Crochet Now 127 | Razzle and Dazzle the Elves

Hey lovelies, how are you doing? Well yesterday we went to our local Christmas Tree switch on and as there’s now less than 6 weeks before the big day, I’ll confess that my thoughts are now turned towards the festive season.

With that in mind let me introduce you to Razzle and Dazzle – two cheeky little elves who have hopped straight out of the pages of Crochet Now Issue 127. With twinkling eyes and vibrant colourful outfits, they’re the perfect festive companions to add to your handmade décor or to surprise someone special this season.

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Two colourful crocheted elf dolls with twinkling eyes, dressed in festive outfits, surrounded by Christmas decorations and gifts.
© 2025 Practical Publishing – Crochet Now Issue 127

Meet the Elves

Razzle (in the blue) is the daring dreamer, always leaping from one snow-covered ledge to the next, while Dazzle (in the purple) is the clever tinkerer who loves to hide surprise candy canes and sparkly baubles around the room. Together they bring mischief, magic and merriment wherever they go – and now you can crochet them for your own festive adventures.

For both of my elves I used Ricorumi DK, one of my all-time favourite yarns. This 100% cotton yarn comes in handy 25g balls (57.5m) and is available in a wide range of options. I also used some Ricorumi Twinkly Twinkly which is also cotton yarn but includes a glittering thread because you’ve got to have a bit of sparkle at Christmas I feel.

A woven basket filled with colourful yarn balls, including shades of purple, blue, white, red, black, and pink, labelled Ricorumi Twinkly Twinkly DK.

SAVE RAZZLE AND DAZZLE ON RAVELRY 🎄

The only other things you will need to complete your duo is a 3.25mm hook, some toy stuffing, 2 pairs of 6mm black safety eyes, some stitch markers, a tapestry needle and some blusher (optional) 

These elves would make wonderful gifts for children (or big kids!) and could be a delightful addition to festive décor – whether perched on a mantel or tucked into a stocking. They also make a joyful “crochet duo” project: you can change colours, mix and match accessories, and give each elf their own personality.

A vibrant image of two crocheted elves, Razzle in blue and Dazzle in purple, surrounded by festive decorations like colorful presents and baubles.

Where to Find the Pattern

Crochet Now issue 127 is available in shops now or you can grab a digital version from Craftworld.com. This issue has 66 festive patterns inside including a very fun disco Santa and

Cover of Crochet Now magazine 127 featuring a woman in a pink and white sweater, with various crochet patterns and ideas for Christmas, including a festive stocking and amigurumi projects.
© 2025 Practical Publishing – Crochet Now Issue 127

If you decide to crochet these two mischievous elves, I’d absolutely love to see your versions. Share your creations on social media and tag me @kcaco.uk so I can admire all your colourful, sparkly results!

Until next time — happy hooking, keep calm and crochet on, my friends! xx

Two colorful crochet elves, Razzle in blue and Dazzle in purple, showcasing vibrant outfits and playful expressions, perfect for festive decor.

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Crochet Now 125 | Three Spooky Projects

Get ready for a hook-full of fun! Inside issue 125 of Crochet Now magazine, you’ll find not one, not two, but three of my latest designs to keep your crochet hooks busy this Autumn.

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A collage featuring three whimsical crocheted characters: a bear wearing a witch's hat, a purple creature with a flower design, and a black cat dressed in a ghost costume holding a pumpkin. The background showcases a spooky graveyard setting.
© 2025 Practical Publishing – Crochet Now Issue 125

Scaring is caring! 🎃✨ On the run up to spooky season what better way to celebrate than with two new Carebear keyring patterns to add a little cuteness (and maybe a tiny scare!) to your makes? I’ve mentioned before how I love Carebears, and I always jump at the opportunity to create them in crochet.

These keyrings are perfect for hooking up quickly – think last-minute Halloween gifts, treats for trick-or-treaters, or just a way to add a little seasonal cheer to your own bag or keys. Whether you love the bold and bright colours of the Carebears or prefer something a little moodier for October, you can customise them to fit your spooky style.

Two crocheted Care Bear keyrings, one purple and one orange, in front of a Halloween-themed background featuring a pumpkin and scattered confetti.
© 2025 Practical Publishing – Crochet Now Issue 125

For both of my Carebears I used Crochet Society Confection DK (Light worsted weight #3) which is anti-pilling 100% acrylic yarn that comes in 100g balls [210m] in a range of colours. I paired the Crochet Society Confection DK with a 3.25mm crochet hook (US D/3), then the only other things you would need for to complete your project are:

🎃 SAVE HALLOWEEN CAREBEARS ON RAVELRY 🎃

But that’s not all – in issue 125 you can also find the Spooktail the Cat who is ready for his favourite night of the year! 🐈‍⬛✨ Spooktail is all dressed up and ready to show off his brand-new Halloween costume to all his friends. He’s mischievous, magical, and just a little bit spooky – everything you need for a purrfect seasonal project. And the best bit? Spooktail’s ghost costume actually GLOWS in the dark!

A crocheted cat doll wearing a pumpkin-themed sweater and holding a small pumpkin bag, posed on grass with Halloween-themed decorations in the background.
© 2025 Practical Publishing – Crochet Now Issue 125

For Spooktail I used Yarnsmiths Pebble Haze DK (Light worsted weight #3) which is a 67% Cotton, 33% Acrylic blended yarn that comes in 50g [145m] balls. Pebble Haze DK is a soft and beautiful yarn, in a range of shades inspired by nature’s beaches, pebbles and stones, I really like the effect it produces and can see me using it again in future projects.

Then I used Yarnsmiths Glow which is magic yarn that works by absorbing UV light energy (from either natural sunlight or artificial light) and slowly releasing it in the form of visible light. This photoluminescence means that the longer you expose the yarn to light, the longer it will glow for. Science aside it is such a fun yarn! It’s classed as an Aran (Worsted Weight #4) and is made from 100% Polyester.

A crocheted black cat dressed in a white ghost costume holds a pumpkin candy bucket, standing on grassy ground with gravestones in the background, set against a purple sky.
© 2025 Practical Publishing – Crochet Now Issue 125

I paired the yarns with a 3.5mm crochet hook (US E/4), then the only other things you would need for to complete your project are:

🐈‍⬛ SAVE SPOOKTAIL THE CAT ON RAVELRY 🐈‍⬛

So grab your favourite yarn, a cosy blanket, and maybe a pumpkin-spiced treat or two – it’s time to crochet your way through to spooky season with Issue 125!

Where to Find the Pattern

Crochet Now issue 125 is available in shops now or you can grab a digital version from Craftworld.com. This issue has 51 joyful patterns inside including the stunning ‘Sorcerers Star’ blanket and the gorgeous ‘All Hallows Eve’ multitextured triangle shawl.

Cover of Crochet Now magazine Issue 125 featuring a woman in a blue ghost-patterned sweater, showcasing various crochet patterns and projects.
© 2025 Practical Publishing – Crochet Now Issue 125

I’d love to see your versions of the either Carebears or Spooktail the Cat. Don’t forget to tag me on social media, @kcaco.uk so I can see all your beautiful creations!

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

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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 affectedthank you for your support.

Crochet Now 124 | Redfern the Squirrel

Let me introduce you to Redfern the Squirrel, who’s scampered his way into Crochet Now Issue 124! With his fluffy tail and matching little acorn, he’s the perfect woodland friend to add to your crochet collection.

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A colorful crochet squirrel character named Redfern, wearing a yellow sweater and blue pants, is posed with a raised hand against a green background, with leaves and acorns scattered around.
© 2025 Practical Publishing – Crochet Now Issue 124

Redfern the Squirrel is a charming woodland wanderer, always busy gathering treasures from
the forest floor. With his bushy tail and keen eyes, he clutches a prized acorn. His gentle nature makes him a true guardian of the woodland.

For Redfern, I chose to use West Yorkshire Spinners ColourLab DK (Light Worsted). There’s just something about this yarn that gives amigurumi a beautiful ‘heritage’ feel – almost like a nod to the kind of classic toys you’d find treasured in a keepsake box.

Five skeins of West Yorkshire Spinners ColourLab DK yarn in various colours including red, yellow, brown, and blue, arranged on a wooden surface.

🌰 SAVE REDFERN THE SQUIRREL ON RAVELRY 🌰

Made from 100% British wool, ColourLab DK is both vibrant and durable, with that lovely balance of softness and sturdiness that makes it perfect for toy-making. Each 100g ball gives you 225m of woolly goodness, and I paired it with a 3.5mm hook (closest US size E/4) to bring Redfern to life. The natural stitch definition really helps his character shine, especially with those charming little details like his tufted ears and his acorn companion.

A colourful crochet squirrel with a bushy red tail and yellow body, reaching towards a crocheted acorn hanging from a green leaf, set against a blue and green backdrop.
© 2025 Practical Publishing – Crochet Now Issue 124

To complete your Redfern, you’ll only need a few extra supplies:

Crocheted character of Redfern the Squirrel, featuring a bright red body, bushy tail, yellow sweater, and blue pants, standing among green leaves with a small crocheted acorn beside him.

If you love woodland-inspired makes, Redfern will be a joy to crochet – he works up beautifully and would make a thoughtful gift for children and nature-lovers alike.

Where to Find the Pattern

Crochet Now issue 124 is available in shops now or you can grab a digital version from Craftworld.com. This issue has 65 joyful patterns inside including some really cute bird cushions and the sweetest Mother Goose pattern.

Cover of 'Crochet Now' Issue 124 featuring vibrant crochet patterns, including a smiling woman wearing a crochet top and various crochet projects displayed around her.
© 2025 Practical Publishing – Crochet Now Issue 124

I’d love to see your versions of the Redfern the Squirrel. Don’t forget to tag me on social media, @kcaco.uk so I can see all your beautiful creations!

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

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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 affectedthank you for your support.

LGC Knitting & Crochet Magazine | Red Squirrel and Baby Mobile

Are you looking for some new summer favourites? Well Let’s Get Crafting Knitting and Crochet magazine have several fun options that you might want to look into – including a couple of new patterns from me; and I’m delighted to say that my Red Squirrel is issue 141’s cover star!

Front Cover image of issue 141 of Let's Get Crafting magazine.
© Let’s Get Crafting magazine – Issue 141

My little red squirrel, with his stripy hat and cute little bowler hat were very fun to make. I used every colour in the yarn kit (which comes with the magazine) and I especially enjoyed using the variegated yarn to make the tail – colourwork has never been easier!

Colourful red squirrel with stripy jumper and mini bowler hat featured in issue 141 of Let's Get Crafting magazine.
© Let’s Get Crafting magazine – Issue 141

This fun amigurumi would make a great gift for an animal lover, or how about a cute decoration in a woodland themed nursery? Got the magazine and going to make him later, then save the pattern to your favourites on Ravelry at the link below.

❤️ SAVE THE RED SQUIRREL PATTERN ON RAVELRY ❤️

Speaking of nurseries, my second pattern in issue 141 is a bead and ball mobile. I have a bit of a thing about wood, I love it! So for this project I mixed crochet with some wooden beads and a wooden hoop, with some crochet balls, in several different sizes, hanging off with embroidery thread.

Crochet ball and wooden bead baby mobile as featured in issue 141 of Let's Get Crafting magazine.
© Let’s Get Crafting magazine – Issue 141

The mobile is very easy to make and would make a great beginner project, in fact the whole process of making up the mobile was very enjoyable. And if you don’t have little ones to make it for how about making it for your craft room or conservatory!

❤️SAVE THE BALL BABY MOBILE ON RAVELRY ❤️

As usual the magazine comes with a yarn pack, which this time includes six different yarns, and includes the relevant size crochet hook (3.75mm) and knitting needles for the projects inside.

There are lots of other fab patterns in this month’s edition including a sweet alpaca, a very cute knitted hippo and a pair of sweet knitted and crocheted unicorns!

Cover image of projects featured in issue 141 of Let's Get Crafting magazine.
© Let’s Get Crafting magazine – Issue 141

LGC Knitting & Crochet Magazine is available in major supermarkets and newsagents across the UK or if you’re not able to get to the shops right now you can get a digital version of the mag from Pocketmags (the free cover gifts are not available via this digital subscription).

I hope you’ll share any WIP or finished project 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, keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

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