Love Crochet

It’s that time of year when we’re thinking about how we can add a little freshness to our lives, our homes and even our hobbies. Spring is all about change, so it’s a perfect chance to switch up your decor, or how about learning a new crochet technique? We’ve got some great projects to get you feeling inspired and welcome the new season… Our pair of cushions (p40) will add a splash of colour to any room (see right), or try our rainbow baskets (p36) to get organised at home. If a new baby is on the way in 2020, then don’t miss our hot air balloon mobile (p14), nursery bunting (p22) and of course, our gorgeous traditional teddy (p18). We also have some stylish patterns to breathe new life…

Top of the Blogs! www.lucyravenscar.blogspot.com Lucy Collin is the designer behind the recently published Harry Potter Crochet book and kit (Thunder Bay Press) – the kit includes a hook shaped like a wand, which we think is the perfect finishing touch. Crocheting creatures is Lucy’s thing, and you’ll find a tribe of cute and quirky amigurumi characters on her site and in her shop. She says they’re inspired by her ‘geeky’ interests. There are an assortment of free patterns on her site (we’re loving the Daleks), plus more to buy from her Etsy site.…

How do you fancy making a kit, with the designer on hand to give you advice and tips if you get stuck? That’s what’s on offer, among lots of other yarny activities, at Textiles East Fair, which takes place at Swavesey Village College in Cambridgeshire from 21-22 Feb. Tickets are £6. This fleecy sheep, created by Alison of Sheepy Things, is just one of the tempting kit workshops to choose from. www.textileseastfair.wordpress.com Wire Crochet Jewelry Is crocheting with wire more difficult than crocheting with yarn? Well, maybe a little, but Yael takes you through the process step by step, with detailed explanations and pictures. And, the 17 projects are graded by skill level, so you can start with something easy and work up to a bejewelled masterpiece. Wire Crochet Jewelry:…

There are holes in the walls and ceiling, and they share a toilet with other refugee families crammed into the building. Khitam and Abdelsalam are mentally and physically exhausted after years of struggling to survive, unable to earn a living and fighting a daily, relentless battle to feed their children. Right now, they are terrified by the prospect of another winter in their cold, uninsulated single room. Another winter where they will feel every blast of icy wind. Another winter where every time their children cough or sneeze they will fear they have contracted a lethal respiratory condition like pneumonia or tuberculosis. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, needs your support to help parents protect their children this winter. 100mph. Wind speed during Storm Norma, Lebanon, January 2019. Please will you…

Top tip Mix and match your colours depending on what yarns you have in your stash! You will need DK yarn in yellow, pale pink, black and gold from your stash 3.5mm (UK 9 or 10, US E/4) crochet hook Six-strand embroidery thread in dark grey or black 1m narrow white tulle or ribbon Toy stuffing Measurements ■ 15x8cm (6x3¼in) Tension ■ Tension is not critical for this project but stitches should be tight so that stuffing does not show through Abbreviations ■ For standard abbreviations see page 82 Top Tip You can substitute the embroidered eyes for toy safety eyes if you have some in your stash Enjoy a night at the ballet when you stitch these adorable dancing cats! In matching golden outfits, embellished with tulle fabric and…

You will need Rico Creative Cotton Aran, 1 ball each in: Cardinal (shade 11) Turquoise (shade 36) Light Green (shade 40) Light Yellow (shade 63) Cherry (shade 65) Tangerine (shade 76) White (shade 80) 4mm (UK 8, US G/6) crochet hook Wool needle Toy stuffing Measurements ■ 22x28cm (8½x11in) Tension ■ Tension is not critical for this project Abbreviations ■ For standard abbreviations see page 82 Top tip Make the stripes different sizes and combine different colours to make this design unique About this yarn Rico Creative Cotton Aran 100% cotton 85m per 50g Machine wash at 30°C £1.89, www.woolwarehouse.co.uk The sight of a hot air balloon drifting across a blue sky is enough to put a little spring in anyone’s step, and this colourful project will have just the…