Simply Crochet Magazine 145 | Cubist Wall Hanging

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

Hey lovelies, I’ve got a new design to share with you today that you can find inside the latest issue of Simply Crochet magazine. Splash your walls with a new sense of style with the ‘About Face’ Cubist Wall Hanging.

Close up of a crochet abstract face wall hanging against a white brick wall. — Our Media 2024 – Simply Crochet 145

Inspired by the Cubist movement, characterised by the breaking down of forms into geometric shapes, this modern abstract wall art will definitely provide an interesting talking point in your home.

I created the wall hanging from West Yorkshire Spinners Colour Lab DK (light worsted), It’s made from 100% British wool and comes in a range of bright solids and self-striping shades.

A desk top view of a basket of West Yorkshire Spinners colour lab yarn, a hand holds a cream coloured ball towards the camera.

I used 1 ball each of the following colours with a 3.5mm hook (US E/4);

Natural Cream (0010)
Citrus Yellow (0229)
Crimson Red (0556)
Zesty Orange (0476)
Electric Blue (0364)
Bottle Green (0363)
Phantom Black (0099)

However the colours are easily adaptable so the wall hanging could be made to suit every taste of décor, and it could also be a great stash buster. If you are really a bit unsure about selecting colour combinations for your wall hanging then I can certainly recommend the Design Seeds website for inspiration for beautiful colour palettes.

The only other thing you will need for this project are some a yarn needle, and two 30cm wooden dowel or sticks, and maybe a a project bag to store everything in. It’s the perfect way to add your own striking creative masterpiece to your bare walls – or wherever you want to add a pop of colour!

A striking cubist wall decoration, by Heather C Gibbs, available in issue 145 of Simply Crochet magazine. — Our Media 2024 – Simply Crochet 145

I’d suggest it’s a relatively quick and easy project – making it a great project for beginner crocheters. I’ve been thinking I should add a post on the blog on how to do surface crochet (which is how I did the ‘face’ on the wall hanging), but there is a note about the technique included in the magazine if you’ve not tried that method before.

❤️ SAVE THE CUBIST WALL HANGING ON RAVELRY ❤️

With over 20 patterns in each issue, there’s plenty to inspire you in Simply Crochet. Everything from fun fashion ideas, garments, designs for the home to baby projects, cute amigurumi makes and gifts for all occasions. Simply Crochet magazine, Issue 145, is available to buy from most supermarkets, It is also available to o rder online or download as a digital issue.

Front cover of issue 145 of Simply Crochet magazine. — © Our Media 2024 – Simply Crochet 145

I’d love to hear about any decorative crochet you might have made in the past or that you’d perhaps like to make in the future – drop me a comment below.

If you make up any of the Cubist Wall Hanging 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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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.

29Jan2024

New Pattern Release | Cute Critter Wash Cloths

Posted in Crochet, Crochet Accessories, Designing, From the Stash, Independent Design, Pattern Release, Sale / Special Offer, Stitches, Tah-Dah by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Make bath time extra fun for little ones with a range of cute and practical crocheted wash cloths. Each wash cloth features an embroidered face and ears which will allow you to make Bunny, Panda and Puppy talk and play about as hand puppets as you wash your child.

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Pinterest collage of three cute animal wash cloths by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Multi-functional cloths that allow you to wash, entertain and play with your baby in three charming designs. With adorable faces and ears, these wash gloves are sure to be a hit with toddlers and children.

The yarn I used for these mitts was Scheepjes Soft Fun which is a marvellous all-rounder yarn made from a super soft 60% cotton and 40% acrylic blend in DK (light worsted) weight.

Multi-functional crochet cloths that allow you to wash, entertain and play with your baby in three charming designs.

As the name implies it’s a lovely soft yarn which is allergen-free making it a great choice for crochet baby projects. Available in a wide range of colours from the lightest pastels to the deepest berry shades, it’s a yarn I’ve used for various different projects in the past.

❤️ SAVE CUTE CRITTER WASHCLOTHS ON RAVELRY ❤️

Made from cotton yarn these eco friendly baby bath mitts are great for creating a lather while washing toddlers and children in the bath or shower as they’re gentle on baby’s skin and can be used on the face and body. I’d suggest that these patterns are perfect for crocheters looking to make some cute functional projects that make great gifts.

Eco friendly crochet baby bath mitts which are great for washing children

The pattern now available for purchase, in both UK and US terms, from my usual pattern platforms – but scroll down to see limited special offer!

This pattern will be available for FREE on Ravelry from 12pm GMT (8am EST) on 30 January 2024 for 24hrs as part of the Winter Wash Cloth Series Blog Hop by Two Brothers Blankets.

Blog Hop Instructions:

1: Visit Two Brothers Blankets and get the coupon code.

Button image to go to main round up post for the Winter Washcloth Series

2: Click on the button below to go to the Critter Cloths on Ravelry.

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

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

Button image to get free pattern PDF from Ravelry

All the patterns from the Winter Wash Cloth Blog Hop are available in a limited edition bundle. Go straight to the bundle via the link below:

Button image to buy all the patterns from the Winter Wash Cloth

It includes all 31 designs featured in the blog hop in one bundle that you can download to your favourite device. Great for if you’ve accidentally missed a day – you’ll then be able to print out individual patterns as your convenience. Bundle costs £12.20 ($15.50) during the event and will go up to £19.67 ($25.00) after the event so buy now to save!

Bunny, Panda and Puppy; three cute animal wash cloths by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

These sweet bath mitts allow you to wash, entertain and play with your baby – what better way to entice a reluctant toddler into the bath than by making bath time loads of fun!

I can’t wait to see your versions of the Critter Wash Cloths. 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, keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

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.

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10Jan2024

Simply Crochet Magazine | Block Buddies

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

Hey lovelies, welcome to a little blog post about a trio of designs I have in the latest issue of Simply Crochet magazine (issue 144). It was a nice surprise to spy them on the front cover … yay! 😃

Front cover image of Simply Crochet Magazine issue 144 — © *Intermediate* Publishing 2024 (Simply Crochet 144)

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! I’ve designed three cuddly friends which are ideal early toys for babies thanks to their their soft granny square bodies, simple construction and child-safe embroidered faces.

Meet Toulouse the Tiger, Lowry the Lion and Beal the Bear. These little guys are built on a central solid ‘granny square’ motif making them perfect for beginners learning the art of crochet.

Crochet Block Buddies available in Issue 144 of Simply Crochet Magazine. — © *Intermediate* Publishing 2024 (Simply Crochet 144)

I created all of the animals from Scheepjes Colour Crafter, a yarn I’ve used many times before for different projects. Colour Crafter is a DK (light worsted) premium 100% acrylic yarn which is beautifully soft and has a nice smooth texture. It is also hypoallergenic which is great for crocheted toys.

There are so many colours to choose from, all named after towns through the Netherlands and Belgium. I used 1 ball each of Weert (1001), Gouda (1081), Burum (1709), Veenendaal (1064), Gent (2002), Rotterdam (1063) and Ede (1002) with a 3mm hook (closest US size D/3).

Six different coloured balls of Scheepjes Colour Crafter on a desk in a basket with a crochet hook ready to make the crochet Block Buddies.

The only other thing you will need for this project are some pins, a yarn needle, some stuffing and maybe a a project bag to store everything in.

❤️ SAVE THE BLOCK BUDDIES ON RAVELRY ❤️

With over 20 patterns in each issue, there’s plenty to inspire you in Simply Crochet. Everything from fun fashion ideas, garments, designs for the home to baby projects, cute amigurumi makes and gifts for all occasions. Simply Crochet magazine is available to buy from most supermarkets, to find your local Stockist or download the digital edition, Click here: https://buff.ly/47G1AxE

Lions, Tigers and Bears, oh my! Crochet patterns by Heather C Gibbs in issue 144 of Simply Crochet

If you make up any of the Block Buddies 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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5Jan2024

Crochet Now Magazine | Triple Ripple Wrap

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

It’s time to share my first pattern of 2024! Allow me to introduce the Triple Ripple Wrap which is available in the latest of Crochet Now magazine (out now).

Crochet Triple Ripple Wrap by Heather C Gibbs, available now in Crochet Now magazine — © Practical Publishing 2024 (Crochet Now Issue 103)

Do you love a one-ball project? Me too, I love how versatile they are – I’m a person that has different categories of crochet; I tend to do more involved designing when I’m at home, and I have everything I need around me, but then I love to have a project that I can take out and about with me on the go.

Table top view of the crochet work in progress of the Triple Ripple Wrap

That’s were one-ball projects come in really handy, and this particular project came with me to play-parks, on the train and on long car journeys (where I was the passenger – I’m not an advocate of crocheting while driving!)

I created the Triple Ripple Wrap from a Scheepjes Whirl made from a beautifully soft cotton-acrylic blend (60% Cotton and 40% Acrylic). The delicious gradient yarn comes in lots of scrumptious colour ways and has a generous twist which is fab to crochet with.

Scheepjes Jade Jim Jam on a desk in a basket with a crochet hook ready to make the Triple Ripple Wrap.

The yarn comes in a 220g (1000m) cake and I used Jade JimJam (560). This particular colourway has the signature Scheepjes Whirl long colour changes which make the ‘jade’ teal tones blend together in a beautiful ombre from lighter to darker.

Scheepjes Whirl’s are a favourite of mine to create wraps as they are simultaneously lightweight, breathable and have a beautiful drape. The only other thing you will need for a 3.5mm (US size E/4) and a project bag to keep it in so you can grab and go!

Close up of the Triple Ripple Wrap crochet wrap draped on a white mannequin

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I would definitely describe this pattern as a lovely mindful, relaxing pattern that is easy and beginner friendly. I think it has the perfect blend of stitches and texture to make it look fabulous and elegant, and it would look great styled over a jumper or dress.

The crochet Triple Ripple Wrap by Heather C Gibbs, available in issue 103 of Crochet Now magazine — © Practical Publishing 2024 (Crochet Now Issue 103)

As I mentioned, the Triple Ripple Wrap is out now in Issue 103 of – you should spy it on the on the front cover! This issue full of lovely seasonal patterns with a special ‘Care Bears’ supplement. Crochet Now and is available to buy from most supermarkets. Or if you miss the print version you can grab a digital version from www.craftstash.co.uk/books-magazines

Front cover of issue 103 of Crochet Now magazine - available now — © Practical Publishing 2024 (Crochet Now Issue 103)

If you make up the Triple Ripple 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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21Dec2023

Crochet Now Magazine | The Wrong Trousers

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

Did you know that it’s been 30 years since Wallace welcomed an infamous penguin to be a lodger in his home sparking all sorts of heists and mischief. And for the anniversary I was absolutely delighted to create an official pattern to commemorate ‘The Wrong Trousers’ for Crochet Now magazine.

Official Crochet Pattern of Wallace and Gromit's The Wrong Trousers out now in Issue 102 of Crochet Now Magazine.

Stars of the Aardman Animation TV and movies I’ve had a go at recreating Wallace in his Techno Trousers alongside that sneaky Feather’s McGraw. In the show helpless Wallace finds himself, quite literally, under Feathers’ control. The dastardly penguin adapts Wallace’s Techno Trousers for his latest diamond heist and with his controller he tries to get Wallace to carry out his dirty work.

I created both Wallace and Feathers out of some Ricorumi DK which is a firm favourite yarn of mine. Ricorumi DK is a 100% cotton yarn that comes in 25g balls [57.5m] in that’s available in 80 solid shades, it’s perfect for amigurumi especially when you only need a bit of a specific colour. I also used a small amount of Scheepjes Sweet Treat for Wallace’s string vest.

30 Years of Wallace and Gromit's The Wrong Trousers official crochet pattern by Heather C Gibbs in Crochet Now issue 102

The only other things you will need for Wallace and Feathers are some stitch markers, a tapestry needle, some toy stuffing, some floral wire (for the top of the controller), a 3mm (Closest US size D/3) and a small 1.5mm crochet hook.

❤️ SAVE THE WRONG TROUSERS ON RAVELRY ❤️

30 Years of Wallace and Gromit's The Wrong Trousers. Official Crochet Pattern out now in Issue 102 of Crochet Now Magazine.

I would definitely describe this pattern as one for the adventurous, for me personally I think it’s been one of the most involved crochet patterns I’ve ever designed, but I was really pleased with how they turned out in the end. And it was such a delight to create a couple of characters that I’ve loved for years!

If you are quick you can pick up Issue 102, you should spy Wallace and Feather’s on the front cover, before the next issue of Crochet Now is out. It’s full of lovely seasonal patterns and is available to buy from most supermarkets. Or if you miss the print version you can grab a digital version from www.craftstash.co.uk/books-magazines

Front cover image of Crochet Now issue 102 - available from most supermarkets

If you make up Wallace or Feathers 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.

I think in all likelihood that this will be my last post for Christmas – I would like to thank all my wonderful readers for their support over the last year, here’s hoping for a lovely woolly 2024!

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

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9Nov2023

Woolbox | Free Golden Monkey Pattern

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

Hey folks, I’ve got another brand new FREE crochet pattern to share with you today that I’ve designed in collaboration with Woolbox. Fresh from swinging through the trees in the Congo, it’s a cute and cuddly crochet Golden Monkey!

Introducing the crocheted Golden Monkey amigurumi pattern and kit available now from Woolbox — © Woolbox 2023

If you’ve not heard about Woolbox before they are a new online yarn company with a wealth of knitting and crochet knowledge. With the help of different designers they are beginning to develop some FREE patterns of their own using their own brand of yarn – and I’m delighted to be helping them out with that.

You may remember I shared the Blue Rhino, and Pink Elephant amigurumi and now we’ve got a third ‘Jungle Friend’ crochet pattern to make.

❤️ SAVE THE PATTERN ON RAVELRY ❤️

Golden Monkey crocheted amigurumi made with Woolbox Imagine DK in three different shades — © Woolbox 2023

For my Golden Monkey I used Woolbox Imagine Classic DK (Double Knit / Light Worsted). If you aren’t familiar with this yarn it’s a smoothly spun 100% anti–pilling acrylic; anti-pilling just means that any project you make with this yarn should not ‘pill’ (go bobbly) over time.

Crocheted Golden Monkey amigurumi made with Woolbox Imagine DK in three different shades — © Woolbox 2023

Woolbox Imagine Classic DK is available in 24 different colours (and they are adding shades all the time), and I just used three different colours for my Monkey; Creme Caramel (a soft browny-mustard colour), Sunflower Yellow (a lovely bright lemon yellow), and Coconut Cream with a 3.5mm (US size E/4) hook.

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

GET THE FREE PATTERN

PURCHASE THE YARN KIT

Crocheted Golden Monkey amigurumi pattern by Keep Calm and Crochet on UK available from the Woolbox website

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

If you make up the Woolbox Golden Monkey I hope you will share your 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 sign up to blog (below) and / or my mailing list to get a reminder when new blog posts, discounts or new pattern releases are available.

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

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.

18Oct2023

Woolbox | Free Pink Elephant Pattern

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

Hey folks, I’ve got another brand new FREE crochet pattern to share with you today that I’ve designed in collaboration with Woolbox. Fresh from a stomp on the African savanna, it’s a cute and cuddly crochet pink elephant!

Introducing the crocheted Pink Elephant amigurumi pattern and kit available now from Woolbox — © Woolbox 2023

You may remember, in September, I shared the free Blue Rhino amigurumi and now we’ve got a new ‘Jungle Friend’ crochet pattern to make. And there’s one more design yet to come, can you guess what animal it might be?

❤️ SAVE THE PATTERN ON RAVELRY ❤️

Pink Elephant crocheted amigurumi made with Woolbox Imagine DK in three different shades — © Woolbox 2023

For my Pink Elephant I used Woolbox Imagine Classic DK (Double Knit / Light Worsted). If you aren’t familiar with this yarn it’s a smoothly spun 100% anti–pilling acrylic that comes in an array of beautiful shades. Anti-pilling technology just means that any project you make with this yarn should not ‘pill’ (go bobbly) over time.

Collage of the Pink Elephant crocheted amigurumi made with Woolbox Imagine DK in three different shades — © Woolbox 2023

Woolbox Imagine Classic DK is available in 20 different colours, and I just used three different colours for my Elephant; Soft Heather (a pretty purplish shade), Raspberry Jam (a lovely bright pink), and Pure White with a 3.5mm (US size E/4) hook.

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

GET THE FREE PATTERN

PURCHASE THE YARN KIT

Crocheted Pink Elephant amigurumi pattern by Keep Calm and Crochet on UK available from the Woolbox website

If you make up the Woolbox Pink Elephant I hope you will share your 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 sign up to blog (below) and / or my mailing list to get a reminder when new blog posts, discounts or new pattern releases are available.

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

15Oct2023

Crochet Now | Percival the Party Pig

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

Huge congratulations to the folks of Crochet Now magazine who’s 100th issue recently went on sale! I was delighted to be asked to create and share some fun designs for their special edition.

Group of bright colourful crocheted amigurumi sat in a fabulous party background

With the magazine comes a very special Amigurumi All Stars supplement which has 48 toys for you to make. Myself and some other Crochet Now designers created a set of brand new party animals, including my new ‘Percival the Party Pig’ with separate party hat and present. I love how the whole group looks together – it looks like a fabulous party doesn’t it!

I created my Party Pig out of some Ricorumi DK which is a firm favourite yarn of mine. Ricorumi DK is a 100% cotton yarn that comes in wee 25g balls [57.5m] in that’s available in 80 solid shades, 10 spray shades, 5 prints, 3 neon shades and also some 10g balls of gold and silver lame – there’s so much to chose from!

Percival the Party Pig; bright colourful crocheted amigurumi sat in a party background

The only other things you will need for your pig are some stitch markers, a tapestry needle, some toy stuffing and a 3mm hook (closest US size D/3).

❤️ SAVE THE PARTY PIG ON RAVELRY ❤️

The rest of the supplement is comprised of a collection of Crochet Now’s top toys from the archives to help celebrate the 100th issue. And it includes another pattern of mine – you may remember my Coffee House Kawaii Toys from issue 71.

A crochet donut, coffee cup and icecream, with kawaii faces, are all grouped together with real life treats.

Issue 100 is on sale now with over 71 fun patterns to crochet and is available to buy from most supermarkets. Or if you miss the print version you can grab a digital version from www.craftstash.co.uk/books-magazines

Image of the front cover of Crochet Now magazine issue 100 - out in October 2023

If you make up Snoopy 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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6Oct2023

Crochet Now Magazine | Halloween Snoopy

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

I was beyond excited to get another opportunity to create a Snoopy pattern for the folks at Crochet Now magazine! And a Halloween brief just equalled so much fun!

Adorable crochet amigurumi Snoopy standing alongside a large crocheted jack-o-lantern — © Practical Publishing 2023 (Crochet Now Issue 99)

Star of the Charles M. Schulz’s comic strip Peanuts, and later TV and movies, Snoopy is best known as the pet beagle of Charlie Brown. Everybody loves Snoopy and all fans of the iconic series will love this classic Halloween version with the great pumpkin.

I created Snoopy and the pumpkin out of some Paintbox Cotton DK which is 100% cotton that comes in 50g balls [125 meters / 137yds] balls. I’ve used this yarn for quite a few projects, it’s a nice soft cotton which is great for amigurumi. And as I write this it’s currently on sale at LoveCrafts so go fill up your stash!

Desk top image of a plant, wooden mushroom, cup of tea, scissors and a basket full of allsorted Paintbox DK cotton yarn

The only other things you will need for Snoopy and the Pumpkin are some stitch markers, a tapestry needle, some toy stuffing, some black felt and a 3.5mm hook (US size E).

❤️ SAVE THE HALLOWEEN SNOOPY ON RAVELRY ❤️

Adorable crochet amigurumi Snoopy lying on top of a large crocheted jack-o-lantern — © Practical Publishing 2023 (Crochet Now Issue 99)

Pattern addendum: Snoopy’s Legs. It should be rnds 8 – 12, then continue to rnd 18 to create the body.

If you are quick you can pick up Issue 99, with my little Snoopy on the front cover, before the next issue of Crochet Now is out. It’s full of lovely seasonal patterns and is available to buy from most supermarkets. Or if you miss the print version you can grab a digital version from www.craftstash.co.uk/books-magazines

Image of the front cover of Crochet Now magazine issue 99 - out in September 2023

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

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19Sep2023

New Pattern Release | Cat Bells Men’s Cowl

Posted in Crochet, Crochet Accessories, Designing, From the Stash, Independent Design, Pattern Release, Sale / Special Offer, Stitches, Tah-Dah by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Finding men’s crochet patterns is not as easy as finding crochet designs for women or children. Dads, granddads, husbands, sons and friends – there’s potentially a lot of folks out there that would love something you specifically crocheted for them. That’s where my new design, the Cat Bells Cowl, comes in…

Close up of the head and neck of a man who is standing next to a old stone building alongside trees and a country path. They are wearing the royal blue crocheted Cat Bells textured cowl around their neck.

I actually designed this cowl for my husband; he’s a keen hiker and one of his most favourite places in the world is The Lake District in Cumbria. It’s a place we go as a family at least once a year, and a place he frequents, whenever he gets the opportunity, to go hiking or cycling.

The name of the ‘Cat Bells’ Cowl is actually taken from one of the most popular fells in the area by the same name. Cat Bells is a short, sharp, steep climb richly rewarded by spectacular views that my husband has completed a couple of times. I wanted to create something sharp, steep and with texture to compliment the place that he loves.

Close up of the head and neck of a man who is standing in the countryside on a sunny day. They are wearing the royal blue crocheted Cat Bells textured cowl around their neck.

Snood, buff, neck-warmer or cowl (the descriptions are pretty interchangeable) are great for men (and women) as they keep the neck and ears warm without the gappiness of a scarf! Designed to keep you cosy and warm cowls can add a stylish, yet minimalist, finish to your winter look.

Although I designed the cowl for a man, the pattern is fairly unisex so you could use different colours to crochet cowls for all your family members!

Image of a hand holding a skein of handyed bluey-teal solid yarn by Rosie's Moments.

The yarn I used for this cowl was from my stash; and was actually a gift from my lovely mum for Christmas 2022. It’s a gorgeous deep teal-to-blues blended yarn called Royal Robe and it was hand-dyed by Rosie’s Moments. I only had one skein so I thought a lovely lightweight cowl would be the perfect way to go.

I would recommend a semi-solid colourway for this design so that you can see the stitch definition. Variegated yarns are wonderful; but they often don’t work well with textured patterns as the colours can hide the effect of the stitches.

Close up of a half ball of handdyed yarn, a crochet hook and a textured work in progress piece of crochet.

The yarn blend I used was sock weight (4ply) 75% Superwashed Merino, 25% nylon; the natural properties of merino will mean that skin should remain cool and dry, and heat will be diverted into the upper and lower body during wear.

The cowl is the perfect accessory to pull up to protect the face from the winter chill, and simple enough to wear around the neck for warmth and wind protection. Ideal for cycling, hiking or any outdoor sport (or just to compliment your winter wardrobe).

I’m in love with the texture on this cowl, in fact I’ve kind of envisioned three ‘kindred cowls’ working with similar textures and stitches for three different looks – I’m pretty much finished with the second cowl so watch this space!

Close up of the slanted textured Cat Bells cowl held up to the camera with a background of an old stone building.

❤️ SAVE CATBELLS COWL ON RAVELRY ❤️

I designed the cowl specifically as a single 4ply (fingering weight) 100g skein project which I combined with a with a 3.25mm hook. It’s important to note though that not all single 100g skeins are the same length. For this cowl you need a skein that is 425m or more – anything smaller and you might not have enough yarn to finish the project (and that would just be annoying!).

The Cat Bells Cowl pattern can easily be adjusted, to make it smaller or larger, (with more yarn) and the pattern will work in other yarn weights – I can’t wait to see what variations you come up with!

Close up of the slanted textured Cat Bells cowl on the neck of a man standing next to Lake Windermere

This pattern is perfect for adventurous crocheter that loves a mindful pattern with gorgeous texture. It’s a fairly easy pattern to master, once you get the hang of the stitch repeats and is a great project to take out and about with it only being a single skein of yarn.

The pattern now available for purchase, in both UK and US terms, from my usual pattern platforms – but scroll down to see limited special offer!

This pattern will be available for FREE from 12pm GMT (8am EST) on 20 September 2023 for 24hrs as part of the Just for Men Blog Hop by Two Brothers Blankets and Sunflower Cottage Crochet.

Blog Hop Instructions:

1: Visit Sunflower Cottage Crochet and get the coupon code.

2: Click on the button below to go to the Cat Bells Cowl on Ravelry.

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

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

All the patterns from Just for Men Blog Hop are available in a limited edition bundle which is a fabulous collection of menswear accessories like hats, pillows, cowls, scarfs and more. Go straight to the bundle via the link below:

Button image to buy all the patterns from the Just for Him Event

It includes all 21 designs featured in the blog hop in one bundle that you can download to your favourite device. You’ll then be able to print out individual patterns as your convenience. This pattern bundle of crochet men’s accessories won’t last for long. It will only be available until Friday, 22 September 2023.

Pin for Later:

Collage of the crocheted Cat Bells Unisex Cowl for Pinterest

I can’t wait to see your versions of the Cat Bells Cowl. 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, keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

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