Crochet designers of the month: December
Published on 20 November 2018 By Merion 3 min read
It’s the perfect time of year to curl up with your hook and make gorgeously warm cardigans, shawls, scarves and hats. Heavier weight yarns are calling, in warmer fibres like wool, alpaca and yak, and with temperatures dropping fast, it’s a great opportunity to stock up on yarn and patterns and hope for a snow day!
Toni Lipsey - TL Yarn Crafts
Toni is a passionate maker, designer and teacher, and her days are full of connecting with crocheters in her community - online and in person. Her patterns are easy to follow and suitable for all abilities, we just love her cosy shawls and slouchies, and her bang-on-trend garments.
A cosy cardigan is your best friend. The Veronica cardi is perfect for all seasons, you can curl up with it in front of the fire, or pop it over a bikini on the beach. Oversized and in a chunky yarn, Veronica is a quick make, too.
Bust out your chunky yarn stash and hook up a fabulous Bubble Wrap Slouch! These would make gorgeous gifts, topped with a faux fur pom or one made with yarn. Favourite gifts in no time at all.
A kimono shape is easy to create with crochet stitches, and Toni's Patchwork Kimono is a celebration of colour blocking and easy chic.
Kirsten Holloway
Inspired by country romance, vintage lace and all things feminine, Kirsten Holloway’s accessories are bursting with textured stitches to explore. From sweet wrist warmers to hats, scarves and cowls, Kirsten’s patterns are great for gifting.
We think you'll have a 150g of aran weight yarn in your stash to make a pair of these adorable wrist warmers with their stretchy ribbed cuff and lace motif - they'd make great stocking fillers or hostess gifts, and you'll be able to make a pair in an evening.
A sweet beanie hat is a life saver in the cold weather, and this hat recipe uses back and front loop stitches and a neat rib. A bought floral hair decoration makes a perfect embellishment - but the pattern includes a flower pattern if you'd like to crochet one instead.
This beautifully textured scarf was one of Kirsten's first patterns, and is a deep, cosy scarf that you can make as long as you'd like. The tassels add a little swish of romance!
Anna Nikipirowicz
Anna grew up in a yarny household, learning to knit and crochet as a child. Her designs are often inspired by crochet stitches - the Ramble Mittens make use of the little used Waistcoat Stitch, and the socks shown below use a linked half treble stitch (US linked half double crochet). She has worked with many favourite yarn brands including Rowan, MillaMia and West Yorkshire Spinners, as well as publishing two books.
The Fair Isle crochet technique has really only recently become popular, but it's a fabulous skill to learn - Anna's mittens have a sweet Fair Isle panel that is just enough to test it out before you apply it to a larger project.
Crochet shawls are quick to make and can be swirled around your shoulders in all weathers - they'll keep you warm, or they'll shield you from the sun's rays. Anna's Nerida shawl has a pretty scalloped edging and you can use your favourite 4ply/fingering weight yarn.
Who says you can't crochet socks? Anna's basic crochet socks are quick to make - these are constructed from the toe up, and the sweet contrast edging is optional.
