Innholdsfortegnelse for January 2020 i Love Crochet

It’s that time of year when we’re thinking about how we can add a little freshness to our lives, our homes and even our hobbies. Spring is all about change, so it’s a perfect chance to switch up your decor, or how about learning a new crochet technique? We’ve got some great projects to get you feeling inspired and welcome the new season… Our pair of cushions (p40) will add a splash of colour to any room (see right), or try our rainbow baskets (p36) to get organised at home. If a new baby is on the way in 2020, then don’t miss our hot air balloon mobile (p14), nursery bunting (p22) and of course, our gorgeous traditional teddy (p18). We also have some stylish patterns to breathe new life…

There are holes in the walls and ceiling, and they share a toilet with other refugee families crammed into the building. Khitam and Abdelsalam are mentally and physically exhausted after years of struggling to survive, unable to earn a living and fighting a daily, relentless battle to feed their children. Right now, they are terrified by the prospect of another winter in their cold, uninsulated single room. Another winter where they will feel every blast of icy wind. Another winter where every time their children cough or sneeze they will fear they have contracted a lethal respiratory condition like pneumonia or tuberculosis. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, needs your support to help parents protect their children this winter. 100mph. Wind speed during Storm Norma, Lebanon, January 2019. Please will you…

Top tip Use up stash cotton DK in different colours for Yarns B and C You will need Stylecraft Classique Cotton DK in Apricot (shade 3962) x 3 balls – A Rico Ricorumi DK in, 1 ball each in: Nude (shade 023) – B Chocolate (shade 057) – C 3.5mm (UK 9 or 10, US E/4) hook Toy stuffing Measurements ■ 28cm (11in) tall when standing Tension ■ Tension is not critical for this project but stitches should be tight so that stuffing does not show through Abbreviations ■ For standard abbreviations see page 82 About this yarn Stylecraft Classique Cotton DK 100% cotton 92m per 50g Machine wash at 40°C £2.19, call 01484 848 435 or visit www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk This beautiful bear has all the makings of a classic, with…

Top tip Use good-quality yarn for the main hat and scraps of cheaper yarn for the boat motif You will need Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino, 1 ball each in: Ecru (shade 101) – A Citrus (shade 18) – B Baby Blue (shade 204) – C Scraps of red, white and blue for the boat motif 3mm (UK 11, US C/2) hook 2.5mm (UK 12 or 13, US B/1 or C/2) hook Measurements To fit age 3-6 months Circumference: 36cm (14in) Tension ■ 18 sts and 13 rows to 10cm (4in) over htr, using a 3mm (UK 11, US C/2) hook Abbreviations Ttr – Triple treble crochet: Yo 3 times, insert hook through st, yo and pull through loop, (you now have 5 sts on hook), yo, pull through 2, (4…

Top tip Keep stitches nice and tight to make a firm, stable surface, perfect for hot pots These eggs-tra special ladies are your new kitchen helpers. Put them to work as potholders, trivets or even place mats – they’re just so versatile and a whole lot of fun! Each pot holder is made in two parts, which are crocheted together. The beak, crest and tail are then crocheted to the edging. You will need Phildar Phil Coton 4 in: Ciel (03) or Turquoise (41) x 1 ball – Yarn A Small amounts of Oiellet (34) and Citron (63) Small amount of black DK cotton 4mm (UK 8, US G/4) hook Tapestry needle Measurements ■ Approx. 16x18cm (6¼x7in) excluding beak, crest and tail Tension ■ Tension is not critical for this…

Top tip Sew your heart trims securely in place using thread that matches your chosen yarn You will need DMC Natura Just Cotton, 1 ball in Orleans (shade 88) 3mm (UK 11, US C/2) hook Sewing needle and thread Measurements ■ Pattern can be used to create a trim to the length you require. See notes for more details Tension ■ Tension is not critical for this project Abbreviations ■ For standard abbreviations see page 82 About this yarn DMC Natura Just Cotton 100% cotton 155m per 50g Machine wash at 30?C £3.99, visit www.dmc.com or call 01924 231669 How do you make a cute pair of pyjamas even cuter? With an adorable heart trim! The pattern is quick and simple to work, and you can use it to embellish…

You will need Stylecraft Life DK, 1 ball in Cascade (shade 2308) 4mm (UK 8, US G/6) hook 4 stitch markers Belt buckle, 3cm (1¼in) Large-eyed wool needle Measurements ■ Make the belt to the size you require, for example, a belt approx. 36cm (14in) long (with 29cm/11½in plaited section) will fit waist 29-32cm (11½-12¾in) Tension ■ Tension is not critical for this project Abbreviations Ftr – Foundation treble crochet: Yrh, insert hook in ch specified, yrh and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yrh and draw through the first loop on hook to make 1 ch (this is the starting ch for the next ftr), yrh, draw through first 2 loops on hook, yrh, draw through last 2 loops on hook For standard abbreviations see page 82…

across to end of the row alt alternate/alternating approx approximate(ly) beg beginning bl insert hook under back loop only BPtr Back Post treble: yrh, starting from the back, insert hook from back to front to back around post of st in row below, complete as treble st ch(s) chain/chain stitch(es) ch-sp(s) chain space(s) ch- refers to ch made previously, eg. ch-3 cl(s) clusters 4-tr cl (yrh, insert hook in sp/st, yrh & pull up loop, yrh & draw through 2 loops) 4 times, inserting hook in same sp/st, yrh & draw through all loops on hook cont continue dc double crochet dc2tog (insert hook in next st, yrh and draw a loop through) twice, yrh and draw through all 3 loops on hook dec decrease dtr double treble crochet dtr2tog…

Top of the Blogs! www.lucyravenscar.blogspot.com Lucy Collin is the designer behind the recently published Harry Potter Crochet book and kit (Thunder Bay Press) – the kit includes a hook shaped like a wand, which we think is the perfect finishing touch. Crocheting creatures is Lucy’s thing, and you’ll find a tribe of cute and quirky amigurumi characters on her site and in her shop. She says they’re inspired by her ‘geeky’ interests. There are an assortment of free patterns on her site (we’re loving the Daleks), plus more to buy from her Etsy site.…

Top tip Mix and match your colours depending on what yarns you have in your stash! You will need DK yarn in yellow, pale pink, black and gold from your stash 3.5mm (UK 9 or 10, US E/4) crochet hook Six-strand embroidery thread in dark grey or black 1m narrow white tulle or ribbon Toy stuffing Measurements ■ 15x8cm (6x3¼in) Tension ■ Tension is not critical for this project but stitches should be tight so that stuffing does not show through Abbreviations ■ For standard abbreviations see page 82 Top Tip You can substitute the embroidered eyes for toy safety eyes if you have some in your stash Enjoy a night at the ballet when you stitch these adorable dancing cats! In matching golden outfits, embellished with tulle fabric and…

Top tip If you prefer, sew on cute buttons printed with teddy bears instead of the pins You will need DMC Petra 3, 1 ball each in: Baby Blue (shade 54518) Apple Green (shade 5772) White (shade B5200) 2.5mm (UK 12 or 13, US B/1 or C/2) crochet hook Yarn needle Scissors Spray starch Ironing mesh Iron 10 safety pins Size Each nappy measures approx. 6.5x7cm (2½x2¾in) Bunting measures approx. 80cm (31½in) long Abbreviations ■ For standard abbreviations see page 82 About this yarn DMC Petra 3 Thread 100% cotton 280m per 100g Machine wash at 60°C £4.95, www.dmccreative.co.uk There’s no better reason to rejoice (or to crochet) than the arrival of a new baby, so reach for your pastel cottons and create this cute and comical gift. Our bunting…

Top tip Arrange your squares diagonally, in stripes, or in a random manner for a fun finish! You will need DK yarn, approx 100m/50g each in 10 different colours: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Turquoise, Blue, Lilac, Purple, Pink, Magenta DK yarn, approx 650m/200g in Cream 4mm (UK 8, US G/6) hook Measurements Each coloured square measures 7.5x7.5cm (3x3in) before border Each square measures 9x9cm (3½x3½in) with border Finished blanket measures approx 100x100cm (39½x39½in) Tension ■ Tension is not critical for this project Abbreviations ■ For standard abbreviations see page 82 Diagonal layout Striped layout We love how a wave of rainbow shades runs diagonally across this beautiful blanket. Designer Becky says: “I’ve always adored rainbows, so a rainbow blanket had been on my must-make list for ages. I chose granny…

Top tip For a firmer base, add a circle of white card to the bottom of each pot You will need DROPS Muskat in: White (shade 18) x 3 balls 1 ball each in: Lilac (shade 04) Light Blue (shade 02) Light Mint (shade 20) Light Yellow (shade 07) Peach (shade 10) 6mm (UK 4, US J/10) hook Stitch marker Measurements Diameters of pots from Large to Extra Small: 12cm (4¾in), 10cm (4in), 9cm (3½in), 8cm (3in) Heights of pots from Large to Extra Small: 12cm (4¾in), 10cm (4in), 9cm (3½in), 8cm (3in) Tension ■ Tension is not critical for this project Abbreviations ■ For standard abbreviations see page 82 About this yarn DROPS Muskat 100% cotton 100m per 50g Machine wash at 40°C £1.60, for stockists visit www.garnstudio.com Channel…

Top tip Choose from 20 fantastic printed colours in the Big Delight range of yarns You will need DROPS Big Delight in Berry Muffin (shade 11) x 1 ball for hat (both sizes) x 2 balls for cowl (both sizes) 7mm (UK 2, US 10.75) hook Measurements Hat: S/M – M/L Head circumference: 54-56 (56-58)cm, 21¼-22in (22-22¾in) Cowl: S/M – M/L Circumference: 60 (63)cm, 23½ (24¾in) Tension ■ 11tr and 6 rows to 10cm (4in) using 7mm (UK 2, US 10.75) hook Abbreviations ■ For standard abbreviations see page 82 About this yarn DROPS Big Delight 100% wool 190m per 100g Hand wash at max 30?C £3.67, for stockists visit www.garnstudio.com Winter warmers don’t get much better than this slouchy hat and cosy cowl! Hooked in groups of trebles and…

Top tip If your tension tends to be tight, try a larger hook for Round 10 so that Round 11 is easier to work You will need Rico Baby Cotton Soft DK, 1 ball each in: Salmon (shade 054) – A Saffron (shade 059) – B 4mm (UK 8, US G/6) crochet hook Stitch marker Scrap of cardboard Measurements ■ Approx. 18cm (7in) tall excluding base, 4cm (1¼in) deep, 30cm (12in) diameter Tension ■ Tension is not critical for this project Abbreviations ■ For standard abbreviations see page 82 About this yarn Rico Baby Cotton Soft DK 50% cotton, 50% acrylic 125m per 50g Machine wash at 30°C £2.59, for stockists visit www.rico-design.co.uk This pretty pouch is a perfect size for makeup, toiletries or other items that tend to go…

Top tip For extra detail, add some whiskers to the cute kitty jumper You will need Bernat Softee Baby in: Mauveshade30310 x 1 (2: 2: 3) ball(s) – A Pink (shade 02001) x 1 (1: 1: 1) ball – B BlueJeansshade30111) x 1 (2: 2: 3) ball(s) – A Mint (shade 02004) x 1 (1: 1: 1) ball – B 3.5mm (UK 9 or 10, US E/4) hook 4mm (UK 8, US G/6) hooks 2 buttons for each jumper Kitty Version only: Small amount of dark pink aran-weight yarn for nose and mouth embroidery Measurements ■ See sizing guide Tension ■ 16 sts and 19 rows to 10cm (4in) over double crochet using 4mm (UK 8, US G/6) crochet hook Abbreviations Bptr (back post treble): Yo and draw up a…

You will need Small dinosaur DROPS Safran, 1 ball each in: Army Green (shade 14) Lime (shade 31) Small amount of black yarn 3mm (UK 11, US C/2) crochet hook Toy stuffing Large dinosaur DROPS Paris, 1 ball each in Light Purple (shade 05) Powder Pink (shade 58) Small amount of black yarn 4mm (UK 8, US G/6) crochet hook Toy stuffing Measurements Small: approx. 10cm (4in) high x 14cm (5½in) long Large: approx. 14cm (5½in) high x 20cm (8in) long Tension Small: 24dc to 10cm (4in) using a 3mm (UK 11, US C/2) hook Large: 17dc to 10cm (4in) using a 4mm (UK 8, US G/6) hook Abbreviations ■ For standard abbreviations see page 82 About these yarns DROPS Safran 100% cotton 160m per 50g Machine wash at 40°C…

How do you fancy making a kit, with the designer on hand to give you advice and tips if you get stuck? That’s what’s on offer, among lots of other yarny activities, at Textiles East Fair, which takes place at Swavesey Village College in Cambridgeshire from 21-22 Feb. Tickets are £6. This fleecy sheep, created by Alison of Sheepy Things, is just one of the tempting kit workshops to choose from. www.textileseastfair.wordpress.com Wire Crochet Jewelry Is crocheting with wire more difficult than crocheting with yarn? Well, maybe a little, but Yael takes you through the process step by step, with detailed explanations and pictures. And, the 17 projects are graded by skill level, so you can start with something easy and work up to a bejewelled masterpiece. Wire Crochet Jewelry:…

You will need Rico Creative Cotton Aran, 1 ball each in: Cardinal (shade 11) Turquoise (shade 36) Light Green (shade 40) Light Yellow (shade 63) Cherry (shade 65) Tangerine (shade 76) White (shade 80) 4mm (UK 8, US G/6) crochet hook Wool needle Toy stuffing Measurements ■ 22x28cm (8½x11in) Tension ■ Tension is not critical for this project Abbreviations ■ For standard abbreviations see page 82 Top tip Make the stripes different sizes and combine different colours to make this design unique About this yarn Rico Creative Cotton Aran 100% cotton 85m per 50g Machine wash at 30°C £1.89, www.woolwarehouse.co.uk The sight of a hot air balloon drifting across a blue sky is enough to put a little spring in anyone’s step, and this colourful project will have just the…

Top tip Pastel shades of lilac, yellow or green will work equally well with this design You will need DMC Petra 3, 1 ball each in: Baby Blue (shade 54518) White (shade B5200) 2.5mm (UK 12 or 13, US B/1 or C/2) crochet hook Yarn needle Scissors Spray starch Ironing mesh Iron Measurements ■ The ribbon is approx. 1m long Tension ■ Tension is not critical for this project Abbreviations Ttr – Triple Treble Crochet: (Yo 3 times, insert hook through st, yo and pull through loop, (you now have 5 sts on hook), yo, pull through 2, (4 sts on hook), yo pull through 2, (3 sts on hook), yo, pull through 2, (2 sts on hook), yo, pull through 2, (1 st on hook) For standard abbreviations see…

You will need DMC Petra 3 Crochet Cotton in: EcruBrightRed Dark Red PalePinkDarkPink, Medium Pink WhiteBrightRed Medium Red, Dark Red DarkRedBrightRed, Maroon, Pale Pink 1.75mm (UK 2, US 4) steel crochet hook 1 metre of red organza ribbon Measurements ■ Approx. 6.5cm (2½in) wide x 6cm (2¼in) high Tension ■ Tension not important Abbreviations To work tr round post, insert hook from front to back and around the post of the designated stitch, then work tr in usual way. This gives a raised treble For standard abbreviations see page 82 About This yarn DMC Petra 3 100% cotton 280m per 100g Machine wash at 60°C £5.89, www.dmc.com Valentine’s Day is a time to show you care, and it’s also the perfect excuse to hook up some gorgeous crochet in rich…

You will need Striped cushion DMC Woolly DK in: White x 4 balls 6 different contrasting shades x 1 ball each 4mm (UK 8, US G/6) hook 3.75mm (UK 9, US F/5) hook Cushion pad size 36cm (14in) Circle cushion DMC Woolly DK in: White x 4 balls 7 different contrasting shades x 1 ball each 4mm (UK 8, US G/6) hook Cushion pad size 36cm (14in) Measurements ■ 36cm (14in) square Tension ■ Tension is not critical for these projects Abbreviations ■ For standard abbreviations see page 82 About this yarn DMC Woolly DK 100% wool 125m per 50g Machine wash at 30°C £6.50, www.dmccreative.co.uk What a gorgeous set of cushions! The combination of DMC’s rich shades and Val’s inspiring designs have sent us ga-ga over this matching duo.…

We all love an excuse to buy a gadget, and there are so many on the market for yarn crafts that it’s difficult to choose! Some crocheters like to work minimally with only the yarn and a hook, but there’s a lot of useful helpers that are worth having – and some that aren’t. We all need to start with a hook. When I started there was only the typical grey metal hook, which must have seemed like the height of modernity after the hooks made of bone that my granny used. Now, though, you can buy metal, bamboo, hooks with ergonomic handles, and even hooks that light up. You’re probably thinking that you don’t need them, but you could easily persuade yourself! If you find it difficult to see…

Top tip Choose colours to suit your style – this yarn comes in 26 self-striping shades You will need Bernat Pop! in Birch, Bark and Blue (shade 84016) x 6 (7: 8) balls 6.5mm (UK 3, US K/10½) hook Stitch markers 4 buttons, 2.5cm (1in) diameter Tension ■ 10 dc and 11 rows to 10cm (4in) over patt using 6.5mm (UK 3, US K/10½) crochet hook Abbreviations ■ For standard abbreviations see page 82 About this yarn Bernat Pop! 100% acrylic 256m per 140g Machine wash at 30°C £5.99, available from www.woolwarehouse.co.uk Spring weather can be changeable, so swap your heavy winter coat for this fabulous poncho, which won’t weigh you down. This design is easy to crochet with Bernat’s Pop! self-striping yarn – the five distinct colours in each…

Top tip Keep your stitches on the tight side to prevent stuffing from poking through You will need Any cotton DK, 1 ball in: Yellow (A) Small amounts of Black and Pink cotton DK Pair of safety eyes Toy stuffing Small piece of fabric for the scarf 4mm (UK 8, US G/6) crochet hook Yarn needle Sewing needle and thread to match fabric Tension ■ Tension is not critical for this project, just adjust the hook size if necessary to achieve a firm fabric Finished measurements ■ Approx. 10cm (4in.) tall Abbreviations ■ For standard abbreviations see page 82 About this yarn Rico Essentials Cotton DK 100% cotton 130m per 50g Machine wash at 30?C £2.89, www.lovecrafts.com You won’t get into a pickle with this sweet and simple pattern, worked…

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. Making a slipknot THE FIRST LOOP ON THE HOOK 1 Hold the tail of the ball of yarn in your left hand and drape the yarn clockwise over the top of it to form a circular loop. 2 Hold the loop between your left thumb and forefinger, then insert the crochet…