Finished Object | Juniper Cowl by TL Yarn Crafts

I’ve been awfully busy recently, with some secret squirrel projects, and so I started thinking about things that I COULD share. It occurred to me that I don’t always show any of the finished objects that I’ve made. I think it’s always nice to see what folks have finished isn’t it – I’m always checking people out (in a non creepy way) if I spy a bit of a crocheted item on their person, don’t you?

My Juniper Cowl by TL Yarn Crafts was definitely a case of me seeing someone else wearing it and deciding I needed to make one too! There was a period of time, when several of us, who attended the The Crochet Sanctuary, had a bit of a craze on Juniper Cowls. Everyone was making them, everyone was wearing them, and of course I couldn’t miss out on that.

A hand is holding a crocheted work in progress on a desktop, On the desk there is a wooden yarn bowl with a multicoloured Scheepjes Whirl inside.

There was so much inspiration to be had from all the fabulous ones I’d seen, but I thought I’d try something a little different to see if it would work. So the original pattern by the fabulous designer Toni Lipsey calls for 10 different coloured mini skeins of fingering weight yarn, and don’t get me wrong I’ve seen some fabulous variations using mini skeins, but as I’m trying to do a bit better at using up what I’ve got I wondered if a Scheepjes Whirl might work as a substitute.

Made from a 60% Cotton and 40% Acrylic blend, Scheepjes Whirl‘s are a favourite of mine to create accessories as they are simultaneously lightweight, breathable and have a beautiful drape. 

Close up of the crocheted Juniper Cowl on a desk top made with a Scheepjes Whirl

They have a generous twist to enable speed while working the yarn and to help prevent splitting, and each colourway also has a unique twisted ply which adds to the distinctiveness of each colourway. I personally LOVE the way the colours blend together in these Whirls, it’s so subtle and the effects are usually gorgeous. The colour I used was a Woolly Whirl called Sugar Sizzle (shade 472), but any type of Whirl or colour I have no doubt would work.

Scheepjes Whirl yarn cakes are a fingering weight yarn (4ply) that are 1000 m / 215g which is more than enough for a shawl or wrap. So even though it was a bit less than the 250g of fingering weight / 4ply that the pattern calls for I thought it would work. The pattern calls for a 4mm (US size G/6) hook but as a Scheepjes Whirl is more suited to a smaller hook size I went with a 3.5mm (US size E/4) to see what would happen.

A close up of the drape of the crocheted Juniper Cowl, by TL YarnCrafts shown on a mannikin against a background of ivy.

I find working on someone else’s pattern very relaxing because all the thinking has been done for me – and that was definitely the case with this project. It was my take out and about project coming with me on car journeys, the playpark and the hairdressers! It’s also a great mindful project to tackle whilst watching TV or listening to a good audio book.

I really enjoyed making this cowl, and I love how it turned out. It’s a great pattern! I have to say it’s a finished item that I’ve used regularly since I’ve worn it. I might just have to make another at some point, though this time I think I’ll defiantly be looking at what hand dyed mini’s I’ve got because that would just be such a delicious project.

The crocheted Juniper Cowl, by TL YarnCrafts made with a Scheepjes Whirl is shown on a mannikin against a background of ivy.

Do you have a favourite finished object that you’ve made recently? I’d love to hear about it – let me know in the comments below.

Until next time folks! Happy hooking, keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

Graceful Gull MAL Announcement

Image of a seagull perched on a wooden pole against a cloudy blue sky.

The Yarn Whisperer and Keep Calm and Crochet On UK logos are in the top right hand corner.

Text reads Graceful Gull Crochet Make-Along, 31 July-15 September 2023. www.keepcalmandcrochetonuk.com

I’m super excited to be joining forces again with the lovely and talented yarn dyer Kitey, aka The Yarn Whisperer, to bring you a brand new summer make-along.

This is our SIXTH collaboration in our make-along series (you can see a round up of all CALs and MALs here) and as always offers a chance to use some wonderful hand-dyed yarn combined with a fun summery crochet project.

Imagine you are sitting on a deck chair at the beach; you are feeling that joyous light-hearted feeling of a being on holiday; no work, just time to recline and relax. The waves are crashing against the shore and you can hear the sounds of chatter and laughter in the distance as the sun softly warms your face.

You are enjoying the anticipation of someone bringing you your favourite ice-cream but while you wait you decide to open up your project bag to start that new WIP. There is a light breeze that gently moves your yarn as you take out the ball and your hook and you hear the call of a seagull as it flies by overhead…

Join us as we take part in the Graceful Gull Make Along!

Moodboard collage for the Graceful Gull Crochet Makealong; 4 skeins of yarn sit on a bed of shells, a close up of a seagull, a seagull feather sticking upright in the sand.

If you are not sure what a MAL is, you can read more on the MAL landing page here, but Kitey and I have actually had this planned since last years Christmas collab (and we may have already planned more projects into 2024 – we do get a bit over excited when we start talking!)

This time around we are going to be making a shawlette, which I’m not going to show you yet, and I’m not going to give away too much about the project, but what I will say is that I really, really love everything about it and can’t wait to share it with you!

An exclusive pattern and kit are being created for this extra special MAL. Each kit will include the following super washed merino 4ply (Sock weight) yarn;

  • 1x 100g / 425m skein of natural
  • 2x 50g / 212m skeins of two exclusive hand-dyed colourways
  • 1 x 20g / 85m of another exclusive hand-dyed colourway
  • A digital copy of the pattern
  • A few extra treats, including an EXCLUSIVE @mrsgmakes stitch marker, just for good measure!

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Pinterest collage including; Image of a seagull perched on a wooden pole against a cloudy blue sky. Some skeins of yarn rest on some shells, a seagull feather is stood up in some sand.

Text reads Graceful Gull Crochet Summer 2023 Crochet Make Along. www.keepcalmandcrochetonuk.com

Pre-ordered kits will be available for £45 + postage, and can be made on The Yarn Whisperer website from 10 am on 9th May and if you order in the first 24 hours you can enjoy a 10% Early Bird discount.

AND if you order your kit in the first 24 hours you can enjoy a 10% Early Bird discount.

Kits will be dyed to order over the coming weeks, with generally a 1 week turn-around from order to shipping. But get in quick to ensure you get yours in plenty of time to crochet along with us!

Last International orders will be shipped by 25th June if ordered by the end of May. UK orders will continue to be shipped after this date but ordering early ensures your kit arrives in plenty of time to join us on 31st July.

The Make Along will run from 31st July to 15th September for a nice relaxed project with plenty of time for you to make the pattern. You can of course start the pattern at anytime you wish, this deadline is just there for those that like to have one.

I’ve put together all the details for this particular MAL on a landing page which you can find here, or find via the top menu of this blog under the tab ‘CALS AND MALS’.

Social post for #GracefulGullMAL, Crochet MakeAlong, 31 July - 15 September 2023 By @the_yarnwhisperer and @kcaco.uk

There will be support for the pattern as usual in my Facebook group; the KCACO-UK Crochet Community Group. You can also pop in and join in with the Virtual Stitch-n-B*tch sessions hosted by Kitey on Tuesday’s evenings from 5.20pm GMT (see full details on Kitey’s Insta page). These sessions are a bit like going to a virtual knit and natter group, and everyone there is really lovely and helpful.

We look forward to you sharing your WIPs with us and we will be using hashtags #GracefulGullMAL #kcacouk and #yarnwhisperer if you want to tag us on socials – we love to see what you make.

You can also save the project as a favourite on Ravelry here.

We do hope that you will join both Kitey and I for this fun make-along – we can’t wait to see your wonderful new projects come to life!

Until next time folks! Happy hooking, keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

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Crochet Now Magazine | Clangers Soup Dragon Puppet

I’m delighted to say I’ve got another nostalgic pattern for you today from the world of the Clangers! As all Clanger fans know, their favourite food is soup – and who makes that soup? It’s the Soup Dragon!

A lady looking off camera holds up a crocheted Soup Dragon puppet, from the Clangers TV show, next to her face.
© Practical Publishing 2023 (Crochet Now Issue 94)

If you aren’t familiar with The Clangers, it’s a classic BBC British stop-motion pre-school children’s tv series. It’s about a family of knitted mice-like creatures who live on a small moon-like blue planet.

Now I’m not old enough to remember the original series (which ran between 1969-74), but when I had my eldest daughter my mother-in-law bought us a DVD of The Clangers, which we watched together so the Clangers have a special place in my heart – as they do for many people!

A toddler, wearing a Clangers jumper, has the Clangers Soup Dragon puppet on his right shoulder.
© Practical Publishing 2023 (Crochet Now Issue 94)

You may remember that I designed a sweet “Clanger” themed mobile for Issue 79 of Crochet Now and now I’m delighted to have created another favourite character from the show, The Soup Dragon in a puppet form. The Soup Dragon: a benign, female creature with a penchant for Green Soup. Clangers only eat green soup which is supplied by the Soup Dragon harvested from the planet’s volcanic soup wells.

The finished puppet is approx. 25 cm (9.8 inches) from nose to cuff and will fit little hands easily; it will also stretch to accommodate adult hands too for adult / child playtime.

A lady lwith the Clangers crocheted Soup Dragon puppet on her right hand is pretending to be scared of the puppet.
© Practical Publishing 2023 (Crochet Now Issue 94)

For my Soup Dragon puppet I used some Stylecraft Special DK with a 4mm hook in 8 different colours. I think many of us have a Stylecraft stash of yarn for various projects, it’s such a versatile yarn with an amazing selection of shades that cover the whole rainbow several times over. It’s an 100% acrylic yarn that is hard-wearing and machine washable – making it great for toys!

❤️ SAVE THE SOUP DRAGON PUPPET ON RAVELRY ❤️

Issue 94 is available to buy from your local supermarket or you can grab a digital version from www.craftstash.co.uk/books-magazines

Front cover of Crochet Now Magazone Issue 94 available from most supermarkets

If you make up the The Soup Dragon Puppet I hope you’ll share any finished photos with me on social media (facebooktwitter or instagram) or as a project on Ravelry – I love to see what you make! And finally you may wish to make sure you are signed up to blog (below) and / or my mailing list to get a reminder when new blog posts, discounts or new pattern releases are available.

Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

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Please note that some of the links in my blog are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase via these links, but the price you pay is not affectedthank you for your support.

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Woolbox | Free Coronation British Bulldog Pattern

I’m very excited to announce that I’ve got a brand new FREE crochet pattern available in collaboration with the lovely people from Woolbox. Introducing the Crocheted Coronation British Bulldog – The latest addition to the WoolBox family.

Image of a crocheted British Bulldog, with a British Union Jack style jumper, sitting on a British Union Jack flag.

Woolbox is a new online yarn company with a wealth of knitting and crochet knowledge. They are beginning to develop some patterns of their own, with the help of different designers, using their own brand of yarn ‘Woolbox’ and I’m delighted to be helping them out with that.

The British Bulldog has often been used to embody British values and has been used in propaganda as a of Churchillian courage and perseverance. Though England doesn’t have a national dog per se, the British Bulldog is often associated with our country as the breed is thought to have originated in the British Isles.

To celebrate the Coronation of HRH The King’s Coronation I’ve worked with WoolBox to bring to you our Union Jack dressed British Bulldog.

❤️ SAVE THE PATTERN ON RAVELRY ❤️

For my little Bulldog I used Woolbox Imagine Classic DK with a 3.25mm hook. If you aren’t familiar with this yarn it is a 100% acrylic yarn that is super soft and has been developed with anti-pilling technology.

In a nutshell this just means that any project you make with this yarn, whether it’s a garment or a toy, should avoid going bobbly or thinner over time.

Image of a crocheted British Bulldog, surrounded by balls of Woolbox Imagine Classic DK

Woolbox Imagine Classic DK is available in 20 different colours, and I just used 5 different colours for my bulldog.

The pattern is available for FREE from the Woolbox as just the digital download or as a kit – I’ve added the links below.

The Coronation crocheted British Bulldog pattern available from Woolbox.

The pattern is written in UK terms, but shipping is available to anywhere. If you are not sure about UK terms then you might find my blog post British vs. American Crochet Terms: What’s the Difference? helpful.

If you make up a Coronation British Bulldog I hope you will share your finished project photos with me on social media (facebooktwitter or instagram), or as a project on Ravelry – I love to see what you make! And finally you may wish to sign up to blog (below) and / or my mailing list to get a reminder when new blog posts, discounts or new pattern releases are available.

Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

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NEW Mini Crochet Kit | Love Gnome

I have to say that this year feels like it’s moving very fast – I can’t believe we are nearly in May and I’ve not had chance to share a crochet new kit I’ve just added to my Etsy shop! My best laid plans of sharing it in February didn’t happen, but that’s okay, you just have to do what you can do don’t you!

But now allow me to introduce my newest mini crochet kit for the Love Gnome!

Image of a amigurumi gnome holding a little heart on a stick, next to the gnome is a heart shaped bauble filled with red and pink yarn.

Much like the mini crochet kits I released last year (see all the mini crochet kits here along with a big kit) this one was released at the February Crochet Sanctuary where I was kindly allowed to bring a pop up shop to share with the other guests a range of my KCACOUKYarnybobs and Dear Ewe products.

It’s becoming a little bit of a tradition to create a new kit for these pop up’s and I have to say I really enjoy the process of coming up with something new – in fact a brand new kit, launching at the April Crochet Sanctuary will be coming soon!

A crochet gnome holding a little heart on a stick, next to the gnome is a heart small basket filled with red and pink Scheepjes Catona yarn.

So show a little love with the crochet Love Gnome! This adorable little gonk, with his hat pulled over his nose, would make a cute addition to your home or you could make as a gift to someone special.

❤️ Add the Love Gnome Crochet Kit to your favourites on Ravelry ❤️

Each kit contains 30g of Scheepjes Catona, the 16mm wooden bead, an eco cocktail stick, a small amount of white acrylic yarn for his beard packed in a reusable heart shaped bauble. The kit also comes with 10g bag of stuffing in small reusable organza bag (separately from the heart as it wouldn’t all fit in) so you have everything you need to your little Love Gnome.

A hand holds a heart shaped bauble filled with red and pink yarn.

There’s also the optional tool extra, via my Etsy shop, of including up a premium bamboo 3mm hook (US approx. size D/3) if you don’t have one of those to hand.

The pattern is written in UK terms, but shipping is available to anywhere. If you are not sure about UK terms then you might find my blog post British vs. American Crochet Terms: What’s the Difference? helpful.

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Pinterest collage of images for the Mini Crochet Kit Love Gnome Ornament.

These bauble crochet kits have always proved popular at the crochet sanctuary and I’ve seen lots of lovely examples now of projects that have been made from my mini kits.

If you have been working on a pattern from one of my crochet kits I hope you’ll share your WIP and finished project photos with me on social media (facebooktwitter or instagram), or as a project on Ravelry – I love to see what you make! And finally you may wish to sign up to blog (below) and / or my mailing list to get a reminder when new blog posts, discounts or new pattern releases are available.

Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

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Crochet Pattern | Coronation Chicken Amigurumi

Hi, how are you doing today? I’ve got something a little fun and tongue in cheek to share with you. I really wanted to come up with a commemorative project for the forthcoming King’s Coronation – and well all I could think of was coronation chicken…so that’s what I’ve made!

Colin the crocheted chicken sits on a little chair on a desk. He is wearing a crown, is dressed in an ermine cloak and is holding an orb and sceptre. There is a plant and a basket of Ricorumi yarn in the background.

Meet Colin the Coronation Chicken, a eggs-traordinarily hen-some fellow who would make a great commemorative souvenir or gift for a royalty lover.

He’s im-peck-ably dressed for the occasion in a hen-semble of sash, crown and ermine trimmed cloak – aren’t my chicken puns just heir-larious!

Colin the crocheted coronation chicken sits on a chair with a backdrop of a royal palace.

I made Colin with a 3mm hook and some Ricorumi DK from my stash. I love Ricorumi DK especially for amigurumi as it comes in loads of different colours.

Made of 100% cotton this smooth-finished yarn comes in cute 25g [57.5 meters] balls just perfect for projects where you just want to use a small amount of a particular colour.

View of a desk with a plant, ornament, cup of tea, hook and scissors and a basket of Ricorumi yarn

Colin’s crown, sceptre and orb are made from Rico Ricorumi Lamé DK – Gold (002) which is super sparkly yarn perfectly suited to royal accessories. It comes in 10g [50m] and is made from 62% polyester and 38% nylon.

The only other things you need to make Colin are 2 x 6mm black safety eyesstitch markers, some black embroidery thread,a tapestry needle and some toy stuffing. His finished size is 16cm / 6.3 inches high from bottom to top of his crown.

Close up of crochet crown, orb and sceptre for Colin the Crochet Coronation Chicken Amigurumi

The majority of this pattern is worked in amigurumi style, using continuous rounds, and then the parts are sewn together using the mattress stitch.

Of course if you didn’t want to deck him out in his finery then Colin makes a very cute rooster which could look great as part of your Spring or farmhouse style decor.

Colin the crocheted chicken sits on a desk with a plant and a basket of Ricorumi yarn in the background.

The written pattern for Colin the Coronation Chicken is now available in all of my pattern shops with 25% off for the next couple of weeks on Ravelry and Etsy (see code below):

The 6 page PDF pattern is available in either UK or US terms and includes explanations of all stitches and abbreviations. I would suggest it is suitable for an intermediate crocheter – though there is nothing to stop an adventurous beginner having a go!

If you fancy 25% off the pattern price just enter the coupon code: CORONATION on either Ravelry or Etsy until 23 APRIL 2023 to save.

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Pinterest collage for the crochet pattern Colin the amigurumi coronation chicken

Other Crafting for the Kings Coronation:

Looking for more crafts for the Kings coronation to add a British touch to your crochet? Then you might enjoy these patterns:

A pair of crochet union jack themed squares / coasters

Union Jack Square Coaster; this fun crochet coaster pattern is the perfect way to add a little red, white and blue to your home!

Two chunky crochet crowns in different sizes; one pink with pink jewels, one purple with purple jewels.

Play crown; don’t just use the coronation as the perfect reason to don a crown, they are perfect for fancy dress and birthday parties too!

Reginald the Royal Rat amigurumi; rat dressed in a small golden crown and purple ermine cloak. The background is silver sparkles and an open jewellery box.

Reginald the Royal Rat; this pattern has been quite popular recently – I’m guessing in the run up to the coronation. Commemorative toys are such a sweet way to celebrate the coronation.

Pick up a PDF for any of these patterns from your favourite pattern platform – links below:

If you like any of these patterns then please show them some love, or leave a comment or review on the platform you get it from if you make up the pattern – small biz all support and shares are very much appreciated! And I hope you’ll share any finished photos with me on social media (facebooktwitter or instagram) or as a project on Ravelry – I love to see what you make! And finally you may wish to make sure you are signed up to blog (below) and / or my mailing list to get a reminder when new blog posts, discounts or new pattern releases are available.

Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

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Please note that some of the links in my blog are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase via these links, but the price you pay is not affectedthank you for your support.

I Like Crochet Magazine | Patchwork Puppy

Today I’m going to share the last of the patterns I created for the April 2023 edition of  I Like Crochet magazine. Bright and cheerful, and an excellent stash buster, allow me to introduce the Patchwork Puppy.

A cute close up of a crocheted peach, teal, pink and yellow amigurumi patchwork puppy sitting in a little mint green chair.
© I Like Crochet – April 2023

A great pattern for all the dog-lovers out there, this perfect patchwork pup is fab for using up any
part balls of yarn you have hanging around! With his colourful tummy and eye patch he’ll win over
fans of every age.

I created my pup with a 3mm hook and various colours of Ricorumi DK which, if you are not not familiar with it, is a100% cotton yarn which comes in 25g [57.5 meters] balls. I love Ricorumi DK especially for amigurumi as it comes in the cute little balls in loads of different colours so I can usually find the shades that I’m looking for.

The back view of the crocheted peach, teal, pink and yellow amigurumi patchwork puppy showing his tail.

The only other things you will need to make the pup are stitch markers, a tapestry needle and some toy stuffing and a needle and sewing thread.

💕 SAVE THE PATCHWORK PUPPY ON RAVELRY 💕

Close up of a crocheted peach, teal, pink and yellow amigurumi patchwork puppy on a white background.

As well as the patchwork puppy (and the flower hair accessories and countryside pillow) the April 2023 edition features loads of lovely seasonal patterns and a range of interesting articles. If you SUBSCRIBE you can get the magazine straight to your desktop or iPad as well as access to lots of other extra crochet bonus material.

Front cover image of the I Like Crochet e-magazine for April 2023
© I Like Crochet – April 2023

If you haven’t heard of  I Like Crochet magazine before it’s a US bi-monthly digital magazine which is published by the creators of AllFreeCrochet.com. With it being a US publication patterns are written using US crochet terminology – if you are not sure how that differs you may find my post British vs. American Crochet Terms: What’s the difference? of use.

If you hook up the any of the designs in this issue I hope you’ll share your photos with me on social media (facebooktwitter or instagram) or as a project on Ravelry – I love to see what you make! And finally you may wish to make sure you are signed up to blog (below) and / or my mailing list to get a reminder when new blog posts, discounts or new pattern releases are available.

Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

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Please note that some of the links in my blog are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase via these links, but the price you pay is not affectedYou can read more about my affiliate links here.

I Like Crochet Magazine | Countryside Pillow

How is it already nearing the end of march already? I can’t quite believe how fast this year is going by! I’ve not yet told you about the second design, of the three, that I created the April 2023 edition of  I Like Crochet magazine. This next design is inspired by bright cheerful Spring walks; allow me to introduce the Countryside Pillow.

A textured cushion, featuring a pattern inspired by the English countryside, rests on a white chair.
© I Like Crochet – April 2023

The layered landscape of the countryside on a bright day inspired this pillow. Next weekend is one of my favourites time of the year here in the UK as our clocks go forward.

It means we’ll gain an extra hour of daylight everyday, making it so much more bright and cheerful all round. That of course means that we have longer days to crochet by – woo hoo!

Side view of the crocheted Countryside Pillow. Pattern available in the April issue of I Like Crochet magazine.
© I Like Crochet – April 2023

For my pillow I used a combination of John Arbon Textiles yarns and a 3mm (US closest size D/3). The main section of the pillow is made with 200g  (250m per 100g) of Appledore yarn which is 40% Devon Closewool / 40% Romney / 20% Exmoor Blueface.

I then combined this with some of their Appledore Mini DK skeins (25g / 62m) and some Knit by Numbers Mini DK skeins, which is (at the time of writing this) is 100% Merino to create the hills and valleys on the front of the pillow.

Image of several John Arbon Textile mini Appledores in seven vibrant colours on a desk, a hand is reaching into the scene to hold up the yarn tag towards the camera.

I really enjoy crocheting with both of these yarns, each skein is dyed with a beautiful vibrancy to create a palette of shades that work together beautifully.

Crocheted using the altered berry stitch and a smattering of different yarns and colors, this pattern could also be a great stash buster to create a landscape at sunrise or sunset, fields of green or fields of wheat.

The only other things you will need to make your pillow is a tapestry needle, scissors, 14 inch (36cm) cream zip and a 16×16 inch cushion inner.

💕 SAVE THE COUNTRYSIDE PILLOW ON RAVELRY 💕

Close up of the crocheted Countryside pillow showing vibrant colours and texture.
© I Like Crochet – April 2023

As well as my flower hair accessories and countryside pillow the April 2023 edition features loads of lovely seasonal patterns and a range of interesting articles. If you SUBSCRIBE you can get the magazine straight to your desktop or iPad as well as access to lots of other extra crochet bonus material.

Front cover image of the I Like Crochet e-magazine for April 2023
© I Like Crochet – April 2023

If you haven’t heard of  I Like Crochet magazine before it’s a US bi-monthly digital magazine which is published by the creators of AllFreeCrochet.com. With it being a US publication patterns are written using US crochet terminology – if you are not sure how that differs you may find my post British vs. American Crochet Terms: What’s the difference? of use.

If you hook up the any of the designs in this issue I hope you’ll share your photos with me on social media (facebooktwitter or instagram) or as a project on Ravelry – I love to see what you make! And finally you may wish to make sure you are signed up to blog (below) and / or my mailing list to get a reminder when new blog posts, discounts or new pattern releases are available.

Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

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Please note that some of the links in my blog are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase via these links, but the price you pay is not affectedYou can read more about my affiliate links here.

I Like Crochet Magazine | Bouquet Bobby Pins and Barrette

I’m delighted to say that I’ve got three brand news designs in the April 2023 edition of  I Like Crochet magazine. In this issue they’ve put together 16+ fresh spring patterns meant to get your creativity flowing, allow me to introduce the first pattern of mine; the Bouquet Bobby Pins and Barrette set.

Image of some brightly coloured floral crocheted hair accessories on a white background
© I Like Crochet – April 2023

With the clocks going back at the end of the month, here in the UK, we are looking forward to that cold weather fading and signs of life bursting from the once-frozen ground! It’s hard not to get excited about the new season head: spring! 

I love Spring, it’s such a period of anticipation of warmer weather, allowing us to spend more time outside, and I look eagerly for those first flowers to bloom.

A woman in a blue vest top stands with her back to the camera against a white background. She has her hand adjusting a floral crochet hair accessory in her long blonde hair.
© I Like Crochet – April 2023

So it’s time to tuck these botanical pins into your locks for a whimsical spring look. The pattern allows you to arrange and design your own placement for the flowers and leaves for each pin allowing you to customize to your heart’s content.

I used Scheepjes Maxi Sweet Treat, which is a lace weight yarn for my hair accessories with a 1.75mm (US size 6) hook. The yarn is 100% Cotton; 142 yards 140 meters / 25 grams and I used six different colours, (519 Freesia, 395 Willow, 247 Bluebird, 252 Watermelon, 411 Sweet Orange, 266 Light Orchid), but you could make in any colour to match a theme or outfit.

Image of a basket of Scheepjes Maxi Sweet Treat in six vibrant colours on a desk, a hand is reaching out to grab the bright pink Freesia colour.

The only other things you will need to make your floral clips are the blank hair accessory pieces to add your flowers to. I used these Cabochon hair clips from Etsy which were perfect, along with these diy barrettes (also from Etsy), and this is the glue gun I used (also from Amazon) which I can recommend.

From holidays to weddings these hair clips are perfect for adding some Spring zing to your outfits.

💕 SAVE BOUQUET BOBBY PINS AND BARRETTE ON RAVELRY 💕

As well as my flower hair accessories the April 2023 edition features loads of lovely seasonal patterns and a range of interesting articles. If you SUBSCRIBE you can get the magazine straight to your desktop or iPad as well as access to lots of other extra crochet bonus material.

Front cover image of the I Like Crochet e-magazine for April 2023
© I Like Crochet – April 2023

If you haven’t heard of  I Like Crochet magazine before it’s a US bi-monthly digital magazine which is published by the creators of AllFreeCrochet.com. With it being a US publication patterns are written using US crochet terminology – if you are not sure how that differs you may find my post British vs. American Crochet Terms: What’s the difference? of use.

Close up of two floral crochet hair pins pinned at the side in blonde hair.

If you hook up the Bouquet Bobby Pins and Barrette I hope you’ll share your photos with me on social media (facebooktwitter or instagram) or as a project on Ravelry – I love to see what you make! And finally you may wish to make sure you are signed up to blog (below) and / or my mailing list to get a reminder when new blog posts, discounts or new pattern releases are available.

I’ll be back soon to tell you about the other two patterns that are available in this issue.

Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

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Please note that some of the links in my blog are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase via these links, but the price you pay is not affectedYou can read more about my affiliate links here.

New Pattern Release | Koito Crocodile Cowl with Yarn Discount

I’m bringing the drama today – but in the right way, only to your wardrobe! Allow me to introduce the new Koito Crocodile Cowl!

Image of the crocheted, orange, white and grey, Koito Crocodile Cowl on a white mannikin against a blue background.

This perennially chic and effortlessly sophisticated cowl is crying out to be combined with that extra special skein you’ve been saving.

This fabulously dramatic cowl, with it’s showy stitches, was something I’d had in mind ever since I first saw, and then subsequently purchased, some hand dyed yarn called ‘Koi Pond – Showa’ from The Yarn Whisperer.

Work in progress photo of the crocheted, orange, white and grey, Koito Crocodile Cowl on a white wood background. There is a crochet hook, a wooden frog ornament, a yarn bowl (with the Showa handdyed yarn in) and a white mug, decorated with buttons, and a hand written yarn tag for the koi pond showa yarn also in the shot.

The yarn is sock weight (4ply) 80Corriedale wool, 20% nylon with splashes of bright oranges, greys and rich creams. They are the colours you would find on the ‘Showa’ variety of ornamental koi which was Kitey’s inspiration for this particular colourway.

I knew I wanted to create something using a stitch that kind of looked like fish scales which is why I used the crocodile stitch – it’s definitely one of the most unique stitch and texture you can make in crochet. I’m in love with the texture; it’s the type that just makes you want to run your fingers over it!

❤️ SAVE KOITO CROCODILE COWL ON RAVELRY ❤️

Image of the crocheted, orange, white and grey, Koito Crocodile Cowl worn by a young girl with her hand resting on a stone pillar in an outside setting.

This pattern is perfect for intermediate crocheters that want to add the crocodile stitch in their repertoire or for adventurous crocheter wanting to learn something new. And it’s now available for purchase from usual pattern platforms – but scroll down to see limited one day special offer to get the pattern for free!

Image of the crocheted, orange, white and grey, Koito Crocodile Cowl in an outside setting worn by a young girl with her hand holding up the edge of the cowl.

This pattern will be available for FREE from 12pm GMT (8am EST) on 15 March 2023 for 24hrs as part of the Madame Stitches Wraps, Scarves and Cowls: Spring Edition Blog Hop.

Blog Hop Instructions:

1: Visit MadameStitch and get the coupon code.

2: Click on the button below to go to the Koito Crocodile Cowl on Ravelry.

3: Click “buy it now,” click “use a coupon code,” enter code, click apply and the pattern will be yours for free!

4: If you are reading this after the promotion has passed you can purchase the cowl from any of the links to my patterns stores (links above)

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All the patterns from Madame Stitches Wraps, Scarves and Cowls: Spring Edition Blog Hop are available in a limited edition bundle which I wrote about in a previous blog post. Go straight to the bundle via the link below:

Button image to buy the Madame Stitches Wraps, Scarves and Cowls: Spring Edition Blog Hop bundle
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It includes all 22 designs featured in the blog hop in one bundle that you can download to your favourite device. You’ll then be able to print out individual patterns as your convenience. This pattern bundle of crochet women’s accessories won’t last for long. It will only be available until Sunday, 26 March 2023.

Exclusive Yarn Discount:

I’m delighted to tell you that the most lovely Kitey (aka The Yarn Whisperer), who’s yarn I used for my Koito Crocodile Cowl, is offering 10% discount on his fabulous koi inspired hand-dyed yarn until the end of March 2023. So if you want to make one just like mine you can, isn’t he kind!

Just use coupon code KOITO10 on his website (please note this is a different code from the blog hop code).

Pin for Later:

Collage of the crocheted Koito Crocodile Cowl for Pinterest

I can’t wait to see your versions of the Koito Crocodile Cowl. I hope you’ll share your photos with me on social media (facebooktwitter or instagram) or as a project on Ravelry – I love to see what you make! 

Until next time folks! Happy hooking, keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

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