Simply Crochet Issue 53

Another year, another yarn love affair. I’ve fallen for mohair in a big way. If you haven’t thought about hooking with mohair you really should – it makes a gorgeous light, fluffy and warm fabric which works up incredibly quickly because you use a big hook. Check out our mohair projects on p16. We’ve got some more exciting new things for you, too. Flip to page 57 to see our first ever Hook to Hook designer challenge. Ooh, and if you’re loving the January mandala in your Simply Crochet calendar, hook a real life version on p95. Oh, how we spoil you. Happy hooky 2017.…

Another year, another yarn love affair. I’ve fallen for mohair in a big way. If you haven’t thought about hooking with mohair you really should – it makes a gorgeous light, fluffy and warm fabric which works up incredibly quickly because you use a big hook. Check out our mohair projects on p16. We’ve got some more exciting new things for you, too. Flip to page 57 to see our first ever Hook to Hook designer challenge. Ooh, and if you’re loving the January mandala in your Simply Crochet calendar, hook a real life version on p95. Oh, how we spoil you. Happy hooky 2017.…

LOU BARNES Lou’s a designer and the star of our Simply Crochet YouTube channel. This issue, she’s also our guest columnist. Read all about her imaginative creations on page 40. ANJA TOONEN Dutch author and designer Anja has a way with amigurumi shaping. Seriously, just take one look at her fabulously curvaceous doll on page 34 and try to tell us otherwise. Case closed. JENNY KING If you loved Jenny’s floaty granny treble jumper design in issue 50, you’ll want to turn to page 52 to learn more about this fascinating Aussie designer and her Get Squared technique. SANDRINE DEVEZE French stitcher and blogger Sandrine is sharing the story behind an unbelievably cute jumbo amigurumi project this issue. Flip across to page 98 and prepare to be bowled over. OTHER CONTRIBUTORS Bergere, Esme Crick, Lucy Croft, Hannah Cross, Judy…

LOU BARNES Lou’s a designer and the star of our Simply Crochet YouTube channel. This issue, she’s also our guest columnist. Read all about her imaginative creations on page 40. ANJA TOONEN Dutch author and designer Anja has a way with amigurumi shaping. Seriously, just take one look at her fabulously curvaceous doll on page 34 and try to tell us otherwise. Case closed. JENNY KING If you loved Jenny’s floaty granny treble jumper design in issue 50, you’ll want to turn to page 52 to learn more about this fascinating Aussie designer and her Get Squared technique. SANDRINE DEVEZE French stitcher and blogger Sandrine is sharing the story behind an unbelievably cute jumbo amigurumi project this issue. Flip across to page 98 and prepare to be bowled over. OTHER…

Have you heard about our crochet-along? Simply Crochet subscribers receive an extra pattern each month to make Lucy Croft’s fabulous Pick ‘n’ Mix block blanket – it’s a stunner. The project is hooked in gorgeous Cascade 220 yarn, with packs available from LoveCrochet, and we’ve just launched a new, more budget-friendly alternative. Get your hands on a Paintbox Yarns pack for our CAL for just £40.50 at www.lovecrochet.com. Turn to page 32 for details. PAMPERED POOCHES Prove your pooch is the cutest with Stylecraft’s Pampered Pooches competition. This January, they’re looking for the most adorable dogs sporting handmade garb. The closing date is 31 January and winners will receive goodies from Stylecraft. See www.facebook.com/stylecraftyarnfor further information. JOIN THE AMI CLUB Toy makers, time to listen up – FreshStitches designer Stacey Trock has launched an…

ONE-SKEIN BABY PROJECTS SHARON SILVERMAN (£6.99, Leisure Arts) Raid your stash for colourful DK and aran yarns to make these adorable baby projects. The nine simple patterns include bibs, toys, booties and hats, in different sizes – perfect as gifts for new parents or to entice a new crocheter. Most patterns use 50-100g of yarn and use US terms, but there are bonus online tutorials. INDISPENSABLE STITCH COLLECTIONFOR CROCHETERS MELISSALEAPMAN (£16.99, Creative Publishing International) A great reference guide for every crocheter’s bookshelf, with a whopping 200 stitch patterns divided into sections of similar types, making it easy to navigate. Each one includes written instructions and a symbol chart. 35 CROCHETED BAGS EMMA FRIEDLANDERCOLLINS (£12.99, CICO Books) Whether you like satchels or shoppers, this book has a practical yet pretty pattern for every kind of bag. There are interesting stitch patterns and…