Table Of Content

m t Your favroSiuritmoeps lfryco h e C Crochet C H R I S T M A S Hook up a crafty Christmas for family and friends with this wonderful collection of festive favourites from Simply Crochet. Celebrate with projects to suit everyone, from gorgeous gifts to unique decorations for your home, and don’t forget to treat yourself with stylish makes for your winter wardrobe. Use our easy-to-follow patterns to crochet your best ever Christmas! WWW.SIMPLYCROCHETMAG.COM ! W N O E I N T CI rochet D E 8 1 0 2 GET INTO CRAFT ho ho ho! page 94 C H R I S T M A S t UR ROM e YO S F h 58 E T RI c FAVOU moply ri S C Festive projects to crochet today MERRY ScaNdi Chic TreAt YouRself! CHRISTMAS! GORGEOUS SEASONAL PATTERNS TO HOOK elf BenEfits Cute GifTs for Kids so Cosy! AmaZing AccEsSorIes CHRISTMAS 2018 PRINTED IN THE UK £8.99 LuxUry for Less! QuiCk & Easy Gift IdeAs AdvEnt fun SweEt MakEs for EveRy Home Crochet C H R I S T M A S Crochet C H R I S T M A S Editor: Sara Huntington 38 Managing Editor: Charlotte Martyn Hello Senior Art Editor: Julian Dace Production Editor: Helen Dorritt Simply Crochet Editorial Team Editor-in-Chief: Debora Bradley Art Editor: Kimberly Price Production Editor: Becca Parker W Technical Assistants: Cara Medus, Paula Green Digital Assistant: Matthew Spiers e’re back again for the most wonderful time of Photography: Joseph Branston, Neil Godwin, the year – Christmas! We’ve filled this issue with Steve Sayers, Philip Sowels, Jesse Wild AdvErTisIng over 50 of the very best projects from Simply Call 0117 300 8206 Crochet so you can hook yourself and your loved ones Senior Advertising Manager: Penny Stokes Senior Sales Executive: Beckie Pring some FABULOUS FESTIVE TREATS! Sales Executive: Tiffany Jackson Everyone loves unwrapping something handmade at MarKeTing & CirCuLatIoN Christmas, so turn to our GIFTS section on page 48 to Direct Marketing Manager: Kevin Slaughter Direct Marketing Assistant: Charlie Herne get some ideas for everyone on your list this Head of Newstrade Marketing: Martin Hoskins Newstrade Marketing Manager: Janine Smith year. If you want to deck your halls crochet- Subscriptions Director: Jacky Perales-Morris style, you’ll find lots of gorgeous makes in ProDuCtiOn the DECORATIONS section (p82), such as a Production Director: Sarah Powell Production Managers: Louisa Molter, Rose Griffiths sparkly bauble garland, an Advent calendar LicEnSing in oh-so-sweet pastel colours and the cutest Director of International Licensing and Syndication: 73 carolling mice! Then update your WINTER Tim Hudson [email protected] PubLiShiNg WARDROBE (p10) with our selection of Managing DGirroeucpto Srse:n Kioerrr Eyd Liatowrr: eJnucliee, TCaaytlhoerrine Potter garments to keep you cosy from head to toe, 108 including a pretty cowl in star stitch, a stylish DisTrIbuTion Frontline loop stitch coat and a gingerbread jumper Printed in England by William Gibbons that’s good enough to eat! Find a Copy To help you tackle your festive to-do list, turn to Call +44 (0)3330 162 146, visit page 6 for TOP TIPS from expert crocheters on how www.buysubscriptions.com/craftspecial or email [email protected] to plan your makes. And our STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE Need to get in TouCh? (p123) has all the information you need to crochet EDITORIAL TEAM the wonderful patterns in the issue. [email protected] SUBSCRIPTIONS TEAM Have yourself a very merry Christmas! [email protected] +44 (0)3330 162 146 Deputy Chairman: Peter Phippen Chief Executive Oicer: Tom Bureau Managing Director, Bristol: Andy Marshall 75 SARA HUNTINGTON EDITOR PS Subscribe to Simply Crochet magazine today and you’ll get Immediate Media Company Bristol Limited (company number 05715415) is registered in England and Wales. The registered oice of Immediate Media Company Bristol Limited three issues for just £5 is at Vineyard House, 44 Brook Green, London W6 7BT. All information contained in this magazine is for information only and is, as far as we are aware, correct at the time of going to press. Immediate Media Company Bristol Limited cannot accept any responsibility for – and receive exclusive errors or inaccuracies in such information. Readers are advised to contact manufacturers and retailers directly with regard to the price of products/services referred to in this magazine. If you submit unsolicited material to us, you automatically grant Immediate 42 patterns and free Media Company Bristol Limited a licence to publish your submission in whole or in part in all editions of the magazine, including licensed editions worldwide and in any physical or digital format throughout the world. Any material you submit is sent at your risk. gifts! See page 44 Although every care is taken, neither Immediate Media Company Bristol Limited nor its employees agents or subcontractors shall be liable for loss or damage. for more information. Crochet ·dV@QLRULRLWLVLL CONTENTS C H R I S T M A S 10 SweEt TreAt 32 106 82 Tree- MendouS 24 FROM THE TOP 41 WINTER WARMER The ultimate pompom hat. Intricate fingerless mitts. 25 SPARKLE & SHINE 42 STARRY COWL Hook a pretty shawl in pinks. Made in delicate star stitch. 28 TEAL WAVES 45 SMART COOKIE Wrap up warmly in this A delicious festive sweater! Good ReaDs fabulously chunky cowl. GifTs 29 HO HO HO! A super cute Santa motif. 06 GET CHRISTMAS SORTED Tips to get ahead with festive makes. 31 TICKLED PINK 48 OH, YOU SHOULDN’T HAVE! Stay cosy with a bobble beanie. Fab accessories in soft alpaca yarn. WinTer WarDrobe 32 WARM AND BRIGHT 60 ELVES ON SHELVES A colourful hat and scarf set. A pair of amigurumi cuties. 113 10 SNOW DAY 34 GO LOOPY! 64 LITTLE SOFTIE 100 Après-ski accessories to hook. Try loop stitch in this fab coat. Hook a hat for a toddler. 20 SKI SUNDAY 38 AFTER DINNER MINT 66 TOASTY TOES A stylish Scandi sweater. A pretty pastel jumper. Cosy slipper boots. 4 YOUR CROCHET CHRISTMAS 114 70 38 79 42 5 8 PatTerns to Make! 108 Ding Dong MerriLy! 69 BAGS OF FUN 94 FESTIVE FELLA A quick-make purse. Jolly Father Christmas toy. 70 SHEER MAGIC 98 MAKE IT COUNT Hook a pretty tutu for a little one. Sweet Advent calendar. 73 PUTTING ON THE GLITZ 100 HELLO RUDOLPH Go sparkly with our elegant bag. Santa’s favourite reindeer adorns 114 ALL THAT GLITTERS this easy festive stocking. Forget tinsel – hook this sparkly 75 GIRL POWER This sweet doll will be loved by all. bauble bunting instead. 103 FA-LA-LA-LLAMA On trend tree ornament. 79 STAR OF WONDER 116 LITTLE ANGEL A fab festive cushion. Top your tree with this pretty fairy. 106 FESTIVE BLOOMS Crochet a bouquet of poinsettias DecOrAtiOns how to... for this pretty cushion. 108 MERRY CHRISTMOUSE! A band of the cutest carolling mice! 31 82 FROSTY RECEPTION 121 CHARTS AND DIAGRAMS A set of lacy decorations in All the extras you need. 113 TWINKLE, TWINKLE icy winter shades. Use this star pattern for trees, gift 123 THE GUIDE wrap and more. Step-by-step techniques and tips. All our patterns use UK terms. If you usually crochet from US patterns, turn to page 128 for a conversion table. WWW.SIMPLYCROCHETMAG.COM 5 “Decide what you actually need to make and who for.” Christmas might seem far of, but it will be here before you know it. Here are our best tips for getting ahead with your festive makes and staying serene as the season approaches. S ummer may only just be fading, loves to crochet small decorations for her suggests. “Or, if you buy a coat or bag, a but now is the perfect time to start home. “I hang crochet snowflakes on wreaths,” flower brooch can be made quickly to add planning for your Christmas crochet she says. “I like to make something for the tree a handmade touch.” projects. After all, you don’t want to still be each year, too, like a crochet angel.” Ilaria Chiaratti (www.idainteriorlifestyle. frantically hooking when you should be When it comes to gifts, shawls are very com) enjoys crocheting scarves, beanies and celebrating. We’ve chatted to some expert much on her agenda. “I make a couple as gifts fingerless mittens for her friends. “They love to crocheters to find out their top advice for and try to pay attention during the course of wear warm, handmade pieces. I have also making that to-do list achievable, stress- the year when people make comments about made a lovely Christmas stocking in white and free, and even a part of the festive fun things I’ve made that they like, and then I can pastels – unusual colours, maybe, but they fit that you’ll relish. make them their own versions for Christmas.” perfectly with the rest of my house!” Crocheted details also make thoughtful For Salena Baca (www.salenabaca CHOOSE YOUR MAKES additions to bought presents, she points out, crochet.com), festive projects have added First things first, what do you actually need (or meaning you don’t have to take on the strain weight because they’re also the theme of her want) to make and who for? Designer Elisabeth of making the whole item. “A festive candle first book, Crochet for Christmas. “I wanted the Davis de Herraiz (www.elizyart.blogspot.co.uk) with a pretty crochet doily is a great gift,” she focus to be timeless designs that will last for 6 YOUR CROCHET CHRISTMAS GOOD READ generations to come!” she enthuses. Christmas makes for my family are practical organisation is crucial. It’s a must if you’re The projects include a wide variety of gifts, but lots of fun.” making for Christmas… ornaments and garments. “There are For Artist Network Bedfordshire (www. Christmas staples, like coffee sleeves and artsnetbeds.org.uk), Steph creates mainly PRIORITISE YOUR PROJECTS boot cuffs, but also a few more unusual freeform crochet items, including “framed With so much to consider as Christmas items, such as a cute hedgehog doorstop, a pieces for hanging, wearable and usable art, approaches, take some tips from Steph. For Tunisian crochet snowflake cardigan and a such as bags, purses her, it’s vital to ensure set of novelty letter pillowcases that spell and scarves, as well she has great mix of “ I w a n t e d m y out the word ‘Noel’.” as crocheted wire goods and has plenty of Variety really is the key to keeping your jewellery.” For local spares. If you receive an C h r i s t m a s festive crafting a treat rather than a trial. tearoom, Cakestand unexpected gift or have Textile artist Steph Phillips (www.hookand and Crumb (www. somehow forgotten p r o j e c t s t o b e scumble.co.uk) has this sorted, with her cakestandandcrumb. somebody, it’s a great Christmas projects featuring not only gifts co.uk), Steph tends to relief to find a pretty t i m e l e s s for family and friends, but also treasures to make pieces that she crocheted headband, sell at craft fairs. feels are “in keeping phone case or little d e s i g n s t h a t “I enjoy finding a pattern I love and with the vintage look of amigurumi critter customising it for friends and family,” she says the shop, including you made earlier that w i l l l a s t . ” of her personal work. “My little nephew is a brooches, tree you can wrap. dinosaur fan, so one Christmas, when he was decorations, purses “I have a general idea three, I bought a pattern from Etsy and made and Christmas bunting”, while for local craft of what’s sold well in the past, but also have him a stegosaurus hat. I then took the theme fairs she makes a combination of all the above. occasions when a number of pieces are a step further and designed a matching scarf Since Steph creates such a variety of different bought in one go because someone wants to and gloves with stegosaurus spikes. My projects, for family, friends and shoppers, give my work to several recipients,” says Opposite: Ilaria’s crocheted Noel decoration, photograph by Ilaria Chiaratti. This page, clockwise from left: Jolly & Bright Stocking by Salena, photograph by Salena Baca; Lacy Christmas star, photograph by Elisabeth Davis de Herraiz; Salena Baca’s bright boot cuffs, photograph by Salena Baca. WWW.SIMPLYCROCHETMAG.COM 7 This page, clockwise from left: Christmas wreath and bunting by Steph Phillips, photograph by Emily Ward; Ilaria’s pretty pastel hexagon stocking, photograph by Ilaria Chiaratti. Steph. “I crocheted a few tree decorations that priority to get it finished on time,” says solid deadlines, so I have a calendar of what could be bought individually or look fantastic Elisabeth. “The decorations I make are very I’m doing when,” she says. “If it’s a big show, together as a collection, and these sold well little projects that normally only take half an I usually start working towards that about six across shows and hour or so to make, so months in advance and reassess three months locally. I also have a “ I n o r m a l l y they are perfect WIPs prior, at which point I usually feel I don’t have few higher-priced to do in between enough stock and spend every available goods to show at s t a r t i n bigger projects.” moment designing and making!” bigger exhibitions Ilaria keeps her Aside from the big day itself, Steph works and shows, that are s e p t e m b e r stress levels towards other significant Yuletide dates. bought as main manageable by “Cakestand and Crumb has a rolling stock of Christmas gifts.” starting nice and my small gift items,” she says, “but I aim to b e c a u s e I d o n ’ t It’s not a bad idea early – in fact, have my Christmas work in the shop to to follow a similar round about now! coincide with our town Christmas light switch l i k e t o w o r k pattern when making “I normally start in on, usually about mid-November.” She tends gifts for friends and September because to start work on family gifts two weeks before i n a h u r r y . ” family – making only I don’t like to work Christmas: “By then, most of my work has a few sizeable items in a hurry! I first wound down, but I’m usually still crocheting and having plenty of smaller items you can start with the big projects and leave all the and weaving in ends on Christmas Eve!” finish speedily, too. Not every person in your small ones for later.” Elisabeth reminds us that it’s a good idea to life needs gifts that take weeks to crochet. We buy your yarn supplies well in advance. know one crocheter who has a rota of friends, KEEP CALM AND CROCHET ON “Christmas craft season is a big thing and with a different one receiving a beautiful Careful planning is crucial to staying serene as you’ll often find that your favourite stockist crocheted granny square blanket for the festive season nears. “I typically need will run low on certain items which can be a Christmas each year. She discusses favourite quite a lot of time to plan, prepare and process real pain if it’s something you need to finish a colours with them when they reach the top of my ideas. Even so, I always end up feeling gift,” she says. “I try to get my WIPs under the list so they can get excited about their turn. rushed!” admits Salena. control by the end of the summer so I have Starting early on larger projects helps, too, With shows coming up, workshops to teach plenty of time in the run up to Christmas to get just to make sure you finish before Christmas and crocheting for her own loved ones to everything that I want to make finished.” Day. “If it is a big project that’s one of the main complete, Steph stays on track with a few Elisabeth also has some cunning tricks for gifts I plan on giving that year, I make it my top simple tools. “I’m much better at working to staying calm under pressure, but admits that 8 YOUR CROCHET CHRISTMAS GOOD READ they don’t always work. “I make lists of what Mayhem is avoided when I plan, but I’m only look on someone’s face when they open a I need to do and when,” she says. “We all make organised enough to plan every other year!” handmade gift is second to none!” mistakes though. A few years ago, I started a One of Salena’s favourite ways to have a There’s certainly plenty to enjoy at this most granny square blanket for my sister-in-law mayhem-free holiday is to follow an Advent sparkling season. “I do love my workshops at that I had planned to give her for Christmas calendar she received over 10 years ago. this time of the year,” says Steph. “Christmas that same year, but “Every day on the can be so busy and stressful at times. Putting I didn’t get it finished calendar gives you a aside a few hours to make something for your “ T h e l o o k o n until the following task to complete, like home brings my students a sense of Christmas! Having said singing carols, making achievement, as well as providing everyone s o m e o n e ’ s f a c e this, you can definitely cards, baking cookies, time to recharge.” crochet and drink giving to the needy and Most of us are guilty of putting too much mulled wine at the w h e n t h e y wrapping presents. pressure on ourselves at this time of year, same time – that’s When I follow the she points out wisely. “I’ve learnt over the multitasking at its best.” r e c e i v e y o u r calendar, I have time to years that you can only do what you can do, Ilaria agrees. “It’s so enjoy everything I love and so although I plan what I want to achieve, nice to work while h a n d m a d e g i f t about Christmas.” I am mindful that these are just my own singing and drinking! Elisabeth has a expectations of myself, and if I don’t meet This year, I want to i s p r i c e l e s s . ” particularly delightful them all, then that’s OK!” organise a crochet way to make the most The moment when you watch your family Christmas party with my of the festive jollity and friends open their loving crocheted friends so we can all work on our projects while ensuring all her festive crochet gets presents will make all those late nights together but have a lot of fun at the same time.” done. “I love to watch Christmas movies while frantically hooking worthwhile. working on gifts,” she says. “It’s such a special “My nephew refused to take off his ENJOY THE FESTIVE MAYHEM time of year and to be snuggled up at home stegosaurus hat, gloves and scarf for the rest Some pre-Christmas chaos can be part of the with my husband, working on presents for of Christmas Day,” Steph exclaims. “All we fun. “It wouldn’t be Christmas without a little people I love is wonderful. Even if I have a lot could hear was a boy stomping around mayhem, would it?” Salena points out. “I enjoy to get done and time is getting a bit short, the shouting ‘I’m a big dinosaur – raaawr!’” the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. mayhem can be turned into magic. Then the Written by Judy Darley Clockwise from top left: Tunisian crochet cardigan (with snowflake motifs at the front); cup cosies, both from Salena Baca’s book Crochet for Christmas book, both photographs by Kimberly Dierkhising. WWW.SIMPLYCROCHETMAG.COM 9