LGC Knitting & Crochet Magazine | Red Squirrel and Baby Mobile

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

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 B ALL 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 (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, keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

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12May2022

Crochet Now Magazine | Geo Zing Wrap

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

For the latest issue of Crochet Now magazine (Issue 81) I’ve paired the popular corner to corner (C2C) technique with a bold geometric design in a new wrap called ‘Geo Zing’.

Picture of C2C Geo Zing Wrap featured in Issue 81 of Crochet Now Magazine — © Practical Publishing 2022 (Crochet Now Issue 81)

If you’re not familiar C2C crochet, it’s a stitch that creates a solid fabric by creating ‘squares’ which is worked on the diagonal. Once you’ve learnt the C2C stitch it’s easy to work and it’s fantastic for creating shapes (or pictures) with crochet.

Changing colours might seem a bit scary, but once you perfected your technique it’s more about keeping your yarn organised so that you don’t get in a tangle which can seem like the tricky part!

Picture of C2C Geo Zing Wrap shown on mannikin

I’ve actually kept this design to just two colours so as to keep tangling issues to a minimum! I used 2 balls of Scheepjes Whirlette in Tasty Treat (878) and Rose (859) with a 3.25mm (US D/3) hook. It’s a yarn cake made from 40% Acrylic / 60% Cotton with a weight of 100 grams [455 meters length].

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 like I have.

I then used some matching Scheepjes Catona (in Cyan shade 397, and Tulip shade 222) for the tassels at either end. Catona is 100% mercerised cotton and comes in 10g, 25g or 50g balls, it has a soft delicate sheen that I thought would work brilliantly in a fringe.

This striking geometric print wrap will certainly add a zing of colour to your wardrobe as the sun starts to shine – and would make an ideal cover up for spring evenings or summer parties.

❤️ SAVE GEO ZING WRAP ON RAVELRY ❤️

Issue 81 of Crochet Now is full of lovely patterns; this month they are focusing on finding positivity in the small things. With that in mind, they’ve got plenty of bright and cheerful patterns to add a little cheer to your month (and a couple that might give you a laugh or two)!

The magazine is available to buy from most supermarkets or you can grab a digital version from www.craftstash.co.uk/books-magazines

Front cover of Issue 81 of Crochet Now Magazine — © Practical Publishing 2022 (Crochet Now Issue 81)

If you make up the Geo Zing wrap 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.

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9May2022

Pattern Release | Whisperers of the Sea Wrap

Posted in Collaboration, Crochet, Crochet Accessories, Crochet Kit, Independent Design, Pattern Release by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

So today is the official launch of the BRAND NEW summer crochet make-along (Dragonfly River which you can read about here), and so I thought I needed to get my act together and finally list the pattern for last years make-along, the Whisperers of the Sea Wrap, for anyone who just wants the pattern to make their own keepsake wrap.

The product of the wonderful collaboration between myself and The Yarn Whisperer the Whispers of the Sea Wrap is a crocheted shawl featuring light and airy stitches that give it beautiful drape and flow. Perfect for warmer weather as a cover up on the beach, for strolls along the shore, or maybe a beach wedding!

I’m really pleased with how the design turned out, I absolutely LOVED working with the slub yarn! The texture and the softness and the colours that Kitey had worked his magic with were just an absolute delight with every stitch I made. If you love the yarn I created my wrap you can still pick up the custom dyed yarn directly as a pre-order from The Yarn Whisperer on his website.

Or if you’d prefer to use yarn from your stash, the pattern is now available from my usual pattern stores for you to make your own version of the Whispers of the Sea Wrap – I can’t wait to see what colourways you use for your own unique shawls.

It’s made us both incredibly happy to see photos of folks sharing their progress and finished wraps with us on social media, and I hope you will continue to do so as you finish your wraps if you haven’t had chance to make it yet – you can still tag us with the hashtag #WOTSMAL.

To celebrate the launch of our BRAND NEW collaboration I’m running a sale all three of our previous collaboration patterns. Use the code: COLLAB25 until 16 May 2022 to get 25% discount off Whisperers of the Sea Wrap, Mellow Mallow Scarf and the Solstice Garden Wrap

As I mentioned in my last post, Kitey and I just may have already planned more projects into 2024 – we do get a bit over excited when we start talking!) You may wish to sign 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

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2May2022

Yarn Show 2022 | Wool@Jct13 – Get your tickets!

Posted in Outings, Yarn Show by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Yarn shows are back, hooray! I think they have definitely been missed. And I for one am super excited to be going back to Wool@Jct13 on 14 – 15 May 2022!

But I’m not going as a visitor this time, I’m actually vending with my Dear Ewe, KCACOUK and Yarnybobs products. In November of last year, I had my first yarn show stand at Wool@Jct13, and I’m delighted to be going back this May (and at the time of year the show is normally held).

If you’ve not heard of Wool@Jct13 before it’s a two day yarn festival held on a family run farm in the pretty market town of Penkridge, South Staffordshire which is just off Junction 13 of the M6.

It’s a show which is just down the road from me and we have been every year (pre-Covid), with the whole family, and it’s been a wonderfully fun day out (you can read about previous visits here, here and here).

The festival is described as a celebration of all things woolly for anyone with an interest in wool and crafts – whether it be knitting, crochet, spinning, weaving or felting.

Over the two days you can expect to find food, drink and music alongside demonstrations, competitions and wool craft workshops – and of course lots yarn themed shopping opportunities!

Tickets are very reasonably priced at £7.50pp on the day or £12.50pp for the full weekend. Getting advanced tickets you can get a bit more of a discount and under 16’s and parking for the day are both free.

If you haven’t yet booked your place for the 2022 show, follow this link for more info and to save money on your advance bookings: https://wool-j13.uk/tickets/

From learning new skills and stocking up on supplies, visitors to Wool@Jct13 are in for a weekend of wool-filled loveliness!

I really hope you will come over and say hi to me (and my lovely mum who is helping me on the day), we’ll be on stand 6A.

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

28Apr2022

Free Pattern | Flowery Jewellery Set (with supporting video)

Posted in Crochet, Free Patterns by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

I’m happy to share with you today, the last crochet jewellery set that I’ve created in collaboration with the lovely folks at Anchor Crafts. This is the third and final set of three, the first was the Geometric Jewellery set, then there was the Leaves Jewellery set, finally we have the Flowery Jewellery set.

This pretty long necklace set is inspired by nature with two sizes of flowers that offer a touch of timeless elegance. Sitting gracefully around your neck, the necklace is created on one long beaded chain that can be made longer or shorter to compliment what you are wearing.

For my jewellery I used Anchor Freccia 6 which is 100% mercerized cotton 3ply yarn with a 2.5mm (closest US size C/2) hook. I used two shades for this set; 00968 Baby Pink and 00387 Cream but it would work just as well in a single colour – and the colour combinations you could create are endless.

If you don’t already have some jewellery finding to hand you will need some items to make your jewellery set. I have this set for earring hooks and this one for everything you need for necklaces – you might also find some small nose pliers useful too. Finally you will need some 40 x light pink beads if you want to make yours exactly like mine – I have a multicoloured set of beads that I used for my jewellery.

❤️ SAVE THE FLOWERY JEWELLERY SET ON RAVELRY ❤️

I love how pretty and delicate this set turned out; you would undoubtedly have enough yarn to make a set for a special friend or family member after you have made one for yourself!

The pattern for the Flowery Jewellery Set is a free download available directly from the Anchor Crafts website here where you can just download the pattern or register for an account. It doesn’t cost anything for an account, but by signing up you’ll gain access to loads of other free patterns by other talented designers too.

❤️ FREE FLOWERY JEWELLERY ANCHOR PATTERN DOWNLOAD ❤️

And if it’s the first time you’ve ever tackled crochet jewellery then you might find the tutorial that we’ve put together for the set extra helpful.

If you hook up any of the decorations I hope you’ll tag @kcaco.uk on Instagram using the hashtags #kcacouk and #proud2craft or #anchoryarns (so the folks at Anchor Yarns can see) or share your photos with us on social media (facebook, twitter or or as a project on Ravelry) – I love to see what you make!

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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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22Apr2022

Free Pattern | Leaves Jewellery Set (with supporting video)

Posted in Crochet, Free Patterns by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

I’m delighted to share with you today, the next crochet jewellery set that I’ve created in collaboration with the lovely folks at Anchor Crafts. This is the second set of three, the first was the Geometric Jewellery set, and I’ve got one more set to share with you after today. Today’s set is called the Leaves Jewellery set and it consists of a necklace with matching earrings.

This delicate twisted leaf set is inspired by nature with gentle curves and twists that work with each other to create some organic style beauty. It’s another set which I think would be easy to wear and would look good as a Spring set (as I’ve created) or equally as good in Autumnal colours – you have the opportunity to make something unique!

For my jewellery I used Anchor Freccia 6 which is 100% mercerized cotton 3ply yarn with a 2.5mm (closest US size C/2) hook. I used two lovely Spring shades for this set; 00676 Duck Egg and 00666 Teal and as the yarn comes in 50g [191 yards /175 meters] you could make a few matching sets from the two balls.

If you don’t already have some jewellery finding to hand you will need some items to make your jewellery set. I have this set for earring hooks and this one for everything you need for necklaces – you might also find some small nose pliers useful too. Finally you will need some 35 x duck egg coloured beads and 32 x teal coloured beads if you want to make yours exactly like mine – I have a multicoloured set of beads that I used for my jewellery.

❤️ SAVE THE LEAVES JEWELLERY SET ON RAVELRY ❤️

Crochet jewellery is such a nice quick project to work on, and I think the Leaves Jewellery set would make the perfect addition to your daily collection – or they could make a lovely project to gift to friends or family.

The pattern for the Leaves Jewellery Set is a free download available directly from the Anchor Crafts website here where you can just download the pattern or register for an account. It doesn’t cost anything for an account, but by signing up you’ll gain access to loads of other free patterns by other talented designers too.

❤️ FREE LEAVES JEWELLERY ANCHOR PATTERN DOWNLOAD ❤️

And if it’s the first time you’ve ever tackled crochet jewellery then you might find the tutorial that we’ve put together for the set extra helpful.

I really enjoyed making this set and hope you will too – I’ve got one more free jewellery set to share with you soon, so make sure you check back for the details – 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 free pattern releases are available.

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

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20Apr2022

Free Pattern | Geometric Jewellery Set (with supporting video)

Posted in Crochet, Free Patterns by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

In collaboration with the lovely folks at Anchor Crafts, I’ve got not 1, not 2, but THREE brand new free crochet patterns to share with you and they are all for something a little bit different – crochet jewellery! I’m going to share each set one by one (over the next few days) so all the relevant information for each set is easy to find. First up is the Geometric Jewellery set comprising of necklace, bracelet and earrings!

This bold square set is inspired by art deco style of geometric shapes with strong precise lines. Extremely easy to wear as an eye-catching set or as individual pieces, this modern contemporize crochet jewellery is designed for those who want to make a statement!

❤️ SAVE THE GEOMETRIC JEWELLERY SET ON RAVELRY ❤️

For my jewellery I used Anchor Freccia 6 which is 100% mercerized cotton 3ply yarn with a 2.5mm (Closest US size C/2) hook. I used four different colours (00403 Black, 00092 Purple, 00666 Teal, 00089 Fuchsia).

If you don’t already have some jewellery finding to hand you will need to pick up somethings to add to your crochet; I have this set for earring hooks and this one for everything you need for bracelets and necklaces – you might also find some small nose pliers useful too. Finally you will need some iridescent seed beads (I have a multicoloured set) though this could be optional, but I liked the bit of added sparkle!

Crochet jewellery make lovely quick projects as they are certainly quicker than a jumper or amigurumi as they can usually be completed in a couple of days or less!

The pattern for the geometric jewellery set is a free download available directly from the Anchor Crafts website here where you can just download the pattern or register for an account. It doesn’t cost anything for an account, but by signing up you’ll gain access to loads of other free patterns by other talented designers too.

❤️ FREE GEO JEWELLERY ANCHOR PATTERN DOWNLOAD ❤️

And if it’s the first time you’ve ever tackled crochet jewellery then you might find the tutorial that we’ve put together for the set extra helpful.

I love how the set turned out, and hope you do too – I’ll be sharing two more free sets soon, so make sure you check back for the details – 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 free pattern releases are available.

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

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8Apr2022

Crochet Now Magazine | Flora Filet Wrap

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

If you’ve been following me for a while, then you’ll know that I have a bit of a thing about filet crochet – I just think it’s such a fun crochet technique, and it just so happens I’ve got a brand new filet crochet wrap design in the latest issue of Crochet Now magazine.

© Practical Publishing 2022 (Crochet Now Issue 80)

The Flora Filet wrap is a one ball shawl that creates a wearable bouquet! Worked in the filet crochet technique the wrap features create a large stylised flower pattern in a long light shawl that is easy to style.

With regards to filet crochet I love to try and think of designs that are perhaps a bit different from the idea that filet crochet is great for doily’s or mats with tiny thread and a tiny hook. For this latest wrap I wanted to go big and bold with a vibrant oversized flower motif – and I love how it turned out.

For this wrap I used a Scheepjes Whirl in Pink to Wink (Shade 552) with a 3.25mm (US D/3) hook. I used pretty much all of the 215g (1000m) of the yarn cake, which is a 4ply (Fingering / Sock Weight) yarn with a blend of 60% Cotton, 40% Acrylic, to make this lovely lightweight wrap.

It’s a perfect pattern to use with your favourite gradient yarn cake; for this version, though you could of course make it with any 4ply (or light DK / sport weight yarn).

The Flora Filet wrap would make a lovely addition to your spring / summer wardrobe to lift any outfit and make you the pick of the bunch!

If you are new to filet, you might find my post Top Tips for Filet Crochet useful to look at first, but this wrap has a lovely repetition of easy stitches that any level of crocheter could tackle.

🌸 SAVE FLORA FILET WRAP ON RAVELRY 🌸

This month’s 84 page issue of Crochet Now gives you plenty of tips, tricks, ideas and inspiration from loads of fab designers like Bella Coco Crochet, TOFT’s Kerry Lord, Esther Dijkstra from It’s All in A Nutshell Crochet, amongst others. This particular issue also comes with an exclusive Bright Spark 6mm Tunisian Crochet Hook and Tunisian Crochet – Step up your Skills A4 pattern book.

Issue 80 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 the Flora Filet Wrap 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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30Mar2022

Pattern Re-Release | Bexley the Bunny Rabbit

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

As you know I’m slowly working my way through old Deramores patterns to add to my pattern shops. As we are moving towards Spring, and an Easter-ish sort of time I thought I’d continue with the rabbit theme – so the next pattern that I have been able to re-format is Bexley the Bunny Rabbit.

Bexley is a carrot farmer who is quite ear-resistable in his cute dungarees with his freshly picked carrot from his bumper crop.

As I originally made my bunny out of Deramores yarn, which, although LoveCrafts are selling stock they have acquired, they cannot guarantee future yarn availability. I therefore made the decision to offer alternative yarn in the pattern which mean the suggested yarn colours may vary from colours shown in the photographs.

The yarn suggestions I chose are for the cuddle bunny I believe are very close alternatives; I chose Paintbox Simply DK which is a 100% premium acrylic yarn that comes in 100g (276m) – so a bit longer in length than Deramores DK, which I used with a 3.25mm (US size D/3) hook.

For your Bunny you only need 1 ball of Paper White (Shade 100) and a small amount of 1 ball of Bubblegum Pink (Shade 150). Other than that you would need some 9mm safety eyes, stitch markers, toy filler, pins and a yarn needle to sew all the pieces together.

Bexley is now ready to be ad-hop-ted by you! As it’s coming up to Easter you might be thinking about making some bunnies – though this little fellow would be a perfect for animal loving friends and family, or just as a lovely Spring project.

The 7 page pattern comes in either UK or US terms with full descriptions of any stitch abbreviations. It’s classed as an “intermediate” pattern as it might be a bit tricky for a new crocheter without an understanding of crocheting in the round and putting together and shaping amigurumi.

The pattern is now available from my usual pattern stores for you to make your own version at the links below:

Please bear with me with regards to re-releasing the old Deramores patterns, it can take up to a whole day to reformat and upload to various shops, so it will be a work in progress – though do let me know if there’s a pattern you’d really love to see come next and I’ll see what I can do!

Until next time folks! Happy hooking, 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.

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29Mar2022

Crochet Society Box 35 Designer Reveal!

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

Did you happen to catch the lovely Sara-Jayne (aka Bella Coco Crochet) for the Crochet Society Box 33 Unboxing and Box 35 Designer Reveal that she did on YouTube the other day? Well now the cat is out of the bag I can say I’m very excited to have had the opportunity to design something special for Box 35!

If you’ve not heard about the Crochet Society before, it’s a crochet subscription box, curated by Sara-Jayne, delivered directly to your door every month. In each box there is an exclusively designed pattern book, featuring designs by a range of fantastic designers, a bespoke crochet hook, Typically some lovely yarn and usually some really fun notions and little gifts too.

This month, along side my design, there is also a design by the fantastic Toni from TL Yarn Crafts and another by Victoria from In the Stitch with Vix. We all had the opportunity to chat about about our crochet to the folks at Crochet Society – you can read what I had to say here, and the other designers interviews can be found at the links at the bottom of that page.

I can’t actually tell you about my design for this box, it’s going to be a lovely surprise for subscribers, but I think I can safely say it’s been one of my favourite designs of recent months!

Prices for the box are £21.99 and they ship to most places in the world not just the UK! And if you want to try a box, to see what you think, they have different past boxes (while stocks last) in the Crochet Society Shop. There is also the opportunity to get just the Digital Download for boxes no longer in stock too (for instance Box 13 featuring my little Briar Bunny or Box 17 featuring my Saffi the Squirrel).

Though by subscribing you will receive a box full of lovely crochet fun each month which is something really nice to look forward to! And whether you’re new to crochet, or building your crochet skills, as there are always a range of designs featured in the pattern booklet, not just one, there is something for everyone. Plus there are lots of lots of top tips, tutorials and advice available as a resource on the Crochet Society website

If you are interested in grabbing yourself a Crochet Society box you have until 20th April 2022 to subscribe – and if you subscribe by then you’ll get Box 35 as your first box which features my new design.

Subscribe to Crochet Society

I’m so excited to share that design with you – make sure you are signed up to blog (below) and / or my mailing list to be the first to see that pattern when it lands!

Until next time folks! Happy hooking, 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.

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