Simply Crochet 92

Say hello to Granny! We know how much you love her and we’re dedicating this issue to the iconic granny square with plenty of colour-rich inspiration and projects featuring this fave motif! And why not learn new skills (or brush up on old ones) courtesy of our ‘How To Crochet’ booklet with step-by-step tutorials for all basic stitches and techniques. If you’re hunting down that perfect New Year’s project, our diamond-pattern jumper (page 50) is a satisfying piece to get your hook into while our gorgeous wrap (page 66) will keep the wicked January frosts at bay.…

MARIANNE RAWLINS Marianne has been practically glued to her hook for the past five years. An avid intarsia fan, she loves to cook up trend-led designs for her quirky crochet creations. Find her poncho on page 14. KATE MCCULLY Kate has been designing amigurumi toys for almost two years, and recently competed on Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas ! See her fuzzy monsters on page 32. CATALINA UNGUREANU Also known as ByKaterina, Catalina was taught crochet as a child, before rediscovering it four years ago. She loves creating modern, simple garments. Find her jumper on page 50. ALESSANDRA HAYDEN Crochet addict Alessandra loves designing accessories and creating interesting shapes using tapestry crochet, always accompanied by a cup of coffee! See her scarf on page 95. OTHER CONTRIBUTORS Oriana Baric, Esther De Beer, Hannah Cross, Colette Earley, Lucy Evans, Jenny May Forsyth,…

Bloom with a view Hole up through the cold winter months with Loop’s Flower Power Scarf Kit. Rustic earth tones come courtesy of hand-dyer Mette Mehlsen, who coloured the yarn with wild plants from her native Denmark. The scarf is hooked up with a series of floral granny squares, and the kit features all you need to make it – plus a bonus tote. Find it online at www.loopknittingshop.com DYE GUIDE Handcarved Hooks have expanded into hand-dyed yarn, and are giving away a free e-book on natural dying to celebrate. The new skeins are dyed in earthy pastels using pokeberries, cherries, sarsparilla root, dandelions and even purple cabbage, and are available in a full range of weightings. Intrepid crafters can even try dying their own using the site’s free e-book. Get yours from www.handcarvedhooks.com/yarn CRANE…

MODERN CROCHET BIBLE SARAH SHRIMPTON (£17.99, David & Charles) Sarah Shrimpton (of the blog ‘Annaboo’s House’) is back with another book to help you up your crafting game! Modern Crochet Bible contains over 100 contemporary crochet techniques and even shows you how to put a modern twist on traditional ones. You can then put your new knowledge to the test with a choice of over ten projects, including a beautiful geometric wrap. 3D GRANNY SQUARES CAITIE MOORE, SHARNA MOORE AND CELINE SEMAAN (£15.99, David & Charles) We love granny squares, and this book takes them to a new level with 100 designs – each with a fabulous 3D element! Motifs include food, animals (the sheep is so cute!) and flowers. Each section has a selection of projects so you can find the perfect use for…

SLOPPY JO We’re loving the slouchy faux cables on Lorin Jean’s casual but oh-so chic ‘Cameron’ beanie hat. Use a soft yarn for the best effect. Search for TwoGirlsPatterns on Etsy and Ravelry. EXOTIC HEART Tunisian crochet and colourwork in one hat – looks like it’s time to level up your crochet skills! Get the free pattern at www.acraftyconc ept.com – search ‘Tunisian hat’. BUZZIN’ BEEHIVE Chunky textured ribbing creates the look of a whicker beehive, and a hole at the crown lets you show off tumbling locks. Pattern from www.madewitha twist.com PEAK-A-BOO Hitting the slopes this winter? Don’t leave home without our mountain horizon hat in your luggage. Check out issue 90’s Hook to Hook for this peak hooky headwear. CRISS-CROSS Don’t worry –the crossed stitches in Lindsay Allercot’s ‘Sweenie Beanie’ are easier than they look! Find Lindsay…

GRANNY SQUARE PATTERN Use this Granny Square pattern when working patterns from the collection See individual patterns for tension and measurements information. NOTES For best results we recommend blocking all Squares prior to joining. If working a join as you go (JAYG) pattern you can block the Squares before the JAYG round. GRANNY SQUARE Make a magic loop. Round 1 (RS) Ch5 (counts as tr and ch2 throughout), (3tr, ch2) 3 times into loop, 2tr, ss to third ch of beg ch-5 to join, ss into ch-2 sp. [4 3-tr groups] Round 2 Ch5, (3tr, ch1) into same sp, (3tr, ch2, 3tr, ch1) into next 3 ch-2 sps, 2tr into same sp as beg ch-5, ss to third ch of beg ch-5, ss into ch-2 sp. [8 3-tr groups] Round 3 Ch5, (3tr, ch1) into same sp, *(3tr, ch1)…