Simply Crochet 109

As lockdown rules begin to ease (at least in the UK) and we are allowed out and about a bit more, don’t forget your trusty, portable crafting companion crochet! We have plenty of makes to keep you hooking on the go; our Modern Lace collection will give you a frill on page 14. Pop on the colourful granny square poncho from page 42 or the fruity motif bag on page 77 when you are out at the shops. Not going out? Then the stars and stripes cushion and blanket set on page 57 should brighten your living room and your day. Please share your makes on Instagram tagged #sctreblemaker, or on our Facebook group Simply Crochet SCtreblemakers, as we love to see them!…

EMMA LEITH Author of the books Mindful Crochet and Colourful Crochet, Emma’s exuberant use of colour makes it easy to spot her cheerful designs. Find her floral garter on page 21. KRISTEN TENDYKE Kristen lives in Maine, USA where she designs knit and crochet sweater patterns that are easy to follow, enjoyable and engaging to make. Discover her tank top on page 26. HANNAH CROSS Crochet designer Hannah is also a blogger and runs HanJan Crochet. She loves designing simple yet detailed crochet patterns that everyone can try. See her bow on page 23. MILLIE MASTERTON Millie is the crochet designer behind Ruby and Custard. She’s been busy creating the embellished T-shirt on page 39 which gives classic Breton stripes a floral update. OTHER CONTRIBUTORS Natalie Beard, Jess Bennett, Jade Bryant, Lisa Cook, Elisabeth Davis de Herraiz, Lucy Evans,…

Newest arrival Adored by parents and babies for more than 50 years, Sophie la girafe® has teamed up with Stitch & Story to create five crochet kits inspired by the legendary giraffe toy. Using Stitch & Story’s superfine Merino yarn, you can crochet gorgeous keepsakes for little ones, or give the perfect baby gift to a hooky friend. www.stitchandstory.com ROAD TRIP WITH RICO This year Rico Design are launching a Ricorumi Roadtrip crochet-along and would love you to join them for the ride. Hooked in Creative Ricorumi DK yarn, there’s nine super-cute and fun Ricorumis, like a mini van, fox with binoculars, rabbit butterfly catcher, mouse in a sleeping bag, bear with a camera and more. Download the free Ricorumi CAL patterns from www.rico-design.de/en/homeand follow along on Instagram at @ricorumi. Once you’ve finished…

100 MICRO CROCHET MOTIFS STEFFI GLAVES (£15.99,David&Charles) Explore the world of micro crochet with this collection of crochet patterns and charts for 100 exquisite crochet motifs. This collection of teeny, tiny crochet motifs from talented crochet designer and Simply Crochet designer Steffi Glaves, explores the world of miniature in crochet form. Learn to make jewellery, accessories, appliqués, or just tiny things for the sheer joy of it. ZOOMIGURUMI 10 VARIOUS DESIGNERS (£12.50, Meteoor) This new collection of 15 projects, featuring designers from all over the world (including Simply Crochet designer Ilaria Caliri), provides enough fresh inspiration to keep you crocheting. In this book you will find a feisty crab, a bouncy kangaroo, a lively squirrel, a dainty bunny and much more. Surprise your family and friends with handmade gifts, or simply make them for yourself! CROCHET STEP-BY-STEP SALLY HARDING (£14.99,…

1 A STITCH IN TIME Made from time softened and re-purposed vintage furnishing fabric, this needlecase and notions pouch are the perfect addition to any crochet bag, adding a classic aesthetic. Find for £15 each at Folksy shop Ericka Eckles. 2 CROCHET ALL DAY With hand-painted vintage-style roses, this pretty hanging sign will look lovely on the handle to a yarn stash cupboard. It’s £6 from www. pedrosplaques.com /plaques 3 KEEP GROOVING Hook up some retro vibes with the Groovy Dreams Sweater. Check those fun flared sleeves! Find the pattern on LambentCrochet’s Etsy shop for £5.47. 4 QUIRKY KITTIES Vintage cat bunting is a thing and can now be yours. Marvel at moggies from the olden days with this unique decoration. Buy for £15 from Folksy shop PollyKrafts. 5 BUTTON GLUTTON Use vintage buttons to add unique and classy…

BAG Natalie Beard’s drawstring pouch would surely dangle from a Bridgerton wrist, though the contents will be different today Scheepjes Legacy no. 8 (100% cotton, 100g/330m), 1 ball of White (009) A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook Small amount of toy stuffing TENSION Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required MEASUREMENTS Bag measures approx 22cm (8¾in) tall NOTES Bag is worked from the bottom up. Parts of the pattern are worked in the amigurumi style. Work stitches in a continuous spiral without closing off each round with a slip stitch. You may find it helpful to mark the first stitch of the round, moving the marker up as you work. BAG BASE Make a magic loop. Round 1 (RS) Ch1 (does not count as st throughout), 6dc in loop. [6 sts] Round 2 (RS) 2dc in…