Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2017 i Love Crochet

Bring on autumn! Crunchy rust-coloured leaves; carby, comfort food; and crackling, cosy fres – we love it! But of course, it’s the new-season crochet ideas we love most… So, this month we have an issue packed full of autumnal projects, in gorgeous seasonal shades, to tuck into. We have a quick and cute apple cosy on page 36, a beautiful foral scarf (p.31), and amazing autumnal wreath, complete with two little hedgehogs (p.21). We also have a fab crochet bag for life (p.24), stylish hooded scarf (p.47) and sweet cross stitch mitts (p.52). For the home, we have an easy-to-make rug (p.66), pretty pot holder (p.65) and Moroccan birdhouse for the garden (p.68). And if it’s a Halloween make you’re after, we have an utterly adorable bat garland, perfect parties…

Top tip Customise your owl by making its body in your child’s school colours We reckon this delightful amigurumi owl is a smart and studious little chick. He even comes with his own schoolbag, notebook and accessories, so he’s all set for hard work in the new school term! So, if you know a little one preparing for the return to school – or even their frst day – Ollie the owl could make a great gift. Plus, if you work his school bag up in a slightly larger size, it could double as a handy pencil case for your lucky recipient! You will need ■ DMC Natura, 1 ball of each: Tropic Brown (N22) = C1 Lin (N78) = C2 Sable (N03) = C3 Prussian (N64) = C4 Giroflée…

Top tip The fowers could be made from leftover yarn that’s lurking in your stash Now that we’ve got autumn to look forward to, it gives us an excuse to crochet scarves. As if we need an excuse! Scarves are very easy, on the whole, but this one adds an extra feature to get your hooks into: lovely fowers. What’s more, they’re trimmed with gold. How decadent! To make it, work each fower frst, then make the fowers into the centre of squares, and – fnally – join all the squares together in a row. It’s simple, but very effective. You will need ■ Rico Essentials Soft Merino Aran, 1 ball of Black (90) = A ■ Rico Metallized Cotton, 1 ball of Gold (003) = B ■ Rico Melange,…

Top tip As this hat is made in the round, use stitch markers to mark the start of your rows You will need ■ Artesano British Wool DK Blue Faced Leicester Blend, 2 skeins of Grey (02), small amount of Clematis (07) (optional) ■ 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook ■ Removable stitch marker ■ Tapestry needle Measurements ■ S (M: L); head circumference at brim: 50 (55: 60)cm (20 (22: 24)in) Tension ■ 24 sts and 24 rows in double crochet to 10cm(4in) using 3mm hook after blocking Abbreviations ■ For standard abbreviations see page 87 About this yarn Artesano British Wool DK Blue Faced Leicester Blend 100% British wool 110m per 100g Machine washable £4.17 www.laughinghens.co.uk Vintage lovers take note – there used to be a time when…

Top tip Make this scarf longer or shorter so your hands can reach the pockets with ease This clever accessory by Anne Egan is all you’ll need to survive winter stylishly. With a cute and cosy pointed hood and a pair of pockets to keep your hands warm, this is one super scarf that’s worthy of a fairytale. It’s hooked in the warmest rich red shade and trimmed with a pretty fringe. Work post stitches to create ribbed texture. You will need ■ Sirdar Supersoft Aran, 4 balls of Red (0911) ■ 5mm crochet hook ■ 8mm crochet hook ■ Stitch markers ■ Large-eyed needle Measurements ■ Scarf is 240cm (94½in) from pocket end to pocket end; each pocket is approx 16cm (6½in) deep Abbreviations ■ For standard abbreviations see…

Adding an extra-cosy dimension to your favourite parka or goto winter jacket is easier than it might look. This furry trim is worked only in double crochet stitches using King Cole’s Luxe Fur yarn – it has a natural, multi-tonal look and is wonderfully soft and fuzzy. Working with a fancy, faux-fur yarn like this for the frst time can be a bit tricky, though, because it’s not so easy to see where you’re hooking. You’ll need to use your hands much more to feel the stitches and fnd your way. Make sure you’ve got plenty of light to work in and try not to pull your stitches too tight. The result will be worth it as this thick, cosy trim brings a touch of winter glam when it’s attached…

Top tip For extra glamour, trim the sleeve edges with satin or taffeta ribbon Layer up with this pretty flet top and team it with a skirt, trousers or jeans. It’s very versatile, looking just as beautiful as part of a casual outift or worn for formal occasions. Designer Jennifer says she was inspired by snowfakes, but we think this fattering top is perfect for any time of year as the lacy pattern is so pretty. You will need • DROPS Alpaca, Off White (0100) • 3.25mm crochet hook Tension • 27 sts measure 10cm (4in) over pattern; 20 rows (row patt repeat) measure 11cm (4¼in) using a 3.25mm hook Abbreviations • 3-tr cluster = (Yrh, insert hook in st indicated, yrh and pull up loop, yrh and draw through…

Top tip If your foor has a slippery surface, stick rubber pads to the back of the rug We’re loving this super-chunky yarn. It’s made from recycled T-shirt material and is brilliant for solid decorative items like rugs, pouffes and foor cushions. Working with big yarn and a big hook is quite different from more delicate projects as it involves your whole hands rather than just your fngers. It’s great exercise for keeping hands supple and you’ll see the results build quickly – this rug is only 11 rounds yet works up to a diameter of 85cm! You will need •DMC Hoooked Zpagetti, 1 cone of Rose = A 1 cone of Ibiza = B 2 cones of Gris Argent = C •12mm crochet hook Measurements •85cm (33½in) diameter Tension…

Top tip To make centres for the fowers, stitch a button or bead in the middle of each one Personalise your creative world with this simple notebook cover, featuring pretty fowers and scalloped edging for a feminine touch. Using just double crochet, the cover is perfect for your journal or sketchbook. The cover slides over a notebook, so once it’s full of ideas, tips and secrets, you can easily change it for a new one. You will need •DROPS Cotton Light, 2 balls of Ice Blue (08) = A 1 ball of Off White (01) = B •4mm crochet hook •Cotton fabric, 50x40cm •Matching sewing thread and sewing needle •A5 journal Measurements •17x22cm (6½x8½in) Tension •17 sts to 10cm (4in) Row tension is not critical Abbreviations •For standard abbreviations see…

Top tip To make sewing on the motifs easier, prick holes in the card with a needle With Halloween on the horizon, now is the time to get crocheting some spooktacular makes. Our adorable bat garland is scarily cute, and is just the thing for anyone looking for decorations to welcome trick or treaters to their homes. We think it will also be popular with little boys and girls who want to transform their bedrooms into bat caves, so make sure you crochet plenty of bats to have at hand and fy around the room in adorable ghoulish style. You will need ■ Patons wool blend DK, 1 ball of Beige (111) ■ Patons Fab! DK, 1 ball of each: Grey (02310), Black (02311), Canary (02305), Pumpkin (02071), Iris (02358)…

Holding the hook ■ TRY THESE METHODS AND SEE WHICH WORKS BEST PENCIL METHOD Hold the hook like a pencil, in your right hand (if you’re right-handed), about 3-5cm from the hooked end. If your hook has a flat area, you’ll find it comfortable to hold it here. KNIFE METHOD Hold the hook between your thumb and forefinger, about 3-5cm from the hooked end, resting the end of the hook against your palm. This will give you lots of control. Holding the yarn ■ EVEN TENSION RESULTS IN EVEN STITCHES METHOD ONE Pass the ball end of the yarn between the little finger and third finger of your left hand (if you are righthanded), then behind the third and middle fingers, over your index finger. METHOD TWO Loop the ball…

One of the newest types of yarn is wound in a cake shape. This is great if the yarn is self-patterning or striping, as you can see what shade is coming up Autumn always makes me think of hibernating and there’s no better way to do so than sitting in front of a warm fre, crocheting! There are always fabulous new yarns emerging, but for every new yarn, there will be one discontinued. If you have a favourite yarn, ask your local wool dealer if it’s going to be discontinued, or keep a check online. If you’ve found that it’s discontinued, pop into local charity shops as you’re passing or look on eBay. You can also search on www.ravelry.com – it’s a great way to fnd out what people are…

Top tip Pin everything down and keep rearranging until you’re happy then stitch in place Flowers, acorns and dear little hedgehogs: these are the things of magical woodlands. They’re also what you’ll fnd snuggled together in a cosy huddle in our beautiful autumn wreath, designed by Liz Ward, who is famous for her amigurumi delights. Worked in an array of gorgeous colours, this wreath will be a charming welcome to your guests when hung outside your door – but it will look equally stunning on a wall inside if you can’t bear to let the wind and rain near it. You will need ■ Rico Creative Cotton Aran, 1 ball of each: Olive (50), Mustard (70), Smokey Orange (72), Smokey Pink (14), Rose (00), Cherry (65), Light Yellow (63), Light…

Top tip You could also, following the same basic principle, make a matching throw This cushion is a cinch to make. Simply hook up 16 granny squares and sew them into one large square, then add a single-colour back. As only a small amount of each contrast yarn is required to make a square, this is the ideal project to use up your stash yarns. Use toning shades of your own choice to match your personal décor – or go for contrast to make a decorative statement. If you’re making it for a friend, choose their favourite colours. You will need ■ Cygnet Superwash DK , 4 balls of Cream (2195) = A I ball of each: (=B) Copper (4888) Cranberry (298) Gold (2155) Stone (4199) Tartan Green (2150) Damson…

Top tip As well as a necklace, the circles would look fab on hats, bags and belts You will need ■ Rowan Cotton Glace, 1 ball of each: Persimmon (832) = A Bubbles (724) = B Garnet (841) = C ■ 3mm crochet hook ■ Selection of small beads ■ 6 large plastic rings 3cm (1in) ■ 3 medium plastic rings 2cm (¾in) ■ 3 small plastic rings 1.5cm (½in) ■ Sewing thread and needle Measurements ■ Circle portion of the necklace measures 24x13cm (9½x5in) Tension ■ Tension is not important for this project Abbreviations ■ For standard abbreviations see page 87 About this yarn Rowan Cotton Glace 100% cotton 115m per 50g Machine wash at 40?C £5.50 www.laughinghens.com This DIY-couture necklace is big on style and super simple to…

Too busy to hook up a whole pair of crochet socks? A frilly edging for a tired old pair is just the ticket. This vintage-inspired trim is especially cute on socks for little ones, but we can’t resist them for ourselves as they look terrifc peeping over boots or wellies. Work the lacy rows directly onto the cuff of the socks from the bottom up, and then block the edgings carefully to bring out their full lacy loveliness. Top tip For bed socks, use a soft laceweight yarn, which feels gentle next to the skin You will need • DMC Petra 3, 1 ball of Ecru • 2.5mm crochet hook • Pair of socks • Tapestry needle Measurements • Approx 3.5cm (1¼in) deep Tension • Row tension is not important…

Keep the chills low and the fashion stakes high with this lovely beret. Designer Joanne Scrace told us that the inspiraiton for the hat’s name came from the lace pattern of the crown, which looks like dried star anise. Worked in a beautiful woollen yarn by Malabrigo, it’s a great project for confdent crocheters, using double crochet, trebles, half trebles and post stitches, which create a pretty ribbing effect around the brim. You will need •Malabrigo Merino Worsted, 1 skein of Tuareg (98) •4mm crochet hook •5mm crochet hook Measurements •Finished head circumference: 50cm (20in); finished height: 16cm (6½in) Tension •12 sts and 8 rows in spaced trebles (see abbreviations) to 10cm (4in) using 5mm hook, after blocking Abbreviations •Front Post treble (FPtr) = Work around post of st in…

Top tip To make the base sturdier, cut out a disc of card or plastic and pop it inside The birds in your neighbourhood will love you when you hang this gorgeous house up for them. Birds love brightly-coloured things and this one certainly is that. It will provide shelter for them in cold weather and you could even provide them with lunch by scattering bird seed on the foor inside. Make sure you hang it securely so it stays put and, ideally, place it out of reach from curious, creeping cats! You will need • Rico Baby Cotton Soft DK, 1 ball each in: Royal Blue (038) = A Sky Blue (033) = B Red (035) = C • 4mm crochet hook • Wire coat hanger Measurements • Base:…

Celebrate ‘the beautiful game’ in a cute pair of sporty slippers. With go-faster stripes and bold red laces, you’re onto a winner. Sports-loving mums and dads will love them – especially if they’re made in their team’s colours. What a brilliant gift idea! Top tip When baby outgrows these booties, hang them up to make a mobile! You will need •Sirdar Country Style Wool Blend DK, 1 ball of each: Black (417) = A Cherry (402) = B White (412) = C •3mm crochet hook •Tapestry needle •Black cord elastic, approx 1m •1cm-wide elastic, approx 50cm Measurements •To ft 0-6 months; sole length 10cm (4in) Tension •Sole to measure 10x5cm (4x2in) using a 3mm hook Abbreviations •For standard abbreviations see page 87 About this yarn Sirdar Country Style Wool Blend…

Top tip This is a fab project for mixing and matching yarns in your stash You will need ■ Rico Creative Cotton Aran, 1 ball in: Clay (51) 2 balls in: Natural (60) ■ Adriafl Cortina, 2 balls in: Beige (80) ■ Bergère de France Bigarelle, 1 ball in: Ecru (29735) ■ 100g of fancy of your choice, such as respun safari yarn ■ 100g of chunky yarn of your choice ■ 9mm crochet hook ■ 4 stitch markers Tension ■ A tight tension is best, to give your bag strength and stability Abbreviations ■ For standard abbreviations see page 87 About these yarns Rico Creative Cotton Aran 100% cotton 85m per 50g Machine wash at 30˚C £1.89 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk Adriafl Cortina 50% wool 40% acrylic 10% alpaca 90m per 50g…

Top tip If you prefer large apple varieties, use a chunky yarn and larger hook for a bigger cosy You will need ■ DROPS Cotton Merino, 1 ball of each: Lilac (4) = A Pistachio (10) = B ■ 4mm crochet hook ■ 1 button Measurements ■ To fit a medium-sized apple Tension ■ Tension is not important for this project Abbreviations ■ For standard abbreviations see page 87 About this yarn DROPS Cotton Merina 50% wool, 50% cotton 110m per 50g Machine wash at 40?C £3.10 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk Your fve portions of fruit are an important part of your daily diet, and no one wants to eat a bruised apple! Protect your sweet things with a delightful cosy. Worked in a simple lacy stitch with a double crochet trim, this…

Thomas Jaenisch and Felix Rohland, more commonly known as “the myboshi boys”, aren’t the types to let opportunities to pass them by. In January 2009, the pair headed to Japan to take part in a ski instructor exchange. “As students, we always jumped at the chance to be able to combine our hobby with foreign travel,” says Thomas. “But the question was what to do in the evenings when the après-ski was lacking?” The answer, they decided, was to start crocheting, with some help from a colleague in remastering the skills learnt at primary school. “Our frst ‘Boshi’ [Japanese for beanie] was completed in about six hours, with one or two faws,” says Thomas. “It is really wonderful to create something unique, fashionable and that can be worn in a…

Wear your heart on your sleeve with Hannah Cross’s cool embellished mittens – for hardcore lovers of crochet only! The design was inspired by an illustration by Stephanie Toppin that caught Hannah’s eye. The simple double crochet stitches form a solid base to work your cross stitch onto, while working into the back loop of some of the stitches creates a ribbed effect. Top tip When working the cross stitches, be careful not to pull the yarn too tightly You will need • Cygnet Superwash DK, 2 balls of Raspberry (2151) • Cream 4ply yarn for cross stitch • 5mm crochet hook • Tacking thread • Tapestry needle • Sharp needle Measurements • To fit an average adult hand; 33cm (13in) long Tension • 16dc and 20 rows to measure…

Top tip Wearing this pretty poppy on your hat will look as lovely as wearing it on your lapel During the autumn months, wearing a scarlet poppy is a sign of remembrance in the UK, to honour those who have died in war. Show a bit of handmade love this season and create an extra special poppy brooch of your own. Lucy Croft’s elegant design, worked in rich colours, is inspired by glamorous Oriental poppies, which have lightly ruffed petals and a seed-flled centre. This poppy is fnished with a scattering of shimmering glass beads in the centre. You will need •DROPS Cotton Viscose, 1 ball of each: Dark Red (07) Black (15) •2.5mm crochet hook •Stitch markers •Small selection of orange glass beads •Brooch pin •Sewing needle and thread…

Top tip For a striking result, use contrasting yarn colours for the body and dress You will need ■ DROPS Paris, 1 ball of each: Light Pink (57) = A Light Ice Blue (29) = B Light Mint Green (21) = C 2 balls of each: Light Grey (23) = D Dark Beige (26) = E 3 balls of: Off White (17) = F ■ Small amount of black DK cotton for facial features ■ 4mm crochet hook ■ 5mm crochet hook ■ Toy stuffing ■ Buttons Measurements ■ Each doll measures 32cm (12½in) tall Tension ■ Tension is not important for this project Abbreviations ■ For standard abbreviations see page 87 About this yarn DROPS Paris 100% cotton 75m per 50g Machine wash at 40?C £0.65 www.woolwarehouse.co.uk They say…