Inside Crochet Issue 146, 2022

Rnd 8: 3dc, 2dc in next st, [6dc, – 48dc. Rnd 11: [4dc, 2dc in next st] of muzzle where whiskers 2dc in next st] five times, 3dc Rnds 9–12: Dc around. three times – 18dc. would be. – 48dc. Fasten off leaving a long yarn tail Rnds 12 & 13: Dc around. Flatten forehead sew in place Rnd 9: [7dc, 2dc in next st] six to sew to head. Rnd 14: [5dc, 2dc in next st] down centre top of head. times – 54dc. three times – 21dc. Sew eyes and ears in place. Rnd 10: 4dc, 2dc in next st, [8dc, EARS Rnds 15 & 16: Dc around. Using yarn C, embroider 2dc in next st] five times, 4dc Rnd 17: [6dc, 2dc in next st] eyelashes on outer lower edge – 60dc. Make two three times – 24dc. of eyes. Rnd 11: [9dc, 2dc in next st] six Using yarn A, 2ch. Rnds 18 & 19: Dc around. times – 66dc. Row 1: 4dc in second ch from Fasten off leaving a long yarn tail MANE Rnd 12: 5dc, 2dc in next st, hook, turn – 4dc. to sew to head. [10dc, 2dc in next st] five times, Row 2: 1ch, 2dc in each st to Using yarn D, with RS facing, 5dc – 72dc. end, turn – 8dc. EYES join yarn with sl st to flo at Rnd 13: [11dc, 2dc in next st] six Row 3: 1ch, [1dc, 2dc in next st] bottom of head, 1lp st flo times – 78dc. four times, turn – 12dc. Make two (see Special Stitches) in each st Rnd 14: 6dc, 2dc in next st, Row 4: 1ch, [2dc, 2dc in next st] Using yarn C, 3ch. around, make loops 5cm/2½in [12dc, 2dc in next st] five times, four times – 16dc. Rnd 1: 9htr in third ch from hook long from head to top of loop, 6dc – 84dc. Fasten off leaving a long yarn tail (missed 2ch does not count as join with sl st to first st. Rnd 15: [13dc, 2dc in next st] six to sew to head. stitch), join with sl st to top of Fasten off. times – 90dc. first htr – 9htr. Rnd 16: 7dc, 2dc in next st, FOREHEAD Fasten off leaving a long yarn tail FINISHING [14dc, 2dc in next st] five times, Using yarn B, 3ch. to sew to head. 7dc – 96dc. Rnd 1: 2dc in second ch from Measure diameter of head and Rnd 17: [15dc, 2dc in next st] six hook, 3dc in next ch, 1dc in same MAKING UP cut a circle out of stiff card. times – 102dc. ch as first 2dc – 6dc. Sew features to head using image Sew front of head to back, Rnd 18: 8dc, 2dc in next st, Rnd 2: [1dc, 2dc in next st] three as a guide. stitching through both loops [16dc, 2dc in next st] five times, times – 9dc. Stuff muzzle, do not over stuff, of back and blo of front. Insert 8dc – 108dc. Rnds 3 & 4: Dc around. and sew in place on lower half card at halfway point, finish Fasten off and weave in ends. Rnd 5: [2dc, 2dc in next st] three of head. sewing together and weave in times – 12dc. Using yarn C, embroider a nose any remaining ends. MUZZLE Rnds 6 & 7: Dc around. and a line down through centre Rnd 8: [3dc, 2dc in next st] three of muzzle. Using yarn D make a END Using yarn A, 2ch. times – 15dc. Using yarn B, embroider three hanging loop at back Rnds 1–8: Rep Rnds 1–8 above Rnds 9 & 10: Dc around. French knots on either side of head to hang finished lion on wall. www.insidecrochet.co.uk 101

➻ M A K E I T Pattern instructions MATERIALS ● Rico Design Ricorumi DK, Astronaut 100% cotton, 25g/58m/63yds BY KATE MCCULLY Yarn A: White 001 x 3 balls This sweet astronaut is reaching for the stars, about to arrive Yarn B: Nougat 056 x 1 ball on the ISS to carry out important scientific research. Yarn C: Slate Grey 080 x 1 ball This adorable design is taken Yarn D: Silver Grey 058 from Crochet At Work by x 1 ball Kate McCully Yarn E: Red 028 x 1 ball (GMC Publications, £ 14.99). Yarn F: Sand 071 x 1 ball Turn to page 13 for our review. Yarn G: Smoke Rose 010 102 Inside Crochet x 1 ball Yarn H: Blue 032 x 1 ball ● 2.5mm hook ● Yarn needle TENSION Exact tension is not crucial for this pattern, but you should crochet fairly tightly to keep the stitches small and minimise gaps between them so the stuffing does not show through. MEASUREMENTS Astronaut is approximately 24cm/9½in tall. DESIGNER BIOGRAPHY Kate says that one of the highlights of her crochet career so far was when she was selected to compete on Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas. She lives in Eastbourne on the south coast of the UK with her husband and two children. ARMS START Make two With yarn C, make an adjustable ring. Rnd 1: 6dc into ring – 6 sts. Rnd 2: 2dc in each st around – 12 sts. Rnds 3–5: Dc in each st around – 12 sts. Fasten off yarn C, join in yarn E. Rnds 6 & 7: Dc in each st around – 12 sts. Fasten off yarn E, join in yarn A. Rnd 8: Dc2tog, 10dc – 11 sts. Rnds 9 & 10: Dc in each st around – 11 sts. Rnd 11: Dc2tog, 9dc – 10 sts. Rnds 12–14: Dc in each st around – 10 sts. Rnd 15: Dc2tog, 8dc – 9 sts. Rnds 16 & 17: Dc in each st around – 9 sts. Rnd 18: Dc2tog, 7dc – 8 sts. Rnds 19–21: Dc in each st around – 8 sts. Rnd 22: Dc2tog, 6dc – 7 sts.

Rnds 23 & 24: Dc in each st Rnds 5 & 6: Dc in each st around starting in marked st on first arm, a small (1cm/½in long) stitch for around – 7 sts. – 30 sts. 7dc, starting in next st on body, the mouth, three rounds below Rnd 25: 3dc, sl st, leave the Stuff body as you go. 9dc, starting in marked st on the eyes. remaining sts unworked. Rnds 7–10: Dc in each st around second arm, 7dc, starting in next Fasten off leaving a long tail – 30 sts. st on body 8dc – 32 sts. COLLAR for sewing. Fasten off yarn D, join in yarn A. Rnd 24: 2dc, dc2tog, 1dc, Rnd 1: Join yarn A in any front Pm in next st. 7dc, pm in next st to denote new dc2tog, 11dc, dc2tog, 1dc, loop left around neck at the back start of round. dc2tog, 9dc – 28 sts. of the doll, 1ch, 1dc in same st, LEGS Rnd 11: (Dc2tog, 13dc) twice Rnd 25: (1dc, dc2tog) twice, 9dc, dc around. – 28 sts. dc2tog, 1dc, dc2tog, 8dc – 24 sts. Fasten off yarn A, join in yarn E. Make two Rnd 12: Dc in each st around Use a yarn needle and the tail Rnd 2: Dc in each st around. – 28 sts. ends left on the arms to sew Sl st to close spiral With yarn C, make an Rnd 13: (Dc2tog, 12dc) twice closed the small holes created Fasten off and weave in ends. adjustable ring. – 26 sts. when joining them. Rnd 1: 7dc – 7 sts. Rnd 14: Dc in each st around Rnd 26: Working in blo, (dc2tog, HEAD Rnd 2: 2dc in each st around – 26 sts. 1dc, dc2tog, 7dc) twice – 20 sts. Continue from where you – 14 sts. Rnd 15: (Dc2tog, 11dc), twice Rnd 27: (Dc2tog, 1dc, dc2tog, secured work, stuff as you go. Rnds 3–5: Dc in each st around – 24 sts. 5dc) twice – 16 sts. Rnd 43: (Dc2tog, 5dc) six times – 14 sts. Rnd 16: Dc in each st around Fasten off yarn A, join in yarn B. – 36 sts. Fasten off yarn C, join in yarn E. – 24 sts. Rnd 28: Dc in each st around Rnd 44: (Dc2tog, 4dc) six times Rnd 6: Dc in each st around Rnd 17: (Dc2tog, 10dc), twice – 16 sts. – 30 sts. – 14 sts. – 22 sts. Rnd 29: Dc in each st around Rnd 45: (Dc2tog, 3dc) six times Fasten off yarn E, join in yarn A. Rnd 18: Dc in each st around – 16 sts. – 24 sts. Rnds 7–25: Dc in each st around – 22 sts. Rnd 30: (2dc in next st) 14 times, Rnd 46: (Dc2tog, 2dc) six times – 14 sts. Rnd 19: (Dc2tog, 9dc), twice 2dc – 30 sts. – 18 sts. Rnd 26: 4dc, sl st, leave – 20 sts. Rnd 31: (2dc in next st, 4dc) six Rnd 47: (Dc2tog, 1dc) six times remaining sts unworked. Rnd 20: Dc in each st around times – 36 sts. – 12 sts. Fasten off first leg, pm in next st. – 20 sts. Rnd 32: (2dc in next st, 5dc) six Rnd 48: (Dc2tog) six times – 6 sts. Do not fasten off second leg. Rnd 21: (Dc2tog, 8dc), twice times – 42 sts. Fasten off. Stuff legs. – 18 sts. Rnds 33–42: Dc in each st Thread a yarn needle with the tail Rnd 22: Dc in each st around around. end and make some sts to pull BODY & HEAD – 18 sts. Secure work to continue later. the hole closed. In the next round you will join the Insert safety eyes between Weave in end. Rnd 1: Continue with second arms, make sure to continue to Rnds 36 & 37 and about leg, 14dc, 1ch (counts as 1 st), mark the start of each round. 2.5cm/1in (or 8 sts) apart. CAP starting in marked st on first leg, Thread a yarn needle with a short With yarn C, make an 14dc, 1dc in blo of ch – 30 sts. Rnd 23: 1dc in next st of body, length of yarn G and embroider adjustable ring. Rnds 2–4: Dc in each st around – 30 sts. Fasten off yarn A, join in yarn D. www.insidecrochet.co.uk 103

➻ M A K E I T Pattern instructions Rnd 1: 6dc into ring – 6 sts. 6dc, 3dc in next st – 26 sts. Sew one badge onto the front of Rnd 6: (2dc in next st, 4dc) six Rnd 2: 2dc in each st to end Rnd 3: 2dc, 3dc in next st, 8dc, the space suit and another onto times – 36 sts. – 12 sts. 3dc in next st, 3dc, 3dc in next st, the backpack. Rnd 7: (2dc in next st, 5dc) six Rnd 3: (2dc in next st, 1dc) six 8dc, 3dc in next st, 1dc – 34 sts. times – 42 sts. times – 18 sts. Rnd 4: Dc blo around FRONT CONTROL PANEL Rnd 8: (2dc in next st, 6dc) six Rnd 4: (2dc in next st, 2dc) six Rnds 5–7: Dc in each st around. With yarn A, 7ch. times – 48 sts. times – 24 sts. Fasten off yarn C, join in yarn E. Rnd 1: Dc in second from hook, Rnds 9–25: Dc in each st around Rnd 5: (2dc in next st, 3dc) six Stuff as you go. 5dc, working on other side of the – 48 sts. times – 30 sts. Rnd 8: Dc in each st around. ch, dc in same st, 5dc – 14 sts. Rnd 26: (Dc2tog, 6dc) six times Rnd 6: (2dc in next st, 4dc) six Fasten off yarn E, join in yarn A. Rnds 2–6: Dc in each st around – 42 sts. times – 36 sts. Rnds 9–22: Dc in each st around. – 14 sts. Rnd 7: (2dc in next st, 5dc) six Now, continue in rows to form Fasten off and use the tail end VISOR times – 42 sts. the top of the bag. Work 1dc, or to sew closed the open side and Rnds 8–17: Dc in each st around. however many required to reach then to sew onto the front of the With yarn F, 9ch. Sl st to close spiral. the next corner of the bag. Astronaut’s chest. Fasten off leaving a long tail and Rows 23–27: 1ch, turn, 11dc. Rnd 1: 2dc in second ch from sew onto the head. Fasten off, leaving a long tail. OXYGEN PIPES Use the tail to sew the top of the (OPTIONAL) hook, 6dc, 2dc in next st, working EAR PIECES bag in place. Make two Make two Note: do not make if you want on other side of ch, 2dc in same SHOULDER STRAPS the backpack to be removable. With yarn C, make an Make two With yarn A, 35ch. st, 6dc, 2dc in next st – 20 sts. adjustable ring. Rnd 1: Dc in second from hook Rnd 1: 6dc into ring – 6 sts. With yarn A, 3ch. and along rest of ch. Rnd 2: 1dc, 2dc in next st, 7dc, Rnd 2: 2dc in each st to end Row 1: 1dc in second from hook, Fasten off. – 12 sts. 1dc in next ch, turn. Sew one end of each pipe to the 2dc in next st, 1dc, 2dc in next st, Rnd 3: (2dc in next st, 1dc) six Rows 2–13: 1ch, 2dc, turn. front panel and sew the other times – 18 sts. Sew one short edge to the top end to the side of the backpack. 7dc, 2dc in next st – 24 sts. Sl st to close spiral. edge of the bag. Fasten off leaving a long tail for Sew the other short edge HELMET Rnd 3: 2dc in next st, 1dc, 2dc in sewing onto the sides on the between Rnds 16 & 17 on the bag. With yarn A, make an head, overlapping the cap. Pass each arm though a strap to adjustable ring. next st, 7dc, 2dc in next st, 1dc, place onto the back. Rnd 1: 6dc into ring – 6 sts. BACKPACK Rnd 2: 2dc in each st to end 2dc in next st, 1dc, 2dc in next st, With yarn C, 8ch. BADGE – 12 sts. Rnd 1: 2dc in second ch from Make two Rnd 3: (2dc in next st, 1dc) six 7dc, 2dc in next st, 1dc – 30 sts. hook, 5dc, 2dc in next st, times – 18 sts. working on the other side of the With yarn H, make an Rnd 4: (2dc in next st, 2dc) six Rnd 4: (1dc, 2dc in next st) twice, ch, 2dc in same st, 5dc, 2dc in adjustable ring. times – 24 sts. next st – 18 sts. Rnd 1: 6dc into ring – 6 sts. Rnd 5: (2dc in next st, 3dc) six 10dc, (2dc in next st, 1dc) twice, Rnd 2: 1dc, 3dc in next st, 6dc, Sl st to close the spiral. times – 30 sts. 3dc in next st, 1dc, 3dc in next st, Fasten off leaving a long tail for 2dc in next st, 10dc, 2dc in next sewing on. st – 36 sts. Rnd 5: (2dc, 2dc in next st) twice, 11dc, (2dc in next st, 2dc) twice, 2dc in next st, 11dc, 2dc in next st – 42 sts. Rnd 6: 2dc, 2dc in next st, 3dc, 2dc in next st, 12dc, (2dc in next st, 3dc) twice, 2dc in next st, 12dc, 2dc in next st, 1dc – 48 sts. Sl st then fasten off. Use yarn A to sew a highlight onto the top right of the visor. Sew onto front END of helmet. 104 Inside Crochet

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Yarn Market SARAH MORAN, COMMISSIONING EDITOR, WRITES: “We are big fans of independent yarn shops. Whether it’s the local yarn store in town With lockdowns behind us, hopefully, it is more important than ever to give small, local where you can pop in for a browse and some help with your latest project, or an online retailers a boost as they get back to ‘business as usual’. Happily, most bricks and mortar shop with gorgeously curated wools and accessories, the care and personal service stores in the UK have reopened their doors again, so if you haven’t been to your local you get is second-to-none. Our favourite independent yarn shops – some local, some shop lately, now’s the perfect time to pop in and show your support. Alternatively, you online – are all packed with a great choice of yarns, hooks and notions perfect for your can also support many local yarn shops by ordering via their website or by telephone. next project. Yarn shops are also great places to meet fellow crocheters and build on your skills, whether it’s a ‘crochet and chatter’ social group or a workshop led by a local e last couple of years have been challenging for all of us and independent shops still designer, all brought to you by staff with a real passion for yarn and a love of our craft. need our support. We all know what a lifeline our crafting has been to us over the past two years!” Friendly yarn shop near Evesham Stockists of King Cole, Stylecraft and others Workshops, accessories, lessons Free Crochet & Chat twice a week Free parking Crochet Cottage, Cadbury Courtyard, Blackminster Business Park, WR11 7RE 07450 794505 www.yarnstyle.co.uk Handmade by Maryport Situated on the edge of the Lake District we stock a wide range of Quilting fabric, sewing machines, yarns including Stylecraft, Rico, King Cole, Sirdar and many more with wool and haberdashery knitting and crochet accessories and patterns available too. 1 Biddicks Court, Saint Austell, Cornwall PL25 5EW Tel: 01726 75385 Email: [email protected] Telephone: 07501 541961 Email: [email protected] / HandmadeByMaryport www.hookandeyeonline.com USE CODE HELLO10 FOR 10% OFF HookandEyeOnline hookandeye3 inAthyaernhealorvteorfs’Hpaarrraodgiastee.  Come join our workshops and classes. Stockists: King Cole, “Exc e lle nt se rvic e , m y ne w Stylecraft, Scheepjes, Grundl, Erika Knight Yarns and more! ‘g o to ’ ya rn se lle r!” 17Knaresborough Road, Harrogate H62 7SR Lynn fro m Truro , C o rnwa ll Tel: 01423 885565 Email: [email protected] www.Se c re tYa rnSta sh.c o .uk www.yar net c .c o.uk Sew n nd Cr ft Shop n C mbr d e Our range of crafts include yarns, threads, haberdashery, www sew n tcr ft co u gifts and much more. We really do offer a one stop shop for both 01223 350691 Dancers and Crafters. AN OFFICIAL STYLECRAFT STOCKIST 3 Crown Street, St Ives, Cambridgeshire PE27 5EB Call us on 01480 716014 Email: [email protected] www.stardancewear.co.uk

➻ HOW TO CROCHET CrHowoto chet I have always believed that anyone can learn to crochet, so long as you follow one simple rule: don’t try to run before you can chain! The chain is the most simple of stitches and therefore ideal for practising the all-important hold, which helps create the perfect tension for forming all the following stitches. When my mother taught me to crochet, she followed her grandmother’s lead and helped me to hook metre upon metre of chain before I was shown any further stitches. It was a fantastic foundation for learning the more difficult techniques. Once your chains are looking even and feel comfortable to create, then progressing on to the stitches becomes much easier. If at any point you feel as if you have lost your hold, simply go back to those comforting lengths of chain until your confidence returns. My biggest tip is to remember that this wonderful craft is well known for being relaxing and fun, so find a comfy chair, some free time and just enjoy it! Happy crocheting… This soothing TEACH Inner Peace Cardigan YOURSELF by Annelies Baes (issue 135) combines a simple How to hold the work, silhouette with a delicate chains, double lace repeat to create a & treble crochet, slip stitch cover-up perfect for springtime. TURN THE PAGE FOR ALL YOU NEED TO GET STARTED www.insidecrochet.co.uk 107

THE BASICS GETTING STARTED To crochet smoothly and efficiently, you must hold the hook SLIPKNOT CHAIN and yarn in a relaxed, comfortable and consistent fashion. This will also ensure that your tension is even and accurate. There A slipknot creates the first Most crochet projects begin are two main ways of holding the hook and two main ways loop on the hook. with a length of chain. This is to tension the yarn. You can choose whichever combination the perfect stitch to practise feels more natural for you, or a variation on these. your hold and tension with. HOLDING THE HOOK KNIFE GRIP PENCIL GRIP 1 Make a loop in the yarn 1 Holding just the hook with around 10–20cm/4–8in from point up in your dominant Hold the hook in your Hold the hook in your the end. Insert hook through hand, and the yarn in the dominant hand as you dominant hand as you loop, catch the back strand other, grip the slipknot would a knife. would a pencil. of yarn and pull it through to with the yarn holding hand. the front. Work a yarn round hook (yrh or yoh) by passing the HOLDING THE YARN hook in front of the yarn, under and around it. FOREFINGER MIDDLE-FINGER 2 Pull the ends of the yarn to METHOD METHOD secure the knot around the hook, but not too tightly or Wrap the ball end of the yarn Wrap the ball end of the it will be hard to pull the first around the little finger of yarn around the little finger loop of chain through. your opposite hand, under of your opposite hand and the next two fingers and over over the other fingers. Hold 2 Roll the hook round in the forefinger. Hold the work the work steady with your your fingers towards you steady with your middle forefinger and thumb, then to catch the yarn and pull finger and thumb, then raise your middle finger through loop on hook. raise your forefinger when while you are crocheting to One chain made. working to create tension. create tension. To cr -h n e , ptaebshIrvitteormeiidfotnniuecongsheagsgshesilnlosfoii’notutgtrteahtmlnaltetadlonflytioatentotocevsiiwhreesgah;nihie.rfyttvdoyeoeusnroausairroen The action of working o stitches causes a im ly do eh . constant rolling of the 3 Ensuring the stitches ri -h n hook in your fingers; are even – not too loose H ny hold the hook pointing or tight – repeat to make p mi u guide to up when performing a length of chain. ur i h the yrh, then roll it see how to work. round towards you to point down when pulling through the loops so that you don’t catch the hook in the stitches. 108 Inside Crochet