Meet Argyll the Reindeer — A Festive Crochet Delight from Simply Crochet Issue 168

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

Hey lovelies, hope you are all well. Bit of advance warning, I’m going to be mentioning the ‘C’ word in this post. I know, I know – but it’s the beginning of November (already!), and us crocheters need a bit of prep time, am I right? So without further ado I’m delighted to share with you today a new pattern featured in Simply Crochet issue 168. Allow me to introduce Argyll the Reindeer – a charming little character who’s bound to bring some handmade holiday cheer to your hook this season.

A handmade grey crocheted reindeer named Argyll, wearing a colourful plaid tartan scarf, posed on a decorative table against a textured wall.

Argyll is more than just a Christmas ornament; he’s a handmade friend who gives your home that warm, cosy holiday spirit. With his antlers, sweet face, and stout little body, he’s ideal as a hearth decoration or a whimsical gift for someone who adores handmade touches.

Sometimes a tiny decoration just won’t do am I right? You want something that really makes a statement. Standing proudly at around 36cm (14in) tall, Argyll is the reindeer for the job!

A hand-crocheted grey reindeer named Argyll, wearing a green, purple and pink tartan scarf, is standing next to a wicker basket in front of a fireplace.

Argyll is a lovely easy make for adventurous beginners – the pattern uses simple stitches and clear shaping, so you can build confidence as you go. The only slightly fiddly part is his little scarf, but don’t let that put you off! Once you get your hook moving, it quickly comes together and adds such a charming finishing touch to his look. Before you know it, you’ll have a reindeer that’s ready to dash straight into your festive décor.

🦌 SAVE ARGYLL THE REINDEER ON RAVELRY 🦌

What you need for the pattern

I used Yarnspirations Caron Simply Soft Aran (170.1g / 288m. 100% Acrylic) in Feathered Gray, Pagoda and Plum Perfect with a bit of Yarnspirations Caron Simply Soft Party Aran (85g / 150m.1% Metalized Polyester, 99% Acrylic) Fuchsia Sparkle – because what’s Christmas if you can’t have a bit of glitz!

Image of yarn skeins in various colours: grey, teal, plum, and pink sparkle, alongside a crocheted reindeer figure wearing a scarf.

Then the only other things you need for Argyll the Reindeer are:

Where to Find the Pattern

Issue 168 of Simply Crochet magazine is available in print via UK newsagents and craft shops, or you can obtain a digital copy through the Simply Crochet website or apps as a digital issue.

Issue cover of Simply Crochet 168 magazine featuring a woman smiling while wearing a colourful crocheted sweater, surrounded by festive visuals and patterns.

I absolutely can’t wait to see your versions of Argyll the Reindeer. Whether he’s classic brown, snowy white, or something completely offbeat – don’t forget to tag me on social media so I don’t miss them.

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.

1Nov2025

The Magic of Making: Christmas Ornament Keepsake Blog Hop

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

It’s November already! The days are growing shorter, the air has that crisp festive sparkle, and I can already feel the magic of Christmas creeping in. It’s the perfect time to curl up with a favourite skein of yarn, sip something warm and spiced, and start creating handmade keepsakes to treasure for years to come.

A festive collage showcasing various handmade crochet Christmas ornaments, including a smiling face ornament, star-shaped ornaments, a mouse in a Santa hat, and different decorative balls.

That’s why I’m so excited to join this year’s Christmas Ornament Keepsake Blog Hop, hosted by Stardust Gold Crochet, celebrating all things festive, fun, and full of crochet cheer! This special event is a joyful showcase of 24 beautiful crochet ornaments and keepsake patterns – each one designed to bring a touch of handmade magic to your holiday season.

Handmade Christmas Keepsakes

There’s something truly special about adorning your tree, mantel, or home with ornaments made by hand. I absolutely love adding to my own Christmas décor. each year and can’t wait to share the brand new ornament I’ve designed for this event. Whether you love the charm of traditional baubles, tiny amigurumi, or sparkling snowflakes, this hop is full of inspiration for every festive mood.

For the next few weeks, the hop will be visiting a host of talented designers where you can collect gorgeous crochet ornament patterns – and best of all, you can download them for free (for a limited time)!

A festive graphic showcasing the title 'Christmas Ornaments' and featuring a list of designers participating in a blog hop, surrounded by decorative Christmas ornaments and greenery.

Starting 1st November there’ll be 24 days where you can grab a lovely free ornament crochet pattern from a different designer. Patterns range from vintage baubles and whimsical amigurumi to sparkling snowflakes and tiny keepsake treasures. Every day, the crochet ornament pattern will be available as a free PDF download for 24 hours only.

A festive collection of handmade crochet Christmas ornaments featuring various designs, including a reindeer, a mouse with a Santa hat, and multiple star shapes, displayed alongside greenery.

How the event works:

Starting on 1st November 2025 go to the main roundup post and scroll to today’s date.
Follow the instructions to get today’s blog post link and / or coupon code. The most current featured design will be added to the bottom every morning. This way it stays in chronological order and it’s easy to find the current pattern feature.
Go to the relevant blog and scroll down the designer’s post until you see the download button.
Download the pattern to your device or library!

Remember! Be sure to download the pattern within the 24-hour window (3pm GMT / 9 am CDT through 3pm / 9 am CDT the day after), as it will only be available for free during that time.

Ornament Bundle Special Offer:

BONUS: GET THE LIFETIME BUNDLE FOR just £11.50 / $15, at check out, available to purchase during or after the event.

📘 Get all 24 patterns in one amazing PDF file!
📄 184 pages (it’s a big one! 😍)
🧵 Beautiful instructions, photos, and how-to guides
🎥 Video links & more
📚 Get all 24 patterns in a clickable PDF with a full table of contents too! 🪄💫

Click the image below or head over to the Christmas Ornaments Keepsakes ebook here.

Please make sure to share your appreciation with all the amazing designers by giving them a ‘heart’ on Ravelry and / or if you like their stuff, a follow on socials – every little interaction really helps us as designers.

Whether you’re making ornaments for your own tree, gifts for friends and family, or special keepsakes to mark the year, the Christmas Ornament Keepsake Blog Hop has something for everyone.

So grab your hook, cue up your favourite festive playlist, and let’s make this holiday season extra special! 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!

Subscribe to the blog:

4Dec2019

Release and Giveway| Starlight Christmas Stocking

Posted in Competitions, Crochet, Independent Design, Pattern Release, Sale / Special Offer, Tah-Dah by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Edited: Giveaway now closed. Congratulations to the two winners are cksteffen and fierenza

Woo hooooo! I’m really excited to say that my Starlight Stocking pattern, that I designed for the Crochet Sanctuary is now finally LIVE!

Christmas stockings are a staple of Christmas and a little something handmade on the mantelpiece can go a long way – especially if it’s a bit sparkly! You’ve got to have a bit of twinkle at Christmas right!?

The great thing about this stocking is that you can personalise colours to match your own decor or make it in that special someone’s favourite colour to make Christmas morning even more magical.

The pattern is 4 pages long and it’s written, as usual, in both UK and US terms.

Pattern Links 🎉

The Starlight Stocking pattern is now available in my pattern stores on Ravelry (and I’ll be adding it to my other stores shortly)…

SAVE STOCKING PATTERN ON RAVELRY HERE

however if you’d like to be in with a chance to win a copy then keep reading…

Exclusive Giveaway 🎉

If you’d like to be entered into the giveaway to win a copy of the Starlight Stocking simply head on over to Ravelry 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 Wednesday 11 December evening around 7pm GMT

Finally I hope you will share any Starlight Stocking project’s on social media or as a Ravelry project as I always love to see the versions and variations you come up with.

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