NEW Mini Crochet Kit | Mr. Mushroom Man

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

I’ve got a brand new mini kit for you today – and he’s quite a fun-gi! Allow me to introduce Mr. Mushroom Man.

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Pinterest collage of the Mushroom Man Crochet kit available from KCACOUKDesigns Etsy store

Back in August I got to see my first ever Fly Agaric mushroom in the wild, it was a very exciting find! Arguably it’s one of the most iconic toadstool species, with its white spotted red cap, but I’d never seen one in real life despite all my many walks in woodland.

Close up of a small fly agaric mushroom poking up through the leaf litter in a woodland setting

It inspired me to create a little mushroom character – and weirdly I think there has been something in the air since then, as there seems to have been so many mushroom inspired crochet designs recently, by lots of different crochet designers.

A small crochet mushroom against a tree next to a collection of real life mushrooms.

Much like the previous released mini crochet kits (see all the mini crochet kits here along with a big kit) this one was released at the October Crochet Sanctuary. I attended as a guest but was kindly allowed to bring a pop up shop to share with the other guests with a range of my KCACOUK, Yarnybobs and Dear Ewe products.

It’s becoming a little bit of a tradition to create a new kit for the Crochet Sanctuary pop up’s I attend and I have to say I really enjoy the creativity of coming up with something new. And I’m excited to say I have some new Christmas themed mini crochet kit baubles coming soon – so watch this space.

Crocheted mushroom man sitting on a small log slice, with craft moss around him, against a natural outside background.

So show a little love with the crochet Mushroom Man! This adorable little fellow, with his tiny hand held mushrooms, would make a cute addition to your home or you could make as a gift to someone special.

❤️ Add the Mushroom Man Crochet Kit to your favourites on Ravelry ❤️

This slightly larger kit comes with 130g of Scheepjes Catona, 2 x 6mm black safety eyes, a small amount of black embroidery thread, a bag of craft moss, 20g bag of stuffing and a log slice for your mushroom man to sit on. The only thing that it doesn’t come with the kit is a glue gun, which is optional for you to use to stick everything into place.

A hand holds up the crocheted mushroom man sitting on a small log slice against a background of ivy

There’s also the optional tool extra, via my Etsy shop, of including 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.

PURCHASE KIT ON ETSY

Crocheted Mushroom Man kit by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK - available from the KCACOUKDesign Etsy shop.

I get so much love for these mini crochet kits that it’s an absolute delight to keep coming up with new designs for them. What do you think will come next? Or what would you love to see a mini crochet kit for?

If you have been working on a pattern from one of my crochet kits 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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26Oct2023

NEW Mini Crochet Kit | Hero Hamster

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

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No it’s a brand new mini crochet kit swooping into my Etsy shop, allow me to introduce the Hero Hamster. Wearing his red cape and his masked disguise watch him go from a normal hamster to a full on superhero!

A hand holds a finished crocheted hero hamster against a background of ivy leaves

If you have seen me in person at one of the pop up shops I’ve done this year, either at The Crochet Sanctuary or Wool@Jct13, then you will already be familiar with this little guy where he met with a really positive reception. However life, as it often does, got in the way of me adding him to my Etsy store until now so you could make him too.

The pattern was actually inspired by my lovely stalker friend Laura who had a very special emotional support hamster called Bernie. He will always be remembered by everyone at The Crochet Sanctuary as a Bonio (dog biscuit) loving cute chap – and after a conversation I sort-of-kind-of promised I would commemorate him in crochet. But little did Laura realise, Bernie had a secret identity…whenever he is needed, you just have to call and with a flash of red he’ll turn into a superhero ready to fight crime against crochet!

A hand holds a finished crocheted hero hamster made from the crochet kit from KCACOUKDesigns

It was such fun to come up with this little guy, we always had hamsters at home when we were kids (Honey, Bramble, Bilbo and Broccoli may you RIP) and I love the idea of them being superhero’s.

It’s becoming a little bit of a tradition to create a new kit for these pop up’s and I have to say I really enjoy the process of coming up with something new. In fact a brand new kit, launching this weekend at the Crochet Sanctuary will hopefully be hitting my Etsy store sooner than this one did! If you follow me on social media you might have already seen a sneaky peek reel that I’ve shared.

Hero hamster mini crochet kit, available from KCACOUKDesigns on Etsy

❤️ Add the Hero Hamster Crochet Kit to your favourites on Ravelry ❤️

This slightly larger kit comes with 40g of Scheepjes Catona, 2 x 6mm black safety eyes, a small amount of black embroidery thread, a small amount of yellow thread and 10g bag of stuffing. He’s also sold with a piece of felt you can personalise the tummy of your hamster with a lightening flash, an initial or other symbol.

Crochet amigurumi hamster seemingly flying in a blue sky with fluffy clouds in the background.

There’s also the optional tool extra, via my my Etsy store , of including up a premium bamboo 3mm hook (US approx. size D/3) if you don’t have one of those to hand.

PURCHASE KIT ON ETSY

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Pinterest collage of pictures of the crocheted amigurumi hero hamster from KCACOUKDesigns on Etsy

So show a little love to the little Hero Hamster! This adorable little project would make a cute addition to your home or as a great gift to any hamster fan.

Until next time folks! Happy hooking and 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.

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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.

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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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19Oct2022

NEW Mini Crochet Kit | Teeny Tiny Pumpkin Set

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

You’re pumpkin-dding me! There’s a new mini crochet kit in town, and I think it’s gourd-geous!

Image of the teeny tiny pumpkin crochet kit available from KCACOUKDesigns Etsy shop

You may remember that I’ve been releasing some mini crochet kits (along with a big kit) because I find them really fun to design – and you seem to enjoy working on projects in a kit. This time I’ve created a set of teeny tiny pumpkins, because who doesn’t love a crochet pumpkin at this time of year!

Don’t let big carved pumpkins have all the autumn decor fun – crochet some extremely cute tiny ones to have on display instead! Big enough for all three, slightly different sized, pumpkins to fit in one hand, they will make beautiful additions to your autumn decor.

❤️ Add the Teeny Tiny Pumpkin Set to your favourites on Ravelry ❤️

A hand holds three, slightly different sized, crochet pumpkins.

Each kit contains 4 mini balls of Scheepjes Catona, the pattern, enough stuffing for all the pumpkins and a cute pumpkin charm stitch marker 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.

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.

A secondary image of the teeny tiny pumpkin crochet kit available from KCACOUKDesigns Etsy shop

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These are so fun to make, you can make the whole set in pretty much a day, so there’s still time to hook up a set to compliment your Autumn decor. So why not treat yourself, or the crochet lover in your life – the kit would make a perfect present for birthdays or Christmas as a little gift for crafty friends and family.

Autumnal display of the teeny tiny crochet pumpkin set

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

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1May2019

Crochet Now Magazine | Spot the Dog Crochet Exclusive

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

My heart is brimming over at the moment with childhood nostalgia! Look it’s crocheted Spot the Dog!! I’ve been so excited about this design and I’m so happy to finally share it with you!

Crochet Spot the Dog Amigurumi in Issue 41 of Crochet Now by Heather C Gibbs — © Crochet Now | The Eric and Gillian Hill Family Trust / Salspot Ltd. 2018

I cannot image my childhood without the classic Spot the Dog books, I remember flipping the flaps of Where’s Spot? when I was young, then I reread the various board books to my eldest when she was small, and more recently I’m enjoying rediscovering them with my two year old.

I was therefore absolutely delighted when Crochet Now magazine asked me if I’d like to have a go at designing the crochet version of Spot.

If you aren’t familiar with Spot, he is a lovable yellow puppy character created by Eric Hill who is a firm favourite with toddlers and pre-schoolers. The children’s books have sold more than 60 million copies and 2020 will be celebration year for Spot’s 40th birthday.

Crochet Spot the Dog Amigurumi next to some classic Spot the Dog books

Of course I said YES and got to planning. It wasn’t until after I’d said yes that I kind of realised what a task I’d taken on! Spot is such a well loved character that I really had to get him just right! It was very important therefore that what ever I did was a faithful representation of Spot the dog and was in keeping with his lovable playfulness.

This was also a very different experience for me as it wasn’t going to be my design per-say as it’s a character that already exists and I was very grateful for the supportive guidance from Crochet Now magazine and Penguin books who publish the Spot the Dog books

Crochet Spot the Dog Amigurumi designing in progress

My Spot went through lots of different phases of sketches before I got my crochet hooks out and then I tried out different shaping techniques to get the look of the 2-D character into a 3-D form. Picking the perfect ‘Spot’ yellow and brown was also very crucial to the process!

The finished Spot is about 15.5cm tall and I designed him with embroidered features which makes him perfect for little ones under 36 months – for older children or adults you could use safety eyes instead.

Crochet Spot the Dog Amigurumi in a cute book scene in Issue 41 of Crochet Now by Heather C Gibbs — © Crochet Now | The Eric and Gillian Hill Family Trust / Salspot Ltd. 2018

I love how he turned out in the end, and I love how the magazine have styled him so he looks JUST like he’s stepped out of one of his own books!

Do you love Spot? You can get the exclusive pattern and kit to make him now in Crochet Now magazine Issue 41! Just so you know, due to the branding guidelines, this pattern will never be released by me independently, you will only be able to get him through the magazine – so if you want him you need to go get him quick!

Spot the Dog amigurumi with his paw on a Spot the Dog book.

Crochet Now is available in all major supermarkets and newsagents across the UK and there is a subscription available to overseas customers which you can find out more about on their website.

I’ve also got another design out in this months issue that’s kind of related to Spot but I’ll talk about that a bit more soon!

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

6Dec2018

Sheep on the Shelf Competition and New Crochet Kits

Posted in Amigurumi, Crochet, Crochet Kit, Dear Ewe, For Adult, For Baby, For Child, Tah-Dah by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

I just had to pop on here and tell you about a couple of crochet things that are happening with Dear Ewe. Now you may remember that I designed the Little Ewe amigurumi pattern as our mascot for Dear Ewe. She’s proven to be quite popular with lovely crocheters out in the world so this year, for a bit of fun, we decided to hold the inaugural Sheep on the Shelf Competition.

You can read all about the competition rules on the Dear Ewe blog but in a nutshell for anyone that sends in a festive photo of Little Ewe they will be added to a prize draw to win their choice of a Dear Ewe character mug worth £16!

The competition runs from 1st until 12th December so you have plenty of time to hook up a Little Ewe if you want to join in. Entry’s will then be put up for a public vote with a winner drawn on Sunday 16th December. The winner gets to pick their choice from one of our Dear Ewe character mugs featuring Crafty Ewe.

You can also pick up a free Little Ewe accessory pattern on the blog get EWE in an elvish mood! I think it also makes a cute little ornament even if you didn’t make Little Ewe.

The other very exciting news is that Little Ewe is now available in a complete crochet kit! The kits include everything EWE need for your project, from gorgeously soft Scheepjes yarn, a premium Addi bamboo hook (optional if you’d prefer to use your own tools) all in a handy drawstring cotton project bag.

I hope that some of you will join in the Sheep on the Shelf fun – can’t wait to see what everyone comes up with!

Until next time! Keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

8Dec2017

CraftStore UK | Noel & Nutmeg the Elves Crochet Kit Special Offer

Posted in Amigurumi, Crochet, Crochet Kit, Sale / Special Offer, Tah-Dah by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

So do you remember me telling you about how I’d had one of my patterns, Stanley the Snowman, turned into a crochet kit. Well guess what! I’ve got another Christmas kit pattern for you which is available exclusively now from CraftStore UK!

Have yours-elf a merry little Christmas with Noel and Nutmeg the colourful Christmas elves.

The kit comes with all the yarn (600g in total) that you need to make these easy to make dolls which are the perfect addition to any home during the festive season. Fun for you or a great gift idea for a craft loving friend.

If you fancy hooking up Noel and Nutmeg then you can use the special offer that the lovely people over at CraftstoreUK.com have for KCACO.UK readers. Just enter code NUTMEG25 in the shopping cart on this link for Noel and Nutmeg and it will deduct 25% off the price! Taking them from £24.99 to £18.74! (This code will expire on the 31 December).

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

5Nov2017

CraftStore UK | Stanley the Snowman Crochet Kit Special Offer

Posted in Amigurumi, Crochet, Crochet Kit, Pattern Release, Sale / Special Offer, Tah-Dah by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Oooo I’ve got some very exciting news to share with you all! One of my patterns is being turned into a crochet kit which will be available exclusively from CraftStore UK!

If you haven’t heard of CraftStore UK before they are an online store that offer supplies for many different crafts across the UK. Categories include yarn kits, pattern downloads, papercrafts, craft boxes, craft magazines and crafting books! And now my Stanley the Snowman is joining the happy band of other knitted and crocheted characters available.

Lovable and huggable Stanley the Snowman is easy to make and fall in love with. With his cute face, complete with carrot nose, bobble hat and gloves this colourful snowman makes a lovely Christmas gift.

And the great thing about the kit is that you get the pattern and the yarn delivered straight to your door!

And guess what else! The most lovely people at CraftStore UK have got a special offer just for you lovely KCACO.UK readers. Just enter code 25ELVES in the shopping cart on this link for Stanley the Snowman and it will deduct 25% off the price! Taking him from £19.99 to £14.99! (This code will expire on the 5th of December).

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