Issue 23 (November 2011)

This month, we’re highlighting a charity close to our hearts, to tie in with Breast Cancer Awareness month. You may notice a plethora of pink over the pages of this month’s issue, as well as some very touching and interesting stories about how crafting has acted as therapy for many cancer sufferers – some believe that the activity has been a pivotal part of their recovery, giving them a reason to continue to fight. Each issue sold in the UK this month will see a donation going to help cancer research. All the more reason to tell your friends about us, if you enjoy this issue!
On a slightly different note, this is going to be the last Editor’s Letter you read from me for a while, as I go off on maternity leave. I am very much looking forward to having time to crochet for a new arrival and I expect to be making many of the items from our baby-themed issue 16, published earlier in the year.
While I’m away, you’ll be left in the very capable hands of Charles Voth, whom you may know as Stitch Stud and the other remaining fabulous members of the  team. I, for one, cannot wait to have the next few issues drop onto my doormat, as a reader, rather than an editor. See you all soon!

Kane Jumper by Emma Varnam

“Inspired by the autumn collection of Christopher Kane, this jumper brings an edgy touch to the traditional granny square.”

Yarn used: Jamieson and Smith 2ply Jumper Weight * 100% Pure New Wool * 25g/118m/129yds * WPI 14

Notions: 3mm hook, 4mm hook, tapestry needle

Feather and Fan Scarf by Kristen Hein Strohm

“This elegant scarf celebrates the grace with which women activists save lives every day.”

Yarn used: Zauberball Schopper Wolle * 75% Wool, 25% Nylon * 100g/420m/459yds * WPI 12

Notions: 5mm hook, tapestry needle

Avalon Tabard by Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby

“There are echoes of the age of chivalry in this garment which is quick to slip on and warm to wear.”

Yarn used: Debbie Bliss Bella * 85% Cotton, 10% Silk, 5% Cashmere * 50g/96m/106yds * WPI 11

Notions: 3.5mm hook, tapestry needle

Billy & Belinda Buttons by Lesley Bousbaine

“Amigurumi are the ideal take-along project, particularly handy when you have small children. I wanted to make a toy that would be fun to make and fun for my children to play with.”

Yarn used: Sirdar Click Chunky * 70% Acrylic, 30% Wool * 50g/74m/81yds * WPI 7

Notions: 4.5mm hook, toy stuffing, 11 (15mm) buttons in black, 6 (15mm) buttons in mixed shapes and colours. 2 (22mm) buttons in white, 4 (22mm) buttons in mixed colours. 4 (25mm) buttons,1 extra colourful medium sized button, sewing thread and needle, tapestry needle

Moroccan Style Footstool by Victoria Stott

“I love gorgeous crochet soft furnishings. I am always tempted by comfort and colour and couldn’t help but have a go myself.”

Yarn used: Hoopla Yarn * 100% Upcycled Cotton Jersey Fabric * 500g/100m * WPI 5

Notions: 12mm hook, three cubic litre beanbag net, 2 cubic litres of polystyrene beans or wadding, sewing needle and thread, very large eyed yarn needle

Ziggurat Cape by Sara Royle

“I was inspired by the wonderful Giotto ribbon yarn, by Colinette. I also wanted to make a garment that would layer. This cape would go over a silky top, jumper or coat.”

Yarn used: Rowan Cocoon * 80% Merino Wool, 20% Mohair * 100g/115m/126yds * WPI 10

Notions: 6mm Tunisian crochet hook, darning needle

Candy Backpack by Phyllis Serbes

“The perfect small, light and colourful bag to carry around a few essentials, great for children and adults alike!”

Yarn used: Blue Sky Alpaca Worsted Cotton * 100% Organic Cotton * 100g/137m/150yds * WPI 9

Notions: 4mm hook, tapestry needle

Trinitas Jewels by Helda Panagary

“I wanted to create a set that made the survivors of cancer feel the love and the magic that is connected to the number three.”

Yarn used: Knitshop 4ply Mercerised Cotton * 100% Cotton * 50g/125m/136yds * WPI 14

Notions: 2mm hook, 2mm beads, 2 nickel free earrings wires, 3 silver plaited calottes/clam shells, 4 beads, needle small enough for your beads, sewing thread, ring blank, velvet necklace with connectors, jump ring

Pearl Cuff by Pauline Fitzpatrich

“I was really intrigued by the idea of trying to hold beads in position in a lacy pattern.”

Yarn used: Wendy Supreme Luxury Cotton 4ply * 100% Cotton * 100g/267m/292yds * WPI 14

Notions: 3.5mm hook, 2 buttons (approx 1cm diameter), 72 number 6 seed beads, tapestry needle

Rippling Raspberry Scarf by Kristi Simpson

“With four children of my own, I understand the importance of clothes that are not only hard-wearing, practical ad cost effective, but finding the balance between what I like and the tastes of my children!”

Yarn used: Artesano Superwash Merino DK * 100% Merino * 50g/112m/122yds * WPI 11

Notions: 5mm hook

Time For A Cure by Kristen Hein Strohm

“Adorned with a pink ribbon charm and double-stranded beads, this quick-to-crochet wrist watch offers an elegant way to show your support for breast cancer research.”

Yarn used: DMC Cebelia * Size 20 cotton thread (held double) * 50g/379m/415yds

Notions: 2.5mm hook, watch face with joining rings on both sides, lobster style watch clasp and coordinating jump ring (magnetised clasps are not recommender as they slow the mechanism; toggle-style clasps may be used but would require that a crochet row be omitted to compensate for the toggle’s larger size), 24 beads of your choice (fresh water beads shown), optional charm of your choice, coordinating nylon beading floss (unless your yarn is thin enough to be strung directly through your beads), big eye beading needle

Skater Beanie by Debbie Tomkies

“This gorgeous unisex hat is great for women and was a hit with my teenage son and now his friends all want one, so be prepared to make several!”

Yarn used: Black & Pink – Artesano Alpaca DK * 100% Pure Superfine Alpaca * 50g/100m/109yds * WPI 16

Blue/green – DT Craft & Design Wool DK * 100% Pure Wool * 50g/100m/109yds * WPI 16

Notions: 4.5mm hook, bodkin, 2 pieces of thick card, 2 pompoms

Breakthrough Shawl by Emma Varnam

“Inspired by the target motif of breastcancer awareness, I wanted to make a shawl which celebrates the charity but was fun and cheery!”

Yarn used: Milamia Naturally Soft Merino * 100% Extra Fine Merino * 50g/125m/137yds * WPI 11

Notions: 4mm hook, 2mm hook

Regency Bag & Gloves by Melissa Horozewski

“Stir up some Austen drama as you go out and about the town with these period accessories.”

Yarn used: Knitpicks Gloss Fingers * 70% Merino Wool, 30% Silk * 50g/201m/220yds * WPI 14

Notions: 3.5mm hook, black beading cord elastic, 0.75m satin fabric, tapestry needle

Flower Cushion by Cassie Ward

“A wonderfully simple, yet stylish cushion which will look an absolute treat atop your sofa and can be customised and adapted to fit any size of cushion insert.”

Yarn used: King Cole Baby Alpaca DK * 100% Baby Alpaca * 50g/100m/110yds * WPI 11

Notions: 3mm hook, tapestry needle, cushion pad