Happy MAL day | Peppermint Pageant starts today!

Posted in Crochet by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Happy MAL day folks!

I hope you are enjoying a restful festive period and are now ready for a bit of hooky time.

All the folks that ordered the exclusive Peppermint Pageant MAL kit should have already received the gorgeous Yarn Whisperer yarn (plus fab extras), and the pattern went out to everyone a few days ago (from Kitey – so maybe check your junk mail if the pattern doesn’t seem to have appeared). So we should be all ready to begin!

The exclusive colourway that Kitey has come up with this time was inspired by Christmas! It contains a 50g skein of a fabulously rich tonal minty green that you would see in peppermints and in traditional fir trees. Then alongside that skein was a 50g skein of a beautiful semi-solid rich red – the unique variations in each make them just so special to work with.

These colours have been married up with a hank of natural yarn, because it’s beautiful in it’s own right, it’s actually one of my favourite things – to see natural yarn along side a hand dyed version as the colours really pop! And the merino Aran weight yarn I think is my new yarn crush – such a delight to crochet with!

And in amongst the kit there is THE MOST FABULOUS stitch marker, wooden button and pencil from Mrs G! So a little known fact about me is that I have a thing about stationery, I actually I do all my pattern writing in pencil, so I loved the addition of the engraved pencil, what a lovely reminder of the MAL each time I use it.

I also have a thing about things made in wood, which the little Christmas button was made from, I love the fact it has the date engraved on it to mark the project date. And of course the metal disc snowflake stitch marker was a perfect match for the project and is so fab and functional as all Mrs G’s stitch markers are (I have quite the collection).

For the full information about this particular MAL you can find all the details here (or via the top menu of this blog under the tab ‘CALS AND MALS’). But generally the idea is that the MAL is a relaxed event designed to be a lovely betwixtmas project – this time round we are making a Christmas stocking.

The Make Along will run from today (Monday 26 December 2022) until Thursday 26 January 2022 giving everyone plenty of time to make the pattern during the festive season and new year. You can of course start the pattern at anytime you wish, this deadline is just there for those that like to have one.

There will be support for the pattern as usual in my Facebook group; the KCACO-UK Crochet Community Group and in Kitey’s Virtual Stitch-n-B*tch zoom sessions – see full details on Kitey’s Insta page

SHARING WITH THE #PEPPERMINTPAGEANT MAKEALONG COMMUNITY

We hope you’ll share your photos with us on social media (facebook, twitter or instagram) or as a project on Ravelry – we’d love to see what you make! We will be sharing our progress with the hashtags #peppermintpageantmal #kcacouk #yarnwhisperer. If you’re blogging, feel free to leave links to your post(s) in the comments here.

You also may wish to make sure you are signed up to blog (below) and / or my mailing list to get a reminder when new blog posts, discounts or new pattern releases are available – I’ll just say that Kitey and I have already planned projects for well into 2024!

We do hope that you enjoy this fun make-along; Kitey and I can’t wait to see your wonderful stockings come to life!

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

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13Dec2022

NEW Mini Crochet Kit | Reindeer Bauble Kit

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

December is moving far too fast for my liking and I just haven’t had a chance to tell you about a crochet new kit I have in my Etsy shop! I don’t know about you but I could do with another couple of weeks until Christmas – I think I always forget how busy things get at this time of year.

But I do deerly love the holiday season and so I’m going to squeeze in telling you about a new little crochet kit that I hope you will find quite reindeering!

Okay, it might be time to rein in the puns a little….if you haven’t already guessed the kit is for a reindeer hanging ornament. Much like the mini crochet kits I released last year (see all the mini crochet kits here along with a big kit). This one was also released at the latest weekend Crochet Sanctuary where I was kindly allowed to bring a pop up shop to share with the other guests a range of my KCACOUK, Yarnybobs and Dear Ewe products.

Add a touch of festive cheer to your home with a sweet hanging reindeer ornament; it’s that happy bit of handmade hooking which will add that personalised reindeer touch to your Christmas Tree.

❤️ Add the Reindeer Bauble Crochet Kit to your favourites on Ravelry ❤️

Each kit contains 30g of Scheepjes Catona, the pattern, a length of black embroidery thread, a silver jingle bell and a length of twine all in a reusable christmas bauble! There’s also the optional tool extra of picking up a premium bamboo 3mm hook (US approx. size D/3) if you don’t have one of those to hand.

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

BUY ON ETSY

These bauble crochet kits sold out when I was at the crochet sanctuary (though I’ve got some more stock now) and it’s been lovely to see some of the little reindeer that have been whipped up already from the kits.

Whether you’re super organised or more of a last-minute buyer, yule need to make a note of the following dates to ensure your pressies are (hopefully) delivered in time for the big day.

As we have had all the Royal mail strikes here in the UK I feel I’ve had no choice but to bring forward domestic Christmas posting deadlines to Friday 16 December. It’s been a fair old stressful time for small businesses with the postal issues (so please know that we do want our things to get to you as soon as possible but when it leaves us it’s out of our control). However I also want to continue to support the post office as I feel that it’s one of those that if we don’t use it, we’ll eventually lose it.

Need to send abroad? Not a problem – like Santa, I do deliver all over the world, however I cannot guarantee delivery will be in time for Christmas, but a gift of crochet is fun at any time of year right!.

Then as my children are breaking up from school also on the 16 December I’ll mainly be spending some quality time with my family until the new year – though I will be popping on, on Boxing Day as we start our Peppermint Pageant MAL.

If you make up a reindeer I hope you’ll share your WIP and 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

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4Dec2022

NEW Mini Crochet Kit | Vintage Snowman Decoration

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

Snow-way man! There’s a new mini crochet kit in town; snow prizes for guessing what the kit is – it’s a snowman!

You may remember that I’ve previously released some mini crochet kits (along with a big kit) because I find them really fun to design. It’s an enjoyable kind of challenge, working with a set amount of yarn and notions, to make something a workable project.

The new kit is for a Vintage Snowman decoration; inspired with a nostalgic nod to old-fashioned charm!

Create your own indoor winter wonderland with this adorable Vintage Snowman decoration. Wearing his blue top hat, matching gloves and a long textured scarf this snowman can be placed on any mantlepiece, shelf or windowsill to create a festive feel for your home. He also comes complete with a ornamental log slice for your finished project to stand on.

❤️ Add the Vintage Snowman Decoration to your favourites on Ravelry ❤️

Each kit contains 45g of Scheepjes Catona (1x 25g of white and 2 x 10g of the different blues), the pattern, enough stuffing for the snowman, some small amounts of orange and blank for his nose and buttons, and of course the log slice all wrapped up in a small reusable organza bag! There’s also the optional tool extra of picking up a premium bamboo 3mm hook (US approx. size D/3) if you don’t have one of those to hand.

BUY ON ETSY

In snow uncertain terms this little snowman is so fun to make – freeze a jolly good fellow! Keep the magic of Christmas at home or gift to someone on your Christmas list, this cute snowman is sure to be enjoyed by all!

I hope you’ll share your WIP and 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

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1Nov2022

Peppermint Pageant MAL Announcement

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

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

Imagine, it’s the betwixmas period, you’re not quite sure what day it might be but you feel a sense of calm in the air after the wonderful madness of Christmas. Now it’s time to schedule a few moments just for YOU! It’s a time to indulge in those Christmas treats, to not get dressed if you don’t want to, to find the best trashy TV you can or put on your favourite movie – and of course settle in with a brand new crochet project with some lovely handyed yarn.

Join us in creating magical memories as we saunter into the Peppermint Pageant MAL. Together we will fashion a lovely seasonal heirloom ready to gift or to bring out each year and enjoy in your own home.

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

This time around we are going to be making a stocking, which I’m not going to show you yet, and I’m not going to give away too much about the project, but what I will say is that I so pleased with how it’s turned out and can’t wait to share it with you!

An exclusive pattern and kit have been created for this extra special MAL. Kitey has worked his magic, as usual, to put together an amazingly special colourway and each kit will include:

1x 100g / 166m skein of 100% Superwash Merino Aran
2 x 50g / 83m of 100% Superwash Merino Aran yarn, in TWO exclusive hand-dyed colourways
A digital copy of the pattern (which will be sent to you 22^nd – 23rd December)
And a few extra, exclusive treats, just for good measure!

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Pre-ordered kits will be available for £44 + postage, and can be made on The Yarn Whisperer website from 10 am on Tuesday 1st November 2022.

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

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

Last International orders will be shipped by 18 November if ordered by 10 November. UK orders will continue to be shipped after this date, but ordering early ensures yours arrives in plenty of time to join us on 26 December 2022.

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

❤️ Add pattern to favourites on Ravelry ❤️

There will be support for the pattern as usual in my Facebook group; the KCACO-UK Crochet Community Group.

You can also pop in and join the Virtual Stitch-n-B*tch sessions hosted by Kitey – Wednesday evenings from 7pm, Friday’s from 5.20pm and Sunday’s from 5pm (see full details on Kitey’s Insta page). These sessions are a bit like going to a virtual knit and natter group, and everyone there is really lovely and helpful.

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

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

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

P.S. You may wish to sign up to the blog (or my newsletter) if you haven’t already, and The Yarn Whisperer newsletter so you’ll be the first to know any new collab updates!

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.

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18Oct2021

Crochet Now Magazine | Christmas Pusheen & Friends

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

I’m super excited to tell you about the latest issue of Crochet Now magazine as it’s rather a special issue for me! Get set for a purr-fect Christmas with eight new festive Pusheen the Cat patterns in an exclusive 36 page supplement available with Issue 74.

© Crochet NOW magazine – Supplement available with Issue 74

You may remember in December last year Crochet Now magazine featured a little Pusheen I’d designed in a wee Christmas hat. I was delighted to be given the opportunity to create some more of her iconic looks in crochet.

There’s eight new patterns altogether; Pusheen in a scarf and Christmas hat with her friend Sloth, and there’s also a large cookie for Pusheen to hold, a festive wreath, candy cane, large mitten and present, and a Christmas Hat (that fits Sloth) to help create your own Pusheen Xmas scene.

For Pusheen I used some of the same Ricorumi DK yarn ‘Pusheen’ shades I used before, bringing in some more colours like Candy Pink, Turquoise, Caramel and Chocolate, all with a 3mm hook, for a lovely wintery palette.

If you are not familiar with Ricorumi DK yarn I can definitely recommend. It’s some of my favourite yarn to work with and it comes in the cutest 25g (57.5m) balls which is perfect for making these little multicoloured amigurumi characters.

❤️ SAVE PUSHEEN ON RAVELRY ❤️

I’ve actually got another pattern in this issue, you may remember Alina the Ballerina from an issue of the January issue of Your Crochet and Knitting magazine. Well in Issue 74 there’s another chance to make your hooks dance to make up this cute dancing doll.

This elegant doll is dressed to perform in her ballet slippers and tutu and is ready to twirl away to the music! This Alina has been made with Cascade 220 Superwash yarn, which is a DK yarn available in 101 different colours with a 3.5mm hook. She would make the perfect gift for any little girl who loves to dance!

❤️ SAVE ALINA THE BALLERINA ON RAVELRY ❤️

Issue 74 is available to buy from your local supermarket or you can grab a digital version from www.craftstash.co.uk/books-magazines

If you make up any of the Pusheen patterns, or Alina the Ballerina, 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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12Oct2021

LGC Knitting & Crochet Magazine | Patch the Elf and Autumn Pumpkin

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

Did you know that there are now only 74 days until Christmas!? It’s coming up fast, which is why it’s handy that the latest issue of Let’s Get Crafting Knitting and Crochet magazine has a couple of festive themed patterns in to help you get ready, but there’s also a dash of Autumnal patterns if you aren’t ready for Christmas yet!

© Let’s Get Crafting magazine – Issue 135

I’m delighted to say that you can see one of my designs on the front cover; Patches the Elf is this month’s cover star! With Christmas coming fast it’s the ideal time to start some craftmas projects – so why not start with a fun little elf.

He was a really fun doll to make and if you are new to crocheting amigurumi he offers a great chance to try different stitches like loops and picots.

Patches would make a great decoration or as a gift to help spread some holiday cheer – you can have your ‘elf a merry little Christmas for sure!

❤️ SAVE PATCH THE ELF ON RAVELRY ❤️

And if you aren’t ready for full on festive yet then how about something a little more seasonal – a cute little pumpkin!

My daughter saw the recent issue and has asked me to make her one of these cute little pumpkin pals – they are really quick to make up so you could easily finishing one in an evening. You just need to take your time dividing up the segments and make sure the yarn is really secure.

The pattern also comes with three autumn leaves for you to make, so you can create your own Autumnal display.

❤️ PUMPKIN PATCH ON RAVELRY ❤️

There are lots of other fab things in this month’s edition including a very cute robin and mice and I love the knitted and crochet reindeer.

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

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).

If you hook up either Patches the Elf or the Pumpkin Patch 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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21Sep2021

Crochet Now Magazine | Poinsettia Gnome

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

Okay, not to alarm anyone but there are only 95 days now until Christmas – and in crafting circles it potentially becomes that time to crochet faster!

I personally ADORE crocheting Christmas ornaments and decorations, it’s one of my favourite seasons and I think it’s a lovely way to begin to get into the festive spirit. Plus they also make fab little gifts – and I’ve got just such a pattern in the latest issue of Crochet Now magazine.

A little, scandi style, Pretty Poinsettia Gnome! Adorned with a traditional wintry flower, I think this little gnome would make the perfect stocking filler for your loved ones this Christmas.

I used Ricorumi DK for my gnome which is a favourite yarn of mine to use for amigurumi. If you are not familiar with this yarn it is a DK weight 100% cotton, specially developed for crocheting cute amigurumi characters. It comes in cute 25g (57.5m) balls which makes it perfect for little amigurumi projects such as this one.

If you were looking for some for your stash Deramores currently has a special offer on for 5% discount if you buy 5 balls, 10% discount if you buy 10 balls – and as it’s only £0.99p per ball it’s not going to break the bank. And there’s also a special offer to September (until 26 Sept) for £5 off when you spend £30+ with the code 5tash with free shipping on orders of over £28.

I used a 3mm hook for my gnome and the only other things you will need to make him are toy stuffing and some gold seed beads.

Traditionally gnomes are known as symbols of good luck, dating back to when gnomes were believed to be household spirits responsible for the care and prosperity of the family, so a great addition to your house. My finished gnome is 20cm tall (from tip of the hat to the bottom) so perfect as a little ornament for a shelf or desk during the holiday season.

I honestly had so much fun creating this little guy that I’m thinking that he might need some seasonal buddies; for Spring, Summer and Autumn! So watch this space…

❤️ SAVE POINSETTIA GNOME ON RAVELRY ❤️

Issue 73 of Crochet Now magazine is packed with 41 seasonal patterns that you’ll love in a 100 page magazine – you can just see my little gnome on the bottom of the front cover (so exciting!).

It’s available to buy from your local supermarket and some newsagents or you can grab a digital version from www.craftstash.co.uk/books-magazines

If you hook up the Poinsettia Gnome 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

23Dec2020

Free Crochet Pattern | Christmas Mushroom Tree Ornament

Posted in Crochet, Free Patterns, From the Stash, Holidays, Pattern Release, Tah-Dah by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

I think I say it every year that one of my favourite things to make are Christmas decorations, and it’s become somewhat of a tradition that I create a new free tree ornament pattern for you to enjoy too. This year I’ve gone a bit non-traditional but still fun – it’s a Christmas Mushroom!

FAVOURITE PATTERN ON RAVELRY

Well actually it’s probably a Christmas toadstool but I’ve been singing Christmas mushroom to myself in my head so I’m afraid that title has stuck.

Apparently the red and white speckled fungi are known in German as gluckspilz which literally means ‘lucky mushroom’ which I really like and I think we can all do with a little luck to get past 2020 don’t you!

I’ve added a little twine to the top of my mushrooms so they can hang from the tree, but you could easily incorporate them into a wreath hanging on your door or even as part of a holiday table centrepiece.

FAVOURITE PATTERN ON LOVECRAFTS

They also don’t have to be just red, I experimented, because I got a little bit addicted to making mushrooms, with a few different colours – so you could match your fungi to your own decor.

Last year you may remember that I made a little Christmas bell tree decorations (FREE pattern here) with some Anchor Crafts Creativa Fino from my stash. I really like Creativa Fino to work with, it’s a nice firm mercerised cotton which I think works particularly well for amigurumi and ornaments like this one so that’s what I’ve used this year too.

FAVOURITE PATTERN ON ETSY

The following Christmas Mushroom Tree Ornament pattern is free here on the blog but it’s also available in my Ravelry store, LoveCrafts or Etsy store, where there is a nominal fee for a downloadable PDF pattern if you’d prefer.

The pattern is available in both UK and US crochet terminology via the PDF download; the pattern below is written just in UK terms.

Christmas Mushroom Tree Ornament

MATERIALS

Yarn:

Anchor Creativa Fino: 4ply; 125m per 50g ball; 100% Cotton

1 ball in #00258 (A) – Red
1 ball in #00926 (B) – Cream

Anchor Metallic Thread: Viscose (80%) and metallised polyester (20%)

1 ball in #00304 (C) – Metallic White

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

Hook: 3mm (US size D/3)

You will also need:

Stitch Marker
Scissors
Yarn needle
Small amount of toy stuffing
Length of twine for hanging loop

Gauge: 5dc = 2.5cm / 1 inch

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

Finished Size: 9cm / 3.5 inches

ABBREVIATIONS: UK Terminology

st(s) stitch(es)
st sl slip stitch
ch(s) chain
dc double crochet
dc2tog double crochet two together
htr half treble

STITCH GUIDANCE:

Slip Stitch (sl st): Insert hook in st indicated, yarn over and draw through all loops.
Double Crochet (dc): Insert hook in st indicated and draw up a loop (two loops on hook), yarn over, draw through both loops on hook.
Double Crochet (dc2tog): Insert hook in st indicated and pull up a loop (two loops on hook), insert hook in next st, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through three loops on hook.
Half treble (htr): Yarn over, insert hook in indicated st and pull up a loop (three loops on hook), yarn over, pull through all three loops on hook.

PATTERN NOTES

Magic ring: is also known as a Drawstring Ring or Magic Loop and is often used as a start for working amigurumi. If you are not familiar with this technique you could substitute with a ch2 and then work in the second ch from the hook.

Working in the round: This pattern is worked in the amigurumi style (unless specified), in a spiral without slip stitching or turning chains

Working in the Back or Front Loop Only (BLO / FLO): If you hold your piece of crochet in front of you with the Vs of the stitch on top, the part of the V closest to you is the front loop. The part of the V farther away from you on the opposite side is the back loop. When a pattern asks you to crochet into the back loop or front loop only insert your hook into the relevant loop and crochet as instructed.

Pattern:

Top of Mushroom

Rnd 1: With YARN A; working into a magic ring, 6dc. 6sts

Note: Do not pull magic ring too tight as you will thread some twine through the centre.

Rnd 2: [2dc] around. 12sts

Rnd 3: [1dc, 2dc] around. 18 sts

Rnd 4: Dc around.

Rnd 5: [1dc in next 2sts, 2dc] around. 24sts

Rnds 6-9: Dc around.

Rnd 10: [1dc in next 3sts, 2dc] around. 30sts

Fasten off YARN A with a sl st to the next st and weave in ends.
With YARN C embroider some spots on to your mushroom top
Create a hanging loop from twine and thread the loop through the centre of your magic ring with a knot to secure.

Underside of Mushroom

Rnd 11: Attach YARN B to the BLO of any st; [1dc in next 3sts, dc2tog] around. 24sts

Start to stuff, continue to stuff as you go.

Rnd 12: [1dc in next 2sts, dc2tog] around. 18sts

Rnd 13: [1dc, dc2tog] around. 12sts

Rnd 14: [dc2tog] to end. 6sts

Fasten off and use yarn tail to sew up the last 6sts

Mushroom Stalk

Rnd 1: With YARN A; working into a magic ring, 8dc. 8sts

Rnd 2: [2dc] around. 16sts

Rnds 3-5: Dc around.

Rnd 6: [1dc in next 2sts, dc2tog] around. 12sts

Start to stuff the mushroom stalk; continue to stuff as you go

Rnds 7-9: Dc around.

Rnd 10: [1dc in next 2sts, dc2tog] around. 9sts

Rnd 11: Dc around.

Rnd 12: BLO; Dc around.

Rnds 13-14: Dc around.

Fasten off with a sl st to the next st but leave a long yarn tail.

Rnd 15: Attach YARN C to the FLO; of rnd 12; ch2, 2htr in same st, 3htr in each st around until end, sl st to the beginning ch2 to join. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Stitch the mushroom stalk onto the bottom centre of the mushroom top.

And that’s it!

If you hook up a Christmas Mushroom Tree Ornament I hope you’ll maybe give it a ‘love’ on Ravelry, LoveCrafts or Etsy store by saving to your favourites, 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 and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

18Dec2020

Crochet Now Magazine | Wonderland Gang

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

Winter is well and truly here now and it’s the perfect time to snuggle up with a crochet magazine or two! And if you are looking for a wonder-ful project, then I might just have some for you in the latest edition of Crochet Now magazine.

You have just been able to spy a couple of them on the bottom of the cover of Issue 63! Anyone here a fan of Alice in Wonderland? It was one of my favourite books as a child and I think I wore out our VHS of the Disney movie, so it was such a delight for me to have the opportunity to design The Wonderland Gang!

The Wonderland Gang are made up of four of the classic Alice in Wonderland characters. First we have Alice ready to meet all kinds of curious creatures! And what would Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland be without the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter and the Cheshire Cat!

Now you can tumble down the rabbit hole with this charming set of Lewis Carroll’s famous characters and create an all-new amigurumi adventure.

For Alice and friends I used some of my favourite Ricorumi DK yarn with a 3.25mm hook which comes in the cutest 25g balls which is perfect for making these little multicoloured amigurumi characters.

❤️ SAVE THE WONDERLAND GANG ON RAVELRY ❤️

I couldn’t resist having a little Wonderland photo shoot of my own! And whilst I love all the characters, I have a special place in my heart for The White Rabbit, in fact my eldest daughter has said I need to make her one!

Alice in Wonderland is one of those books that have remained enduringly popular with readers old and young, and these much loved characters are perfect for Wonderland fans and book loving family and friends everywhere.

Issue 63 is packed full of 41 patterns for crocheters of all abilities and it’s all about snuggling up with some frosty-inspired crochet makes such as blankets and wall hangings.

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

If you hook up The Wonderland Gang 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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3Dec2020

Crochet Now Magazine | Wreaths, Stockings and Pusheen!

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

Sometimes when you do work for magazines designs get shuffled round to fit a particular issue and that’s happened to me just recently and has meant I actually have THREE designs in the latest edition of Crochet Now magazine.

Crochet Now magazine cover of Issue 62 — © Crochet NOW magazine – Issue 62

You might just be able to spy one of them on the bottom of the cover of Issue 62 – it’s Pusheen! If you aren’t familiar with Pusheen she’s a tubby little kitty that was created back in 2010 as a comic strip and has since taken the world by storm in sticker sets on social media platforms.

We are big fans of Pusheen in this house so I was delighted to be given the opportunity to create her in crochet. As it was for a festive issue of the magazine I even got to give her a teeny tiny Christmas hat!

Crocheted version of Pusheen the cat in a festive scene wearing a tiny Santa hat — © Crochet NOW magazine – Issue 62

For Pusheen I used some of my favourite Ricorumi DK yarn with a 3mm hook which, as it has lots of colours to choose from, had the perfect ‘Pusheen’ type shades I was looking for.

I have to say I’ve seen some of the Pusheen’s you have been making from the magazine, from tags on social media, and it’s been an absolute delight! They have all turned out so cute! I hope you have enjoyed making her as much as I enjoyed designing her.

❤️ SAVE PUSHEEN ON RAVELRY ❤️

Issue 62 is all about getting your crochet hook moving and working on those last-minute gifts for friends and loved ones. There’s lots of quick gifts including a chunky stocking from me.

Chunky crocheted textured lilac Christmas stocking on a pink background — © Crochet NOW magazine – Issue 62

As it’s made with really thick yarn you can whip up this fabulously chunky stocking in no time. I used King Cole Timeless Super Chunky with a both a 8mm hook and a 9mm hook. The finished stocking works up at about 50cm long x 21cm wide so plenty of room to fit in presents!

❤️ SAVE SUGARPLUM STOCKING ON RAVELRY ❤️

Last but not least I have a wreath pattern in Issue 62. Have you ever crocheted around wire? Well for the Frosted Flowers Wreath that’s what I did to create a delicate wreath which you could have to suit your own home decor this Christmas.

To create the flowers I used DMC Natura Just Cotton with a 3mm hook and some florist (or it’s also used with sugarcrafts) green wire. There are some guidance photos on how to incorporate the wire with your crochet in the magazine, it can be a bit fiddly but once you get into the rhythm of joining them together it get’s easier.

Delicate crocheted floral wreath — © Crochet NOW magazine – Issue 62

I then used my glue gun to attach all my flowers to a large white 30cm wire craft hoop, I then finished it off with a big bow made with a mixture of different widths of ribbon.

I was really pleased with how it turned out and I think I’ll definitely but using wire in future designs, it opens up lots of opportunities!

❤️ SAVE FROSTED FLOWERS WREATH ON RAVELRY ❤️

Issue 62 is available to buy from your local supermarket or you can grab a digital version from www.craftstash.co.uk/books-magazines

If you hook up Pusheen, the Sugarplum Stocking or The Frosted Flowers Wreath 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