I Like Crochet Magazine | Anchor Cove Shawl

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

The June 2021 issue of I Like Crochet magazine is out now and it’s a lovely collection of patterns to help prepare you for (hopefully coming soon) sunnier weather!

I’ve got two patterns in this latest edition and I’m super excited to share with you the first one, a wrap type of shawl, called the Anchor Cove Shawl.

If I haven’t completely ‘filet crocheted’ you out then you might enjoy this design as it has a fun central motif of a filet anchor, flanked by wavy white and blue striped panels. The combination is a positively nautical design ready for walks on the beach or taking on the high seas.

I used two Scheepjes Whirlettes (40% Acrylic / 60% Cotton); [455 meters] / 100 grams) for this project; one in Bilberry (Shade 868) and one in Ice (Shade 860). Unlike the bigger sister Whirls, which you might be familiar with, Whirlettes are balls of solid colour, fabulous for mixing with a Whirl to extend a Whirl cake project or perfect for using on their own.

Just like a Whirl a Whirlette is 2ply (Fingering Weight) yarn composed of two strands of yarn twisted together. For this particular project I used a 3.25mm (US size E/4) hook to produce a lovely drape to the finished wrap.

I would suggest that the Anchor Cove is an intermediate pattern, designed for those who have mastered the basics of crochet and are looking for a new challenge. If you are new to filet crochet you might find my ‘Top Tips for Filet Crochet’ useful where I’ve listed some specific tips on the technique.

⚓ SAVE ANCHOR COVE WRAP ON RAVELRY ⚓

If you haven’t heard of I Like Crochet magazine before it’s a US bi-monthly digital magazine which is published by the creators of AllFreeCrochet.com. With it being a US publication patterns are written using US crochet terminology – if you are not sure how that differs you may find my post British vs. American Crochet Terms: What’s the difference? of use.

As well as my scarf the June 2021 edition features loads of seasonal patterns and a range of interesting articles. If you SUBSCRIBE you can get the magazine straight to your desktop or iPad as well as access to lots of other extra crochet bonus material.

If you hook up the Anchor Cove Shawl I hope you’ll share your projects with me by linking your projects on your favourite social media sites: Instagram, Ravelry, my Facebook page or Facebook group and Pinterest.

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

Please note that some of the links in my blog are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase via these links, but the price you pay is not affected. You can read more about my affiliate links here.

10May2021

Whispers of the Sea Summer Make-Along

Posted in Crochet by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

I’m super excited to say that this summer I’m joining forces again with the FABULOUSLY talented yarn dyer Kitey, aka the Yarn Whisperer to bring you a brand new summer make along (MAL), called ‘Whispers of the Sea’,

After our hugely successful winter make-along collab, for the crocheted Solstice Garden Wrap, Kitey and I got over-excited and immediately started planning our next make along project, this time for the summer.

It’s a project I’m rather delighted by; I love how my design has come together in partnership with the AMAZING colourways that Kitey has put together!

But what’s a make-along or MAL I hear some of you ask? Well maybe you are familiar with the term CAL for a crochet-along (or a KAL in knitting) it’s sort of similar but a MAL has a few differences.

A make-along is when a specific pattern is released with all of the details required to make the design; along with a specific start date for everyone to begin their project together. Then, unlike a crochet-along where you would have bits of the pattern supplied to you over a number of weeks, you have the pattern in full with and end date to make it by. It’s a relaxed way to make a project as you can work at your own pace, but there is a deadline to hold you accountable should you need one.

For the summer make-along I’ve put together a design that would be the perfect holiday project, something that you can do at your own pace, that is nice and relaxing but engaging enough to be enjoyable as you create a lovely summer wrap.

I’m not going to show you the wrap design yet, but I will say, for this design, Kitey and I have been digging into the sea for our inspiration! There are shells, kelp, coral, waves and my favourite thing ever, sea glass, that have influenced this design – and I love how it’s turned out!

Kitey has worked his magic to put together TWO amazing colourways for this MAL; there’s the gorgeous Laminariales (lam-in-are-i-arlez), which is inspired by kelp forests, and is just a gorgeous mixture of greens, teals and a hint of blue, and there is Zoantharia (Zo-anth-air-ria), inspired by soft corals, which is a beautiful mixture of pinks and orange tones.

Will you be #teamlaminariales or #teamzoantharia? They are soooo pretty in real life – Kitey’s made it almost too hard to choose!

Pre-order’s for MAL kits can be made on The Yarn Whisperer website from 10 May 10am (NOW!) at the cost of £44 + postage. Each kit will include 2 skeins of hand-dyed slub yarn (which is my new favourite!), beautiful sea glass beads, a digital copy of the pattern (which will be sent to you the day before the MAL begins) and there will also be a few treats for good measure, including some fabulous Mrs G Stitch stitch markers.

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

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

Last International orders will be shipped by 5 June if ordered by 22 May 2021. UK orders will continue to be shipped after this date, but ordering early ensure yours arrives in plenty of time to join us on 5 July 2021.

The MAL will start on 5 July and will run until 10 September when everyone can have a ta-dah moment and show off their wraps. We have put together a long make along period because we know that the summer can be a busy time for everyone and we didn’t want anyone to feel rushed to make their wrap.

This project is all about that relaxed sunny day work in progress that you can take with you on holiday, to work on by the pool or on the beach, or in the garden, that you can pick up and put down, and work on at your own pace in your own time!

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

There will be support for the pattern as usual in my Facebook group, and also you can pop in and join in with the Virtual Stitch-n-B*tch sessions hosted by Kitey. Those are a bit like going to a virtual knit and natter group, and everyone there is really lovely and helpful.

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

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

5May2021

Crochet Now Magazine | Parisian Plait Wrap

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

Time seems to be zooming by at the moment, we are already in May! It was only January last weekend I swear it! I realised I haven’t had chance to tell you yet about the new pattern that’s available in the latest issue of Crochet Now magazine.

Issue 68 is out now with a range of Parisian and Spring themed projects including cute cardigan’s, a chic beret and a new wrap design from me called ‘The Parisian Plait Wrap’.

The idea for the Parisian Plait Wrap was to create an easy mindful one ball project, where you could use your favourite gradient yarn cake to make a textured wrap inspired by French plaits.

For this pattern I used Hobbii Cotton Kings Twirl and a 3.25mm hook (US D/3) to create a light and airy pattern with a nice drape and chevroned edges. Hobbii Cotton Kings was a completely new yarn to me so I was quite excited to give it a try. If you aren’t familiar with it, it’s a cake-yarn that’s 100% cotton made up of 4 thin cotton threads (for a 4ply / Sport weight) with long colour changes.

Peach Danburite, the shade I used, almost has a dip dye effect as it runs from a peachy colour to a sort of sky blue – not necessarily colours I would have thought to put together but I loved how it looked in the finished wrap.

I would say don’t let the fact that there are 4 thin cotton threads put you off this yarn; if you just ignore them and crochet how you usually would, you soon forget how the yarn is made up.

There was a great tip though that I saw on the website, that works for this type of yarn, and that is to run all the threads through a small bead before you start crocheting to help the threads stay together throughout the project – brilliant idea!

The elegant wrap looks great teamed up a summer dress but it could also be worn as a scarf. It would be a great project to take with you on holiday as all you would need is a yarn cake, a hook and the pattern.

It was a great mindful project to work on, and I enjoyed designing it and creating it, and as it only uses simple stitches and chains this wrap would be a perfect pattern for beginners.

❤️ SAVE THE PARISIAN PLAIT WRAP ON RAVELRY ❤️

Issue 68 of Crochet Now magazine is packed with 53 patterns in this issue and also includes two supplements; a Hook Nook pattern collection and Rowan Yarns Summer Crochet Collection, so even more patterns for your money!

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

If you hook up the Parisian Plait Wrap I hope you’ll share your photos with me on social media (facebook, twitter or instagram) or as a project on Ravelry – I love to see what you make!

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

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

20Apr2021

Pattern Release | Solstice Garden Wrap

Posted in Crochet, Independent Design by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

You may remember that in December last year I teamed up with the wonderful Kitey aka the Yarn Whisperer for a fun make-along (MAL) for a wrap design which we called ‘Solstice Garden’.

I did promise that the wrap pattern would be available after the MAL had finished – but because of life things going on in the background it’s taken me a bit longer than planned to get this out to you (sorry about that). The good news is that the pattern is now available, from all my usual pattern stores, for you to make your own keepsake shawl.

This lightweight shawl features airy lace beaded motifs combined with rows and rounds to create something really special – in fact I think it would make a wonderful wedding wrap (with that something blue already added) or party wrap!

I used 200g / 800m of 4ply / Fingering Weight; 100g / 400m Corridale 80% Wool / 20% Nylon in the exclusive Yarn Whisperer ‘Solstice Garden’ colourway with a 3.5mm (US size E/4) hook.

Other than the yarn the only other things you need to make the wrap are a yarn needle, stitch markers and 21 crystal type beads (though they could be optional if you wanted a plainer shawl).

If you do love the Yarn Whisperer colourway I used for this shawl in you can still pick up the custom dyed colourway directly from The Yarn Whisperer here but please note the extra special MAL kit ‘freebies’ are no longer available, they were just exclusively for MAL members.

If you love this wrap and you are one of my newsletter subscribers make sure you check your mail box this Friday for an exclusive discount code! And if you’re not a subscriber yet you’ve got a bit of time to sign up, it’s where I share details of blog posts and exclusive offers especially for my lovely subscribers.

And if you enjoyed the MAL, or wished you’d taken part last time, then make sure you watch this space! Kitey and I enjoyed ourselves so much that we’re planning a rather special summer MAL planned that you’re not going to want to miss. I can’t share much yet accept the yarn I’m using and the colours that have been put together for the brand new design are AMAZING!

Make sure you are signed up to the blog (or my newsletter) and / or The Yarn Whisperer newsletter to make sure you are the first to know when the new collaboration project is revealed!

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

21Dec2020

Solstice Garden MAL 2020 | The Reveal

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

Happy Solstice everyone! Today is the last day of the make along that has been hosted by The Yarn Whisperer and myself – though I know there are still plenty of people around the world who are just starting, or are continuing to make the Solstice Garden Wrap.

If this is the first you’ve heard about the Solstice Garden MAL you can read more about it here, but it’s the result of a wonderful collaboration between myself and Kitey, aka The Yarn Whisperer, on a unique crocheted wrap design called Solstice Garden.

It’s made us both incredibly happy to see the photos of folks sharing their progress with us on social media and I hope you will continue to do so as you finish your shawls.

I thought I’d just share some photos of my finished shawl so you can see the final design if you haven’t already. I’m really pleased with how this wrap turned out, it is one of those designs where the yarn really knew what it wanted to be.

I think I mentioned that for this design I looked into some of the traditions of solstice time. The wrap features circles, which the pagan’s used to represent the year and stylised wreaths or blooms to symbolise the turning of the seasons. There are also symbols of protection, unity and balance with enclosing borders and repeating stitch patterns.

With everything that has happened this year this MAL and design has definitely been a highlight, and as always a lovely part of any MAL, (or CAL), has been the wonderful joining of the crafty community, the taking part, chatting about the design and making friends!

In fact there’s a Solstice Zoom catch up TONIGHT at 8pm for a final MAL meet up – doesn’t matter if you are just starting or finishing off it would just be lovely to see you. You can find the full details over on the Yarn Whisperers instagram grid.

Although there is an end date to the make along, it doesn’t really end because you can still make the pattern later. Kitey is currently taking a short break for the holidays though he’ll be re-opening on 26th December (for stock items). His dyed to order yarn, like the Solstice Garden colourway kits will be available again from January 4th 2021. The bead kits to go along with the yarn will still be included but the extra special kit exclusive ‘freebies’ will no longer be available. Kits cost £37 + postage.

If you’d prefer to use yarn from your stash then you can do the pattern alone will be available from my usual stores from 1st February 2021 onwards.

We do hope that you’ve enjoyed this fun make-along, I know Kitey and I have thoroughly enjoyed it – in fact we might just have some secret plans to work together again in the future! All I’m going to say is that I might just have in my possession THE MOST BEAUTIFUL yarn for a summer design that you are not going to want to miss out on! Make sure you are signed up to the blog (or my newsletter) and / or The Yarn Whisperer newsletter to make sure you are the first to know when the new collaboration project is revealed!

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

23Aug2018

Free Crochet Pattern | Shining Light Wedding Wrap

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

This pattern is a special one for me as it’s the wrap I designed for my best friends wedding. The shawl is named after my friend Helen, whose name means shining light, and also the twinkly Scheepjes Stardust yarn I used to make the wrap.

You may remember I designed a ring cushion for her (which you can read about here) but this was something that was a surprise for her just from me – as I know she has a tendency to feel the cold.

I felt very grateful to be able to create something for my best friends special day, we’ve known each other for over 25 years and so much love was put into this shawl with every stitch.

This pattern is a relatively easy to make, and would suit a beginner that was looking to learn some new crochet techniques.

I think this simple and pretty bridal wrap is a perfect combination between tradition and stitch-crafts that a perfect element for a handmade wedding!

This simple yet stunning wedding wrap is perfect for brides (or guests) to add a new dimension to wedding attire and to keep warm too!

If you aren’t familiar with the Scheepjes Stardust I used to make this wrap and would like to learn more then you can read my yarn review here or just scroll straight down to the pattern below.

Shining Light Wedding Wrap

Materials:

Yarn: 8ply / Double Knit / yarn weight #3; Scheepjes Stardust used in photos in the following amounts and shades:

3 x 100g (1620m) of Capricorn: 653

Hook: 3.5mm (US size E)

You will also need: Yarn needle

Gauge: Obtaining the correct gauge is not critical to this project.

Finished Size: 50.8 cm wide x 167.6cm long (20 inches wide x 66 inches long)

Abbreviations:

st(s) = stitch(es)
sl st = slip stitch
ch(s) = chain
dc/sc = UK double crochet / US single crochet
tr/dc = UK Treble Crochet / US Double Crochet

Stitch Guidance:

Slip Stitch (sl st): Insert hook in st indicated, yarn over and draw through all loops.
UK Double Crochet/US Single Crochet (dc/sc): Insert hook in st indicated and draw up a loop (two loops on hook), yarn over, draw through both loops on hook.
UK Treble / US Double Crochet (tr/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.

Pattern:

The main pattern is a two row repeat (e.g. rows 2-3)

Row 1: Ch102; 1dc/sc in 2nd ch from hook *ch5, miss 3ch, 1dc/sc in next st* repeat from * to * until end, turn (99 sts / 25 ch loops)

Row 2: Ch5; 1dc/sc in the first loop *7tr/dc in the next loop, 1dc/sc in the next loop, ch5, 1dc/sc in the next loop, * repeat from * to * until the last dc/sc in the last loop; ch2, 1tr/dc in the top of the dc/sc of row 1 to finish end, turn

Row 3: Ch1; 1dc/sc in the first st, *ch5; miss two sts (first sc/dc and the first st of 7tr/dc of previous rnd), 1dc/sc in the next st, ch5, miss 3sts, 1dc/sc in the next st, ch5, 1dc/sc into the next loop * repeat from * to * until the ch5 loop, finish with a dc/sc in the beginning ch5 loop of row 2, turn

Rows 4 to 92: Repeat rows 2-3 ending on a row 2, turn

Rows 93: Ch1; 1dc/sc in the first st *ch3; miss next st (of 7tr/dc of previous rnd), 1dc/sc in the next st, ch3, miss 3sts, 1dc/sc in the next st, ch3, 1dc/sc into the next loop * repeat from * to * to end, finishing with a dc/sc in the beginning ch5 loop. On the last st do not fasten off but continue straight to the edging instructions

Edging:

Ch3, Work * 1tr/dc in each dc/sc st along (or 3tr/dc in each ch3 sp) ; add 5tr/dc in the last st of each edge to turn the corner * then repeat from * to * until end. Fasten off and weave in ends.

I would greatly appreciate if you add this pattern to your “favourite” on Ravelry (just click the pink heart button on the top right hand side of the listing).

And if you hook up the Shining Light Wedding Wrap please share your photos with me on social media (facebook, twitter or instagram) – I love to see what you make!

And that’s it!

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

5Apr2018

Leafy Boughs Shawl CAL| All Finished!

Posted in Crochet, crochet-along, Inspiration, Magazine, Pattern Release, Sale / Special Offer, Tah-Dah by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

All good things come to an end at some point and so it happens that with the arrival of April that the March Happily Hooked Magazine crochet-along, with my Leafy Boughs Shawl, is now OVER. I have been left completely flabbergasted all the shawls that have been made, the amazing colourways, the fact that people made more than one in the time frame – just amazing!

So we couldn’t come to the end of an amazing CAL without having a little showcase of some of the amazing shawls that have been made – get ready for a feast of inspiration for your eyeballs!

All of them were amazing but I did have a couple of favourites; this one by Corrie really drew my eye because it’s just so gorgeous. She used Scheepjes Whirl in Tasty Nom Nom, a colourway which I adore, and I think the pattern works so well in the mixture of rich pinks and purples.

This one by Laura, using some indie dyed yarn from Etsy, also came out beautifully – move over pastels! I love these rich spring colours.

This version of the Leafy Bough’s shawl by HHM editor Emily is so lovely, I love the variegated blues and greens and I also love that the staff of HHM join in the crochet-alongs with their members – how wonderful is that!

And this one by Lee, Assistant Editor of HHM, is just stunning too isn’t it!! Lee used Katia Spring rainbow which is a yarn I’ve never tried before but one I’m certainly going to look out for.

And finally how amazing is this backdrop! Spring in the Yucatan apparently and wow what a place to be crocheting! And Lynne’s shawl is a perfect compliment to the backdrop, her shawl in variegated blues and purples is just stunning too.

And here is a little collage of some more of the wonderful shawls people have made, thanks so much to; Amy, Ann, Anne-Mary, Carole, Charlene, Christena, Coco-Lee, Corrie, Debra, Emily, Geneva, Jackie, Karen, Kim, Laura, Linda, Lynne, Missy, Naomi, Nicki, Nora, Pamela, Patrice and Sara for sharing your finished works with me.

Happily Hooked magazine run a new CAL every new issue of the magazine. If that’s something you think you might be interested in you can SAVE over 50% on your first year when you start a digital subscription through my link:yearly subscription. Or if you aren’t quite ready for a yearly subscription why not try the monthly subscription.

Well until next time, happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

1Mar2018

Leafy Boughs Shawl | Fancy joining us for a CAL?

Posted in Crochet, crochet-along, Magazine, Pattern Release, Sale / Special Offer, Tah-Dah by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

So you guys have heard me talk about the monthly online US Happily Hooked Magazine before right? Well I’m extremely excited to announce that I’ve been published in the latest issue AND my brand new shawl design has been chosen as the magazine’s crochet-along for March! Can you see the green shawl on the front cover, well I’m very proud to say that it’s mine – please allow me to introduce the ‘Leafy Boughs’ Shawl.

The Leafy Boughs shawl is a light and airy shawl which is a perfect accessory for your spring / summer wardrobe.

And through some leafy boughs that made a green screen above his head, he saw a bonnet, and a shawl, and fluttering ribands’

Inspired by a passage from the romantic novel, The Commissioner by G. P. R. James, this pattern is a breeze to hook, once you get used to the row repeats, and worked in pretty gradient spring greens you’ll just want to keep it for yourself!

The crochet-along starts today 1 March until 31 March with members of HHM all crocheting this design (squeek – it’s so exciting!!).

I made mine with a trusty 3.25mm hook (US size D) in the most delicious Scheejpes Whirl (4ply) in the shade Pistachi Oh So Nice.

It was my first time using a Scheejpes whirl and I have to say I’m in love and now NEED to try all the colourways. The shawl pattern however is not at all gauge critical, so really anything from 4ply (fingering) to aran (worsted weight) would be just perfect to use!

You can join and find out more about the CAL here. You can also join in the discussion in the fantastic CAL communities on Facebook and Ravelry! Where you’ll be able to interact with me, share photos of your work in progress, and receive and give encouragement to other community members. And I do hope you’ll add the shawl pattern to your 💗Favourites by clicking on the little heart button and adding it to your Ravelry Queue here too.

Because the CAL pattern is in the current issue, you can either subscribe, or you can purchase the individual issue. You can SAVE over 50% on your first year when you start a digital subscription through my link: yearly subscription. Or if you aren’t quite ready for a yearly subscription why not try the monthly subscription.

I do hope you will join us in the crochet-along, I seriously can’t wait to see what colours you choose and your finished projects! I’ll definitely be looking to hold a showcase at the end of the month.

Well until next time, happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx