Simply Crochet

Simply Crochet is full of creative ideas for anyone who loves - or would love to learn - crochet. Crochet is a wonderfully versatile craft with endless possibilities of creative things to make. Inside you will find beautiful designs for the home, fashionable accessories to wear and gift ideas for all occasions. From lampshade covers to shawls, toys to blankets and gadget cosies to cardigans, Simply Crochet is a must-buy for creative crafters looking for new things to make. With clear, easy-to-follow instructions to ensure the best possible results every time, you'll be hooked on handmade from the very first page!

New year, we’re here

CONTRIBUTORS • Meet our happy band of hooksters this issue

Simply Crochet

Flower Power Ballad • Guitars have played a part in countless songs with catchy hooks – but this Fender Stratocaster has been wrapped by one! Flower Power was created by Joana Vasconcelos, a contemporary visual artist with a 25-year career whose work, which often includes crochet, incorporates everyday objects with irony and humour. www.joanavasconcelos.com

SUBS STARS!

INSPIRING BOOKS

5 FAB FINDS Slippers • Give hardworking feet a much-need treat

Fresh air wear • Our winter walk essentials will keep the chill away with interlacing yarn, chunky texture and oodles of warmth

Long AND lovely • Get the best of both worlds with Fran Morgan’s easy-to-wear coat and cardigan combination

SIMPLE STEPS HOW TO WORK SURFACE CROCHET

SYD THE SEAL • Hook up Erinna Lee’s adorable creature as a gift and you’ll surely get a seal of approval

SIMPLE STEPS HOW TO USE STITCH MARKERS IN SPIRALS

Step into comfort • These stylish slippers by Yoko Hatta are a beautiful gift from your hands to your feet

SANDRA’S JOURNAL ...from the studio • In her final instalment, guest writer Sandra Gutierrez of Nomad Stitches looks forward to springtime and nature’s wealth of inspiration

CANDAY STRIPES • Emma Leith’s scarf is like a sweet shop – perfect for those with a sweet tooth and hungry hook

SAVE OR SPLURGE

SIMPLE STEPS HOW TO MAKE A DOUBLE TREBLE

Dino mites • For the scariest sleeve around, add this fearsome dinosaur appliqué by Millie Dean

Soft lines • Create a smart yet cosy silhouette with Pia Thadani’s skirt design

SIMPLE STEPS HOW TO SEW SEAMS

Finishing touch • Marianne Rawlins’North African-inspired design complements neutral interiors

DESIGNING BY INTUITION • Crochet garment designer Kristen TenDyke tells us how important it is for her to really ‘feel’ a design to get it just right…

A few of her favourite things • When Kristen doesn’t have a hook in her hand…

Acute bag • You’ll be going places with this neat design by Carol Ibbetson

Bit of pizazz • Liven up a dull corner with Emma Leith’s highly decorated garland design

Flower bed • Claire Goodale’s folk art-inspired blanket is where home and nature unite

SIMPLE STEPS HOW TO CHANGE COLOUR IN ROWS

YARN LIFE online • We’re finding new ways to stay connected and inspired

2021 ONLINE CROCHET EVENTS

Denim days • Wear the winter sky with a lightweight shawl by Elisabeth Davis de Herraiz

SIMPLE STEPS HOW TO MAKE A TREBLE

Queen tea • Let the bees on Kate Eastwood’s cosy do all the work and slow down for teatime

SIMPLE STEPS HOW TO WORK A CLUSTER STITCH

Hug a hoodie • Looking cool while keeping warm can be a battle, but Jess Bennett’s design is more than up to the challenge

SIMPLE STEPS HOW TO MAKE A HORIZONTAL BUTTONHOLE

Cushy number • Take time out for yourself and sit pretty on a floral motif cushion by Hannah Cross

SIMPLE STEPS HOW TO WORK A SLIP STITCH...