Bright Burst Baskets – Issue 163 Simply Crochet

In issue 163 of Simply Crochet I’m delighted to share my Bright Burst Baskets — a duo of cheerful, sturdy baskets. Let’s talk about crochet storage for a moment. There’s something incredibly satisfying about making something that’s both beautiful and useful — and that’s exactly what these Bright Burst Baskets are all about.

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A pair of colourful, crocheted baskets with leather handles on a white step stool, surrounded by a plant and various items. — © Our Media Ltd 2025 – Issue 163

They’re a great medium sized basket; I’ve got one in the bathroom keeping toiletries together, and a another by my crochet corner holding my current WIPs and a few stray balls of yarn. Honestly, once you start using crochet baskets, you’ll want one in every room – they just make keeping things tidy feel a little bit nicer.

But beyond practicality, there’s the joy of making something lovely that brightens a room. Handmade storage adds that pop of colour, that soft texture you just don’t get with plastic tubs or baskets from the high street. Whether you go for soft pastels or rainbow brights, they’re an easy way to lift a shelf, desk, or bedside table.

A colourful crochet basket filled with toiletries, including a bottle of PAYOT cream and a candle, placed on a white wooden shelf surrounded by plants. — © Our Media Ltd 2025 – Issue 163

And here’s the bonus: they make brilliant gifts. Pop a little candle, hand cream, or some cosy socks inside one of these baskets, and you’ve got yourself a ready-made present that feels both thoughtful and functional. It’s like wrapping a gift in a gift — and who doesn’t love that?

🧺 SAVE BRIGHT BURST BASKETS ON RAVELRY 🧺

What you need for the pattern

I used Cygnet Cotton DK 100% natural cotton [100g / 200m] which is available in a wide palette of bright rainbow and pastel shades, perfect for mixing and matching multiple colours in one project. I opted for seven contrasting colours per basket but you could use as little as two or three. The pattern is very adaptable though you could pair colours creatively think ombre fades, sunburst contrasts, or bold block stripes, I think they could all look fantastic.

A close-up of a colourful crocheted basket with a brown leather handle, featuring pastel stripes in blue, yellow, pink, and red. — © Our Media Ltd 2025 – Issue 163

This DK cotton delivers sturdy stitch definition and just the right structure for home accessories like baskets, then the only other things you need for Bright Burst Baskets are:

So if you’ve been thinking about trying your hand at crochet storage, this is your sign. Bright, bold, and built to be used, these baskets are a total win.

Where to Find the Pattern

Simply Crochet issue 163 is available in shops now packed with fun patterns to kickstart your summer – it is also available to order online or download as a digital issue.

Cover of Simply Crochet magazine featuring a woman with curly hair wearing a colorful knitted sweater, surrounded by crochet patterns and project suggestions.

I’d love to see your versions of Bright Burst Baskets out in the wild! Don’t forget to tag me on social media, @kcaco.uk, or use the hashtag #BrightBurstBaskets so I can see all your beautiful storage solutions.

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

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.

5May2025

Say Ahoy to Captain Beakerson – in Crochet Now Issue 120

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

All aboard, crochet crew – I’ve got a brand new pattern to share with you that’s sure to ruffle a few feathers (in the best possible way)! Introducing the dashing Captain Beakerson, a bold and briny seagull sailor who’s set to make waves in your yarn stash!

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Captain Beakerson is a cheeky little seabird with plenty of personality. From his classic white and grey feathers to his striking red scarf and charming sailor’s cap, this nautical gent is ready to navigate his way straight into your heart. Oh, and did I mention the anchor tattoo on his wing? It’s the perfect finishing touch for this high-seas hero!

This pattern is available exclusively in Crochet Now Magazine, Issue 120, and I couldn’t be more excited to finally share him with you. Whether you’re an old salt at amigurumi or just dipping your toes in the water, this project is a fun and rewarding make that’s sure to bring a smile.

🌊 SAVE CAPTAIN BEAKERSON ON RAVELRY 🌊

A crocheted seagull named Captain Beakerson wearing a red scarf, with a sailor's cap beside him, set against a bright yellow background. Nautical decor elements like an anchor and a lighthouse are visible in the background. — © 2025 Practical Publishing – Crochet Now Issue 120

I made my Captain Beakerson using Ricorumi DK, one of my all-time favorite yarns. This 100% cotton yarn comes in handy 25g balls (57.5m) and is available in a wide range of options—80 solid shades, 10 spray shades, 5 prints, 3 neon colors, plus some sparkly 10g balls in gold and silver lamé. There’s such a fantastic variety to choose from.

I used the Ricorumi shades 2 balls in White 001 then 1 ball of Blue 032, Pearl Grey 004, Saffron 063 & Red 028 with a 3mm hook (closest US size D/3). Then the only other things you need for Captain Beakerson are:

toy stuffing
2 black safety eyes, 8mm
some stitch markers
black embroidery thread
a tapestry needle
small amount of Plastic Poly Pellets for weighting

A crocheted seagull sailor named Captain Beakerson, featuring white and grey feathers, a red scarf, and a sailor's cap, sitting alongside green plant leaves.

Where to Find the Pattern

Crochet Now issue 120 is available in shops now or you can grab a digital version from www.craftworld.com. This issue has 40 inspiring patterns inside including a lovely colourful jumper and several other fun nautical amigurumi projects.

Cover of 'Crochet Now' magazine showcasing various crochet projects including a woman wearing a colourful sweater, a plush dog, and amigurumi figures. The headline reads '40 inspiring patterns'. — © 2025 Practical Publishing – Crochet Now Issue 120

I’d love to see your versions of Captain Beakerson out in the wild! Don’t forget to tag me on social media, @kcaco.uk, or use the hashtag #CaptainBeakerson so I can see all your seafaring seagulls.

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

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!

2Apr2025

Crochet Now 119 | Three Designs, One Issue

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

I’m beyond excited to share that I have not one, not two, but three crochet designs featured in the latest issue of Crochet Now! It’s always a joy to see my patterns in print, but this time it’s extra special, as each design is so different yet equally fun to create. Whether you love amigurumi, a mindful blanket project, or whimsical woodland creatures, this issue has something for you!

Cinderwhiskers the Cat

If you’ve ever wished for a crochet buddy who truly understands your yarn obsession? Meet Cinderwhiskers the Cat, a yarn loving little fellow ready to steal your heart! Styled with their very own tiny ball of yarn and crochet hook, this adorable amigurumi feline is perfect for fellow makers who can’t resist a yarny-themed project. I had so much fun bringing this little cat to life, and I hope Cinderwhiskers brings as much joy to you as they did to me!

A crocheted amigurumi cat named Cinderwhiskers, made with soft yarn, stands upright holding a tiny crochet hook and a small ball of yarn. — © 2025 Practical Publishing – Crochet Now Issue 119

🐱 SAVE CINDERWHISKERS THE CAT ON RAVELRY 🐱

I chose West Yorkshire Spinners ColourLab DK (Light Worsted) for Cinderwhiskers as I wanted him to have a ‘heritage’ type feel. West Yorkshire Spinners ColourLab DK is a vibrant and durable 100% British wool yarn, known for its soft yet sturdy texture, making it perfect for colourful and long-lasting crochet projects. Colours come in 100g (225m) balls which I used with a 3.5mm hook (closest US size E/4). The only other things you would need for Cinderwhiskers is:

The Heatherside Blanket

Next up is the Heatherside Blanket, a truly satisfying make that puts a twist on the classic granny square. This is a large, cosy blanket that’s designed with mindfulness in mind—perfect for those moments when you just want to relax with a soothing, repetitive pattern. I absolutely loved working on this one, and I can already picture it draped over a comfy armchair, ready for snuggling up with a good book and a hot drink.

❤️ SAVE THE HEATHERSIDE BLANKET ON RAVELRY ❤️

I chose King Cole Fashion Aran (Worsted Weight) for the blanket which was a new yarn for me, but one I really enjoyed using, I definitely think that I will use it again at some point – especially the lovely tweedy yarns. King Cole Fashion Aran comes in 100g (200m) balls and is a blend of 70% Acrylic 30% Wool which offers warmth, durability, and a lovely drape for stylish and practical crochet projects.

I used a 5.5mm hook (US size I/9) and you need a total of 13 balls of yarn altogether; I chose to use 5 of the main ‘natural’ colour, combined with 10 balls of the other 5 colours, though you could use as little as two colours for the pattern.

Millie & Mollie the Mushroom Twins

Finally, let me introduce Millie & Mollie, two adorable mushroom twins who love to roam the woodlands in search of hidden treasures! These sweet amigurumi fungi are bursting with charm and will make a delightful addition to any crochet collection. Whether they’re sitting on a shelf or accompanying you on woodland adventures, Millie and Mollie are sure to bring a touch of magic wherever they go.

Two adorable crocheted amigurumi mushrooms, Millie and Mollie, stand side by side with cheerful expressions. Their rounded caps feature classic toadstool spots - perfect for nature-inspired crochet lovers! — © 2025 Practical Publishing – Crochet Now Issue 119

🍄 SAVE MUSHROOM TWINS ON RAVELRY 🍄

For Millie and Mollie, I used Ricorumi DK, one of my all-time favourite yarns, combined with a 3.5mm hook (closest US size E/4). This 100% cotton yarn comes in handy 25g (57.5m) balls and is perfect for amigurumi. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re in for a treat—there are 80 solid shades to choose from, giving you endless colour possibilities. The only other things you would need for the twins are:

Where to Find the Patterns

All three of these patterns can be found in issue 119 of Crochet Now, available in shops and online now – you can grab a digital version from www.craftworld.com.

The front cover of *Crochet Now* magazine issue 119 features a collection of crochet projects, including some by me. The cover showcases vibrant, eye-catching designs, with a mix of cosy blankets, cute amigurumi, and other creative makes, offering inspiration for all crochet enthusiasts. — © 2025 Practical Publishing – Crochet Now Issue 119

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

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!

17Apr2024

Woolbox Free Patterns | WoolCat Crew

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

Are you feline crafty? If so, hold onto your crochet hooks because there’s a new collection, designed in collaboration with Woolbox, that’s the cat’s meow! Three purr-fect patterns for some crochet cats!

A collection of crochet cats on a white wooden desk, they are looking to camera with friendly expressions.

Whisker your way into the world of crochet with these adorable FREE projects that will have you purring with delight. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a curious beginner, these patterns are the cat’s pajamas for anyone comfortable with working in amigurumi style.

Choose from Red Tabby, Russian Blue and Siamese – you can make a whole litter and spread the love to friends and family.

A crocheted red tabby cat sits calmly inside a woven basket on a white wooden desk alongside some plants and some balls of yarn

❤️ GO TO KCACOUK WOOLBOX PATTERNS ON RAVELRY ❤️

For all of the cats 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.

Woolbox Imagine Classic DK is available in 24 different colours (and they are adding shades all the time), and I used several different colours for the cats with a 3.5mm (US size E/4) hook. Other than that you would need pairs of coloured 12mm safety eyes (blue, green and brown), some stitch markers, some toy filler, pins and a yarn needle to sew all the pieces together.

A crocheted Siamese cat is lying down with it's head up inside a woven basket on a white wooden desk. It has blue eyes and is wearing a pretty pink collar.

All the patterns are available for FREE from Woolbox as just the digital download for the pattern or as a yarn kit. I’ve added the link to my Woolbox Designer shop below where you can see all the cats (and all the other patterns I’ve designed for Woolbox).

KCACOUK Woolbox Designer Shop

The patterns are written in UK terms, but shipping of kits and yarn is available worldwide. 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.

A collection of crochet amigurumi cats and sitting on a bed with white linen. A paw-fect crew to get your hooks into - get the FREE patterns from Woolbox. — © Woolbox 2024

If you make up any of the WoolCats 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.

1Sep2022

Pattern Re-Release | Relaxing Ralph

Posted in Crochet, Designing, Getting Crafty, Independent Design, Pattern Release by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Well it’s only taken me a couple of years…but I’ve finally got around to sorting out my Relaxing Ralph pattern. And what prompted me is today (1 Sept) is Ginger Cat Appreciation Day, a fun holiday that honours the gingers of the feline world.

It put me in mind of little Ralph; who you may recognise as a pattern I designed in September 2018 for The Crochet Sanctuary (read about it here). He’s a sleepy little ginger kitty who loves nothing more than kicking back for a nap in his hammock (details on how to make his hammock is also included in the pattern).

Well at the time I was sure I’d released the pattern in my usual format, in UK and US terms, and with availability in each of my pattern stores – but it turns out that I’ hadn’t! However I’m now delighted to announce that I’ve rectified that situation, and you can now pick up the PDF pattern via the links below.

The pattern is 5 pages long and I’d suggest it’s a patterns suitable for anyone with a bit of experience of working in the round and in making amigurumi.

For my kitty I used 1 ball of Scheepjes Stonewashed XL (Aran/ Worsted Weight) in Jasper (Shade 849), 1 ball of Scheepjes Stonewashed (Sport Weight) in Moon Stone (Shade 801 and 1 ball of Scheepjes Catona (4ply / Fingering Weight) in Powder Pink (Shade 238) with a 4.5mm (US size 7) and a 3mm (Closest US size D/3 or C/2).

🐈 Add the pattern to your favourites on Ravelry 🐈

” Cats are connoisseurs of comfort.” ~ James Herriot

If you do make up a Relaxing Ralph I hope you will share pictures of your cat’s on socials using the hashtag #kcacouk so I can see and share your wonderful work.

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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3Jul2019

Deramores | Amigurumi Deracats

Posted in Amigurumi, Crochet, Deramores Designer Shop, Designing, Pattern Release, Tah-Dah by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Edit: Links to Deramores removed after it’s closure in January 2022

I’m extremely excited to announce that there’s some brand new patterns in my Deramores Designer Shop! May I present to you the feline trio which are the Deracats!

With the choice of a Siamese Cat, a Black Cat and a ginger Tabby Cat, these cute crocheted cats are made from the same wonderfully soft Deramores Studio DK which I used for the Deradogs (really love that yarn!).

When I was younger I really wanted either a grey tabby cat or a black cat pretty much because characters in a couple of my favourite books had them in (The Worst Witch and Gobbolino the Witches Cat – yes I had a thing about witches too when I was 8 or 9 years old!).

But the sad fact is that my Dad is allergic to cats (or so he says…) and so we always had dogs when we were growing up. But living vicariously through crochet I’ve been able to create both a black cat (who we shall call Gobbolino, though he also kind of looks like a Jess to me) and a Tabby cat (who we shall, appropriately enough, call Tabby) and of course a Siamese too (who we shall call Zeus – because I think it’s a cool name for a cat!).

Although I suppose I shouldn’t have a favourite out of the cats – I kind of do! I love the colours of the tabby cat! And even with all the stripes the Tabby Cat (and all the cat patterns) are easy to make. I’d say they are the perfect patterns to start with if you are a beginner looking to try an amigurumi for the first time. Though they are still a fun and enjoyable project for a more accomplished crocheter too.

In fact I’m not sure you’ll be able to stop at one kitty! Which is why it’s a good thing that the Deracats are sold as a set of all three patterns available directly from Deramores. And the great thing about getting them from Deramores is that you can either just get the pattern, for just the cats, or there is an option to pick up the yarn you need to make all three cats too! To make the cats you will also require from your craft stash a 3.5mm Crochet Hook, Toy Stuffing, Darning Needle and 6 x 12mm Toy Safety Cat Eyes.

Deramores have shops for the US and Australia as well as the UK which you can check out and add to your favourites at the links below:

Deramores US – Keep Calm and Crochet On
Deramores AU – Keep Calm and Crochet On

If you want to you can also add the Deracats to your favourites or save them for later on Ravelry too as they are all linked up.

SAVE DERACATS ON RAVELRY HERE

If you hook up any of the Deracats I hope you’ll tag kcaco.uk on Instagram or share your projects in my Facebook group as I love to see your finished work!

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

30Jan2019

LGC Knitting & Crochet Magazine | Marmalade the Cat and Kangaroo Cuties

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

Issue 108 of LGC Knitting & Crochet Magazine is on sale now and I’ve got two new patterns inside for you.

The first is Marmalade the Cat who has a big ole grin like a Cheshire cat as he’s pleased as punch to be in the magazine. Ever so dapper in his bow tie and dungarees he’s ready to go on an adventure to Timbuktu (didn’t all adventures go there at some point? They always seemed to when I was little!).

SAVE CAT PATTERN ON RAVELRY HERE

I also designed some Kangaroo Cuties – who I named Karla and Karl. Baby Karl can pop out of mum’s pouch if he wants to roam around a bit in the Australia outback. I tell you what we could do with a bit of the Auzzie summer right now – it’s been so cold here in the UK the last few days, we even had some snow!

SAVE KANGAROO PATTERNS ON RAVELRY HERE

There are lots of fab patterns in this month’s edition including an amazing budgie from the fab looking book Crocheted Birds by Vanessa Mooncie and I really love the Lampshade Covers by Sarah Shrimpton and the Teeny Tortoises by Hannah Cooper – which you can pick up for free!

And although I can’t knit I really love Little Zebedee the Zebra by Sachiyo Ishii and the Kitty Doorstop by Aine Marriott – if you are a knitter you can pick up the doorstep pattern for free now too!

There are 53 exclusive patterns in this months edition and you get your yarn and 3.75mm hook and 3.75mm knitting needles included with your 68 page magazine.

LGC Knitting & Crochet Magazine is available in major supermarkets and newsagents across the UK.

If you hook up either Marmalade the Cat or the Kangaroo Cuties 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

27Sep2018

Pattern Release & Giveway| Relaxing Ralph Cat Amigurumi

Posted in Amigurumi, Crochet, For Adult, For Baby, For Child, Independent Design, Pattern Release, Sale / Special Offer, Tah-Dah by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Woo hooooo! I’m really excited to say that my Relaxing Ralph pattern, that I designed for the Crochet Sanctuary (read about that here), is now finally LIVE!

I’m chuffed to bits be able to finally release him into the wild because I really love how he turned out! I seriously just want to climb into his hammock with him and have a little snooze – don’t you?

If you have ever watched a cat sleeping you’ll know that they sleep like they don’t have a care in the world. Now you can take a leaf out of the life of a cat and relax like Ralph!

The pattern is 5 pages long and it’s written, as usual, in both UK and US terms. It was nice to see the folks at the crochet sanctuary who were both intermediate and beginners to amigurumi enjoying the pattern. Though if you are a beginner and would like to give this pattern a go you might want to familiarise yourself with working in rounds in the amigurumi style before you start.

Pattern Links 🎉

The Relaxing Ralph pattern is now available in my pattern stores on both Ravelry and on Lovecrochet.com – however if you’d like to be in with a chance to win a copy then keep reading…

Exclusive Giveaway 🎉

🚫 GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED – CONGRATULATIONS TO

Catsmom6 & CrochetRoxx 🚫

If you’d like to be entered into the giveaway to win a copy of Relaxing Ralph simply head on over to Ravelry and/or LoveCrochet.com and add it to your favourites. Please then comment below this post with either your Ravelry username or email address for your chance to win a copy.

Your Ravelry username and email address will only be used to send you your prize, if you enter the information onto a comment it is understood that you are granting me your permission for me to use your information as advised.

Bonus Entry: Re-pin any of the images above. Copy & paste the URL of your re-pin in the blog comments below.

TWO winners will be randomly chosen on Tuesday 2 October 2018 evening around 7pm GMT

Finally I hope you will share any Relaxing Ralph project’s, on social media or as a Ravelry or LoveCrochet.com project, to be in with a chance to win a different pattern of mine if you are featured in my monthly newsletter.

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

4May2018

Yarn Shop Day 2018 | Milo the Cat

Posted in Amigurumi, Crochet, Days Out, Designing, Free Patterns, From the Stash, Getting Crafty, Inspiration, Life, Pattern Release, Tah-Dah, Yarn by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

I have the most exciting news to share with you! Some of you may have already seen me mention it on Instagram but now I can tell you all properly.

Last year I was approached by the editor of Let’s Knit Magazine to see if I would like to design the mascot for Yarn Shop Day. Me!?! Design the mascot for Yarn Shop Day! I couldn’t believe it! What an honour to design the mascot for such a big day celebrated all over the United Kingdom! Of course I said yes and I quickly donned my (crocheted) designers cap and started planning.

If you aren’t familiar with Yarn Shop Day, it’s an annual annual event that celebrates bricks-and-mortar yarn shops. Part of the wider Love Your Yarn Shop campaign, this year’s event takes place on Saturday 12 May 2018. Each participating store will host its own special event, with all sorts of fun activities taking place.

I was asked to come up with a design for a cat and so in my excitement I drew about eleventy billion cat sketches and even tried playing with some designs to see what developed, but we finally settled on developing the cat sketch (below) using the Yarn Shop day colours.

I made him from bits of double knit yarn I had in my stash, that I had bought from various yarn store visits, and this is how he turned out…Meet Milo the Cat 🐱

And as I had to send that Milo away to the Let’s Knit Magazine team I’m currently making myself another little Milo in Scheepjes Catona yarn which I bought from Black Sheeps Wool last year – because he has to be made with shop bought yarn naturally.

Milo the Cat and Dixie the Llama are the crocheted and knitted mascots for 2018 and are exclusively available (for free) in participating stores, along with specially produced knitted and crocheted blanket patterns. If you’re a keen crocheter or knitter, be sure to pop down to your local yarn shop for a day of fibre-tastic fun. Click on the banner below to find participating stores near you.

I never need an excuse to visit a yarn shop and this year I hope to pop down to Abakhan in Hanley to join in the fun. I hope you will be out too supporting your local yarn shop! I feel it’s so important to be an advocate for any small shop owner, they are often the people who are experts in their field, love what they do and are just trying to live their dream.

And if you hook up Milo the Cat, I hope you will share your project on your favourite social media sites, Facebook page or Facebookgroup, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram as I love to see your finished work! Also if you are featured in my newsletter, as the customer spotlight, you could win a pattern of your choice – so don’t forget to tag me when you share.

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