Inside Crochet

100 Pages·2016·42.012 MB·English

NEW DESIGN BY DEDRI UYS
HOW TO CROCHET
ALL YOU
NEED TO Easy step-by-step
KNOW
INSPIRING PROJECTS guides
for Creative Crocheters
17
insidecrochet.co.uk
AUTUMN
TUNISIAN
CROCHET MAKES
FABULOUS FAIR ISLE
Crochet this stunning scarf
GLORIOUS
COTTON
YARN
COLOUR
BEAUTIFUL BLANKET
Mix and match octagon motifs
Must-hook designs
in stunning
ADORABLE
AMIGURUMI
seasonal shades
CREATURE COMFORT
Sweet elephant to make today
FROM TINY
ACORNS…
WOODLAND WALKS
Easy-hook statement necklace
COSY CROCHET
Textured jumper
SUBTLE perfect for cooler days
SHADES
STYLISH STRIPES
£5.99 ISSUE 94
Classic clutch in pure wool
94
COSY COWL ❤ HAND-DYED YARNS ❤ MYSTERY CAL
9 772040 105014
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IC94_IFC.indd 1 04/09/2017 17:32
PO Box 6337, Bournemouth BH1 9EH
Subscription enquiries
t. [phone]
[email protected]
Meet the team
Editor
Rhian Drinkwater
[email protected]
Group Managing Editor
Sarah Moran Welcome
[email protected]
Styling & Photoshoot Editor
Claire Montgomerie
[email protected]
Technical Editors
Jane Czaja, Claire Montgomerie,
Rachel Vowles Autumn is defi nitely underway now, and though I’m
Sub Editor
Vicky Guerrero
always sorry to say goodbye to summer, I do love to see
Online Marketing Executive
Adrian Lito
[email protected] the gorgeous colours of the trees as the leaves start to
Contributors
Annelies Baes, Bergère de France fall, as well – of course – as the opportunity to dig out
Design Team, Shannen Nicole Chua,
Claire Culley, Caroline Eden, Vicky Guerrero, plenty of handmade jumpers, cardigans and scarves!
Yue Liang, Emma-Jayne McKenzie,
Claire Montgomerie, Helda Panagary, We’ve got some gorgeous autumn makes for you this
Amy Phipps, Sarah Reed,
Hayley Joanne Robinson, Sarah Shrimpton, issue as well, from Catherine Waterfi eld’s stunning granny square jumper on
Sirdar Design Team, Deborah Stuart, Dedri Uys,
Charles Voth, Catherine Waterfi eld page 36 to the amazing Tunisian colourwork scarf on page 52. Or if you’re
Models
Reagan Montgomerie, Tyra Shields-Best after something seasonal that you can hook in an evening, then turn to
Photography
Leanne Jade Photography, page 54 for our gorgeous acorn necklace design. Though I have to admit that
Lucy Williams
Hair and make-up my personal favourite this month is Emma-Jayne McKenzie’s Lighthouse
Julia Edwards
Design Shawl on page 58, with its clever design moving from striped lighthouse to
Stephanie Peat
Ad Production scalloped sea waves. It’s currently at the top of my autumn “must make” list!
Leila Schmitz
Main cover image
Leanne Jade Photography
Small cover images It’s no secret I’m a big fan of hand-dyed yarns (my handmade sock and shawl
Leanne Jade Photography, Lucy Williams
collection is quite extensive!) so I was delighted to interview some of my
Publishing
favourite dyers for our feature on page 84 – hand-dyed yarn really does add
Publisher
Tim Harris an extra-special personal touch to a project.
Group Advertising Manager
Jennie Ayres
[email protected] Finally, this month we’re publishing the last part of our mystery crochet-
Advertising Manager
Sophie Bunch along – turn to page 26 for the fi nal section of Sarah Shrimpton’s gorgeous
[email protected]
t. [phone] shawl design. I can’t wait to see everyone’s fi nished projects!
Circulation Manager
Tim Harris
Production Manager
Happy crocheting…
John Beare
IT Manager
Vince Jones
Subscriptions Manager
Chris Wigg page 52
(See page 56 for subscription details)
Published by
Tailor Made Publishing Ltd
PO Box 6337, Bournemouth BH1 9EH
t. [phone]
Printed by
Precision Colour Printing
Haldane, Halesfi eld 1
Telford, Shropshire TF7 4QQ Rhian Drinkwater, Editor
t. [phone]
©Tailor Made Publishing Ltd 2017
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www.insidecrochet.co.uk 03
IC#94_03[Eds]SP2vgRD.indd 1 07/09/2017 14:31
6
CONTENTS
ISSUE 94
52
HOOK
DEDRI UYS’
STRIKING
MULTI-STRAND
RIPPLES RUG!
PAGE 14
THE FINAL
PART OF SARAH
SHRIMPTON’S
MYSTERY
SHAWL CAL
PAGE 26
NEWS & REVIEWS FEATURES
06 IN THE LOOP 14 HEARTH & HOME
All the latest in the crochet world, including This month Dedri Uys recalls the rag rugs
a fab new yarn subscription box, cute projects of her childhood and her own joyous early
for animal lovers, a gorgeous new colourway makes. Now it’s now her passion for working
of a Jane Crowfoot design, plus meet talented with multiple strands of yarn that inspires
designers Sarah Hazell and Catherine Bligh. her fabulous crochet rugs, leading her to
share her mesmerising Ripples design.
09 YARN REVIEWS 98
Tempt your hook this season with beautiful 84 HAND-DYED HAPPINESS
new acrylic and wool yarns and cosy blends. Rhian Drinkwater chats to some of our
favourite indie dyers about why they love
11 OFF THE HOOK hand-dyed yarns so much, and what makes
Our pick of accessories and homewares them so special. She also discovers their
11
inspired by woodlands and autumn colours. expert tips about how to make the most of
their yarns, especially variegated colourways.
12 BOOK REVIEWS
A collection of mini monsters, sweet designs 98 FINAL THOUGHT
for kids’ bags, learn Tunisian crochet with We chat with amigurumi designer and mum
Michelle Robinson and make winter cosy of two Jennifer Santos about having a sweet
with Emma Mitchell’s crafty ideas. tooth, and how to perfectly stuff an ami!
04 Inside Crochet
IC#94_4-5[contents]SP2vgRD.indd 4 07/09/2017 12:58
Patterns
Make it in this
issue
36 Margaret 40 Autumn 44 Filet
Jumper Shades Cardigan
40
PAGE 6 48 Fringed 52 Tunisian Fair 54 Autumn
Poncho Isle Scarf Acorns
HAND-DYED
YARNS
PAGE 84
54 8 58 Lighthouse 60 Chic String 62 Kilim
Shawl Shopper Clutch
63 Bouquet 66 Maite 67 Knight’s
Cowl Shawl Tabard
Ifonr snCpreeIrawItnivge d Cprreoocsjhieegctetnrss by dedri uys nakelnle doy wotou hoeawsy tsgotue ipcd-rebsyo-csthepe t REGULARS
51 BACK ISSUES
insidecrochet.co.uk 17
Missed that must-have pattern?
tcurnoicshiaent amuatkuemsn Order your back issue here.
cyoafCtrtaroonbcnh u etl tohisu sstu fnnainigr s icsalrfe glorious
colour 56 SUBSCRIPTIONS
bMiex aanud tmiaftcuhl o cbtalgaonn mkoettifs
aamdiogruarbulmei Musseta-hsooinonak sl dt suehnsanigdinnegss It’s the ideal treat for you or a friend
cSwreeeta etleuphraent c too mmakfeo tordaty – every issue delivered to your door! 70 100 Colours 74 Ben’s 76 25’s A Crowd
farcoomr ntsin…y Blanket Dinosaur Blanket
wEasoy-ohodolk astantedm wenat nleckkslace 65 NEXT ISSUE
sCltasyslici ccsluhtoc sh tinsr piuypree w scoolowsshuabdtllees ❤ hand-dyed yarns ❤ mystercyo pcesrafeylctT ce fxo£9r5tr.9u7 9co 7 rISo2eS0Uod4Ecl0 9 ej4u1hr0m 5de0ap1t4yesr 94 Cbroosoym austtiucmk cnr mocahkeets a, nadd omraobrele. amis,
SUBSCRIBE TODAY 88 YARN MARKET
Treat yourself to an Inside Head here to check out some great
Crochet subscription!
independent yarn shops.
Turn to page 56 for details
89 HOW TO CROCHET 70
If you’re new to crochet, turn here 82 Ella
for our illustrated guide to stitches, Elephant
techniques and all you need to know.
www.insidecrochet.co.uk 05
IC#94_4-5[contents]SP2vgRD.indd 5 07/09/2017 12:58
I N T H E L O O P
News
etc
BLOGS | REVIEWS | WEBSITES | EVENTS | INTERVIEWS
TOTALLY TROPICAL!
➻ Pineapples in autumn?
Yes please! We’re
smitten with Stephanie
Lau of All About
Ami’s cute amigurumi
pineapple purse, which
is just right for holding
all your essentials and
bringing a fun, fruity
note to a dreary day.
HHooww ccaann yyoouu rreessiisstt tthhoossee zziinnggyy yyeellllooww aanndd
[CHARITY PROJECT]
green colours and that little smiling face?!
Puppy love
Stephanie chose a solid shell stitch for the
purse body which gives a lovely, delicate look
– if you’re new to this stitch you’ll fi nd a link on ➻ If your heart melts too at the sight of these adorable kitties and pooches,
Ami’s blog to a video tutorial. Fancy making then get out your hooks and lend your support to Battersea Dogs & Cats
one for yourself? Just pop to Ami’s blog for Home, as well as creating sweet cuddly toys to gift or keep. The home has
step-by-step photos and a free pattern! teamed up with LoveCrochet with six new crochet and fi ve knitting patterns
www.allaboutami.com/amigurumi- based on animals who are now pets in loving homes, with all pattern proceeds
pineapple-purse. going towards the home. The crochet gang comprise Oliver the poodle, Hazel
the cat in her cool beanie, Jack Russell cross Buster and Daffy the tabby cat,
plus a cute pair of booties and snuggly gingham paw print blanket.
Find the patterns (from £3, available until the end of November) and
[SHOPS WE LOVE] TURN TO PAGE 88
read the stories of the animals who inspired them, plus get
Handmade FOR MORE GREAT
INDEPENDENT Paintbox Yarns packs, at www.lovecrochet.com/battersea
YARN SHOPS!
Studios
Textile artist Linda Kirkbride opened
Handmade Studios in south east
Hampshire in December 2010.
She specialises in indie-dyed yarn,
featuring a different dyer a month.
Customers say: “There’s nothing like
this around here and we can come
and see the yarn and squish it!” She
also stocks other indie dyers such
as Baa Ram Ewe, Eden Cottage
Yarns, Truly Hooked, Unbelievawool, YARNY HAPPINESS
EasyKnits and Manos del Uruguay.
Plus yarns from Debbie Bliss, Noro, ➻ Get your hands on some fabulous yarns
Regia, Opal, Bergère de France, West with Louisa Sheward of Komodo Krafts’ new
Yorkshire Spinners, Rowan and Navia. yarn subscription box. Squirrel them away in
Handmade Studios also run crochet your stash, or get inspired by the gorgeous
classes. Find Linda on Instagram and colours and start hooking! Each month you’ll
Twitter (@Linda Kirkbride) and on fi nd 100g of hand-dyed yarn from a UK
Facebook under Handmade Studios. indie dyer, at least 100g of commercial yarn
www.handmadestudios.org plus carefully-selected goodies from small
businesses. Plus, if you’re looking to treat
yourself to a weekend of crafts, crochet and
relaxation, don’t miss Komodo Krafts’ next
retreat in the beautiful rural Anstey Grove
Barn in Hertfordshire, on 8–10 December.
My Secret Yarn Stash subscription box
starts at £26 per month; The Big Crochet Stayaway, £90 for Saturday, £490
for a single room for the weekend, £750 for a twin, www.komodokrafts.com
06 Inside Crochet
IC#94_6-7[news]SP2vgRD.indd 6 07/09/2017 09:30
➻ IN THE LOOP
News etc
DIARY
✽ 28 & 29 OCTOBER
KENDAL WOOL GATHERING
Returning for its fi fth year, the Kendal Wool
Gathering promises to be a fun event, with
45 fantastic stallholders, woolly activities,
demonstrations, livestock displays, children’s
workshops, pop-up cafes and special guests.
Held at the Kendal Leisure Centre.
www.kendalwoolgathering.co.uk
✽ SATURDAY 11 NOVEMBER
[YARN SHOW]
FESTIWOOL
Fibre fun! At this yarn and wool fair at The Priory
School, Hitchin in Hertfordshire you’ll meet
over 50 fabulous independent designers,
➻ Calling all south west crocheters! Are you looking to stock up on beautiful yarns and spinners, dyers and craftspeople. Plus
book onto fun workshops from weaving
accessories for your upcoming projects? Hotfoot it to a fabulous new yarn show, Stitch
a textile piece to using a drop spindle and
Fest South West, with indie makers, dyers and spinners a-plenty showcasing their making Dorset buttons. 10am–5pm,
gorgeous goodies. Now in its second year, it’s held in the beautiful market town of Totnes tickets £5 in advance, £7 on the door.
in south Devon, on 4–5 November. Find lively crochet, knitting, spinning and felting www.festiwool.com
workshops – don’t miss corner graphgan crochet, Tunisian crochet and broomstick
✽ 11 & 12 NOV
crochet (all £15 each) and crocheting a brooch (£10), plus get your hand-dyeing dreams
NOTTINGHAM YARN EXPO
off to a colourful start with Devon Sun Yarns. What’s more, you’ll fi nd talks and demos,
The inaugural Nottingham Yarn Expo comes
and a knit/crochet and natter lounge. Hosted by contemporary Totnes crafts shop Social to the East Midlands. With around 100
Fabric, advance day tickets are £4.50, £5 on the door. exhibitors, fi ll your bags with yarny treats
Keep up to date at www.stitchfest.co.uk and facebook.com/stitchfestSW galore. Plus Sarah Hazell will be running
crochet workshops for beginners and
intermediates. Pre-booked day tickets £8.
www.nottinghamyarnexpo.com
✽ 23-26 NOVEMBER
WE LOVE…
THE KNITTING &
Don’t Miss!
STITCHING SHOW
These bright gingham cushions with
This popular show heads to Harrogate
crochet mandala and trim, brimming with on the 23rd November where you can
gypsy charm (caravan optional). Made pick from over 250 workshops, visit the
dressmaking studio and drop-in crochet
by Alfi e Fulljames, also see her fabulous and knitting sessions. Plus browse textile
Russian Doll and Granny Patch cushions galleries and fi ll your bags with gorgeous
items from over 300 specialist stalls,
– patchwork crochet fusion at its best. covering crochet to lace making, quilting,
embroidery and more. Unmissable.
£27, www.scarlet-sometimes.co.uk
Adult tickets £14.50.
www.theknittingandstitchingshow.com
WORKSHOPS
✽ SUNDAY 19 NOVEMBER
[NEW YARN] NEXT STEPS CROCHET
Heritage stitches In this workshop with Amanda Jones in
Bath you will learn to read crochet patterns,
make simple lace stitches, create relief
patterns and clusters and add edge stitches.
➻ For the ultimate snuggly yet hard-wearing All materials included – you will receive a
yarn to keep the chills at bay, The Croft Shetland kit to make a small crochet tote.
Tweed from West Yorkshire Spinners is at the top £30, 11.30am–1.30pm.
www.ayarnstory.co.uk
of our autumn wishlist. Produced from natural
and sustainable 100% Shetland Island wool, this ✽ SATURDAY 25 NOVEMBER
aran yarn comes in eight beautiful heathered CROCHET DESIGN
colours with different shaded threads running INSPIRATION
through them – from mauves and stone greys, Join Sue Pinner in Warrington and
to lake-deep aquas and mossy greens – all experiment with your crochet stitches.
Sue will take you through the design
inspired by the age-old tradition of crofting in
process from inspiration to constructing
the Shetland landscape. We’re thinking textured, a crochet motif inspired by a tile design.
rugged sweaters, big-buttoned cardigans, soft Lots of beautiful yarns will be provided,
wrist warmers and adventures outside (with tea plus refreshments and a buffet lunch.
£49.95, 10am–4pm.
and cake afterwards, of course).
www.blacksheepwools.com
£8.50 per 100g hank, www.wyspinners.com
www.insidecrochet.co.uk 07
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[CAREERS]
C RO C H E T
E N T R E PR E N E U R S
We talk with designer and author Sarah Hazell
about love and laughter, and her passion for
crochet, colour and inspiring others.
www.sarah-hazell.com
Sarah Hazell is a knit and crochet designer confi dence in others. “I recently returned
and author of several books. She has a from teaching knitting in India, where I led
passion for beautiful yarn and textiles a two-week holiday, raising funds for Knit
and is fascinated by colour, pattern and for Peace,” Sarah explains. “I also worked
texture. She lives in Birmingham with her with women in one of the projects that
[NEW COLOURWAY] husband and daughter and two Springer the charity supports. I have returned full
Seaside gems spaniels, Oscar and Millie. “When you are of inspiration for a new collection and
running a business on your own, there are enthusiasm for sharing my skills.” 
➻ Feel like you need a burst of sunshine often times when it feels like the wheels Sarah says she is always infl uenced by
during these autumn months? We have just are going to fall off . These guys bring the colours and nature of the yarn she
the thing! Talented new Stylecraft Blogstar perspective, love and laughter!” says is working with. “I’m a huge fan of mid-
Lucia Dunn has taken popular designer Sarah of her supportive family. century design and often my work will
Jane Crowfoot’s stunning Persian TIles Sarah was in her early forties when she refl ect the patterns, shapes and colour
blanket design and given it a vibrant new learned to crochet. “It was something I palette from that era.” You can fi nd her
twist, using different colours in each motif, had always wanted to do, but couldn’t inspiration on Pinterest (sarah-hazell.
like the multi-coloured houses in villages quite grasp the mechanics! I was working com) and Instagram (@sarahhazell6). 
along the coast of her home country of Italy. with Rowan Yarns and they encouraged Sarah admits that it’s just not possible
Says Lucia of her Eastern Jewels colourway: me to learn. So I sat on a beach one to always fi t everything in! “One thing
“I hope that my palette will give anyone the summer and taught myself. I had no idea that I have learned is that sometimes
feeling of happiness, general wellness, sun at this point that ‘Learn to crochet’ would you have to let something go – better to
and sea.” Eastern Jewels Special DK yarn become my most popular workshop and produce one good relevant design, rather
packs, and the pattern, are available from that I would write four books on crochet!” than three that miss the mark,” she smiles. 
25 September from your local yarn shop. Before starting her crochet journey, What is Sarah looking forward to for
www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk Sarah was a primary school teacher. She the rest of 2017? “I will be continuing
then moved into adult education which to work with Jane Crowfoot and Erika
gave her more time to build her designs. Knight. My Tranquil shawl from her recent
“I have been lucky enough to work with Studio Linen Collection has proved very
Jane Crowfoot,” says Sarah, “and her popular. I will be appearing with Jane
contribution to revitalising the craft is Crowfoot and Erika Knight at the Knitting
second to none. She has encouraged me and Stitching Show in October and am
to believe in the strength of my designs excited to be taking part in several shows
and build my own brand.” in November. I will be selling yarn, kits
In 2015, Sarah launched her website and patterns and beautiful project bags.
featuring small, stand-alone collections Crochet has given me the opportunity to
with an emphasis on creating sustainable create beautiful projects and share my
clothes and accessories. Sarah is also an skills – I hope many of you feel inspired
experienced workshop tutor and loves to take up your hooks and get creative.
to teach new techniques and inspire In this frantic world, it can be a lifeline!”
IRISH COASTLANDS
➻ Warm your hands and heart as the
temperatures dip, with The Fibre Co’s new
Arranmore Light DK yarn. In the same
sumptuous Merino, cashmere and silk blend
as Arranmore aran weight, this gorgeous
tweed yarn works up into an incredibly soft
and cosy fabric, with lots of texture due to the
nepps. Choose from 18 glorious shades, from
shamrock green and burnt orange, to sunset
pink, sea green and rich brown, all beautifully
fl ecked, and inspired by the breathtaking
scenery of Ireland’s wild Northern Headlands.
£22.50 for 100g, www.thefi breco.com
08 Inside Crochet
IC#94_8[news]SP2vgRD.indd 8 07/09/2017 09:32
➻ IN THE LOOP
News etc
[YARN REVIEW] [QUESTION TIME]
YARNS
Add to your stash WE LOVE WE ASKED
OUR READERS…
WORDS RHIAN DRINKWATER
Do you enjoy crocheting with
hand-dyed yarns?
WENDY AURORA Don’t forget, we are now off ering a free
➻ With seven intense colourways inspired one-year subscription to Inside Crochet
by the Northern Lights, this vibrant yarn for our favourite response, so send us
is smooth to hook with and has a slightly your comments!
hairy feel, creating a dense fabric. It’s
made of two diff erent colour-changing WINNER! JANE MACKEY
fi bres spun together, creating slow shade ➻ It’s joyful! When someone has taken
changes, and would be perfect for simple 100% acrylic • 100g/290m/317yds so much care over creating special yarn,
designs that let the colours do the work! £3.39 from www.wisebadger.com it is impossible not to enjoy the making.
➻ Katharine Humphries: Defi nitely!
ROWAN VALLEY TWEED Love knowing the work that has gone
➻ This 2ply yarn is spun in Huddersfi eld, into the yarn, so I make sure it’s used
Yorkshire (the home of Rowan) to give a for a special project.
lofty, airy feel. It’s available in ten shades
from neutrals to intense blues and reds – ➻ Sarah Murray: Absolutely! Not only
we think it would be perfect for colourwork are they beautiful, the work will be
as well as classic wardrobe pieces. It’s a unique and I know love and artistry has
pure wool yarn with a slightly coarse feel 100% wool • 50g/207m/226yds gone into dyeing it.
to work with, and has great yardage. £8.95 from www.mcadirect.com
➻ Manda Perkin: I adore hand-dyed
yarn, the quality and variety available
STYLECRAFT BATIK ELEMENTS DK is amazing. Beautiful to work with, and
➻ Stylecraft’s Batik yarn is one of our I’m supporting a small business owner.
favourites, so we were delighted to see
the launch of this complementary range, ➻ Anna Pasechnick Ridley: Oh yes! It’s
a variegated version that co-ordinates gloriously hued, wonderfully squishy
perfectly with the solid shades. The colours and luxurious. It can turn crochet into
themselves feel more “solid” than the an incredible sensory experience. And
mottled look of the original range, which 80% acrylic/20% wool • 50g/138m/151yds I’m supporting small businesses, too.
works well for the short colour changes. £2.30 from www.wool4less.co.uk
➻ Miss Moffat Yarns: Yes! Was looking
for the perfect colour for a shawl,
SUBLIME WILLOW ended up dyeing it myself and now
➻ This tweedy yarn is chainette plied, have a little Etsy shop!
which gives it a lovely light and airy fi nish
despite the chunky weight. As you crochet ➻ mleroux90: Yes! I love the surprise
it pulls out to feel thinner, but then fl uff s of how the colours play out as you
up into big stitches, so make sure you crochet and how the end product looks.
choose an appropriately large hook! The
tweed fl ecks add interest to the fabric, and ➻ crochetkae: I love the stories behind
it comes in six deep colours, from red to a 94% Merino wool/6% nylon • 50g/125m136yds hand-dyed, whether it be the colour
gorgeous mustard yellow and regal purple. £6.49 from www.woolwarehouse.co.uk or how they chose the name. I love
supporting indie dyers – the pieces
I make always feel more special.
KING COLE LUXURY MERINO DK
➻ Gorgeously squishy and great value
for money, this new yarn from King Cole
FOLLOW!
is machine washable, making it practical
to work with and particularly great for CChheecckk oouutt tthhee IInnssttaaggrraamm ffeeeedd ooff IInnssiiddee
kids’ clothes as well as classic garments. It Crochet dddeeesssiiigggnnneeerrr CCCaaattthhheeerrriiinnneee WWWaaattteeerrrfififi eeelllddd fffooorrr
creates smooth, even stitches and is soft ddrrooooll--wwoorrtthhyy ssttaasshh sshhoottss,, ppeeeekkss aatt uuppccoommiinngg
and pleasant to hook with. It’s available in ddeessiiggnnss,, wwoorrkkss iinn pprrooggrreessss aanndd mmoorree!!
22 solid shades ranging from baby blues 100% Merino wool • 50g/140m/153yds www.instagram.com/wellofdreams
and pinks to deep reds and purples. £4.49 from www.laughinghens.com
www.insidecrochet.co.uk 09
IC#94_9[yarnrevs]SP2vgRD.indd 9 07/09/2017 09:34
Blog
WE LOVE
[NEW YARN]
Luscious blends Catherine Bligh
catherinescrochetcorner.wordpress.com/blog
➻ We’re always excited to see what hand-
dyed magic Kathryn Senior of Crafternoon Tell us a bit about yourself… I live How did you start designing? At
Treats is concocting and her new Fabulous in Cambridge with two cats, fi ve the start of 2016 I plunged into the
Four 2ply line is a real winner! Combining chickens, my mother, and in the deep end by designing a blanket
the softness of British alpaca and Bluefaced winter months, a number of juvenile with diff erent square patterns and in
Leicester, with the natural lustre of Masham hedgehogs in the spare bedroom! diff erent sizes too. After the Demelza
and the strength of Romney lambswool (all Could you tell us a bit about what you blanket I’ve just kept going, and I’m
100% British wool and spun in Yorkshire), do? As a designer, I love combining now working on my fourth design.
we’re smitten with the colourways, from colours and shapes with textures. What are your sources of inspiration?
jewel-coloured tonals such as Preen (think I have a real love aff air with post Nature, and literature. It sounds like
vibrant hues of a peacock’s tail) to neutral stitches. Touch is as important a sense an odd match! Not all of my designs
shades like Best Silk Lingerie (a delicate as sight, and I love creating designs are inspired by both, but the Demelza
blend of peach, grey and lilac speckles). that are tactile and visually interesting. blanket was. I have a literature degree
The base is available in laceweight, too.
Fabulous Four 100g skein, £18, “I have a literature degree and love drawing out
www.crafternoontreats.com
themes in novels I can then portray in crochet”
What inspired you to start blogging? and love looking at a novel and
I released my fi rst blanket pattern characters and drawing out themes
in April 2016, and it caused a much I can portray in crochet. Nature is an
bigger impact than I ever anticipated. ever-changing inspiration, from the
I didn’t have a blog, but I kept being smallest garden to nature’s wildest
asked where my website was, so I sat and most awesome spectacles.
down one sunny afternoon in August What is your favourite design? So far
and put one together in a few hours. my favourite is also the most popular –
Do you use any other social media? the Demelza blanket. It will always be
I have a Facebook page, and my blog, very special to me as the blanket that
which I’m still coming to grips with. started me off designing. I love seeing
Have you made new friends through people interpret it in diff erent ways.
blogging? I have! Particularly since What item couldn’t you live without?
becoming a Stylecraft Blogstar. The A calculator! I joke that nobody ever
SPICE IT UP!
other Blogstars are a lovely group told me designing involves so much
➻ After the runaway success of her Spice of ladies, and they’ve all been so maths. I also couldn’t be without my
of Life blanket CAL a few years ago, Sandra welcoming to a newbie. I’ve also stitch markers, or a cup of tea.
Paul (aka Cherry Heart) has just released a become great friends with Emma from What are you working on at the
brand new pattern. The stunning Spicier Life Pippin Poppycock, who hosted the moment? Another blanket design,
blanket CAL is in Sandra’s much-loved style Demelza blanket as a CAL. inspired by a children’s novel. I can’t
so there’ll be lots of opportunity to try out How did you learn to crochet? My tell you any more yet! I’m also thinking
new stitches and gain in confi dence. Choose mother taught me the basics, but I about my next blanket design, and I’m
from three beautiful, zingy colourways needed to know more. So I taught planning a themed set of four hanging
evocative of Indian spice markets – Jaipur myself from books and the internet. decorations. Watch this space!
(above), Bollywood and Taj Mahal – available I think there’s always something new Who are your favourite other
exclusively from Black Sheep Wools. The to learn. Learning crochet is like a designers? At the moment I’m
CAL runs from October to November so pop journey without an end, just lots of particularly loving The Patchwork
over there quickly to join in the fun! twists and turns along the way. Heart’s colour palettes.
Spicier Life CAL kits, from £25.99,
www.blacksheepwools.com; #spicierlifecal
10 Inside Crochet
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