Author Archives: Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Crochet Book Review | Random Acts of Crochet Kindness

Posted in Book Review, Crochet by

Disclaimer:   I was gifted a sample copy of the book on which this review is based. However I have not been financially compensated by the supplier, book company or the designer to write this review. All opinions expressed are my own and based on my own experiences of using the book / pattern. This post does contain affiliate links which means that I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases made through these links at no cost to you.

I’m delighted to be sharing a new crochet book review with you today. I absolutely love Random Acts of Crochet Kindness, not just for its sweetness and simplicity, but for what it stands for: spreading joy stitch by stitch through small, caring gestures. The happiness of crafting a tiny project and leaving it for someone unexpectedly? Such a lovely idea!

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A colourful crochet book titled 'Random Acts of Crochet Kindness' by Olivia Dieterich, surrounded by various small crocheted items including flowers, leaves, and animal motifs on a white background.

A bit about the author:

Olivia Dieterich is the inspiring force behind the Facebook group Random Acts of Crochet Kindness (RAOCK), a movement that spreads comfort, colour, and connection to strangers around the world through yarn. Her UK-based Facebook group has grown to over 350,000 members, with affiliated groups now popping up globally.

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of interviewing Olivia Dieterich; her warmth, passion, and genuine belief in the power of small gestures really shine through in both her words and her work, and it was lovely to get to know her better before checking out her book.

A smiling Olivia Dieterich holding the book 'Random Acts of Crochet Kindness' outside a bookshop, surrounded by shelves filled with books.

What to Expect:

In Random Acts of Crochet Kindness, Olivia shares some lovely quick-and-easy crochet patterns but also the heart behind the movement she founded. There are 19 stunning patterns, including some guest patterns from well-known crochet designers like Bella Coco, Flo and Dot, Love Indy, and Natty Thread, to choose from including;

  • Sparkle
  • Teeny Flower
  • Mini Smiley
  • Natasha’s Friendly Flower
  • Star Flower
  • Big Flower
  • Sunshine and Clouds
  • Heart
  • Eleanor’s Flower
  • Campfire
  • Cherries
  • Strawberry
  • Sunshine
  • Ladybird
  • Bella Coco’s Pocket Heart
  • Candle
  • Ice-Cream Cone
  • Watermelon
  • Mini Monster
A collage of colourful crochet items including a smiling flower, rainbow, and various cute animal motifs, alongside the book cover of 'Random Acts of Crochet Kindness' by Olivia Dieterich.
© 2025 Search Press – Random Acts of Crochet Kindness

I adore how accessible and action-oriented this book is, there are no marathon projects, just small bursts of creativity that feel instantly satisfying. Each design can be knocked out in under an hour, delivering an instant dopamine hit of satisfaction. And I really love that the designs are all about sharing, transforming the crafting from something that’s usually solitary into an act of shared kindness.

What I made:

One of the fabulous things about this book is that it’s perfect for using up your stash. I used some Scheepjes Catona, which I have a fair amount of in various colours in my stash. Then only other thing I used, besides the yarn, was some stitch markers, a tapestry needle and a 3mm hook.

A hand holding several crocheted leaf motifs in various shades of green, with a crochet book opened to a page displaying similar leaf patterns in the background.

I chose to make three each of five different patterns ( Teeny flower, Sarah-Jane’s Love Cats, Sunshine, Heart and Leaf) with the full intention of not only making them but taking part in the books premise of then leaving them in various places. In fact I’m pledging to make 50 of these cheerful little crochet kindnesses – not all at once, but over time, because I really do love the idea.

Review:

The book is in US terms but there was a helpful guide at the start with UK conversion details on. The book also includes a beginner-friendly how-to section, walking you through every stitch and technique (with visuals) of tools, materials and information on how to crochet.

A hand holding a crocheted cat shaped motif in front of a crochet book page titled 'Sarah-Jane's Love Cats', featuring various colorful crochet designs including hearts and leaves.

Other things I really love about the book are;

  • Olivia’s moving personal story and real tales from RAOCK participants around the world.
  • How each project is wonderfully cute and playful and pretty much all under-an-hour makes!!
  • Helpful label templates (and text suggestions!) to attach and leave with your creations, plus great tips on where to plant them.

I think it’s definitely going to be the kind of book I’ll want to flip through again and again to make my next crochet kindnesses.

A hand holding a crochet book open to a page featuring colourful crocheted hearts and flowers, with a crochet hook and yarn in the background.

Conclusion:

If you’ve been looking for a craft book that pairs creative joy with heartfelt purpose, this is it. Random Acts of Crochet Kindness is a beautiful reminder that even the smallest gesture, crochet, kindness, or love, can ripple out and brighten someone’s day. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned stitcher, this book is a wonderful, feel-good addition to your collection. I personally can’t wait to tuck a heart behind a café sugar jar, slide a flower into a friend’s library book, or leave a leaf on a park bench. I’m quite excited to join in the RAOCK movement and spread my own little bit of kindness bit by bit.

A colourful crochet book titled 'Random Acts of Crochet Kindness' by Olivia Dieterich, surrounded by various small crocheted items including hearts, flowers, and a watermelon. A cup of tea is placed nearby on a coaster.

Get your own copy of the book:

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your hook, dive into your stash and get hooking. You can pick up your own copy of the Random Acts of Crochet Kindness from Amazon. Many thanks to the folks of Search Press for sending me an advance copy of the book to review.

And if you liked this book review you can catch up on all of my previous book reviews here.

Stay connected:

I’d love to stay connected with you so please do sign up to blog (below) and / or my mailing list to get a reminder when new blog posts, giveaways, special offers or new pattern releases are available.

Until next time; keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

A colourful display of various crochet projects, showcasing small patterns made from yarn.

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Fibre Friends Chat | CrocheYay – Olivia Dieterich

Posted in Blogging, British Crochet Designer, Crochet, Designer Interview, Inspiration by

I’m so excited to be bringing another Fibre Friend Chat to the KCACOUK blog — and this one is extra special! Please give a warm welcome to the wonderfully creative and kind-hearted Olivia Dieterich, creative force behind @CrochYaY.

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Olivia Dieterich is pictured smiling with long hair in front of a brick wall, below in a collage is colourful crochet projects and a book titled 'Random Acts of Crochet Kindness'.

If you’ve followed Olivia’s work online, you’ll know she is the inspiring mind behind Random Acts of Crochet Kindness, a movement that’s bringing comfort, colour, and connection to strangers around the world through yarn. Her UK-based Facebook group now has over 350,000 members, and affiliated groups have since been created all over the world. She’s just released a beautiful new book too, and I couldn’t wait to find out more.

Here’s what we chatted about…

  1. Can you start by telling us a little bit about yourself and how @CrochyaY came to be?

    I’ve always loved crafts, I spent a lot of time with my nan growing up and she taught me every craft under the sun – apart from crocheting! This ended up being the craft that I fell in love with and it made her so proud as it was the one thing she could never figure out how to do. Crocheting has always brought me so much joy, it’s kept me safe during moments where I’ve struggled with my mental health, and it’s given me such a sense of achievement with the things I’ve made. I wanted to start posting these things online, and that’s where Crochyay was born!
A crocheted envelope featuring a pink heart design, placed on a pink background next to yarn and a crochet hook. The caption reads, 'I love that through doing something that I enjoy, I can bring happiness into the world.'
© 2025 Search Press – Random Acts of Crochet Kindness
  1. Has fibre art always been a creative outlet for you — or did it become more meaningful during a particular season of life?

    Fibre art has always been a creative outlet for me, and I’ve done all different kinds since I was about 8 years old, but it was when I was 17-20 years old that it really became a huge coping strategy for me. I had a mental health crisis and was struggling with every day life. During this time crocheting was a thing that helped me survive my darkest moments, the colours, textures, patterns, counting helped me stay grounded in the present moment and distracted from everything else going on in my head. Sitting down to crochet felt like a big comfort during that time.
  2. You’re the founder of Random Crochet Acts of Kindness — for those who might not have heard of it, can you tell us what it is and how it all started?

    Random Acts of Crochet Kindness (RAOCK) began after I completed a personal challenge of crocheting one flower a day for 100 days, and leaving it out for a stranger to find. I called this challenge Random Acts of Crochet Kindness. When I was about half way through, my challenge got picked up by the BBC and they made a video about what I was doing. I was flooded with requests from people saying they wanted to do the same thing, and asking how they could get involved. I started the group Random Acts of Crochet Kindness so there was a space for people to share their makes, and their finds. I have been overwhelmed by how this group has grown, and it is now an incredible community of love and kindness through crocheting, all over the world.
A collection of colorful crocheted appliques including a sun, cloud, ice cream cone, campfire, flower, rainbow, ladybug, and clover, accompanied by the text: 'The Random Acts of Crochet Kindness Group is now an incredible community of love and kindness through crocheting, all over the world!'
© 2025 Search Press – Random Acts of Crochet Kindness
  1. Do you remember a project that felt like a real turning point — where you truly felt you were translating emotion into yarn?

    I lost a close friend to suicide in 2018, and the grief I felt was unbearable. I wanted to do something for her funeral, so I decided to crochet her a flower bouquet. I thought of her through every stitch, I poured love into every flower that I made, and whilst making it I felt like I had time just to honour her memory, and to let myself feel however I needed to feel. There were definitely lots of tears shed whilst making it, but it helped me so much.
  1. How has the RAOCK project grown or evolved since it began? What kind of responses have you received from people who’ve found or taken part in it?

    When it began, it was just something to help me through a difficult time, and maybe bring a smile to peoples faces. I never could have anticipated the responses that I received, and how many other people would want to get involved. The RAOCK project has now evolved into a worldwide kindness movement. What I see time and time again is that people find a RAOCK, they love it so much, and they say ‘now I want to get involved.’ Kindness is contagious, and people are realising the power they have to make the world a better place through such a small gesture. I’ve received responses from people who have said things like ‘I was really struggling with my mental health, but I found this RAOCK and it’s given me hope, because it made me feel joy again,’  and ‘my child was really upset today, and I was struggling with parenting, but we found this RAOCK and it cheered them up, and helped me get through the day.’
    People who leave RAOCK’s have said that it gives them a sense of purpose, it helps with their mental health, it makes them feel that they have the power to have a positive impact on the world.
A hand holding a crocheted lavender cat face, with a pink nose and black whiskers, alongside a yellow cat face and a white circle on a pink background accompanied by the text: 'The Random Acts of Crochet Kindness project has now evolved into a worldwide kindness movement'
© 2025 Search Press – Random Acts of Crochet Kindness
  1. You’ve just released a new book! Can you tell us what inspired it and what readers can expect to find inside?

    I have! It’s very exciting. I wanted to create a book that encapsulates Random Acts of Crochet Kindness from start to finish. I have heard so many people say that they want to get involved, but they just don’t know where to start, or on a day where they’re struggling with their mental health, they feel overwhelmed with deciding what to make. The idea of the book is that someone can pick it up, and know from start to finish exactly what to do. On the days where a person can’t think of what to do for themselves, the book can guide and support through the whole process, making it as easy as possible. This includes reasons why you should do RAOCK, mental health benefits, how to crochet, beginner friendly patterns, tag templates and ideas for writing them, and where you can leave them. The book, Random Acts of Crochet Kindness, includes quotes from people who have both left and found RAOCK’s, showing why they love it so much and how it’s helped them.
  2. Is there a piece you’ve created that you feel especially emotionally connected to? Can you tell us the story behind it?

    I crocheted a blue butterfly and left it at an airport on my way back from holiday. I received a message from a lady who said she’d found the butterfly, and wanted to explain how much it meant to her. Her son had recently passed away, and she said that blue was her sons favourite colour. She felt that finding this RAOCK was a message from him, and gave her hope and strength to keep going. This message showed me just how much of an impact you can have with a small act of kindness. You never know what someone is going through, but by taking 15 minutes to make a RAOCK, you might be the reason a person feels able to keep going, or the reason a person smiles, and I think that’s incredible.
A crocheted watermelon slice surrounded by colorful pom-poms, with a pink and white patterned notebook in the background and a quote that says 'Kindness is contagious, and people are realising the power they have to make the world a better place through such a small gesture'.
© 2025 Search Press – Random Acts of Crochet Kindness
  1. What advice would you give to someone who’s going through a hard time and wants to turn to crochet (or any fibre art) as an emotional outlet?
    I would say try not to put too much pressure on yourself. Make the things that bring you joy, and let yourself make mistakes or change your mind with what you’re making. When I feel tense or anxious, I feel that in my crocheting. Tune in to how you’re feeling, try to relax, slow down your breathing, and get lost in the stitches. If you focus on the colours, the pattern, one stitch at a time, it can be really grounding, and for a short while your mind can take a break from what is going on in your life. When I was at my lowest point, crocheting was the thing that kept me safe, because I kept saying to myself ‘just do one more stitch, one more stitch,’ and eventually my difficult moment had passed. Don’t underestimate the power of fibre art for your mental wellbeing.
  2. What can we look forward to from @CrocheYaY in the near future? Any themes or projects you’re excited to explore?

    I’d love to continue exploring the benefit of putting kindness into the world on a person’s mental health, both for adults and children. I hope I can do this by writing more books, doing crochet workshops, and partnering with mental health charities. I’ve also noticed how much children love getting involved with RAOCK, so I’d love to make it more accessible to them, I’ve started writing a children’s book about kindness through crafts, and would love to have this published one day.
A colourful crocheted flower with a smiling face and a vibrant rainbow design with a pink pencil and a blank tag placed on a marble background. The image features a quote that says 'You have the power to make the world a better place, with one crocheted act of kindness at a time'.
© 2025 Search Press – Random Acts of Crochet Kindness
  1. And just for fun – if your yarn had magical powers, what emotion would you most want it to help people with?

    This was such a difficult decision, but I think I would choose anxiety. I struggle to sit with this emotion, the shaky hands, the heart palpitations, the feeling of panic, I’d love to be able to let that emotion melt away with the yarn, leaving a sense of peace.

A huge thank you to Olivia for sharing her heart, her story, and her stitches. I’ve struggled with my own mental health at times and crochet was definitely (and continues to be) a massive help, so many of her comments really hit home for me. If you’d like to join the RAOCK movement, check out her Instagram @CrochYaY and grab a copy of her brand-new book — it’s a gentle invitation to spread kindness, one stitch at a time.

And stay tuned — I’ll be sharing my full review of Olivia’s Random Acts of Crochet Kindness book tomorrow here on the blog! You won’t want to miss it. 💛

Olivia Dieterich stands outside a bookstore holding her crochet book, 'Random Acts of Crochet Kindness,' smiling at the camera.
© 2025 Search Press – Random Acts of Crochet Kindness

If you enjoyed this interview you can catch up on all the other designer chats and discussions with other people in the fibre industry in my Fibre Friends series. And if there’s any other people you’d like to maybe see featured here on the blog, let me know in the comments and I’ll see what I can do.

Make sure you are signed up to blog (below) and / or my mailing list to get a reminder when new blog posts like this one, discounts or new pattern releases are available.

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

A creative workspace featuring yarn and crochet tools, embodying the spirit of fibre art and crafting.

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 affected. You can read more about my affiliate links here.

Crochet Now 124 | Redfern the Squirrel

Posted in Crochet, Magazine by

Let me introduce you to Redfern the Squirrel, who’s scampered his way into Crochet Now Issue 124! With his fluffy tail and matching little acorn, he’s the perfect woodland friend to add to your crochet collection.

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A colorful crochet squirrel character named Redfern, wearing a yellow sweater and blue pants, is posed with a raised hand against a green background, with leaves and acorns scattered around.
© 2025 Practical Publishing – Crochet Now Issue 124

Redfern the Squirrel is a charming woodland wanderer, always busy gathering treasures from
the forest floor. With his bushy tail and keen eyes, he clutches a prized acorn. His gentle nature makes him a true guardian of the woodland.

For Redfern, I chose to use West Yorkshire Spinners ColourLab DK (Light Worsted). There’s just something about this yarn that gives amigurumi a beautiful ‘heritage’ feel – almost like a nod to the kind of classic toys you’d find treasured in a keepsake box.

Five skeins of West Yorkshire Spinners ColourLab DK yarn in various colours including red, yellow, brown, and blue, arranged on a wooden surface.

🌰 SAVE REDFERN THE SQUIRREL ON RAVELRY 🌰

Made from 100% British wool, ColourLab DK is both vibrant and durable, with that lovely balance of softness and sturdiness that makes it perfect for toy-making. Each 100g ball gives you 225m of woolly goodness, and I paired it with a 3.5mm hook (closest US size E/4) to bring Redfern to life. The natural stitch definition really helps his character shine, especially with those charming little details like his tufted ears and his acorn companion.

A colourful crochet squirrel with a bushy red tail and yellow body, reaching towards a crocheted acorn hanging from a green leaf, set against a blue and green backdrop.
© 2025 Practical Publishing – Crochet Now Issue 124

To complete your Redfern, you’ll only need a few extra supplies:

Crocheted character of Redfern the Squirrel, featuring a bright red body, bushy tail, yellow sweater, and blue pants, standing among green leaves with a small crocheted acorn beside him.

If you love woodland-inspired makes, Redfern will be a joy to crochet – he works up beautifully and would make a thoughtful gift for children and nature-lovers alike.

Where to Find the Pattern

Crochet Now issue 124 is available in shops now or you can grab a digital version from Craftworld.com. This issue has 65 joyful patterns inside including some really cute bird cushions and the sweetest Mother Goose pattern.

Cover of 'Crochet Now' Issue 124 featuring vibrant crochet patterns, including a smiling woman wearing a crochet top and various crochet projects displayed around her.
© 2025 Practical Publishing – Crochet Now Issue 124

I’d love to see your versions of the Redfern the Squirrel. Don’t forget to tag me on social media, @kcaco.uk so I can see all your beautiful creations!

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

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Crochet Society | Carebear Crochet Collection

Posted in Crochet, Designing, Magazine by

Eeeek, I could squeal with excitement! 🥰 I’ve been so giddy to share these makes with you! I’m absolutely over the moon to finally announce that I’ve had the pure joy of collaborating with the Crochet Society again, this time to bring you a brand-new collection that blends crochet and the timeless magic of the Carebears!

A vibrant display of seven crocheted Care Bears in various colours, each with unique belly badges, posed on colourful boxes against a pink background with festive decorations.
© 2025 Practical Publishing – Crochet Society Carebear Collection

Care Bears were such a huge part of my childhood, and they still hold a really special place in my heart. I can remember hours spent watching their movies, snuggling my toys, and being completely captivated by their colourful world in my Panini sticker. album Out of them all, Grumpy Bear has always been my favourite – I’ve got such a soft spot for him. There’s just something so endearing about his grumbles and frowns, because underneath it all, he’s loyal, caring, and full of heart.

Meet the full Carebear Collection

Crochet your own wonderful Care Bear to keep and treasure forever! Whether making for yourself or a loved one, these beautiful, officially licensed kits have everything you need to create your own bear friends.

A person holding a handmade blue plush toy; Grumpy Bear from the Care Bears, against a pink background decorated with colourful confetti and ribbons.
© 2025 Practical Publishing – Crochet Society Carebear Collection

What’s Inside the Collection?

There are six exclusive kits;

  • Funshine Bear: Funshine Bear is all about fun, laughter, and living life with a sunny attitude. Whether it’s playing games, going on adventures, or just making someone smile, he brings energy and joy wherever he goes. His smiling sun belly badge shines as brightly as his cheerful personality.
  • Friend Bear: Friend Bear is the embodiment of kindness and connection. She’s always ready to lend a helping hand, share a smile, or bring new friends together. With her twin smiling flowers belly badge, she reminds everyone that friendship makes everything better.
  • Wish Bear: Wish Bear believes in the power of dreams and the magic of wishing big. She’s always encouraging others to follow their hearts and never give up on what they hope for. With her shooting star belly badge, she brings a little stardust and a lot of hope to every adventure.
  • Cheer Bear: Cheer Bear is an eternal optimist. She’s always looking on the bright side, lifting spirits, and helping others find happiness even when things seem gloomy. If someone’s sad, grumpy, or feeling left out, Cheer Bear is the one who’ll bring a smile to their face.
  • Good Luck Bear: Good Luck Bear is the bearer of good fortune and positive vibes. He’s always ready to share a little luck with his friends, whether it’s finding a lucky penny or just being in the right place at the right time. With his four-leaf clover belly badge and cheerful grin, he brings confidence, hope, and a bit of magic wherever he goes.
  • Grumpy Bear: Grumpy Bear might seem gloomy on the outside, but he has a heart of gold underneath his blue fur. He’s the first to grumble when things go wrong, but he always shows up when his friends need him most. His raincloud belly badge reminds everyone that it’s okay to feel down sometimes – what matters is caring anyway.
A person holding a plush, pink Care Bear with a rainbow tummy patch, surrounded by colourful confetti on a turquoise background.
© 2025 Practical Publishing – Crochet Society Carebear Collection

Each kit comes with:

  • 1 x Keepsake box measuring 180mm x 140mm x 100mm
  • 1 x 3.5mm Crochet Hook
  • 1 x Stitch Marker
  • 1 x Postcard linking to patterns and stitch library
  • 1 x Pack of stuffing
  • 1 x Pair of 8mm safety eyes
  • 1 x Totebag
  • 1 x Finishing Label
  • 1 x Darning needle
  • 1x relevant Carebear tummy patch
  • 100g of Crochet Society Cuddly Craft DK  yarn in themed colours
A colourful scene featuring a crochet kit for Wish Bear, with a crocheted bear character, decorative box, and yarn in a playful setting filled with confetti.
© 2025 Practical Publishing – Crochet Society Carebear Collection

For each of the bears I used Crochet Society’s Cuddly Craft DK which I’ve used a few times now for different projects. If you are not familiar with it, it’s a 100% polyester chenille yarn (100g / 220m) and it’s really nice to work with, unlike some other chenille yarns, you can still make out your stitches making it one of the easier chenille’s to crochet with – and as a bonus it’s lovely and soft.

Why You’ll Love It

These kits are perfect for crafters of all levels, from beginners looking for a fun project to seasoned crocheters wanting to add a touch of nostalgia to their creations. The characters are not only fun to make but could also make charming gifts for someone special.

And if that’s not enough Carebears for you Crochet Society have also put together a storage pouch and stitch marker bundle which you might want to check out.

A colourful collection of six crocheted Care Bears, featuring vibrant characters with distinct belly badges, set against a pink background decorated with festive banners and confetti.
© 2025 Practical Publishing – Crochet Society Carebear Collection

Get Yours Today

Ready to start your Peanuts crochet adventure? Head over to the Crochet Society’s Carebear Collection page to explore the full range and pick up your favourite kits.

Until next time, friends! Happy crocheting, and may your stitches be as bright and cuddly as a Carebear hug!

An announcement about a new crochet collection inspired by Care Bears, showcasing various crochet kits including Funshine Bear, Friend Bear, Wish Bear, Cheer Bear, Good Luck Bear, and Grumpy Bear.

P.S. Make sure you’re subscribed to the blog (below) and/or my mailing list to stay updated on new blog posts, pattern releases, and exclusive discounts!

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 affected, thank you for your support.

Simply Crochet Magazine | Granny Square Day 2025

Posted in Afghan Square, Crochet, Magazine, Pattern Release, Yarn by
Colorful graphic announcing Granny Square Day on August 15, 2025, featuring playful typography and a logo for the Melon Foundation.

Hello, crochet friends!
Granny Square Day 2025 is here, and it’s time to celebrate creativity, colour, and community! Whether you’ve been hooking for years or just picked up your very first skein, this special day is all about honouring the timeless granny square a design that has inspired makers across generations.

Granny Square Day started back in 2014, and it’s been growing ever since. The idea was simple: fill the Instagram grid with beautiful granny squares, creating a patchwork of inspiration that anyone could be part of. Each square posted on this day becomes part of a larger tapestry, symbolising our shared love for crochet.

Cover of Simply Crochet magazine featuring colorful crochet designs, including a model in a vibrant crochet top surrounded by a collection of crocheted granny squares and a color wheel.
© Simply Crochet 2025 – Issue 165

As previous years Simply Crochet the latest issue of the magazine (Issue 165) comes with a special supplement to get your hooks sunk into. This year’s is titled ‘A Year of Granny Squares’ with 52 brand new designs there’s loads of inspiration for some new fabulously square projects.

And I’m really excited to say that I designed a new granny square for this supplement. The theme for this year’s Granny Square day is ‘Colour and Texture’ and that’s what I focused on for my design, the Mandala Medallion Square.

Two colourful granny squares featuring circular patterns, accompanied by three balls of Rico Ricorumi yarn in grey, yellow, and green, resting on an open magazine showcasing crochet patterns.

I used Rico Ricorumi for my block, with a 3.5mm hook (US E/4) which is a DK (Light Worsted) weight 100% cotton yarn that I had in my stash, but the designs would work equally well in any DK yarn or in fact with other fibres and yarn weights to make bigger or smaller blocks.

❤️ SAVE MANDALA MEDALLION SQUARE ON RAVELRY ❤️

I love a granny square – not just for its stitches, but for everything it represents. It’s more than a crochet motif; it’s a little square of creativity! Super versatile, to take out and about with you, and often very beginner-friendly. And a granny square can become anything! Think blankets, bags, garments, coasters, cardigans – I might just be working on a granny square cardigan myself at the moment. And the best part? They’re the ultimate stash-buster, turning leftover yarn into something truly beautiful.

An assortment of crochet items including a colourful granny square, yarn skeins, and two crochet magazines titled 'Simply Crochet' and 'A Year of Granny Squares' featuring various crochet designs.

Where to Find the Pattern

Simply Crochet Magazine is on sale from 5th August 2025 and is available to order online or download as a digital issue now. As well as all the Granny Square goodness the magazine is fun of bold and bright cool makes for hot days.

Cover of Simply Crochet Magazine featuring a model wearing a sleeveless top made of colorful granny squares, surrounded by vibrant crochet designs and cheerful text.

If you hook up the Mandala Medallion Square I hope you’ll share your photos with me on social media (facebook, twitter or instagram) or as a project on Ravelry – I love to see what you make! 

I hope you enjoy this day of crafty celebration that brings together our fabulous hooky community!

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

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A Sweet Surprise in Crochet Now Issue 123! 🍭🧁

Posted in Crochet, Magazine by

If you’ve got a sweet tooth for crochet, then you’re in for a real treat with Crochet Now Issue 123 – because it’s positively packed with sugary goodness!

I already knew that my brand-new pattern, the MarshFellows – Coco and Puff, would be hopping into this issue (aren’t they just the squishiest little marshmallow pals?), but imagine my delight when I flicked through the pages and spotted some familiar favourites making a surprise return!

Two crochet plush marshmallow characters, one with a pink exterior and one with a white exterior, both featuring brown tops and smiling faces, surrounded by mini marshmallows on a fluffy white surface with a pink background.
© 2025 Practical Publishing – Crochet Now Issue 123

But first let me tell you all about Cocoa and Puff, the Marshfellow Pals – two delightfully squishy, chocolate-dipped marshmallow friends! Made with plush chenille yarn for maximum cuddliness,
these sweet amigurumi treats are the perfect blend of cosy and cute.

For the Marshfellows, I used Yarnsmiths Chenille Chunky, which, as you can probably imagine, is wonderfully soft and snuggly, perfect for these huggable characters. Since they’re quite large, you’ll need a fair amount of stuffing to give them their full, squishy shape. I also recommend using a large stitch marker when working with this fluffy yarn, as the stitches can be tricky to see. To finish them off, you’ll need a pair of 21mm black safety eyes and a bit of black thread for the finer facial details.

🔥 SAVE THE MARSHFELLOWS ON RAVELRY 🔥

✨ The Coffee House Kawaii Toys are back – one of my older designs that’s still as delicious as ever! You’ll find the super cute donut, a smiley coffee cup, and the sweetest little ice cream. These three make such a cheerful trio and are perfect for adding a dash of kawaii charm to your day.

A vibrant display of crocheted kawaii food items, including a smiling pink donut, a cheerful green cup with a pink band, and a playful ice cream cone topped with chocolate and pink scoops, all set against a light blue background.
© 2025 Practical Publishing – Crochet Now Issue 123

For these characters, I used Paintbox Cotton DK, a soft and versatile 100% cotton yarn. It’s a DK (double knitting) weight and comes in generous 50g (125m) balls – plenty for amigurumi projects. I used one ball each of Light Caramel (409), Bubblegum Pink (451), Spearmint Green (426), Paper White (401), and the perfectly named Coffee Bean (411) to create all the characters – and I still had some yarn left over!

Although the recommended hook size for this yarn is 4mm, I opted for a 3mm hook. I often go down a couple of sizes when making amigurumi to achieve a tighter stitch, which helps keep the stuffing neatly contained.

🔥 SAVE THE KAWAII COFFEE HOUSE GANG ON RAVELRY 🔥

And if that wasn’t enough to satisfy your crafty cravings, Bella the Bon Bon Mouse also makes an appearance! Originally featured in Your Crochet & Knitting magazine (Issue 54), Bella is a tiny bundle of confectionery-inspired cuteness – with her candy-coloured dress and dainty bow, she’s as sweet as sugar.

But wait – there’s more!

A collection of crochet amigurumi characters inspired by 'Alice in Wonderland', including a pink Cheshire Cat, a white rabbit, Alice, and the Mad Hatter, displayed on a floral tablecloth with a cup of coffee and pastries.

This month, the magazine also includes a special themed supplement called Crochet in Wonderland – and it just so happens to be bursting with even more of my previous makes – The Wonderland Gang! You’ll step through the looking glass and find:

🌀 Alice, with her iconic pinafore and golden locks
😸 The mischievous Cheshire Cat
🎩 A wildly wonderful Mad Hatter
🐇 And my personal favourite – the ever-dashing White Rabbit, waistcoat and all!

Crocheted white rabbit character dressed in blue pants and a yellow vest, holding a pocket watch, set against a backdrop of playing cards.
© 2025 Practical Publishing – Crochet Now Issue 123 Supplement

For Alice and friends I used some of my favourite Ricorumi DK yarn with a 3.25mm hook which, if you’re not familiar with it, comes in the cutest 25g balls which is perfect for making little multicoloured amigurumi characters like these.

🐇 SAVE THE WONDERLAND GANG ON RAVELRY 🐇

Where to Find the Patterns

I’m beyond thrilled to see so many of my patterns gathered together in one bumper issue – it feels like a proper crochet tea party, with sweet treats and whimsical characters alike.

If you’re a fan of playful amigurumi and fun themes, then Issue 123 of Crochet Now is an absolute must-have. Whether you’re crafting a mouse who loves bonbons or a Wonderland gang ready for adventure, there’s something here to make your hook (and heart) happy. 💖

All of these patterns I mentioned (9 of mine in total wow!) can be found in issue 123 of Crochet Now, available in shops and online now – you can grab a digital version from www.CraftWorld.com.

Cover of Crochet Now Magazine Issue 123 featuring a woman in a colorful crochet top and amigurumi doll.
© 2025 Practical Publishing – Crochet Now Issue 123

I’d love to hear what you think – will you be making one (or all!) of them? Tag me @KCACOUK on social media so I can see your creations!

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

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Bookish Stitches: June’s Book Blanket Progress

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Wow I can’t believe we got to June! 6 month’s down already of my 2025 Crochet Book Blanket project. So far it’s been a steady, creative, and quietly satisfying project.

There’s something grounding about working on a really big project over a long period, and I’m really enjoying watching the blanket (and my bookshelf) grow one square at a time.

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The Vision for the Book Afghan

To maintain cohesion, I’ve used the same block pattern for the entire afghan (grab the free pattern here), working with yarn from my stash and selecting colours that reflect the book’s cover design. The ultimate goal? A warm, meaningful blanket that doubles as a literary keepsake.

Here’s what I accomplished in June:

  • Total Books Read: and Squares Completed: 8 books / 16 squares

June Reads and Squares

Book 35: My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars (out of 5)

Synopsis: Trigger Warning: Child sexual abuse, grooming, emotional trauma. My Dark Vanessa is an unsettling novel that explores the long-term psychological effects of an abusive relationship between a 15-year-old girl and her 42-year-old teacher. I found this book quite emotionally raw and definitely needed something lighter to read afterwards.

A square crochet motif featuring a colorful pattern, alongside the book cover for 'My Dark Vanessa' by Kate Elizabeth Russell, with two stars rating and a hashtag related to a crochet book challenge.

Book 36: The Ex by Frieda McFadden

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ 3 stars (out of 5)

Synopsis: I love a Frieda McFadden book, always ultra quick reads that serve as the perfect palette cleanser, and The Ex delivers exactly that. Cassie thinks she’s finally met the perfect man: Joel is charming, romantic, and utterly devoted to her. But when cracks begin to show, Cassie starts to wonder if Joel is really who he says he is or if she’s losing her grip on reality.

A crochet square featuring blue, black, and maroon colors next to the book cover of 'The Ex' by Frieda McFadden, displaying the title and tagline.

Book 37: The Mother by T.M. Logan

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars (out of 5)

Synopsis: The Mother is an enjoyable read. Heather Vernon, once a loving wife and mother, wakes one morning to find her husband dead and herself accused of his murder. She endures a decade behind bars while her two young sons grow up without her. Upon her release, Heather is determined to clear her name and reclaim her children. Unravelling secrets, exposing corruption, and risking everything she tries to discover who really killed her husband and why she was framed

A decorative crochet square featuring a colourful pattern alongside the book cover of 'The Mother' by T.M. Logan, which is labelled as Book 37 in the project update.

Book 38: The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐4 stars (out of 5)

Synopsis: The Husband’s Secret follows three women whose lives collide when Cecilia discovers a shocking letter from her husband, meant to be read only after his death. The secret inside unravels long-held assumptions, linking her to Tess and Rachel in a web of guilt, betrayal, and consequences that none of them saw coming. I’m slowly working my way through Liane Moriarty books and this is another well-written and engaging read. Great characters and enjoyable twists and turns.

Image showcasing the book 'The Husband's Secret' by Liane Moriarty, accompanied by a colorful crochet square featuring pink, white, and teal yarn.

Book 39: The Last Thing to Burn by Will Dean

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐4 stars (out of 5)

Synopsis: Trigger warning for SA & trafficking. The Last Thing to Burn is a tense psychological thriller about a woman held captive on a remote English farm by a controlling man who has stripped her of her identity. Known only as Jane, she clings to memories of her past and dreams of escape. As her captor tightens his grip, she’s forced to make impossible choices to protect what little she has left, until a spark of hope pushes her toward a dangerous rebellion. A compulsive read but with descriptions that made me feel very tense at times.

Image displaying the title and details of Book 39: 'The Last Thing to Burn' by Will Dean, featuring a colorful crochet square and the book cover.

Book 40: The Boyfriend by Frieda McFadden

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐3.5 stars (out of 5)

Synopsis: Another quick and easy read from Frieda McFadden, I always enjoy the twists she cleverly weaves into her stories. The Boyfriend is a psychological thriller about Sydney, who thinks she’s found the perfect man in Tom, a charming doctor. But as a string of murders grips the city and secrets from Tom’s past surface, Sydney realises someone close to her is hiding a deadly obsession…with chilling consequences.

An image featuring a crochet square with red, black, white, and gray yarn, alongside the book cover for 'The Boyfriend' by Frieda McFadden, displaying the title and author's name.

Book 41: The Maidens by Alex Michaelides

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ 3 stars (out of 5)

Synopsis: The Maidens is a dark academia thriller about Mariana, a therapist who investigates a series of murders at Cambridge University. She suspects a charismatic professor connected to a secret society of female students, but as the bodies pile up, Mariana’s search for the truth puts her own sanity – and life – at risk. I didn’t enjoy this book as much as The Silent Patient, but it was an okay read.

A decorative crochet square featuring a colourful pattern alongside the book cover of 'The Maidens' by Alex Michaelides, which is labelled as Book 41 in the project update.

Book 42: Private Peaceful by Michael Murporgo

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars (out of 5)

Synopsis: I’m not entirely convinces this is a children’s book, even though it’s classed as such. Private Peaceful is narrated by Thomas “Tommo” Peaceful, a young English soldier during World War I who spends a single sleepless night in a barn, reflecting on his life, from his idyllic rural childhood in Devon with his older brothers, Big Joe and Charlie, and their shared love for Molly – to the harsh realities of life at the Front. Beautifully written and haunting!

A decorative crochet square featuring a colourful pattern alongside the book cover of 'Private Peaceful' by Michael Murporgo, which is labelled as Book 42 in the project update.

All the books so far

Don’t want to scroll and look for all the books that I’ve read so far? Well I’ve put together a list in my Amazon storefront so you can see all the books in one place: Go to the book list

Looking Ahead to July

As we head into the rest of the summer, I can’t believe that six months of the Crochet Book Blanket challenge are already behind us! It’s been such a joy seeing how each story has taken shape in yarn, one colourful square at a time. I’m excited to see what the next chapter brings – literally! If you’re taking part too, don’t forget to share your progress with the #KCACOUKBookCAL2025 hashtag.

I’m putting together my holiday reading list – what book do you think has to be on it? Let me know your must-reads in the comments 👇.

Stay tuned for next month’s updates. Until then, happy hooking and happy reading!

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My Weekend at Carry On Crafting 2025

Posted in Blogging, Crochet, Days Out by

What an absolute joy the long weekend at Carry on Crafting (CoC) was! The weather was nothing short of scorchio – hot, sunny and glorious – the kind that makes you forget what day it is and just melts you into pure holiday mode.

Promotional poster for the Carry on Crafting Festival 2025, featuring event details, date, activities, and illustrations related to crafting.

If you’ve not heard of Carry on Crafting before it’s a crafting festival that is held usually in July in the South of England Showground in Ardingly, West Sussex. I have been before (you can read about a previous visit here) and it’s a crafting event that I look forward to on my calendar.

This year was my first time glamping and I have to say, the bell tents were brilliant! Spacious, beautifully pitched with sparkly lights on that came on at night, and the beds were surprisingly comfy. With the sun blazing down, they did turn a bit hot during the day (but that’s the same with any tent), but that just meant more incentive to stay out enjoying the crafty fun!

A bell tent decorated with colourful flags at the Carry on Crafting Festival, showcasing the glamping setup in a sunny outdoor environment.

I went as part of a group of about 27 “hookers” – most of us having met through attending The Crochet Sanctuary at different times, and it’s amazing how those weekends have turned into long-lasting friendships. CoC has become a perfect annual get-together where we crochet, craft, laugh, and soak up the atmosphere.

Crafting Highlights

I signed up for the bird bath mosaic workshop, which ran over two evenings – and I loved every minute of it. It was calming, creative, and so satisfying watching my little garden masterpiece come together piece by piece. It’s definitely something I’d like to do again!

Me holding a finished mosaic bird bath with a blue and green circular design, featuring a white bird in the centre.

I also popped into a drop-in macramé session and ended up totally hooked. There’s something so soothing about working with knots and cords, the teacher was really helpful and the atmosphere around the craft tents was so welcoming and relaxed, it was fun to chat to other session participants too.

Me wearing a wide-brimmed straw hat with colourful pom-poms, showcasing my light blue macramé necklace.

Festival, Food & Fibre

The food from the vendors was top notch – everything I tried was delicious and perfect fuel for a busy crafting weekend. Whether it was a cheeky sweet treat from the crepe van or something savoury, like my burger spud, to keep us going, they had us sorted. There was also live music and sheep to see, an ariel display, movie night, bingo and just so much to see and do…

Two sheep in a pen filled with straw, with a food stall in the background selling crepes.

One of the best parts of CoC is always catching up with my fibre friends. It was great to see:

Group photo of attendees at Carry on Crafting festival, featuring friends smiling together in colourful hats and casual attire, surrounded by craft displays and a vibrant atmosphere.

The Annual CoC Project

For the past three years, myself, Amanda from Mrs G Makes, and Jess from Hook & Cwtch have created a special CoC project for our group to enjoy. You might remember:

  • Festival Fade – the asymmetric shawl I designed for our first year,
  • Festival Fusion Cowl – last year’s vibrant and textured make, and now…
  • The Yarnival Bag – this year’s group project, which I’m excited to say will be released later this month! It’s full of colour, fun stitches and festival flair – can’t wait to share it with you all!
A colourful crafting bag filled with various yarn skeins in pastel shades and a wooden button labelled 'Carry on Crafting 2025'.

What I Bought…

There were over 100 vendors at CoC sharing their wares as well as many specialist artisans running crafty workshops. The majority of vendors took card or cash payments making it very easy for me to spend on some fabulous things! Here’s what I bought;

  • The brand new Crochet Socks that Rock Book by the lovely Anna Nikipirowicz from publishers David & Charles. I was extremely excited about this book for two reasons, firstly as it’s a pre-release copy (it’s not officially available until September), and secondly because it has been on my crochet bucket list for ages to make some crochet socks this will be the impetus I need to get that ticked off.
  • Then I bought some yarn from a stall, that I unfortunately didn’t keep the name of, I bought a Schoppel Zauberball a yarn which has been on my list to try for ages, and then some pink 100% Natural Dye Studio Dazzle Sock British Blue Faced Leicester yarn – both of which I’m planning to hopefully use on some socks from the Crochet Socks that Rock Book.
  • Then anyone that knows me knows I love any kind of stationery so I couldn’t resist the cork notebook from Alice (aka The Burrow) it has a faux tarot card featuring ‘The Crocheter’ which I had to have!
  • Then I bought a gorgeous handmade project basket bag from The Embroidered Fox which I love, love love!
A flat lay image featuring a crochet book titled 'Crochet Socks That Rock', a floral-patterned project bag, a notebook with a cork cover, a pink skein of yarn, and a dark colorful skein of yarn on a light wooden background.
  • Then I bought a beautiful little handmade ceramic toadstool (whose stall I also unfortunately didn’t make a note of) but I love toadstools so I couldn’t resist it.
  • Then I popped by to see Bex (aka The Pigeons Nest), I love her stickers and knew she’d got some new designs so wanted to get some of those, and I picked up some of her fun slogan pencils too, and I couldn’t resist her ‘Emotional Support Project’ pouch in black and neon orange, it had to come home with me!
  • Then from Kitey (aka The Yarn Whisperer) I bought some bright neon yarn and some dark blue yarn, both DK, with the mind to re-imagine our latest collab, Sassy Sardines, in a different colourway and in a slightly different size – a project that I’m excited to get stuck into.
A flat lay image featuring a black pouch with the text 'Emotional Support Project' in orange, surrounded by two skeins of yarn in orange and blue, colourful stickers, and two coloured pencils.

All in all, CoC was the perfect mix of creativity, community, and sunshine. I came back with a full heart and a camera roll of happy memories. If you’re a maker, a crafter, or just someone who loves to be surrounded by inspiration you need to add Carry On Crafting to your calendar.

Although I’m sadly not going to be able to make it next year, due to already having plans on that date, I’m already looking forward to 2027. If you’ve now read this post and it sounds like something you need to get in on there’s still some availability for 2026 show (11 – 12 July 2025) – find all the details on the Carry on Crafting website. 💛✨🧶

A glamping bell tent illuminated at night, featuring decorative lights and bunting, with a cozy atmosphere and a night sky in the background.

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

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Free Crochet Pattern | The Forester Shawl

Posted in Crochet, Free Patterns by

Today I’m delighted to be joining in the Furls Designer Blog Hop 2025! I’ve teamed up with Furls and some incredibly talented designers as they bring you a whole year of beautiful free crochet patterns – one new pattern every two weeks, all made with Furls Yarn.

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An advertisement for 'The Furls Forester Shawl' PDF crochet pattern, featuring an image of a triangular crochet shawl in green shades. The shawl is being worn by a person in a park-like setting, showcasing its design and dimensions.

What is the Furls Designer Blog Hop?

If you’re not familiar with the Furls Blog Hop, it’s a year-long celebration of crochet and creativity. Every two weeks, a different designer releases a brand-new free crochet pattern using Furls Fiberart Wander yarn. You may remember last year I participated with the Foundry Fusion Shawl, and this year I’m back sharing a new free design.

You can find lots of free patterns (and grab any you’ve missed!), plus access other great crochet related articles, right here on the Furls Blog landing page. Whether you’re here for wearables, accessories, or home décor, the hop is a wonderful way to discover new styles and designers – and get inspired all year long.

My Design: The Forester Shawl

I’m so pleased to introduce you to my contribution to this year’s hop: The Forester Shawl. My design is nod to lush greenery of the forests where I love to go for a walk.

The Forester Shawl is big, bold, and incredibly cosy – perfect for transitional seasons or even cooler summer evenings when you want something comforting but breathable.

A woman stands in a green field wearing a cozy, colorful crochet shawl with a tassel. She has short, light-colored hair and looks upward with a smile.

I used Furls Fiberart Wander yarn for my shawl which is a 100% acrylic, worsted weight (Aran) yarn that comes in 100g balls.  Each ball has approximately 120 yards/ 109m and has a lovely lustre about it and it’s also super soft to crochet with.

I was very lucky as the lovely folks at Furls also sent me the most gorgeous limited edition Streamline Bronze 7 (4.5mm) crochet hook ( I loooove the colour) to use on the project. I’ve got a few Furls hooks (wooden, metal and resin) which I enjoy using when working with thicker yarn weights.

A collection of Furls Fiberart Wander acrylic yarn in various shades of green and mint, arranged on a white surface. Also included are a pair of scissors, a black pen, and a bronze crochet hook labeled 'Furls'. A small potted plant is in the background.

I used five different colours of Furls Fiberart Wander yarn in my shawl. You could of course use less colours, but when selecting your colours, consider shades that complement each other to create a pleasing gradient or contrast.

One of the best features of the The Forester Shawl is its speed to work up. Thanks to the worsted (aran) weight yarn and straightforward pattern, you can whip up a lovely big shawl in no time. It’s also a perfect mindful project, with easy pattern repeats, for those moments when you want to indulge in a satisfying and easy crochet session.

Beginners will hopefully find this pattern approachable, while more seasoned crocheters can appreciate the opportunity to relax with a project that doesn’t require intense concentration.

A person wearing the Forester Shawl, a triangular crochet shawl with varying green shades, standing in a grassy field surrounded by trees.

Scroll down for the free version of this pattern but I’d recommend the purchase of the ad-free PDF Pattern if you’d like all the instructions and pictures in a nice document which you can print and take notes on without relying on your phone or an internet connection.

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The Forester Shawl

The pattern below is written just in US terms but you can view a handy conversion chart here on the blog.

Skill Level: Beginner / Easy

Yarn: Furls Fiberarts Wander Acrylic Yarn used in  photos: 100% Premium Acrylic Yarn; Worsted Weight (Aran) #4, 100g (120yds / 109m). Suggested colors below however any colors can work for this pattern;

  • 1 ball Cottage (Dark Green) – A
  • 2 ball Arbor (Forest Green) – B
  • 2 balls Patina (Sage Green) – C
  • 2 balls Wintermint (Light Mint) – D

Pattern will work in other hooks and yarns though finished size will be different.

Hook: US size 7 (4.5mm).

You will also need

Gauge: 4 dc / 4 rows = 2.5 cm [1″]

Obtaining the correct gauge is not critical to this project but if your gauge does not match the gauge stated then your finished item will be a  different size.

Finished size: 175 cm [69”] x 68.5 cm [27”] at widest point.

STITCH GUIDANCE: UK Terminology

  • Slip Stitch (sl st): Insert hook in st indicated, yarn over and draw through all loops.
  • Space (sp): The gap between stitches or chains.
  • Chain (ch): Bring yarn over hook from back to front and grab it with hook. Draw hooked yarn through slip knot and onto hook.
  • Double Crochet (dc): Yarn over, insert hook in indicated st and pull up a loop (three loops on hook), yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops on hook

PATTERN NOTES:

  • Where a row starts with a ch3; the ch3 will count as the first dc stitch.
  • [ … ] Repeat section in square brackets until specified
  • Turning chains: If you find working with a ch3 (when it counts as a st) is creating a stitch that is too tall (and so creates a noticeable gap in your work replace it with a ch2.
  • Using stitch markers: Add a stitch marker at the beginning and the end of each row to help keep track of the start and finish off that row.
  • Shaping: The main body of the triangular shawl is worked from side to side, increasing on the beginning and the end of each row.

PATTERN:

PATTERN

Row 1: With A; ch 3, sl st to form a ring, then working into the ring, ch 3, 3 dc into the ring, ch 3, 4 dc into the ring, turn. (8 sts, 1 x ch3-sp)

Row 2: Ch 3, 2 dc in the same st, 1 dc in the next 3 sts, (1 dc, ch 3, 1 dc) in the ch3-sp of the previous row, 1 dc in the next 3 sts, 3 dc in the last st, turn. (14 sts, 1 x ch3-sp)

Row 3: Ch 3, 2 dc in the same st, 1 dc in the next 6 sts, (1 dc, ch 3, 1 dc) in the ch3-sp of the previous row, 1 dc in the next 6 sts, 3 dc in the last st, turn. (20 sts, 1 x ch3-sp)

Row 4: Ch 3, 2 dc in the same st, 1 dc in the next st, [ch1, miss st, 1 dc in the next 2 sts] repeat until the st before the ch3-sp, 1 dc in the next st, (1 dc, ch 3, 1 dc) in the ch3-sp of the previous row, 1 dc in the next st, [ch1, miss st, 1 dc in the next 2 sts ] repeat until the last 2 sts, 1 dc in the next st, 3 dc in the last st, turn. (20 sts, 6 x ch1-sps, 1 x ch3-sp). Fasten off A and weave in ends.

Row 5: Attach D to the top of the last st worked; ch 3, 2 dc in the same st, [ch1, miss st, 1 dc in the next 2 sts] repeat until the ch3-sp, (1 dc, ch 3, 1dc) in the ch3-sp of the previous row, [1 dc in the next 2 sts, miss st, ch1 ] repeat until the last st, 3 dc in the last st, turn. (24 sts, 8 x ch1-sps, 1 x ch3-sp). Fasten off D and weave in ends.

Row 6: Attach B to the top of the last st worked; ch 3,1 dc in the same st, ch 1, [1 dc in the next 2 sts, ch1, miss st, ] repeat until the last 3 sts before the ch3-sp, 1 dc in the last 3 sts, (1 dc, ch 3, 1 dc) in the ch3-sp of the previous row, 1 dc in the next 3 sts, [miss st, ch 1, 1 dc in the next 2 sts ] repeat until the last st, ch 1, 2 dc in the last st, turn. (28 sts, 10 x ch1-sps, 1 x ch3-sp) Fasten off B and weave in ends.

From this point onwards we start working in the pattern which is a 3 row repeat.

Row 7: Attach C to the top of the last st worked; repeat Row 4 (32 sts, 12 x ch1-sps, 1 x ch3-sp). Fasten off C and weave in ends.

Rows 8 – 15: Attach A to the top of the last st worked; repeat Rows 5, 6, 4 twice and 5, 6 once more. (64 sts, 28 x ch1-sps, 1 x ch3-sp).Fasten off A and weave in ends.

Row 16: Attach D to the top of the last st worked; repeat Row 4 (68 sts, 30 x ch1-sps, 1 x ch3-sp). Fasten off D and weave in ends.

Row 17: Attach C to the top of the last st worked; repeat Row 5 (72 sts, 32 x ch1-sps, 1 x ch3-sp). Fasten off C and weave in ends.

Rows 18 – 29: Attach C to the top of the last st worked; repeat Rows 6, 4, 5 four times. (120 sts, 56 x ch1-sps, 1 x ch3-sp).Fasten off C and weave in ends.

Row 30: Attach D to the top of the last st worked; repeat Row 6 (124 sts, 58 x ch1-sps, 1 x ch3-sp). Fasten off D and weave in ends.

Rows 31 – 42: Attach B to the top of the last st worked; repeat Rows 4, 5, 6 four times. (172 sts, 82 x ch1-sps, 1 x ch3-sp).Fasten off B and weave in ends.

Row 43: Attach A to the top of the last st worked; repeat Row 4 (176 sts, 84 x ch1-sps, 1 x ch3-sp). Fasten off A and weave in ends.

Rows 44 – 54: Attach D to the top of the last st worked; repeat Rows 5, 6, 4 four times. (220 sts, 106 x ch1-sps, 1 x ch3-sp).Fasten off D and weave in end.

BLOCKING:

Steam blocking is best for an acrylic shawl. Pin shawl in place, then gently steam without touching the fabric to set the shape safely.

FINISHING:

Using the left over colours make two chunky tassels to go on the long ends of the shawl.

And that’s it!

PARTIAL CHART

Section of chart. Please note there are more stitches and rows than shown;

A schematic diagram illustrating the stitch pattern for a crochet shawl, labeled with rows and stitch symbols.

BLOCKING

This design may benefit from being blocked, as it is an acrylic yarn steam blocking is one of the best methods you can use. Simply pin the item into shape and hover a steam iron or garment steamer over it without touching the fabric. Let the steam relax the fibres, then allow to cool/dry.

And that’s it!

A person standing in a grassy field, showcasing a large, triangular crochet shawl in shades of green and mint, with tassels on each end.

Whether you crochet one for yourself or as a thoughtful gift for a loved one, this pattern promises satisfaction and style in equal measure. If you enjoyed this pattern, you can view a list of my other free patterns here.

If you make your own Forester Shawl, I’d absolutely love to see it! You can tag me (@KCACO.UK) on instagram or use the hashtag #FurlsForesterShawl so I can admire your beautiful work. And don’t forget to tag @furlscrochet too! 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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New Crochet Pattern | Janus Keyhole Scarf

Posted in Crochet, Independent Design, Yarn by

I’m so happy to share a new crochet pattern with you today, it’s taken me a bit of time to get it all finished off but it’s a crochet scarf pattern that’s designed to make the most of that special 50g skein of hand-dyed yarn you’ve been holding onto. You know the one: too gorgeous to let sit in your stash, but not quite enough for a big project, or perhaps the left overs from a big project…

PIN FOR LATER:

The Janus Keyhole Scarf crochet pattern featuring a model wearing the scarf outdoors, with close-up images of the scarf design. The pattern is easy for beginners and requires approximately 2 x 50g skeins of 4ply yarn and a 3 mm hook.

This scarf is part of my hand-dyed challenge, which you’ll be right in thinking I haven’t mentioned again since I posted about it in January. I might have been a little overconfident thinking I could manage something for every month (we’ll have to see how it goes). But at least I’ve finally got around to this one. The challenge is all about finally using my beautiful stash of hand-dyed yarn instead of just admiring (or hoarding!) it, and I have to say – it feels good to finally put some of it to work.

This pattern also fulfilled a fun little challenge I had with my crochet designer friend Fay at the start of the year. We set ourselves a mini goal to design a ‘scarf’ using no more than 100g of yarn. Fay, ever the organised one, absolutely smashed it and released her stunning design, One Way or Another, back in early April. True to her creative flair, she went above and beyond by designing not just one, but a versatile crochet pattern that covers two yarn weights and three different styles – scarf, necktie, and cowl. It’s a beautiful and clever design that’s well worth checking out!

A beautifully crafted Janus Keyhole Scarf featuring a mix of contrasting hand-dyed yarns, displayed alongside a mug of tea and decorative plants on a wooden surface.

The Janus Scarf

For my first project, I chose to make the Janus Scarf—a name that felt particularly fitting for this challenge. It’s named after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, transitions, and duality, who is often depicted with two faces. Since this was my first project of the year, marking a fresh start, I decided to use two contrasting skeins of hand-dyed yarn so the the name felt just right. Plus, January itself is named after Janus, making it an even more fitting choice!

The yarns I picked had been in my stash for far too long, waiting for the right project. Working with them was a treat—the contrast between the two skeins made the stitches pop beautifully, and I loved seeing how they played together in the finished piece.

A cosy scene featuring two balls of yarn on a wooden table, with a turquoise teapot and a cup of tea in the background.

I’m using up 50g of undyed yarn left over from a blanket project (more on that later) and a 50g skein from Sable Yarns. Now sadly it doesn’t seem as if Sable Yarns are active any more (I can’t find much posted after 2022), and I’m not entirely sure where I purchased the yarn, though I’m assuming it was at a yarn show before that date. The particular colourway I’m using is called ‘Ermagerd’ which I think is supposed to be the humorous version of the phrase oh my god, that sometimes appears in memes – and I like to think of it as ‘ermagerd she’s finally using up some of her stash’!

I made a short keyhole scarflette using just the 100g of yarn, and I absolutely love how it turned out! A keyhole scarf features a slit that allows one end to be threaded through, creating a secure fit without the need for a knot. This makes it less bulky and more streamlined than traditional scarves. I designed it to be a neat, compact piece – just big enough to wrap snuggly around the neck and sit slightly across the top of the chest. It was my first time trying this style, and I really enjoyed the process of bringing my idea to life! I see more keyhole type scarves in my future!

A person wearing a colourful crochet Janus keyhole scarf, standing outdoors with greenery in the background.

The pattern is very beginner-friendly—if you’re familiar with basic crochet stitches (double crochet / US single crochet, trebles / US double crochet and decreases), you should have no trouble following along and creating a scarf you’ll be proud of! In the pattern I’ve included both the written instructions and a helpful chart to guide you through the process.

❤️ SAVE JANUS KEYHOLE SCARF ON RAVELRY ❤️

The crochet Janus Keyhole Scarf pattern in now available for purchase from usual pattern platforms.

Ravelry
LoveCrafts
Etsy
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A woman with short gray hair smiles while wearing a colourful crochet scarf in a park setting, surrounded by greenery.

Handdyed Challenge Progress So Far

✅ 1 project complete!
🧶 Stash dented? A little—but let’s be honest, I really need to crack on with another project!

I have to say that this challenge is already helping me be more intentional with my yarn choices, and I’ve actually been enjoying diving into my stash and finding treasures!

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

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