After what seemed like an eternal winter, spring has finally sprung! It’s the time of year for birth and regeneration and with that in mind, we have a layette of patterns for the new baby in your life. I don’t know about you but everywhere I look at the moment there are bonnie newborns – well, this issue is packed with adorable makes for little folk, whether it’s your own work or someone else’s.
We’ve also got some fabulous adult pieces for warmer weather, such as Lesley Arnold-Hopkin’sstylish Jade Wrap Cardigan and a very cute and easy-to-wear short sleeved sweater by regular designer Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby.
Leonard the Lion by Maggie Vassie
“Inspired by the popular Japanese amigurumi style, Leonard’s chubby body and undersized limbs make him irresistibly cute and incredible lovely!”
Yarn used: Rowan Handknit Cotton * 50g/85m/93yds * WPI 15
Notions: 3mm hook, 10mm safety eyes, stuffing, yellow felt, embroidery floss, needle and thread, tapestry needle
Jade Wrap Cardigan by Lesley Arnold-Hopkins
“I wondered what it would be like if I crossed stitches over, like a crochet cable, but withouth working around from and back posts. The result was an open, lacy, softly draping reversible fabric.”
Yarn used: Araucania Ranco Solid * 75% Wool, 25% Nylon * 100g/344m/376yds * WPI 14
Notions: 3.5mm hook
Rapunzel Scarf by Helda Panagary
“My inspiration for this pretty scarf comes from all the beautiful plaited hair on the catwalks for Spring/Summer 2011″
Yarn used: Noro Silk Garden * 45% Mohair, 45% Silk, 10% Wool * 50g/100m/110yds * WPI 8
Notions: 5mm hook, tapestry needle
Alphabet Mobiles by Helen Free
“I used to make quilted versions of these when my son was small, and I thought it would be fun to convert them to crochet. I’m so glad I did, as they look even better than the originals!”
Yarn used: Stylecraft Baby DK * 100% Acrylic * 200g/590m/645yds * WPI 11
Notions: 3mm hook, toy stuffing/fibrefill, tapestry needle
Hearts Baby Cardigan by Linda Permann
“I love the look of Fairisle in knitting, but it’s a bit tricky to work in crochet. I was experimenting with different ways to achieve the look and developed this stitch pattern of miniature hearts.”
Yarn used: Rowan Amy Butler Belle Organic DK * 50% Cotton, 50% Wool * 50g/120m/131yds * WPI 14
Notions: 4mm hook, 6 buttons (13mm diameter), tapestry needle
Cornflower Top by Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby
“Floaty and feminine, this cap-sleeved top is quick to work up and perfect for a spring day!”
Yarn used: Malabrigo Sock * 100% Superwash Merino Wool * 100g/402m/440yds * WPI 20
Notions: 3.5mm hook, tapestry needle
Ocean Stole by Anna Tirat-Green
“This pattern was inspired by natural phenomena – wind, waves and fire. If it’s made in blue and white colour combinations, the stole resembles interlocking waves and foam.”
Yarn used: Malabrigo Sock * 100% Merino * 99g/402m/440yds * WPI 28
Notions: 3.25 hook, tapestry needle
Clematis Cushion by Barbara Lawler
“A clematis grows over my fence and I can see it from the kitchen window. It’s such a fantastic show that I wanted to recreate it for the home.”
Yarn used: Robin Aran with Wool * 75% Acrylic, 25% Wool * 400g/800m875yds * WPI 8 and Robin DK * 100% Acrylic * 100g/300m/328yds * WPI 11
Stylecraft Special DK * 100% Acrylic * 100g/295m/322yds * WPI 11
Twilleys Lyscordet 3ply * 100% Mercerised Cotton * 100g/400m/440yds
Notions: 2mm hook, 3mm hook, 4mm hook, cushion pad, polyester stuffing, thread, zip, tapestry needle
Star Blanket by Ann Parri
“This afghan is the ideal handmade baby gift. Recently, it seemed that every one of my friends or relatives was expecting, so I needed a blanket that was beautiful and quick to work up.”
Yarn used: James C Brett Marble Chunky * 100% Acrylic * 200g/312m/341yds * WPI 7
Notions: 6.5mm hook, tapestry needle
Baby Sneakers by Irene Strange
“These little sneakers would make a perfect baby-shower gift – and who doesn’t love making teeny-tiny things?”
Yarn used: Sublime Baby Cashmere Merino Silk 4ply * 50g/170m/184yds * WPI 22
Notions: 2.5mm hook, tapestry needle
Ujima Baby Hat by Kristen Hein Strohm
“This adorable hat is crocheted sideways in a shell-stitch pattern, shaped with short rows and seamed up the back. The stretchy tension and stitch pattern allow the hat to fit a range of sizes.”
Yarn used: Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran * 55% Merino, 33% Microfibre, 12 % Cashmere * 50g/90m/98yds * WPI 8
Notions: 4.5mm hook (for XXS), 5.5mm hook (for XS), 5.5mm (for S)
