Fasten Off Yarn-along Event 2023

Posted in Crochet by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

The Fasten Off Yarn-along (YAL) has begun and I’m joining in again! You may remember from last year that ‘Fasten Off YAL’ is a special inclusive stitch-a-long event which aims to showcase independent crochet and knitting designers. This year, the stitchalong will run from Friday, 24 November to Sunday, 31 December 2023.

Collage of different crochet designs from various designers taking part in Fasten Off YAL 2023 — From top left: RBSCrochet Designs – Diamonds in the Puff Tote Bag, Padma R – Petalette Tunisian Shawl, ReVeDesignCo – Comfy Cuff Socks, ReVeDesignCo – Tenzing Vest, The Frosted Stitch – Seashell Sarong, Yumi Yarns – Busy Bee Throw, Keep Calm and Crochet On UK – Dale the Woodland Deer, Natalia Johnson – Riverbank Scarf, Gorgeous Crafts – Alpine Christmas Stockings, Knot Bad Britt – Delicia Shawl

It’s the 4th year that Fasten Off has been running for, and this year’s seasonal event is featuring 96 designers, and over 4,600 crochet and knit patterns!

The event is filled with games and activities, 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.

HOW TO JOIN THE EVENT

All you have to do to join the stitchalong is start at least one project using a purchasable pattern from any of the participating designers (including me). You can then post about your project(s) on social media, using the event hashtag #FastenOffYAL so other participants can find it. And you can see what other people are making in the stitchalong, and interact with them, by looking up that same hashtag!

You can join the event via the Discord server or follow the fasten off yal on instagram or X (Twitter), you can also read more about the event by visiting the website.

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 – and there is such a wealth of fabulous patterns to choose from!

TWO WEEK EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT

The event kicks off with a two-week discount period (until 8 December 11:59pm ET). That’s when people can use the event’s discount code to get 25% off a selection of patterns from participating designers! There are over 3,700 patterns that are discount eligible so there’s tons of patterns to choose from.

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

Collage of images to show a range of designs available in my KCACOUKDesigns Etsy store

DISCOUNT CODE

All you need to do is use code FO2023 to get 25% discount between 24th November and 9th December on Etsy. Use it for any pattern, 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! Each participating designer is donating virtual prizes, valid for one pattern of choice from their shop.

To share your finished projects on social media, use the hashtag #FastenOffYAL 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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9Nov2023

Woolbox | Free Golden Monkey Pattern

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

Hey folks, I’ve got another brand new FREE crochet pattern to share with you today that I’ve designed in collaboration with Woolbox. Fresh from swinging through the trees in the Congo, it’s a cute and cuddly crochet Golden Monkey!

Introducing the crocheted Golden Monkey amigurumi pattern and kit available now from Woolbox — © Woolbox 2023

If you’ve not heard about Woolbox before they are a new online yarn company with a wealth of knitting and crochet knowledge. With the help of different designers they are beginning to develop some FREE patterns of their own using their own brand of yarn – and I’m delighted to be helping them out with that.

You may remember I shared the Blue Rhino, and Pink Elephant amigurumi and now we’ve got a third ‘Jungle Friend’ crochet pattern to make.

❤️ SAVE THE PATTERN ON RAVELRY ❤️

Golden Monkey crocheted amigurumi made with Woolbox Imagine DK in three different shades — © Woolbox 2023

For my Golden Monkey I used Woolbox Imagine Classic DK (Double Knit / Light Worsted). If you aren’t familiar with this yarn it’s a smoothly spun 100% anti–pilling acrylic; anti-pilling just means that any project you make with this yarn should not ‘pill’ (go bobbly) over time.

Crocheted Golden Monkey amigurumi made with Woolbox Imagine DK in three different shades — © Woolbox 2023

Woolbox Imagine Classic DK is available in 24 different colours (and they are adding shades all the time), and I just used three different colours for my Monkey; Creme Caramel (a soft browny-mustard colour), Sunflower Yellow (a lovely bright lemon yellow), and Coconut Cream with a 3.5mm (US size E/4) hook.

The pattern is available for FREE from the Woolbox as just the digital download for the pattern or as a yarn kit – I’ve added the links below:

GET THE FREE PATTERN

PURCHASE THE YARN KIT

Crocheted Golden Monkey amigurumi pattern by Keep Calm and Crochet on UK available from the Woolbox website

The pattern is written in UK terms, but shipping is available to anywhere. If you are not sure about UK terms then you might find my blog post British vs. American Crochet Terms: What’s the Difference? helpful.

If you make up the Woolbox Golden Monkey I hope you will share your 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 sign 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.

26Oct2023

NEW Mini Crochet Kit | Hero Hamster

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

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No it’s a brand new mini crochet kit swooping into my Etsy shop, allow me to introduce the Hero Hamster. Wearing his red cape and his masked disguise watch him go from a normal hamster to a full on superhero!

A hand holds a finished crocheted hero hamster against a background of ivy leaves

If you have seen me in person at one of the pop up shops I’ve done this year, either at The Crochet Sanctuary or Wool@Jct13, then you will already be familiar with this little guy where he met with a really positive reception. However life, as it often does, got in the way of me adding him to my Etsy store until now so you could make him too.

The pattern was actually inspired by my lovely stalker friend Laura who had a very special emotional support hamster called Bernie. He will always be remembered by everyone at The Crochet Sanctuary as a Bonio (dog biscuit) loving cute chap – and after a conversation I sort-of-kind-of promised I would commemorate him in crochet. But little did Laura realise, Bernie had a secret identity…whenever he is needed, you just have to call and with a flash of red he’ll turn into a superhero ready to fight crime against crochet!

A hand holds a finished crocheted hero hamster made from the crochet kit from KCACOUKDesigns

It was such fun to come up with this little guy, we always had hamsters at home when we were kids (Honey, Bramble, Bilbo and Broccoli may you RIP) and I love the idea of them being superhero’s.

It’s becoming a little bit of a tradition to create a new kit for these pop up’s and I have to say I really enjoy the process of coming up with something new. In fact a brand new kit, launching this weekend at the Crochet Sanctuary will hopefully be hitting my Etsy store sooner than this one did! If you follow me on social media you might have already seen a sneaky peek reel that I’ve shared.

Hero hamster mini crochet kit, available from KCACOUKDesigns on Etsy

❤️ Add the Hero Hamster Crochet Kit to your favourites on Ravelry ❤️

This slightly larger kit comes with 40g of Scheepjes Catona, 2 x 6mm black safety eyes, a small amount of black embroidery thread, a small amount of yellow thread and 10g bag of stuffing. He’s also sold with a piece of felt you can personalise the tummy of your hamster with a lightening flash, an initial or other symbol.

Crochet amigurumi hamster seemingly flying in a blue sky with fluffy clouds in the background.

There’s also the optional tool extra, via my my Etsy store , of including up a premium bamboo 3mm hook (US approx. size D/3) if you don’t have one of those to hand.

PURCHASE KIT ON ETSY

PIN FOR LATER:

Pinterest collage of pictures of the crocheted amigurumi hero hamster from KCACOUKDesigns on Etsy

So show a little love to the little Hero Hamster! This adorable little project would make a cute addition to your home or as a great gift to any hamster fan.

If you have been working on a pattern from one of my crochet kits I hope you’ll share your WIP and 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 sign 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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18Oct2023

Woolbox | Free Pink Elephant Pattern

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

Hey folks, I’ve got another brand new FREE crochet pattern to share with you today that I’ve designed in collaboration with Woolbox. Fresh from a stomp on the African savanna, it’s a cute and cuddly crochet pink elephant!

Introducing the crocheted Pink Elephant amigurumi pattern and kit available now from Woolbox — © Woolbox 2023

You may remember, in September, I shared the free Blue Rhino amigurumi and now we’ve got a new ‘Jungle Friend’ crochet pattern to make. And there’s one more design yet to come, can you guess what animal it might be?

❤️ SAVE THE PATTERN ON RAVELRY ❤️

Pink Elephant crocheted amigurumi made with Woolbox Imagine DK in three different shades — © Woolbox 2023

For my Pink Elephant I used Woolbox Imagine Classic DK (Double Knit / Light Worsted). If you aren’t familiar with this yarn it’s a smoothly spun 100% anti–pilling acrylic that comes in an array of beautiful shades. Anti-pilling technology just means that any project you make with this yarn should not ‘pill’ (go bobbly) over time.

Collage of the Pink Elephant crocheted amigurumi made with Woolbox Imagine DK in three different shades — © Woolbox 2023

Woolbox Imagine Classic DK is available in 20 different colours, and I just used three different colours for my Elephant; Soft Heather (a pretty purplish shade), Raspberry Jam (a lovely bright pink), and Pure White with a 3.5mm (US size E/4) hook.

The pattern is available for FREE from the Woolbox as just the digital download for the pattern or as a yarn kit – I’ve added the links below:

GET THE FREE PATTERN

PURCHASE THE YARN KIT

Crocheted Pink Elephant amigurumi pattern by Keep Calm and Crochet on UK available from the Woolbox website

If you make up the Woolbox Pink Elephant I hope you will share your 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 sign 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

16Oct2023

Pattern Re-release | Pumpkin Pal Bib

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

What’s October without a mass influx of pumpkins!! And today I’m going to share another one with you with my Pumpkin Pal Bib. A quick and easy pattern to whip up for any little pumpkin babes!

A cute toddler is wearing a cute crocheted pumpkin bib whilst she is holding onto a jack-o-lantern

Something I’ve not been the greatest at doing is keeping up with re-releasing designs where the pattern rights have come back to me. I think today’s pattern is possibly one of the oldest I’d not previously re-formated! Originally featured in the 2017 October edition of I Like Crochet magazine it’s only taken me XX amount of years to finally sort it out – opps!

It’s now been updated for 2023 with availability in both UK and US crochet terminology.

Close up of the Pumpkin Pal bib hanging up against a white background.

But let me tell you about the pattern; designed for easy make-ability this jack-o’-lantern style baby bib is just perfect for Halloween. It doesn’t take long to make and you could easily hook one or two up in time for 31 October.

For this bib I original used Garnstudio Drops Cotton Paris (100% Cotton; 82 yards, [75 meters 110 meters]/50 grams) with a 3.75mm (US size F/5) hook but any Aran / Worsted weight cotton would work.

For your bib you need at least four colours I used; colour number 13 Orange (A), 2 balls; colour number 43: Green (B), 1 ball; colour number 16: White (C), 1 ball; colour number 15: Black (D), 1 ball. Other than that you would need some stitch markers and a yarn needle to sew all the pieces together.

A couple of photos of the toddler wearing the crocheted pumpkin pal bib

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

And if you’re looking for some more Halloween themed projects then I have several others to choose from that you might enjoy…

A trio of life sized crocheted pumpkins are grouped together on a patio

Life Sized Pumpkins

Crochet kit for a group of teeny tiny pumpkins from KCACOUK Designs Etsy store

Teeny Tiny Pumpkin Crochet Kit

A couple of cute crocheted monsters are gobbling down sweets into their mouths

Sweet Treat Eaters

Top down view of a trio of crocheted pumpkins in orange, tan and green. Free pattern on the KCACOUK Blog.

Quick and Slick Pumpkins (FREE)

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.

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Pinterest collage of the crocheted Pumpkin Pal Bib

15Oct2023

Crochet Now | Percival the Party Pig

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

Huge congratulations to the folks of Crochet Now magazine who’s 100th issue recently went on sale! I was delighted to be asked to create and share some fun designs for their special edition.

Group of bright colourful crocheted amigurumi sat in a fabulous party background

With the magazine comes a very special Amigurumi All Stars supplement which has 48 toys for you to make. Myself and some other Crochet Now designers created a set of brand new party animals, including my new ‘Percival the Party Pig’ with separate party hat and present. I love how the whole group looks together – it looks like a fabulous party doesn’t it!

I created my Party Pig out of some Ricorumi DK which is a firm favourite yarn of mine. Ricorumi DK is a 100% cotton yarn that comes in wee 25g balls [57.5m] in that’s available in 80 solid shades, 10 spray shades, 5 prints, 3 neon shades and also some 10g balls of gold and silver lame – there’s so much to chose from!

Percival the Party Pig; bright colourful crocheted amigurumi sat in a party background

The only other things you will need for your pig are some stitch markers, a tapestry needle, some toy stuffing and a 3mm hook (closest US size D/3).

❤️ SAVE THE PARTY PIG ON RAVELRY ❤️

The rest of the supplement is comprised of a collection of Crochet Now’s top toys from the archives to help celebrate the 100th issue. And it includes another pattern of mine – you may remember my Coffee House Kawaii Toys from issue 71.

A crochet donut, coffee cup and icecream, with kawaii faces, are all grouped together with real life treats.

Issue 100 is on sale now with over 71 fun patterns to crochet and is available to buy from most supermarkets. Or if you miss the print version you can grab a digital version from www.craftstash.co.uk/books-magazines

Image of the front cover of Crochet Now magazine issue 100 - out in October 2023

If you make up Snoopy 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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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.

6Oct2023

Crochet Now Magazine | Halloween Snoopy

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

I was beyond excited to get another opportunity to create a Snoopy pattern for the folks at Crochet Now magazine! And a Halloween brief just equalled so much fun!

Adorable crochet amigurumi Snoopy standing alongside a large crocheted jack-o-lantern — © Practical Publishing 2023 (Crochet Now Issue 99)

Star of the Charles M. Schulz’s comic strip Peanuts, and later TV and movies, Snoopy is best known as the pet beagle of Charlie Brown. Everybody loves Snoopy and all fans of the iconic series will love this classic Halloween version with the great pumpkin.

I created Snoopy and the pumpkin out of some Paintbox Cotton DK which is 100% cotton that comes in 50g balls [125 meters / 137yds] balls. I’ve used this yarn for quite a few projects, it’s a nice soft cotton which is great for amigurumi. And as I write this it’s currently on sale at LoveCrafts so go fill up your stash!

Desk top image of a plant, wooden mushroom, cup of tea, scissors and a basket full of allsorted Paintbox DK cotton yarn

The only other things you will need for Snoopy and the Pumpkin are some stitch markers, a tapestry needle, some toy stuffing, some black felt and a 3.5mm hook (US size E).

❤️ SAVE THE HALLOWEEN SNOOPY ON RAVELRY ❤️

Adorable crochet amigurumi Snoopy lying on top of a large crocheted jack-o-lantern — © Practical Publishing 2023 (Crochet Now Issue 99)

Pattern addendum: Snoopy’s Legs. It should be rnds 8 – 12, then continue to rnd 18 to create the body.

If you are quick you can pick up Issue 99, with my little Snoopy on the front cover, before the next issue of Crochet Now is out. It’s full of lovely seasonal patterns and is available to buy from most supermarkets. Or if you miss the print version you can grab a digital version from www.craftstash.co.uk/books-magazines

Image of the front cover of Crochet Now magazine issue 99 - out in September 2023

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

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3Oct2023

Win tickets for The Knitting & Stitching Show Harrogate

Posted in Competitions, Crochet, Outings, Sale / Special Offer, Yarn Show by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

EDITED: Giveaway now closed, congratulations to; Natalie C, Claire B, Kate R, @poppingcandycrochet and @redditch_rose

How would you like a giveaway to win some FREE tickets to the The Knitting and Stitching Show in Harrogate? If the answers a big woolly ‘yes please’ – then keep on reading…

The Knitting & Stitching Show is back in Harrogate this year from 16 – 19 November held at the Harrogate Convention Centre.

Close up of a wall of yarn skeins hanging up in lots of lovely bright assorted colours

The spectacular event is a dream day out for crafters and makers, with creative inspiration at every turn. Perfectly timed for Christmas craft shopping, The Knitting & Stitching Show Harrogate features hundreds of retailers selling fabric and patterns, yarn and thread, sewing machines and equipment, accessories, crafts kits and gifts, from well-known global brands to small artisan companies.

In The Yarn Village, hand-picked, small-scale specialist retailers will be offering a selection of unique, high quality yarn and accessories, not found on the high street (you had me at Yarn Village! 😍).

Image of a couple standing behind a stall; there are colourful skeins of yarn hanging on the walls behind them. — © Knitting and Stitching Show 2023

Whether you’re a knitter, quilter, embroiderer or needle felter, The Knitting & Stitching Show promises inspiration and ideas for every style and stage of stitcher. The show’s Learning Curve programme (ticketed) offers hundreds of hands-on workshops for enthusiasts looking to sharpen their stitch skills.

Close up of some rainbow coloured crochet swatches alongside a crochet hook.

Seasonal makes include needle felt reindeer and mice, winter-themed Dorset buttons, overlocker gift bags, beaded decorations, and knitted and stitched baubles. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an expert, top tutors will be sharing their knowledge, offering classes in every textile craft imaginable.

A group of people shown around a table working on some crochet projects together — © Knitting and Stitching Show 2023

The Knitting & Stitching Show is a showcase for new work by leading textile artists and groups, and this year’s Textile Galleries are sure to delight visitors, with exhibitions by Art Textiles: Made in Britain (Illuminate), Jan Beaney and Jean Littlejohn (Rhythms & Reflections), Ailish Henderson (Maker: Mended), Mandy Pattullo (Well Worn Work), Batool Showghi (Talking Threads), The Quilters’ Guild Collection (A Diverse Patchwork), Sabine Kaner (Hand Stitched Stories), Susie Chaikin, Susan Chapman and Sue Dove (Head, Heart, Knees and Hands), the winner and shortlisted entries for The Fine Art Textiles Award 2023, and winning entries from The Festival of Quilts 20^th Anniversary Quilt Competition.

A group of people do a selfie in front of the textile gallery at the Knitting and Stitching Show — © Knitting and Stitching Show 2023

At the show’s Creative Living Theatre, well-known knit and stitch personalities will be hosting free daily demonstrations, with Christmas needle felting, hand-stitched English paper piecing, Bargello basics, and upcycling waste clothing just some of the sessions on offer. Names include Angela Daymond, Wendy Dolan, Mark Francis, Debbie Harris, Jen Hogg, Moni Omotoso, Nerrisa Pratt and Steffi Stern, and there will even be a catwalk or two.

I’ve previously enjoyed my visit to the Knit and Stitching Shows (though not yet to Harrogate). You can read about those experiences you can read about them here and here.

Image of a couple of people standing in front of a stall; a lady behind the shawl is showing them a colourful quilt that is hanging up behind her. — © Knitting and Stitching Show 2023

Hot and cold refreshments are available throughout the venue; you can grab a bite to eat at one of the venue’s food or coffee outlets, have a picnic in one of the seating areas, enjoy a glass of fizz at the Prosecco Bar, or enjoy one of Harrogate’s many excellent cafés, bars or restaurants, including the famous Betty’s Café Tea Rooms.

So on with the bit you’ve been waiting for! The giveaway details! I’ve got FIVE pairs of tickets to giveaway hurray!!! I’m giving away THREE pairs away here on the blog and TWO pairs away on Instagram.

GIVEAWAY

All you need to do to enter the giveaway is either leave a comment on the bottom of this blog post about why you’d like to go to the show or do the same over on my Instagram post.

The competition closes on Wednesday 11th October at 5pm (GMT). Winners will be contacted via the email supplied from their comment or by DM on social media.

Tickets are valid after 10am on Thursday 16th, Friday 17^th, Saturday 18^th or Sunday 19^th November 2023. This year the organisers are not issuing paper tickets, winners will be emailed a link to register online with a unique code for one pair of tickets. Winners will then need to register online, enter their codes and they will receive e-tickets by email. When entering this competition you must be happy to provide me with a your email address for this purpose, your email address will not be used in any other way.

SPECIAL DISCOUNT

Standard adult advance tickets for The Knitting & Stitching Show, Harrogate are £17.50 (concessions £16.00, children under 18 £8.50). Full ticket information is available at The Knitting & Stitching Show website. Visitors are encouraged to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

But if you want your ticket RIGHT NOW I’ve also got a special discount for you! Just quote: CROCHETON23 to get £3 off advance adult tickets (and there’s £3.50 off advance concessions!). Please note that the discount ends at 23.59pm (GMT) on Wednesday 15th November 2023. Booking free applies.

I’d like to say a big thank you again to the shows organisers for offering this special deal to my lovely KCACO.UK readers!

Good Luck everyone!

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

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22Sep2023

Graceful Gull MAL | The Reveal & Pattern Release

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

Well wowzers, September is flying by! It’s probably the right time to say good-bye to the summer and time to finish off the last bits and bobs of our summer Graceful Gull make-along.

The Graceful Gull shawlette draped over a stick on a beach in front of the ocean

The 15th of September was the last ‘official’ day of the latest make along that has been hosted by The Yarn Whisperer and myself. From the 31 July until now we have enjoyed a relaxed summer make along project with lovely fellow crocheters. And now I get the opportunity to share my finished Graceful Gull Shawlette, and it’s pattern, with you!

Close up of the Graceful Gull Shawlette pinned with a shell shawl pin draped on a mannikin in front of a lake.

Inspired by the swoop of a graceful gull this pattern features textured stitches on two curving wings to create a unique and lightweight shawlette.

As always it’s been an absolute delight to work with Kitey and his gorgeously coloured yarn, I love these collabs we do – it always provides me with an opportunity to work with gorgeous yarn which in turn makes the design process super enjoyable.

Close up of a basket with the Graceful Gull makealong hand-dyed yarn inside.

This years colourways were such a lovely summery palette, I really enjoyed working with them.

And in amongst the kit there are the cutest crochet accessories from the fabulous Mrs G Makes. Continuing the seaside theme she created the most adorable little chips and ice-cream stitch markers – a cute and perfect addition to the kit!

Stitch markers of a small packet of fries and an ice-cream made by Mrs G makes for the Graceful Gull makealong kits.

If this is the first you’ve heard about the Graceful Gull MAL you can read more about it here but in a nutshell it’s the result of a wonderful collaboration between myself and Kitey, aka The Yarn Whisperer, of a unique crocheted shawlette designed with a special hand dyed yarn in mind.

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

Collation of Graceful Gull works in progress made by others as part of the summer make along.

Although the official end date of the MAL has come to an end DO NOT feel any panic or worry that you didn’t keep up or haven’t even started yet. The deadline was there just for those people that like a deadline, for everyone else, enjoy it when you have the time to use the yarn and / or make the shawlette – there is no rush to this crochet makealong! And sometime in the future you will have a beautiful finished object that you can gift for someone special or to enjoy yourself.

❤️ SAVE GRACEFUL GULL SHAWLETTE ON RAVELRY ❤️

The crocheted Graceful Gull Shawlette; a light and airy shawlette is wrapped around a mannikin in front of a lake.

Now that the MAL is over, I have listed the pattern in my usual pattern stores for you to make your own version of the Graceful Gull Shawlette.

I would suggest four different colours work best; 100g of white, 2 x 50g of different greys and 20g of orange with a 3mm (Closest US size D/3) hook.

The pattern has a written version, a chart and comes with a bonus pattern to make your own Sea Stone Paperweight – Kitey and I always like to add a little extra something for those scraps of leftover yarn if you have any! The pattern comes with all explanation of stitches used and is available in either UK or US terminology.

Close up of the crocheted Sea Stone Paperweight - bonus pattern with the Graceful Gull Shawlette.

We do hope that you’ve enjoyed this fun make-along, I know Kitey and I have thoroughly enjoyed it.

Important MAL update

After six make-alongs, for the last three years, Kitey and I have decided to give ourselves a bit of a break for the remainder of 2023 (as it’s been a busy year so far for both of us). So this is your forewarned notice that there will be no new winter make-along for 2023.

But don’t you worry, this isn’t the end! In fact we are just shaking things up a little and are coming back with a new schedule for 2024 and TWO new make-alongs to look forward to (we’ve already got them planned). The first one we will be looking to release in the Spring with details coming out in Jan / Feb 2024 – so watch this space!

Collage of Keep Calm and Crochet On UK and Yarn Whisperer Collabs featuring Solstice Garden, Whispers of the Sea, Mellow Mallow, Dragonfly River, Peppermint Pageant and Graceful Gull.

Peppermint Pageant (and previous MALs)

And if you are looking for a new WIP Kitey has created some brand new Peppermint Pageant kit colourways especially for 2023 – check out the new colourways in his shop. There’s some gorgeous teals and blues to place with, and the Aran yarn is just joyous to crochet with.

AND all the patterns for our previous make-alongs (Solstice Garden, Whispers of the Sea, Mellow Mallow, Dragonfly River and Peppermint Pageant) are available from my pattern shops if you want to hook something up from your own stash – if you are a newsletter subscriber make sure you check out your exclusive discount code!

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

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Pinterest of the Graceful Gull Shawlette crochet pattern by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

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

12Sep2023

Woolbox | Free Blue Rhino Pattern

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

I’m delighted to share with you today a brand new FREE crochet patterns that I’ve designed in collaboration with Woolbox. Recovering from a recent romp in the Serengeti, it’s a cute and cuddly crochet blue rhino!

Introducing the crocheted Blue Rhino amigurumi pattern and kit available now from Woolbox — © Woolbox 2023

You may remember that back in May this year I created a British Bulldog and now we’ve got a new cuddly companion perfect for any wildlife lover. I let you into a little secret too; there just might be a few more ‘Jungle Friends’ patterns from me coming to join this little guy.

❤️ SAVE THE PATTERN ON RAVELRY ❤️

Blue Rhino crocheted amigurumi made with Woolbox Imagine DK in three different shades — © Woolbox 2023

For my the Rhino I used Woolbox Imagine Classic DK. If you aren’t familiar with this yarn it’s a smoothly spun 100% anti–pilling acrylic that comes in an array of beautiful shades. Anti-pilling, in a nutshell, just means that any project you make with this yarn, like an amigurumi should not go bobbly over time.

Collage of the Blue Rhino crocheted amigurumi made with Woolbox Imagine DK in three different shades — © Woolbox 2023

Woolbox Imagine Classic DK is available in 20 different colours, and I just used three different colours for my Rhino; Mediterranean Blue, Deep Ocean Blue, and Pure White with a 3.5mm (US size E/4) hook.

The pattern is available for FREE from the Woolbox as just the digital download or as a kit – I’ve added the links below.

GET THE FREE PATTERN

PURCHASE THE YARN KIT

Crocheted Blue Rhino pattern by Keep Calm and Crochet on UK available from the Woolbox website

If you make up the Woolbox Blue Rhino I hope you will share your 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 sign 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