Simply Crochet

Here at Simply Crochet, we try to bring something new to even the most tried-and-tested designs. For instance, we’ve given Fair Isle a summer makeover on page 14 and used fresh, fruity colours to spice up a twin set on page 42. We also like giving pieces a new spin with unusual textures and stitches – check out the wavy poncho on page 55, the popcorn-stitch cushion on page 77 and the glamorous, sparkly robes on the Queen Elizabeth II amigurumi on page 29. Please share your makes on Instagram tagged #sctreblemaker, or on our Facebook group Simply Crochet SCtreblemakers, as we love to see them.…

“I love mixing colours. The brighter the better!” SALLY SHEPHERD Sally runs a crochet group in her village and has lost count of the number of people she’s taught to crochet. She’s learning to spin yarn, too! See her granny square blanket on page 48. “Combining crochet and knitting in free-form designs is my passion” MARGARET HUBERT Starting in the needle arts business in 1963, Margaret has since written 31 books on crochet and knitting in her career. Check out her tank top-and-cardigan twin set on page 42. OTHER CONTRIBUTORS Natalie Beard, Jess Bennett, Lara Butler, Colette Earley, Rilla Edwards, Lucy Evans, Jenny May Forsyth, Emma Leith, Cara Medus, Kelly Wilson Moore, Fran Morgan, Nerissa Muijs, Marianne Rawlins, Becky Skuse, Matt Spiers, Pat Strong, Ellie’s Craft Boutique “Give me a crochet crochet hook and a ball of yarn…

STASH STYLE Use up your yarn in the most fashionable way possible! The Ginger Cowl by TL Yarn Crafts uses 12 shades of DK yarn to make a chic bandana-style kerchief and is also a fantastic stash-busting project. Make multiples in various colourways to give to friends and family, or choose your favourite hues and craft it for yourself. Find the PDF pattern for £5.76 at www.tlyarncrafts.com PRETTY PALETTE ▾ Arriving in eight varied and painterly shades, Ella Rae’s new mercerised cotton Watercolors range is a spring and summer dream come true. The yarn’s smooth sheen gives it a silk-like texture and look, and each skein is full of complementary colour variations. The shades have been given lovely evocative names like Two Roses, Nocturne, Wildflowers and Lady Lilith, too. To find your local…

This cosy 100% wool yarn comes to us from the remote and sharply beautiful Faroe Islands, situated about halfway between Norway and Iceland. Arctica 100% Wool, which comes from the free-roaming sheep that wander the islands’ wide-open grasslands, is brushed, bulky and, as it still has some of its lanolin, water repellant. That means it’s fantastic for all types of outerwear – though you may want to wear a layer underneath garments made from this chunky yarn, as it has a rustic, textured feel. But that’s all part of its all-natural charm, and the wide range of colours available makes it ideal for projects like Fair Isle jumpers. Each 50g ball sells for £5.50. Check out the full range when you visit www.hobbii.co.uk…

HEAD TO TOE CROCHET GURINDER KAUR HATCHARD (£16.99, Herbert Press) The arrival of a new baby is the perfect excuse to get out your hooks, and this book of themed beanies and booties is just the thing for baby-gift inspiration. With 15 beginner-friendly sets make, you can turn all the infants and toddlers you know into tiny bumblebees, strawberries, unicorns and more. Each design comes in three sizes – preemies, 0-6 months and 6-12 months. CURIOUS CROCHET CREATURES IRENE STRANGE (£15.99, David & Charles) Celebrate some of the world’s most unusual and exciting creatures with this collection of 16 amigurumi marvels. Inside, you’ll find beasts from the land, the sea and the air, including an aardvark, a narwhal, a flamingo, a chameleon and more, plus useful instructions on how to crochet in the amigurumi style. You’ll use…

Who’s in charge? Sharon King. Where can we find you? Thirsk, home of vet and author James Herriot, situated between the beautiful Yorkshire Dales and the Moors National Parks in North Yorkshire. What is your shop like? Modern, bright, warm and inclusive, offering a wide range of yarns to suit every pocket. We also give advice, are open six days a week and are part of a friendly community that meet regularly. What do you sell? A variety of commercial and hand-dyed yarn from some of the best dyers in the country. Any special evants? We have weekly Knit and Natter events on Zoom and in person. 18 Millgate, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 1AA Telephone 01845 527978 Find them on Facebook at @EweandYarn, on Instagram at @eweandyarnthirsk and on Twitter at @EweAndYarn Shop local…