I Like Crochet Magazine | Patchwork Puppy

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

Today I’m going to share the last of the patterns I created for the April 2023 edition of I Like Crochet magazine. Bright and cheerful, and an excellent stash buster, allow me to introduce the Patchwork Puppy.

A cute close up of a crocheted peach, teal, pink and yellow amigurumi patchwork puppy sitting in a little mint green chair. — © I Like Crochet – April 2023

A great pattern for all the dog-lovers out there, this perfect patchwork pup is fab for using up any
part balls of yarn you have hanging around! With his colourful tummy and eye patch he’ll win over
fans of every age.

I created my pup 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 back view of the crocheted peach, teal, pink and yellow amigurumi patchwork puppy showing his tail.

The only other things you will need to make the pup are stitch markers, a tapestry needle and some toy stuffing and a needle and sewing thread.

💕 SAVE THE PATCHWORK PUPPY ON RAVELRY 💕

Close up of a crocheted peach, teal, pink and yellow amigurumi patchwork puppy on a white background.

As well as the patchwork puppy (and the flower hair accessories and countryside pillow) the April 2023 edition features loads of lovely 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.

Front cover image of the I Like Crochet e-magazine for April 2023 — © I Like Crochet – April 2023

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.

If you hook up the any of the designs in this issue I hope you’ll share your photos with me on social media (facebook, twitter or instagram) or as a project on Ravelry – I love to see what you make! 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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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

8May2020

Crochet Pattern Release & Discount Code| Timmy the Tribal Cactus

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

Hey folks, hope you are all doing okay out there and enjoying some bank holidays sunshine. Perhaps I find you today looking for a new crochet project? Well I’ll get straight to the ‘point’ of my post today – meet Timmy the Tribal Cactus!

Now I’m a bit obsessed with cacti and succulents, I’ve always had them around my home, and I think I’m currently numbering around 7 or 8 different varieties around the house. I love house plants in general, but what I love about cacti in particular is the easy maintenance, they are so effortless to look after, they don’t need a lot of water (so it doesn’t matter if you forget sometimes) and they are just so interesting to look at.

Timmy the Tribal Cactus is actually a pattern that’s been floating around for a while. I have a sketchbook that I scribble ideas or sketches into; sometimes I’ll have a look over these notes again and what I haven’t made yet then becomes something I really want to make now – totally the case with this design.

Timmy is made from Ricorumi DK that I’d got in my stash. I really like Ricorumi to work with; it’s specifically designed for amigurumi creations so it works really well with any designs I’ve used it for.

If it’s something you’ve not tried before, and you are reading this in real time, I did notice it’s on sale from Deramores at the moment for 0.87p for the 25g (57.5m) balls (in fact there a 20% discount sale on all yarn from Deramores for the Bank Holiday weekend).

If Timmy prickles your fancy you can pick up the pattern now from my Ravelry, LoveCrafts (when it’s approved) or my brand new Etsy store (which I’m finally getting round to populating!). The 4 page Timmy the Tribal Cactus pattern is available in UK and US terms.

SAVE TIMMY THE TRIBAL CACTUS ON RAVELRY

Speaking of which Timmy the Tribal Cactus pattern has an exclusive Ravelry discount code of 40% off this weekend, just use code: ‘TIMMY’ at the checkout. There is also 40% off the pattern on Etsy, no code required.

FAVOURITE TIMMY THE TRIBAL CACTUS ON ETSY

Just out of curiosity I’d love to know where would you say your favourite place is to buy your patterns from? Personally I’ve bought from all sites but I’d say mine are usually purchased mainly on Ravelry.

I hope you’ll tag @kcaco.uk on Instagram or share your projects on Ravelry or my Facebook page as I love to see your finished work! Happy Crocheting!

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

27Mar2020

Crochet Pattern Release & Discount Code| Battenburg Bunny

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

Hey folks, how you all doing out there? Today has felt like a looooonnnggg day! So in an aim to focus on more positive things, I’ve got a brand new pattern release for you today! Meet the Batternburg Bunny, she’s as sweet as marzipan and some’bunny’ you should really get to know better!

Do you like Battenburg cake? It’s one of my eldest girls favourites, but I think marzipan in a bit like marmite isn’t it, you either love it or loathe it!

This is one of those designs that I had around at least a year ago which popped up into my head again, and then I couldn’t shake it, I really wanted to try and combine some tapestry crochet and amigurumi to make something new!

She’s a fun project to make, and really not too tricky once you get into the flow of things.

I was actually going to call this bunny the Patchwork bunny until one of my friends suggested it looked like a Battenburg cake and then it just had to be the name!

My bunny is made from Scheepjes Catona that I’d got in my stash (I have a lot of Catona in my stash! You may have noticed it’s one of my favourite yarns to use for amigurumi), but the pattern will work with other yarns.

The 6 page Battenburg Bunny pattern is now on sale over on Ravelry (available in UK and US terms).

SAVE BATTENBURG BUNNY ON RAVELRY

In fact if you are looking for something to do I’ve put ALL my patterns on sale in my Ravelry store until 3 April 2020. Just enter code: LOCKDOWN for a discount off all patterns you add to your basket.

I hope you’ll tag @kcaco.uk on Instagram or share your projects on Ravelry or my Facebook page as I love to see your finished work! Happy Crocheting!

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

9Jan2020

Crochet Pattern Release & Discount Code| Reginald the Royal Rat

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

According to the Chinese Horoscope the year 2020 is the year of the Metal Rat! So I decided my first design for this year would be a little rat made in ‘metal’ grey yarn. Allow me to introduce Reginald the Royal Rat!

Reginald, as befitting someone born in the year of the rat, is an industrious, thrifty, diligent and positive wee fellow. He can accommodate himself to different circumstances quickly and get clear about his surroundings – which makes him perfect as an ornament to have on your shelf or desk at work.

Did you know that the Rat is the first of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. According to one myth, the Jade Emperor said the order would be decided by the order in which they arrived to his party. I personally thing Reginald is dressed fit for any occasion he might find himself in – what do you think?

Reginald is made from Scheepjes Catona that I’d got in my stash and some gold Scheepjes Lizzy thread for his crown – my inner magpie is still not ready to put away the sparkle yet after Christmas!

The Year of the Rat is going to bring us creative energy where everyone will show determination regarding their goals, aspirations, and hobbies! So why not harness your amigurumi making abilities to hook up this regal little project.

PURCHASE REGINALD THE ROYAL RAT ON RAVELRY HERE

This would make a fun little gift for anyone born in the year of the rat, or for a rat or royalty lover! The 5 page PDF pattern is available in either UK or US terms and includes explanations of all stitches and abbreviations.

To celebrate the new release I’m offering 40% discount from today until 22 January 2020 on Ravelry. Just use coupon code: RAT40

I hope you’ll tag @kcaco.uk on Instagram or share your projects on my Facebook page as I love to see your finished work! Happy Crocheting!

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

13Dec2019

New Pattern Release | Nordic Twist Gnome

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

So I promised another couple of Christmas patterns didn’t I and here is the next! Allow me to introduce the Nordic Twist Gnome!

I know that you will have seen these sort of Scandinavian Gnomes before, they are everywhere in the Christmas shops, and I LOVE them with their pulled down hats over their big noses. I love them so much that it just made me want to come up with my OWN version and so that’s what I’ve done!

The top of my gnomes hat is completely poseable for you to twist it or put it in all sorts of different shapes, all by the way of a carefully hidden pipe cleaner, that makes it a rather fun ornament to have on your shelf!

Did you know that these sorts of gnomes are a common Scandinavian Christmas decoration that have been adopted wholeheartedly by the rest of the world. The traditional word for gnomes in the Scandinavian culture is ‘Tomte’ which was apparently coined by Saint Birgitta of Sweden in the 1300s. These little guys are typically associated with the winter solstice and the Christmas season and traditionally usually don a bright red conical knitted hat.

I wanted my gnome to be a little different so I made him in a modern colour pallet of turquoises and silver. He’s made from Scheepjes Catona that I’d got in my stash, with a 2.75mm (US C/2) hook, some roving for his beard and some silver Scheepjes Lizzy thread just to add a bit of sparkle. And as Christmas to me is totally all about jingle bells I added some of those too!

My two girls love this little guy and I already know my gnome is going to come out every year for the holiday season with the rest of my Christmas makes. I love that my family will start to think of them as a part of their holidays.

The pattern is now available, from all my usual pattern stores, for you to make your own gnomes

I hope you enjoy making this little guy as much as I enjoyed designing him. And if you are looking for more seasonal patterns to hook up if you are in a festive kind of mood then check out my Christmas Crochet bundle on Ravelry which contains all my seasonal patterns available for purchase or for free.

I’ve just got two more Christmas patterns left that I’m releasing this year then I promise I’m all Xmas patterned out so keep a look out for those next week.

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

27Nov2019

New Pattern Release | Traditional Nutcracker Doll

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

There is absolutely no question; Christmas is MY favorite time of the year. I pretty much go gaga over all things Chrismassy so when an idea of a new seasonal pattern popped in my head, it was one of those occasions where I just HAD to make it come to life. Allow me to proudly introduce my Traditional Nutcracker Doll – the perfect addition to your handmade Christmas decor.

There’s nothing like mixing new decorations with old ones to give that feeling of seasonal warmth! And this traditionally styled amigurumi will stand smartly to attention as part of a festive shelf arrangement or perhaps displayed on the mantle (which is where mine is currently standing guard).

Did you know that Nutcracker dolls, also known as Christmas nutcrackers, are most commonly made to resemble a toy soldier. This is because in German tradition, the dolls are symbols of good luck designed to defend against and frighten away malevolent spirits.

I made this little guy out of Scheepjes Catona that I’d got in my stash and some golden Scheepjes Lizzy thread – because you have to have a bit of sparkle at Christmas don’t you!

So why not add to your crochet christmas decorations and make the Nutcracker to stand guard over your festivities. I love the idea of these patterns becoming family heirlooms that come out, year after year, for generations to come. I know any Christmas patterns I’ve made previously come out every year – how about yours?

I think he’d also make the perfect addition to a Christmas Eve box for the children with the classic story of the ‘The Nutcracker‘ – which is about a toy soldier that turns into a prince. Or maybe for a ballet fan just before going to see the magical ‘Nutcracker‘ on stage somewhere near you during the holiday season.

BUY NUTCRACKER PATTERN ON RAVELRY HERE

And if you are looking to create more Christmas decorations then watch this space as I have another Xmas design coming soon! In the meantime you could always check out my Christmas Crochet bundle on Ravelry which contains all my seasonal patterns available for purchase or for free.

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

18Jan2019

Crochet Now Magazine | Angelica the Mouse Amigurumi

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

I’m so excited to say that I’ve got a new pattern out in issue 37 of Crochet Now magazine. I’ve actually been waiting for this design to come out so I could tell you about it as it’s definitely one of my favourite makes that I’ve made to date!

heather gibbs - angelica mouse - scheepjes stonewashed

Meet Angelica Mouse! This wee gal is all ready for a winter walk into town in her cute dress, hat and muff. I think she’s going yarn shopping…yes she’s got that look of a dedicated yarn shopper don’t you think.

And she’s dressed perfectly for the weather here in the UK at the moment. It started snowing here tonight and I keep thinking I could do with a muff! It looks fab on a mouse – but do people still wear hand muffs? Anyway I digress…back to the crochet…

When I started designing her I think I might have been subconsciously channelling a bit of Miss Bianca from Disney’s The Rescuers as that’s who my Dad said she looked like. But in the end I think she’s turned out to have her own look and I really do love how she turned out. She came together really well when I was designing her – sometimes a pattern just flows off your hook and I think they often end up as my favourites for that reason.

For this design I used Scheepjes Stonewashed yarn, which if you follow along here on the blog, you will know is some of my favourite yarn to crochet with. I think the stonewashed aged look of the yarn suited the design and the look I was trying to create perfectly.

SAVE PATTERN ON RAVELRY HERE

As well as my crochet mouse pattern issue 37 features loads of great patterns including some really fun C2C projects and some really cute birds by Irene Strange (who you may remember I interviewed a couple years ago).