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).

SHOP ENCHANTED WOOD YARN KITS

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!

PURCHASE UK / US PATTERN PDF

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.

PURCHASE DUTCH PATTERN PDF

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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: Ravelry, Facebook 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

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.

17Jan2023

Crochet Now Magazine | Lola the Ladybird

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

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

If you make up Lola the Lovebug I hope you’ll share any finished photos with me on social media (facebook, twitter or instagram) or as a project on Ravelry – I love to see what you make! And finally you may wish to 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

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.

Subscribe to the blog:

6Jan2023

Looking back at 2022 | And coming up…

Posted in Crochet by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Welcome to the first KCACO.UK blog post for 2023! I’d like to wishing you all a very Happy New Year! I hope you had a restful and woolly festive break.

I umm’d and ahh’d about doing an end of year review but I decided that I actually forget so much that I’ve done that it can be rather nice to take a bit of time to look back at the year in this way.

Apparently I released 49 patterns in 2022; which seems a little bonkers when it’s added up like that. I’m so often going straight to the next project, after finishing the last, so I don’t realise just how much crochet I’ve managed to squeeze in! 49 patterns seemed a bit excessive to recap though so I thought I’d just share some of my personal highlights or favourites projects of the year!

January / February 2022

At the start of the year I was delighted to share some designs in Happily Hooked Magazine, I Like Crochet Magazine and Crochet Now. There was a moose, a hat, scarf, purse and three wraps in amongst the designs, but I have to say that one of my favourites was the Chevron Spectrum Wrap from Happily Hooked Issue 94 – and I’ve had such positive feedback about it that it seemed to be a favourite with you too.

Now that the pattern rights have come back to me for this one it’s definitely on the list as an early release for 2023 (so watch this space!)

March / April 2022

In March / April I re-released some patterns including two bunnies and a dragon, and I worked with Crochet Now Magazine again with the Flora Filet wrap design, and a bit of a highlight, an Official Clangers pattern for a baby mobile for Issue 79. There were also the three free patterns working in collaboration with Anchor Yarns to create some jewellery designs – they were fun. I also released my first mini crochet kit, for a hanging heart ornament, which I thoroughly enjoyed creating.

But I have to say that one of my favourite designs was another rainbow inspired design (because I do so love a rainbow!) again for Happily Hooked Magazine (Issue 96) and that was the Colour Wheel Cowl.

I actually really want to recreate this design in some hand-dyed mini’s that I’ve got – don’t you think that could be an great project?

May / June 2022

In May and June I had the pleasure of working with Happily Hooked Magazine on a wrap and a doll, Crochet Now Magazine on a wrap, a shawl and an amigurumi, Simply Crochet magazine on a cassette purse and Lets Get Crafting on a squirrel and mobile.

I was also delighted to be one of the guest designers for The Crochet Society subscription box 35. The Argon Triangular Scarf actually was my favourite makes of the year, I loved how it turned out – that texture still really makes me smile!

And I’m going to sneak in a couple of additional favourite designs, because the lovely Kitey (aka The Yarn Whisperer) and I collaborated on our summer make-along at this time too. The Dragonfly River Cowl is a pattern I LOVED designing – it’s always a delight to create something with beautiful yarn and accessories!

We already have some ideas lined up for summer (and winter) which are some of the things I’m looking forward to in 2023.

May was also the month that I released Flynn the Fox with Dear Ewe which launched when I exhibited at Wool@Jct13 Yarn Show. I love how sweet this little amigurumi fox turned out, he’s definitely on my list of favourite makes for the year.

I’m going to be back exhibiting with Wool@Jct13 again in May 2023 (it’s in Staffordshire if fancy coming along), with (fingers crossed) a brand new amigurumi kit design – something else I’m looking forward too.

July / August 2022

In July and August there were some more amigurumi’s with Crochet Now Magazine, including one of my favourite collections, for some official Care Bear Patterns (in Issue 84). As a child of the 80’s it was rather special to have the opportunity to work on those simply because they were CARE BEARS!

I was delighted to also be included in the Simply Crochet magazine Granny Square day festivities with two new granny square designs, I re-released a puppy for charity, and released a free bee keyring. I also created a blanket and a wrap for I Like Crochet Magazine, the latter of which, The Sandstone Shawl, was another of my favourite designs of the year.

I love, love, LOVE how it turned out and I’m still in love with all slubby textured yarns as a consequence I think! Maybe more of that sort of yarn this year.

September / October 2022

There were ponies and re-released life-sized pumpkins. and bird baubles, monsters, and free blocks like the Isaz Afghan Block I think I had a couple of favourites again during this period. I released another mini crochet kit, The Teeny Tiny Pumpkins, which I thoroughly enjoyed – there’s just something so satisfactory about making a load of pumpkins!

I really do enjoy creating these tiny crochet kits, so I’m certain they’ll be some more of these on the cards for 2023.

I also really loved making The Acorn Gnomes for Crochet Now magazine (Issue 86), these little characters really just came alive when I made them, I love walks in the woods, and loved imagining these little guys into being!

November / December 2022

The end of the year saw Pickles the Puppy for Crochet Now and The Winter Rambles scarf for Inside Crochet (issue 152) and two new mini crochet kits, the Vintage Snowman and the Reindeer Tree Ornament, the latter of which sold out! I’ll be restocking that one soon now that I’ve re-opened the shops after Christmas this week.

And of course I can’t forget the winter make along for The Peppermint Pageant MAL with Kitey – but as that’s still on going (until 26 January) I won’t share all the details on that just yet. But needless to say the yarn was a delight to work with and the accessories by Mrs G Makes were perfection as always.

As well as that lot I also managed to some how squeeze in hooking up some patterns by some other designers including The Juniper Cowl by TL Yarn Crafts, The Samhain Beanie and the Tree Skirt by The Crochet Sanctuary ladies, a Wednesday doll by Nivia Souza for my niece (which she loved), some crocheted vegetables (Carrot and Artichoke), The Harford Mittens from a TOFT kit and the Winter Flora Cushion by Catherine Crochets – I’ll probably write up a blog post about some of these projects soon.

I’ve loved being involved in all the designs I’ve worked on this year, it’s all been rather creative! And of course there’s more to look forward to in 2023 from me, we’ve got the new Crochet Along for 2023, The Enchanted Wood, starting in a couple of weeks (squee!) and there’s some more amigurumi, home decor items and accessories that I’ll be sharing with you throughout the year, I’ve got plenty to keep my hooks busy!

I’d love to here about what you’ve finished in 2023, or what you are looking forward to making in 2023 – drop me a comment below.

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

26Dec2022

Happy MAL day | Peppermint Pageant starts today!

Posted in Crochet by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Happy MAL day folks!

I hope you are enjoying a restful festive period and are now ready for a bit of hooky time.

All the folks that ordered the exclusive Peppermint Pageant MAL kit should have already received the gorgeous Yarn Whisperer yarn (plus fab extras), and the pattern went out to everyone a few days ago (from Kitey – so maybe check your junk mail if the pattern doesn’t seem to have appeared). So we should be all ready to begin!

The exclusive colourway that Kitey has come up with this time was inspired by Christmas! It contains a 50g skein of a fabulously rich tonal minty green that you would see in peppermints and in traditional fir trees. Then alongside that skein was a 50g skein of a beautiful semi-solid rich red – the unique variations in each make them just so special to work with.

These colours have been married up with a hank of natural yarn, because it’s beautiful in it’s own right, it’s actually one of my favourite things – to see natural yarn along side a hand dyed version as the colours really pop! And the merino Aran weight yarn I think is my new yarn crush – such a delight to crochet with!

And in amongst the kit there is THE MOST FABULOUS stitch marker, wooden button and pencil from Mrs G! So a little known fact about me is that I have a thing about stationery, I actually I do all my pattern writing in pencil, so I loved the addition of the engraved pencil, what a lovely reminder of the MAL each time I use it.

I also have a thing about things made in wood, which the little Christmas button was made from, I love the fact it has the date engraved on it to mark the project date. And of course the metal disc snowflake stitch marker was a perfect match for the project and is so fab and functional as all Mrs G’s stitch markers are (I have quite the collection).

For the full information about this particular MAL you can find all the details here (or via the top menu of this blog under the tab ‘CALS AND MALS’). But generally the idea is that the MAL is a relaxed event designed to be a lovely betwixtmas project – this time round we are making a Christmas stocking.

The Make Along will run from today (Monday 26 December 2022) until Thursday 26 January 2022 giving everyone plenty of time to make the pattern during the festive season and new year. You can of course start the pattern at anytime you wish, this deadline is just there for those that like to have one.

There will be support for the pattern as usual in my Facebook group; the KCACO-UK Crochet Community Group and in Kitey’s Virtual Stitch-n-B*tch zoom sessions – see full details on Kitey’s Insta page

SHARING WITH THE #PEPPERMINTPAGEANT MAKEALONG COMMUNITY

We hope you’ll share your photos with us on social media (facebook, twitter or instagram) or as a project on Ravelry – we’d love to see what you make! We will be sharing our progress with the hashtags #peppermintpageantmal #kcacouk #yarnwhisperer. If you’re blogging, feel free to leave links to your post(s) in the comments here.

You also 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 – I’ll just say that Kitey and I have already planned projects for well into 2024!

We do hope that you enjoy this fun make-along; Kitey and I can’t wait to see your wonderful stockings come to life!

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

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23Dec2022

The Enchanted Wood Crochet Along Planning

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

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% Cotton	Balls	Grams	Metres	Yds
Part 1	Ecru (7128)	1	100	250	273
Part 2	Seafoam (7143)	1	100	250	273
Part 3	Bluestone (Shade 7164)	1	100	250	273
Part 4	Natural (Shade 7146)	1	100	250	273
	Pumice (Shade 7154)	1	100	250	273
Part 5	Cameo (Shade 7166)	1	100	250	273
	Nutmeg (Shade 7147)	1	100	250	273
Part 6	Celery (Shade 7155)	2	200	500	546
Part 7	Thyme (Shade 7156)	2	200	500	546
Part 8	Spring Green (Shade 7126)	5	500	1200	1365
TOTALS		16	1600	4000	4368

BUY NATURALS KIT HERE

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 Colours	Balls	Grams	Metres	Yds
Part 1	Cream (Shade 1005)	1	100	295	322
Part 2	Parchment (Shade 1218)	1	100	295	322
Part 3	Mocha (Shade 1064)	1	100	295	322
Part 4	Camel (Shade 1420)	1	100	295	322
Part 5	Saffron (Shade 1081)	2	200	590	644
Part 6	Pistachio (Shade 1822)	2	200	590	644
Part 7	Meadow (Shade 1065)	2	200	590	644
Part 8	Sage (Shade 1725)	5	500	1475	1610
TOTALS		15	1500	4425	4830

BUY SPECIAL DK KIT HERE

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:

You can get 10% discount off any Dear Ewe stationery (WIP project cards and CAL yarn sample cards etc) and Dear Ewe project bags on the website with coupon code: ENCHANTED to assist with all your CAL endeavours!
Beautiful bespoke CAL cards have also been created by Simply Shade Cards with the list of the all the yarns used, for Stylecraft Naturals and Stylecraft Special DK, as a perfect way to keep track of colours for the project.
Exclusive stitch markers have been designed for the CAL by the wonderful MrsGMakes.

Digital Pattern:

PURCHASE PDF PATTERN

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.

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

21Dec2022

Come with us to The Enchanted Wood | CAL 2023

Posted in Collaboration, Crochet, Crochet Along by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Oh my word, you wouldn’t even believe how excited I am to finally announce that a bright and beautiful new crochet-along (CAL) is on the way for 2023!!

Join me in making an enchanted style blanket with a woodland-inspired theme. The Enchanted Wood throw is a versatile piece featuring an intricate collection of textured stitches intertwined together.

Bring the great outdoors indoors using a carefully curated palette of colours and stitches in a project that has plenty of interest as each section emerges – with no sewing together!

Believe it or not I actually started working on the design for this pattern not long after we finished with our 2021 CAL; Filet Fantastic. So for over a year this pattern has been bubbling away in the background getting crafted and honed until it was really to share with you lovely folks.

Everyone seemed to really enjoy the no-sew building block construction (I used in Filet Fantastic) so I decided to utilise that method again for the latest CAL blanket. Whilst it is of similar construction this year’s CAL is focused on texture to produce something that you truly just want to keep running your hands over!

This year’s particular theme came from two places; my favourite walking spots in the woods and one of my favourite Enid Blyton books as a child”

Right then, are you sitting comfortably? Then I shall begin with some of the specifics for this years design.

CAL Specifics

The Enchanted Wood CAL will be released in 8 parts which will be available for free here on the Keep Calm and Crochet On UK Blog. The CAL will start with Part 1 on Friday 20 January 2023 and runs for 8 weeks, each Friday, ending on Friday 10 March 2023.

The landing page for the CAL is available from the CALS AND MALS drop down at the top of the page (here), where I will link all the details in one place.

The Enchanted Wood KCACOUKCAL23 – Stylecraft Naturals Bamboo and Cotton

Yarn Amounts and Kits

I used Stylecraft Naturals Bamboo. + Cotton DK for my blanket which is a really lovely yarn. It’s a cotton / bamboo blended yarn that uses natural fibres for a luxurious crafting experience that’s kind to sensitive skin. Yet it can still go in the washing machine and tumble dryer (on a cool cycle) which makes it perfect for a blanket for the home. It comes in a gorgeous range of naturally inspired shades, designed to mix and match beautifully, and I picked ten colours for my blanket because there were so many lovely shades I wanted to use as many as possible!
And my lovely mum has been back with her hooks to make a second version of the blanket. She’s created hers in Stylecraft Special DK which I would describe as a bit of a staple in the crafting world. I’ve used it for every so many projects. It’s an acrylic yarn as it’s soft yet durable (making it particularly well suited to blankets – and it also washes well). It also comes in a vast rainbow of colours making it particularly easy to choose 8 ‘natural’ sort of shades

I’m delighted to say, as with the last CAL, that Black Sheep Wools have created some exclusive kits especially for the CAL. There are two kits available, the first is in the beautiful Stylecraft Naturals Bamboo. + Cotton. It contains 16 balls and is just £69.99 per kit. The second kit is in the crocheters favourite Stylecraft Special DK, there are 15 balls in the kits and it is just £29.99.

BUY KITS HERE

If you are thinking of hooking up this design using yarn from your own stash I would suggest that you would need at least 8 – 10 different colours and at least 1500 / 1600g / 4425m / 4830yds though I’ll be going into more detail about colours and yarn amounts in my next post (Friday 23 December).

Hook Size

CAL Accessories

I’m delighted to say I have once again set up some some special collaborations for this CAL for you. CAL lovers can now buy directly from small businesses that have created something special, specifically for the crochet along, which they will be sure to love!

You can get 10% discount off any Dear Ewe stationery (WIP project cards and CAL yarn sample cards etc) and Dear Ewe project bags on the website with coupon code: ENCHANTED to assist with all your CAL endeavours!
Beautiful bespoke CAL cards have also been created by Simply Shade Cards with the list of the all the yarns used, for Stylecraft Naturals and Stylecraft Special DK, as a perfect way to keep track of colours for the project.
Exclusive stitch markers have been designed for the CAL by the wonderful MrsGMakes.

SHOP DEAR EWE

SHOP SIMPLY SHADE CARDS

SHOP MRS G MAKES

The Enchanted Wood KCACOUKCAL23 – Stylecraft Special DK Version

CAL Details

There is no charge to join the CAL; anyone can join in as long as they have some yarn and a hook.
Whilst the pattern will be available for free here on the blog 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. During the duration of the CAL this pattern will be released part by part, via Ravelry updates, so as not to spoilt anyone’s fun.
For those that like a deadline I will be adding new details about each section every week on a Friday – see below for full schedule. For those that want to hook when they have the time then that’s fine too; there’s no pressure to this CAL it’s all about enjoying the journey and having fun!
I will be using both UK and US crochet terminology in the pattern (UK/US) so you can pick your preference. I will also always include any helpful information about each element including links about special stitches with the release of each new section.

PURCHASE PDF PATTERN ON RAVELRY

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The Schedule

Wednesday 21 December 2023	CAL Details – including start date, schedule, yarn amounts and hook size
Friday 23 December 2022	CAL Planning – more about the design, colours, yarn and support available
Friday 20 January 2023	Part 1 – The Tree
Friday 27 January 2023	Part 2 – Little Buds
Friday 3 February 2023	Part 3 – Ferns
Friday 10 February 2023	Part 4 – Pinecones
Friday 17 February 2023	Part 5 – Acorns
Friday 24 February 2023	Part 6 – Mushrooms
Friday 3 March 2023	Part 7 – Bark and Branches
Friday 10 March 2023	Part 8 – Leaf Border
Friday 14 April 2023	Tah Dah! Your finished blankets

Updates and Support:

Keep up to date with the details via the following links:

Social Media Links:

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

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30Nov2022

Crochet Now Magazine | Pickwick the Puppy

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

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 (facebook, twitter 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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29Nov2022

Fasten Off Yarn-a-Long Event

Posted in Crochet by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Mark your calendars!

The Fasten Off Yarnalong has begun! From now until the 31 December 2022 you can enjoy an inclusive stitch-a-long event which aims to showcase independent crochet and knitting designers.

Images shows a range of designs available in the Fasten Off Yarn Along Event — *RBSCrochet* – Baby Blues Blanket, *Mrenji* – Emerald Wave Cowl, *Crochetcetera* – Parallel Celebrations Shawl, *Capital Crochet* – Juliet Cowl, *YarnAndy* – Aglaia Shawl, *Rachel Newin Designs* – As You Wish Beanie, *ReVe Design Co* – Comfy Cuff Socks, Draco the Dragon – by me, *La Vishch Designs* – Heuvel en Dal Shawl and *Knot Bad Brit*t – Autumn Waves Wrap

It’s the 3rd year that Fasten Off has been running for, and this year’s seasonal event is featuring 109 designers, and over 4,300 patterns – and 1,062 of those are crochet or Tunisian crochet!

The event is filled with activities and games, includes lots of opportunity for chatting on various social media channels. Makers can get as involved as they feel comfortable with, on the channels they feel comfortable on.

To participate in the stitchalong, you just have to start a project using a purchasable pattern from any of the participating designers. You can check out the YAL database which lists every participating designer and all of the patterns.

At a time of year when many of us are in a hurry to finish Christmas gift items, this event is a great way to stitch along with other makers.

HOW TO JOIN THE EVENT

You can join the event via the Discord server or follow the fasten off yal on instagram or Twitter, you can also read more about the event by visiting the website. There’s even a Spotify playlist full of songs related to the Fasten Off event in fun ways.

The event kicks off with a two-week discount period; that’s when people can use the event’s discount code to get 25% off a selection of patterns from our participating designers! And there are SO many great patterns by fabulous designers on offer – I may have snapped up a few patterns for myself!

I’m discounting all of my patterns in my Etsy shop (apart from CAL and MAL designs) for the duration of the sale period! Meaning you can get 25% discount off whatever you’ve been eyeing up lately.

Images shows a range of designs available in my KCACOUKDesigns Etsy store

DISCOUNT CODE

All you need to do is use code FO2022 to get 25% discount between 25th November and 8th December on each of these platforms. Use it for any pattern or eBook, and there’s no limit to the number of times you can use the code during the sale period!

GO STRAIGHT TO ETSY SHOP

GET SOCIAL

Finished projects are eligible for prizes! Complete the FO submission form to enter.

To share your finished projects on social media, use the hashtag #FOYAL2022FO! If you’re on Discord, you can post in our #yal-finished-projects channel, and please use the hashtag #KCACOUK to tag any of your makes from my patterns on socials – I can’t wait to see what you make!

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

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15Nov2022

Inside Crochet Magazine | Winter Rambles Scarf

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

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 (facebook, twitter 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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8Nov2022

Crochet Now Magazine | RSPB British Bird Baubles

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

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.

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 (facebook, twitter 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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