Simply Crochet 73

That welcome sunshine has got you all taking your WIPs outside, it seems (that little birdie Instagram told us!). The sunlight and fresh air are certainly good for the soul and we have plenty of summery patterns for you this issue – our collection takes you out for a picnic, complete with rug and parasol. Just add jam sandwiches and lemonade! We hope you enjoy our beautiful shawl booklet, too – and don’t forget to browse through our UK Yarn Shop Guide, especially if you’re staycationing in the UK this summer. So much to inspire your crochet – enjoy!…

That welcome sunshine has got you all taking your WIPs outside, it seems (that little birdie Instagram told us!). The sunlight and fresh air are certainly good for the soul and we have plenty of summery patterns for you this issue – our collection takes you out for a picnic, complete with rug and parasol. Just add jam sandwiches and lemonade! We hope you enjoy our beautiful shawl booklet, too – and don’t forget to browse through our UK Yarn Shop Guide, especially if you’re staycationing in the UK this summer. So much to inspire your crochet – enjoy!…

SAMANTA FORNINO Hanging out on Insta as @followthecrochet, Italy-based Samanta enjoys designing cute baby things and home décor. Your love for her makes will spike at her cactus cushion on page 59. MARY’S AMILAND Italian designer Mary is the clever crocheter behind Mary’s Amiland. Her makes are inspired by nature. Turn to page 32 to meet her sweet teddy bear (and his fish!) named Johnny. ANNE EGAN A committed crafter, Anne works with glass, metal and clay as well as textiles and yarn. She’s designed for the magazine since issue two! Try her beaded glass covers on page 24. KATE ALINARI Kate is another of our designers who hails from Italy and she’s the brains behind our lacy summer shrug this issue, inspired by picnics in the park. See her…

SAMANTA FORNINO Hanging out on Insta as @followthecrochet, Italy-based Samanta enjoys designing cute baby things and home décor. Your love for her makes will spike at her cactus cushion on page 59. MARY’S AMILAND Italian designer Mary is the clever crocheter behind Mary’s Amiland. Her makes are inspired by nature. Turn to page 32 to meet her sweet teddy bear (and his fish!) named Johnny. ANNE EGAN A committed crafter, Anne works with glass, metal and clay as well as textiles and yarn. She’s designed for the magazine since issue two! Try her beaded glass covers on page 24. KATE ALINARI Kate is another of our designers who hails from Italy and she’s the brains behind our lacy summer shrug this issue, inspired by picnics in the park. See her pattern on page 26. OTHER CONTRIBUTORS Cécile Balladino, Kate…

The cat’s whiskers We can’t get enough of this ginger moggy crochet kit from Solid and Marl – perfectly roly-poly and just the right size to squish in your hands! The kit costs £35 and comes with everything you need to make your cat, including two skeins of fine fibre lambswool, an aluminium Knit Pro crochet hook, safety eyes and nose, darning needle, stuffing, nylon thread for the whiskers and a stitch marker. Go to www.solidandmarl.com for more crochet kits, plus Solid and Marl’s own luxury British lambswool. PIMP YOUR RIDE Oh my goodness, take a look at this. You can give your bike a makeover with Scheepjes’ Artist’s Bicycle Dress kit… We’re in! The kit includes everything you need, and is available in four patterns inspired by the Dutch masters – Mondrian…

TOFT’s latest Quarterly magazine has got us in the mood for long, hot summer days at the beach. It features a fabulous collection of six summery crochet patterns. Top of our list is the super-stylish Riprap scarf – perfect for wrapping up in the sea breeze. We’re also digging the Boardwalk Blanket, and amigurumi fans will adore Olivia the Seal. There are five knitting patterns included in the book too. TOFT Quarterly costs £8, and if you buy a one year subscription you get free postage on your following three issues, plus a free bonus mini digi magazine with every issue. Head on over to www.toftuk.com…