I Like Crochet Magazine | Tilly the Pony

Posted in Crochet, Crochet Accessories, Inspiration, Magazine, Pattern Release, Tah-Dah, Yarn by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

This morning, on the school run, I definitely felt that first bit of a chill in the air. It’s a sign that Autumn is on it’s way; but luckily I Like Crochet magazine have put together a lovely collection of seasonal patterns for you – this time with a definite nod to Equestrian chic! Which ties in nicely with the pattern I’ve got in the October 2022 issue – meet Tilly the Pony.

Brightly coloured leaves cover the ground which you kick in the air as you make your way down to the stables … and there you will find Tilly the Pony, with a soft mane that blows in the breeze and a big kissable nose, ready for a canter in the Autumn sunshine. Tilly is a sweet little pony amigurumi that will capture the hearts of adults and children alike.

I used Scheepjes Stonewashed (Sport Weight) for Tilly, in Moon Stone (801), Black Onyx (803) and Brown Agate (822) with a 3mm hook (closest US size D/3 or C/2).

If you’re not familiar with Scheepjes Stonewashed it’s a blended yarn made up from 22% acrylic and 78% cotton yarn that comes in 50g balls (130m / 142yds), it’s durable but soft and is available in 36 colours all associated with ‘gems and stones’. I’ve used it for lots of my designs as I love the stone washed look of the yarn and the stitch definition you get with the cotton blend – it’s perfect for amigurumi.

The only other things you will need for Tilly are 2 x 8mm black safety eyes, some toy stuffing and I used some cream coloured roving yarn for mane (though you could make your mane out of some more of the Moon Stone yarn).

I think that Tilly would make a great gift for any pony or horse lover, and could even be matched to a real life equine buddy – now that would be super cute!

I would suggest this amigurumi would a fun and easy introduction into toy making for a beginner crocheter. Everything is worked in the round, with a bit of simple shaping to create the perfect pony shape.

💕 SAVE TILLY THE PONY AMIGURUMI ON RAVELRY 💕

As well as my pony the October 2022 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.

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 Tilly the Pony, 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! 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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15Aug2022

Simply Crochet Magazine | Granny Square Day 2022

Posted in Afghan Square, Crochet, Magazine, Pattern Release, Yarn by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Hooray, hooray, it’s granny square day! A wonderful celebration that brings together our fabulous hooky community in a showcase of creative crochet!

If you’ve not heard about Granny Square day before it’s an international online celebration on instagram which this year falls on Monday 15 August 2022. Granny Square Day was started several years ago by US crocheter Susan Regalia, who recognised that Instagram’s grid format could be used to replicate the block arrangement of a classic granny square blanket online. Others soon joined in the fun and Granny Square Day was born! Simply Crochet magazine then took over the reins of Granny Square day in 2018.

Simply Crochet is thrilled to be celebrating a 4^th year hosting this huge Instagram event resulting in the BIGGEST VIRTUAL CROCHET BLANKET IN THE WORLD! All you have to do is hook, snap and share! All Granny Squares use #grannysquareday2022 and all Granny Square related projects use #grannysquaremakes2022

As previous years Simply Crochet the latest issue of the magazine (Issue 126) comes with a very special bonus pattern booklet. You can get really creative with the ‘A year of Granny Squares’ pattern booklet, featuring 52 brand new designs – that’s one for every week of the year! And I’m really excited to say that you can find two new granny square blocks by me inside. You can actually spy one of them on the front cover!

The first design is the closest to a traditional granny square, it’s called ‘Daisy Daisy’ and features a little daisy on a lawn of green grass with a pretty border. It’s been classed as an easy peasy design – perfect for beginners.

For the granny square purists out there I tried to feature some of the customary granny square clusters in each of the designs. Though I also wanted to play on the traditional and come up with something fresh and new. I really like how this block turned out, it feels quite appropriate for a Spring / Summer project.

❤️ SAVE THE ‘DAISY DAISY’ SQUARE ON RAVELRY ❤️

In the supplement the blocks range in skill level; from the more simple to getting a bit more involved and my second design has been grouped in the slightly more tricky range – but I’d say it’s still an easy eough square for advanced beginners. It’s called ‘Rainbow Burst’ designed in part because I simply can’t resist a bit of a rainbow.

❤️ SAVE THE ‘RAINBOW BURST’ SQUARE ON RAVELRY ❤️

I used Rico Ricorumi for these blocks, with a 3mm hook (closest US size C/2 or D/3) 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.

To me granny squares are nothing to do with ‘grandmas’ – they are just a super fun way to show how fun and versatile crochet can be! There’s something for everyone in the Simply Crochet squares and motifs supplement from more traditional looking squares to modern contemporary designs.

Simply Crochet issue 126 is available in most supermarkets and newsagents and digitally at www.pocketmags.com.

My Squares:

If you’re new to my blog you might not know that I’ve got several block patterns that are either fun square motifs or use the granny stitch in a more traditional design. Some are available to purchase from my pattern stores (links below) and some are free patterns available here on the blog.

Check out the links below for more Granny Square fun! Please note that most links are to Ravelry as that’s the most comprehensive list of all my patterns – not all squares are currently available from other sources. Free squares will link directly to my blog. Sizes of squares also differ, please see finished square size for full details.

Poppin Spades (FREE)	Sherbert Star Granny (FREE)	Autumn Turn (FREE)	Perfect Puff Pillow (FREE)
Wish Upon a Star 10″ (FREE)	Mod-Spot Block (FREE)	Encompass Me (FREE)	Granny’s Cabin (FREE)
Granny Likes Diamonds (FREE)	Granny Likes Popcorn 10″ (FREE)	Circle your Granny 10″ (FREE)	Tri Tonal Traditional Granny (FREE)
Bubblegum Pop Granny 10″ (FREE)	Half and Half Granny (FREE)	Bavarian Beauty 12″ (FREE)	Moroccan Window 12″ (FREE)
Humming Bird	Pumpkin	Blooming Flower	Solomon’s Cross
Christmas Bauble	Thanksgiving Turkey	Gingerbread Man	Santa Square
Reindeer Square	Jolly Clown	Mini Filet Cross (FREE)	Octagon Garden
Shy Violet	Eagle Owl	Russian Doll	Sunset Square
Union Jack Square	Spring Trellis	Amerindic Square	Robin Square
Easter / Flower Basket	Polar Bear Square	Sunflower Square	Pin Wheel Square
Daisy Chain Square

And if you want even more patterns the list below are designs I’ve made with ‘squares’ or granny clusters whether they be granny squares or motifs.

Solstice Garden Wrap	Mini Meditative Mandala (FREE)	Stitch Story Blanket	Superbly Simple Baby Blanket (FREE)
Daisy Chain Flourish Blanket	River Rose Pillow	Chocolate Box Twist Baby Blanket	Infinity Blanket
Everything is Cool and Groovyghan	Elephants on Parade Baby Blanket	Spot the Giraffe Blanket	Rainbow Baby Poncho

Dear Ewe Granny Square Day Sale!

And to celebrate Granny Square Day further, over at Dear Ewe, we’re holding a flash sale with 20% discount on our chart themed items. Check out the Dear Ewe Blog post for all the details, or go straight to the shop and use code: GSD22 at the checkout – sale ends Thursday 18 August.

If you hook up any of the squares 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!

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

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15Jul2022

I Like Crochet Magazine | Briar Blanket

Posted in Crochet, Crochet Accessories, Inspiration, Magazine, Pattern Release, Tah-Dah, Yarn by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

In the sunny days of summer it might seem strange to count down the days until autumn – but it’s always nice to get ahead for the next season (especially as crochet takes time!). In the August issue of I Like Crochet magazine they’ve included 15 First Fall patterns and I’m excited to say that my second pattern, the Briar Blanket, is included in this section.

Briar, meaning “thorny bush of wild roses” is the name of the blanket filled with textured stitches and rose-inspired hues of deep maroon and soft taupe. This chunky blanket, with its large feature tassels, would make a perfect addition to style up your bed – or to keep as a throw on your sofa getting ready for when those nights turn cooler.

I used the delectable Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Bulky for this blanket, which was a new yarn to me, and is sooo nice! Plump and squishy and available in 20 different colours, Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Bulky is a heavy weight yarn that works up quickly for thick and cushy projects.

Spun from Peruvian wool, the yarn is strong and durable with excellent stitch definition. It’s classed as a bulky (chunky weight) yarn which is 100% wool and comes in 100g hanks (137yds / 125m).

The shades I used for the blanket were Currant 28211(A, 6 balls), Gosling 28214 (B, 12 balls) and Fedora 28212 (C, 4 balls) with a 6mm (US size J/10) hook (which is amongst the suggested hook sizes).

Throws are perfect for keeping you toasty in front of the tv or reading a book in bed. Make in three muted complementary colours for a chic solution or go bold with some bright shades to update an old chair.

I would suggest this intricate blanket is an intermediate pattern, that feels sumptuous and decadent made in lux yarn, and that would make a cosy addition to your summer-to-autumn home décor.

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As well as my wrap the August 2022 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.

If you hook up the Briar Blanket, 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! 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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12Jul2022

I Like Crochet Magazine | Sandstone Shawl

Posted in Crochet, Crochet Accessories, Inspiration, Magazine, Pattern Release, Tah-Dah, Yarn by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

The August issue of I Like Crochet magazine is here and I’m super excited to say I’ve got TWO patterns in this edition. I’m rather proud of both designs, so I thought I’d write a separate blog post about each of them so I can tell you about them properly. First up is a crocheted wrap design called the Sandstone Shawl.

The Sandstone Shawl is an accessory which utilises yarn that varies in thickness to achieve a textured and lacy look. Tassels added to the centre of the shawl add a visual interest alongside open diamond motifs – and I love, love, LOVE how it turned out!

I used King Cole Opium for this shawl which I’d not used before but which I wanted to try as it just looks different and unusual. I think it’s no secret that I’m a bit in love with slubby textured yarns at the moment, especially after working the Whispers of the Sea Wrap and the Mellow Mallow Shawl.

If you were looking for a commercial type of slub yarn then I’d suggest this yarn could come close. It’s classed as a fashion yarn which has thick and thin sections along it’s length, a bit like slub yarn. When it’s worked up it creates such a beautiful textured mixture of lace and opaque – perfect for both summer and winter projects.

I’m a huge fan of textured crochet pieces and the beauty of this yarn is that it creates the texture for you – did I say yet how much I LOVE how the yarn worked up for this design!

King Cole Opium is 54% cotton, 42% acrylic and 4% Polyamide yarn and comes in 100g balls (273yds / 250m). The shade I used for the wrap was actually called Sandstone (1085) which is partially where the name of the wrap came from. My original inspiration for this shawl came from sandstone clay formations which are full of wonderful ridges and curves – so the name and colour of the yarn shared a bit of a serendipitous moment!

King Cole Opium is actually available in 7 other different colours and I used 6 balls in total to create a nice large wrap (approx. 79″ long x 22” wide / 200cm long x 56cm wide). The suggested hook size for this yarn is a 6mm (US size J/10) though I used a 4.5mm hook (US size 7) as I wanted my lacy sections to not be too oversized.

I would suggest this is a pattern that adventurous beginners would enjoy, the Sandstone Shawl is a trendy yet practical shawl with a nice pattern repeat which is easy to follow once you get used to it.

Make in beautiful natural tones for a chic outfit solution for the season ahead, it’s a great statement piece for layering. The textured yarn is light enough to be airy and yet still feel cosy enough to snuggle into as the seasons turn colder.

💕 SAVE THE SANDSTONE SHAWL ON RAVELRY 💕

If you hook up the Sandstone Shawl, 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! 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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4Jul2022

Simply Crochet | Mix It Up Purse

Posted in Crochet, Inspiration, Magazine, Pattern Release, Tah-Dah, Yarn by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

With Kate Bush in the charts again and Top Gun at the cinema, not to mention the latest season of Stranger Things, it seems appropriate that there’s a nostalgia for everything 1980’s at the moment. If you are looking for a fun 80’s pattern look no further, turn up the volume for the Mix It Up Purse, out now in issue 124 of Simply Crochet magazine.

Made to look like an old school cassette mix tape this purse is a fun way to try tapestry crochet, whilst being the perfect size for keeping your cards, coins or ear phones.

For my version of the Mix it Up Purse I used Scheepjes Catona with a 3mm hook (closest US size C/2). If you are not not familiar with the yarn it is 100% Cotton which comes in 10g [25 metre] balls.

I used seven colours in total; 2 balls of Jet Black (110) and English Tea (404), then 1 ball of Snow White (106), Cornflower (106), Poppy Red (390), Kiwi (205) and Yellow Gold (208).

I love the little mini balls of Scheepjes Catona for colourwork as it’s means you don’t get into so much of a tangle like you might with using big balls (though you could always wind off small amounts on bobbins if that is all you have).

The only other materials you would need are a 12cm zip, a yarn needle, I also lined my purse with material just to finish it off, though the technique used for the purse creates such a sturdy dense fabric you could get away with not lining it.

I recently saw some brilliant colourful music print cotton fabric, which I wish I’d thought about, it would be a fun way of lining the purse in keeping with the theme.

This purse is such a fun way to relieve the enjoyment of making a mix tape to keep yourself or gift to someone you love! If your embroidery skills are good, you could also personalise your purse by saying who’s mix tape it is, or by adding a favourite song or band name!

So turn up the volume with this unique cassette-tape change purse that’ll have everyone singing along! Issue 124 of Simply Crochet magazine is available to buy from your local supermarket or you can grab a digital or print subscription from buysubscriptions.com.

🎵 SAVE MIX IT UP PURSE ON RAVELRY 🎵

I hope you’ll share your WIP or finished project photos with me on social media (facebook, twitter 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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13Jun2022

Crochet Society Box 35 | Argon Triangular Scarf

Posted in Crochet, Inspiration, Magazine, Pattern Release, Tah-Dah, Yarn by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

I’m really excited to share with you today one of my favourite designs of recent times! In the latest Crochet Society Box (No. 35) I’ve got a brand new triangular scarf pattern for you called the Argon Scarf.

Box 35 has now officially been unboxed, by the lovely Sarah-Jayne of Bella Coco, which means that the box should now be with subscribers and I can now share with you all the details of the box and the design.

It’s called the Argon Scarf as the theme for this particular box was ‘Neon Lights’ with shades of purple yarn. Argon is actually the gas used in neon signs to produce shades of purple or lavender which just perfectly matched with the yarn that is part of the box.

I’ve been having a bit of a love affair of the textures of puff stitches lately, and my idea of using puffs in this design was represent pops of neon gas.

For this design I used 2 x 100g Bella Coco Yarn which is a DK (8ply / Light weight) yarn that comes in 100g (210m) balls and is a really soft. The shades that I got to use were so pretty in their own right that I’m glad they got their own showcase in this half and half design.

I used a 3.25mm hook for this particular design, and I would recommend the use of a row counter and stitch markers to not only mark your first stitches of a row, but to also help keep track of the increase / decrease sides of the scarf – handily you get both a row counter and a stitch marker as an extra gift in your box.

Textured with bright splashes of colour, the Argon Triangle Scarf, with colour matched tassels, is the perfect way to stand out from the crowd this season!

💕 SAVE THE ARGON TRIANGULAR SCARF ON RAVELRY 💕

Crochet Society boxes are available by subscription via the website, and past boxes are available, if there are, from Craftstash – here is the direct link to Box 35 (whilst stocks remain).

As well as my design in this box there are several Tunisian crochet patterns to compliment the Tunisian hook that comes with the box; there is a table runner, a pom pom hat and a faux ‘neon sign’ making up the fab collection of projects.

I hope you’ll share photos of your finished projects with me on social media (facebook, twitter 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

1Jun2022

Happily Hooked Magazine | Beelinda the Bee Fairy

Posted in Crochet, Inspiration, Magazine, Pattern Release, Tah-Dah, Yarn by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Can you be ‘fairy’ certain that bees are not fairies in disguise? After all appearances can bee deceiving! With that intriguing thought I’d like to introduce you to Beelinda the Bee Fairy – the un-bee-lievably cute little fairy doll that’s sure to bring a smile to your face!

When she’s not off frolicking in the flowers she’ll be ready to enchant anyone who sees her. And her pattern is available now in the June 2022 edition of Happily Hooked Magazine.

Beelinda is most definitely the bee’s knees when it comes to imaginative play, or as a decorative addition to your home, and she’s sure to become a firm favourite with anyone that wants to sprinkle some of their very own floral fairy magic around.

For my version of Beelinda I used Ricorumi DK with a 3mm hook (closest US size D/3). If you are not not familiar with the yarn it is 100% Cotton which comes in 25g [57.5 meters] balls. I used six colours in total; just 1 ball of Nude (023), Saffron (063), Black (060), White (001), Nougat (056) and Fuchsia (014). I love Ricorumi DK 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.

It retails for about £1.25 per ball (approx. $1.67) so it’s perfect for when you need just a small amount of a colour – though it’s hard not to just want all 80 shades!

The only other materials you would need are 2 x 8mm black safety eyes, toy stuffing, black sewing thread, a yarn needle and some blusher (optional, but it’s just normal makeup).

If you love bees or fairies then you need to add this cute crochet fairy doll to your collection! Beelinda is just waiting to share her magic with you.

💗 SAVE BEELINDA THE BEE FAIRY ON RAVELRY 💗

The pattern is available now! Happily Hooked & Pattern Pack Pro Are TWO monthly US digital magazine assembled by makers for makers and you can find out more details about it on the Happily Hooked Magazine website.

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.

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

23May2022

LGC Knitting & Crochet Magazine | Red Squirrel and Baby Mobile

Posted in Amigurumi, Crochet, Magazine, Pattern Release, Tah-Dah by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Are you looking for some new summer favourites? Well Let’s Get Crafting Knitting and Crochet magazine have several fun options that you might want to look into – including a couple of new patterns from me; and I’m delighted to say that my Red Squirrel is issue 141’s cover star!

Front Cover image of issue 141 of Let's Get Crafting magazine. — © Let’s Get Crafting magazine – Issue 141

My little red squirrel, with his stripy hat and cute little bowler hat were very fun to make. I used every colour in the yarn kit (which comes with the magazine) and I especially enjoyed using the variegated yarn to make the tail – colourwork has never been easier!

Colourful red squirrel with stripy jumper and mini bowler hat featured in issue 141 of Let's Get Crafting magazine. — © Let’s Get Crafting magazine – Issue 141

This fun amigurumi would make a great gift for an animal lover, or how about a cute decoration in a woodland themed nursery? Got the magazine and going to make him later, then save the pattern to your favourites on Ravelry at the link below.

❤️ SAVE THE RED SQUIRREL PATTERN ON RAVELRY ❤️

Speaking of nurseries, my second pattern in issue 141 is a bead and ball mobile. I have a bit of a thing about wood, I love it! So for this project I mixed crochet with some wooden beads and a wooden hoop, with some crochet balls, in several different sizes, hanging off with embroidery thread.

Crochet ball and wooden bead baby mobile as featured in issue 141 of Let's Get Crafting magazine. — © Let’s Get Crafting magazine – Issue 141

The mobile is very easy to make and would make a great beginner project, in fact the whole process of making up the mobile was very enjoyable. And if you don’t have little ones to make it for how about making it for your craft room or conservatory!

❤️SAVE THE B ALL BABY MOBILE ON RAVELRY ❤️

As usual the magazine comes with a yarn pack, which this time includes six different yarns, and includes the relevant size crochet hook (3.75mm) and knitting needles for the projects inside.

There are lots of other fab patterns in this month’s edition including a sweet alpaca, a very cute knitted hippo and a pair of sweet knitted and crocheted unicorns!

Cover image of projects featured in issue 141 of Let's Get Crafting magazine. — © Let’s Get Crafting magazine – Issue 141

LGC Knitting & Crochet Magazine is available in major supermarkets and newsagents across the UK or if you’re not able to get to the shops right now you can get a digital version of the mag from Pocketmags (the free cover gifts are not available via this digital subscription).

I hope you’ll share any WIP or finished project photos with me on social media (facebook, twitter 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, keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

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21May2022

Happily Hooked Magazine | Pastel Pop Shawl

Posted in Crochet, Inspiration, Magazine, Pattern Release, Tah-Dah, Yarn by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Ahhh May! It’s a month of UK bank holidays and getting that summer feeling as the weather (hopefully) gets sunnier! I don’t know about you but the months seem to be zooming by, and I’ve not even had chance to tell you yet about my new design called the ‘Pastel Pop Shawl’ which is available in Issue 98 of Happily Hooked Magazine.

Pastels are the perfect hues to compliment summer neutrals, and are classic enough to wear year after year, now you can claim your pastel powers with the Pastel Pop wrap. Both in-style and with beautiful drape, the bright and summery pastel shades are combined with interesting texture to create a beautiful modern wrap.

The Pastel Pop wrap is a fun one to make, it’s a large rectangular wrap featuring interspersed panels of popcorn stitch, so it’s got some lovely texture, and then I’ve combined it with some crossed stitches, and with the colour changing in too it makes for a rhythmic pattern with enough to keep you interested.

Now I wouldn’t call myself much of a pastel kind of person, I do so love a bright rainbow, that said, every now and then, I do get a bit of a hankering for some softer tones. I’d recently used some King Cole Cotton Soft DK in a project and as I was impressed with how soft and flexible it was for cotton. They have a nice range of pastels colours and it made me wonder how it would work if it was used for a wrap.

If you’re not familiar with King Cole Cotton Soft it’s a 100% cotton DK (8ply / Light Worsted) yarn that comes in 100g balls (210m / 229yds). It’s available in 21 different colours which include a lot of pastels, with a few bright shades, and it’s often used for baby makes and summer clothes. The recommended hook size for the yarn is a 4mm and that’s what I used for my wrap.

The finished wrap is heavier than a acrylic shawl might be, but there is that wonderful drape and the stitch definition is just marvellous (it always seems to be with cotton!).

Pastels are certainly optimistic colours I think, these bring pastels are sure to lift your mood all year round! But I do also wonder how this wrap might look in other colour combinations; think dark greys or black with neon’s, or a neutral maybe with hand dyed popcorn sections – oooo, the possibilities!

💗 SAVE PASTEL POP WRAP ON RAVELRY 💗

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

12May2022

Crochet Now Magazine | Geo Zing Wrap

Posted in Crochet, Magazine by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

For the latest issue of Crochet Now magazine (Issue 81) I’ve paired the popular corner to corner (C2C) technique with a bold geometric design in a new wrap called ‘Geo Zing’.

Picture of C2C Geo Zing Wrap featured in Issue 81 of Crochet Now Magazine — © Practical Publishing 2022 (Crochet Now Issue 81)

If you’re not familiar C2C crochet, it’s a stitch that creates a solid fabric by creating ‘squares’ which is worked on the diagonal. Once you’ve learnt the C2C stitch it’s easy to work and it’s fantastic for creating shapes (or pictures) with crochet.

Changing colours might seem a bit scary, but once you perfected your technique it’s more about keeping your yarn organised so that you don’t get in a tangle which can seem like the tricky part!

Picture of C2C Geo Zing Wrap shown on mannikin

I’ve actually kept this design to just two colours so as to keep tangling issues to a minimum! I used 2 balls of Scheepjes Whirlette in Tasty Treat (878) and Rose (859) with a 3.25mm (US D/3) hook. It’s a yarn cake made from 40% Acrylic / 60% Cotton with a weight of 100 grams [455 meters length].

Unlike the bigger sister Whirls, which you might be familiar with, Whirlettes are balls of solid colour, fabulous for mixing with a Whirl to extend a Whirl cake project or perfect for using on their own like I have.

I then used some matching Scheepjes Catona (in Cyan shade 397, and Tulip shade 222) for the tassels at either end. Catona is 100% mercerised cotton and comes in 10g, 25g or 50g balls, it has a soft delicate sheen that I thought would work brilliantly in a fringe.

This striking geometric print wrap will certainly add a zing of colour to your wardrobe as the sun starts to shine – and would make an ideal cover up for spring evenings or summer parties.

❤️ SAVE GEO ZING WRAP ON RAVELRY ❤️

Issue 81 of Crochet Now is full of lovely patterns; this month they are focusing on finding positivity in the small things. With that in mind, they’ve got plenty of bright and cheerful patterns to add a little cheer to your month (and a couple that might give you a laugh or two)!

The magazine is available to buy from most supermarkets or you can grab a digital version from www.craftstash.co.uk/books-magazines

Front cover of Issue 81 of Crochet Now Magazine — © Practical Publishing 2022 (Crochet Now Issue 81)

If you make up the Geo Zing wrap I hope you’ll share any finished photos with me on social media (facebook, twitter 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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