Having been a knitwear designer for ten years, I’ve often suffered from Tennis Elbow and RSI due to the repetitive nature of all the knitting and crocheting I do daily. I have since discovered that this need not happen if you follow some simple rules and maybe even change your tools. If you suffer from arthritis or other painful joint and hand disorders, or if you find that your hands ache after a particularly heavy crochet session, check out our helpful feature and hook review for lots of ‘handy’ tips which we hope will help ease your discomfort.
Carrying on with the hands theme, we often get letters from left-handed crocheters asking for help and tips for working with crochet with the hook in their left hand. We have had a little re-jig of our How to Crochet pages to help o ur leftie readers out, as well as some helpful tips for working with some of the patterns in this issue if you are left-handed.
As well as these fascinating articles, we have our usual blend of gorgeous patterns, concentrating on fabulous pieces for autumn weather, now that the cooler season is well, and truly upon us. Enjoy!
Harland Hoodie by Tracey Ann Shears
“An adorable piece for your child, inspired by the trees on Harland Moor.”
Yarn used: King Cole Merino Blend DK * 50g/112m/123yds * WPI 11
Notions: 4mm hook, 7 (2cm) buttons, matching thread, sewing needle, tapestry needle
Scattered Shells Scarf by Shirley MacDonald
“Our favourite day out is a walk along the beach, paddling in the surf and gathering pretty shells. This scarf, which looks complicated but is simple enough for a beginner crocheter, was inspired by those lazy summer days.”
Yarn used: Debbie Bliss Angel * 76% Mohair, 24% silk * 25g/200m/219yds
Notions: 5.5mm hook
Batwing Top by Jane Walters
“This top incorporates retro features such as batwing sleeves and square motifs, along with knitted cables and lacy crochet to create a totally modern and unique design.”
Yarn used:
Circule Clea 1000 and 125 * 100% Mercerized cotton * 148g/1000m/1094yds and 20g/125m/136yds formats * WPI 32
Notions: 2.0mm hook, 4.0mm hook, one pair 3.25mm knitting needles
Crotat Jewels by Helen free
“Crotat combined with beads creates fabulous jewellery.”
Yarn used: DMC Petra no. 5 cotton * 100% cotton * 100g/400m/437yds * WPI 24
Notions: 1.5mm hook, 1.5mm crotat hook, 0.5mm steel hook (or ones small enough to fit the beads), 307 silver lined clear size 8 seed beads, 3 magnetic catches, 2 earring findings, metal bangle, crewel needle
Star Shrug by Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby
“This simple shrug is fun to make and wear on its own or paired with the knitted tank top shown (pattern in issue 41 of Knit magazine)”
Yarn used: Malabrigo Sock * 100% Merino * 100g/402m/440yds * WPI 14
Notions: 3.5mm hook, 290cm coordinating ribbon
Bear Earflap Hat by Rommyna De Leeuw
“I have designed this hat to help children learn to protect and care for wildlife – plus, kids will look adorable wearing it!”
Yarn used: Katia Nuuk * 40% Acrylic, 30 % Alpaca, 30% Wool * 50g/55m/60yds
Notions: 9mm hook, black felt, white felt, needle felting tool, matching thread and sewing needle, tapestry needle
Modern Granny Throw by Sara Royle
“A modern twist on the Granny Square Blanket.”
Yarn used: Wendy Merino Bliss * 100% Merino Wool * 50g/116m/126yds * WPI 15
Notions: 4mm hook
Mrs Alien by Nicki Trench
“A delightfully scary excerpt from Nicki Trench’s fabulous book Super Scary Crochet. Mrs Alien doesn’t like cats or having her photo taken, although the children do; they are called Lucy, Guy and Alyce.”
Yarn used: Pure wool DK
Notions: 3.5mm hook, fibrefill stuffing, lightweight purple cotten fabric
Any Gauge Beret by Kate Bird
“A great stash-busting pattern that’s ideal for crocheting when out and about or watching TV – once you’ve done the first few rounds, it’s straightforward.”
Yarn used: Yarn should have some stretch, e.g acrylic, wool or wool blend. Pattern will work for any yarn from 3 ply to super-bulky.
Notions: Hook to suit thickness of yarn selected, yarn needle to darn in ends
Granny Skirt by Emma Varnam
“Crochet skirts were very popular on the catwalk this season and I wanted to make a very wearable version that would look great over a brightly coloured slip, or over black for evenings.”
Yarn used: Debbie Bliss Riato 4ply * 100% Merino * 50g/180m/198yds * WPI 14
Notions: 4mm hook, 3mm hook, elastic 2.5cm wide, tapestry needle
Practical Pots by Barbara Lawler
“I bought a plant as a thank you present, but on it’s own it didn’t seem enough, so I made a cover for the pot, to make my gift extra special!”
Yarn used: Stylecraft Life Aran * 75% Acrylic, 25% Wool * 100g/198m/217yds * WPI 8
Notions: 3.75mm hook, pair of tights/pop socks, stuffing, plastic pellets for filling, tapestry needle
The Candyman by Allison Hoffman
“This doll was inspired by my favourite movie of all time! You’ll need to have several chocolate bars handy while you make this.”
Yarn used: Cascade Luna * 100% Peruvian Cotton * 50g/75m/82yds * WPI 9
Notions: 3.5mm hook, embroidery needle, tapestry needle, fibrefill stuffing, brown embroidery floss, 9mm black safety eyes, 16 gauge wire, set of chopsticks or wooden dowel of similar size, pink blush
Ponchillo by Sidsel Sangild
“Extra warmth for the shoulders and neck is just what you need for autumn and winter. The ruffles are for drama and character.”
Yarn used: Drops Merino Extra Fine * 100% Merino Wool * 50g/105m/115yds * WPI 11
Notions: 5mm hook
