New Pattern Release | Koito Crocodile Cowl with Yarn Discount

I’m bringing the drama today – but in the right way, only to your wardrobe! Allow me to introduce the new Koito Crocodile Cowl!

Image of the crocheted, orange, white and grey, Koito Crocodile Cowl on a white mannikin against a blue background.

This perennially chic and effortlessly sophisticated cowl is crying out to be combined with that extra special skein you’ve been saving.

This fabulously dramatic cowl, with it’s showy stitches, was something I’d had in mind ever since I first saw, and then subsequently purchased, some hand dyed yarn called ‘Koi Pond – Showa’ from The Yarn Whisperer.

Work in progress photo of the crocheted, orange, white and grey, Koito Crocodile Cowl on a white wood background. There is a crochet hook, a wooden frog ornament, a yarn bowl (with the Showa handdyed yarn in) and a white mug, decorated with buttons, and a hand written yarn tag for the koi pond showa yarn also in the shot.

The yarn is sock weight (4ply) 80Corriedale wool, 20% nylon with splashes of bright oranges, greys and rich creams. They are the colours you would find on the ‘Showa’ variety of ornamental koi which was Kitey’s inspiration for this particular colourway.

I knew I wanted to create something using a stitch that kind of looked like fish scales which is why I used the crocodile stitch – it’s definitely one of the most unique stitch and texture you can make in crochet. I’m in love with the texture; it’s the type that just makes you want to run your fingers over it!

❤️ SAVE KOITO CROCODILE COWL ON RAVELRY ❤️

Image of the crocheted, orange, white and grey, Koito Crocodile Cowl worn by a young girl with her hand resting on a stone pillar in an outside setting.

This pattern is perfect for intermediate crocheters that want to add the crocodile stitch in their repertoire or for adventurous crocheter wanting to learn something new. And it’s now available for purchase from usual pattern platforms – but scroll down to see limited one day special offer to get the pattern for free!

Image of the crocheted, orange, white and grey, Koito Crocodile Cowl in an outside setting worn by a young girl with her hand holding up the edge of the cowl.

This pattern will be available for FREE from 12pm GMT (8am EST) on 15 March 2023 for 24hrs as part of the Madame Stitches Wraps, Scarves and Cowls: Spring Edition Blog Hop.

Blog Hop Instructions:

1: Visit MadameStitch and get the coupon code.

2: Click on the button below to go to the Koito Crocodile Cowl on Ravelry.

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

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

Button image that says 'Click here for Ravelry'

All the patterns from Madame Stitches Wraps, Scarves and Cowls: Spring Edition Blog Hop are available in a limited edition bundle which I wrote about in a previous blog post. Go straight to the bundle via the link below:

Button image to buy the Madame Stitches Wraps, Scarves and Cowls: Spring Edition Blog Hop bundle
.

It includes all 22 designs featured in the blog hop in one bundle that you can download to your favourite device. You’ll then be able to print out individual patterns as your convenience. This pattern bundle of crochet women’s accessories won’t last for long. It will only be available until Sunday, 26 March 2023.

Exclusive Yarn Discount:

I’m delighted to tell you that the most lovely Kitey (aka The Yarn Whisperer), who’s yarn I used for my Koito Crocodile Cowl, is offering 10% discount on his fabulous koi inspired hand-dyed yarn until the end of March 2023. So if you want to make one just like mine you can, isn’t he kind!

Just use coupon code KOITO10 on his website (please note this is a different code from the blog hop code).

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Collage of the crocheted Koito Crocodile Cowl for Pinterest

I can’t wait to see your versions of the Koito Crocodile Cowl. I hope you’ll share your photos with me on social media (facebooktwitter 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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Free Crochet Pattern | Dýnami Cable Earwarmer

Hi folks, I’ve got a brand new FREE pattern to share with you today, the Dýnami Cable Earwarmer. A great first crochet cable project to create a quick cosy headband.

A young women models the crocheted Dýnami Cable Earwarmer in an outside setting

The idea for this headband came about all because of my friend Sharon who is currently raising money for MIND as she prepares to run the London Marathon (you can watch some of her prep YouTube videos here). As part of her fundraising she was doing a few coffee morning sales, where cake and crochet were combined, and a few of her crochet friends were going to donate some crochet items to help her raise some funds.

As we chatted about what we could provide I got to thinking about headbands / ear warmers, something that runners could potentially use, and plus it’s a cute and cosy accessory for us non-runners out there! So I put my name down for some ear warmers and decided to come up with a brand new design in honour of Sharon’s venture.

The name of the headband ‘dýnami’ comes from the word ‘strength’ in Greek as I was thinking about marathons and having that stamina to run 26.2 miles (42km) – I couldn’t do it so thank goodness for people like Sharon who have the focus and dedication! Plus MIND is a great charity to raise money for, I’m sure everyone knows someone who’s life has been touched by mental health challenges – I know mine has.

Image of the crocheted Dýnami Cable Earwarmer in an outside setting

So as I’m on a bit of a yarn ban this year (because I seriously have enough yarn to fill a shop) instead of buying I went stash diving for these headbands. I knew I wanted something wool, as wool has the ability to manage moisture and regulate temperature, which I thought would be useful if you did want to use the headband whilst out for a run.

In my ample stash I found a load of different colours of Drops LIMA Mix. I actually have no idea what my original plan was for the yarn, as they were a few random different colours, but it was pretty much exactly what I was looking for to create the ear warmers. I would suggest that a solid shade yarn, rather than a variegated yarn, would work best for this patterns so you can see the textured cables.

Image of some Drops Lima Mix yarn and a work in progress crocheted Dýnami Cable Earwarmer in an outside setting

I actually don’t know why I haven’t used the Drops LIMA Mix before now because it’s LOVELY! I thoroughly enjoyed crocheting with it. The DK (8ply / Light Worsted) yarn comes in 50g (100m / 109yds) balls and is a squishy mix of 65% Wool and 35% Alpaca which is beautifully soft and pleasant to work with.

Scroll down for the free version of this pattern but I’d recommend the purchase of the ad-free PDF Pattern if you’d like all the instructions and pictures in a nice document which you can print and take notes on without relying on your phone or an internet connection.

Before we get to the pattern if you would like to contribute to Sharon’s fundraising for MIND, before 23 April 2023, then you can on her specific charity page although this pattern is free, if you purchase the PDF pattern before this date any income generated I will pass over for MIND too.

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Dýnami Cable Earwarmer

The pattern below is written just in UK terms but you can view a handy conversion chart here on the blog.

Materials

Skill Level: 3 – Intermediate

Yarn: Double Knit, 8ply / yarn weight #3 (Light),

  • 50g (100m) Drops LIMA mix

Drops LIMA mix used in photographs in shades Beige Mix 0619, Off White 0100, Dark Grey Mix 0519, Jeans Blue 6235, Deep Taupe 5610

A single 50g ball will make 1 adult ladies sized headband to fit an approximate 22 inch / 58cm circumference sized head if you match gauge. You can continue the pattern to make a bigger size but you will then need an additional ball of yarn.

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

Hook: 4mm (US size G/6)

You will also need:

Gauge: 5htr = 2.5cm (1”)

Obtaining the correct gauge is critical to this project for two reasons; if you do not match gauge then either your item will be bigger or smaller than the specified finished size, and as cables are a bit of a yarn eater then you may run out of yarn. Try going up or down a hook size to meet gauge and/or if you know you crochet loosely maybe make sure you have extra yarn before you start.

Finished Sizes:

  • Pre-schooler/Toddler Size: follow pattern, stop after row 65, follow directions for seaming and wrapping. (approx. 43cm / 17 in long)
  • Child Size: follow pattern, stop repeats after row 69, follow directions for seaming and wrapping. (approx. 46cm / 18 in long)
  • Adult Ladies Size: follow pattern, stop repeats after row 77, follow directions for seaming and wrapping. (approx. 58cm / 22  in long)

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 pull up a loop (two loops on hook), yarn over, pull through both loops on hook.
  • Half Treble Crochet (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.
  • Front post double treble (FPdtr):
  • [ … ]     Repeat section in square brackets until  specified
  • ( … ) Repeat section in curved brackets into one stitch or space

Pattern Notes

  • The ch1 at the start of a rnd does not count as  a st

Pattern

MATERIALS

Yarn Required: 50g / 100m / 109yds of Double Knit, 8ply / yarn weight #3 (Light)

Yarn Used in photos:

Drops LIMA mix used in photographs in shades:

Beige Mix 0619, Off White 0100, Dark Grey Mix 0519, Jeans Blue 6235, Deep Taupe 5610

About the yarn:

Drops Lima Mix; DK;  50g / 100m / 109yds 65% Wool, 35% Alpaca

A single 50g ball will make one headband to fit an approximate 22 inch / 58cm circumference sized head if you match gauge. You can continue the pattern to make a bigger size but you will then need an additional ball of yarn.

Hook Size(s): 4mm (US size G/6).

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

You will also need:

· A yarn needle

· Stitch Markers

Gauge: 5htr = 2.5cm (1”)

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

Finished size: Guidance provided for adjusting the headband for different sizes given in the pattern.

STITCH GUIDANCE

  • Chain (ch): Bring yarn over hook from back to front and grab it with hook. Draw hooked yarn through slip knot and onto hook. 
  • 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 pull up a loop (two loops on hook), yarn over, pull through both 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.
  • Treble (tr): Yarn over, insert hook in  indicated st and pull up a loop (three loops on hook), yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops on hook.
  • Front Post Double Treble (FPdtr): Yarn over hook (twice), insert your hook from front to back to front around the post of the stitch  indicated, yarn over, pull up a loop, (yarn over, pull through 2 loops on your hook) 3 times.

PATTERN NOTES

  • Right side (RS): This indicates the right side of your work
  • [ … ] Repeat section in square brackets  until  specified

PATTERN

  • The ch1 at the start of a row does not count as a st.
  • You may find it useful to add a stitch marker to the first / and last st of a row.

Row 1 (RS):  Ch17, 1htr in the 4th ch from hook, 1htr in each st across until the end, turn. 15sts

Row 2:  Ch1, 1dc in each st across until the end, turn. 15sts

Row 3 (RS):  Ch1, 1htr in the next 2sts, miss 2sts from the last st worked on current row and 4 sts two rows below [FPdtr around the post of the next 2sts, then working back over the FPdtr you’ve just made, FPdtr in the two missed sts], 1htr in the next st, FPdtr in the next st, 1htr in the next st, repeat [ … ] once more, 1htr in the last 2sts. 15sts

Row 4:  Ch1, 1dc in each st across until the end, turn. 15sts

Row 5 (RS):  Ch1, 1htr in the next 2sts, [FPdtr around the post of the 4sts (the FPdtr) two rows below, 1htr in the next st, FPdtr in the next st, repeat [ … ] once more, 1htr in the last 2sts. 15sts

Repeat rows 2 – 5 for the pattern;

Approximate measurements given below for different sizes, however for best fit measure the head in question and work until the band  measures 1cm / 0.4 inches smaller than                   required as the headband will stretch.

For sizes greater than the largest size please note you will need more than one ball of yarn.

  • Pre-schooler/Toddler Size: follow pattern, stop after row 65, follow directions for seaming and wrapping. (approx. 43cm / 17 in long)
  • Child Size: follow pattern, stop repeats after row 69, follow directions for seaming and wrapping. (approx. 46cm / 18 in long)
  • Adult Ladies Size: follow pattern, stop  repeats after row 77, follow directions for seaming and wrapping. (approx. 58cm / 22  in long)

Fasten off the yarn on your last row but leave a long yarn tail attached.

FINISHING

  • Join the two ends of the headband together with the right sides facing each other.
  • Loosely slip stitch along the row, pushing your hook through both layers of the headband for each stitch, so that you create a seam. 
  • Thread the tail of the yarn through a darning needle and sew a couple of stitches before trimming off the excess. Turn the headband right side out.

And that’s it, enjoy your new headband!

Partial chart for the Dynami Cable Earwarmer in UK Terms

If you enjoyed this pattern please give it a love, or leave a comment or review on the platform you got it from – and  I hope you’ll share your photos with me on social media (facebooktwitter or instagram) or as a project on Ravelry – I love to see what you make! And finally you may wish to make sure you are signed up to blog (below) and / or my mailing list to get a reminder when new blog posts, discounts or new pattern releases are available.

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

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Please note that some of the links in my blog are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase via these links, but the price you pay is not affectedthank you for your support.

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Crochet Now Magazine | Peanuts Baby Loveys

Get your little ones hooked on Peanuts early with these adorable official Snoopy and Woodstock baby blanket loveys – out now in issue 91 of Crochet Now magazine

Adorable Peanuts Loveys featuring Snoopy and Woodstock on a fluffy rug with toy building bricks
© Practical Publishing 2023 (Crochet Now Issue 91)

Stars of the Charles M. Schulz’s comic strip Peanuts, and later TV and movies, Snoopy is best known as the pet beagle of Charlie Brown and the small yellow bird, Woodstock, is Snoopy’s best friend. Everybody loves Snoopy and all fans of the iconic series will adore these super soft and cuddly lovey blankets.

There are so many options for little blankets for babies to cuddle and the right toy will do wonders for your kid’s comfort and confidence – my eldest fixed on a lovey as her ‘toy of choice’ so I personally think they are a great toy to make and gift.

Adorable Peanuts Lovey spread out so you can see the blanket section
© Practical Publishing 2023 (Crochet Now Issue 91)

I created Snoopy and Woodstock out of some Stylecraft Special DK which is 100% acrylic that comes in 100g balls [295 meters / 323yds] balls, it’s a yarn I’m very familiar with, one I’ve used so many times for different projects including this years crochet along. The only other things you need to make Snoopy and Woodstock is some, stitch markers, a tapestry needle and some toy stuffing.

The lovey section and the tops (hands and arms) are made in the round, working in the amigurumi style of continuous rounds without joining, they would make great beginners patterns for someone who’d like to try making an amigurumi.

❤️ SAVE THE PEANUTS LOVEYS ON RAVELRY ❤️

Snoopy and Woodstock Loveys spread out so you can see the blanket section
© Practical Publishing 2023 (Crochet Now Issue 91)

Issue 91, with my little Snoopy and Woodstock on the front cover, is full of lovely seasonal patterns and is available to buy from most supermarkets. Or you can grab a digital version from www.craftstash.co.uk/books-magazines

If you make up either Snoopy or Woodstock I hope you’ll share any finished photos with me on social media (facebooktwitter 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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The Enchanted Wood: Part 1 – The Tree

Hooray! It’s here! Week 1 of our Enchanted Wood Crochet Along and I’m super excited to start this journey of 8 weeks to create a new unique blanket and hopefully some wonderful crochet memories too!

The first part of our CAL is the building block of the whole blanket (quite literally) so I thought it was appropriate to make it the centre of our Enchanted Wood, this is my Wishing Tree. Trees are a universal symbol of hope, life and resilience, so how better to start a CAL!

Inspirational shot of a large tree in the middle of a woodland

This week we are going to be working in rows and rounds to create a central tree motif, with lots of textured stitches created with front post and popcorn stitches.

As well as the written pattern I have included a crochet chart for each section as an extra visual tool – and I’ve also broken the chart down into sections so you can see how the tree grows line by line. If you are not familiar with reading charts, you you might find my blog post about ‘How to read a crochet chart’ a useful starting point.

Photo of part 1 of the KCACOUKCAL23 - The Enchanted Wood; The Tree

If you are brand new to the CAL you can find all the information you need on the CAL landing page, where I’ll link all the CAL posts in one place as I add them here to the blog. Yarn packs are available from the lovely folks at Black Sheep Wools and there are a number of CAL accessories that are also available from some fabulous small businesses (that I talked a little more about here).

The pattern for this crochet along will be available for free here on the blog but sometimes it’s easier to have a printable PDF to refer to. The whole pattern therefore will also be available in a printer friendly PDF version in my Ravelry store (for a one off payment). Each weekly instalment will become ready for immediate download in either UK or US terms. As with any purchase you make of my patterns your support of me and my crochet endeavours is very much appreciated – thank you for supporting my work!

A Dutch version of the pattern will be put together by the very lovely Iris from Eenmooigebaar via the link below. Iris has brilliantly translated a range of my patterns before (these are also available on the website) so I’m delighted she’s joining us again this time.

Photo of part 1 of the KCACOUKCAL23 - The Enchanted Wood; The Tree. The central motif is shown pinned to a tree trunk in a wood.

The Enchanted Wood: Part 1 – The Tree

Yarn: 62g / 155m / 164yds or 1 x 100g ball of Stylecraft Naturals Cotton and Bamboo in Ecru (7128) or alternatively 1 x 100g of Stylecraft Special DK in Cream (1005) – YARN A

Hook: 3.5 mm (US size E/4)

You will also need: Scissors, A yarn needle, stitch markers

Gauge: 5 htr sts = 2.5cm (1”). Gauge is not critical for this design, with each part I will provide the size of my work. If your gauge does not meet mine it will just mean you will end up with a bigger or smaller blanket. If you wish to match my gauge you might try going up a hook size if your tension is quite tight, or going down a hook size if your tension is looser.

Finished Size (Unblocked):  Part 1 Approximate measurements:

  • In Naturals 24.5cm (9.6”) wide x 27.5cm (10.8”) long.
  • In Special DK: 26.5cm (10.25”) wide x 30.5cm (11.75”) long.

The pattern below is in UK Terms, scroll down for US Terms:

STITCH GUIDANCE

  • Chain (ch): Bring yarn over hook from back to front and grab it with hook. Draw hooked yarn through slip knot and onto hook. 
  • Slip Stitch (sl st): Insert hook in st indicated, yarn over and pull through all loops.
  • 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.
  • Treble (tr): Yarn over, insert hook in  indicated st and pull up a loop (three loops on hook), yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops on hook.
  • Double Treble (dtr): Yarn over hook (twice), insert hook in indicated st and pull up a loop (four loops on hook), Yarn over, pull yarn through two loops on hook (three loops remain on hook). Yarn over, pull yarn through two loops on hook (two loops remain on hook). Yarn over, pull through remaining two loops on hook.
  • Front Post Double Treble (FPdtr): Yarn over hook (twice), insert your hook from front to back to front around the post of the stitch indicated, yarn over, pull up a loop, (yarn over, pull through 2 loops on your hook) 3 times.
  • Front Post Double Treble two together (FPdtr2tog): Yarn over hook (twice), insert your hook from front to back to front around the post of the stitch indicated, yarn over, pull up a loop, (yarn over, pull through 2 loops on your hook) 2 times, Yarn over 2 times, insert your hook from front to back to front around the post of the next stitch indicated, (yarn over, pull through 2 loops on your hook) 2 times. Yarn over, pull through all loops on your hook
  • Popcorn (PC): Work 5 tr in indicated st, remove hook completely, insert hook from front to back in 1st tr (1st tr of the 5), insert hook in loop that you just removed your hook from (5th tr of the 5), yarn over and pull through both loops on hook together.
  • Right side (RS): This indicates the right side of your work
  • [ … ] Repeat section in square brackets  until  specified
  • ( … ) Repeat section in curved brackets into one stitch or space

SPECIAL STITCH

  • Backwards Popcorn (BWPC): Work as a normal popcorn to begin (e.g. work 5 tr in indicated st) remove hook completely, insert hook from back to front in 1st tr (1st tr of the 5), insert hook in loop that you just removed your hook from (5th tr of the 5), pull loop through first loop on hook to sl st             

PATTERN – PART 1

  • The ch1 at the start of a row does not count as a st;
  • From row 5 each FPdtr will be worked 2 rows below from the row you are currently working on,
  • When you work a FPdtr or FPdtr2tog it will look as if you have missed a st when you look at it on the wrong side – you will not ever work in this st.

Row 1 (RS):  Ch42, 1htr in the 2nd ch from hook, 1htr in each st across until the end, turn. 41sts


Rows 2 – 4: Ch1, 1htr in each st across, turn. 41sts


Row 5 (RS): Ch1, 1htr in 14sts, miss 12sts (from the beginning of the row) two rows below, 1 FPdtr around the post of the next st, 1htr in the next 3sts on current row, miss 3 sts two rows below, 1 FPdtr around the post of the next st , 1htr in the next 3sts on current row, miss 7 sts two rows below, 1 FPdtr around the post of the next st, 1htr in the next 3sts on current row, miss 3 sts two rows below, 1 FPdtr around the post of the next st, 1htr in the remaining 14sts, turn.  41sts / 37htrs / 4 FPdtr

See diagram help below for row 5:                          

Row 5 of the KCACOUKCAL23 chart

Row 6: Ch1, 1htr in each st across, turn

Row 7: Ch1, 1htr in 12sts,  miss 10sts (from the  beginning of the row) two rows below [1 FPdtr around the post of the next st (on the next repeat work around the post of the next FPdtr), 1htr in the next 3sts on current row, miss 3 sts two rows below ] repeat once more, FPdtr2tog over the next two FPdtr two rows below, 1htr in the next 3sts on current row, miss 3 sts two rows below, 1 FPdtr around the post of the next st, 1htr in the next 3sts on current row, miss 3 sts two rows below,  1 FPdtr around the post of the next st, 1htr in the remaining 12sts, turn.  41sts / 36htrs / 4 FPdtr / FPdtr2tog

See diagram help below for row 7:

Row 7 of the KCACOUKCAL23 Chart

Row 8: Ch1, 1htr in each st across, turn

Row 9: Ch1, 1htr in 12sts,  miss 12sts two rows  below [1 FPdtr around the post of the next FPdtr,  1htr in the next 3sts on current row, miss 3sts two rows below ] repeat once more,  FPdtr around the top of the FPdtr2tog two rows below, [1htr in the next 3sts on current row, miss 3sts two rows below, FPdtr around the post of the next FPdtr two rows below] repeat once more, 1htr in the remaining 12sts, turn.  41sts / 36htrs / 5 FPdtr

See diagram help below for row 9:

Row 9 of the KCACOUKCAL23 chart

Row 10: Ch1, 1htr in each st across, turn


Row 11: Ch1, 1htr in 13sts, miss 12sts two rows  below, 1 FPdtr around the post of the next FPdtr,  1htr in the next 3sts on current row, miss 3sts two rows below . [1 FPdtr around the post of the next FPdtr,  1htr in the next 2sts on current row, miss 3sts two rows below ] repeat once more, 1 FPdtr around the post of the next FPdtr,  1htr in the next 3sts on current row, miss 3sts two rows below, 1 FPdtr around the post of the next FPdtr,  1htr in remaining 13sts, turn.  41sts / 36htrs / 5 FPdtr

See diagram help below for row 11:

Row 11 of the KCACOUKCAL23 chart

Row 12: Ch1, 1htr in each st across, turn

Row 13: Ch1, 1htr in 14sts, miss 13sts two rows  below, 1 FPdtr around the post of the next FPdtr,  1htr in the next 2sts on current row, miss 3sts two rows below . [1 FPdtr around the post of the next FPdtr,  1htr in the next 2sts on current row, miss 2sts two rows below ] repeat once more, 1 FPdtr around the post of the next FPdtr,  1htr in the next 2sts on current row, miss 3sts two rows below, 1 FPdtr around the post of the next FPdtr,  1htr in remaining 14sts, turn.  41sts / 36htrs / 5 FPdtr

See diagram help below for row 13:

Row 13 of the KCACOUKCAL chart

Row 14: Ch1, 1htr in each st across, turn. 41sts

Row 15: Ch1, 1htr in 16sts, miss 14sts (from the  beginning of the row) two rows  below, [1 FPdtr around the post of the next FPdtr,  1htr in the next st on current row, miss 2sts two rows below] repeat three more times, 1 FPdtr around the post of the next FPdtr, 1htr in the remaining 16sts, turn. 41sts /36htrs / 5 FPdtr

See diagram help below for row 15:

Row 15 of the KCACOUKCAL chart

Row 16: Ch1, 1htr in each st across, turn. 41sts

Row 17: Ch1, 1htr in 16sts, miss 16sts (from the  beginning of the row) two rows below, [1 FPdtr around the post of the next FPdtr,  1htr in the next st on current row, miss 1st two rows below] repeat three more times, 1 FPdtr around the post of the next FPdtr, 1htr in the remaining 16sts, turn. 41sts / 36htrs / 5 FPdtr.

See diagram help below for row 17:

Row 17 of the KCACOUKCAL23 chart

Row 18: Ch1, 1htr in each st across, turn. 41sts

Row 19: Repeat row 17, turn. 41sts

Row 20: Ch1, 1htr in each st across, turn. 41sts

Row 21: Repeat row 17, turn. 41sts

Row 22: Ch1, 1htr in each st across, turn. 41sts

Row 23: Repeat row 17, turn. 41sts

See diagram help below for rows 18 – 23.      

Rows 18-23 of the KCACOUKCAL chart

Row 24: Ch1, 1htr in each st across, turn. 41sts

Row 25: Ch1, 1htr in 7sts, [PC in the next st, 1htr in the next 2sts] repeat twice more [1 FPdtr around the post of the next FPdtr,  1htr in the next st on current row, miss 1st two rows below] repeat three more times, 1 FPdtr around the post of the next FPdtr, 1htr in the next 2sts, [PC in the next st, 1htr in the next 2sts] repeat twice more ,1htr in the remaining 5sts, turn. 41sts / 30htrs / 5 FPdtr / 6PCs

See diagram help below for rows 25.         

Row 25 of the KCACOUKCAL23 chart

Row 26: Ch1, 1htr in next 8sts [BWPC in the next st, 1htr in the next 2sts] repeat seven times more, BWPC in the next st, 1htr in the remaining 8sts, turn. 41sts / 32htrs / 9 BWPCs

Row 27: Ch1, 1htr in next 6sts [PC in the next st, 1htr in the next 2sts] repeat eight times more, PC in the next st, 1htr in the remaining 7sts, turn. 41sts / 31htrs / 10 PCs

Row 28: Ch1, 1htr in next 5sts [BWPC in the next st, 1htr in the next 2sts] repeat nine times more, BWPC in the next st, 1htr in the remaining 5sts, turn. 41sts / 30htrs / 11 BWPCs

Row 29: Repeat row 27, turn. 41sts

Row 30: Repeat row 28, turn. 41sts

Row 31: Repeat row 27, turn. 41sts

Row 32: Ch1, 1htr in next 8sts [BWPC in the next st, 1htr in the next 2sts] repeat seven times more, BWPC in the next st, 1htr in the remaining 8sts, turn. 41sts / 32htrs / 9 BWPCs

Row 33: Ch1, 1htr in next 9sts [PC in the next st, 1htr in the next 2sts] repeat six times more, PC in the next st, 1htr in the remaining 10sts, turn. 41sts / 33htrs / 8 PCs

Row 34: Ch1, 1htr in next 11sts [BWPC in the next st, 1htr in the next 2sts] repeat five times more, BWPC in the next st, 1htr in the remaining 11sts, turn. 41sts / 34htrs / 7 BWPCs

Row 35: Ch1, 1htr in next 12sts [PC in the next st, 1htr in the next 2sts] repeat four times more, PC in the next st, 1htr in the remaining 13sts, turn. 41sts / 35htrs / 6 PCs

Rows 36 – 38: Ch1, 1htr in each st across, turn. . 41sts

On the last row do not fasten off but continue onto the block border – you will end on the WS of your block, turn your block so you continue the border on the right side.

Full crochet chart for 'The Tree' part 1 of the KCACOUKCAL23

BORDER:

Rnd 1 (RS): Ch1, then work 1htr in 41sts. turn your block and [work 3htr in the first row end, then [1htr in the first two row ends, 2htrs in the next row end] in the next 36 rows ends (48sts), work 3htr in the last row end] , turn your block and work 1htr in the next 41sts of your beginning foundation chain, turn your block again and working on the row ends repeat [ … ]  once more, sl st to the top of the beginning htr to join. 41sts on each short side / 54 sts on each long side / 190sts in total

Rnd 2: Ch1, then work  1htr in 42sts, (1htr, ch3, 2htr) in the next st, 1htr in the next 50sts  (1htr, ch3, 1htr)  in the next st, 1htr in the next 43sts,  (1htr, ch3, 2htr) in the next st, 1htr in the next 50sts,  (1htr, ch3, 1htr) in the next st, 1htr in the last st, sl st to the top of the beginning htr to join. 45sts on each short side / 53 sts on each long side / 196sts + 4 x 3ch-sps in total

Fasten off and weave in all ends.

Pattern in US Terms:

Part 1 of the KCACOUKCAL23; the central crochet motif of a tree is pictured lying on a tree trunk

STITCH GUIDANCE

  • Chain (ch): Bring yarn over hook from back to front and grab it with hook. Draw hooked yarn through slip knot and onto hook. 
  • Slip Stitch (sl st): Insert hook in st indicated, yarn over and pull through all loops.
  • Half Double Crochet (hdc): 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.
  • Double Crochet (dc): Yarn over, insert hook in  indicated st and pull up a loop (three loops on hook), yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops on hook.
  • Treble (tr): Yarn over hook (twice), insert hook in indicated st and pull up a loop (four loops on hook), Yarn over, pull yarn through two loops on hook (three loops remain on hook). Yarn over, pull yarn through two loops on hook (two loops remain on hook). Yarn over, pull through remaining two loops on hook.
  • Front Post Treble (FPtr): Yarn over hook (twice), insert your hook from front to back to front around the post of the stitch indicated, yarn over, pull up a loop, (yarn over, pull through 2 loops on your hook) 3 times.
  • Front Post Treble two together (FPtr2tog): Yarn over hook (twice), insert your hook from front to back to front around the post of the stitch indicated, yarn over, pull up a loop, (yarn over, pull through 2 loops on your hook) 2 times, Yarn over 2 times, insert your hook from front to back to front around the post of the next stitch indicated, (yarn over, pull through 2 loops on your hook) 2 times. Yarn over, pull through all loops on your hook
  • Popcorn (PC): Work 5 dc in indicated st, remove hook completely, insert hook from front to back in 1st dc (1st dc of the 5), insert hook in loop that you just removed your hook from (5th dc of the 5), yarn over and pull through both loops on hook together.
  • Right side (RS): This indicates the right side of your work
  • [ … ] Repeat section in square brackets  until  specified
  • ( … ) Repeat section in curved brackets into one stitch or space

SPECIAL STITCH

  • Backwards Popcorn (BWPC): Work as a normal popcorn to begin (e.g. work 5 dc in indicated st) remove hook completely, insert hook from back to front in 1st dc (1st dc of the 5), insert hook in loop that you just removed your hook from (5th dc of the 5), pull loop through first loop on hook to sl st             

PATTERN – PART 1

· The ch1 at the start of a row does not count as a st;

· From row 5 each FPtr will be worked 2 rows below from the row you are currently working on,

· When you work a FPtr or FPtr2tog it will look as if you have missed a st when you look at it on the wrong side – you will not ever work in this st.

Row 1 (RS):  Ch42, 1hdc in the 2nd ch from hook, 1hdc in each st across until the end, turn. 41sts


Rows 2 – 4: Ch1, 1hdc in each st across, turn. 41sts


Row 5 (RS): Ch1, 1hdc in 14sts, miss 12sts (from the beginning of the row) two rows below, 1 FPtr around the post of the next st , 1hdc in the next 3sts on current row, miss 3 sts two rows below, 1 FPtr around the post of the next st , 1hdc in the next 3sts on current row, miss 7 sts two rows    below, 1 FPtr around the post of the next st, 1hdc in the next 3sts on current row, miss 3 sts two rows below, 1 FPtr around the post of the next st, 1hdc in the remaining 14sts, turn.  41sts / 37hdcs / 4 FPtr

See diagram help below for row 5:            

Row 6: Ch1, 1hdc in each st across, turn. 41sts

Row 7: Ch1, 1hdc in 12sts,  miss 10sts (from the  beginning of the row) two rows below [1 FPtr around the post of the next st (on the next repeat work around the post of the next FPtr), 1hdc in the next 3sts on current row, miss 3 sts two rows below ] repeat once more, FPtr2tog over the next two FPtr two rows below, 1hdc in the next 3sts on current row, miss 3 sts two rows below, 1 FPtr around the post of the next st, 1hdc in the next 3sts on current row, miss 3 sts two rows below,  1 FPtr around the post of the next st, 1hdc in the remaining 12sts, turn.  41sts / 36hdcs / 4 FPtr / FPtr2tog

See diagram help below for row 7:

Row 8: Ch1, 1hdc in each st across, turn. 41sts

Row 9: Ch1, 1hdc in 12sts,  miss 12sts two rows  below [1 FPtr around the post of the next FPtr,  1hdc in the next 3sts on current row, miss 3sts two rows below ] repeat once more,  FPtr around the top of the FPtr2tog two rows             below, [1hdc in the next 3sts on current row, miss 3sts two rows below, FPtr around the post of the next FPtr two rows below] repeat once more, 1hdc in the remaining 12sts, turn.  41sts / 36hdcs / 5 FPtr

See diagram help below for row 9:

Row 10: Ch1, 1hdc in each st across, turn. 41sts


Row 11: Ch1, 1hdc in 13sts, miss 12sts two rows  below, 1 FPtr around the post of the next FPtr,  1hdc in the next 3sts on current row, miss 3sts two rows below . [1 FPtr around the post of the next FPtr,  1hdc in the next 2sts on current row, miss 3sts two rows below ] repeat once more, 1 FPtr around the post of the next FPtr,  1hdc in the next 3sts on current row, miss 3sts two rows below, 1 FPtr around the post of the next FPtr,  1hdc in remaining 13sts, turn.  41sts / 36hdcs / 5 FPtr

See diagram help below for row 11:

Row 12: Ch1, 1hdc in each st across, turn. 41sts

Row 13: Ch1, 1hdc in 14sts, miss 13sts two rows  below, 1 FPtr around the post of the next FPtr,  1hdc in the next 2sts on current row, miss 3sts two rows below . [1 FPtr around the post of the next FPtr,  1hdc in the next 2sts on current row, miss 2sts two rows below ] repeat once more, 1 FPtr around the post of the next FPtr,  1hdc in the next 2sts on current row, miss 3sts two rows below, 1 FPtr around the post of the next FPtr,  1hdc in remaining 14sts, turn.  41sts / 36hdcs / 5 FPtr

See diagram help below for row 13:

Row 14: Ch1, 1hdc in each st across, turn. 41sts

Row 15: Ch1, 1hdc in 16sts, miss 14sts (from the  beginning of the row) two rows  below, [1 FPtr around the post of the next FPtr,  1hdc in the next st on current row, miss 2sts two rows below] repeat three more times, 1 FPtr around the post of the next FPtr, 1hdc in the remaining 16sts, turn. 41sts /36hdcs / 5 FPtr

See diagram help below for row 15:

Row 16: Ch1, 1hdc in each st across, turn. 41sts

Row 17: Ch1, 1hdc in 16sts, miss 16sts (from the  beginning of the row) two rows below, [1 FPtr around the post of the next FPtr,  1hdc in the next st on current row, miss 1st two rows below] repeat three more times, 1 FPtr around the post of the next FPtr, 1hdc in the remaining 16sts, turn. 41sts / 36hdcs / 5 FPtr.

See diagram help below for row 17:

Row 18: Ch1, 1hdc in each st across, turn. 41sts

Row 19: Repeat row 17, turn. 41sts

Row 20: Ch1, 1hdc in each st across, turn. 41sts

Row 21: Repeat row 17, turn. 41sts

Row 22: Ch1, 1hdc in each st across, turn. 41sts

Row 23: Repeat row 17, turn. 41sts

See diagram help below for rows 18 – 23.         

Row 24: Ch1, 1hdc in each st across, turn. 41sts

Row 25: Ch1, 1hdc in 7sts, [PC in the next st, 1hdc in the next 2sts] repeat twice more [1 FPtr around the post of the next FPtr,  1hdc in the next st on current row, miss 1st two rows below] repeat three more times, 1 FPtr around the post of the next FPtr, 1hdc in the next 2sts, [PC in the next st, 1hdc in the next 2sts] repeat twice more ,1hdc in the remaining 5sts, turn. 41sts / 30hdcs / 5 FPtr / 6PCs

See diagram help below for rows 25.         

See diagram help for row 25 on previous page.

Row 26: Ch1, 1hdc in next 8sts [BWPC in the next st, 1hdc in the next 2sts] repeat seven times more, BWPC in the next st, 1hdc in the remaining 8sts, turn. 41sts / 32hdcs / 9 BWPCs

Row 27: Ch1, 1hdc in next 6sts [PC in the next st, 1hdc in the next 2sts] repeat eight times more, PC in the next st, 1hdc in the remaining 7sts, turn. 41sts / 31hdcs / 10 PCs

Row 28: Ch1, 1hdc in next 5sts [BWPC in the next st, 1hdc in the next 2sts] repeat nine times more, BWPC in the next st, 1hdc in the remaining 5sts, turn. 41sts / 30hdcs / 11 BWPCs

Row 29: Repeat row 27, turn. 41sts

Row 30: Repeat row 28, turn. 41sts

Row 31: Repeat row 27, turn. 41sts

Row 32: Ch1, 1hdc in next 8sts [BWPC in the next st, 1hdc in the next 2sts] repeat seven times more, BWPC in the next st, 1hdc in the remaining 8sts, turn. 41sts / 32hdcs / 9 BWPCs

Row 33: Ch1, 1hdc in next 9sts [PC in the next st, 1hdc in the next 2sts] repeat six times more, PC in the next st, 1hdc in the remaining 10sts, turn. 41sts / 33hdcs / 8 PCs

Row 34: Ch1, 1hdc in next 11sts [BWPC in the next st, 1hdc in the next 2sts] repeat five times more, BWPC in the next st, 1hdc in the remaining 11sts, turn. 41sts / 34hdcs / 7 BWPCs

Row 35: Ch1, 1hdc in next 12sts [PC in the next st, 1hdc in the next 2sts] repeat four times more, PC in the next st, 1hdc in the remaining 13sts, turn. 41sts / 35hdcs / 6 PCs

Rows 36 – 38: Ch1, 1hdc in each st across, turn. . 41sts

On the last row do not fasten off but continue onto the block border – you will end on the WS of your block, turn your block so you continue the border on the right side.

BORDER:

Rnd 1 (RS): Ch1, then work 1hdc in 41sts. turn your block and [work 3hdc in the first row end, then [1hdc in the first two rows ends, 2hdcs in the next row end] in the next 36 rows ends (48sts), work 3hdc in the last row end] , turn your block and work 1hdc in the next 41sts of your beginning foundation chain, turn your block again and working on the row ends repeat [ … ]  once more, sl st to the top of the beginning hdc to join. 41sts on each short side / 54 sts on each long side / 190sts in total

Rnd 2: Ch1, then work  1hdc in 42sts, (1hdc, ch3, 2hdc) in the next st, 1hdc in the next 50sts  (1hdc, ch3, 1hdc)  in the next st, 1hdc in the next 43sts,  (1hdc, ch3, 2hdc) in the next st, 1hdc in the next 50sts,  (1hdc, ch3, 1hdc) in the next st, 1hdc in the last st, sl st to the top of the beginning hdc to join. 45sts on each short side / 53 sts on each long side / 196sts + 4 x 3ch-sps in total

Fasten off and weave in all ends.

And that’s it! Part 1 completed! I hope you’ve enjoyed the start and I can’t wait to see your trees begin to grow!

The Schedule, Updates & Support:

As always if you need a reminder of the schedule then you can find the details on the CAL landing page (here) and you can keep up to date with the CAL details and get support if needed via the following links:

As I may have mentioned before the Facebook group is a lovely place of support, there are crocheters in there of all experiences, with new crocheters joining all the time! It’s likely that someone will be able to help you with any questions you might have though of course you can always contact me too here on the blog if you need any help.

The hashtag for this years CAL is #KCACOUKCAL23 for Twitter and Instagram. Though you you can join in with any progress photos by linking your projects on your favourite social media sites: RavelryFacebook page or Facebook group and Pinterest.

Thank you for crocheting along with me – the next eleven weeks are going to be so much fun!

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

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Crochet Now Magazine | Lola the Ladybird

Send a little love to that special someone in your life with Lola the Lovebug. Packed full of love from antennae to the tips of her toes she will be sure to be loved by everyone!

Crocheted ladybird in a garden holding a heart, there is ivy in the background and securers in the foreground.
© Practical Publishing 2023 (Crochet Now Issue 90)

The pattern for Lola, along with her little heart, is available in issue 90 of Crochet Now magazine. Lola comes equipped with delicate hearts on top of her antennae making her a true love bug! She was a really fun project to work on, and you could make her holding the heart, or leave it separate, or why not even embroider the initials of someone special onto the front.

I created my lovebug with a 3mm hook out of some James C. Brett It’s 100% Pure Cotton which is 100% cotton that comes in 100g [215 meters / 235yds] balls and, for a cotton, is lovely and soft.

Close up of a crocheted ladybird in a garden holding a heart

The only other things you need to make the Lola is some black embroidery thread, stitch markers, a tapestry needle and some toy stuffing.

❤️ SAVE LOLA THE LOVE BUG ON RAVELRY ❤️

Nothing says I love you as much as something handmade I think. She would make the perfect pick-me-up gift for someone special this Valentine’s Day or any other day.

Image from Crochet Now 90 of Lola the crocheted Lovebug.
© Practical Publishing 2023 (Crochet Now Issue 90)

Issue 90 is full of lovely seasonal patterns and is available to buy from most supermarkets. Or you can grab a digital version from www.craftstash.co.uk/books-magazines

Front cover of CN90 magazine

If you make up Lola the Lovebug I hope you’ll share any finished photos with me on social media (facebooktwitter 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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The Enchanted Wood Crochet Along Planning

With about a month before The Enchanted Wood CAL begins I thought I’d share with you some more information so you can get planning; including yarn amounts and the colours that were used on both of the blankets.

I did mention some of the details in my first announcement post about the CAL (here) but I’ve got some more of the information I know you’ve been waiting for in this post. So let’s talk yarn!

Lifestyle shot of a the Enchanted Wood blanket on a chair. The Keep Calm and Crochet On UK Crochet along for 2023, in the Stylecraft Special DK Version.
The Enchanted Wood KCACOUKCAL23 – Stylecraft Special DK Version

Yarn Colours and Amounts

You will need at least 1500 / 1600g / 4425m / 4830yds for this CAL and I would suggest it works best in 8 – 10 different colours.

I mentioned before that I used Stylecraft Naturals Bamboo. + Cotton DK for my blanket which is lovely yarn to use. I used approximately the following colours in the following amounts:

Kits for both colourways have been put together by Black Sheep Wools:

Stylecraft Naturals; 60% Bamboo, 40% CottonBallsGramsMetresYds
Part 1Ecru (7128)1100250273
Part 2Seafoam (7143)1100250273
Part 3Bluestone (Shade 7164)1100250273
Part 4Natural (Shade 7146)1100250273
Pumice (Shade 7154)1100250273
Part 5Cameo (Shade 7166)1100250273
Nutmeg (Shade 7147)1100250273
Part 6Celery (Shade 7155)2200500546
Part 7Thyme (Shade 7156)2200500546
Part 8Spring Green (Shade 7126)550012001365
TOTALS16160040004368
Image of a lot of Stylecraft Naturals yarn, with one of the balls held up close to camera.

Then my lovely mum created her version of the blanket in Stylecraft Special DK, she used the following colours in the following amounts (though again in some colours you may have little bits left over):

Stylecraft Special DK ColoursBallsGramsMetresYds
Part 1Cream (Shade 1005)1100295322
Part 2Parchment (Shade 1218)1100295322
Part 3Mocha (Shade 1064)1100295322
Part 4Camel (Shade 1420)1100295322
Part 5Saffron (Shade 1081)2200590644
Part 6Pistachio (Shade 1822)2200590644
Part 7Meadow (Shade 1065)2200590644
Part 8Sage (Shade 1725)550014751610
TOTALS15150044254830

Prices are £69.99 for Stylecraft Natural Bamboo and Cotton (16 x 100g in total) and £29.99 (15 x 100g in total) for Stylecraft Special DK. Black Sheep Wools ship from the UK to Australia, Canada, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and USA, they also offer a click and collect for those who are very local (WA3). 

Hook Size:

I used a 3.5mm (US size E/4). If you were on the look out for a simple aluminium crochet hook (the kind I learnt to crochet with) then I have some in my Yarnybobs store or I also have other hooks and useful crochet tools linked in my Amazon Store.

Finished Blanket Size:

Both blankets finished up at roughly the same size when finished and measure Both blankets finished up at roughly the same size when finished and measure 122cm (48”) wide x 137cm (54”) long. The schematic for the blanket can be seen below:

Image of a the Enchanted Wood blanket schematic for the Keep Calm and Crochet On UK Crochet along for 2023.

Skill Level:

I would suggest that this pattern is rated as easy / intermediate. There are some sections that require a bit more concentration to them, but I’ve added both the written pattern and charts which will hopefully help.

CAL Accessories:

And don’t forget those all important CAL accessories and tools for making your blanket making:

Digital Pattern:

The pattern for this crochet along will be available for free here on the blog but sometimes it’s easier to have a printable PDF to refer to. The whole pattern therefore will also be available in a printer friendly PDF version in my Ravelry store (for a one off payment). Each weekly instalment will become ready for immediate download in either UK or US terms.

Shortly after the CAL has finished the PDF will also be added to my Etsy and LoveCrafts stores also.

The Schedule, Updates & Support:

If you need a reminder of the schedule then you can find the details on the CAL landing page (here) and you can keep up to date with the CAL details and get support if needed via the following links:

The Facebook group is a lovely place of support, there are crocheters there of all experiences and it’s likely that someone will be able to help you with any questions you might have. You can of course always contact me too here on the blog.

The hashtag for this years CAL is #KCACOUKCAL23 for Twitter and Instagram. Though you you can join in with any progress photos by linking your projects on your favourite social media sites: RavelryFacebook page or Facebook group and Pinterest.

Ooo I’m excited! We can get our hooks stuck into part 1 on Friday 20 January – so save the date!!

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

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Crochet Now Magazine | Pickwick the Puppy

Meet Pickwick, the cheeky little puppy, who’s stolen the Christmas stocking to see if there are any bones or biscuits in it for him! But look at that sweet face – surely he can’t help but be forgiven!

© Practical Publishing 2022 (Crochet Now Issue 88)

The pattern for little Pickwick, along with the miniature stocking, is available in issue 88 of Crochet Now magazine. I’d sort of had an idea for Pickwick for awhile so it’s nice that he’s finally been brought to life.

I created my pup with a 3.25mm hook and King Cole Cottonsoft DK which is a yarn I’ve used before (for my CareBear toys and the Pastel Pop Shawl), it’s 100% cotton that comes in 100g [210 meters] balls and as the name suggests it’s lovely and soft to work with.

Combined with the Cottonsoft I added some King Cole Truffle, which is classed as a fashion yarn, made up of 70% acrylic and 30% Polyamide (100g balls / 255m), which was perfect for adding some extra fluffy, stroke-able ears for Pickwick.

The only other things you need to make the Pickwick are 2 x 8mm black safety eyes, some black embroidery thread, stitch markers, a tapestry needle and some toy stuffing.

❤️ SAVE PICKWICK THE PUPPY ON RAVELRY ❤️

I think Pickwick the Puppy is definitely on the nice list this Christmas! And he can be be your new work in progress when you pick up Issue 88.

Issue 88 is full of lovely seasonal patterns and is available to buy from most supermarkets. Or you can grab a digital version from www.craftstash.co.uk/books-magazines

If you make up Pickwick the Puppy I hope you’ll share any finished photos with me on social media (facebooktwitter 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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Inside Crochet Magazine | Winter Rambles Scarf

Helloo!! How’s it going? I feel like everything is a bit crazy here at the minute, it’s definitely that busy time of year! I seem to have lots of lists with ‘things to do’ sitting about everywhere but I’m going to tick off one of those right now! And it’s one I’m rather excited about!

In this month’s Inside Crochet (issue 152) there’s a pattern of mine called the Winter Rambles Scarf. It’s a lovely textured colour block stripe kind of scarf that was a really enjoyable, mindful project to work on.

The Winter Rambles unisex scarf modelled by a woman to show a blue and tan textured scarf - Find this pattern and more, only in issue 152 of @InsideCrochet - available now!⁠
© Inside Crochet 2022 (Issue 152)

I’ve had the idea for this scarf for awhile actually; I am quite keen to explore some more unisex / neutral or men’s designs and this is a design that I think could work well for anyone.

The scarf is made up of different sized colour blocks both with different textures – I’m on a real textured stitch kick at the moment with my crochet, I can’t seem to get enough of it!

The Winter Rambles unisex scarf modelled by a man to show the versatility of this design - Find this crochet pattern and more, only in issue 152 of @InsideCrochet - available now!⁠
© Inside Crochet 2022 (Issue 152)

I would suggest that a crochet scarf is a great beginner crochet project especially when you are first learning how to crochet, though with the different stitches I would suggest this is still an interesting design for a more accomplished crocheter.

I made my scarf nice and long so that you can wrap it round your neck a few times, though it would be fairly easy to adjust this pattern to a different size by taking out some rows (each side mirrors each other so you’d just need to take out the same number on each side.

The Winter Rambles unisex scarf modelled on a mannequin for a closer look at the textured stitches - Find this crochet pattern and more, only in issue 152 of @InsideCrochet - available now!⁠

I created my scarf with a 4.5mm hook (US size 7) and Drops Soft Tweed (25% viscose / 50% wool/25% alpaca) which comes in 50g balls (130m / 142yds).

It’s a new yarn to me and I loved the ‘tweediness’ of it – I used 4 balls of Denim (10) and 3 balls of Cookie Dough (04) for the scarf which was more than enough to make it nice and long.

The Winter Rambles unisex scarf modelled on a woman to show styling ideas for this accessory - Find this crochet pattern and more, only in issue 152 of @InsideCrochet - available now!⁠
© Inside Crochet 2022 (Issue 152)

The only other things you will need to make the scarf are maybe some stitch markers to help mark the beginning and end of each row and a tapestry needle. I finished off my scarf with a twisted fridge or you could leave it plain, I think both options would look great!

❤️ SAVE THE WINTER RAMBLES SCARF ON RAVELRY ❤️

Inside Crochet Issue 152 - available now!⁠

Also can I just say that being published in Inside Crochet is a tick off the crochet bucket list for me. It’s rather special because when I first started crocheting Inside Crochet was one of the first magazine’s that I ever subscribed to – and now I’ve got a pattern inside!!

And look my scarf made one of the little squares on the front cover! Excuse me for getting rather excited, but it really is one of those warm feeling yay moments for me!

Inside Crochet is available in paper form from all good newsagents and craft stores. To purchase a digital copy of Inside Crochet, visit us on www.pocketmags.com

So go wrap up warm in this stylish striped block scarf. With fabulous textured stitches make in your favourite neutral shades or go brighter as an effective way to introduce colour to a dark outfit. this classic look scarf is guaranteed to complement any staples your friends or family winter wardrobe.  

If you make up the Winter Rambles Scarf I hope you’ll share any finished photos with me on social media (facebooktwitter 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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Crochet Now Magazine | RSPB British Bird Baubles

I love a good Christmas decoration; I think they are actually one of my favourite things to make, they are usually quick and satisfying, great to gift or perfect to keep for your own home.

That’s why I was delighted to have the opportunity to design some cute baubles for the RSPB featuring some of the nations favourite British birds.

© Practical Publishing 2022 (Crochet Now Issue 87)

The RSPB (aka The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) is a charitable organisation here in the UK that’s been around since 1889. It’s the UK’s largest nature conservation charity, inspiring everyone to give nature a home and secure a healthy environment for wildlife.

My British Bird Baubles are inspired by a goldfinch, a blue tit, a house sparrow, a chaffinch and a robin, and the exclusive RSPB pattern card is available with issue 87 of Crochet Now magazine.

Each bauble is worked in tapestry crochet working two or more colours of yarn within a single round switching back and forth between the colours to create the characteristics of the birds.

I created my baubles with a 3mm hook and various colours of Ricorumi DK which, if you are not not familiar with it, is a100% cotton yarn which comes in 25g [57.5 meters] balls. I love Ricorumi DK especially for amigurumi as it comes in the cute little balls in loads of different colours so I can usually find the shades that I’m looking for.

The only other things you will need to make the baubles are stitch markers, a tapestry needle and some toy stuffing and a little bit of twine for the hanging loop.

© Practical Publishing 2022 (Crochet Now Issue 87)

So send a collection of cute bird baubles flying to your tree this Christmas with the RSPB British Bird Baubles. These pretty decorations are idea for all bird lovers – and are cute enough to be displayed all year round.

❤️ SAVE THE BRITISH BIRD BAUBLES ON RAVELRY ❤️

Issue 87 is full of lovely seasonal patterns and is available to buy from most supermarkets. Or you can grab a digital version from www.craftstash.co.uk/books-magazines

If you make up either of the British Bird Baubles I hope you’ll share any finished photos with me on social media (facebooktwitter 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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Crochet Now Magazine | Autumn Gnomes

Hello Autumn! The weather is definitely turning cooler here in the UK, the leaves are beginning to changing from green to those incredible displays of vibrant colours, it’s time to get out hats, scarves and gloves, and perhaps go for a crisp walk in the forest. And if you go down to the woods this week, you might just spy a pair of little gnomes out exploring!

Meet Cone and Acorn, the Autumn Gnomes; this delightful pair spend their days harvesting the seeds of their chosen trees ready to plant for next year. Both these guys, plus the patterns to make some acorns, pinecones and leaves, are available in issue 86 of Crochet Now magazine.

I had the idea to make these gnomes for a while, I do enjoy making gnomes (you may remember my Nordic Twist gnome , Poinsettia gnome or Gnorman the Gnome), they are always a fun project, and I love how they seem to develop their own little characteristics.

© Practical Publishing 2022 (Crochet Now Issue 86)

This time around I wanted to move away from the traditional pointy gnome hat, and went for an acorn and pinecone to give them both an individual appearance associated with a given tree.

When I made my Nordic Twist gnome I enjoyed how the roving looked for his beard, and I knew I wanted to use it again, but in a different way and with different colours for some autumnal characters.

I created my gnomes with a 3mm hook and various colours of Ricorumi DK which is 100% Cotton that comes in 25g [57.5 meters] balls. 

I love Ricorumi DK for amigurumi as it comes in the cute little balls in 80 different colours and they had a perfect amount of Autumnal shades for my gnomes.

The only other things you will need to make the gnomes are bits of roving wool for the beard and hair. stitch markers, a tapestry needle and some toy stuffing.

It’s always fun to decorate so why not hook up these cute festive gnomes to bring in the Fall and Autumn Season!

❤️ SAVE THE AUTUMN GNOMES ON RAVELRY ❤️

Issue 86 is full of lovely Autumnal patterns and is available to buy from most supermarkets. Or you can grab a digital version from www.craftstash.co.uk/books-magazines

© Practical Publishing 2022 (Crochet Now Issue 86)

If you make up either of the Autumn Gnomes I hope you’ll share any finished photos with me on social media (facebooktwitter or instagram) or as a project on Ravelry – I love to see what you make! And finally you may wish to make sure you are signed up to blog (below) and / or my mailing list to get a reminder when new blog posts, discounts or new pattern releases are available.

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

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Please note that some of the links in my blog are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase via these links, but the price you pay is not affectedthank you for your support.

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