Simply crochet March 2019

NEW LOOK!

Wh i p u p a

happy holiday jumper

it’S a giFt!

b r a nd ne w

A combination of 11 calming and uplifting harmonious shades - and two marled colour-ways.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND YOUR NEAREST STOCKIST VISIT

WWW.WYSPINNERS.COM TEL: (0)1535 664500 · EML: SALES@WYSPINNERS.COM

C

Watch out for our cheeky fella hiding out this issue. With a jingly bell and bendy legs, he’ll get in the way of all your festive prep but you won’t mind, because just look at his little face! So yes.

It’s Christmas. And we have patterns for that all-important jumper, plus party accessories, kids’ dress-up, scarves, decs and plenty more to kick off your season.

¿'m E lfie Shelfie!

Ca ùch me on ð14 ISSUE SEVENTY-SEVEN

CONTENTS

30

NauGhty or Nice?

ParTy IdeAs P18

Cover

EXCITING CROCHET IDEAS TO INSPIRE YOU

star!

14 NAUGHTY ELF GIFT 18 PARTY IDEAS 30 QUICK FESTIVE JUMPER 40 CHRISTMAS TREE BUNTING 43 FRINGED SCARF 46 CHILD’S CHUNKY DRESS 52 NEON YOKE JUMPER

57 HOOK TO HOOK 62 THE SNOWMANTM 67 ANGEL WINGS 69 DRINKS COASTERS 73 MAGENTA BLANKET 85 GRANNY SQUARE BAG 95 HOOK ‘N’ LEARN

Yarn RevIews P76

Fab gifù idea p85 check out ou Tu n to page 57 and u could de igne challenge – yo win go geou ya n!

win

67

43

52

40

46 73 mageNta bLankeT GOOD READS

HOW TO...

09 HOOKED 36 ALL ABOUT AMI COLUMN 50 ELEONORA TULLY PROFILE 60 WANTED: CHRISTMAS WISHLIST 71 COLOUR CLASS: MAGENTA 78 SHOW US YOURS! 98 MY HOOKY TREASURE

34 SUBSCRIBE Never miss an issue!

76 YARN REVIEWS Go sparkly with glitter yarns 82 THE WORKSHOP Making perfect rounds 87 THE GUIDE Essential step-by-steps for you

62

69

Naughty or nice?

We’re ready for anything the festive season can throw at us. Office party? Hook up our collection of photo booth props, party accessories and jumpers. Chilly? Katie Jones’ neon yoked jumper is just the thing. Bare tree? See our Hook to Hook challenge for classic decorating ideas.

We’re also celebrating 40 years of The Snowman

by Raymond Briggs – turn to page 62 for Ilaria Caliri’s exclusive amigurumi pattern. That’s all the ingredients for a very happy, hooky Christmas!

Commissioning Editor Sara Huntington Art Editors Kimberly Price, Jude Curle Operations Editor Vicki Atkinson Technical Assistant Paula Green Digital Editor Matthew Spiers Cover Photography Phil Sowels Photography Philip Sowels, Dave Caudery Group Art Editor Louise Bambridge Editor-in-Chief Debora Bradley Group Senior Editor Julie Taylor

AdvErTisInG Call 0117 300 8206 Senior Advertising Manager Penny Stokes Business Development Manager UK and International Rachael Hawkins Brand Sales Executive Alexandra Johnson

MarKeTing & SubScRipTions Senior Direct Marketing Executive Kate Jones

CirCuLatIon Head of Newstrade Marketing Martin Hoskins Newstrade Marketing Manager Janine Smith International Account Manager Rebecca Richer

¿ù wouldn'ù happen wiùhouù our clever Chrisùmas elves

ProDuCtiOn Production Co ordinator Sarah Greenhalgh Production Manager Emma McGuinness / Siân Rodgers Production Director Sarah Powell

BuyIng Team Paul Torre, Karen Flannigan, Jennifer Morgan

LicEnSing Senior Licensing & Syndication Manager Tim Hudson

PubLiShiNg

“¿ love crocheù for ma ny rea son s”

“¿'m not afra id of colours”

EMMA GUESS

LILIANA BRUCE

Emma (aka Sylvia Margaret Designs) says “you can make pretty much anything with a bit of creative thinking and an innovative use of stitches.” See page 20 for her fabulous hats.

“I took up crochet as hobby, but now it’s my day job, an everyday challenge, and I couldn’t be happier.” Liliana of Knothing Unusual designed our gorgeous cable braid scarf on page 43.

Managing Director, Craft Kerry Lawrence Managing Director, Bristol Andy Marshall Chief Executive Officer Tom Bureau

SubScRipTions Call 03330 162 146 or subscribe online at www.buysubscriptions.com/craft

Need to get in TouCh? EDITORIAL TEAM simplycrochet@immediate.co.uk SUBSCRIPTIONS TEAM simplycrochet@buysubscriptions.com 03330 162 146

Next IssUe on Sale ThuRsday 22 NovEmber 2018 No gift included? Ask your newsagent.

Covergift may be unavailable overseas.

“Even crocheù beginn ers ca n lea rn as ùhey go”

“C ollecùing comloeurofs isyeaùar”iù s besù ùhis ùi EMMA FRIEDLANDER-COLLINS

EMMA LEITH

Crafty author and blogger Emma took up the festive photo booth challenge and hooked us up a fun set of props for the oice party.

See the full set on page 18.

Last but not least of our three Emmas this month, the efervescent Emma Leith has made some fab fun drinks markers (page 19) to keep tabs on your izz at the Christmas party!

OTHER CONTRIBUTORS Kate Bruning, Ilaria Caliri, Lucy Croft, Hannah Cross, Samanta Fornino, Jenny May Forsyth, Katie Jones, Cara Medus, Fran Morgan, Becky Skuse, Matthew Spiers, Marianne Rawlins, Vicki Roberts, Eleonora Tully, Donna Wilkins

Immediate Media Company Bristol Limited (company number 05715415) is registered in England and Wales.

The registered oice of Immediate Media Company Bristol Limited is at Vineyard House, 44 Brook Green, London W6 7BT. All information contained in this magazine is for information only and is, as far as we are aware, correct at the time of going to press. Immediate Media Company Bristol Limited cannot accept any responsibility for errors or inaccuracies in such information. Readers are advised to contact manufacturers and retailers directly with regard to the price of products/services referred to in this magazine. If you submit unsolicited material to us, you automatically grant Immediate Media Company Bristol Limited a licence to publish your submission in whole or in part in all editions of the magazine, including licensed editions worldwide and in any physical or digital format throughout the world. Any material you submit is sent at your risk.

Although every care is taken, neither Immediate Media Company Bristol Limited nor its employees agents or subcontractors shall be liable for loss or damage.

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Crochet stool covers

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Ideas

Inspiration

Accessories

Websites

Events

Stuff

Christmas surprises What better away to build up festive anticipation than with an Advent CAL? Join TOFT’s Kerry Lord for 24 days of crochet and hook up two never-seen-before Edward’s Menagerie creatures in time for Christmas Day. Order your box from www.toftuk.com for £50 and you’ll receive all the TOFT DK yarn you need, plus some little festive treats.

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SPARKLE SEASON Just in time for W

peace & love Trendsetters say 2019 will be about wellbeing and mindfulness more than ever, and if we need an excuse to sit back and pick up our hooks then one is just around the corner.

Scheepjes’ new Namaste is a chunky, smooth, wool/acrylic blend yarn, and each of the 34 shades is named after a yoga pose. A 100g ball is RRP £6.25 from Scheepjes retailers.

. . . e v o L e W Cute and crochet go hand in hand and these new Miffy kits from Stitch & Story are a dream combo – and definitely not just for little ones!

You can now spend the autumn evenings hooking up the iconic bunny from Dutch artist Dick Bruna’s classic books.

Choose from a super-sweet amigurumi Miffy soft toy or a pair of ballet slippers with a gorgeous Miffy motif. Each of the luxury kits includes the exclusive pattern and all the yarn needed to make the finished item. The supplied yarn is Stitch & Story’s own super-soft, 100% sustainable Merino wool.

The Classic Miffy Amigurumi Crochet Kit is priced at £35 and the Miffy Slippers Crochet Kit is £29. More lines are expected to launch in 2019, including homewares, and we just can’t wait!

Available from www.stitchandstory.com

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Christmas crochet, Paintbox Yarns has released its Metallic DK, a double-stranded chainette with a fabulous shine that’s perfect for party wear. The 55% cotton, 45% polyamide blend comes in 12 gorgeous shades, all named after cocktails – you’ll want Sangria and Appletini for festive makes!

A 50g ball is £3.99 from www. lovecrochet.com

FesTive KeePsAkes There’s so much to get excited about this Christmas, but catching our eye this month are the lovely Christmas Bauble Kits by Carmen Heffernan. There are seven colour options, including Scandinavian Hygge (above), Christmas Frost, Modern and Vintage. Each purchase includes Carmen’s pattern (in digital format) and Scheepjes Catona yarn to make her vintage-style bauble design (actual bauble bases not included, but you can jazz up some old ones hiding in the attic!). The Carmen Heffernan Christmas Bauble Kits are £5.95 each and available to buy from www.deramores.com

HOOKED

INSPIRING BOOKS CROCHET BIRDS VANESSA MOONCIE (£14.99, GMC Books) We are big admirers of Vanessa’s epic creations, often involving creatures of varying sizes. For this lovely book, she’s gone small but perfectly formed and provided 10 gorgeous bird patterns, including budgies, doves and blackbirds, all with stunning photos and detailed charts.

mini profile

RE-MADE BY SAM Sam Sabido, aka Re-made by Sam, runs crochet classes and clubs in gorgeous venues in Hertfordshire. She learned to crochet while pregnant with her fourth baby and desperate for some ‘me time’. She says she fell in love with crochet straight away and has crocheted every day since.

“I find inspiration in vintage designs and have a big collection of vintage patterns,” says Sam. “I try to reflect my love of all things vintage and retro in my design, and you’ll find lots of vintage influence on my blog.

“I get so much pleasure from sharing my passion for crochet with people who are new to the hobby. It’s such a great feeling when people come back to tell me how much they’re enjoying their crochet. Recently I met an 87-year-old lady who had attempted to learn to crochet on several occasions throughout her life with no success. She came on one of my classes and soon got the hang of it – that was a great triumph!

“I must admit, I do find it quite a challenge to switch off. Running your own business can be all-consuming, because you feel so passionately about it. I’m constantly thinking

X

a liT tle T h a nk y ou

FENG CROCHET

Just some of Sam’s gorgeous patterns from her blog

of new ideas for classes and designs and sometimes I have to tell myself to step away from my crochet hook! I’m very easily distracted by new projects and usually end up with far too many works in progress on the go at once.

“As if I’m not already busy enough, I’m currently collaborating with an illustrator on a brand-new project, which I’m really excited about. We’ll be launching some exciting new kits and patterns soon.”

Find Sam online at www.re-madebysam.com, www.facebook.com/re-madebysam and @remadebysam Instagram

X X SUBS STARS!

Every month, three subscribers win a prize as a thank you for their loyalty. This month, the winners (below) will each receive this fab amigurumi cupcake kit from DMC. Check your issue next month to see if you’re a winner!

Tracy Wheeler, Pembrokeshire S Glasby, Leeds Nicola Eaton, Northampton

X

X X Subscribe at www.simplycrochetmag.com

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 inal and no correspondence will be entered into.

NIKKI VAN DE CAR (£10.99, RUNNER PUBLISHING) Bring more calm into your home with Nikki’s collection of 30 peaceful and practical ideas, from home décor (such as plant hangers and baskets) to sweet accessories (dreamcatchers and delicate doilies).

MY SLEEPY-TIME FRIENDS CALLISTE HAWKE (£6.90, Annie’s Crochet) Turn one basic pattern for a child’s cushion into eight super-cute animals – just pick the one your recipient will love best! This little book includes patterns for a tiger, teddy and lamb. It’s great for making family Christmas pressies.

POMPOM NOËL ALISTAIR MACDONALD (£8.99,SearchPress) After your festive crocheting is done, use up leftover yarn to make pompom decs for your home or as gifts. This sweet little book has ideas for 33 makes, including robins, gingerbread folk, a fairy for the tree and, of course, Santa himself.

HOOK UP A HAT W Waltham Abbey

Wool Show likes to generate a bit of fun before the big event in January, and this year there will be a competition for the Best Funky Hat. All attendees are invited to have a go at creating something spectacular to show off, and to show up for judging outside the Forest Suite at 12.30pm on the day.

The show is on Sunday 20 January 2019, 10am-4pm. See www.walthamabbey woolshow.co.uk

puppy love The dog lovers in your life won’t realise they’re missing anything until you give them a cup cosy for Christmas, designed to match their favourite breed. Etsy store HookedbyAngel has over 50 dog designs (and, oh yes, there are cats too!). They’re based in Ohio, USA but you can download patterns for pugs, poodles, Pomeranians and more. Ready-made cosies are also available to buy; www.etsy.com/shop/HookedbyAngel.

gift idea

BEE KIND Looking for the perfect stocking filler for a crocheter, or something for your own wishlist? These sweet little pots of balm from Love+Leche are ideal for soothing dry, cracked hands. Little Bee Bars come in three scents and are made with beeswax from New Mexico and skinhealing calendula flowers. They absorb quickly into the skin for soft fingertips and smooth, snag-free hooking. £8.75 from www.loopknittingshop.com

Craft awards

Ha v e your sa crochet getaway

HigHland HooKs Ever wanted to escape somewhere pretty and crochet all day? Then head to the beautiful Gartmore Estate near Loch Lomond for a blissful break of crochet teaching and activities. Starter, advanced and Tunisian crochet courses are all on offer, alongside many other activity holidays. Prices start at around £289 for two nights. See the website for 2019 dates and prices, www.gartmoreestate.com.

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The British Craft Awards fro Immediate Media celebrate t e very best the craft industry has to offer – and you get to decide who wins. Voting for the 2019 awards is open until 23:59 on December 16 and anyone who votes can enter the prize draw to win a £100 Amazon voucher. So think about who and what has inspired you this year and whose products or services have helped you on your way to creating amazing things, and get voting.

The shortlist has 30 categories of designers and companies across crochet, stitch, knitting, craft,

quilting and sewing. We’ll announce the winners with our usual fanfare next spring, but until then, head to www. britishcraftawards.com to vote and find out more.

HOOKED

YOU’VE GOT MAIL

If you’re considering the idea of a monthly crochet subscription box, then Christmas is a great time to order a one-of to see what you think! Hook and a Book’s great idea is that each of their boxes comes with a hand-picked book and a themed crochet project with all the yarn you need.

Their Christmas 2018 box will include a seasonal novel (to be announced), three patterns, ive balls of yarn, a crochet hook, plus some little extras.

For each box sold, they’ll donate £5 to Beanstalk UK, a children’s literacy charity.

The Christmas Box will be delivered in the irst weekend of December, priced at £30 (plus P&P). Go online to order at www.hookandabook.co.uk

King ChrisTmas Whether it’s for gifts or for our own festive wardrobe or décor, we can’t get enough of seeing what designers are coming up with to get us in the Christmas spirit. This season, King Cole has released a lovely little book of crochet designs by Zoë Halstead, featuring easy-to-follow patterns for large NOEL lettering, motif stockings, tree decorations and more. The King Cole Christmas Crochet Book 4 is £4.72 from www.deramores.com.

5 FAB FINDS Festive hookiness Everyone needs a little bit of crochet this Christmas

1

GNOME SWEET GNOMES This supremely wise pair could be sitting on your tree this Christmas. An original pattern by Hannah Cross from Simply Crochet magazine, the pattern is ready to download for £3.50 on www.ravelry.com

2

SWEET SHEEP Use up leftover festive yarn by making your own flock. Wool Couture (www.woolcouture. com) are selling these three-packs of wooden sheep shapes for £2.99.

out & about

s w o h s , s l Skil & events NOV 9 Learn to crochet with Sophia Reed £54.95, Black Sheep Wools, The Warehouse Studios, Glaziers Ln, Culcheth WA3 4AQ www.blacksheepwools.com/workshops

NOV 13 Christmas Crochet workshop £60, Made & Making, Garden Studio, South Downs Nurseries, Hassocks BN6 9LY www.madeandmaking.co.uk

RED NOSE DAY Who could resist squidging Richard the Reindeer’s cherry-pop nose?

Get the kit to make the amigurumi critter from www. thecrochetcraftco. co.uk for £10.99.

4

PUDDING TIME This little pud by designer Brigitte Read doesn’t just look pretty, it’s a basket for your crochet notions!

Get the free pattern from www.simply crochetmag.com

NOV 22-25 The Knitting & Stitching Show £14.50, Harrogate International Centre HG1 5LA www.theknittingandstitchingshow.com DEC 2 Winter Woollies Small entry fee (tbc), Home Farm Nanpantan, Leicestershire LE11 3YG bit.ly/fb_ww2018

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3

WE LOVE TREES Festive finishing touches don’t come much sweeter than these tiny wooden fir trees from My Fabric House. £3.99 for 10 from www.myfabric house.co.uk

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Elf benefits Hook up our naughty little chap and wait for the chaos to kick of! Designed by Erinna Lee

COVER KIT!

YOUR EXCLUSIVE KIT

EASY PEASY DK WEIGHT

2.5MM HOOK

YOU WILL NEED

Once you’ve hooked up this Christmas cutie, he’ll be with you through the whole of the festive season, hiding behind the holly on the mantelpiece or even in the mince pie tin.

We love his bendy, pipe cleaner pins! Use this issue’s kit to make him, or simply follow the pattern with yarn and accessories from your own stash.

Q Use your exclusive kit from this

issue or oddments of any DK yarn Yarn A Flesh Yarn B Green Yarn C Red Yarn D Brown Yarn E White Yarn F Gold Q A pair of safety eyes Q A 2.5mm (US B/1 or C/2) hook Q Toy stuffing Q Pipe cleaner Q Bell Not included in kit: Q Stitch markers Q Black sewing thread

TENSION Tension is not critical for this project

MEASUREMENTS Elf measures approx 15cm (6in) tall

ABBREVIATIONS FPhtr Yrh, insert hook around the front of the post of st indicated, yrh, pull up a loop, yrh, pull through all loops on the hook BPhtr Yrh, insert hook around the back of the post of st indicated, yrh, pull up a loop, yrh, pull through all loops on the hook For a full list, see page 92

HEAD Using Yarn A, make a magic loop.

Round 1 Ch1 (does not count as st throughout), 6dc into loop. [6 dc] Round 2 2dc in each st around. [12 dc] Round 3 (Dc in next st, 2dc in next st) 6 times.

[18 dc] Round 4 (Dc in next 2 sts, 2dc in next st) 6 times. [24 dc] Round 5 (Dc in next 3 sts, 2dc in next st) 6 times. [30 dc] Round 6 (Dc in next 4 sts, 2dc in next st) 6 times. [36 dc] Rounds 7-12 Dc in each st around.

Round 13 (Dc in next 4 sts, dc2tog) 6 times.

[30 dc] Round 14 (Dc in next 3 sts, dc2tog) 6 times.

[24 dc] Insert plastic safety eyes between Rounds 10 and 11, 2 sts apart.

Round 15 (Dc in next 2 sts, dc2tog) 6 times.

[18 dc] Round 16 (Dc in next st, dc2tog) 6 times. [12 dc] Fill the Head firmly with toy stuffing.

Round 17 (Dc2tog) 6 times, ss into next st.

[6 dc] Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

Weave the tail through the front loop of each dc from Round 17, always going from the centre and under the front loop. Pull the yarn tail to close the hole, secure with a st and weave in ends.

Using black thread, sew the Mouth between Rounds 11 and 13 using the image as a guide.

NOTES The Elf is made in the amigurumi method, working in a continuous spiral without closing off each round with a ss. You may find it helpful to mark the first st of each round, moving it up as you work.

When assembling the Elf you should refer to the images for guidance.

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BODY Using Yarn B, make a magic loop.

Rounds 1-4 Repeat Rounds 1-4 of the Head.

[24 dc] Rounds 5-8 Dc in each st around.

Round 9 (Dc in next 6 sts, dc2tog) 3 times.

[21 sts] Round 10 (Dc in next 5 sts, dc2tog) 3 times.

[18 sts] Round 11 (Dc in next 4 sts, dc2tog) 3 times.

[15 sts] Round 12 (Dc in next 3 sts, dc2tog) 3 times, ss into next st. [12 sts] Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing the Head to the Body.

Fill the Body firmly with toy stuffing.

Sew the Body to the Head, the opening of the Body should sit over Rounds 16 and 17 of the Head. Weave in all ends.

When you have finished working the feet and legs, rejoin the yarn to make the boot cuffs

ARMS (MAKE 2) Using Yarn A, make a magic loop.

Round 1 Ch1, 6dc into loop. [6 dc] Round 2 (Dc in next 2 sts, 2dc in next st) 2 times. [8 dc] Round 3 (Dc in next 2 sts, dc2tog) 2 times. [6 dc] Change to Yarn B. Rounds 4-12 Dc in each st around.

Cut a 3.5cm piece of pipe cleaner and insert into the arm. Flatten the top of each Arm. Working through both layers, dc in 3 sts to close the opening.

Fasten off and leave a long tail for sewing each Arm to the Body.

Sew each Arm to the Body over Rounds 11 and 12, 4 sts apart at the front.

LEGS (MAKE 2) Using Yarn C, ch4.

Round 1 Dc in the second ch from hook, dc in next ch, 3dc in next ch, working down back of the foundation ch, dc in next ch, 2dc in last ch.

[8 dc] Round 2 2dc in next st, dc in next st, 2dc in next 3 sts, dc in next st, 2dc in next 2 sts. [14 dc] Round 3 Dc in each st around.

Round 4 Dc in next 4 sts, dc2tog, dc in next st, dc2tog, dc in next 5 sts. [12 dc] Round 5 Dc in next 2 sts, (dc2tog) 4 times, dc in next 2 sts. [8 dc] Stuff the feet with Toy stuffing.

Change to Yarn E. Round 6 (Working in bl only) (Dc in next 2 sts, dc2tog) 2 times. [6 dc] Round 7 Dc in each st around.

Change to Yarn C. Rounds 8-9 Repeat Round 7.

Round 10 Dc in next st, change to Yarn E, dc in next 5 sts.

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Round 11 Repeat Round 7.

Round 12 Dc in next dc, change to Yarn C, dc in next 5 sts.

Round 13 Repeat Round 7, ss in next st.

Cut approx 4cm of pipe cleaner and insert this into the Leg. Fasten off, leaving a long tail to sew the Legs to the Body.

BOOT CUFF With the Foot pointing towards you, join Yarn C into the last unused fl from Round 6 of the Leg. Round 1 Ch1, dc in fl of each st, ss to beg dc to join. [6 dc] Fasten off and weave in ends.

Sew the top of each Leg to the base of the Body. The insides of each Leg should meet in the middle.

HAT Using Yarn B, make a magic loop.

Round 1 Ch1, 4dc into loop. [4 dc] Round 2 (Dc in next st, 2dc in next st) 2 times.

[6 dc] Round 3 Htr in each st around. [6 htr] Round 4 (Htr in next 2 sts, 2htr in next st) 2 times. [8 htr] Round 5 (Htr in next 3 sts, 2htr in next st) 2 times. [10 htr] Round 6 (Htr in next 4 sts, 2htr in next st) 2 times. [12 htr] Round 7 (Htr in next 5 sts, 2htr in next st) 2 times. [14 htr] Round 8 (Htr in next 6 sts, 2htr in next st) 2 times. [16 htr] Round 9 (Htr in next 7 sts, 2htr in next st) 2 times. [18 htr] Round 10 (Htr in next 8 sts, 2htr in next st) 2 times. [20 htr] Round 11 (Htr in next 9 sts, 2htr in next st) 2 times. [22 htr] Round 12 (Htr in next 10 sts, 2htr in next st) 2 times. [24 htr]

Round 13 (Htr in next 11 sts, 2htr in next st) 2 times. [26 htr] Round 14 (Htr in next 12 sts, 2htr in next st) 2 times. [28 htr] Round 15 (Htr in next 6 sts, 2htr in next st) 4 times. [32 htr] Round 16 (Htr in next 7 sts, 2htr in next st) 4 times. [36 htr] Change to Yarn E. Round 17 Ch2 (does not count as st throughout), (FPhtr in next htr, BPhtr in next htr) 18 times, ss into top of beg htr.

[18 FPhtr, 18 BPhtr] Round 18 Ch2, (FPhtr around next FPhtr, BPhtr around next BPhtr) 18 times, ss into top of beg htr.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Using Yarn B, sew the bell to the top of the Hat, fold the tip of the Hat down and secure with a st.

Using Yarn F, sew three stars onto the front of the Hat using the image as a guide.

BOW Using Yarn C, make a magic loop with a 15cm starting tail.

Round 1 (RS) Ch1, (3dc, 3tr, ch3, ss, ch3, 3tr, 3dc, ch1, ss) into the loop. [6 dc, 6 tr, 2 ss] Fasten off, wrap the end tail around the centre of the Bow and secure in place with a knot on the WS. Sew to the Bow to the front of the Body.

BELT Using Yarn D, ch30.

Fasten off leaving a long tail. Sew the Belt aroun the Body, wrap Yarn F around the centre of the Belt and secure in place with a st.

Sew the Belt around the Body, wrap Yarn F around the centre of the Belt and secure in place with a st.

Embroider stars on the elf’s hat with the gold yarn, and sew the bell to the tip of his hat

For the bow, work a circular shape, then wrap the yarn tail around the middle and pull tight

SIMPLE STEPS HOW TO WORK DOUBLE CROCHET IN A SPIRAL

1 Make a foundation ring (see page 91) 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.

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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 stitch for a neat edge: insert the hook into the next stitch, yrh and pull through both loops.

STRIKE A POSE Hook up a selection of truly excellent props for the next oice party. They’re perfect for selie Christmas cards too (can’t wait to see them modelled by the family pooch)!

PARTY IDEAS

here’s to you!

Photo opportunity Get ready for the season with our photo booth props. Fab for parties, stocking illers, and Christmas games. It’s your turn!

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PARTY IDEAS

KISS ME QUICK This cute mistletoe dec will hang beautifully in the house – or carry it with you and practise your pout for maximum mistletoe matches.

TURN IT AROUND This clever jumper (so quick to hook) has ‘nice’ on one side and ‘naughty’ on the other, so you can decide which side of yourself you want to show. And Santa’s comin’ to town, dontcha know… so give the poor guy a clue.

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PARTY IDEAS

WHERE DID YOU GET THAT HAT? Us crochet types do love an amazing headdress.

Show your true colours with this jolly set of candy canes, pompoms, presents and more in two diferent colourways. There’ll be no mistaking you’re up for celebrating!

FESTIVE FANCIES Go big or go home with these Santa-inspired earrings. You don’t even need an excuse for a party – we all know someone who’ll wear these every day in December. Could it be you?

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PARTY IDEAS

photo booth set For a new take on photo booth fun, crochet your own fun props. Designed by Emma Friedlander-Collins.

Q Caron Simply Soft Party (99% acrylic, 1% metallic, 85g/150m), 1 ball of each: Yarn A Black Sparkle (0007) Yarn B Snow Sparkle (0001) Yarn C Fuchsia Sparkle (0002) Yarn D Red Sparkle (0015) Q A 5mm (US H/8) hook Q Stitch markers Q Cardboard Q Craft foam in black, white and red Q PVA glue Q Wooden skewers x5

loop, yrh, pull through 2 loops on the hook; repeat from * two times more, yrh, pull through all loops on the hook For a full list, see page 92

NOTES Each Prop is made up of separate pieces and joined together at the end. When assembling the Props refer to the images for guidance.

GLASSES

LENSES (MAKE 2) Using Yarn A, ch25, ss to first ch to form a loop.

Round 1 (RS) Ch1 (does not count as a st throughout), (27dc, tr, ch2, tr, dc) into the loop, ss to first dc. [28 dc, 2 tr, 1 ch-2 sp] Fasten off.

TENSION Tension is not critical for this project

MEASUREMENTS Glasses measure 6x20cm (2¼x7¾in) Hat measures 17x20cm (6¾x7¾in) Red Nose measures 5cm (2in) in diameter Lips measure 6.5x4cm (2½x1½in) Reindeer Head measures 22x14cm (9x5½in)

TO MAKE UP Follow the instructions for the Glasses to attach Nose to red craft foam and skewer.

HAT

STRIPED SECTION JOIN Join Yarn A into the ch-2 sp on one of the Lenses.

Row 1 (RS) Ch1, (dc, tr, dc) into same ch-2 sp, dc in next 12 sts, ch4, ss into the same st on the second Lens, dc in same st as ss, dc in next 11 sts, (dc, tr, dc) into next ch-2 sp, ss into next st. [28 dc, 2 tr, 1 ch-4 sp] Fasten off and weave in ends.

ABBREVIATIONS Loop stitch Insert hook into st indicated, wrap the yarn from front to back over the index finger of your non-hook hand, yrh, pull up the loop keeping the yarn wrapped around your finger, complete the dc st as normal, then remove loop from your finger tr3tog (treble crochet 3 together) *Yrh, insert hook into the next st, yrh, pull up a

RED NOSE Using Yarn D, make a magic loop.

Round 1 Ch1 (does not count as st throughout), 6dc into loop, ss to first dc.

[6 sts] Round 2 Ch1, 2dc in each st around, ss to first dc. [12 sts] Round 3 Ch1, (2dc in next st, dc in next st) 6 times, ss to first dc. [18 sts] Round 4 Ch1, (2dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts) 6 times, ss to first dc. [24 sts] Fasten off and weave in ends.

TO MAKE UP On cardboard, draw around the Glasses and cut out. This is a template and the backing card. Draw around the template onto black craft foam and cut out. Sew the Glasses to the craft foam and glue the cardboard onto the back of the craft foam for support. Glue or tape the skewer to the back of the card.

Using Yarn C, ch27.

Row 1 Tr in fourth ch from hook (ch3 counts as tr throughout), tr in each st to end, turn.

[25 tr] Change to Yarn B. Row 2 Ch3, tr in each st to end, turn. [25 tr] Change to Yarn C. Row 3 Repeat Row 2.

Change to Yarn B and continue in striped sequence.

Rows 4-10 Ch3, tr2tog, tr in each st to last 3 sts, tr2tog, tr in last st, turn. [11 tr after Row 10] Row 11 Ch2, tr in next st (counts as tr2tog), (tr2tog) 4 times, 5tr in last st, turn. [10 tr] Row 12 Ch3, tr in next st, dc in next st, ss in next st.

Fasten off leaving the remaining sts unworked.

POMPOM Using Yarn B, repeat the instructions for the Red Nose.

HAT TRIM Using Yarn B, ch25.

Row 1 Dc in the second ch from hook, dc in each ch to end, turn. [24 dc] Row 2 Ch1 (does not count as a st throughout), dc in first st, loop st in each st to last dc, dc in last st, turn. [2 dc, 22 loop sts] Row 3 Ch1, dc in each st to end, turn. [24 dc] Rows 4-7 Repeat Rows 2-3.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

TO MAKE UP Using the images as a guide sew the three sections together to complete the Hat. Follow the instructions for the Glasses to attach your Hat to the craft foam and skewer.

REINDEER HEAD

ANTLERS (MAKE 2) Using Yarn B, ch34.

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PARTY IDEAS Round 1 Tr in fourth ch from hook (ch3 counts as tr throughout), (tr3tog, tr in next 2 ch) twice, mark last tr worked, ch6, htr in 2nd ch from hook, tr in next 4 ch, *2tr around the post of marked st, skip next 2 ch from foundation ch, ss into next ch, ss into last 2 tr worked, tr into next 3 ch**, mark last st worked, ch5, htr in 2nd ch from hook, tr in next 3 ch; repeat from * to ** once more, tr in next 3 ch, tr3tog, tr in next ch, 3dc in next ch, working along the other side of the foundation ch, dc in next 30 sts, ss into base of beg ch-3. [30 tr, 33 dc, 2 htr] Fasten off.

EARS (MAKE 2) Using Yarn B, ch6.

Round 1 (RS) 2dc in second ch from hook, dc in next 3 ch, (dc, tr, ch2, tr, dc) in next ch, working along the other side of the foundation ch; dc in next 3 sts, ss in last st, turn. [10 dc, 2 tr, 1 ch-2 sp, 1 ss] Fasten off and join Yarn D into last ss.

Round 2 (WS) Ch3 (counts as tr throughout), tr in next 5 sts, (2tr, ch3, 2tr) into ch-2 sp, tr into last 6 sts, ss into top of beg ch-3. [16 tr, 1 ch-3 sp] Fasten off and weave in ends.

HEAD PIECE Using Yarn D, ch4.

Row 1 4tr in the fourth ch from hook, turn.

[5 tr] Row 2 Ch3, tr in st at base of ch-3, tr in next st, 3tr in next st, tr in next st, 2tr in last st, turn. [9 tr] Row 3 Ch3, tr in st at base of ch-3, tr in next 3 sts, 3tr in next st, tr in next 3 sts, 2tr in last st, turn. [13 tr] Row 4 Ch3, tr in st at base of ch-3, tr in next 5 sts, 2tr in next st, tr in next 5 sts, 2tr in last st, turn. [16 tr] Fasten off and weave in ends.

[4 dc, 2 htr, 4 tr, 2 ch-2 sps, 1 ss] Fasten off and weave in ends.

TEETH Using Yarn B, ch11.

Row 1 Tr in the fourth ch from hook, tr in next 7 ch. [9 tr] Fasten off and weave in end.

TO MAKE UP Sew the Lips over the Teeth.

Follow the instructions for the Glasses to attach your Lips to the craft foam and skewer.

Drinks markers Keep tabs on your festive fizz with Emma Leith’s funky glass tags.

Q Caron Simply Soft Party (99% acrylic, 1% metallic, 85g/150m), 1 ball of each: Yarn A Black Sparkle (0007) Yarn B Snow Sparkle (0001) Yarn C Fuchsia Sparkle (0002) Yarn D Red Sparkle (0015) Q A 3.75mm (US F/5) hook Q 4cm polystyrene balls (6), from www.hobbycraft.co.uk Q 20mm jump rings (6), from www.jewellerymaker.com Q Hot glue gun Q Stitch markers Q Toy stuffing

NOTES The Bauble Charms are worked in a continuous spiral, without closing off each round with a ss. It is a good idea to mark the first st of each round with a stitch marker, moving it up as you work.

Each Bauble and Drinks Clip use up to 2 colours. You can use any colours you like.

Change colours on the last yrh of the st before the colour change is indicated.

DRINKS MARKERS

PLAIN BAUBLE Using any colour, make a magic loop.

Round 1 (RS) Ch1, (does not count as a st throughout), 6dc into the loop, pull loop tight to close. [6 dc] Round 2 2dc in each st around. [12 dc] Round 3 (Dc in next st, 2dc in next st) 6 times. [18 dc] Rounds 4-5 Dc in each st around.

Round 6 (Dc in next st, dc2tog) 6 times.

[12 dc] Place a polystyrene ball inside.

Round 7 Repeat Round 4. [12 dc] Round 8 (Dc2tog) 6 times. [6 dc] Fasten off leaving a tail of approx 30cm.

Weave the end through the last 6 sts and pull tight to close.

Using the tail, ch10 and ss to last ch from hook.

THIN STRIPED BALL

Tension is not critical for this project

Repeat the instructions for the Plain Bauble using two colours, changing colour each round.

MEASUREMENTS

WIDE STRIPED BALL

Bauble Charm measures 3.5cm (1½in) in diameter

Repeat the instructions for the Plain Bauble using two colours, changing colour every second round.

TENSION

ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92

TO MAKE UP Position the Headpiece on top of the Antlers so that the bottom of both line up. You can adapt the position to get the shape you want, alternatively refer to the image as a guide.

Sew the Ears into place on each side of the Head Piece.

Follow the instructions for the Glasses to attach your Reindeer Head to the red craft foam and skewer.

MOUTH LIPS Using Yarn C, ch12.

Row 1 Tr in the fourth ch from hook, tr in next 8 ch, ch10, ss into top of beg ch-3, turn.

[10 tr, 1 ch-10 sp] Row 2 Ch1, (2dc, htr, tr, ch2, tr, ss, tr, ch2, tr, htr, 2dc) into ch-10 sp, ss into next st to join.

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WWW.SIMPLYCROCHETMAG.COM 25

PARTY IDEAS GLASS CLIP Using any colour, ss around a wire jump ring.

Row 1 (RS) Ch1, 9dc into the ring, turn. [9 dc] Row 2 (WS) (Ch4, ss in next st) 8 times.

[8 ch-4 picot] Fasten off and weave in ends.

STRIPED GLASS CLIP Repeat the instructions for the Glass Clip, changing colour after Row 1.

TO MAKE UP Weave in any remaining ends.

Place a Glass Clip through the ch-10 loop on the Bauble Charm and position on a glass of your favourite drink.

hanging Mistletoe Don't miss any opportunities for a quick kiss this season – carry your own mistletoe around wherever you go! By Jennifer May. Q Caron Simply Soft Party (99% acrylic, 1% metallic, 85g/150m), 1 ball of each: Yarn B Snow Sparkle (0001) Yarn C Fuchsia Sparkle (0002) Yarn D Red Sparkle (0015) Q A 4mm (US G/6) hook Q PVA glue

NOTES For this project, there is no Yarn A. The Mistletoe is worked on the RS, do not turn at the end of each row.

The Heart is worked in a continuous spiral, without closing off each round with a ss.

You may find it useful to mark the first st of the round, moving the marker up as you go.

MISTLETOE Using Yarn B, ch56.

Row 1 (RS) Htr in third ch from hook (skipped 2 ch count as htr throughout), htr in next ch, tr in next 3 ch, htr in next 3 ch, dc in next 2 ch, ss in next 2 ch, leave remaining 42 ch unworked. [6 htr, 3 tr, 2 dc, 2 ss] Row 2 Ch14, htr in third ch from hook, htr in next ch, tr in next 3 ch, htr in next 3 ch, dc in next 2 ch, ss in next 2 ch, ss in bl of next 6 ch from foundation ch. [6 htr, 3 tr, 2 dc, 8 ss] Row 3 Ch26, htr in third ch from hook, htr in next ch, tr in next 3 ch, htr in next 3 ch, dc in next 2 ch, ss in next 2 ch. [6 htr, 3 tr, 2 dc, 2 ss] Row 4 Ch14, htr in third ch from hook, htr in next ch, tr in next 3 ch, htr in next 3 ch, dc in next 2 ch, ss in next 2 ch, ss in bl of next 12 ch from Row 3, ss in bl of next 36 ch from foundation ch.

Fasten off. [6 htr, 3 tr, 2 dc, 50 ss]

BERRIES (MAKE 6) TENSION Tension is not critical for this project

MEASUREMENTS Mistletoe measures 27cm (10½in) long

With Yarn C, make a magic loop.

Round 1 (RS) Ch1 (does not count as a st), 4dc into loop, ss to first dc. [4 dc] Fasten off and pull both tails tight to form the ball shape. Tie the ends together with the knot on the WS.

ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92

No one will miss you dancing by in one of these super-sparkly festive headdressses.

By Emma Guess of Sylvia Margaret Designs.

Q Caron Simply Soft Party (99% acrylic, 1% metallic, 85g/150m), 1 ball of each: Yarn A Black Sparkle (0007) Yarn B Snow Sparkle (0001) Yarn C Fuchsia Sparkle (0002 Yarn D Red Sparkle (0015) Q A 4mm (US G/6) hook Q A 2mm (US B/1 or 4 steel) hook Q 30cm pipe cleaners: 6 white, 6 red Q Plain headband Q Clover Pom Pom Maker 35mm and 45mm, from www.hobbycraft.co.uk Q Hot glue gun Q Stitch markers Q Toy stuffing

TENSION Tension is not critical for this project

MEASUREMENTS Headband measures 27x25cm (10½x9¾) when assembled

ABBREVIATIONS surface ss With RS facing, insert the hook in front of the post of the st indicated, yrh (with the yarn coming through from the WS, pull loop up, pull through the loop on the hook ch-2 picot Ch2, ss into the second ch from hook For a full list, see page 92

NOTES HEART With Yarn D, make a magic loop.

Round 1 Ch1 (does not count as st), (dc, htr, tr, htr, dc, 2htr, dc, htr, tr, htr, dc, ss) into the loop. [4 dc, 6 htr, 2 tr, 1 ss] Round 2 Dc in next st, (htr, tr) in next st, (tr, htr) in next st, dc in next 2 sts, (htr, tr) in next st, htr in next st, dc in next 2 sts, (htr, tr) in next st, (tr, htr) in next st, dc in next st, ss into ss from Round 1. [6 dc, 6 htr, 5 tr, 1 ss] Round 3 Ss in first 2 sts, 2dc in next 2 sts, ss in next 4 sts, (dc, ch1, dc) in next st, ss in next 4 sts, 2dc in next 2 sts, ss in next 3 sts, ch26.

[10 dc, 13 ss, 1 ch-1 sp].

Fasten off.

TO MAKE UP Sew the Heart to the Mistletoe Sprig at the point where the two branches meet, glue to secure then trim off the excess yarn when the glue has dried.

Cut the tails of three of the Berries and glue them into place between the leaves of the Mistletoe. Repeat with the second set of berries on the second branch.

26 WWW.SIMPLYCROCHETMAG.COM

party headband

The instructions are written for the Headband with the pink and red striped Hat; the instructions for the black and white striped Hat are written in brackets. For the Hat, you can carry the unused colour on the WS. Change colour on the last yrh of the st before the colour change is indicated.

HEADBAND

TOP HAT Using a 4mm hook and Yarn D (Yarn A), make a magic loop.

Round 1 (RS) Ch1 (does not count as st throughout), 6dc into the loop, ss to first dc.

[6 dc] Round 2 Ch1, dc in each st around, ss to first dc.

Join Yarn C (Yarn B).

Round 3 Ch1, (2dc in next st, dc in next st) 3 times, ss to first dc. [9 dc] Round 4 Ch1, dc in each st around, ss to first dc.

Change to Yarn D (Yarn A).

Round 5 Ch1, (2dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts) 3 times, ss to first dc. [12 dc]

Round 6 Repeat Round 4.

Change to Yarn C (Yarn B).

Round 7 Ch1, (2dc in next st, dc in next 3 sts) 3 times, ss to first dc. [15 dc] Round 8 Repeat Round 4.

Change to Yarn D (Yarn A).

Round 9 Ch1, (2dc in next st, dc in next 4 sts) 3 times, ss to first dc. [18 dc] Round 10 Repeat Round 4.

Change to Yarn C (Yarn B).

Round 11 Ch1, (2dc in next st, dc in next 5 sts) 3 times, ss to first dc. [21 dc] Round 12 Repeat Round 4.

Change to Yarn D (Yarn A).

Round 13 Ch1, (2dc in next st, dc in next 6 sts) 3 times. [24 dc] Round 14 Repeat Round 4.

Change to Yarn C (Yarn B).

Round 15 Ch1, (2dc in next st, dc in next 7 sts) 3 times, ss to first dc. [27 dc] Round 16 Repeat Round 4.

Change to Yarn D (Yarn A).

Round 17 Ch1, (2dc in next st, dc in next 8 sts) 3 times, ss to first dc. [30 dc] Round 18 Repeat Round 4.

Change to Yarn C (Yarn B).

Round 19 Ch1, (2dc in next st, dc in next 9 sts) 3 times, ss to first dc. [33 dc] Round 20 Repeat Round 4.

Change to Yarn D (Yarn A).

Round 21 Ch1, (2dc in next st, dc in next 10 sts) 3 times, ss to first dc. [36 dc] Round 22 Repeat Round 4.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

HAT BASE Using a 4mm hook and Yarn D (Yarn A), make a magic loop.

Round 1 (RS) Ch1, 6dc into loop, ss to first dc.

[6 dc] Round 2 Ch1, 2dc in each st around, ss to first dc. [12 dc] Round 3 Ch1, (2dc in next st, dc in next st) 6 times, ss to first dc. [18 dc] Round 4 Ch1, (2dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts) 6 times, ss to first dc. [24 dc] Round 5 Ch1, (2dc in next st, dc in next 3 sts) 6 times, ss to first dc. [30 dc] Round 6 Ch1, (2dc in next st, dc in next 4 sts) 6 times, ss to first dc. [36 dc] Round 7 Ch1, dc in each st around, ss to first dc.

Do not fasten off.

Fill the Hat with toy stuffing and position the Hat Base so that Round 7 lines up with Round 22 of the Hat. Make sure the RS are facing outwards.

Using Yarn D (Yarn A), work through the sts of Round 7 of the Hat Base from the RS and Round 22 of the Hat from the WS. Round 8 Ch1, dc in each st around, ss to first dc. [36 dc]

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HAT BRIM Using a 4mm hook, join Yarn B (Yarn C) into any st from the Round 8, keeping the point of the Hat facing towards you.

Round 1 (RS) Ch3 (counts as tr), 2tr in same space, 3tr in each st around, ss in top of beg ch-3. [108 tr] Fasten off.

Join Yarn A (Yarn D) around the top of the post of any st, with the yarn coming through from the WS. Round 2 (RS) Using Yarn A (Yarn D), surface ss around the post of each st around, ss to first ss to join.

Fasten off.

Weave the end through the first and last st to disguise the join.

LARGE POMPOMS Using a 45mm pompom maker (or other method), make 1 pompom with Yarn A and Yarn B (Yarn C and Yarn D). This can be sewn into place at the point of your Hat. Make 2 more pompoms in any colour, these will be used later to decorate the Headband.

LARGE PRESENT Using a 4mm hook and Yarn C (Yarn D), make a magic loop.

Round 1 Ch1 (does not count as st throughout), 8dc into the loop, ss to first dc.

[8 dc] Round 2 Ch1, (dc in next st, 3dc in next st) 4 times, ss to first dc. [16 dc] Round 3 Ch1, dc in first 2 sts, (3dc in next st, dc in next 3 sts) 3 times, 3dc in next st, dc in last st, ss to first dc. [24 dc] Round 4 Ch1, dc in bl of each st around, ss to first dc.

Rounds 5-10 Ch1, dc in each st around, ss to first dc.

Round 11 (Working in the bl only) Ch1, dc in first 2 sts, (dc3tog, dc in next 3 sts) 3 times, dc3tog, dc in last st, ss to first dc. [16 dc]

Round 12 Ch1, (dc in next st, dc3tog) 4 times, ss to first dc. [8 dc] Fasten off and fill with toy stuffing.

Weave the end through the last 8 sts to close the hole.

LARGE RIBBON Using a 2mm hook and Yarn D (Yarn C) ch150.

Fasten off and weave in the ends.

Wrap the Ribbon around the Present, finishing with a decorative bow at the top.

You can use the image as a guide.

SMALL PRESENT Using a 4mm hook and Yarn A (Yarn C), make a magic loop.

Rounds 1-2 (RS) Repeat Rounds 1-2 of the Large Present. [16 dc] Round 3 Ch1, dc in bl of each stitch around, ss to first dc.

Rounds 4-9 Ch1, dc in each st around, ss to first dc.

Round 10 (Working in the bl only) Ch1, (dc in next st, dc3tog) 4 times, ss to first dc. [8 dc] Fasten off and fill with toy stuffing.

Weave the end through the last 8 sts to close the hole.

SMALL RIBBON Using a 2mm hook and Yarn C (Yarn D) ch130.

Fasten off and weave in the ends. Wrap the Ribbon around the Small Present as with the Large Present.

HOLLY (MAKE 4) Using a 4mm hook and Yarn C (Yarn D), ch13.

Round 1 Dc in second ch from hook, dc in next 2 ch, htr in next 6 ch, dc in next 2 ch, 3dc in last ch, working down opposite side of foundation ch, dc in next 2 ch, htr in next 6 ch, dc in next 3 ch, ch1, ss into last ch, ch5, ss into second ch from hook, ss in next 3 ch, ss into same ch as first dc. [13 dc, 12 htr, 6 ss] Round 2 Ch1, dc in first st, *htr in next st, WWW.SIMPLYCROCHETMAG.COM 27

PARTY IDEAS ch-2 picot, htr into same st as previous htr, dc in next 2 sts**; repeat from * 2 times more, ss in next 3 sts, ch-2 picot, ss in same st as previous ss, ss in next 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts, repeat from * to ** three times more omitting last dc, ss to first dc. [14 dc, 12 htr, 7 ch-2 picot, 6 ss] Fasten off.

BERRIES With a 35mm pompom maker (or other method), make 4 pompoms in any colour or mix of colours.

CANDY CANE (MAKE 3) Twist a red and white pipe cleaner together, bending to form the candy cane shape. Trim if required.

TO MAKE UP Measure 15.5cm from one end of the Headband, mark. Glue centre of Hat to the marked point, do not glue down Hat Brim.

On the short side of the headband glue the 2 Large Pompoms, 2 Berries, 2 Candy Canes and 2 Holly Leaves. Use image as a guide. On the other side of the Headband glue the Large Present, Small Present, 1 Candy Cane, 2 Holly Leaves and the remaining Berries.

FESTIVE EARRINGS Matthew Spiers designed this dazzling Christmassy pair. Oh go on, we dare you!

Q Caron Simply Soft Party (99% acrylic, 1% metallic, 85g/150m), 1 ball of each: Yarn A Black Sparkle (0007) Yarn B Snow Sparkle (0001) Yarn C Fuchsia Sparkle (0002) Yarn D Red Sparkle (0015) Q A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook Q Earring hooks (2), split rings (2), 1cm wooden beads (2), 2cm wooden beads (2), all available from www.jewellerymaker.com Q 4cm polystyrene balls (2), from www.hobbycraft.co.uk Q Toy stuffing

TENSION Tension is not critical for this project

MEASUREMENTS Earring measures 12cm (4¾in) in length

ABBREVIATIONS

EARRING (MAKE 2) Using Yarn C, make a magic loop.

Round 1 (RS) Ch1 (does not count as st throughout), 6dc into the loop, ss to first dc.

[6 dc] Round 2 Ch1, 2dc in each st around, ss to first dc. [12 dc] Round 3 Ch1, (dc in next st, 2dc in next st) 6 times, ss to first dc. [18 dc] Rounds 4-7 Ch1, dc in each st around, ss to first dc to join.

Fasten off Yarn C, join Yarn B into first st.

Rounds 8-9 Ch1, dc in each st around, ss to first dc. [18 dc] Fasten off Yarn B, join Yarn D into first st.

Rounds 10-12 Ch1, dc in each st around, ss into first dc to join.

Insert a polystyrene ball.

Round 13 Ch1, (dc in next 4 sts, dc2tog) 3 times, ss to first dc. [15 dc] Round 14 Repeat Round 10.

Round 15 Ch1, (dc in next 3 sts, dc2tog) 3 times, ss to first dc. [12 dc] Round 16 Ch1, (dc in next 2 sts, dc2tog) 3 times, ss to first dc. [9 dc] Fill the Earring with toy stuffing, ensuring the polystyrene sphere sits at the base.

Round 17 Ch1, (dc in next st, dc2tog) 3 times, ss to first dc. [6 dc] Fasten off leaving a long tail. Weave the tail around each of the last 6 sts and pull tight to close the hole.

MEDIUM BOBBLE (MAKE 2) Using Yarn A, make a magic loop.

Rounds 1-2 Repeat Rounds 1-2 of the Earring. [12 dc] Rounds 3-5 Ch1, dc in each st around, ss to first dc.

Insert 2cm diameter bead.

Round 6 Ch1, (dc2tog) 6 times, ss to first dc.

[6 dc] Fasten off leaving a long tail, weave the tail around each of the last 6 sts and pull tight to close hole.

SMALL BOBBLE (MAKE 2) Using Yarn B, make a magic loop.

Round 1 Ch1, 6dc into the loop, ss to first dc.

[6 dc] Rounds 2-3 Ch1, dc in each st around, ss to first dc. [6 dc] Insert 1cm diameter bead.

Fasten off leaving a long tail, weave tail around each of the last 6 sts and pull tight to close hole.

TO MAKE UP Refer to the images as a guide when assembling your Earrings. Using the tail of the Medium Bobble, sew to the base of the Earring. Using the tail at the top of Earring, attach the Small Bobble. Open a split ring and attach to an earring hook. Sew the tail of the Small Bobble around the split ring, making sure it is secure. Repeat for the other Earring. Weave in all ends.

F YARN STOCKISTS Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk

For a full list, see page 92

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Santa’s choice Be both naughty and nice with these clever Christmas jumpers! By Sara Huntington and Cara Medus

PARTY JUMPER

You choose how you’re going to behave at the office party with this cheeky reversible jumper. Easy to hook up and fun to wear!

EASY PEASY ARAN WEIGHT

4MM HOOK

BACK/FRONT (MAKE 2) Using Fuchsia Sparkle or Red Sparkle, ch90 (98: 106: 114).

Row 1 (RS) Tr in fourth ch from hook (skipped ch count as tr), tr in each ch to end, turn. [88 (96: 104: 112) sts] Row 2 Ch2 (counts as first st), (BPtr around next st, FPtr around next st) to last st, BPtr around last st, turn.

Rows 3-4 Repeat Row 2.

Row 5 Ch3 (counts as first tr throughout), tr in each st to end, turn.

Repeat Row 5 until the Jumper measures 32cm, ending with a WS row.

YOU WILL NEED Q Caron Simply Soft Party (99%

acrylic, 1% metallic, 85g/150m), Fuchsia Sparkle (0002) or Red Sparkle (0015) Snow Sparkle (0001) See table for yarn quantities and measurements Q A 4mm (US G/6) hook Q Sulky 20x36in Sticky Fabri-Solvy Stabilizer, available from www.amazon.co.uk For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk

DC BAND Row 1 (RS) Ch1 (does not count as st throughout), dc in bl of each st to end, turn.

[88 (96: 104: 112) sts] Rows 2-19 Ch1, dc in each st to end, turn.

Row 20 Ch1, dc in fl of each st to end, turn.

TENSION 16 sts and 9 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over tr st using a 4mm hook 16 sts and 22 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over dc st using a 4mm hook (see Notes)

YOKE AND NECKLINE RIB Row 1 (RS) Ch3, tr in each st to end, turn.

Repeat Row 1 until work measures 54.5 (56.5: 58.5: 60.5)cm, ending with a WS row.

Next row (RS) Ch2 (counts as first st), (BPtr around next st, FPtr around next st) to last st, BPtr around last st, turn.

Repeat last row once more.

Fasten off.

ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92

NOTES The Lettering is worked onto the Front and Back pieces at the end, over the Dc Band.

You can download the lettering used from our website at www.simplycrochetmag.com You may need to go up a hook size on the Dc Band to match the tension of the rest of the jumper.

SLEEVES (MAKE 2) Ch36 (38: 38: 40).

Rows 1-2 Repeat Rows 1-2 of Back/Front.

[34 (36: 36: 38) sts] Row 3 (RS) Ch3, tr in each st to end, turn.

SIZE TO FIT BUST

c

b

Work the front, back and sleeves separately, then sew them together at the end

ACTUAL BUST (APPROX) TOTAL LENGTH

a Width a: 55 (59.5: 64.5: 69.5cm) 21½ (23½: 25½: 27¼)in Length b: 56 (58: 60: 62)cm 22 (22¾: 23½: 24½)in Sleeve Length c: 44 cm (17¼in)

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SLEEVE LENGTH

The main part of the jumper is worked in treble stitch with double crochet edges

8-10

12-14

16-18

20-22

cm

81-86

91-97

102-107

112-117

in

32-34

36-38

40-42

44-46

cm

110

119

129

139

in

43¼

46¾

50¾

54¾

cm

56

58

60

62

in

22

22¾

23½

24½

cm

44

44

44

44

in

17¼

17¼

17¼

17¼

FUCHSIA OR RED SPARKLE (0002 / 0015)

85g

9

10

11

12

SNOW SPARKLE (0001)

85g

1

1

1

1

To make this pattern easier to follow, we’ve colour-coded the sizing instructions – simply follow the relevant column.

WWW.SIMPLYCROCHETMAG.COM 31

PARTY JUMPER

Row 4 Repeat Row 3.

Row 5 Ch3, tr in st at base of ch, tr in each st to last st, 2tr in last st, turn. [36 (38: 38: 40) sts] Row 6 Ch3, tr in each st to end, turn.

Repeat Rows 5-6 a further 11 (10: 13: 12) times. [58 (58: 64: 64) sts] Repeat Row 3 until Sleeve measures 44cm.

Fasten off.

Embroider ‘Naughty’ on one side and ‘Nice’ on the other

NAUGHTY/NICE Copy the Lettering (see Notes) onto a sheet of stabiliser and position over the Dc Band on the Front/Back piece.

Using Snow Sparkle, embroider chain stitches across the Lettering (see below).

To chain st: thread yarn onto a needle, secure yarn on the WS, bring the needle up to the RS and back into the same hole, pull gently, leaving a small loop on the RS, *working in the direction of the Lettering bring the needle back to the front, pass the needle through the loop, bring it back through the same hole, pull gently leaving a small loop; repeat from * across.

Fasten off.

Repeat the Lettering on the other Front/Back piece so that you have Naughty on one side and Nice on the other, then soak the stabiliser until it dissolves.

You could surface crochet the lettering or add letter appliqués if you prefer.

Work the lettering with embroidered chain stitches

TO MAKE UP Sew the Front and Back together at the shoulders, leaving the central 25cm open for the neck.

Mark the centre top of the Sleeve, align with the shoulder seam, and sew to the Front and Back. Repeat with second Sleeve.

Sew the sleeve and side seams together.

Weave in all ends.

SIMPLE STEPS HOW TO WORK CHAIN STITCH

1 Bring needle to the front of the fabric, after securing the thread at the back. Insert needle back into same hole (or very close to it) and pull gently to leave a small loop.

32 WWW.SIMPLYCROCHETMAG.COM

2 Bring needle to the front a little way to the right, making sure the needle passes through the loop. Insert the needle back into the same hole (or very close to it). Pull gently to leave a small loop.

3 Repeat Step 2 to make more loops.

4 After the final loop, make a small stitch over the last loop to secure it.

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STEPHANIE’S JOURNAL

á

o i d u t s e h t m o ... f r

Based in Canada, All About Ami’s Stephanie Lau knows just how to prepare for winter and make sure she’s ready for all the joys of Christmas s the seasons change, I find myself gravitating towards designing and crocheting different kinds of pieces.

Crochet is so versatile – you can create market bags, beach cover-ups, tank tops, and other light and airy projects during the warm summer months. As the weather chills, however, I find myself nestled indoors more, creating cosy projects, such as hats, scarves, sweaters and ponchos that will keep me warm and stylish while facing the harsh winter weather. Where I live in Edmonton, Alberta regularly gets down to –20 º C in winter, so it’s important to be prepared!

A

PLAYING WITH FIBRE This past year I’ve ventured into designing numerous crochet projects with a variety of fibres (See ‘A look at my winter’).

I used an alpaca-blend yarn to design a poncho which serves as a great layering piece with its beautiful fabric pockets and cosy turtleneck. I chose a jumbo-size alpaca-blend yarn and jumbo hook to crochet a statement scarf with a bold button closure. I also tried holding two different yarn colours together to create a lovely effect for a matching ribbed scarf and hat set adorned with faux-fur pompoms. These unique crochet designs all served as a fun challenge with various

“A s th e weath e r ch ills, I fin d m yself nestled ind oors, creating cosy pr ojects”

fibre weights, and I have put them to great use as I wear them out and about as the temperatures have plummeted. There is something so special about wearing an item that you have poured your love and time into – a wholly unique creation that cannot be purchased in a store!

AMIGURUMI HOLIDAYS Throughout the years, I have enjoyed designing special items for the holiday season! A few years ago, I thought it would be fun and whimsical to design some crocheted teddy ornaments to decorate our Christmas tree, so we made a panda, koala, and brown bear amigurumi set! These teddies are great projects for beginners or for those who want to venture into the realm of amigurumi – they simply consist of a round ball, two ears and a cuddly striped scarf to wrap around them. Every year our two young daughters enjoy hanging up these special handmade ornaments that instantly make our tree so much cuter.

I also designed a special Christmas cat named Chester who sits inside a red and white stocking! This amigurumi is very unique as it is also a functional stocking – Chester can be flipped back so that you can fill it with goodies, and you can hang the stocking by Chester’s tail. My blog followers have

ments “Special handmade orna instantly make our tree so much cuter!”

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“Our girls were delighted to see such a whimsical tree” even changed the colours of Chester to match their own cats, and it is such a fun way to add crochet to Christmas décor.

OH, CHRISTMAS TREE We found an adorable little tree on sale one year, and we thought it would be neat to fully decorate it with crochet balls with a crochet star at the very top. I used a lightweight cotton yarn in bright colours and crocheted around wooden beads to achieve a perfectly round shape with some weight to it.

I used thread to hang the balls on the branches, and crocheted a puffy yellow star to complete the look. I diligently crocheted all the balls to make sure it was complete before Christmas, and our girls were delighted to see such a cute and whimsical little tree! Now, each year they like to decorate the tree and rearrange the colours to their liking.

practical items to keep you warm throughout the winter months while also creating fun and whimsical ornaments to decorate your home and bring out every holiday season.

All of these projects would make unique and heartfelt gifts that will be cherished throughout the years. I hope you have enjoyed getting a glimpse of some of my designs as I love sharing my work and getting inspired to try new stitches, new techniques, and new designs – and I hope you do too!

Find Stephanie’s festive and winter patterns on her blog at www.allaboutami.com. You can also follow her seasonal designs on Instagram @allaboutami.

INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY With such a wide range of projects available, crochet provides so many opportunities. You can create cosy, stylish and

a look at my winter Living in a cold climate, I love de igning winte wea that i both functional and styli h. I enjoy figu ing out what stitche wo k well togethe o provide the mo t d ape! Being able to proudly wea a wa m item that I have made and de igned myself i a feeling like none othe .

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Tree-mendous Decorate your home with Samanta Fornino’s Christmas tree bunting. Bring on the festive cheer!

fu n m a ke

FESTIVE BUNTING

EASY PEASY 4PLY WEIGHT

3MM HOOK

Decorating the tree is one of Christmas’ greatest joys, so why stop there? Make your own trees, match the colours to your festive theme and hang the bunting above the mantelpiece, along a shelf, or anywhere you want to add a touch of Yuletide merriment.

YOU WILL NEED

NOTES

DROPS Safran (100% cotton, 50g/160m), 1 ball of each: Beige (21) Lime (31) Turquoise (30) Petrol (51) Light Ice Blue (50) Q A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook Q Fabric glue For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk

Instructions are for 2 lengths of Bunting. You will need to make 10 Trees, 3 in Light Ice Blue, 3 in Turquoise, 2 in Petrol and 2 in Lime. Baubles are made separately and attached with fabric glue. You should make 6 Baubles for each tree in a contrasting colour of your choice.

Q

TENSION Tension is not critical for this project

MEASUREMENTS Tree measures approx 10cm (4in) tall Bunting measures approx 64cm (25¼in) across

ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92

TREE (MAKE 10) Ch25.

Row 1 (WS) Dc in second ch from hook, dc in each ch to end, turn. [24 dc] Row 2 Ch1 (does not count as st throughout), dc2tog first 2 sts, dc in each st to end, turn.

[23 dc] Rows 3-23 Repeat Row 2. [2 dc] Row 24 Ch1, dc2tog. [1 dc] Fasten off.

foundation ch, 11dc evenly up side of Tree, 2dc in top of Tree, 11dc evenly down next side of Tree, 2dc in next st from foundation ch, dc in next 7 sts, dc in next 4 row ends of Trunk, dc in 8 sts from Row 4 of Trunk, ss to beg dc to join.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

BAUBLE (MAKE 60) Using any colour, make a magic loop.

Round 1 (RS) Ch1, 4dc into the loop. [4 dc] Fasten off and weave in ends.

TRUNK Join Beige into the back of the 9th foundation ch across.

Row 1 (WS) Ch1, dc into same st as ch1, dc into next 7 sts, turn. [8 dc] Rows 2-4 Ch1, dc in each st to end, turn.

Do not turn at the end of Row 4.

Do not fasten off.

BORDER Round 1 (RS) Ch1, dc in next 4 row ends, dc in next 7 sts of foundation ch, 2dc in last st of

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Make 6 baubles for each tree and glue them on, then glue each tree to the hanging cord

CORD (MAKE 2) Using Beige, ch126.

Row 1 (RS) Htr in third ch from hook (skipped ch counts as htr), htr in each st to end.

[125 htr] Fasten off and weave in ends.

TO MAKE UP Glue/sew 6 Baubles to each Tree, using image as a guide. Glue/sew 5 Trees to each Cord, leaving a gap of 20 sts between each Tree.

WWW.SIMPLYCROCHETMAG.COM 41

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FRINGED SCARF

e a sy m a ke

sea spray Be ready for adventures in the breezy outdoors, wrapped in Liliana Bruce’s scarf Subscribe at www.simplycrochetmag.com

WWW.SIMPLYCROCHETMAG.COM 43

FRINGED SCARF

EASY PEASY ARAN WEIGHT

4.5MM HOOK

Worked in a robust stitch pattern, this scarf has a twisted cable design down the centre with raised ridges either side. The yarn is one of those commemorating Novita’s 90th anniversary, and has a long colour repeat, with shifting tones giving a pretty effect.

YOU WILL NEED

NOTES

Novita 7 Pohjola Veljestä (45% wool, 30% Finnish wool, 25% polyamide, 100g/200m), 3 balls of Luosto (894) Q A 4.5mm (US 7) hook For the yarn, visit John Lewis stores or order from www.johnlewis.com

To achieve a neater edge work Row 1 into the back of the foundation ch.

Q

TENSION 14 sts and 7 rows measures 10x10cm (4x4in) over tr st

MEASUREMENTS Scarf measures approx 168x25cm (66¼x9¾in) without Fringe

ABBREVIATIONS FPdtr Yrh twice, insert hook around front of post of the st indicated, yrh, pull up the loop, (yrh, pull through 2 loops on the hook) 3 times For a full list, see page 92

44 WWW.SIMPLYCROCHETMAG.COM

SCARF Using the 4.5mm hook, ch38.

Row 1 (WS) Tr in 4th ch from hook (skipped 3 ch counts as tr), tr in each ch across, turn.

[36 tr] Row 2 (RS) Ch3 (counts as tr throughout), tr in next 5 sts, FPtr in next st, tr in next 6 sts, ch1, skip 1 st, tr in next st, FPtr in next 6 sts, tr in next st, ch1, skip 1 st, tr in next 6 sts, FPtr in next st, tr in last 6 sts, turn.

[26 tr, 8 FPtr, 2 ch-1 sps] Row 3 Ch3, tr in next 5 sts, BPtr in next st, tr in next 6 sts, ch1, skip 1 st, tr in next st, BPtr in next 6 sts, tr in next st, ch1, skip 1 st, tr in next 6 sts, BPtr in next st, tr in last 6 sts, turn.

[26 tr, 8 BPtr, 2 ch-1 sps] Row 4 Ch3, tr in next 5 sts, FPtr in next st, tr in next 6 sts, ch1, skip 1 st, tr in next st, skip 3 sts, FPdtr in next 3 sts, FPdtr in the 3 skipped sts to the right of the sts just worked, tr in next st, ch1, skip 1 st, tr in next 6 sts, FPtr in next st, tr in next 6 sts, turn.

[26 tr, 2 FPtr, 6 FPdtr, 2 ch-1 sps] Row 5 Repeat Row 3.

Make a fringe with a row of seven tassels, tied to the stitches at each end of the long scarf

Repeat Rows 4 and 5 until the Scarf measures 168cm, finishing with a WS row.

Last row Repeat Row 2.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

FRINGE Cut 7 lengths of yarn, approx 50cm each, and fold in half. Insert hook into the first ch from the foundation ch, put your hook through the folded tassel and pull through so that the centre of the strands come through the st but the ends stay on the other side of the st. Yrh with the ends of the tassels and pull through the centre of the tassel to secure. Skip the next 5 sts and repeat until you have 7 tassels along the end of the Scarf.

Repeat these instructions on the other end and trim the tassels to size.

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Play time Hook up this cosy pinafore dress with fun circle pockets for little ones. By Vicki Roberts

CHUNKY DRESS

EASY PEASY CHUNKY WEIGHT

6MM HOOK

YOU WILL NEED King Cole Timeless Chunky (90% premium acrylic, 10% alpaca, 100g/155m) Yarn A Peppercorn (2913) Yarn B Duck Egg (2910) See table for yarn quantities and measurements Q A 6mm hook (US J/10) hook Q Small blue button For yarn stockists contact King Cole 01756 703670 www.kingcole.com

Pinafore dresses are a wardrobe staple for kids as they work well in all seasons. Hook this one up now to wear with long-sleeved tees and chunky tights and it will still be going next spring, layered over a light top.

Timeless Chunky’s mix of acrylic with a touch of alpaca makes it a sturdy, soft and washable yarn for childrenswear.

Q

NOTES The Dress is worked in two pieces from the bottom up and sewn together.

There is an opening at the centre back with a button fastening.

As the dress is made from the bottom up, the straps will be the last parts to be worked

FRONT With a 6mm hook and Yarn A, ch44 (50: 58).

Row 1 (RS) Tr in third ch from hook (skipped ch counts as st), tr in each ch to end, turn.

[42 (48: 56) sts] Repeat last row 2 (0: 2) times more.

TENSION 12sts and 7 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) square over treble crochet with a 6mm hook or size needed to obtain stated tension

ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92

DECREASING PATTERN Work a decreasing row as shown below for 3 (2: 5) rows, then work a plain row as shown below for the next 2 (1: 1) rows.

Repeat these 5 (3: 6) rows a further 3 (7: 3) times. [30 (32: 36) sts, 23 (25: 27) rows from beginning] Decreasing row Ch3, tr in each st to last 2 sts, tr2tog, turn.

Plain row Ch3 (counts as first tr throughout), tr in each st to end, turn.

SIZE 4-5 YRS ONLY Work another 2 decreasing rows.

[34 sts, 29 rows from beginning]

ALL SIZES SHAPE ARMHOLES

a

SIZE

b

FRONT AND BACK

ACTUAL CHEST (a)

TOTAL LENGTH (b)

Chest width a: 25 (26.5: 28.5)cm 9¾ (10½: 11¼)in Length b: 44 (47: 54)cm 17½ (18½: 21¼)in

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Row 3 Repeat Row 2. [18 (20: 22) sts] Row 4 Ch3, 4 (5: 6) tr, htr in next st, dc in next st, 4ss, dc in next st, htr in next st, 5 (6: 7) tr, turn.

LEFT SHOULDER Row 5 (RS) Ch3, tr in next 4 (4: 5) sts, turn leaving rem sts unworked. [5 (5: 6) sts] Row 6 Ch3, tr in each st to end, turn.

Repeat the last row 2 (2: 3) times more.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

RIGHT SHOULDER

Row 1 (RS) Ss in first 3 sts, ch3, tr in each st to last 2 sts, turn leaving rem sts unworked.

[26 (28: 30) sts] Row 2 Ss in first 3 sts, ch3, tr in each st to last 2 sts, turn leaving rem sts unworked.

[22 (24: 26) sts]**

TO FIT CHEST

Work the hem as three rows of treble stitch, then begin shaping by decreasing stitches

With RS facing, skip central 8 (10: 10) sts on main body and rejoin Yarn A to next st with a ss.

Row 1 (RS) Ch3, tr in each st to end, turn.

[5 (5: 6) sts] Repeat Row 1, 3 (3: 4) times more.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

12-18 months

2-3 years

4-5 years

cm

51-53

53-56

58.5-61

in

20-21

21-22

23-24

cm

50

53

57

in

19¾

21

22¼

cm

44

47

54

in

17½

18½

21¼

YARN A

100g

2

3

4

YARN B

100g

1

1

1

To make this pattern easier to follow, we’ve colour-coded the sizing instructions – simply follow the relevant column.

WWW.SIMPLYCROCHETMAG.COM 47

CHUNKY DRESS

BACK Work as given for Front to **. [22 (24: 26) sts]

RIGHT BACK/SHOULDER

When sewing the pockets to the front, remember to leave a gap for the opening

Row 1 (RS) Ss in first 3 sts, ch3, tr in next 8 (9: 10) sts, turn. [9 (10: 11) sts] Row 2 Ch3, ch4, ss to top of beg ch-3 (loop for button fastening), tr in each st to end, turn.

Repeat Left Shoulder of Front from Row 5 to end.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing shoulders.

LEFT BACK/SHOULDER Row 1 (RS) Rejoin Yarn A with RS facing in the next unworked st at the centre Back, ch3, tr in each st to last 2 sts, turn leaving rem sts unworked, turn. [9 (10: 11) sts] Row 2 Ch3, tr in each st to end, turn.

Row 3 Ss in each st to last 4 (4: 5) sts, ch3, tr in each st to end, turn. [5 (5: 6) sts] Row 4 Ch3, tr in each st to end, turn.

Repeat last row 2 (2: 3) times more.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing shoulders.

POCKETS (MAKE 2) Using Yarn B, make a magic loop.

Round 1 (RS) Ch3, 9tr into the loop, ss to top of beg ch-3 to join. [10 sts] Round 2 Ch3, tr in st at base of beg ch-3, 2tr in each st around, ss to top of beg ch-3.

[20 sts] Round 3 Ch3, tr in st at base of beg ch-3, tr in next st, (2tr in next st, tr in next st) 9 times, ss to top of beg ch-3. [30 sts] Round 4 Ch3, tr in st at base of beg ch-3, tr in next 2 sts, (2tr in next st, tr in next 2 sts) 9 times, ss to top of beg ch-3. [40 sts] Fasten off and weave in ends.

TO MAKE UP Place RS together and sew the top of the shoulders together. Sew the sides from the bottom up to where the armhole shaping starts.

Using the photo as a guide, sew the pockets to the Front leaving approximately 6cm open for the top Pocket opening.

SIMPLE STEPS HOW TO DECREASE IN TREBLE CROCHET (TR2TOG)

1 Begin working a treble as usual: yrh, insert hook under top two loops of next stitch on prev row, yrh, pull loop through (3 loops on hook), yrh and pull through first 2 loops (2 loops on hook).

48 WWW.SIMPLYCROCHETMAG.COM

2 Without finishing the first tr, begin the next tr, working yrh, insert hook in next stitch on prev row. Again, work yrh and pull loop through, yrh and pull through first 2 loops (3 loops on hook).

3 Now complete both the treble stitches together by working yrh and pull this loop through all 3 loops on the hook.

4 This is how your completed tr2tog should look. You will have neatly decreased one tr stitch. On subsequent rows, you can simply work a stitch into the top of the tr2tog stitch as usual.

GOOD READ

Eleonora loves to combine her crochet with seashore finds: crocheted pebbles are the beautiful result

By the sea shore Eleonora Tully, the designer behind Coastal Crochet, is constantly inspired by her stunning environment

or a child surrounded by crafts from an early age, it can go one of two ways, but in the case of designer and now teacher Eleonora Tully, it was an inspiring time. Both her Dutch mother and grandmother were very enthusiastic crocheters and knitters.

“I grew up in a home with little crocheted curtains above the windows – they were very popular in the Netherlands in the 1970s,” she remembers. “There were crocheted pot holders in the kitchen, crocheted toys and blankets and, of course, crocheted decorations and gifts at Christmas. My mum crocheted her own wedding dress in 1974 and I was wrapped in handmade blankets soon after I was born. I was destined to love crochet, as I was always seeing loved ones with either hooks or needles in hand!”

For her own adventures in yarn, Eleonora started by learning to knit, then asking her mother for help making crocheted flowers to

F

50 WWW.SIMPLYCROCHETMAG.COM

embellish her creations. She continued to knit, sew and crochet on and off through her young adult years, but it was in 2014 when crochet moved to centre stage. With a special occasion coming up, she decided to crochet a dress for her own little girl. “My daughter was eight years old at the time. It was a real labour of love and took me months to finish,” she says. “It was a gorgeous dress from a pattern by Lisa Naskrent and my daughter looked absolutely lovely in it – it was a real success. From there, I fell completely and utterly in love with crochet!”

ANOTHER LEVEL For the past four years, Eleonora has spent time learning new techniques from books and trying out a range of increasingly challenging patterns. During this time she realised it was time to let her creativity loose.

“It was a natural progression for me to start developing my own ideas. It seemed the

more I crocheted, the more ideas I had, and I couldn’t always find a pattern to crochet what I had in mind.”

Eleonora found a course that would give her the skills and knowledge she needed.

“Doing the International Diploma in Crochet has taught me so much and pushed me to experiment with different techniques. I found myself becoming more adventurous with my hook and it gave me the confidence I needed to not only design, but to have the skills to write a pattern professionally.”

In 2015, Eleonora took to the internet, writing her own blog, Coastal Crochet. “It has been a huge motivator for me to develop my own designs, patterns and ideas.”

BY THE SEA Eleonora’s cliff-top location and seaside home has played a huge part in her work, even inspiring the name of her blog and the types of crochet projects she does for fun.

GOOD READ

Now living in the South East of England with her husband, three children and a dog, she spends a lot of time on the beach or walking along the coast. “It’s an ever-changing scene which looks different every day depending on the tides, the weather and the seasons,” she describes. “The sea can be bright blue on a crisp winter’s day to hazy turquoise when it’s hot, dull grey when it’s cloudy, raging waves when it’s windy, and not even visible when the sea mist rolls in!

I am constantly inspired by these amazing surroundings and this inspiration has filtered into my crochet.”

The shades, sights, smells and sounds of the coast regularly inform Eleonora’s designs and colour palettes. “Using nature as inspiration is so fulfilling, as the colours are never wrong!”

Eleonora also loves to combine her crochet with her coastal finds, from sea glass and driftwood to pebbles from the beach. “There are some things that combine beautifully with yarn. I crochet around sea glass to create little hanging decorations and pendants, particularly for Christmas, and this year I’ve been designing and making lots of crocheted pebble covers. I’ve combined driftwood and crochet to create wall hangings too, and have lots more more ideas for developing this further in the future.”

Brisk walks to clear her head ready for the next idea, or just soaking up the scenery are more reasons to love her location. “The coast is also just a delightful place to be when crocheting. I often take my current project with me while I sit on the beach if I’m down there with my children or the dog. That’s one of the beauties of crochet, it’s so portable.”

‘TIS THE SEASON Issue 75 of Simply Crochet included a little booklet of patterns for festive decorations, all designed by Eleonora. Lucky for us, she was happy to start thinking about Christmas very early! “Whether I’m hoping to make Subscribe at www.simplycrochetmag.com

decorations or gifts, writing a good old list helps me plan,” she shares. “I love to give crocheted gifts, but nothing too ambitious.

Ideal gifts are little decorations and coasters – they don’t take long to crochet and are always gratefully received. My seaglass pendants and crocheted pebble covers make really unique gifts. Last year, I crocheted hanging stars and popped them in with my Christmas cards. In the past I have embellished a party dress with crocheted stars and hooked up a special collar for our dog in seasonal colours – he looked very handsome!”

Eleonora’s favourite way to spend Christmas is with family and loved ones.

“Although I grew up in England, I spent many a childhood Christmas in the Netherlands.

There’s a Dutch word, ‘Gezellig’, which, loosely translated, means a cosy, warm atmosphere and sense of togetherness. And after Christmas dinner is eaten and gifts have been opened, nothing beats sitting and adding a few rows to that crochet blanket while dinner goes down!”

thousands of people took part, from all over the world – each approaching the design with their own colours and ideas. And it was worth the effort: “it unleashed so much creativity and I found looking through the CAL hashtag was just so inspiring. Seeing what other people had done with my design was wonderful. The encouraging comments and connections with fellow crocheters were also amazing.”

Eleonora has also found that her crochet has been heavily influenced by her blog and Instagram followers. “There is a very happy and supportive online crochet community, which I’m so proud to be a part of. It’s enabled me to find so many wonderful crafty people who I would otherwise never have been able to connect with. I’ve met some people in person after ‘meeting’ on Instagram and that is always very special!”

Thanks to that inspiring sea air, Eleonora is never without a plan for the next thing. She’s already planning her CAL for 2019 and will continue to design, as well as expanding her teaching. “I’m looking forward to hosting another weekend workshop at Cranage Hall, in North East England, for The Crochet Sanctuary in November. Passing on the joy of crochet to others through workshops and teaching is so rewarding, and definitely something I’d love to do more. ” Written by Vicki Atkinson

“THERE’S A DUTCH WORD ‘GEZELLIG’, WHICH MEANS A COSY, SENSE OF TOGETHERNESS.”

THE YEAR AHEAD One of the highlights of 2018 for Eleonora has been her CAL, which ran from January to September. The 35-week event – #seaside stashbustingblanket – ran across her blog, Instagram and Facebook accounts and

A few of her favourite things When Eleonora’s not crocheting…

“We have a campervan and enjoy family travels whenever we can.

I also sing with a local band, just for fun! My husband is the drummer, so it’s special that we can share that time together.”

You can follow Eleonora’s crochet adventures on Instagram at @coastalcrochet, and see her blog at www.coastalcrochet.com

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Cool colours for winter warmth!

CHRISTMAS JUMPER

neon pop

Brighten up grey days with this cheery jumper, hooked in vivid shades. By Katie Jones

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WWW.SIMPLYCROCHETMAG.COM 53

CHRISTMAS JUMPER

This fun, colourful jumper has an oversized, slouchy fit. Its yoke and new sleeve shape add up to retro styling with a modern look, – it’s destined for the work Christmas lunch.

GO PRO ARAN WEIGHT

5MM HOOK

NOTES This Jumper is made in the round in one piece from the top down, and divided at the base of the armholes for the Sleeves and Body. A neckline round is added afterwards, once the pattern is established.

Fasten off each of the ch-sp round colours at the end of the round, and carry Sailor Blue across the back of the next round unless the pattern states otherwise.

The length of the Jumper in the image is a cropped fit, but it is easy to lengthen the Body by working extra rounds. The yarn quantities given are for the pattern, so you may need extra yarn for a longer jumper.

YOU WILL NEED Paintbox Yarns Simply Aran (100% acrylic, 100g/184m), Sailor Blue (239) (See table for yarn quantities and measurements) 1 ball of each: Sky Blue (238) Neon Pink (256) Stormy Grey (204) Pure Black (201) Paper White (200) Q A 5mm (US H/8) hook For yarn stockists contact Love Crochet www.lovecrochet.com Q

TENSION 4.5 tr groups and 10 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over stitch pattern using a 5mm hook or size needed to obtain tension

ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92

YOKE With Sky Blue, ch90 loosely, ss in first ch to join, being careful not to twist.

Round 1 (RS) Ch3 (counts as first tr throughout), 2tr in st at base of ch, ch1, (skip next 2 ch, 3tr in next ch, ch1) repeat around, ss to top of beg ch-3. [30 groups] Round 2 Join Neon Pink in first ch-sp, ch4 (counts as dtr), 3dtr in same sp, 4dtr in each rem ch-sp around, ss to top of beg ch-4.

Fasten off.

Round 3 Join Stormy Grey between first 2 groups, ch3, (tr, ch1, 2tr) in same sp between groups, (2tr, ch1, 2tr) in each sp between groups around, ss to top of beg ch-3.

Fasten off.

Round 4 Join Pure Black in first ch-sp, ch3, 2tr in same sp, ch1, *(tr, ch1) in next sp between groups**, (3tr, ch1) in next ch-sp; rep from * around ending round at **, ss to top of beg ch-3.

Fasten off. [60 ch-1 sps] Round 5 Join Sailor Blue in first ch-sp, ch3, tr in same sp, ch1, (2tr, ch1) in each rem ch-sp

SIZE TO FIT BUST b c WIDTH

a Width a: 50 (59: 67)cm 19½ (23¼ : 26¼)in Length b: 52 (56: 60)cm 20½ (22: 23½)in Sleeve Length c: 37 (37: 37)cm 14½ (14½: 14½)in

54 WWW.SIMPLYCROCHETMAG.COM

LENGTH

SLEEVE LENGTH SAILOR BLUE

Small

around, ss to top of beg ch-3. [60 groups] Fasten off.

Round 6 Join Paper White in first ch-sp and repeat Round 5.

Round 7 Join Neon Pink in first ch-sp, ch3, 2tr in same sp, ch1, (3tr, ch1) in each rem ch-sp around, ss to top of beg ch-3.

Fasten off.

Round 8 Join Sky Blue in first ch-sp, ch4 (counts as dtr), 2dtr in same sp, 3dtr in each rem ch-sp around, ss to top of beg ch-4.

Fasten off.

Round 9 Join Pure Black in sp between first 2 groups, ch5 (counts as tr, ch2), tr in same sp, (tr, ch2, tr) in each rem sp between groups around, ss to third ch of beg ch-5.

Fasten off.

Round 10 Join Paper White in first ch-sp, ch3, 2tr in same sp, 3tr in each ch-sp around, ss to top of beg ch-3.

Fasten off.

Round 11 Join Sailor Blue in sp between first 2 groups, ch3, 2tr in same sp, (3tr in next sp between groups) 5 times, *(3dtr in next sp between groups) twice, ch3, (3tr in next sp between groups) 15 times, ch3, (3dtr in next sp between groups) twice,** (3tr in next sp between groups) 11 times, rep from * to **, (3tr in next sp between groups) 5 times, ss to top of beg ch-3, do not fasten off.

[60 groups, 4 ch-3 sps]

SET INCREASE PATTERN Round 1 Join Stormy Grey in sp between first 2 groups with a dc, ch3, *(dc in next sp between groups, ch3) repeat to ch-3 sp, (dc, ch3, dc) in ch-3 sp to create corner, ch3; rep from * 3 more times, (dc in next sp between groups, ch3) repeat to end of round, ss to first dc.

Fasten off. [64 ch-3 sps] Round 2 Pick up Sailor Blue and ss into first ch-3 sp, ch3, 2tr in same ch-sp, *3tr in each ch-3 sp to corner sp, (3tr, ch3, 3tr) in corner sp; rep from * 3 more times, 3tr in each rem

Medium

Large

cm

82-90

92-102

104-108

in

32-35

36-40

41-46

cm

100

118

134

in

39¼

46½

52¾

cm

52

56

60

in

20½

22

23½

cm

37

37

37

in

14½

29

14½

5

6

7

100g

To make this pattern easier to follow, we’ve colour-coded the sizing instructions – simply follow the relevant column.

CHRISTMAS JUMPER

ch-3 sp around, ss to top of beg ch-3.

[68 groups, 4 ch-3 sps] Repeat Rounds 1-2, 3 (5: 7) more times, changing colour for each Round 1, and using the Round 1 colours in the following sequence: Neon Pink, Pure Black, Sky Blue, Paper White, Stormy Grey.

[92 (108: 124) groups and 4 ch-3 sps] Fasten off.

DIVIDE FOR BODY AND SLEEVES Continue the colour sequence for the odd-numbered rounds, and with Sailor Blue for the even-numbered rounds.

Round 1 Join the next colour in sp between first 2 groups with a dc, ch3, *(dc in next sp between groups, ch3) repeat to ch-3 sp (first part of Back made), insert hook in both this ch-3 sp and the next and complete a dc to join and make first Sleeve; rep from * to work along Front and make second Sleeve, (dc in next sp between groups, ch3) to end of round to complete Back, ss to first dc.

[23 (27: 31) ch-sps for each Sleeve, 46 (54: 62) ch-sps around Front and Back for Body] Fasten off.

From now on work in the round on the ch-sps of the Front and Back, skipping the Sleeves.

Round 2 Join Sailor Blue in first ch-sp of Back after Sleeve, ch3, 2tr in same sp, 3tr in each sp around, ss to top of beg ch-3.

[46 (54: 62) groups] Round 3 Join the next colour in sequence between first 2 groups with a dc, ch3, (dc, ch3) in each rem sp between groups around, ss to first dc.

Fasten off. [46 (54: 62) ch-3 sps] Repeat Rounds 2 and 3 a further 8 times, then repeat Round 2 once more. Fasten off.

SLEEVES (BOTH ALIKE) Round 1 Join Sailor Blue in the ch-sp at the underarm, ch3, 2tr in same sp, 3tr in each sp

around, ss to top of beg ch-3.

[23 (27: 31) groups] Round 2 Join next colour in sequence in sp between first 2 groups with a dc, ch3, (dc, ch3) in each rem sp between groups around, ss to first dc.

Fasten off. [23 (27: 31) ch-sps]

DECREASE PATTERN Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 twice more.

Decrease Round 1 Join Sailor Blue in first ch-sp, ch3, tr in same sp, 3tr in each sp around to last sp, 2tr in last sp, ss to top of beg ch-3.

Decrease Round 2 Join next colour in sp before last group of previous round with a dc, ch3, skip next sp, dc in sp before next group, ch3, (dc, ch3) in each rem sp between groups around, ss to first dc.

Fasten off. [22 (26: 30) ch-sps] Repeat the last 6 rounds twice more. [19 (24: 28) ch-sps] Repeat Round 1 once more. [19 (24: 28) groups]

The riot of colour is created one line at a time, as changes are made at the start of rounds

CUFF Round 1 (RS) Join Sky Blue in sp between first 2 groups with a ss, ch4 (counts as tr, ch1), tr in same sp, (tr, ch1, tr) in each rem sp between groups around, ss to third ch of beg ch-4. Fasten off. [19 (24: 28) groups] Round 2 Join Stormy Grey in first ch-sp, ch3, tr in same sp, 2tr in each rem ch-sp around, ss to top of beg ch-3.

Round 3 Join Neon Pink in sp between first 2 groups with a ss, ch3, tr in same sp, 2tr in each rem sp around, ss to top of beg ch-3.

Fasten off.

Round 4 Join Paper White in first st with a ss, ch3, tr in each st around, ss to top of beg ch-3.

Fasten off. [38 (48: 56) sts] Join Pure Black in first st with a ss.

Rounds 5-7 Ch1 (does not count as st), dc in each st around, ss to first dc. Fasten off.

Work the whole jumper first, then join yarn at the neckline to work the neck edging last

NECK EDGING Join Stormy Grey in a ch-sp at centre Back of neckline with RS facing.

Round 1 Ch1 (does not count as st), dc in each st around, ss to first dc.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

SIMPLE STEPS HOW TO MAKE A DOUBLE TREBLE

1 To make a double treble stitch, yrh twice and insert the hook under the top 2 loops of the next stitch on the previous row. Yrh and draw through the stitch only (4 loops on hook).

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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.

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doWnloaD siMply crOchet nOw! YourstarTFree You can buy a digital edition of Simply Crochet, ready to read whenever you want. Single issues and subscriptions are available and every issue you purchase is stored in your magazine library permanently. Once your magazine has downloaded, an internet connection is not required so you can take your magazine with you, wherever you go.

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Win the ya n to make the winning project! Ente by voting fo you favou ite on In tagram #hooktohook @simplyc ochetmag

HOOK TO HOOK

What a tweet!

win

We challenged two designers to come up with a fab design, each using the same yarn… which is your fave?

Donna Wilkins Marianne “I absolutely love Rawlins Christmastime and feel that crochet is the perfect it! There is nothing better than cosying up with a hot chocolate, twinkly fairy lights and a project on the hook, watching an array of festive ilms!

This pure wool DK was so lovely to work with – I love the tone of the colours. Instantly this cute festive bird house formed in my mind as the ideal project.” See Donna’s blog at www. thecrochetcraftco.co.uk or follow her on Instagram @thecrochetcraftco.

Subscribe at www.simplycrochetmag.com

“Christmas is by far my favourite time of year, so this challenge was perfect for me. I wanted my decoration to be cute and modern, but also to evoke feelings of festive nostalgia – the beautiful pure wool yarn in natural tones was ideal for this. It also had to be a relaxing holiday make – quick enough to hook up one evening with a bit of Yuletide telly and a mug of hot mulled wine.” Follow Marianne on Instagram @mazcrochets.

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HOOK TO HOOK

From left: Donna’s simple edgings for the window and roof really bring her bird house decoration together. Add detail to the window with two lines of backstitch; Donna’s initial pencil sketches show how her ideas began – she’s still got time to make the cute Christmas tree for this year!

BIRD HOUSE Donna Wilkins designed and crocheted a cute mini bird house for the tree.

Q Wensleydale Longwool DK (100% wool, 100g/235m), 1 ball of each: Yarn A Brown (424), Yarn B Natural (401), Yarn C Pomegranate (425), Yarn D Spruce (424) Q A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook Q Toy stuffing Q Decorative ribbon (approx 10cm) For yarn stockists, contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk

TENSION Tension is not critical for this project

MEASUREMENTS Bird House measures 10x12cm (4x4¾in) at the widest points

ABBREVIATIONS dc3tog (Insert hook into the next st, yrh and pull up the loop) 3 times, yrh and draw through all 4 loops on the hook For a full list, see page 92

NOTES Make 2 House Motifs and join them together at the end. Windows are worked in a continuous spiral without closing off the rounds with a ss.

HOUSE MOTIF (MAKE 2) With Yarn A, ch2.

Row 1 (RS) 2dc in second ch from hook, turn.

[2 dc] Row 2 (WS) Ch1 (does not count as st throughout), 2dc in each st across, turn. [4 dc] 58 WWW.SIMPLYCROCHETMAG.COM

Row 3 Ch1, 2dc in first st, dc in next 2 sts, 2dc in last st, turn. [6 dc] Row 4 Ch1, 2dc in first st, dc in each st to last st, 2dc in last st, turn. [8 dc] Rows 5-12 Repeat Row 4. [24 dc] Row 13 Ch1, dc in each st across, turn.

Row 14 Ch1, (dc2tog), dc in each st to last 2 sts, (dc2tog), turn. [22 dc] Rows 15-16 Ch1, dc in each st across, turn.

Rows 17-31 Repeat Rows 14-16 five times.

[12 dc] Fasten off and weave in ends.

ROOF (MAKE 2) With Yarn A, ch34.

Row 1 (RS) Dc in second ch from hook, dc in next 14 sts, dc3tog, dc in next 15 sts, turn.

[31 dc] Row 2 (WS) Ch1, dc in next 15 sts, skip 1 st, dc in next 15 sts, turn. [30 dc] Row 3 Ch1, dc in 14 sts, dc2tog, dc in next 14 sts. [29 dc] Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

Join Yarn B to the first st of Row 3 of the Roof.

Row 4 (RS) Ch1, dc in st at base of ch-1, skip 1 st,*5tr in next st, skip 2 sts, dc in next st, skip two sts, repeat from * 3 times more, 5tr in next st, skip 1 st, dc in last st. [5 5-tr clusters, 6 dc] Fasten off and weave in ends.

DOOR (MAKE 2) With Yarn C, ch8.

Row 1 (RS) Dc in second ch from hook, dc in each ch across, turn. [7 dc] Row 2 Ch1, dc in each st across, turn.

Row 3 Ch1, dc in next 3 sts, 2dc in next st, dc in next 3 sts, turn. [8 dc] Row 4 Repeat Row 2.

Row 5 Ch1, dc in next 4 sts, 2dc in next st, dc in next 3 sts, turn. [9 dc] Row 6 Repeat Row 2.

Row 7 Ch1, dc in next 4 sts, 2dc in next st, dc in next 4 sts, turn. [10 dc] Row 8 Repeat Row 2.

Row 9 Ch1, dc2tog, dc in next 6 sts, dc2tog, turn. [8 sts] Row 10 Ch1, dc2tog, dc in next 4 sts, dc2tog, turn. [6 sts] Row 11 Ch1, dc2tog, dc in next 2 sts, dc2tog, turn. [4 sts] Fasten off and weave in ends.

Join Yarn D into the bottom right corner of the Door.

Round 1 Ch1, 10dc evenly up the ends of Rows 1-10, 2dc in the Row 11 end, dc in each st of Row 11, 2dc in Row 11 end on other side, 10dc evenly down to the bottom left corner of the door. [28 dc] Fasten off and weave in ends.

Using Yarn D, sew a small handle on the right hand side of the Door.

WINDOW (MAKE 2) With Yarn B, make a magic loop.

Round 1 Ch1 (does not count as st), 6dc into the loop. [6 dc] Round 2 2dc in each st around. [12 dc] Round 3 (Dc in next st, 2dc in next st) 6 times, ss in next st to close round. [18 dc] Fasten off and weave in ends.

Using Yarn D, backstitch 2 lines across the Window, using the picture as guide.

TO MAKE UP When making up your Bird House you’ll find it helpful to refer to the images.

HOOK TO HOOK

From left: Marianne’s full-colour sketch shows the robin motif, heart shape and scalloped edge but she went for a less busy colour scheme for her final make; the snow shower has evolved into simple dots for added detail. The design is double-sided and perfect as a tree decoration

Using Yarn D, sew the Door to the House; the bottom of the Door should meet the second row of the House.

Using Yarn A, sew Row 2 of the Roof to the top of the House. This will leave the roof slightly higher than the house.

Using Yarn B, sew the Window to the House.

With WS together, sew the two Houses together, filling with toy stuffing as you go.

Attach ribbon to top of the Roof to hang your decoration.

ROBIN HEART What a sweetheart! Hook up this little robin decoration by Marianne Rawlins.

Q Wensleydale Longwool DK (100% wool, 100g/235m), 1 ball of each: Yarn A Pomegranate (425), Yarn B Spruce (424), Yarn C Natural (401), Yarn D Brown (424) Q A 4mm (US G/6 ) hook Q Toy stuffing Q 2 safety eyes (2mm) For yarn stockists see Bird House, left

TENSION

near where it came out and pull to secure For a full list, see page 92

turn. [4 sts] Join Yarn C into first unworked st from Row 20 and repeat Rows 21-27. Fasten off.

NOTES Follow the Chart below when instructed. Read all RS rows from right to left, and WS rows from left to right. Each square represents 1 dc st except the first and last square of Rows 8-11, which represent 2dc.

HEART MOTIF (MAKE 2) Using Yarn C, ch3.

Row 1 (RS) Dc in second ch from hook and next ch, turn. [2 sts] Row 2 Ch1 (does not count as st throughout), 2dc into next 2 sts, turn. [4 sts] Row 3 Ch1, 2dc in first st, dc in each st to last st, 2dc in last st, turn. [6 sts] Rows 4-7 Rep Row 3. [14 sts] Refer to the Chart below for colour changes over the next 9 rows.

Rows 8-11 Repeat Row 3. [22 sts] Rows 12-19 Ch1, dc into each st across, turn.

[22 sts] Row 20 Ch1, dc in first 11 sts, turn leaving remaining 11 sts unworked. [11 dc] Rows 21-27 Ch1, (dc2tog), dc in each st to end,

TO MAKE UP Using Yarn B, embroider French knots for decoration, and insert a safety eye into the Robin. You can use the photo as a guide.

EDGING Place the Heart Motifs with WS together.

Join Yarn A with a ss to the bottom point of both Motifs.

Round 1 (Working through both Motifs) Ch1, dc in point of Heart, *ch1, skip 1 st or row end, dc in next st or row end; repeat from * 18 times more to the top indent of heart, ch1, **dc in next row end or st, ch1, skip 1 st; repeat from ** 18 times more, (dc, ch2) into same st as beg dc, ss to first dc to join.

[40 dc, 39 ch-1 sps, 1 ch-2 sp] Round 2 *5htr in next ch-sp, ss in next ch-sp; repeat from * to the indent at the top of the Heart, (ss, ch20, ss) in top centre ch-1 sp, *5htr in next ch-sp, ss in next ch-sp; repeat to end.

[19 5-htr cluster, 20 ss] Fasten off and weave in ends.

Tension is not critical for this project

MEASUREMENTS Decoration measures approx 14x13cm (5½x5in) at the widest points

16 15 14

ABBREVIATIONS French knot Thread yarn onto needle, secure on the WS, bring the needle through to the RS, hold yarn taut and wrap around the needle 3 times, insert the needle back into the fabric Subscribe at www.simplycrochetmag.com

13 12 11 10 9 8

Key Yarn C Yarn A Yarn D

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CHRISTMAS WISHLIST

Show oFf

suCh a Softie

If they love to make and give, then customisable labels are a very funky gift. www.wunderlabel.com

Encourage young ones to craft or hook up a cutie for a fave niece or nephew with Knitty Critter kits. www.johnlewis.com

£16.50

£20

WANT ED Cracking crochet gift ideas for the hookster who has everything (but really, we just want this stuf for Christmas)

prEtty Things These super-stylish crocheted storage baskets are perfect for keeping yarn and WIPs under control. www.safarifusion.com.au From £89

we love

Super-size CrochEt kit

yOu’Ve goT mail The gift that keeps on giving – Crochet Surprise offer monthly project boxes and digital packages are coming soon.

See website for prices & shipping. www.crochetsurprise.com

Go super-size with this jumbo DIY hand-crocheted stool kit, complete with 2kg of yarn! www.wool couturecompany.com

£77.99

neW skilLs Crochet workshops, such as those run by designer Emma Leith in Wiltshire, are a fun way to try new things. Look out for vouchers from local studios. www.emmaleith.co.uk/workshops From £10

yaRn, and More yaRn If in doubt, a nice DK such as this 100% Bluefaced Leicester will always be a winner. www.wyspinners.com

£4.85 for 50g

CreatIvity fIx The new Scheejpes Studio Pack includes two magnetic boards, a full set of Catona 10g Cutie Pie yarns (all 109 colours!) plus more accessories. Pure delight in a box! www.scheepjes.com/en £79.99

BowleD over Using a yarn bowl is so helpful, so why not have a handmade ceramic sloth version? etsy.com/ shop/Barruntando £33

s

sia Yarn k n Ba DESIGN • CREATE • INSPIRE

We post internationally from Australia.

We stock a range of quality Australian & UK yarns.

3c East Market St, Richmond, NSW 2753, Australia

banksiayarns.com.au

11th November 2019, 9am until 4pm Nottingham Conference Centre, Goldsmith Street, Nottingham Shop for delectable artisan hand-dyed and breed-specific yarn, haberdashery, gorgeous designer patterns and much more.

Live Music by Highly Strung (String Quartet).

Crochet and Knitting Workshops including Crochet for Complete Beginners and Broomstick Lace with Zoe Potrac on the 11th of November.

Tickets are £8 in advance and £10 on the door.

Advance tickets sales are automatically entered into a prize draw for Prym goodies.

www.nottinghamyarnexpo.com

THE SNOWMAN

© Snowman Enterprises Limited 2018. THE SNOWMAN™ Snowman Enterprises Limited ‘The Snowman’ by Raymond Briggs © 1978, 2018

Ilaria Caliri has recreated one of Christmas’ most iconic characters for you to crochet, in a gorgeous wool cotton yarn for soft snuggles.

Happy 40th birthday to The Snowman...

THE SNOWMAN

A BIT TRICKY DK WEIGHT

3MM HOOK

Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman has a place in many family Christmas traditions, and this crocheted version is the perfect handmade gift for young fans of the original picture book, animation and the new novelisation.

Happy 40th anniversary to The Snowman!

YOU WILL NEED

NOTES

DROPS Cotton Merino (50% wool, 50% cotton, 50g/110m) 2 balls of Yarn A Off White (01) 1 ball of each: Yarn B Rust (25) Yarn C Black (02) Q DROPS Karisma (100% wool, 50g/100m), 1 ball of Yarn D Light Olive (45) Q A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook Q 5mm safety eyes (2) Q Thin plastic, approx 10x10cm (eg. ice cream lid) Q Stitch markers Q Toy stuffing For yarn stockists contact Wool Warehouse 01926 882818 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk

The Snowman is worked in a continuous spiral, without closing off each round with a ss.

You may find it helpful to mark the first st of the round, moving the stitch marker up as you work.

The Body of the Snowman is worked up from the Second Leg. Each foot has a plastic disc in the base to help maintain the shape. Cut 2 circles, approx 3cm in diameter, from thin plastic or cardboard to use as foot supports.

Q

TENSION

ARMS With Yarn A, make a magic loop.

Round 1 (RS) Ch1 (does not count as st throughout), 6dc into the loop. [6 dc] Round 2 2dc in each st around. [12 dc] Round 3 (2dc in next st, dc in next 3 sts) 3 times. [15 dc] Rounds 4-17 Dc in each st around.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Tension is not critical for this project

MEASUREMENTS Snowman measures 27cm (10½in) tall

ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92

FIRST LEG With Yarn A, make a magic loop.

Round 1-2 (RS) Repeat Rounds 1-2 of Arms.

Round 3 (2dc in next st, dc in next st) 6 times.

[18 dc] Round 4 (2dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts) 6 times. [24 dc] Round 5 Dc in the bl of each st around.

Rounds 6-7 Dc in each st around.

Insert foot support (see Notes).

Round 8 Dc in next 6 sts, (dc in next 2 sts, dc2tog) 3 times, dc in last 6 sts. [21 dc] Round 9 Dc in next 6 sts, (dc in next st, dc2tog) 3 times, dc last 6 sts. [18 dc] Rounds 10-18 Repeat Round 6.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

SECOND LEG AND BODY Repeat Rounds 1-18 of the First Leg without fastening off.

Round 19 Dc in the next 4 sts on the Second Leg, place the First Leg to the left of the Second Leg so that both feet point in the same direction away from you, dc in the next 15 sts on the First Leg, skip last 3 sts on the First Leg, skip the next 3 sts on the Second Leg, dc in the next 11 sts on the Second Leg. [30 dc] Round 20 (2dc in next dc, dc in next 9 sts) 3 times. [33 dc] Round 21 (2dc in next dc, dc in next 10 sts) 3 times. [36 dc] Round 22 (2dc in next dc, dc in next 11 sts) 3 times. [39 dc]

64 WWW.SIMPLYCROCHETMAG.COM

To get his rounded shape, Illaria has carefully planned out her increases and decreases

Round 23 (2dc in next dc, dc in next 12 sts) 3 times. [42 dc] Round 24 (2dc in next dc, dc in next 13 sts) 3 times. [45 dc] Round 25 (2dc in next dc, dc in next 14 sts) 3 times. [48 dc] Round 26 (2dc in next dc, dc in next 15 sts) 3 times. [51 dc] Round 27 (2dc in next dc, dc in next 16 sts) 3 times. [54 dc] Rounds 28-34 Dc in each st around.

Stuff Legs and continue stuffing as you go.

Round 35 (Dc2tog, dc in next 16 sts) 3 times.

[51 dc] Round 36 Repeat Round 28.

Round 37 (Dc2tog, dc in next 15 sts) 3 times.

[48 dc] Round 38 Repeat Round 28.

Round 39 (Dc2tog, dc in next 14 sts) 3 times.

[45 dc] Round 40 Repeat Round 28.

Round 41 (Dc2tog, dc in next 13 sts) 3 times.

[42 dc] Do not fasten off.

JOIN THE ARMS The last st worked should be in line with the centre of the side of the left Leg. Round 42 Position an Arm close to the Body, *dc through the next 3 sts of the Body and 3 sts on the Arm working from the WS of the Arm and the RS of the Body, dc in next 14 sts on the Body; repeat from * to join the second Arm, dc in next 8 sts on the Body.

[42 dc] Round 43 *Dc in the 12 unworked sts of the Arm, dc in next 14 sts of the Body; repeat from * once more, dc in next 8 sts. [60 dc] Stuff the Arms and continue stuffing as you work.

THE SNOWMAN

Rounds 44-46 Dc in each st around. [60 dc] Round 47 (Dc2tog, dc in next 8 sts) 6 times.

[54 dc] Round 48 (Dc2tog, dc in next 7 sts) 6 times.

[48 dc] Round 49 (Dc2tog, dc in next 6 sts) 6 times.

[42 dc] Round 50 (Dc2tog, dc in next 5 sts) 6 times.

[36 dc] Round 51 (Dc2tog, dc in next 4 sts) 6 times.

[30 dc] Round 52 (Dc2tog, dc in next 3 sts) 6 times.

[24 dc] Round 53 (Dc2tog, dc in next 2 sts) 6 times.

[18 dc] Round 54 (Dc2tog, dc next st) 6 times.

[12 dc] Round 55 (Dc2tog) 6 times. [6 dc] Fasten off and weave in ends.

HEAD With Yarn A, make a magic loop.

Rounds 1-4 Repeat Rounds 1-4 of the First Leg. [24 dc] Round 5 (2dc in next st, dc in next 3 sts) 6 times. [30 dc] Round 6 (2dc in next st, dc in next 4 sts) 6 times. [36 dc] Rounds 7-12 Dc in each st around.

Round 13 (Dc2tog, dc in next 4sts) 6 times.

[30 dc] Round 14 (Dc2tog, dc in next 3) 6 times.

[24 dc] Round 15 Dc in each st around.

Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing the Head on to the Body.

Secure the eyes between Rounds 8 and 9, 6 sts apart.

Embroider the nose using Yarn B over Rounds 10 and 11.

Backstitch the mouth using Yarn C.

Use the image as a guide.

Stuff the Head and sew it to the Body over Round 52.

BUTTONS (MAKE 3) With Yarn C, make a magic loop.

Round 1 Ch1, 5dc into the loop. Fasten off.

HAT With Yarn D, make a magic loop.

Rounds 1-5 Repeat Rounds 1-5 of the First Leg. [24 dc] Round 6 (2dc in next st, dc in next 7 sts) 3 times. [27 dc] Round 7 (2dc in next st, dc in next 8 sts) 3 times. [30 dc] Round 8 (2dc in next st, dc in next 4 sts) 6 times. [36 dc] Round 9 Dc in fl of each st around.

Round 10 (2dc in next st, dc in next 5 sts) 6 times. [42 dc] Round 11 (2dc in next st, dc in next 6 sts) 6 times. [48 dc] Fasten off and weave in ends.

SCARF With Yarn D, ch6.

Row 1 Dc in the second ch from hook, dc in each ch across, turn. [5 dc] Row 2 Ch1, dc in each st across, turn.

Row 3 Ch1, skip 1 dc, dc in each st across, turn. [4 dc] Rows 4-5 Repeat Row 2.

Row 6 Repeat Row 3. [3 dc] Row 7 Repeat Row 2.

Row 8 Repeat Row 3. [2 dc] Rows 9-30 Repeat Row 2.

Row 31 Ch1, 2dc in next st, dc in each st across, turn. [3 dc] Row 32 Repeat Row 2.

Row 33 Repeat Row 31. [4 dc]

Illaria colour-matched the DROPS Light Olive yarn to the original, iconic illustrations

The nose, smile and three coal ‘buttons’ are added afterwards and stitched in place Rows 34-35 Repeat Row 2.

Row 36 Repeat Row 31. [5 dc] Row 37 Repeat Row 2.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

TO FINISH Sew Buttons to the Body, one over Rounds 35 and 36, the second over Rounds 40 and 41, and the third over Rounds 45 and 46.

40th Anniversary The Snowman by Raymond Briggs was released in 1978 and the well-loved animated feature followed four years later. Since then the iconic figure and his friend have become a children’s classic. To mark The Snowman’s fortieth anniversary, acclaimed children’s author Michael Morpurgo has reimagined the story as a novel of the same name.

Out now, Penguin Books, RRP £12.99.

Find The Snowman online this winter!

• facebook.com/OicialSnowman • twitter. com/TheSnowmanHQ • instagram.com/ OicialTheSnowman • www.thesnowman.com

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We're going completely Christmas in the latest issue of Love Crochet, take your pick from a fabulously festive collection of decorations, gifts and garments! PLUS, we're giving you a BONUS 32-page book of gift ideas, perfect for beginners!

Don't miss out – order your copy today!

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AT JUST £5.99 THIS ISSUE INCLUDES: ■Quick & easy projects ■Advice & tutorials ■EXTRA 32-page book

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Plus! We have all the latest news, easy-to-follow step by steps with every project, and pages of gorgeous shopping inspiration to get you in crochet frame of mind!

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CALL 03330 162 138 and quote ‘Love Crochet December 2018 print 1’ ONLINE www.buysubscriptions.com/craftspecial ų9/ GEPPW [MPP GSWX XLI WEQI EW SXLIV WXERHEVH Ƥ\IH PMRI RYQFIVW WXEVXMRK SV ERH EVI MRGPYHIH EW TEVX SJ ER] MRGPYWMZI SV JVII QMRYXIW EPPS[ERGIW

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EMBELLISH AN OUTFIT

fancy dress

All aflutter

Give a little one wings this Christmas with Samanta Fornino’s quick-to-hook angel upgrade

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EMBELLISH AN OUTFIT

A BIT TRICKY CHUNKY WEIGHT

4.5MM HOOK

Small children love pretending to be something different, and angels and fairies are always a favourite, particularly at Christmas. Let their imagination fly with this delightful pair of angel wings made in Peter Pan’s gloriously fluffy Precious Chunky. They’re the stuff of sweet dreams.

YOU WILL NEED Peter Pan Precious Chunky (80% nylon, 20% polyester, 50g/75m) 1 ball of Angel (3430) Q A 4.5mm (US 7) hook Q Stitch markers For yarn stockists contact TB Ramsden 01943 872264 www.tbramsden.co.uk Q

TENSION Tension is not critical for this project

MEASUREMENTS Each Wing measures approx 20cm (7¾in) in length

ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92

NOTES It can be difficult to see the sts when working with Peter Pan Precious Chunky. We suggest using a stitch marker to mark the first and last st of each row. This will help you keep track of your stitch count.

WINGS (MAKE 2) Ch30.

Row 1 Htr in the second ch from hook, htr in next 14 ch, dc in last 14 ch, turn. [15 htr, 14 dc] Row 2 Ch1, (does not count as st throughout), dc in each st across, turn. [29 dc] Row 3 Ch1, dc in first 25 sts, turn leaving rem 4 sts unworked. [25 dc] Row 4 Ch1, dc in first 10 sts, htr in next 15 sts, turn. [10 dc, 15 htr] Rows 5-6 Repeat Row 2. [25 dc] Row 7 Ch2 (counts as htr throughout), htr in next 14 sts, dc in next 6 sts, turn leaving rem 4 sts unworked. [15 htr, 6 dc] Rows 8-10 Repeat Row 2. [21 dc] Row 11 Ch2, htr in next 12 sts, dc in next 4 sts, turn leaving rem 4 sts unworked.

[13 htr, 4 dc] Rows 12-13 Repeat Row 2. [17 dc] Do not fasten off after turning.

BORDER Round 1 Ch1, dc in next 3 row ends, htr in next 2 unworked sts from Row 11, dc in next 2 sts, dc in next 3 row ends, htr in next 2 unworked sts from Row 7, dc in next 2 sts, dc

Add Samanta’s fluffy wings to the back of a dress or jumper for festive fancy dress fun

in next 3 row ends, htr in next 2 unworked sts from Row 3, dc in next 2 sts, dc in next 3 row ends, dc in next 12 sts (working into back of foundation ch), htr in next 4 sts, tr in next 4 sts, dtr in next st, tr in next 4 sts, htr in next 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts, htr in next row end, tr in next 5 row ends, htr in next 3 row ends, dc in next 4 row ends, dc in next 13 sts of Row 13, ss in last 4 sts. [83 sts] TO FINISH Sew or stick the Wings onto the back of a top or dress.

SIMPLE STEPS HOW TO MAKE A HALF TREBLE

1 To make a half treble crochet stitch, work to where you want the htr and then wind the yarn round the hook (yrh).

68 WWW.SIMPLYCROCHETMAG.COM

2 Insert the hook under the top two loops of the next stitch in the previous row.

Wrap yarn around the hook again (yrh).

3 Pull the yarn through the stitch only (3 loops on hook).

4 Yarn round hook again, pull the yarn through all 3 loops.

You’ve made a half treble crochet. Continue working htr into next and following sts to the end of the row.

TWO-TONE COASTER Ma k e s 4 0 c oaste rs...

Gif t aler t !

EASY PEASY ARAN WEIGHT

3.5MM HOOK

YOU WILL NEED Scheepjes Cahlista (100% cotton, 50g/85m), 1 ball of each: Shocking Pink (114) Royal Orange (189) Saffron (249) Ultra Violet (282) Dark Teal (401) Apple Granny (513) Candy Apple (516) Silver Blue (528) Q A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook For yarn stockists contact www.scheepjes.com/en Q

TENSION Tension is not critical for this project

MEASUREME NTS Each Coaster measures 11cm (4¼in) in diameter

ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92

NOTES Each Coaster is made up of two colours. Mix and match colours as desired.

Decide which colour will be Yarn A and which will be Yarn B. On Rounds 1-3 the non-working yarn is held over the sts of the previous round and worked over with the working yarn. Change colours on the last yrh of the st before colour change is indicated.

You can make 40 Coasters from all the yarn listed.

Mirror image

Whip up Eleonora Tully’s two-tone colour change coasters. Speedy stocking illers sorted!

Add bright pops of colour to your party theme with these quick and easy coasters.

It’s a great pattern for stash busting, too.

On each round, change colour halfway through to get this stunning effect

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COASTER Using Yarn A, ch4, ss to first ch to form a ring.

Round 1 (RS) Ch3 (counts as tr throughout), 5tr into the ring, change to Yarn B, 6tr into the ring, change to Yarn A, ss to beg ch-3 to join. [12 sts] Round 2 Ch3, tr into st at base of ch-3, 2tr in next 5 sts, change to Yarn B, 2tr in next 6 sts, change to Yarn A, ss to beg ch-3 to join.

[24 sts] Round 3 Ch3, tr into st at base of ch-3, tr in next st, (2tr in next st, tr in next st) 5 times, change to Yarn B, (2tr in next st, tr in next st)

6 times, change to Yarn A, ss to beg ch-3 to join. [36 sts] Fasten off Yarn B. Round 4 Ch5 (counts as tr, ch-2 sp), skip next st, (tr in next 2 sts, ch2, skip next st) 5 times, tr in next st, join Yarn B (do not carry Yarn A), tr in next st, ch2, skip next st, (tr in each of next 2 sts, ch2, skip next st) 5 times, tr in final st, ss to third ch of beg ch-5. [24 tr, 12 ch-2 sps] Round 5 Using Yarn B, ch1 (counts as dc), 5tr in next ch-sp, (dc in next 2 sts, 5tr in next ch-sp) 5 times, dc in next st, change to Yarn A, dc in next st, (5tr in next ch-sp, dc in next 2 sts) 6 times omitting last dc, ss to beg ch-1 to join. [12 5-tr clusters, 24 dc] Fasten off and weave in ends.

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C rainbow & pompoms accessories

christmas cushion off-the-shoulder sweater

sunshine clutch bag puff stitch poncho

festive reindeer girl iphone cover & more!

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PLAN YOUR CROCHET YEAR!

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* Contents subject to change

CROCHET COLOUR CLASS

e p h t i nk n I ry issue and learn how to use it e v e n i r u . By Ka lo o c a r te Br e v o c unin Dis g

hUe, shaDe, tone and Tint ‘Hue’ means a colour, and ‘shade’, ‘tone’ and ‘tint’ apply to variations on that colour, adding black, grey or white to achieve specific effects. This info will help you find the right colours and make decisions on choosing colours for projects.

Shade Adding black to the original hue will give a rich, intense appearance

Tone

Tint

Add grey to the original hue for subtle, sophisticated results

Adding white to the original hue will make a softer, pastel palette

Made in association with Yarn and Colors. For stockist information see www.yarnandcolors.com

The colour PINK-PURPLE A WARM-COOL BLEND! agenta was the colour of my grandfather-in-law’s fuchsias.

A soldier in WWII and retired dairy farmer, he cultivated fuchsias so dainty, they appeared to be tiny ballerinas dancing on air. To discover that this colour was named after both a battle and a flower filled me with delight! Originally called Fuchsine for the aniline dye developed in 1859 (which took its name from the fuchsia), it was renamed in the same year to celebrate French victory in the Battle of Magenta.

Magenta was also the colour of my wedding dress, a shocking pink, first made famous in the 1930s by Elsa Schiaparelli and later, Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. I felt, if it was to be the dress of a lifetime, it needed to be in a colour brilliant enough to match the joy in my heart (and it was also more flattering than white).

M

Kate Bru ning aka @greedyforcolou r

COLOUR THEORY A split complementary colour scheme works with 3 shades around the colour wheel; here Kate is using urple, gold and green A split complementary scheme takes a base colour and then matches it with the shades either side of its complementary colour (the colour directly opposite it on the wheel). This can be a more harmonious way to contrast colours. For the flower motif in this issue’s gorgeous blanket pattern, Kate has started with magenta and surrounded it with yellow and green. The cream surround to the motif and fuchsia backdrop really enable the colour trio to stand out. See below for more combos to try.

Magenta is more than a fusion of pink and blue – it’s the turning tide between warm colours (red, orange and yellow) and cool colours (purple, blue and green) with superpowers to balance and bring vibrancy to any colour scheme. No wonder it was the darling of this year’s New York Fashion week!

COLOUR FACTS: MAGENTA In 2014, the world’s most famous stamp, the 1856 one-cent Magenta from British Guiana, sold for US$9.5 million.

Magenta is one of the four printer ink colours, along with cyan, yellow and black.

Cyan, magenta and yellow can make up every colour, including black.

Marilyn Monroe’s shocking pink dress was lined with felt to stiffen it for her dancing scenes, ensuring no inadvertent revelations!

Puce, one of Marie Antionette’s favourite colours, was so named by King Louis XVI – he thought it resembled the colour of a flea.

wers are Magenta flo a s their u s, always glorio ry colou r complementa is green

Hyd rangeas have been embracing the magenta trend for years

MORE COLOUR SCHEMES TO TRY The central motif of Kate’s blanket features magenta, green and gold on a cream backdrop.

But you can mix and match to suit your space...

+

Cream

+

Petroleum Mustard

+

Eucaplyptus Coral

=

+

+

Papaya

=

+

Light pink

Dream bedroom scheme

Sweet shop chic

Deep cerise

Get more inspiration from the Yarn and Colors range at www.yarnandcolors.com

A sweet blend of pu rple, green, pink , gold and cream!

Magenta balances warm colours too

Christmas roses Kate Bruning’s blanket makes a generous gift, or a fab addition to your own sofa

MAGENTA BLANKET

A BIT TRICKY 4PLY WEIGHT

3.5MM HOOK

It doesn’t have to be Christmas to hook up this super-stylish blanket in Yarn and Colors’ crisp cotton yarn – it will work as a stylish, eye-catching throw any time of the year. We love the large square motif and gorgeous colour combos. Magenta for the win!

YOU WILL NEED

NOTES

Yarn and Colors Must-Have (100% cotton, 50g/125m), 11 balls of Fuchsia (049) 2 balls of each: Purple Bordeaux (050), Aventurine (079), Ecru (003) 1 ball of Gold (089) Q A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook For stockists contact Yarn and Colors www.yarnandcolors.com

The Blanket is made up of 42 Square Motifs, which are joined at the end.

Q

TENSION The first 6 rounds of each Motif measure 10cm (4in) in diameter

MEASUREMENTS Each Square measures approx 16.5x16.5cm (6½x6½in) Finished Blanket measures approx 119.5x105cm (47x41¾in)

ABBREVIATIONS ttr (triple treble crochet) Yrh 3 times, insert hook into st specified, yrh, pull through the st, (yrh, pull through 2 loops on the hook) 4 times twisted 2tr Skip next st, tr into next st, work a tr into the skipped st For a full list, see page 92

SIMPLY MUST-HAVE YARNS! All the projects in our new Crochet Colour Class series are made using the Yarn and Colors Must-Have range, one of eight ranges the brand now carries. Owner Koen says, “With lots of love and care we have created a colour range of 100 different shades, forming the foundation of Yarn and Colors. All our ranges are based on this colour palette, creating an assortment where not only can colours easily be combined but the different yarns can be effortlessly mixed, too.”

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SQUARE MOTIF (MAKE 42) Using Purple Bordeaux, make a magic loop.

Round 1 Ch2 (counts as htr throughout), 9htr into the loop, ss to top of beg ch-2 to join.

[10 htr] Round 2 Ch4 (counts as dtr), 4dtr into same st as ch-4, ch2, skip 1 st, (5dtr into next st, ch2, skip 1 st) 4 times, ss to top of beg ch-4 to join.

[5 5-dtr cluster, 5 ch-2 sps] Fasten off.

Round 3 Join Gold into the third st of any 5-dtr cluster, ch1 (does not count as stitch throughout), *dc into 3rd st of 5-tr cluster (same st as ch-1), ch3, skip 2 sts, dc into next ch-2 sp, ttr into skipped st from Round 1, dc into same ch-2 sp, ch3, skip 2 sts]; repeat from * 4 times more, ss into top of beg dc to join.

[15 dc, 5 ttr, 10 ch-3 sps] Fasten off.

Round 4 Join Aventurine into any ttr st, ch3 (counts as the first tr throughout), tr into same st as ch-3, ch3, ss into same ttr, ch3, 2tr into same ttr, ch6, *2tr into next ttr, ch3, ss into same st, ch3, 2tr into same ttr, ch6; repeat from * 3 times more, ss into top of beg ch-3 to join.

[20 tr, 5 ch-6 sps] Fasten off.

Round 5 Join Ecru into any ch-6 sp, ch1, *3dc into ch-6 sp, dtr into dc from Round 3 (the dc worked into the 5-tr cluster), 3dc into same ch-6 sp, ch4, ss into the next dc from Round 3 (working behind the sts from Round 4), ch1, ss into the next dc from Round 3, ch4; repeat from * 4 times more, ss into beg dc to join.

[30 dc, 5 dtr, 10 ch-4 sps, 10 ss] Round 6 Ch3, *tr into next 6 sts, (3tr into next ch-4 sp) twice, tr into next dc; repeat from * 4 times more omitting last tr, ss into top of beg ch-3 to join. [65 tr] Round 7 Ch3, tr into next 4 sts, 2tr into next st, (tr into next 5 sts, 2tr into next st) 9 times, tr into next 4 sts, 2tr into last st, ss into top of beg ch-3 to join. [76 tr] Fasten off.

Round 8 Join Fuchsia into any st, ch2, *htr into next st, ch2, skip 2 sts, tr into next st, ch2, skip 2 sts, dtr into next st, ch2, skip 2 sts, (3ttr, ch3, 3ttr) in next st, ch2, skip 2 sts, dtr into next st, ch2, skip 2 sts, tr in next st, ch2, skip 2 sts, htr in next st; repeat from * 3 times more omitting last htr, ss into top of beg ch-2 to join. [8 htr, 8 tr, 8 dtr, 24 ttr, 4 ch-3 corner sps, 24 ch-2 sps]

With 100 shades in the Must-Have range, it’s easy to find colours that blend beautifully

Round 9 Ch1, *dc in first 2 sts, 2dc in next ch-2 sp, (dc in next st, 2dc in next ch-2 sp) twice, dc in next 3 sts, (2dc, ch2, 2dc) into ch-3 corner sp, dc in next 3 sts, (2dc in next ch-2 sp, dc in next st) twice, 2dc in next ch-2 sp; repeat from * 3 times more, ss into top of beg dc to join.

[112 dc] Round 10 Ch3, tr into st to the right of beg ch-3 (counts as first twisted 2tr), *(twisted 2tr (see abbreviations) over next 2 sts) up to next ch-2 sp, (tr, ch2, tr) into ch-2 sp; repeat from * around, ss into top of beg ch-3 to join.

[56 twisted 2tr, 8 tr, 4 ch-2 sps] Round 11 Ch1, dc in bl of each st to next ch-2 sp, (dc, ch2, dc) into ch-2 sp; repeat from * around, ss into beg dc to join.

[128 dc, 4 ch-2 sp] Fasten off and weave in all ends.

You should block the Square Motifs before joining them.

JOIN MOTIFS Join the Square Motifs in a 7 x 6 formation.

Using Fuchsia, lay them out with the WS facing up and whipstitch through the top loops.

BORDER Join Fuchsia into any corner.

Round 1 Ch5 (counts as tr, ch2) tr into same corner sp, *twisted 2tr across to next corner (counting each ch-2 sp between the rows of Motifs as a st), (tr, ch2, tr) into next corner sp; repeat from * around, ss to 3rd ch of beg ch-5 to join. [438 twisted 2tr, 8 tr, 4 ch-2 sps] Round 2 Ch1, dc in bl of first st, *(dc, ch2, dc) into ch-2 sp, dc in bl of each st to next ch-2 sp; repeat from * 3 times more, ss to beg dc to join.

[892 dc] Fasten off and weave in any remaining ends.

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Hook and a Book is proud to present our one-of-a-kind Christmas box, filled to bursting with festive goodies, all you need to make three beautiful projects and a gorgeous Christmas book. It makes the perfect gift for crafters, no matter their skill level!

Online store that ofers a fantastic range of yarn including Alize, Grundl, Ice, Mayflower, Woolcraft and accessories supplied by Stitching Pretties. Great Christmas ideas such as mystery yarn boxes and exclusive patterns such as the forest sprite designed by Loopie & Bean.

07949 172846 hookandabook@gmail.com hookandabook.com/ christmas

DENISE2GO FOR CROCHET Interchangeable hooks for Tunisian or standard crochet, now available on Amazon UK! Includes 12 hook sizes (F5/3.75mm–19/15mm) and 6 cords, perfect for working projects in lace to bulky yarns. Interchangeable with all Denise products. Made in the USA. knitdenise.com

07889 671974 yarnsandbits@gmail.com yarnsandbits.com

STODOLA Make your baking patterned!

These lovely decorative engraved rolling pins are great kitchen furnishings used either as a practical utensil for baking or as a beautifully designed piece of art. Engraved rolling pins are a great and easy way of printing anything you want on cookies, fondant, chocolate or ceramics. engravedrollingpins.com

YARN REVIEWS

y r a e t r t n i l s G am with these stunning spark l g e h t ly yar on g n i ns r B HAT MOTIF

Ch8.

ROW 1 Dc in second ch from hook, dc across, turn. [7 dc] ROW 2 Ch2 (does not count as st), *fphtr in first st, bphtr in next st; repeat from * across, turn.

ROW 3 Ch1, dc in each st across, turn.

ROW 4 Ch1, (dc2tog), dc to last 2 sts, (dc2tog), turn. [5 dc] ROW 5-6 Repeat Rows 3-4. [3 dc] ROW 7 Repeat Row 3.

FASTEN OFF and weave in ends. Sew a small pompom to the centre st of the last row.

Hook up cuúe bobble haús for brooches and decs

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YARN REVIEWS

stylecraft cosy chunky

wendy Chic

WEIGHT Chunky CONTENT 59% acrylic, 15% metallic polyester, 14% alpaca, 12% polyamide SKEIN 100g/213m HOOK 6mm RRP £4.79

WEIGHT Chunky CONTENT 60% nylon, 30% polyester, 10% metallic SKEIN 50g/80m HOOK 4.5mm RRP £2.49

Cosy Chunky, a chainette yarn, has an almost mohair-like quality. The metallic polyester running throughout gives it a pretty glitter effect while complementing the yarn shade.

The 14% alpaca fibre content also helps this mostly-synthetic yarn take on a more natural feel.

It’s available in five wintry shades, such as Glacier, Frost, Dawn and Dusk (above) and is machine washable at 30°C, can be dry cleaned and even tumble dried. Patterns include jumpers, cardigans and cushions. www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk 01535 609798

Chic is a gorgeous eyelash yarn with highlights of glitter running through. It has the appearance and touch of soft faux fur, great for cosy winter makes. The nylon and polyester form a strong base strand, preventing the eyelashes from shedding. The thick eyelash

Sirdar Colourwheel dazzle

Opal Lucky Sparkle

WEIGHT DK CONTENT 78% acrylic, 19% wool, 3% polyester BALL 150g/520m HOOK 4.5mm RRP £12.27

WEIGHT 4ply CONTENT 71% wool, 26% polyamide, 3% polyester SKEIN 100g/425m HOOK 2.5mm RRP £7.99

The special Dazzle collection adds six fabulous glittery yarn cakes to the Colourwheel range of variegated yarns. The acrylic and wool blend creates a soft yarn that’s pleasurable to crochet with, while the evenly spaced single metallic polyester strand gives a nice, speckled glitter

effect. It’s pretty versatile for a glitter yarn, being machine washable at 40°C, and it can be ironed on a cool setting. The Colourwheel patterns include a fetching wrap that’s perfect for parties if crocheted in Dazzle. www.sirdar.co.uk 01924 231682

You’re in for a real treat with this new Opal yarn. The 71% virgin wool gives it a lovely bouncy feel, while the extra polyamide gives it strength. As well as having long colour changes throughout the ball, its glitter strand is also well spaced out, giving the final fabric a subtle

fibres mean this isn’t one for beginners, but once you are confident using the chunky strand, it works up quickly and is very satisfying! It’s available in five stand-out shades and is machine washable at 30ºC. www.tbramsden.co.uk 01943 872264

effect with a bit of shine, which means it works well for socks.

This yarn also features a uniform twist which makes it a joy to crochet with. Available in six colourways, it’s practical too – machine wash at 40°C. www.woolwarehouse.co.uk 0800 505 3300

Scheepjes Twinkle

mothy and the squid industrial sparkle

WEIGHT DK CONTENT 75% cotton, 25% polyester BALL 50g/130m HOOK 4mm RRP £2.99

WEIGHT 4ply CONTENT 75% superwash Merino, 20% nylon, 5% stellina SKEIN 100g/400m HOOK 3mm RRP £18.00

Twinkle is a great value chainette yarn with an iridescent glitter strand running throughout.

Because the glitter strand is included in the chainette structure, you get a very strong and full glitter effect in your crocheted fabric. The blend of cotton and polyester gives the Subscribe at www.simplycrochetmag.com

fabric a slightly rough, sturdy quality, which makes it perfect for decorations and projects that need to hold their shape.

Twinkle is available in 37 special sparkly shades and is machine washable at 30ºC. www.scheepjes.com +353 21 435 5808

If you fancy treating yourself to a little bit of sparkle while supporting an indie dyer, then you’ve got to check out Mothy and the Squid. Their sparkle yarns are available in a wide range of hand-dyed colour combinations, and are all super-soft thanks to the Merino

and nylon blend. They all feature a 5% stellina fibre, which is a non-metallic nylon that gives an incredibly subtle glitter effect. It can be washed on a gentle wool cycle, although handwashing is recommended. https://www.etsy.com/shop/ MothyAndTheSquid WWW.SIMPLYCROCHETMAG.COM 77

Show us yours Join our gang of Treble Makers and share your thoughts and makes with us, for a chance to be featured here, use our hashtag #Sctreblemaker

HEY THERE JOHNNY

ER! N N I W

W In issue 73, we

angel eyes

featured a pattern

by Mary’s Amiland of a bear that was heading off to the beach with his fishy friend. Janet Ogden hooked up the amigurumi pattern for a special little one and we’re happy to hear he’s being kept warm for the winter months until he can head to the beach again. Thanks for the email, Janet!

Lorraine McDonald (Rainmac Crafts) posted up all angles of her lovely angel that she’s made as a gift to our Facebook page, with the comment, “Just made this little beauty s I love her and am so tempted to keep her.” The original pattern featured in issue 63 of Simply Crochet, designed and made by Ilaria Caliri using Scheepjes yarn.

You'll find it on Ravelry as Little Angel Doll.

SUNNIER TIMES Caroline Warren of @poppyseedsbeads posted this lovely bag (from issue 66) to Insta. “I've competed one of my WIPs! I remember working on this one day while it was snowing outside so it’s been in progress for quite some time...” We’re glad you found time to finish it, Caroline!

DOUBLE TAP We’ve been double tapping on Instagram and admiring your makes.

Tag us @simplycrochetmag and use the hashtag #SCtreblemaker.

SLOW DOWN Rebecca (@thesecret craftbook) made this fab little sloth brooch from issue 75 to adorn her jacket.

What a great way to feel chilled out.

PERFECT CIRCLE Rachel (@rachel_on_ instag) hooked up the picnic rug pattern from issue 73 for a friend’s baby. She didn’t realise it would end up so big!

WATCH OUT We sent thousands of these little monsters out in kit form, just in time for Halloween. Åsa (Aasa.74) in Sweden caught one to post a pic! Cute.

CURTAIN CALL Adrienne adapted a crocheted bag design from one of our ‘Hook to Hook’ challenges to hang neatly from the back of her wheelchair. Genius!

THE LOWDOWN It’s simple to be in with a chance of winning one of three great hooky prizes in a future issue!

Show us your Simply Crochet makes on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or via email or post by 30 November 2018.

For all terms and conditions, and more information, visit www.simplycrochetmag.co.uk/competitionrules COMPETITION RULES By Promoter: Immediate Media Company Bristol Limited (“Promoter”). By taking part in one of our Competitions, you agree to be bound by these Competition Rules. Late or incomplete entries will be disqualified. No responsibility accepted for lost, delayed, ineligible or fraudulent entries. Proof of posting (if relevant) shall not be deemed proof of delivery. Entries must be submitted by an individual (not via any agency or similar) and, unless otherwise stated, are limited to one per household. The Promoter reserves the right in its sole discretion to substitute any prize with cash or a prize of comparable value. Unless otherwise stated, the Competition is open to all UK residents of 18 years and over, except employees of the Promoter and any party involved in the competition or their households. By entering a Competition you give permission to use your name, likeness and personal information in connection with the Competition and for promotional purposes. All entries will become the property of the Promoter upon receipt and will not be returned.

You warrant that the Competition entry is entirely your own work and not copied or adapted from any other source. If you are a winner, you may have to provide additional information. Details of winners will be available on request within three months of the closing date.

If you are a winner, receipt by you of any prize is conditional upon you complying with (among other things) the Competition Rules. You acknowledge and agree that neither the Promoter nor any associated third parties shall have any liability to you in connection with your use and/or possession of your prize. The draw is final and no correspondence will be entered into. If any winner is unable to be contacted within one month of the closing date, the Promoter will offer the prize to a runner up. Promoter reserves the right to substitute the prize with one of the same or greater value but there is no cash alternative. Competitions in issue 76 are open from 00:01 on 25 October 2018 until 11:59pm on 21 November 2018. For Terms and Conditions of the competitions in this issue, see www.simplycrochetmag.co.uk

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@ SIMPLYCROCHET

BATH TIME In issue 74, Becky Skuse got technical and showed us how to do mosaic crochet with this geometric bath mat, hooked up with super chunky yarn. Rising to the challenge was Antonia Brydon, who shared her pink and white version via her Instagram account @Crankmama. A retro treat!

HELLO RUDOLPH! Yvonne Allen (vonny1955) couldn't wait to get started on our fluffy reindeer from issue 76. “I could not resist this little chap!”

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Perfect rounds LEARN ABOUT INVISIBLE JOINS AND STANDING STITCHES

Whether you’re making granny squares or hats, working in the round is one of the best ways to crochet. You probably already know how to make a magic loop and change colour, but there are a few extra little tricks that we want to share with you, to help your rounds look perfect!

a turning chain. We’ll show you everything you need to know about both techniques, and then you can use your new skills to make the perfect granny square, and use more squares to make our gorgeous bag on page 85.

Hook one up now for a fabulous Christmas gift!

FAST AND SMART Invisible joins are a quick and clever way to finish off rounds in super-neat style by joining the first and last stitches without the awkward bulk of a slip stitch.

Meanwhile, standing stitches are an amazing way to start a new round fast, without working

GrannY squAre bag p85

Why use invisible joins and standing stitches?

Let us show you what’s so great about these neat tricks…

There’s nothing wrong with using slip stitches and turning chains – we’ve all been using them forever – but invisible joins and standing stitches create a more polished look, and once you’ve seen the difference you might want to convert. Let’s compare: Step 1 Here’s a typical first round of a flat motif with 12 treble stitches worked into a magic loop, joined with a slip stitch and fastened off. That final working loop creates an awkward bump and the yarn still needs to be taken to the back of the work to be woven in.

Step 2 This time, we used an invisible join instead – can you see it? The circle has a consistent look, with no bump, and the yarn is at the back already. The stitches are also easier to count and easier to work into on the next round.

All in all, it does look neater.

Step 3 Here’s the next round, made with a ch-3 turning chain, 2tr in each st and a slip stitch join.

The turning chain and bump can spoil the shape, giving an inconsistent look.

Step 4 This time, we started the round with a standing stitch, which looks just like the other stitches. By ending the round with an invisible join as well, these perfect partners create the perfect circle with no obvious start or end. This gives a neater look all round.

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How do I work an invisible join?

Here’s how to work this quick and easy technique…

To try an invisible join, just grab any yarn (you’ll find that a smooth yarn will be easier to practise with), a suitably sized hook for the yarn weight and a tapestry nedle. Start by making a round of trebles, but don’t join them. We used a DK yarn and a 4mm hook to work a magic loop, ch3, 11tr into the loop.

Step 1 Cut the yarn leaving a 10cm tail, but keep your hook in the working loop. Use the hook to pull the loop until the tail comes all the way through. Don’t worry, your work won’t unravel!

Step 2 Your final stitch should now look like this, with the tail end emerging from the centre of the top loop of the last stitch.

Step 3 Next, thread that tail onto a tapestry needle.

Step 4 Locate the first two stitches at the beginning of the round.

Skip the top of the first stitch – in our example, that’s the top of the ch-3 turning chain. Insert the tapestry needle into the second stitch, under the top two strands, in the same way as you’d normally insert the hook to work into that stitch.

Step 5 Pull the tapestry needle and yarn all the way through, but don’t pull tightly. You will have made a small strand between the last

stitch and the second stitch, which runs over the top of the first stitch.

Step 6 Keeping the tail end of yarn on the tapestry needle, insert it into the last stitch, in the same place as it emerged in Step 2 – this is the centre of the top loop of the last stitch. Don’t push it all the way through yet.

Step 7 Flip the work over so you can see the back of the stitch. You should be able to see that the stitch has an extra horizontal strand of yarn at the back, parallel with the top strands of the stitch. Make sure the tapestry needle goes under this extra horizontal strand at the back of the stitch.

Step 8 Pull the needle and yarn all the way through (don’t pull the tail end too tight) and flip back to the front of the work. You will have made a loop between the last stitch and the second stitch that looks like the top loop of all the other stitches – it should sit over the first stitch and be the same size as each of your crocheted stitch loops.

Now weave in the tail end at the back, once again taking care not to pull your carefully worked stitch too tightly. Keep your finished circle to practise standing stitches next…

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p o h s k r Wo

How do I work standing stitches?

Get ready to wave goodbye to turning chains To start a new round or row, you can use a standing stitch (in this case, a treble) instead of a turning chain. They’re easy, but a bit fiddly to start with, so go slowly and keep practising. For our example, use a contrasting colour for the second round.

Step 1 Wrap the yarn around your middle finger, as shown, with the tail end approx 10cm from your finger. Try to ‘clamp’ the yarn in place between your fingers.

Step 2 Keeping the yarn where it is, take your hook and move it around the working end of the yarn twice.

Step 3 Insert the hook into the stitch you want to work into – in our practice piece, insert it into the top of any stitch on the little circle you’ve already made.

Step 4 From this point, the treble stitch is pretty much created as usual, so work yrh…

Step 5 …and pull up a loop.

Step 6 Work yrh and pull through the first two loops.

Step 7 Finally, work yrh and pull through two loops – the last of these loops will just be a strand of yarn nearest the tail end lying across the hook. Treat this strand like a loop and take the working loop under it.

Your standing stitch is now complete, but keep hold of the yarn tail – that top loop is not secure yet.

Step 8 Make the next two stitches as usual – for our example, treble in the same stitch, then treble in the next stitch. Now you can let go of the tail end. You’ll see that the standing stitch looks almost identical to the other two stitches.

Step 9 Continue your pattern as usual – for our example, 2tr in each stitch around. Use an invisible join to join the round, following the instructions on the previous page – you’ll create a nice loop over the top of the standing stitch and will have created a perfect circle!

Carefully weave in the two tail ends at the back of the work.

Tip Follow Steps 1-9 to make a standing version of any crochet stitch, varying the number of yrh you start with in Step 2.

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Written by Becky Skuse

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GRANNY SQUARE BAG

Winter sunsets Use your new skills to make Becky Skuse’s granny square bag in warm colours – why not make it for Mum?

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WWW.SIMPLYCROCHETMAG.COM 85

GRANNY SQUARE BAG

EASY PEASY ARAN WEIGHT

5MM HOOK

YOU WILL NEED Scheepjes River Washed XL (70% cotton, 30% acrylic, 50g/75m) 1 ball of each: Yarn A Avon (974) Yarn B Mersey (979) Yarn C Murray (978) 2 balls of: Yarn D Eisack (975) Q A 5mm (US H/8) hook Q Lining fabric, approx 35x70cm (13¾x27½in) Q 4 D-rings Q Cotton fabric binding, approx 4.5x150cm (1¾x59in) Q

TENSION The first three rounds of each Motif measure 8cm (3¼in) in diameter

MEASUREMENTS Bag measures approx 30x34cm (12x13½in) without straps

ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92

For a professional look, and to add strength, sew in a lining to your granny square bag 86 WWW.SIMPLYCROCHETMAG.COM

Designer Becky Skuse says: “Inspired by the beautiful colours of sunsets , this simple granny square bag project is a relaxing treat for dark evenings. I used a super-soft yarn with a lovely two-tone shade effect, which is a joy to hook up. Each square starts with a circular sun shape that’s then turned into a square, like the sun meeting the horizon. The squares offer the perfect opportunity to practise invisible joins and standing stitches, although standard instructions are included as well. There are also various options for the strap so you can create a bag as individual as every sunset.”

NOTES Please refer to the Workshop feature on the previous pages for instructions on invisible joins and standing sts. The bag is made up of 13 Motifs: Rounds 1-3 will use Yarn A, Yarn B and Yarn C in any order. You should change the order of the colours and make two in each possible combination and a final in whichever colour combination you like best.

The final round of each Motif will be made with Yarn D. Refer to the diagram below when constructing the Bag. SQUARE MOTIF (MAKE 13) Using Yarn A, B or C, make a magic loop.

Round 1 (RS) Ch4 (counts as dtr throughout), 15dtr into loop, invisible join. [16 dtr] Fasten off.

Round 2 (RS) Using Yarn A, B or C, work a standing tr into any stitch, tr in same st, 2tr in each st around, invisible join. [32 tr] Fasten off.

Round 3 Using Yarn A, B, or C, work a standing tr into any stitch, *(2tr, dtr, ch1, dtr, 2tr) in next st (corner made), tr in next st, htr in next 2 sts, dc in next st, htr in next 2 sts, tr in next st; repeat from * three more times omitting last tr, invisible join.

[24 tr, 8 dtr, 4 ch-1 sps, 16 htr, 4 dc] Fasten off.

Round 4 Using Yarn D, work a standing htr into any ch-1 sp, (htr, ch1, 2htr) in same ch-1 sp, *htr in each st to next ch-1 sp, (2htr, ch1, 2htr) in next ch-1 sp; repeat from * twice more, htr in each st to final ch-1 sp, invisible join. [68 htr, 4 ch-1 sps] Fasten off and weave in ends.

TO MAKE UP Arrange your Square Motifs as shown in the diagram and join them together using your preferred method. Lay the Lining material over the joined Motifs, mark out the shape and cut out.

Referring back to the diagram, fold along the dotted lines so that the 2 point As meet and the 2 point Bs meet. Join the sides together in the same way you joined your Motifs,

working from the centre fold to point A on one side or point B on the other side.

Sew the lining into the bag leaving a 1cm gap along the top of the bag. You can use the image as a guide.

STRAPS Referring to the diagram, work a tab to connect the Bag Straps; the position has been labelled ‘Strap’.

With RS facing, locate the ch-1 sp in the corner of the Square Motif and count back two stitches, join Yarn D here using a ss.

Row 1 Ch2, tr in next st (counts as tr2tog), 3htr into ch-1 sp, tr2tog over next 2 sts, turn.

[5 sts] Rows 2-3 Ch2 (counts as htr), htr in next 4 sts, turn. [5 sts] Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

Fold the tab over a D-ring and use the long tail to sew the tab to itself on the inside of the bag.

Repeat Rows 1-3 on the three Strap points that remain.

Take your length of binding, cut into two pieces, insert one end of the first piece into one D-ring and fold it back on itself by approx 3cm. Sew into place. Attach the other end of the same strap to the D-ring on the same side of the bag.

Repeat with the other strap length with the D-rings on the other side of the bag.

Strap

Strap

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Strap

Key Square Motif Fold Lines

YOUR GUIDE

Crochet essentials

HOWTO VIDEO S

For v help, seeidoeuo demos and expe at wwwr.yYarniversity chanrtne SimplyCrooutube.com/ l chetMag

Over the next few pages, you’ll ind simple step-by-step guides to many useful stitches and techniques that you’ll use every time you pick up a hook HOLDING THE HOOK

HOLDING THE YARN

Try these methods and see which works best

Even tension results in even stitches

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.

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 the yarn loosely around the little finger of your left hand, then take it over the third finger, behind the middle finger and over your index finger.

3 Catch the ball end of the yarn with the hook and pull it back through the centre of the loop, taking the yarn through with it.

4 Pull both ends of the yarn to tighten the knot, then pull just the ball end to tighten the loop so it’s close to the hook, but not touching it.

MAKING A SLIPKNOT The first loop on the hook

1 Hold the tail of the ball of yarn in your left hand and drape the yarn clockwise over the top of it to form a loose, circular loop.

2 Hold the loop between left thumb and forefinger, then insert the crochet hook through the centre of the loop from front to back.

CHAIN STITCH Use this stitch to make your foundation chain

How to count chains 1

9

1 Hold the hook in your right hand, and both the yarn end and the working yarn in your left hand. Move the hook under and over the yarn to wrap it around anticlockwise.

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2 Pull the hook towards the slipknot, catching the yarn in the hook, and pulling it through the slipknot loop. This forms your first chain (ch) stitch.

Repeat steps 1 and 2 to form a chain length.

3 This is what your row of chains will look like. Hold the chain with your left hand near the hook, to keep the tension.

Keep going until you have the number of chains that’s stated in your pattern.

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Each chain or loop counts as one stitch. Never count your first slipknot or the loop on the hook (called the working loop). So that you can be accurate, make sure the chain is not twisted and that the front is facing you.

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SLIP STITCH (ss)

WORKING IN ROWS

This stitch has no height – often used to join rounds

Follow these simple rules to construct crochet fabric

1 The slip stitch is used to join a length of chain into the round. Insert the hook from front to back into the first chain you worked. Wrap yarn round the hook (yrh) in an anticlockwise direction.

2 Pull the yarn through the chain stitch (as shown) and then the loop already on the hook to make a slip stitch. You can also work this stitch into each stitch along a row to form a neat edging.

1 The first row is made by working across the foundation chain from right to left. At the end of the chain or row, turn the work so that the yarn is behind the hook.

2 For the next row, first make the turning chain for the stitch you’re about to work (see opposite). Now work the next stitch into the top of the stitches on your first row, missing the first stitch.

DOUBLE CROCHET (dc) US term: single crochet One of the key stitches in crochet, doubles are simple, compact stitches that form a dense fabric

1 To make a double crochet stitch, insert the hook under the top two loops of the next stitch on the previous row.

2 Wind the yarn around the hook (yrh).

3 Pull the yarn through the stitch, giving you two loops on your crochet hook.

4 Yarn round hook again, then pull the yarn through both loops. There’s your double crochet made and you’ll have one loop left on the hook, ready to do the next stitch.

HALF TREBLE CROCHET (htr) US term: half double crochet A handy stitch that’s between double and treble crochet in size, and it looks slightly looser than double crochet

1 To make a half treble crochet stitch, work to where you want the htr and then wind the yarn round the hook (yrh).

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2 Insert the hook under the top two loops of the next stitch in the previous row.

Wrap yarn around the hook again (yrh).

3 Pull the yarn through the stitch only (3 loops on hook).

4 Yarn round hook again, pull the yarn through all 3 loops.

You’ve made a half treble crochet. Continue working htr into next and following sts to the end of the row.

YOUR GUIDE TREBLE CROCHET (tr) US term: double crochet One of the most popular stitches in crochet, this simple stitch is twice as high as a double crochet stitch

1 To work a treble crochet, start by winding yrh and then insert the hook under the top two loops of the stitch on the previous row.

2 Wrap the yarn around the hook (yrh) and pull the yarn through the stitch only.

DOUBLE TREBLE CROCHET (dtr) US term: treble crochet This is a stitch regularly used as an elongated version of the treble (described above). It’s worked in a very similar way to the treble, as follows: 1 Make a foundation chain. Skip 4ch, *yrh twice, and insert the hook under the top loop of the next ch.

2 Yrh, pull the yarn through the ch loop only (4 loops on hook).

3 Yrh and pull the yarn through 2 loops only (3 loops on hook).

Yrh and pull the yarn through 2 loops only (2 loops on hook).

4 Yrh and pull the yarn through the remaining 2 loops. Repeat from * to make more dtr sts.

5 To make the next row of dtr, turn work and ch4. This turning chain counts as the first dtr in a new row. Skip first st at the base of the t-ch, work 1dtr under the top two loops of the 2nd stitch in the previous row; continue to the end of the row.

3 You will now have 3 loops on the hook. Yrh again, and draw the yarn through just the first 2 loops on the hook.

4 You will now have 2 loops on the hook. Yrh again and draw the yarn through the remaining loops on the hook. Your treble crochet is complete.

TRIPLE TREBLE CROCHET (ttr) US term: double treble crochet This is one of the longest standard crochet stitches and is mainly used in fancy stitch patterns. It’s taller than a double treble crochet stitch (described left) and is worked in a very similar way, as follows: 1 Make a foundation ch. Skip 5 ch, *yrh 3 times, insert hook under top loop of next ch.

2 Yrh, pull yarn through ch loop only (5 loops on hook).

3 † Yrh, draw loop through 2

loops only. Repeat from † 3 times more and your triple treble will be finished. Repeat from * to make more ttr sts.

4 To make the next row, turn work and ch5. This turning chain counts as the first triple treble in a new row. Skip first st at base of the t-ch. Work 1 triple treble, inserting hook under the top 2 loops of the 2nd st in the previous row; continue to the end of the row.

TURNING CHAIN (t-ch)

How to count stitches

For an even finish, start each row with a turning chain

Check your work is correct

In crochet, you need to add turning chains (t-chs) to the beginning of rows. The reason for this is to bring the hook up to the height of the stitches you’re crocheting. Each basic stitch has its own number of chains. The

table below tells you how many t-ch sts form the first stitch. *For dc, usually the turning chain does not count as a stitch, and the first stitch of the row is worked into the stitch at the base of the turning chain.

STITCH

Add to foundation chain before starting row

Skip at start of foundation row (counts as first st)

For turning chain (counts as first st)

Double crochet

1 ch

1 ch*

1 ch*

Half treble

1 ch

2 ch

2 ch

Treble

2 ch

3 ch

3 ch

Double treble

3 ch

4 ch

4 ch

Triple treble

4 ch

5 ch

5 ch

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Being able to count your stitches is very important and helps you to ensure that you’re following a pattern correctly. It’s a good idea to count your stitches at the end of every row. To count short stitches such as double crochet, look at the plaited tops (see above right). For taller stitches, count the upright ‘stems’ – each ‘stem’ is counted as a stitch (see right).

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

5

5

6

6

7

8

7

9

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HOW TO CHANGE COLOUR

INCREASING AND DECREASING

Create stripes and other colour effects

Shaping stitches are vital for making garments

1 Before you work the final yrh (yarn round hook) on the last stitch of a row in the old colour, drop the old yarn and then pick up the new one with your hook.

2 Pull through a loop of the new yarn to finish the old stitch. The working loop will be in the new colour.

Continue, keeping the old yarn at the wrong side.

INCREASE To increase one stitch is very simple – work one stitch into the next stitch on the row below. When you’ve finished, work another stitch into the same stitch.

DECREASE For a quick decrease, just skip one stitch.

For a neater look, work the first part of one stitch and then begin the next stitch.

Finish both together.

SEWING SEAMS You can join crochet seams by using a tapestry needle or a crochet hook, using one of these four methods

1 Sewing with a tapestry needle is the regular and neat way to join seams. Place two pieces of crochet right sides together and oversew them as shown above, using a tapestry or yarn needle.

2 To slip stitch a seam, place the crochet pieces right sides together. *Insert hook into both edge stitches, yrh and pull through to complete 1 slip stitch; rep from * working into the next edge stitches, keeping work fairly loose.

How to check your tension Make and measure a swatch to check your tension Most crochet patterns state the tension required, in rows and stitches of a specific type. Make a swatch at least 15cm square and check that your tension matches. Place a ruler across the swatch and insert two pins, 10cm apart. Then place the ruler along a column of stitches and insert two pins 10cm apart. Count the stitches and rows between the pins – if you have less than the pattern, your tension is too loose so you need to use a smaller hook, but if you have too many, use a larger hook. It’s usually better to match the stitches than rows, because you can always work more or fewer rows.

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3 For a dc seam, place the crochet pieces right sides together, or wrong sides together for a visible seam.

Work as for slip stitch seam, using double crochet instead of slip stitch.

4 A useful variation on the dc seam, the dc and chain seam is used when less bulk and/or greater flexibility is needed.

Work 1 double crochet and 1 chain alternately.

YOUR GUIDE FOUNDATION RING

WORKING STITCHES INTO A RING

Create a foundation ring for working in the round

To make circles, tubes and other shapes

1 Make a chain the length stated in the pattern instructions. Next, insert the crochet hook into the first chain. Close the ring with a slip stitch, working yrh…

2 …and pull yarn through 2 loops on hook. Now you’re ready to start crocheting in the round, following the instructions given right.

1 Make a foundation ring and work the t-ch (3ch for treble sts). Work a treble st as usual, but insert hook into centre of ring. For treble sts, yrh, insert hook into ring.

2 Finish the treble as usual (yrh, pull yarn through ring, yrh, pull yarn through first 2 loops, yrh, pull yarn through 2 loops). Work more sts into the ring as needed.

3 Make a t-ch for the sts you want to work (above, we made 1 t-ch for dc). Work your sts into the Magic Loop, over both the loop and the tail end (so two yarn strands).

4 Once you’ve worked the first round of stitches, simply pull the tail end of yarn to draw up the ring. Work a slip stitch to join the last and first sts to finish the first round (as instructed in the guide below).

MAGIC LOOP An alternative foundation ring for working in the round

Working yarn

Tail end

1 To start a Magic Loop, don’t make a slipknot. Instead, make a loop with the yarn, leaving a tail around 10cm long. Make sure the tail end is under the working yarn.

2 Now insert your hook into the loop, from front to back. Wrap the working yarn around the hook and pull the yarn through the loop.

JOINING ROUNDS Finish off each round of crochet stitches nice and neatly by using a slip stitch

Rounds or spirals

1 To close a round of stitches, work a slip stitch into the top of the turning chain. To do this, insert the hook into the top stitch of the turning chain.

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2 Then place the yarn round the hook. Pull the yarn through the turning chain stitch and through the original stitch on your hook.

3 You’ve slip stitched the round together! Before working another round, be sure to make the required turning chain. Always work rounds on the right side, unless you pattern instructs you otherwise.

Some patterns are worked in rounds that are joined together at the end of each round (see left).

Other patterns are worked in a spiral so you don’t need to join the rounds at the end, just keep going, working into the next stitch on the previous row.

Amigurumi toys are often worked in a spiral like this.

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©Stephanie Lau, www.allaboutami.com

Check which technique you need to use

Crochet hook conversions

Abbreviations across approx beg bl BPtr

ch(s) ch-sp(s) chcl(s) 2-tr cl

cont dc dc2tog

dec dtr dtr2tog fdc ftr fl foll/folls FPtr

to end of the row approximate(ly) beginning insert hook under back loop only Back Post treble: yrh, starting from the back, insert hook from back to front to back around post of st in row below, complete as treble st chain/chain stitch(es) chain space(s) refers to ch made previously, eg. ch-3 clusters (yrh, insert hook in sp/ st, yrh & pull up loop, yrh & draw through 2 loops) twice, inserting hook in same sp/st, yrh & draw through all loops on hook continue double crochet (insert hook in next st, yrh and draw a loop through) twice, yrh and draw through all 3 loops on hook decrease double treble crochet work 2dtr together foundation dc foundation tr insert hook under front loop only following/follows Front Post treble: work in opposite way to BPtr

htr htr2tog in next inc LH lp(s) meas patt(s) pm prev qtr rem rep RH rnd(s) RS sk sp(s) ss st(s) tbl t-ch(s) tog tr tr2tog

ttr WS yrh *

()

half treble work 2htr together sts to be worked into the same stitch increase left hand loop(s) measures pattern(s) place marker previous quadruple treble remain(s)/remaining repeat right hand round(s) right side skip space(s) slip stitch stitch(es) through back loop turning chain(s) together treble crochet (yrh, insert hook in next st, yrh and pull up loop, yrh and draw through 2 loops) twice, yrh and draw through all loops on hook triple treble crochet wrong side yarn round hook work instructions immediately foll *, then rep as many more times as directed work all instructions in the brackets as many times as directed

HOW TO GET A PERFECT FINISH To prevent your hard work unravelling once you’ve finished crocheting, fasten the end off carefully, following our instructions below Complete the final stitch, then cut the yarn about 15cm from the work. Pull it through the last loop on the hook and pull to close the loop. Thread the yarn tail onto a tapestry needle and weave into the back of the work. Most crochet items don’t need a lot of blocking, but cotton lace work usually does.

To do this, carefully pin out the item with rust-proof pins, mist with a water spray and leave to dry naturally.

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UK

METRIC

US

14

2mm

–

13

2.25mm

B/1

12

2.5mm

–

–

2.75mm

C/2

11

3mm

–

10

3.25mm

D/3

9

3.5mm

E/4

–

3.75mm

F/5

8

4mm

G/6

7

4.5mm

7

6

5mm

H/8

5

5.5mm

I/9

4

6mm

J/10

3

6.5mm

K/10½

2

7mm

–

0

8mm

L/11

00

9mm

M/13

000

10mm

N/15

Which hook do I use?

Hook size

UK yarn weight

2.5-3.5mm hook

4ply yarn

3.5-4.5mm hook

double knitting yarn

5-6mm hook

aran yarn

7mm and bigger

chunky yarn

UK/US conversions UK

US

chain

ch

chain

ch

slip stitch

ss

slip stitch

ss

double crochet

dc

single crochet

sc

half treble

htr

half double

hdc

treble

tr

double

dc

double treble

dtr

treble

tr

triple treble

ttr

double treble

dtr

Cthe CroChet BouTiqueC CUMBRIA

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Crochet

festisvweet you’ll e ideas love!

C H R I S T M A S Hook yourself a very happy Christmas with this collection of over 50 festive favourites from the Simply Crochet team. Packed with patterns for gifts and decorations, plus winter warmer accessories, it’s the perfect crochet companion for the holiday season.

JUST

£8.99 inc P&P*

O N S A L E N OW! CALL 03330 162 138 and quote ‘YOUR CROCHET CHRISTMAS 18 PRINT1’ ONLINE www.buysubscriptions.com/crochetxmas UK calls will cost the same as other standard ixed line numbers (starting 01 or 02) and are included as part of any inclusive or free minutes allowances (if ofered by your phone tarif ). Outside of free call packages call charges from mobile phones will cost between 3p and 55p per minute.

Lines are open 8.00am-6.00pm weekdays and 9.00am–1pm Saturday for orders only. Overseas please call +44 (0) 1604 973 746. * Price applies to UK orders only. EUR price £10.99, ROW price £11.99. All prices include P&P. Please allow up to 28 days for delivery.

HOOK’N’LEARN

r o f t A e r G ! s r e N n I g e B

s e t v i t a ch W

G

ucy C L g n i k o et ho

roft’s 10th block for our beau tiful b la

nket

Made in association with Scheepjes. For stockists visit www.scheepjes.com

HOOK ’N’ LEARN hiiiiiiiij

STONE WASHED XL

HOW-TO VIDEOS

Learnthisstitchatyoutube.com/ user/simplycrochetmag

This version of the blanket is made in Scheepjes Stone Washed XL. Wave is the 10th stitch to learn in our Simply Crochet Hook ‘n’ Learn. There are just two more stitches to follow, which we’ll take you through step-by-step, making this a perfect project for a beginner to get their hook into.

This is the 10th pattern in our Hook ‘n’ Learn blanket crochet-along, which we’re running over the year. Perfect for beginners and fun for more experienced stitchers, you’ll learn how to do 12 attractive stitches, then we’ll show you how to put it all together in the last issue. This issue, try Lucy’s Wave stitch with its gently undulating pattern. Choose between the beautiful soft shades of Stone Washed XL, or the bright tones of Colour Crafter (or go mad and make both!). Please note: if you’re making the Colour Crafter version, with previous stitches you made two blocks, but for this time you’ll only need to make one Wave Block.

Stone washed XL Make one Wave Block Q Scheepjes Stone Washed XL (70% cotton, 30% acrylic, 50g/75m), 2 balls of each: Peridot (867), Larimar (868) Q A 5.5mm (US I/9) hook For yarn stockists for both versions visit Scheepjes at www.scheepjes.com/en

TENSION 13 sts and 11 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over Wave Stitch using a 5.5mm hook

MEASUREMENTS Each Block measures 40x40cm (16x16in)

SHOW US YOUR HOOK ’N’ LEARN! We want to see how you’re getting on!

Join our group at www.facebook.com/ groups/hooknlearn and post your pics on Facebook and Instagram #SChooknlearn

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colour crafter Make one Wave Block Q Scheepjes Colour Crafter (100% acrylic, 100g/300m), 1 ball of each: Gouda (1081), Tilburg (1083) Q A 4mm (US G/6) hook

TENSION 16 sts and 12 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over Wave Stitch using a 4mm hook

MEASUREMENTS Block measures 36x30cm (14½x12in)

ABBREVIATIONS For a full list, see page 92

NOTES The instructions for the Colour Crafter blanket are shown in brackets.

WAVES BLOCK Using a 5.5mm (4mm) hook and Peridot (Tilburg), ch51.

Row 1 (RS) Dc in second ch from hook, dc in each ch across, turn, fasten off. [50 dc] Row 2 (WS) Join Larimar (Gouda) in first st, ch1 (does not count as st throughout), dc in first 4 sts, *htr in next 2 sts, tr in next 2 sts, htr in next 2 sts, dc in next 6 sts; repeat from * across omitting last 2 dc, turn, fasten off.

[26 dc, 12 htr, 8 tr] Row 3 (RS) Join Peridot (Tilburg) in first st, ch1, dc in each st across, turn, fasten off. [50 dc] Row 4 Join Larimar (Gouda) in first st, ch4 (counts as dtr), dtr in next st, *tr in next 2 sts, htr in next 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts, htr in next 2 sts, tr in next 2 sts, dtr in next 2 sts; repeat from * across, turn, fasten off. [8 dc, 10 dtr, 16 tr, 16 htr]

HOOK ’N’ LEARN hiiiiiiij

COLOUR CRAFTER

The rows of the Wave stitch block are gently curvy, adding a jazzy spin on the usual straight lines of stripes. Top left: worked in Stone Washed XL Peridot and Larimar; Bottom left: worked in Colour Crafter Gouda and Tilburg; Right: Colour Crafter creates a distinctively bright blanket.

STONEWASHED VERSION ONLY

44

6

5

4

3 2 1

COLOUR CRAFTER VERSION ONLY Rows 7-38 Repeat Rows 3-6 eight times more.

Rows 39-41 Repeat Rows 3-5.

Row 42 Join Gouda in first st, ch1, dc in first st, *dc in next 3 sts, htr in next 2 sts, tr in next 2 sts, htr in next 2 sts, dc in next 3 sts; repeat from * across to last st, dc in last st, turn, fasten off.

Row 43 Repeat Row 3.

TO FINISH Weave in all ends and block to measurements.

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16

15

14

13

12

11

10

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

Repeat

Repeat

Rows 7-42 Repeat Rows 3-6 nine times more.

Row 43 Repeat Row 3.

Row 44 Join Larimar in first st, ch3 (counts as tr), *tr in next st, htr in each of next 2 sts, dc in next 6 sts, htr in next 2 sts, tr in next st; repeat from * across to last st, tr in last st, turn, fasten off.

Row 45 Repeat Row 3.

45

Stonewashed only

Row 5 Repeat Row 3.

Row 6 Join Larimar (Gouda) in first st, ch1, dc in first 2 sts, *htr in next 2 sts, tr in next 2 sts, dtr in next 2 sts, tr in next 2 sts, htr in next 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts; repeat from * across, turn, fasten off.

Rows 3-6 set pattern. [10 dc, 16 htr, 16 tr, 8 dtr]

BUY YOUR YARN HERE! You can buy special Hook ‘n’ Learn kits for both Scheepjes Stone Washed XL and Colour Crafter yarns from www. blacksheepwools.com, www. deramores.com and www. woolwarehouse.co.uk. If you’ve missed the first nine patterns, the first three (Block, Waffle, Shell) are available to download for free (go to www.simply crochetmag.co.uk), and you can get the next six (Spike, Cable, Granny Stripe, Catherine Wheel, Puff and Apache Tears) by buying copies of our back issues (see page 94) or from Ravelry (www.ravelry.com).

Key

Chain (ch)

Double crochet (dc)

Half treble crochet (tr)

Treble crochet (tr)

Double treble crochet (tr)

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HOOKY TREASURE

Great gift idea

Bear hugs Italian crochet designer Samanta Fornino was up all night making a rug for her daughter – and it’s still special now here is no doubt, one of my all-time favourite pieces of crocheted work is this bear rug that lives on my daughter’s bedroom floor. Every time I see it, sweet memories flood back into my mind. It was springtime a couple of years ago when my pregnancy was blooming and I discovered that my third child was going to be a baby girl, after two lovely boys.

That night I couldn’t sleep. Lying on the sofa wondering about the new baby, I felt the need to do something special, something just for her, made by my own hands and filled with love. Simply, as with many other times, my crochet hook was right there to offer a solution. The night flew by, and the stitches became this bear rug – a big bear face, a few soft colours, a girly look and a round shape. It was, and is, the perfect fit for Maria Vittoria’s room.

The finished bear rug is wonderfully comfortable thanks to the thick yarn (Big Ribbon by Katia Yarn) and the simple stitches. It’s a great rug for a child’s

T

98 WWW.SIMPLYCROCHETMAG.COM

room. Ever since her baby years, she has sat, rolled and slept on it. Even now, almost two years later, I like to see her playing on the rug. It’s not just part of the furniture, but her childhood memories, too.

All of my friends and followers loved it, mainly because of the simple, child-friendly design and easy pattern. If you have a long night to spend awake, dreaming of little ones (just like it was for me!) you could even finish it before breakfast.

Alternatively, find a few peaceful hours during a busy week to make it up.

After making the rug, I started crocheting more and more with wonderful, big, thick yarn like this – soft to the touch and easy to use. The pattern for this rug (and a cute matching cushion) are available on the Katia Yarn blog. Happy crocheting!

Find the free pattern for Samanta’s bear rug at bit.ly/SCM77_samanta and turn to pages 40 and 67 to see her cute Christmas makes this issue! You’ll also ind her on Instagram @followthecrochet.

Join the King Cole Crochet-Along “Flowers in the Window�

Featuring Big Value DK 50g Visit www.kingcole.com for more details

T: 01756 703670, E: enquiries@kingcole.com, W: kingcole.com

isSue sEventY-six Simply Crochet has a brand new look and is bigger and better than ever! Get your wardrobe ready for winter with our Nordic collection, all made in gorgeous Novita yarn. We’re also gearing up for Christmas with our amigurumi reindeer and festive pudding jumper!

There’s also a beautiful bag, super-stylish blanket and much more!

see our Back IssUe ProJects in DetAil on RavEl ry Http://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.