I Like Crochet Magazine | Caicos Raffia Purse

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 to help you prepare, get inspired and enjoy everything the summer weather has to offer (and to look good while doing it).

I’ve got two patterns in this latest edition; I spoke about the first pattern, called the Anchor Cove Shawl, in a previous post (read that here), and now it’s time for pattern number two – may I present the Caicos Raffia Purse.

Named after the Caicos Islands, where turquoise waters and white sand beaches are considered one of the Caribbean’s best kept secret, this is a bag designed especially for summer!

The easily crafted raffia purse features popcorn stitches for added texture and a metal closure to keep your valuables safe and secure – team it with a summer dress and sandals for that perfect beach chic look!

You might have seen raffia yarn before, it’s a fine paper like yarn made from wood pulp and it’s really interesting to crochet with, it makes great bags and hats and is lovely and lightweight. As a yarn it gives off a very beachy vibe which makes it perfect for summer projects.

I used just one ball of Wool and the Gang Ra Ra Raffia (100% Paper); [250 meters] / 100 grams) for this project; in Desert Palm. The great thing about this yarn, that makes it perfect for a beach bag, is that it’s water-repellent so it dries fast if it gets splashed.

I used a 4.5mm hook (US size 7) with the raffia yarn, and for the bag closures I used a Prym Tuck Lock, which is a great DIY bag accessory as you just sew it onto the crocheted fabric (I’ve used one before for my Bramble Saddle Bag), and then I used some D rings and a brown detachable bag strap that I picked up from Amazon.

The Caicos Raffia Purse is a great pattern for beginners as it only uses simply stitches, it might feel a bit unusual to crochet with raffia yarn at first, but if you just treat it as you would normal yarn you will soon be on your way!

You could line the bag, for a professional looking finish, but I used a smaller hook on purpose so that the end result would be a closely woven fabric that wouldn’t need lining.

🏖️ SAVE CAICOS RAFFIA PURSE 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 shawl and bag 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 the magazine is something that interests you I Like Crochet currently have a special offer available to new members of the all-access Gold Club.

You can get 75% off the regular price of a one-year membership and receive a full year of the digital I Like Crochet Magazine, instant access to their pattern collections (that includes never-before-seen patterns!), and get FREE access to their pattern library that includes every single issue that they have ever published! (That’s 7 years of crochet with more than 45 issues and 700+ designer patterns… for free!) Plus, subscribers who join now will also receive two FREE streaming crochet videos: Back to Basics: 11 Essential Techniques and Stitches for Every Crocheter and Crochet Secrets Revealed: 12 Tutorials by Michael Sellick.

If you hook up the Cacios Raffia Purse 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.

18May2021

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 ⚓

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

14Jan2021

I Like Crochet Magazine | Sweeping Swirls Scarf

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

Here in the UK it’s definitely the time of year for wrapping up warmly and if you are looking for a bright way to start the new year then you might want to check out the latest issue of I Like Crochet magazine.

I’m excited to share with you my first design of 2021! The Sweeping Swirls scarf is out now in the February 2021 edition of I Like Crochet and what better way to wrap up is there than with a warm and woollen scarf. It’s inspired by the comeback of swirling tie dye patterns which have seen a resurgence during the pandemic.

To wanted to try and pull in the mixture of colours you can find in tie dye patterns so I used a Lion Brand Mandala yarn cake, (100% Acrylic); [540 meters] / 150 grams) in Chimera (Shade 204, 1 ball), which is made of blended colours which change as you crochet. The shade I used (Chimera) is actually a range of muted jewel tones which I love; though Lion Brand Mandala‘s are available in a wide range of ‘enchanting’ colours.

Lion Brand Mandala is a double knit yarn which I used previously on my Shades of Grey Scarf. It’s actually really nice and soft to work with and I do like to create patterns that just use a single yarn cake, which this one does. I decided to edge the scarf with a cute turquoise bobble trim, picking up on one of the shades in the yarn cake, and I love the final look.

This scarf utilises filet crochet to create swirls on a backdrop of colour; if you are new to crochet then a filet scarf might seem a bit far out of the range of your talent, but filet crochet is made up of two simple stitches: the chain and treble (US double crochet). This is also a great beginner project as once you get started you will just work back and forth in rows.

This scarf was actually designed with a beginner in mind, though I’m sure a more accomplished crocheter would enjoy it as an enjoyable project too. The pattern is very easy and repetitive, perfect for crocheting on the go or in front of the TV.

❤️ SAVE SWEEPING SWIRLS ON RAVELRY ❤️

As well as my scarf the February 2021 October 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 Sweeping Swirls scarf I hope you’ll share your projects with me on social media as I’d I love to see them.

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

4Sep2020

I Like Crochet Magazine | Granny Square Brim Hat

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

Granny Square month might be over, but if you’ve not yet had your fill then you might just like a fun new design that I’ve created which is out now in the October 2020 edition of I Like Crochet magazine.

It’s a hat with a granny square brim! I wanted to show how versatile a little square motif could be – they’re not just for blankets!

Although you can see it modelled on a child (for extreme cuteness factors), the size I made was to fit an average woman’s size head – roughly 58cm (23”) circumference. I used a 5.5mm hook size, but you could make a smaller size by either using a smaller hook, thinner yarn or making less increases at the top of the hat to effectively remove the size of a square motif on the brim.

This design was actually designed with a beginner in mind, though I’m sure a more accomplished crocheter would enjoy it as a quick and easy project too.

It works up really quickly as it’s made in Aran / Worsted weight yarn. I used Stylecraft Special Aran (100% Acrylic); [196 meters] / 100 grams) in Parchment (Shade 1218, 1 ball), Aspen (Shade 1422, 1 ball) and Pomegranate (Shade 1083, 1 ball) and had enough of the colours left over I think to make a whole other hat (though with a colour rearrangement).

Then I topped off the hat with a lovely giant pom pom which was great fun to make (though of course a pumpkin works too!). And of course I know a great little shop for pom pom makers if you need one; Yarnybobs has lots of different sized pom pom makers to fluff up your creativity 😉.

❤️ SAVE GRANNY HAT ON RAVELRY ❤️

As well as my granny square brimmed hat the October 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 Granny Square Brimmed Hat I hope you’ll share your projects with me on social media as I’d I love to see them.

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

8Jul2020

I Like Crochet Magazine | Cup Cozies and Cowls

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

Squee! Guess what! I’m on the front cover of the new August issue of I Like Crochet! Well not me per say, but a very lovely model is on the front cover modelling my new Chevron Flair Cowl!

Chevron patterns are a bit of a classic, crochet staple aren’t they – I always think chevron crochet designs are not only fun to make but it produces such a great effect which even a beginner crocheter can achieve.

This design was actually designed with a beginner in mind, though I’m sure a more accomplished crocheter would enjoy a project of some lovely mindful rhythmic stitching – I know I did when making up the cowl.

I designed Chevron Flair Cowl using a fresh modern colour palette of Scheepjes Merino Soft DK yarn in Michelangelo: 603, Renior: 624, Ernst: 653 and Waterhouse: 649. I totally love these colours together!

If you’re not familiar with Scheepjes Merino Soft DK yarn it’s made up from 50% Wool Superwash Merino, 25% Microfiber and 25% Acrylic and is just SO squishy and lovely to work with. It was my first time using it, but I really enjoyed putting this cowl together using this yarn, and would definitely use it again for a future project.

❤️ SAVE CHEVRON FLAIR COWL ON RAVELRY ❤️

The cowl is light enough to wear on summer nights and warm enough for the first chilly days of autumn – the perfect accessory addition to your wardrobe in my opinion.

I sort of echoed the palette of the cowl with another design I have in this particular edition. As well as the Chevron Flair Cowl you can also find my Coffee Bean Stitch Mug Cozy.

This is a great stash busting pattern for bits of cotton yarn you might have in your stash. In this instance I used Garnstudio DROPS Paris in Light Old Pink: 59, Sage Green (62), Plum (66) and Rust (65).

Be the envy of all your friends, colleagues and fellow commuters with this cup cozy that will protect your hands from the heat of a piping hot cup of joe!

And what better stitch to use for a coffee mug cozy than the bean stitch? Soft, puffy and complete with a buttoned closure, I think this mug cosy puts the “fun” in functional.

As well as my chevron inspired patterns the August edition features over 19 summer / fall patterns and a range of interesting articles. SUBSCRIBE TODAY for a copy of the magazine straight to your desktop or iPad.

If you hook up the Chevron Flair Cowl or the Coffee Bean Stitch Mug Cozy I hope you’ll share your projects with me on social media as I’d I love to see them.

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

2Nov2019

I Like Crochet Magazine |Cosy Cabin Patterns

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

I’m just catching up with patterns that have been released whilst I was ill and I think there’s still enough time to tell you about the October issue of I Like Crochet. You might just be able to spy one of my new designs peeping out on the front cover…

Imagine yourself in a log cabin in the woods and you’ve got this issue in a nutshell and I came up with two designs to fit in with the theme.

Plaid seems to be quite synonymous with the outdoors and cabins doesn’t it – does it stem from lumberjacks maybe? I’m not sure? But when I started thinking about the topic that’s what came to me and I kind of knew that I wanted to make a basket…well because I just love crocheting baskets.

However I wanted to play around with the traditional buffalo plaid ‘squares’ design. I still wanted it to be recognisable as ‘plaid’ but I wanted the design to by more inspired by than directly copied. So I decided to go with repeating rectangles that I would create by colour changing as I worked.

© I Like Crochet Magazine – October 2019

The basket is worked holding two strands of Rico Design Creative Cotton Aran yarn together at a time which makes it a nice sturdy basket and is worked in continuous rounds. The only fiddly bit is working with so many different colours at a time but once you find your own rhythm it all comes together easily.

I think the Perfectly Plaid Basket would be perfect for storing washcloths on your bathroom counter, or yarn in by your crafting chair, or even pine-cones as decor.

SAVE PATTERN ON RAVELRY HERE

The next design I created for the magazine was an amigurumi inspired by a woodland creature. Meet Birch – this usually secretive woodland dweller who will come out of hiding for cuddle by the fireplace.

Worked in the traditional amigurumi style using Deramores Studio DK he stands about 29cm (11.4in) high when he’s all finished. He’s quite fond of his baby antlers and hopes to grow up to be a big strong buck one day.

This sweet little deer might be my favourite pattern I’ve made this year, and he seems like the perfect make for autumnal crafting.

SAVE PATTERN ON RAVELRY HERE

As well as my cabin inspired patterns the October issue features over 22 patterns and a range of interesting articles. SUBSCRIBE TODAY for a copy of the magazine straight to your desktop or iPad.

If you hook up the Perfectly Plaid Basket or Birch the Deer please share your photos with me on social media (facebook, twitter or instagram) – I love to see it!

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

21Aug2019

I Like Crochet Collections

Posted in Crochet, Crochet Accessories, For Adult, For Baby, Magazine, Pattern Release by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Looking for some projects that are fast and rewarding? I’ve got a series of new one-ball crochet patterns out now in the I Like Crochet Collections. Including a cowl, a Tunisian crochet glasses case and some cute baby booties!

If you’ve not heard of I Like Crochet Collections before it’s part of the I Like Crochet Network for crochet enthusiasts, and the same people that publish the popular I Like Crochet e-magazine. Based in the US the patterns on the site are written in US terminology, but if you are happy to convert patterns then there’s a wealth of designs (and great designers).

Now do you have a ball of chunky weight yarn sadly languishing in your stash and you don’t know what to make with it? Then how about the Colbie Cowl…

© I Like Crochet – The One-Skein Collection

This simple cowl takes advantage of a fun stitch and lets the yarn do the rest of the talking! It’s great for variegated yarn for a subtle finish or you could go bold with a block colour to create a real statement piece.

You can find this cowl under collections in the One Skein Collection, it’s a great project for beginners and a fast make for more experienced crocheters!

SAVE COWL ON RAVELRY

I loved the challenge of coming up with some patterns that use one ball of yarn or less! I also created the Siesta Sunglasses Case available in The Beach Collection. This fun little case is worked in Tunisian crochet which makes it the perfect sunglasses protector at the beach.

The tight stitches paired with its drawstring closure ensure your sunnies stay safe and sand free! I always forget how I enjoy working on a Tunisian Crochet project until I do it! Do you like Tunisian crochet? I feel like I’ve got lots more to discover there…

SAVE GLASSES CASE ON RAVELRY

And finally, my favourite of the collections, are the Sleepy Unicorn Booties which are part of the The Best Baby Crochet Patterns Collection. My brother had not long had a new baby girl and she was definitely the inspiration behind these.

© I Like Crochet – The Best Baby Collection

I wanted to create something cute and girly – and with the sleepy little eyes, golden horns and pastel manes, these booties are irresistible to make and so much fun to give!

SAVE BOOTIES ON RAVELRY

The collections are currently exclusive to the I Like Crochet Network, there are various sign up options (and they often have special subscriptions offers) that you can learn more here.

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

16Jan2019

I Like Crochet Magazine |Stonewashed Bag

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

I’ve got a new design out in the February 2019 issue of I Like Crochet and it’s one I really love! The Stonewashed bag is my new favourite thing! It’s such a classic shape, it’s got a fun retro / vintage feel about it, and it’s easy to make!

This large shoulder bag was inspired and pieced together like a denim patchwork and I added some faux leather handles to feel a bit like a belt. It’s really spacious inside and has a popper closure making it a great carryall bag.

You can’t really tell on the photos in the magazine but I lined it with a cute floral fabric which I picked up at my local yarn shop – and I love the pop of colour in the middle.

This is a simple-to-make crochet bag, great for beginners and would be a quick make for more accomplished crocheters.

For this design I used Wool and the Gang Billie Jean yarn which I’d wanted to try because it’s made using upcycled pre-consumer denim waste which I thought was really cool – and it just suited my design idea perfectly!

SAVE PATTERN ON RAVELRY HERE

As well as my bag pattern the February issue features over 25 patterns to enjoy including cardigans, ponchos, pillows and blankets.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY for a copy of the magazine straight

to your desktop or iPad.

If you hook up the Stonewashed bag please share your photos with me on social media (facebook, twitter or instagram) – I love to see it!

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

14Nov2018

I Like Crochet Magazine |Dachshund Through the Snow Amigurumi

Posted in Amigurumi, Crochet, Holidays, Magazine, Pattern Release by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

The December 2018 issue of I Like Crochet is full of holiday season and winter classics to crochet including a brand new pattern from yours truly…

Introducing the Dachshund Through the Snow Amigurumi! I happen to really love this amigurumi because once upon a time I had a daschund (called Cabbage) and this little ami was definitely inspired by him.

Kitted out in a cute hat and scarf he’s ready for a frolic through the snow – o’er the fields he’ll go, barking all the way!

For this design I used Scheepjes Catona which I really love for making amigurumi – and it’s really handy that they do the 10g cutie pie balls of yarn which are just perfect for little accessories.

Make as a fun alternate gift for the holiday season or make just because you love doxies.

As well as my amigurumi pattern the December issue features 38 patterns to enjoy including one-skein projects, cosy winter wearables including hats, mittens, cowls and scarves, and unique projects you haven’t seen anywhere else!

SUBSCRIBE TODAY for a copy straight to your desktop or iPad.

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

30Sep2018

I Like Crochet Magazine | October 2018 Edition

Posted in Crochet, For Baby, Holidays, Magazine, Pattern Release by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

The October 2018 issue of I Like Crochet is officially here and it’s jam packed full of exciting new crochet patterns – including a brand new scarf pattern from me.

Scarves might just be my favourite accessory and a scarf, of course, is an essential for the autumn / winter months. Whether it’s style or just warmth you’re after I think the Shades of Grey scarf ticks all the boxes.

For this design I decided to combine filet crochet with a Lion Brand mandala yarn cake, which was really nice to work with, to create a lovely long versatile accessory which I just love.

Thanks to its easy-to-remember stitch pattern, this charming scarf practically makes itself! It’s a great beginner project, you can express your creativity by using a yarn cake or use that special yarn you’ve been saving in the back of your yarn stash — no matter what, the end result will be the perfect addition to your wardrobe