Innholdsfortegnelse for July 2018 i Love Crochet

The weather might have been confused over spring, but finally, we’re stepping away from the thermostat in the committed belief that warmer weather is here to stay… This issue we have makes full of sunny inspiration including yummy ice cream coasters on page 26, a 1950s-style, nautical bikini (p.44), and sweet Rocket lolly brooch (p.50). And of course, we have our adorable cover star over on page 16, Elsie the beach-ready bear! Decked in her costume, visor and rubber ring, she’s fully prepped for some seaside action! So, when the next sunny spell hits, pull up a garden chair and enjoy some summer crocheting in the sunshine – you know, before it starts raining! Enjoy, and see you next issue! PS. The next issue of Love Crochet is on sale…

The new season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a fresh summer project from designer Liz Ward. With a flutter of wings and a dainty dance on tiptoe, this summer fairy has twirled her way into our hearts – we think she’s just adorable. Add gorgeous details to bring her to life, like a floral hairband for her pink ponytail, big brown eyes and a stripy summer dress with a frilly trim. You’ll love every stitch! You will need ■ Drops Safran Cotton 4ply, 50g, 1 ball each in: Yellow (10) White (17) Off White (18) Lime (31) ■ Drops Eskimo Super Chunky, 50g, 1 ball in Powder Pink (51) ■ Pink embroidery thread ■ 3mm (UK 11, US C/2 or D/3) hook ■ Wool…

Whether you’re partial to classic vanilla, raspberry ripple or mint choc-chip, there’s an ice cream for you in this delicious collection! Liz has created a clever coaster design, where the scoop of ice cream supports your glass and protects your table – but you could also use these designs in other ways. How about a string of ice cream bunting for your kitchen, or a patch for a child’s school bag? There are so many tasty ideas! You will need ■ Rico Creative Cotton Aran, 50g, 1 ball each in: Rose (00) Light Blue (32) Aquamarine (42) Clay (51) Nougat (56) Brown (58) ■ 4mm (UK 8, US G/6) hook ■ Wool needle ■ Cream felt Measurements ■ 12x9cm Tension ■ Tension is not important for this project Abbreviations ■…

Here’s a stylish way to transform your home into a haven of domestic order! A few of these gorgeous crochet tags are all you need – simply hook them over drawer knobs and door handles to keep tabs on your (ever-increasing) stash. Worked in the round, each tag is hooked in cream yarn around a small plastic hoop, then finished off with a brightly coloured edging. Just pop your label into the space at the back. Cute, colourful and a little bit granny-chic – we love them! You will need ■ King Cole Merino Blend DK, 50g, 1 ball in Aran (46) Small amounts in each: Fuchsia (787), Sage (853), Turquoise (18), Redwood (1988) ■ 3mm (UK 11, US C/2 or D/3) hook ■ A small hoop, approx 5cm in…

You will need ■ Drops Safran, 50g, 1 ball each in: Light Pink (01) –A Light Blue Purple (05) – B Green (04) – C ■ 3.5mm (UK 9, US E/4) crochet hook ■ 4 removable stitch markers Tension ■ Tension is not important for this project Abbreviations ■ For standard abbreviations see page 90 About this yarn Drops Safran 100% cotton 160m per 50g Machine wash at 340°C £1.15, for stockists visit www.garnstudio.com Pattern notes Pattern is worked in the round with RS always facing. Turning ch does not count as a stitch throughout BEACH BAG In yarn A, ch35. Round 1 4tr in 4th ch from hook, 1tr in next st, pm in last st made, 1tr in each ch to last ch, pm in last st made,…

Hit the beach with confidence when you step out in this nautical number! With a stripy bikini top and high-waisted blue bottoms, this is a swimsuit that will turn heads for all the right reasons. Just add retro buttons for the finishing touch! Cascade Fixation is a clever yarn that combines soft cotton with stretchy spandex – ideal for swimwear and other summer garments that require a bit of stretch. You’ll love it! You will need ■ Cascade Fixation, 50g in: Yarn A French Blue (2499) x 3 (3: 3: 3: 4: 4) balls Yarn B Opulent White (8001) x 1 (1: 1: 1: 2: 2) balls Yarn C Yankee Red (3628) x 1 ball (all sizes) ■ 3mm (UK 11, US C/2 or D/3) hook ■ 4mm (UK 8,…

Summer nostalgia coming your way, people! The iconic rocket ice lolly is a real classic, and with Becky Garratt’s sweet and simple pattern, you can hook one of your own that won’t melt away in the heat of the midday sun! It’s made with double and treble crochet stitches in three scrummy shades of yarn, and a real lolly stick adds a bit of authenticity! Simply add a brooch back to transform it into a cool summer accessory. You will need ■ King Cole Merino Blend DK, 50g, 1 ball each in: Scarlet (009) Gold (055) Copper (109) ■ 3mm (UK 11, US C/2 or D/3 hook) ■ Lolly stick ■ Brooch back ■ Craft glue ■ Toy stuffing Measurements ■ 12x6cm (4¾x2¼in) including stick Tension ■ Tension is not…

Alight and lovely extra layer for summer days, this cardigan is a joy to wear, and a pleasure to make, too. The seam-free construction means there’s no sewing up to do afterwards – just add buttons. We’ve used a lilac shade of Pendle 4ply, which is a gorgeous hand-dyed yarn from Eden Cottage Yarns. The colours change regularly, so do check the website for availability and to find a shade that you love. You will need ■ Eden Cottage Yarns Pendle 4ply, 100g in Dusk x 4 (4: 4: 5: 5: 6: 6) balls ■ 2.5mm (UK 12, US B/1 or C/2) hook ■ 3.5mm (UK 9, US E/4) hook ■ 9 buttons, 1cm diameter ■ Needle and thread ■ Tapestry needle Measurements ■ See sizing guide Tension ■ 18tr…

If your wellies need a bit of a makeover for festival season, look no further. Worked in a sunny shade of yellow, with wooden beads and fringing, you’ll be the envy of all your mates when you rock up (and rock out) in these boho boot toppers! You will need ■ Rowan Handknit Cotton, 50g, 1 ball each in: Bee (364) and Ecru (251) ■ 4mm (UK 8, US G/6) hook ■ About 60 wooden beads of various sizes Measurements ■ 19x8cm (7½x3in) folded flat and excluding fringing Tension ■ Tension is not important for this project Abbreviations ■ For standard abbreviations see page 90 About this yarn Rowan Handknit Cotton 100% cotton 85m per 50g Machine wash at 40°C £4.29, for stockists visit www.knitrowan.com BOOT TOPPERS (make 2) Using…

Marvellous mustard has to be one of our favourite shades. It’s such a happy colour and almost instantly provides a hint of vintage style. Why not cheer up your lounge with this beautiful cushion? The contrasting white flower stands proud and pretty against the mustard background, and the white shade is carried through to the back panel of the cushion, too. Work the flower stem from a chart and hook the petals separately, stitching them onto the cushion for a fab 3D finish. You will need ■ Drops Karisma, 50g, 3 balls in Dark Mustard (52) – A 4 balls in Off White (01) – B ■ 4mm (UK 8, US G/6) hook ■ 3 buttons, 3.5cm (1¼in) diameter ■ 36cm (14in) square cushion pad Measurements ■ Finished cushion measures…

Cat lovers will go wild for these adorable kitten headphone covers! The design is super-simple and slips easily over the headphones, with an elastic edging and buttons to keep them firmly in place – ideal if you’re listening to some tunes while out jogging in the park, or walking to work. Once you’ve worked the main cover in double crochet, add some cute little ears and an embroidered nose and whiskers for the purrfect finish! You will need ■ Rico Essentials Cotton DK, 50g, 1 ball in Silver (03) ■ Oddment of black DK cotton for nose and whiskers ■ 4mm (UK 8, US G/6 hook) ■ Approx 1m cord elastic ■ 2 buttons Measurements ■ Each cover measures 8cm (3in) diameter folded flat, but can be altered to fit…

Summer crochet doesn’t need to be hot, heavy work. There are so many summery patterns, and as for the yarn, there’s never been so much choice! Some of my crafty friends start making their Christmas projects in the summer, but I don’t even want to think about Christmas when the sun is shining! A crocheted hat can be made in a couple of evenings and when it’s made of cotton yarn, it’s a perfect accessory to keep the sun off while gardening or sightseeing. This hat (Drops/178/41) is made of Drops Paris, which is an Aran-weight cotton yarn. Don’t be put off by the fact that it is an Aran yarn, as the pattern is open enough for the hat to be cool and the weight helps the hat to…

Pack up your picnic and don’t forget your rubber ring – it’s time to hit the beach! This cheery project is the next best thing to a day at the seaside, and we can’t wait to start hooking Elsie the bear and all her accessories, using a range of gorgeous summery shades from Rico Design. There is quite a lot of assembly at the end of this project, so don’t forget to leave plenty of time if you’re making it as a gift for somebody. You will need ■ Rico Essentials Cotton DK, 50g in: Beige (shade 91) x 2 balls – A 1 ball each in: Rose (shade 01) – B Aquamarine (shade 31) – C Pistachio (shade 86) – D Azalea (shade 68) – E Lemon (shade 62)…

Get all your storage sorted with this handy set of baskets! From stationery essentials to rolled-up blankets, you can keep everything tidy with a choice of three useful sizes. Jenny has used Bernat Maker Home Dec – a tubular yarn that comes in solid and variegated shades, and gives a ‘big stitch’ look to home décor projects like baskets and blankets. It has great stitch defnition, too, which makes working in a spiral much easier. You will need ■ Bernat Maker Home Dec, 250g, 1 ball of each (to make all three baskets): ■ Steel Blue (11006) – A ■ Fiesta Varg (161211) – B ■ Aqua (11005) – C ■ 8mm (UK 0, US L/11) crochet hook ■ Stitch marker Measurements ■ Large: 23cm (9in) diameter, 20cm (8in) tall…

You will need ■ Bessie May Smile, 50g, 3 balls in Cloud (3180) – A 1 ball in Lichen (3060) – B ■ 3mm (UK 11, US C/2 or D/3) hook Measurements ■ Cosy measures 58cm (22¾in) in circumference at widest point and 19cm (7½in) high without pompom Tension ■ Tension is not important Abbreviations ■ BPtr (Back Post treble crochet) Yarn over (yo) hook twice. Insert hook behind from back to front around post of stitch. Yo hook, pull up a loop, four loops on hook. (Yo and draw through two loops on hook) 3 times ■ FPtr (Front Post treble crochet) Yarn over (yo) hook twice. Insert hook from front to back around post of stitch. Yo hook, pull up a loop, four loops on hook. (Yo and…

TAP HERE for more info Gear up for a sizzling summer with Love Crochet's collection of gorgeous projects! Your latest Love Crochet is packed with 25 amazing, quick and cute makes, to hook up with sunshine in mind. We've filled the issue with lightweight, easy projects – perfect for getting you ready for some summer fun. We have a retro, nautical bikini, beautiful espadrilles, and sweet Rocket lolly-inspired brooch. Elsewhere, we have delicious-looking ice cream coasters, a stunning sunfower cushion and of course, there’s our adorable cover star, Elsie the beach-ready bear! Bring on long, hot, sunny days! Don't miss out – take a look at the latest Love Crochet, today! Get Love Crochet delivered direct to your device SIMPLY TAP HERE to subscribe & save…

Use pretty scallops to adorn your home or beach hut – we’ve added one to a tote bag! Using two different shades of this marbled yarn together gives a pleasingly organic appearance, almost as if it just washed up on the shore. You will need ■ James C Brett Marble DK, 50g, 1 ball each in shade 41 and shade 3 ■ A 5mm (US H/8) hook ■ Matching sewing thread ■ Sewing needle Measurements ■ Shell measures 15cm (6in) high Tension ■ Tension is not important for this project Abbreviations ■ For standard abbreviations see page 90 About this yarn James C Brett Marble DK 100% acrylic 240m per 100g Machine wash at 30°C £2.49, www.woolwarehouse.co.uk SEASHELL Using a strand of each yarn held together, make one Large shell,…

Crocheting for your own craft room is one of the greatest joys, so why not hook this fabulous set of pincushions? Each pattern creates an eyecatching stripy finish using a variety of techniques, from chain stitch to front post stitches. They’ll add a pop of colour to any crafty corner – we’ve used bright seaside shades of Rooster Almerino DK, but you could choose any DK you have for these stashbusting designs. You will need ■ Rooster Almerino DK, 2 balls in Cornish (201) 1 ball each in: Brighton Rock (211), Pier (216), Beach (217) ■ 3mm (US C/2 or D/3, UK 11) hook ■ Toy stuffing ■ Darning needle ■ Cardboard discs, approx 6cm in diameter Measurements ■ 11cm (4¼in) high 8cm (3in) diameter Tension ■ Tension is not…

Put your skills to good use and make a summery top that fits you like a dream! Worked in this season’s coolest colour, it’s the perfect way to dress up your favourite pair of jeans. Both the front and back of this cotton treble tee have form-flattering central panels worked with contrasting texture, while the back features a stylish V-shaped neckline with ties. You can adjust the shaping of the top as you go along – make sure you read the pattern notes below, to help you! You will need ■ Drops Muskat, 50g in Turquoise (32) x 8 (10: 12: 12: 14) balls ■ 4mm (UK 8, US G/6) hook ■ 4 small glass beads ■ Tapestry needle Measurements ■ See sizing guide Tension ■ 17 sts and 9…

Next time you hit the beach (or the local swimming pool) do it in style with these handy accessories. Hannah Reed’s little pouches are perfect for keeping lipsalve and sunglasses sand-free, and both are incredibly simple to hook, worked in the round using easy double crochet throughout. Add pops of colour with candy stripes – these bright shades will make you feel like you’re on a tropical holiday, even when you’re not! You will need ■ Stylecraft Classique Cotton, 50g, 1 ball each in: White (3660) – A Azure (3671) – B Sunflower (3662) – C Tropical Jade (3676) – D Lavender (3673) – E Hot Pink (3668) – F ■ 3.5mm (UK 9, US E/4) hook ■ 4mm (UK 8, US G/6) crochet hook ■ 4.5mm (UK 7, US…

People who crochet tend to have more colour – and more joy – in their lives than the average human, but there’s always room for a little bit more! This bright and cheery flower blanket is a real treat to make, worked in stunning King Cole Merino yarn for a luxuriously soft feel – both while you are crocheting and as you snuggle under your blanket once it is completed. With its floral motifs, decadent colours and abundance of playful pompoms, it is sure to make you smile whenever you see it. This project is so appealing and is suitable for crocheters of all abilities, so why not work on it with a friend or two to share the fun and get them hooked on crochet as well? You will…

Cactus Couple SNACKSIES £16.30 www.snacksies.com There’s no need to worry about sun and water with this cactus duo, snuggled in their little pots. Mr’s top hat and bow tie, and Mrs’s floral fascinator, are such cute finishes for this sweet couple. Mr stands at 9.5cm (3½in) and Mrs is 7.5cm (3in). Included in the kit is the yarn, safety eyes, toy stuffing, stranded cotton for the facial features and instructions with step-by-step photos, as well as felting wool and instructions for making their felted rosy cheeks. If you haven’t got a felting needle you can add it to the order (for an extra cost) – and you can also add on the 2.5mm crochet hook if you happen not to have one already. Oh, and you can pick different yarn…

Top of the Blogs! www.telllaurailovecrochet.co.uk Jessica, the founder of Tell Laura I love Crochet, is a fugitive from knitting. For years she was fascinated by crochet, so when she was recovering from an operation, back in 2008, she had a go. She was hooked! After practising with existing patterns, she found herself coming up with her own ideas for designs and began to experiment. The result is a collection of adorable amigurumi and toys, a blog full of great ideas and cool pics, and a shop full of gorgeous patterns and kits, one of which you’ll find in our kit reviews on page 82. WE love Made by hand Ragley Hall in Warwickshire is the place to be on the weekend of 11-13 May. The ancestral stately home, set in…

A light pink sponge, dripping with icing and covered in sprinkles, with a cherry on the top – this cucpake is the stuff of dreams, and while it might not be edible (sigh), it is totally wearable (hooray!) Worked in chunky yarn using half trebles for a lovely texture, this bag is quick to make and roomy enough for all your picnic treats. You could use it as a project bag, too, and it’ll make a delightful gift for anyone with a sweet tooth! You will need ■ Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky, 100g, 2 balls in Ballet Pink (352) – A 1 ball in Light Caramel (308) – B 1 ball in Champagne White (302) – C ■ 10 strands x 26cm in: Ballet Pink (352) – A Spearmint Green…

Whether you’re marking out your pitch on a glamping trip or decorating a wedding teepee, there are so many ways to use this bright and cheerful bunting! You’ll love the combination of colours – from dreamy sky blue to poppy red and delicate cream – which go beautifuly together in any order. Have fun with the shades, alternating coloured triangles with plain ones, or creating a symmetrical look like we’ve done here, with the showstopping floral pennant in the centre. You will need ■ Sirdar Snuggly Baby Bamboo DK, 50g, 1 ball each in: Deckster Blue (120), Hush-a-Bye (109), Limey (155), Rocking Horse (126), Rinky Dinky Pink (158) 3 balls in Cream (131) ■ 3.5mm (UK 9, US E/4) hook Measurements ■ Triangle measures 17x15cm (6¾x6in) ■ Flower triangle measures…

Most things can be broken down into a series of shapes, and it’s useful to know how to make these shapes in crochet. Whether you want to make an oval to improvise your own pieces, or just to understand what you are going to be doing when you follow a pattern, an oval is an important one to master. Ovals are useful for flat items such as table mats and runners, but are also the basis of many three dimensional items; the toe of a sock, the sole of a slipper, the crown of certain hat shapes, the base of a bag, for example. It is useful to think of the oval in parts – it’s a circle split into two semicircles, with either flat or curved sides in between…

Growing up in Scotland in the 1970s, Jo Hamilton inevitably ended up wearing a lot of crochet. “My mum and gran were always crocheting and knitting – they made jumpers, baby clothes, kilt socks and much more,” she recalls. “I sported some amazing homemade woolly fashions during that decade.” When she was six, her gran taught her how to crochet a granny square – a move that was to inform her career in a way no one could have predicted. “I picked up crochet again when I was a teen and began making hats for my friends.” Jo credits her grandmother, Agnes Robb, as being her crochet hero. “She always had a project with her when she came to look after us,” she comments. “When I was growing up, she…

You may be able to check in online these days, but you still need somewhere practical to put your passport! This light, bright and pretty wallet is just the right size for your travel essentials, and features adorable cat ears for a touch of fun. The lovely texture will be quick to find at the bottom of your bag, and we’ve chosen a pink shade that’s easy to spot, too. You will need ■ Rico Essentials Cotton DK, 50g in Rose (01) x 1 ball ■ 4mm (UK 8, US G/6) hook ■ Tapestry needle ■ Button ■ Stitch markers (optional) Measurements ■ 9x13cm (3½x5in) Tension ■ Tension is not important for this project Abbreviations ■ For standard abbreviations see page 90 About this yarn Rico Essentials Cotton DK 100%…

Cool, comfortable and stylish – these espadrilles have everything you could wish for in a new pair of shoes, and will quickly become your go-to accessory for warm summer days! You’ll need a pair of espadrille soles from Prym, and two shades of cotton yarn–this combination of mint green with a black edging looks so chic. Pair them with jeans, shorts or a floaty dress, and why not create a range of different colours? King Cole Cottonsoft DK comes in over 30 fabulous shades. You will need ■ King Cole Cottonsoft DK, 100g, 1 ball each in: Mint (715) – A Black (746) – B ■ 3.5mm (UK 9, US E/4) hook ■ Espadrille soles (Prym) ■ Wide-eyed needle ■ Small pliers (see note) Measurements ■ See sizing guide Tension…

Designer Lara Messer has had a bright idea. She says: “Before you toss that old cardigan in the charity bag, take some inspiration from country gardens and granny chic to crochet a flower vine for it!” She’s not wrong. This pretty project is the perfect way to breathe a new lease of life into a garment that might have seen better days. Isn’t it high time you showed your wardrobe a little bit of handmade love? This is a super-quick and easy makeover, and the colours can be easily adapted, too. You will need ■ DMC Petra 3 in a variety of pinks and creams for flowers, and Olive (53011) for leaves ■ 2.5mm (UK 12, US B/1 or C/2) hook ■ Tapestry needle ■ Sewing needle and thread Measurements…

Take time to relax with this project and bring a touch of beach chic to your bathroom at the same time. Worked in shades of cotton called Bleached, Cloud and Slate, these facecloths have a wonderfully natural feel. Wrap one up with a bar of luxury scented soap to make a gorgeous gift for a friend. You will need ■ Rowan Handknit Cotton, 50g, 2 balls each in: Bleached (263) Cloud (345) Slate (347) ■ 4mm (UK 8, US G/6) hook Measurements ■ Each facecloth measures approx 23cm (9in) square Tension ■ Tension is not important for this project Abbreviations ■ For standard abbreviations see page 90 About this yarn Rowan Handknit Cotton 100% cotton 85m per 50g Machine wash at 40°C £4.29, call 01484 950630 or visit www.knitrowan.com for…

Zoom in for a closer look at this flashy camera strap, and you’ll see that it’s made up of coloured stripes worked in easy trebles – so simple, and lots of fun if you love to take your camera out and about. Why not adapt the colours, and use up odds and ends of cotton DK to make your strap unique? You will need ■ Drops Muskat DK, 50g, 1 ball each in: Pink (34), Turquoise (32) and Denim Blue (36) ■ 4mm (UK 8, US G/6 hook) ■ Camera strap ■ Sewing thread Measurements ■ Approx 3.5x58cm (1¼x23in), but easy to adjust to suit Tension ■ Tension is not important for this project Abbreviations ■ For standard abbreviations see page 90 About this yarn Drops Muskat 100% cotton 100m…

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 right-handed), then behind the third and middle fingers, over your index finger. METHOD TWO Loop the ball…