Innholdsfortegnelse for Summer 2018 i Love Crochet

At last! Summer is in full swing, and here in the Love Crochet office, we are looking forward to dusting off our garden chairs and crocheting outside with a cool drink… So, this issue is all about summer inspiration. We have cute, little, fruity bags on page 48; a gorgeous, really easy beach wrap (p.47); a set of pretty, decorative pinwheels; and mouthwatering, tropical bunting (p.18). And of course, we have our adorable cover star on page 20; the cool-cat, skater boy! Complete with visor and sweet outfit, he’ll make a great gift for a cat lover with a summer birthday! We have pages of projects to sink your hooks into this summer, so enjoy! And don’t forget that drink… Editor PS. The next issue of Love Crochet is on…

Whether you're chilling with friends at the local hipster hangout or grabbing a fat white to-go, this stylish pup is the perfect companion! Donning a trendy wasitcoat and hat combo, he's got his own sense of style – you can tailor the clothes to suit your recipient by using different colours if you prefer. This pattern is fun and easy to follow, so if you love amigurumi, hook this cool hound today and make someone smile! You will need ■ Drops Muskat DK, 50g, 1 ball each in: White (shade 18) – Yarn A Black (shade 17) – Yarn B Medium Grey (shade 24) – Yarn C Denim Blue (shade 36) – Yarn D Dark Orange (shade 49) – Yarn E Light Orange (shade 51) – Yarn F ■ 2.5mm…

Grab your board and join in the fun with Lucy Pollock’s cool skater dude! This funky feline will make a great gift for anyone who loves to hit the half-pipe, and get their tail in a spin. As with most crochet toys, you’ll want to keep quite a tight tension as you work, so that the, stuffing doesn’t show through. Then, once you’ve finished the making up and embroidery, style up your kitty with a mini skateboard like we’ve done, to finish the look! You will need ■ Stylecraft Special DK, 100g, 1 ball each in: Grey (shade 1099) Fondant (shade 1241) Black (shade 1002) Aster (shade 1003) Lipstick (shade 1246) Spice (shade 1711) ■ 4mm (UK 8, US G/6) hook ■ Embroidery needle ■ Stitch marker ■ Toy stuffng…

Designer Lara Messer says: “Go back to your roots and learn to crochet this beautiful little radish brooch. Perfect for your summer jackets, to keep things fresh.” Little design details, like trailing roots and different-coloured leaves, make it feel more organic. We think it’s an adorable allotment gem – a real treat for you, or anyone who loves to grow their own veg! You will need ■ DMC Petra 3, 100g, 1 ball each in: White (shade B5200) – Yarn A Cerise (shade 53805) – Yarn B Lime Green (shade 5907) – Yarn C Grass Green (shade 5905) – Yarn D ■ 2.5mm (UK 12, US B/1 or C/2) hook ■ Toy stuffing ■ Brooch backing ■ Spray starch (optional) Measurements ■ 8.5x6cm (3½x2¼in) excluding roots Tension Tension is not…

When you want to keep certain things under wraps, a light beach sarong is just the thing. This design features a mesh stitch pattern, and a simple triangle shape that makes it really versatile – you can tie it around your hips, or even drape it over your shoulders as a shawlette. You will need ■ King Cole Cottonsoft DK, 100g in: Mint (715) x 1 ball Black (746) x 1 ball ■ 4mm (Uk 8, US G/6) hook Measurements ■ 112x43cm (44x17in), excluding tassel Tension ■ Tension is not important for this project Abbreviations ■ For standard abbreviations see page 90 About this yarn King Cole Cottonsoft DK 100% cotton 210m per 100g Machine wash at 40°C £3.59, www.woolwarehouse.co.uk SARONG Row 1 (RS) With Mint, ch4 (counts as tr,…

Designer Kat Goldin says: “This retro-inspired top has all the elements you need to make a statement. The lace panels are echoed at the collar, cuffs and the waist, which is gathered to create an elegant shape.” Form-fitting and feminine, there’s so much to love about this piece. Pair it with capri pants or a summer dress for instant vintage style, and prepare to shine in this gorgeous golden yarn with a touch of silk. You will need ■ Sublime Baby Cashmere Merino Silk DK, 50g in Rubber Duckie x 10 (11: 11: 12: 13: 14: 14: 15) balls ■ 3.75mm (US F/5) hook ■ 4mm (UK 8, US G/6) hook ■ Buttons x 28 (28: 29: 29: 30: 30: 30: 31), 1cm (0.5in) diameter ■ 2 stitch markers Tension…

Jars, jute and a couple of crocheted shells are all you need for sprucing up your bathroom flotsam and jetsam. We jazzed up our glass jars by painting the outside of them with an undercoat of white, and then shades of blue. It’s the ideal project for combining your crochet with a spot of thrifty upcycling. You will need ■ Bergère de France Ecoton, 50g in Jute (shade 28920) x 1 ball ■ 4mm (UK 8, US G/6) hook ■ Twine for tying (optional) ■ Glass jars ■ Paint (optional) Measurements ■ Each shell motif measures 5cm (2in) high Tension ■ Tension is not important for this project Abbreviations ■ For standard abbreviations see page 90 About this yarn Bergère de France Ecoton 48% acrylic, 48% cotton, 4% other fibres…

With his distinctive stripy belly and freely flapping fins, Humpback Harry is an extremely sweet marine make! The Dark Wash shade of DROPS Paris is a recycled denim yarn, which adds a bit of character and texture to Harry’s skin, while the stripe colours are solid cottons. Mix up the colours for your own unique finish, or work the underbelly in a single shade of blue if you fancy a more lifelike whale that’s just as cute. You will need ■ DROPS Paris, 50g, 2 balls in: Dark Wash (shade 103) – Yarn A 1 ball each in: Pistachio (shade 39) – Yarn B Dark Turquoise (shade 10) – Yarn C Light Purple (shade 05) – Yarn D ■ 4mm (UK 8, US G/6) hook ■ 2 safety eyes (9mm)…

Love Croche In the next issue… The jam-packed October issue of Love Crochet, is full of gorgeous projects perfect for autumn! Plus, we have a BONUS gift of TWO bamboo hooks, in sizes 2.5mm and 7mm, for every reader! Don’t delay – order your copy today! At just £5.99 this issue includes: ■ Two BONUS bamboo hooks ■ Ideas & makes for autumn ■ News, reviews & more The October 2018 issue is on sale 4th September 2018. Pre-order your copy today with FREE UK delivery! £ 5 .9 9 including p&p ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY! CALL 03330 162 138 and quote ‘Love Crochet October 2018’ ONLINE www.buysubscriptions.com/LCR37 †UK calls will cost the same as other standard fixed line numbers (starting 01 or 02) and are included as part of…

Beaded food covers always make me think of having tea with my granny. We can use them to cover (and pretty-up) all sorts of things. Beaded sugar bowl covers, sandals and gossamer shawls all come to mind when I think of summer projects. Sandals?! Yes, you can make your own in any colour, to match any outfit, and they don’t take long. If you visit Sophie and Me at www.etsy.com, you’ll find fabulous patterns for slippers, espadrilles and sandals. You can wear them as slippers without a sole, or make them with corded, crocheted or flip-fop soles, which instantly turn the slippers into outdoor shoes. Ingunn, the designer, is from Norway but lives in Italy, so many of her patterns are suitable for warm climates. The shoes can be made…

Using a brand new cotton yarn from Rico, this pretty little headband can be made in about an hour for a fast and totally fabulous gift! Designer Val Pierce says: “I have chosen citrus shades, but the array of colours in this yarn is vast, so you will be sure to find a colour scheme to suit your own personal taste.” For extra summer sparkle, why not sew on some sequins or glass beads to catch the light – perfect for parties! You will need ■ Ricorumi Cotton DK, 25g, 2 balls each in: Smokey Orange (shade 024) – Yarn A Light Orange (shade 026) – Yarn B Lime (shade 046) – Yarn C ■ 3.5mm (UK 9, US E/4) hook Measurements ■ To fit child aged 4-5 years old…

Brighten up the day with this cute little sunflower plant. Placed on the windowsill or on your desk at work, Sonny will bring colour and cheer to any space with his vibrant yellow petals and cheeky face! We’ve made him a little pot to sit in using bright blue yarn, but you could choose another colour if you like – or make multiple pots so that Sonny can have a different look each day. He’ll be the most fashionable plant in town! You will need ■ Stylecraft Special DK, 100g, 1 ball each in: Green (1116) Citron (1263) Mocha (1064) Aster (1003) ■ 4mm (UK 8, US G/6) hook ■ Embroidery needle ■ Stitch marker ■ Toy stuffing ■ Pins (optional) ■ 2 x 6mm black safety eyes Measurements ■…

This gorgeous garment is light, airy and easy to wear – just throw it on over a summer dress or top. It’s quite an unusual shape and has a relaxed silhouette that will sit well with most outfits. The fun triangle repeat is made up of trebles and half trebles, with skipped stitches to add a lacy aspect, letting the air flow freely. The complex shape, meanwhile, is actually deceptively simple – it’s formed from a single rectangle, with two parts of the long sides sewn up to create a poncho. You will need ■ Bergère De France Calinou, 50g in: Limonade (shade 10030) x 4 (5: 6) balls ■ A 3.5mm (UK 9, US E/4) hook Measurements ■ See sizing guide Tension ■ 2 pattern repeats measures 5.5cm (2in)…

Get ready for the new season with Love Crochet's collection of adorable projects Your latest Love Crochet is packed with 25 gorgeous, quick and cute makes to hook up. We've filled the issue with speedy projects – perfect for summer – in soft, sumptuous yarns and beautifully bright shades. Whether you're keen to hook tropical bunting, or fancy a go at our adorable, cool cat cover star – we've got all skill levels covered! Elsewhere, our crochet expert Joanne Scrace, walks us through an easy-to-follow bullion stitch tutorial; we review the best kits to buy; and we have pages of must-have shopping inspiration! Don't miss out – take a look today! Get Love Crochet delivered direct to your device SIMPLY TAP HERE TO SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE…

Add a taste of the exotic to your day with Kath Webber’s fun, fruity handbags. Worked in bright shades of Rico Creative Cotton, the perky pineapple design features textured stitches and a drawstring fastening, and the watermelon design is a clutch bag with a gusset and zip. These fabulous accessories are sure to bring a fresh twist to any summer outfit! You will need For Pineapple Bag: ■ Rico Creative Cotton Aran, 50g in: Mustard (shade 70) x 4 balls Light Green (shade 40) x 1 ball ■ 4.5mm (UK 7, US 7) hook For Watermelon Clutch: ■ Rico Creative Cotton Aran, 50g in: Fuchsia (shade 13) x 4 balls Green (shade 49) x 2 balls White (shade 80) x 1 ball ■ Small amount of black cotton yarn or…

With her mint-choc-chip frills, wafer cone hat and raspberry ripple hair, Ilaria’s summer doll is something of a treat! Her body and head are worked as one piece, and the other bits are sewn on afterwards. You’ll have great fun picking sugary shades of yarn for this project, and seeing the look of delight on someone’s face when they receive your sweet gift. Kids, particularly, will adore her – watch them smile when you bring her out at a summer party, just as the ice cream is served! You will need ■ Rico Essentials Cotton DK, 50g, 1 ball each in: Beige (shade 91) – Yarn A Jade Green (shade 47) – Yarn B White (shade 80) – Yarn C Candy Pink (shade 12) – Yarn D Fuchsia (shade 14)…

Capture all the fun of a trip to the seaside with these simple crochet pinwheels. Designer Becky Skuse says: “These are so easy and fun to crochet, they’re perfect for making on holiday or once you get back. Get the kids to help you choose yarn and buttons for a really special make. I used some spare yarn from my stash and chose in-between colours of blue-green, grey-beige and purple-pink – I really wanted to reflect how the unique light at the seaside can change the tone of a colour.” We think these pinwheels would look lovely on a wreath, too. You will need ■ Any DK cotton yarn, approx 15g per pinwheel ■ 4mm (UK 8, US G/6) hook ■ One button ■ Stick (we used barbecue skewers) Measurements…

For your own craft space, or as a gift for a fellow stitcher, this hat-shaped pincushion more than fits the bill. Adorned with flowers and leaves, it’s the prettiest accessory around! You will need ■ Stylecraft Special DK, 100g in: Parchment (shade 1218) x 1 ball Oddments of: Magenta (shade 1084) Fondant (shade 1241) Shrimp (shade 1132) Meadow (shade 1065) ■ 3.5mm (UK 9, US E/4) hook ■ Stuffing ■ Coins or other small items to use as weights ■ Stitch marker (optional) Measurements ■ 10cm (4in) diameter Tension ■ Tension is not important for this project Abbreviations ■ For standard abbreviations see page 90 About this yarn Stylecraft Special DK 100% acrylic 295m per 100g Machine wash at 40°C £1.85, for stockists visit www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk HAT PINCUSHION Base and brim…

Top of the Blogs! thewoolnest.blogspot.com Lynne Rowe so loved crochet and other yarn crafts that she made it her full-time job to be a designer, teacher and author (five books and counting). She says that no day goes by without her making something fun and funky out of yarn (just like us, then). On her blog – or ‘craft room’, as she calls it – you’ll find patterns, tutorials and tips. We love her darling little hearts and cute girl with a balloon. If you’d like to listen to Lynne chatting about her yarny adventures, check out her podcast at https://soundcloud.com/user-54367801 All spruced up Whether you’re a beginner or an old hand, there are always times when you need a little help to master skills, and online tutorials are invaluable.…

Put down your piña colada for a moment and pick up your crochet hook instead – this tropical bunting is just as fruity and delicious, plus it will last all summer long! Liz has alternated motifs of whole pineapples and watermelon slices to create this rereshingly fun decoration, in mouthwatering shades of Ricorumi cotton. It’s sure to bring a splash of colour to a birthday bash, a pool party or even just a casual BBQ. If you fancy adding more fruits to the mix, try adapting the colours of the watermelon to make orange, lemon and lime slices, too! You will need ■ Ricorumi Cotton DK, 25g, 1 ball each in: Raspberry (shade 013) Tangerine (shade 26) Emerald (shade 42) Black (shade 60) Light Green (shade 46) ■ 3.5mm (UK…

Simone’s sophisticated pattern for this sweet shopper incorporates a couple of the more challenging crochet techniques – Tunisian crochet and colourwork. The pretty project is ideal for seasoned hooksters who are keen to learn something new and hone their skills. We just love the summery swan silhouette in this design, and the accent of hot pink! Tunisian crochet adds a really tantalising texture to the surface, and once you’ve got your head around the basic idea, it isn’t too taxing. Grab your yarn and hooks, and make a start on this beautiful bag today. You will need ■ Sirdar Cotton DK, 100g, 1 ball each in: French Navy (shade 0514) – Yarn A Sailor Blue (shade 0513) – Yarn B Bluebird (shade 0515) – Yarn C Mill White (shade 0501)…

Bullion Stitch is one of the more unusual stitches you may come across in crochet. It is one of the textural stitches, like a puff stitch or a bobble, but is created in a very different way. In bullion stitches the yarn is wrapped many times around the hook, and is pulled through all of these loops in one go. Bullion stitches typically have 7 to 10 yarn overs before the hook is inserted to the stitch. This can vary from pattern to pattern, though, so be sure to always read the instructions provided in the pattern you are using before you start. Bullion stitch is more versatile than any of the other texture stitches as it can easily be made to any height. Tall bullion stitches create drama, shorter,…

One swallow does not make a summer, but two of them can make a mighty fine cardigan to keep you warm! Hooked in a stunning shade of blue, this cardie is seamless, worked from the top down using granite stitch – “a perfect backdrop for retro-inspired detailing,” says designer Kat Goldin. The front of the yoke fastens with three mismatched buttons and is embellished with two tattoo-inspired swallows. You will need ■ Cascade 220 Worsted, 100g in Azure (shade 8892) x 6 (6: 7: 7: 7: 8: 8: 9: 9) balls ■ Bergère de France Coton Fifty, 50g in Turquoise (shade 24420) x 1 ball for bird embellishment ■ 2.5mm (UK 12, US B/1 or C/2) hook ■ 4.5mm (UK 7, US 7) hook ■ 5mm (UK 6, US H/8)…

Make a statement with Anchor’s rainbow stole. It’s a bright and breezy cover-up that’s light enough to cram in your holiday case, or why not use it to accessorise a summer wedding outfit? The tonal variations in each of the floral motifs add depth to the design, while the contrasting black flowers help give it a sophisticated touch. We recommend reading the pattern closely before you make a start, and blocking your work carefully when you finish, to let your stitches shine. You will need ■ Anchor Freccia 12 Crochet Cotton, 50g in: Black (shade 403) x 2 balls 1 ball each in: Deep Fuchsia (shade 89), Deep Lilac (shade 109), Red (shade 047), Pink (shade 075), Cornflower Blue (shade 117), Pale Blue (shade 128), Yellow (shade 293), Lemon (shade…

The soothing process of working the colourful stitches of a mandala is amplified with this creative project. Vibrant lacy rounds radiate from a central colour wheel, resulting in a breathtaking sleeveless garment that hangs beautifully and is a joy to make. Sara has chosen Cascade’s Ultra Pima yarn – not only is this soft cotton machine washable, it’s also mercerised, which gives your finished work a lovely light-reflecting sheen. You will need ■ Cascade Ultra Pima DK, 100g, 1 skein of each: Gold (shade 3747) Tangerine (shade 3750) Dark Sea Foam (shade 3797) Sunshine (shade 3764) Spearmint (shade 3738) Delphinium (shade 3706) Pansy (shade 3779) Poppy Red (shade 3751) Aqua (shade 3732) ■ 3.5mm (UK 9, US E/4) hook ■ Stitch markers Measurements ■ Finished diameter is 95cm (35½in) See…

Summer doesn’t start until you’ve tasted the first few strawberries of the season. Get ready to celebrate Wimbledon and your own Great British summertime, with a string of ripe, juicy berries. With this project, it’s all about the details – take care stitching the stems and seeds for each strawberry, then a make a chain and hanging circles to finish off. You will need ■ DMC Petra 3, 100g, 2 balls each in: Red (shade 5666) Green (shade 5905) Ecru (Ecru) 1 ball in Yellow (shade 5727) ■ 3.5mm (UK 9, US E/4) hook ■ Darning needle ■ Toy stuffing Measurements ■ Each strawberry measures 6cm (2¼in) tall Tension ■ Tension is not important for this project Abbreviations ■ For standard abbreviations see page 90 About this yarn DMC Petra…

We love the dizzying, vibrant zigzags and chevrons in Jane Crowfoot’s cushion. This design is inspired by the geometric makes in her latest book, Kaleidoscope. Jane says: “Geometric patterns have always been really appealing to me, and crochet lends itself brilliantly to creating great colour combinations with this theme in mind. When sewn together, these blocks create a great 3D effect.” We couldn’t agree more – what a stunning way to add colour to your home this season. You will need ■ Rowan Cotton Glace, 50g, 1 ball each in: Blackcurrant (shade 862) – Yarn A Shoot (shade 814) – Yarn B Rose (shade 861) – Yarn C Persimmon (shade 832) – Yarn D Blood Orange (shade 445) – Yarn E Poppy (shade 741) – Yarn F Winsor (shade 849)…

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…