosaur cardigan or study geometry with the shapes in our Fair Isle waistcoat. Find all these plus Easter makes and more in issue 147! SEE OUR BACK ISSUE PROJECTS IN DETAIL ON RAVELRY BIT.LY/RAVSIMPLYC RETURN TO THE APP TO BUY YOUR BACK ISSUES All issues of Simply Crochet are available as digital editions, ready to read whenever you want. Every purchase is permanently stored in your magazine library. Once your magazine has downloaded, an internet connection is not required, so you can take your magazine with you wherever you go. EVERT ISSUE IS AVAILABLE DIGITALLY, STARTING FROM ISSUE ONE! ISSUE46 Fairy tale collection, textured tunic,…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Approx 600g of any DK yarn in multiple colours ■ A 5.5mm (US I/9) hook ■ Toy stuffing ■ A stitch marker TENSION Tension is not critical, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Pet Bed measures approx 65cm (25½in) in diameter ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 78 of Simply Crochet magazine NOTES Pet Bed is worked using 2 strands of DK held together as 1 throughout. Colour changes have not been written in as you can change colour when desired depending on the number of colours being used. Work over the yarn tails where possible to reduce the number of ends you need to weave in. The Base is worked in the amigurumi method. Work stitches in a continuous spiral without…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Bernat Blanket Pet (100% polyester, 225g/246m) 4 balls of Red (34018) 2 balls of Dark Grey (34020) ■ A 6mm (US J/10) hook For yarn stockists contact Readicut 01162 713 759 www.readicut.co.uk TENSION 11 sts and 8 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over half treble using a 6mm hook or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Blanket measures approx 170x110cm (67x43¼in) ABBREVIATIONS reverse dc Insert hook in next st to the right (or left if left-handed), yrh and pull through st, yrh and pull through 2 loops on hook For a full list, see page 78 of Simply Crochet magazine NOTES Main section of Blanket is worked in rows. The dog paws are worked in a combination of tapestry crochet and intarsia methods: carry Red…

JANE HOWARTH Jane has been crocheting for over 15 years. She specialises in projects that are fun to make and easy to wear. Give her ultra-feminine ribbon mitts a try on page 14. JOHAN BJÖRNFOT Johan lives in Sweden and is the designer behind Made by Johan B. He strives to create simple patterns with originality and innovation. Check out his striped blanket on page 58. GORDANA ADAMCESKA-HALSON Gordana specialises in garments and writes about the basic principles of crochet design, which she calls ‘crochetology’, on her blog. She loves colour, too! Find her scarf on page 63. KAREN HUBBARD Crochet designer Karen is inspired by the colours and shapes in nature and likes nothing more than working out how to recreate them in crochet. Try her floral bunting on…

CUTAWAY PONCHO Drape a distressed-look poncho by Joanne Fowler over your shoulders – it gives the illusion of dramatic sleeves! ■ DROPS Alpaca (100% alpaca, 50g/167m), Yarn A Natural (0100), Yarn B Pink (9033), Yarn C Green (9030) See table for measurements and quantities ■ A 3.5mm (US E) hook TENSION 16 sts and 15 rows measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over Front pattern using a 3.5 mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension ABBREVIATIONS str (sextuple treble) Yrh 6 times, insert hook in st indicated, yrh and pull up a loop, (yrh and pull through 2 loops) 7 times picot Ch3, ss in back bump of third ch from hook For a full list, see page 78 NOTES Poncho is worked in rows in a side-to-side construction. The row…

Life as a crochet fashion designer is wild. One minute you might be mourning the loss of the Instagram account you’ve spent years building, and the next celebrity stylists are requesting bespoke garments. Traci Dalton, a crocheter and tutor based in California, USA, takes this all in her stride. She’s been creating crochet clothing since 2004 and knows a thing or two about following a spark of creativity. “The ideas wake me up at night! I don’t think I can say no to it,” she says. Traci now runs Traci Couture, creating custom crochet pieces and ready-to-wear garments, but her crochet journey began when she was expecting her first child. “With all of the downtime, I needed something to do,” she explains. “My mother showed me how to crochet a…

YOU WILL NEED ■ World of Wool Woolaby (80% Merino wool, 20% bamboo, 90m/50g) 2 ball of Joey (WBY1) ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook For yarn stockists contact World of Wool 03300 564888 www.worldofwool.co.uk TENSION Tension is not critical, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Cowl measures 52cm (20½in) circumference by 26cm (10¼in) tall ABBREVIATIONS fdc (foundation double crochet) Ch2 (does not count as st), insert hook in last ch from hook, yrh and pull up a loop, pull through one loop on hook (loop will sit at base of fdc), pull through 2 loops on hook, *insert hook in loop at base of prev fdc, yrh and pull up a loop, pull through one loop on hook, pull through 2 loops on hook For a…

GOING HALVES Debbie Cooney made this beautiful motif cardigan from issue 138 as a gift for her son’s partner. We think it looks very stylish, and the granny squares look so neatly stitched! We’re sure her son’s partner loved the cardi, especially as it was such a thoughtful gift. Excellent work! RIGHT BAG AT IT! Hookster Martine Cole used the leftover yarn from her flower motif blanket, which was featured on last issue’s Show Us Yours page, to create this beautiful striped bag. She used the pink bag bottom that came with issue 145 as a base. As Martine says, “I hate wasting good yarn!” It’s certainly not been wasted, Martine. Well done! EXCLUSIVELY FOR SUBSCRIBERS! SUBS STARS! Check your issue next month to see if you’re a winner! Every…

We make gifts for our friends, our family, newborn babies we haven’t even met yet… so why wouldn’t we hook for someone as integral to our day-to-day lives as our pets? Just make sure you opt for non-toxic materials, double-check all attachments are extra secure, replace items if they become damaged and take off any clothing or accessories if your animal friend seems uncomfortable! Remember, you can always speak to your vet about whether a specific material or toy is safe for your pet. And just imagine how pleased your pooch or kitty will be when you give them their own special make! Let’s make some tails wag……

YOU WILL NEED ■ Scheepjes Cahlista (100% cotton, 50g/85m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Cyan (397) Yarn C Shocking Pink (114) A small amount of Yarn B Rich Coral (410) ■ A 4.5mm (US 7) hook ■ A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook ■ A dog collar For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes www.scheepjes.com/en TENSION Tension is not critical, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Bandana measures 12cm (4¾in) in height and 19cm (7½in) across widest points Flowers measures 3.5cm (1½in) in diameter ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 78 of Simply Crochet magazine NOTES Bandana is worked in increasing rows from the bottom up. A rib is worked from the top of the Bandana for the collar to sit in. DOG BANDANA Using a 4.5mm hook…

COOL CATS We’re letting the cat out of the bag – this chic yet adorable Cat Lady Bag is available for free on divinedebris.com! The make features three different colourwork motif designs showing kitties in various positions. “As far as inspiration, it’s just that I really like cats,” explains Amber, the designer. “I’m a cat person, in that I’m difficult to get close to but really loving once I get comfortable!” New release Stay shiny This yarn is pure ethereal elegance! Rico Design’s new Glamorous Glitter is a shimmery version of the bestselling Essentials Super Kid Mohair Loves Silk, and the soft yarn is ideal for flowy shawls and light-as-air tops. Visit www.rico-design.de NICE AND SIMPLE Build your crochet skills with the easy (and free!) projects on www.freddie-loves.com, including these…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Sirdar Stories (60% cotton, 40% acrylic, 50g/140m) Yarn A Parade (0805) Yarn B Summer (0813) Yarn C Beach Club (0834) See table for measurements and Yarn quantities ■ A 3.75mm (US F/5) hook ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook ■ Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact Sirdar 01924 231682 www.sirdar.com TENSION 18 sts and 9 rows measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over treble crochet using a 4mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension ABBREVIATIONS flower st (Working into side of last tr) (Ch2, 2tr, ch2, ss) 5 times, ss to top of first ch-2 to close the flower For a full list, see page 78 Width a: 42.5 (47: 53.5: 58: 62.5: 67: 71.5) cm, 16¾ (18½: 21: 23: 24½: 26½: 28) in Length b: 52…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Schachenmayr Catania (100% cotton, 50g/125m) 3 balls of Weiss (00106) 1 ball of each: Schwartz (00110) Signalrot (00115) Hellblau (00173) Regatta (00261) Lowenzahn (00280) Moos (00412) ■ A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook ■ A cushion pad, 40x45cm For yarn stockists contact LoveCrafts 01409 404010 www.lovecrafts.com TENSION 22 sts and 26 rows measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over pattern using a 3mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension MEASUREMENTS Cushion measures 45x40cm (17¾x15¾in) ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 78 NOTES Cushion is made up of 2 panels, which are worked in rows. There is a Chart on page 79, which you will need to refer to when making the Front. Read all RS rows from right to left and WS rows from left…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Scheepjes Chunky Monkey Aran (100% acrylic, 100g/300m) 2 balls of Yarn A Smoke (2019) 1 ball of each: Yarn C Hot Pink (1257) Yarn D Neon Green (1259) Yarn E Yellow (2008) ■ Scheepjes Scrumptious Aran (50% polyester, 50% acrylic, 100g/300m) 3 balls of Yarn B Buttercream Icing (302) ■ A 5.5mm (US I/9) hook ■ 2 black safety eyes, 24mm ■ Toy stuffing For yarn stockists contact Scheepjes  www.scheepjes.com/en TENSION Tension is not critical, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Zebra measures approx 50cm (20in) tall when sitting 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…

When I was a child, I was taught to crochet by my Scottish Grandma. Since then, I’ve always been a maker of some sort, although it has ebbed and flowed through years of study and while chasing a career in broadcasting. Thirteen years ago, when I was expecting my third child and my broadcasting career was a distant memory, crochet came back into my life in a big way. It afforded me a little bit of me-time during the busy baby and toddler years. When the pandemic hit in spring 2020, crochet helped again, but I needed something more. I missed my work in radio a lot – the creativity of mixing sounds and finding the right interview clip is just like selecting the right yarn, colour or stitch to…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Stylecraft Life DK (25% wool, 75% acrylic, 100g/298m) 2 balls of Cream (2305) ■ Stylecraft Batik (20% wool, 80% acrylic, 50g/138m) 1 ball of each: Coral (1903) Old Gold (1902) Raspberry (1905) Heather (1906) Teal (1909) Indigo (1914) ■ Stylecraft Batik Swirl (20% wool, 80% acrylic, 200g/550m) 1 ball of each: Poppy Field (3734) Forest (3737) Tropical Flowers (3780) *See Notes on Batik Swirl usage ■ Stylecraft Special DK (100% acrylic, 100g/295m) 1 ball of each: Plum (1061) Saffron (1081) Denim (1302) Petrol (1708) Boysenberry (1828) French Navy (1854) Proper Purple (1855) Magenta (1084) Shrimp (1132) Claret (1123) Lipstick (1246) Bottle (1009) Grass Green (1821) ■ A 4.5mm (US 7) hook ■ A tassel maker For yarn stockists contact Stylecraft 01484 848435 www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk TENSION Tension is…

HOW DO I ADD CHARACTER TO TOYS? Brush up on your technique with our simple guide… If you’ve spent hours crocheting your amigurumi toy, it’s very tempting to rush things at the end because you just want to get it finished. We’ve all been there, but try to be patient. Spending extra time on the finishing touches will make a big difference to the final look of your new friend. There are all sorts of different ways to add character during the finishing stages of your amigurumi creation – we’re going to focus on three here. First, poseable limbs, which make toys infinitely more fun and can actually save time on the sewing up stage. Second, brushing the toy’s body to create a furry effect exactly where you want it.…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Kauni Effektgarn (100% wool, 150g/600m) 1 ball of Yarn A variegated (Ex) ■ Kauni Unicolour (100% wool, 150g/600m) 1 ball of Yarn B cream (NN1) ■ A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook For yarn, contact SKD Yarns 07886 670 906 www.skdyarns.net TENSION 22 sts and 14 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over htr using a 3.5mm hook or size required to obtain tension Each bone pattern motif repeat of 16 sts and 9 rows measures 7x4cm (2¾x1½in) MEASUREMENTS See Diagram on page 18 ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 78 of Simply Crochet magazine NOTES Body is worked in 2 pieces. The Upper Body with the bone border lies over the dog’s back. The Lower Body fits under the dog’s…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Lily Sugar’n Cream Solids (100% cotton, 70.9g/109m) 1 ball of Yarn A any colour 1 ball of Yarn C White (0001) ■ Lily Sugar’n Cream Ombres (100% cotton, 56.7g/86m) 1 ball of Yarn B any colour ■ A 3.75mm (US F/5) hook ■ Toy stuffing or a ball and bell cat toy For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk TENSION Tension is not critical, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Toy measures approx 7.5cm (3in) in diameter, excluding fins ABBREVIATIONS dc-cl Insert hook in next st, yrh and pull through loop, (yrh and pull through 1 loop on hook) 3 times, yrh and pull through 2 loops For a full list, see page 78 of Simply Crochet magazine NOTES Toy is…