Simply Crochet

We hear it all the time – do what makes you happy, enjoy every moment, live life to the fullest… but how do you do it? For me, the secret is in making bold choices. For instance, I love Fran Morgan’s super-vibrant zigzag top on page 27, so I’ve decided to make it for myself! Also, I’ve already adorned some tote bags with my own watermelon design from page 40, and I plan to decorate my house to the max for the coronation with bunting from page 53. What bold crochet choices have you made? Share your makes on Instagram tagged #sctreblemaker, or on our Facebook group, Simply Crochet SCtreblemakers.…

VICTORIA KAIRIS Victoria is completely amigurumi-obsessed and loves the challenge of making her characters as cute as they can possibly be. Hook one – or both – of her coffee cup cosies on page 48. EMMA LEITH Author of the books Mindful Crochet and Colourful Crochet, Emma’s use of colour makes it easy to spot her designs. See her basket on page 14 and her sea urchin blanket on page 66. NATALIE BEARD Natalie loves using colour in all her makes – the brighter the better! She’s always been a passionate crafter; any spare time is used to get creative. Check out her lampshade on page 14. HELEN ANDERSON Helen has been crocheting for eight years and loves experimenting with colour and texture to create playful and exciting designs. Check…

IDEAS INSPIRATION ACCESSORIES WEBSITES EVENTS STUFF Sunny delight The Fibre Co’s By Hook II – a collection of six crochet pieces, all using the brand’s luxurious and eco-conscious yarn – will arrive just in time for summer! From 20 April, try this bold Wild Child Cardy by Lee Sartori, hooked in Merino-blend yarn Amble, plus a vest, a cushion, a wall hanging, a bucket hat and more. Find the range at www.thefibreco.com SUPER KIDDOS Sirdar’s new patterns really pack a punch! We’re in love with these ultra-colourful superhero hoodies, complete with an awesome cape attached to the back. Hooked in Sirdar’s own Snuggly Replay, a machine-washable 50% cotton and 50% acrylic DK yarn, the collection also includes crochet superhero masks so your little one can really get into character. Visit…

CROCHET COLLAGE GARDEN CHRIS NORRINGTON (£16.99, David & Charles) Famous on Instagram for her floral crochet flatlays, designer Chris Norrington invites readers to make their own hooky flower collages with this stunning book. With ideas for all seasons, this tome is filled with 100 patterns for a wide variety of “crochet flowers, plants and petals” inspired by Chris’s own garden near the North York Moors National Park. MORE CROCHET ICONIC WOMEN CARLA MITRANI (£16.99, David & Charles) Inspirational women of the past and present come to life in this collection of clever amigurumi dolls. Inside the second volume of the Crochet Iconic Women series, you’ll find patterns to make 15 exceptional women, including singer Ella Fitzgerald, Queen ElizabethI, abolitionistHarrietTubman, ancient philosopher Hypatia of Alexandria and Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangarĩ…

Triceratops toys Meet some Cretaceous-period cuties you just have to hook! A FRIEND FULL OF FLOWERS Meet Plod the Triceratops! This sweet dinosaur is made entirely out of classic hexagonal African flower motifs using the join-as-you-go technique. Download the pattern from Heidi Bears on Ravelry for £5.50. DINO DARLING Bring up your very own triceratops toddler when you make the Triceratops Babies from Doll Patterns Shop on Etsy. Download the easy-to-follow pattern for £5.02 TRI ME OUT The pattern for the soft and squidgy Toby the Triceratops is full of images and tips to help you make your own tiny dinosaur. Get it for £6 on Etsy shop crochetbyjas2002. JURASSIC PERK Tanner the Triceratops can’t wait to be your friend! Get the free pattern from www.thenicolechase.com or get the PDF…

FLOWER FIELDS To us, this throw is the embodiment of happiness in spring! Full of bold, tessellated zigzags and lined with pretty floral motifs, this striking blanket is pure joy. FOR YOUR HOME FIT TO A TEE Master the art of dopamine dressing when you wear this exhilarating short-sleeved jumper. The wavy lines and little flower squares make this a fabulous statement piece to both make and wear. EDGE OF YOUR SEAT Who knew cushions could be so exciting – and enticing? Choose between a rectangle full of vibrant squiggles and a round burst of colour, or make both cushions to really brighten up the room! LIGHT-NING BOLT Speaking of bright ideas, this gorgeous lampshade is a great way to shine a light on your creativity in your own living…