Editor’s Welcome

Happy Easter everyone!

So first and foremost, thank you for checking out our little crochet
magazine. We’re honored and grateful that you gave us a chance,
and we’re absolutely thrilled to share what we have in store for you
in this first of (hopefully many) issues.

And since this is the first issue, I wanted to not only

introduce myself (Hi! I’m Alison), but also to let you know what
you can expect from Happily Hooked Magazine.

Our personal commitment to you is to not only share the best

patterns, interviews and information from around our little crazy
crochet community, but to also try and out-do our last issue, month
after month.
Stay Connected
So look for the content to be of the utmost quality, to be creative,
and to always be fresh. And look for our guest contributors to Alison Lütz
be the people you know and love, who are some of the best Co-Founder & Editor
crocheters and talented designers around. In short, look for this Happily Hooked Magazine
magazine to be a lot of fun!

And if that wasn’t enough, in each and every issue we’ll bring you
free patterns and projects, just as a special “thank you” for
being a loyal subscriber. So be sure to keep an eye open for
those every month. =)

So there you have it, our promises and commitments to you carved
in stone.

However, there is one caveat. We only ask that you check in and
let us know how we’re doing from time to time. And also, let us
know what else you’d like to see in the magazine that would make
it even better.

And if you personally have some great patterns, advice, tips or

resources to share with our readers, then by all means, let us know!
After all, this magazine is for YOU, so we want to hear from you.

So, thanks again for reading Happily Hooked Magazine ... we truly
hope you enjoy it!

Happy Crocheting =)

Alison
 CONTRIBUTORS
Special thanks to these talented designers and
crocheters – we couldn’t do it without you =)

STACEY TROCK SALENA BACA KATHRYN VERCILLO JOKE VERMEIREN

FRESH STITCHES DESIGN WARS CHALLENGE CROCHET SAVED MY LIFE AMIGURUMI PATTERNS

JESSIE HEMMONS CLARE SULLIVAN TRACY JOYNER TRICIA DODGE

ISHKNITS BOBWILSON123 TRACY’S CROCHET BLISS CUDDLEPIE CROCHET

RACHEL H WINKIEFLASH LAUREN BROWN

LITTLE YARN FRIENDS A CREATIVE BEINIG DAISY COTTAGE DESIGNS

If you’d like to become a Happily Hooked contributor, email and let us know =)
 hooked
H A P P I LY
ISSUE ONE

CONTENTS INTERVIEW
AMIGURUMI
)

INTERVIEW
HOW YARNBOMBING
CROCHET INTERVIEW:
COVER STORY
SAVED MY JESSE
STACEY TROCK LIFE HEMMONS

SPRING CHIC HAT

GROOVY-GHAN

HOOKED ON OWLS LIL’ MIKE THE

MUSTACHE MONSTER
EGGS

CHUNKY
CHECKERS
COWL

TUTORIAL TUTORIAL
NOT SO MAGIC CIRCLE RIBBED SCARF
“In a ball of yarn is the potential to make
a dream that you have come true.”
~ Melanie Falick
Will You be the
next Winner?
Founder and host of Design Wars,
Salena Baca shares what it takes to
compete in this crochet challenge;
Can you commit to the fun?
What is the Design Wars Challenge?
Design Wars is a crochet challenge I formed in late 2012
presented as an opportunity for independent crochet
artists who are serious about their career, ready to prog-
ress professionally in their field, and looking to form
meaningful networking opportunities within the crochet
arena! Design Wars is a network of has worked to collab-
orate with such forums as Red Heart Yarns, Crochet Today,
and Inside Crochet to broaden our reach and create a strong
community of crochet enthusiasts!

When do challenges take place? tap here to

APPLY
Roughly, each new design challenge is held quarterly. We
are introducing Alumni Challenges too, which will be held
in between our quarterly design challenges.

How (where) can I follow along?

Daily news and updates can be found on our FACEBOOK
page. Challenges, interviews, giveaways and CALs are best
kept up with by subscribing to this blog.

Who are the Design Wars Challengers?

With each new round, challengers are chosen from our
application pool. Once selected to participate, members
are invited to become part of our Design Wars Alumni! Since
Design Wars began, we have taken great pride in continu-
ing to network together in pursuit of forming a progressive
crochet community.

Be sure to get the next issue of Happily Hooked for

even more details about our challenge! I’ll have a whole
column dedicated to our upcoming events, like anoth-
er crochet along, some interviews, a signed book give-
away, and introductions from my newest designers!

Stay Connected
with Design Wars & Salena Baca
I’ll be providing links to our best free patterns too, like this
Textured Scarf or Cowl!
Purple Stitch Project (PSP) is a web-based charitable orga-
nization to benefit babies, children and teens with epilep-
sy. The 1st goal of this initiative is a call to action for peo-
ple who knit, crochet, or sew to make purple (the epilepsy
awareness color) gifts for kids with seizure disorders. These
gifts will serve as a reminder that they are not alone — that
they have community support. To do this, Purple Stitch
Project has teamed up with Craftsy to be able to offer free
patterns and project ideas for volunteers to work from.

The 2nd goal of PSP is to raise awareness about epilep-

sy, the 3rd most prevalent neurological disorder (next to
stroke and Alzheimer’s). With every purple stitch made and
every handmade item worn or carried, perhaps a collective
conversation will begin about a disorder that surprisingly
little is known about. It’s the PSP vision that one day, thou-
sands of people will walk at the Nation Walk for Epilepsy
wearing purple scarves and beanies.

Lastly, Purple Stitch Project, Inc is currently in the applica-

tion process of becoming a 501(3)c charity to achieve its
3rd goal: raising money towards research grants and sup-
port programs initiated through the Epilepsy Foundation
of America and the Epilepsy Foundation of Central & South
Texas (of which PSP founder, Vickie Howell, has a seat on
the board.)

Use your knitting, crocheting, or sewing skills to put a

smile on a kid with epilepsy’s face. Join the Purple Stitch
Project initiative today!

Brought to you by:

tap here to
LEARN
MORE
Spring Chick Hat
Pattern designed by
Lauren Brown of Daisey Cottage Designs

Let’s Get Started!

 BEGINNER

Materials
- Worsted weight yarn (I used Bernat Handicrafter in Robin’s Egg Blue and yellow)
- J hook (or whatever size necessary to achieve correct size)
- Buttons for eyes
- Stitch marker to use in the first stitch of each round

Pattern Notes:
- Pattern is worked through both loops.
- This pattern is worked in spiral. There will be no chains or slipstitches at the ends of a round.
- This hat should fit babies whose heads measure between 13 and 15 inches.

Directions for Hat:

Ch 2.
Round 1: 12 HDC in second chain from hook. (12)
Round 2: *1 HDC in the next stitch, 2 HDC in the next stitch* around. (18)
Round 3: *1 HDC in the next 2 stitches, 2 HDC in the next stitch* around. (24)
Round 4: *1 HDC in the next 3 stitches, 2 HDC in the next stitch* around. (30)
Round 5: *1 HDC in the next 4 stitches, 2 HDC in the next stitch* around. (36)
Round 6: *1 HDC in the next 11 stitches, 2 HDC in the next stitch* around. (39)
Rounds 7-9: HDC in each stitch around. (39)
Round 10: HDC in each stitch around. Sl st in next. (39) Join a new color in the same stitch as the sl st.
Round 11: Ch 1., HDC in the next stitch and in each stitch around with the new color.
Rounds 12-14: HDC in the next stitch and in each stitch around. On round 14, sl st in next.

Stop here for a beanie and add one round of SC. If you’d like earflaps, you can follow the earflap directions on
my owl pattern.

Beak:
Ch 4.
Row 1: 1 sc in second ch from hook, HDC in next, DC in next. Fasten off and leave a long tail for sewing on the hat.

You’re ready to assemble! Just sew buttons on for eyesand sew the beak on. If you’d like to add the little tufts,
cut 3 strands of yarn approximately 9 inches long. Fold them in half and pull the loop through. Pull the loose
ends through that loop to attach the sides of the hat.

Lauren Brown of Daisy Cottage Designs

Lauren is the stay-at-home mom behind Daisy

Cottage Designs. She has always loved crafts
of all types. And after her daughter was born,
she started crocheting in hopes of making cute
things for her. When friends started placing
“orders” for their own kids, she decided to give Stay Connected With Lauren
Etsy a try. And the rest, as they say, is history...
She was ‘Hooked’.
hooked on owls!
H A P P I LY Every month we’ll bring you a new themed
collection of things we’re “Hooked” on from
around the interwebs. This month it’s our
) cute round-eyed friend, Mr. Owl. Hoot hoot!

tap here for

FREE
PATTERN

tap here to
PURCHASE
PATTERN
Available on Etsy

tap here to
PURCHASE
PATTERN
Available on Ravelry
Hi! I’m Nicole and I started Darn Good Yarn back in 2008. I Darn Good Yarn has saved tens of thousands of pounds of
didn’t want to just bring you yarn… I wanted to bring you waste each year. The recycled silk is taken from waste fi-
purpose and connection in your crafting exploration. bers collected from sari manufacturing factories. It is then
individually hand spun, dyed and sometimes sewn (for our
I want to help you bring your projects to life using amaz- ribbon) by the women in India and Nepal. This is a very te-
ingly sourced items that help. My mission is focused on dious job to ensure the quality of our yarn.
employing women in India, saving thousands of pounds
of waste by turning it into yarn and helping innovate small Along with employing less fortunate women in India and
businesses in the United States and worldwide. Just in India Nepal, Darn Good Yarn employs and mentors college stu-
we have provided jobs to over 300 women and counting. dents and passionate crafters. They also aid many Unit-
We give them jobs so they don’t have to rely on charity… ed States and national small businesses with innovation
and when you buy at Darn Good Yarn you’re supporting ideas and techniques. Darn Good Yarn has assisted with
those efforts! Amazing! mentoring and coaching small business owners on how
to start a successful business, how to keep up with today’s
Darn Good Yarn gives poverty-stricken women living in ever-growing social media and how to keep the business
the countryside a stable job, rather than having to live off afloat once it is launched.
the 3-4 month period of farming in their areas. They were
used to having very little opportunity available to them Most of all, Darn Good Yarn is focused on creating positive
and which forced them to beg on the side of the street impacts in today’s world.
and save every bit of money they received. These women
are now employed all year long due to Darn Good Yarn. So, come and join me on my quest to create super awe-
They learn the skill of crafting and having a creative mind- some projects while changing the world a little bit..one
set. These women are paid on a daily basis and are able to exotic, beautiful texture and color at a time!
manage their medical expenses and their children’s aca-
demics with ease. They are then able become self-reliant Xoxo – Nicole Snow
without worry and can perform as equals in today’s so-
ciety (this is important because these women deal with tap to visit
caste and severe gender discrimination). Darn Good Yarn WEBSITE
does not only provide these women with the opportunity
to survive, but to thrive.
,

Like Happily Hooked Magazine?

Let us know on our Facebook page!

If you like this magazine, and you want to help us

spread the word, simply click on the button below to
visit our Facebook page, and then click “Like”.

Thanks so much (in advance)!

Like Our Facebook Page

hooked on
H A P P I LY

scarves &
)

cowls!
Chunky Checkers Cowl

Pattern designed by
Tricia Dodge of Cuddlepie Crochet

Let’s Get Started!

 EASY

Materials
Charisma (Loops and Threads) or any bulky/chunky (size 5) yarn, about 125 yds
M / 9mm hook
Tapestry needle to weave in ends

Gauge: 8 ½ hdc equals 4 inches

Finished piece measures 26 inches in circumference and 7 inches long/tall.

Ch 55 and join to first ch, making sure not to twist your chain.

Rnd 1: Ch 1, hdc in each ch around, (including the one you joined in, ch 1 does not count as a st). You will have
56 hdcs. Join to the first hdc, making sure not to twist your chain. We will work our first st into our join in each
rnd.
Rnd 2: Ch 1, hdc in join and in next 3 sts, hdc in back third loop of your next 4 hdc , *hdc normally in the next
4 sts, hdc in the back third loop of your next 4 hdc*, repeat from * to * around, join to first hdc.
Rnd 3 - 4 : Repeat Rnd 2
Rnd 5: Ch 1, hdc in back third loop of hdc and the next 3, hdc normally in the next 4 sts, * hdc in the back third
loop of the next 4 sts, hdc normally in the next 4 sts *, repeat from * to *, joining to the back third loop.
Rnd 6 - 7: Repeat Rnd 5.
Rnd 8 - 10 : Repeat Rnd 2.
Rnd 11 – 13 : Repeat Rnd 5

Finish off. You may also continue on repeating rows 8 - 13 for a taller slouch cowl!

Now it’s time to show it off...

Share your photos on the Happily Hooked Facebook Page! We can’t wait to see what you made!

Tricia Dodge of Cuddlepie Crochet

Tricia Dodge is a stay at home momma who loves to

crochet (and knit) and just play with yarn yummies!

Her mom taught her to crochet when she was 12

years old, but she didn’t pick it up again until she
was pregnant with her first son. Now she stays busy
taking care of her four boys, but her brain is always
thinking of what to design next. Her style is trendy
Stay Connected With Tricia
yet simple. Even her patterns that look hard are
much simpler than they appear. She love pops of
color and the softness of superwash merino. In her
spare time, she adores reading, and drinking tea!
RIBBED SCARF
10 MINUTE VIDEO TUTORIAL

CLARE
SULLIVAN
Let’s Get Started!
Clare Sullivan of BobWilson123

Clare is the voice behind the bobwilson123 YouTube

crochet channel, and has been teaching for 5 years
and loves every minute of it.

She creates all her own patterns and has also been
given the opportunity to demonstrate other designer’s
written patterns. Clare adds a list of video tutorials
and written patterns each week to her channel and
somehow balances her very busy work schedule Stay Connected With Clare
consisting of filming, editing, writing patterns, testing
patterns and networking. And in her down time she
loves to design new patterns because it allows her
to really do what she loves – relax and crochet!
 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:

KATHRYN
VERCILLO
Author of “How Crochet Saved My Life”
 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:

KATHRYN
VERCILLO
Author of “How Crochet Saved My Life”

QUESTION #1 benefits of crochet myself in terms

of coping with depression and
variety
How and when did you first learn anxiety. I started posting about that
of
to crochet – and how often do on my blog and was overwhelmed
benefits and can
you crochet? to find so many people responding
just be so powerful
to that and saying that they, too, had
in the lives of the
Kathryn: I learned to crochet a chain experienced those benefits. I realized
aging.
(and maybe grannies, although I don’t that this was something people were
remember) when I was a child. My only a little bit aware of and there
But that was just one of many
mom always had me doing different had only been a little bit of research
amazing things I learned as I did
things and that was one that I into it .. and yet there were all of
learned. However, I didn’t stick with it these amazing stories coming to me
at the time. through the blog from people who
the research for this book!
had experienced the health benefits
***************************
I re-taught myself to crochet when I of crafting first hand. The book just
had to come to life to share those
was in my late twenties. I was going QUESTION #4
through a deep period of depression stories!
and was trying to find something that Do you have any ‘success
I enjoyed doing. I read somewhere ***************************
stories’ as a result of the book,
that you should go back to what you in terms of the lives you’ve
loved as a child. For some reason, QUESTION #3 touched of fellow crocheters
my mind landed on the memory who have read your book?
of crochet and I picked up the craft What were some of the most
again. surprising things you learned
Kathryn: Yes, yes, yes!! The most
about the healing power of
wonderful thing about publishing
I’ve been crocheting pretty much crocheting when doing your
this book is how many people have
daily ever since. research and interviews for your
reached out to me to share their own
book?
stories about how crochet / crafting
*************************** has healed them. I am endlessly
Kathryn: II think the most amazing
touched by the stories that people
QUESTION #2 thing that I learned was how
share, the personal details of their
crochet can be helpful for dealing
lives and health and the wonderful
What made you write your with Alzheimer’s and other
bravery they exhibit in facing
book ‘Crochet Saved My Life’, age-related memory loss. It is
difficulties in life and celebrating
dedicated to the health benefits believed that crochet can be both
the simple things including crochet.
of crocheting? preventative for the disease as well
I consider every single person who
as therapeutic for people already
tells me that crochet has benefitted
Kathryn: I experienced some amazing suffering memory loss. It offers a
them to be a “success story” for our
 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:

KATHRYN
VERCILLO
Author of “How Crochet Saved My Life”

craft and for our society, regardless what I’m really into is trying to mix how
of whether they found my book first different variegated yarns in pieces to
or came to it later. to get interesting looks. I consider it generate
comparable to the fashion designers revenue from
*************************** who can do a good job when mixing it, but would
different prints together. love to. Since this is
QUESTION #5 something that you’ve been
*************************** able to do, what pieces of
Out of curiosity, what are YOUR advice, strategies, or insights
favorite kinds of projects to QUESTION #6 can you share that have worked
crochet – and do you have any for you to help you turn your
preferred materials that you like So you have a wildly successful passion into profits?
working with? crochet blog and you wrote
an incredibly important book Kathryn: My best advice is to figure
There are a few types of projects that has helped a lot of people, out what you actually love to do in
that are pretty consistent favorites what’s next for you in the the craft and go from there. I tried
for me: crochet world? making money selling crochet
items on Etsy, doing custom crochet
• Large granny square blankets - so Kathryn: Ah! Well I’m in grad work and many other things but
meditative and relaxing! school getting a degree in Integral the truth is that what I really love
• Hyperbolic crochet art - fun to play Counseling Psychology and trying most is writing about crochet so
with the freeform expression of to learn new ways to integrate where I ended up making a living
stitches crochet/creativity into mental health was in doing that work. There are a
• Crochet shrugs and dresses for and spiritual growth. I’m working on lot of options to make money from
myself - not using a pattern, just my next book, Hook to Heal, which crochet (selling at craft fairs and on
working as I go and making OOAK is a book of creativity exercises consignment, doing design work
items for crocheters in this vein. And of and publishing patterns, teaching
course the blog keeps continuing. crochet to others, etc. etc.) They
I also make a lot of crochet wine are all wonderful options but they
bags and crochet gift bags to use as different prints together. also all require hard work (as does
presents for people. any self-employed artistic job) so
*************************** it’s really, really important that you
I love working with super soft yarns do what you love and not try to fit
- silk bamboo blends, baby alpaca - QUESTION #7 yourself into a specific niche of the
and I’m a Boye girl when it comes to market just because that’s what
hooks. But I’m also flexible and will Many of our readers LOVE to people are doing to make money
play with a lot of things. Right now crochet, but aren’t real sure right now.
 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:

KATHRYN
VERCILLO
Author of “How Crochet Saved My Life”

*************************** doing this can really be beneficial

accept
for the giver as well as the recipient
crochet
QUESTION #6 of the gifts. Again, I think that you
donations and
should donate to the causes that
several other crochet
Are there any great crochet- you care most about because
blogs have lists like
based charities and that’s where your own passions lie.
this as well. But what I’d
organizations that you’d like to Many, many organizations accept
most like to encourage people to do
mention to our readers that you handcrafted donations including
is to consider donating locally. Find
believe are doing great things in organizations for foster youth,
a hospital, nursing home, church or
the world? premie babies, elderly, cancer and
local organization where you can
other illnesses, military soldiers and
donate and then you can actually
Kathryn: definitely think that it’s families, and pet adoption.
see the people who are getting your
important and wonderful to donate
handcrafted items and build that
to crochet organizations and to I think any organization is great
personal relationship that makes
donate crochet items to all types of if you care about it. I have a list of
giving even more special.
charities. In the book I discuss how organizations on my own blog that

Kathryn Vercillo,“How Crochet Saved My Life”

Kathryn Vercillo is a San Francisco based freelance

writer, blogger and crafter. She has her own blog
about crochet, Crochet Concupiscence that has
quickly become one of the most popular crochet-
only craft blog on the web. Crochet Concupiscence
was a 2011 runner-up for a Flamie award for Best
Crochet Blog and was voted one of the top 5 2012
craft blogs in Inside Crochet Magazine. Kathryn’s
online articles about crochet have also been
published around the web on top sites that include
Crochetvolution, Crochet Liberation Front, SF Indie
Fashion and Handmadeology.
Stay Connected With Kathryn
Kathryn’s most recent book, Crochet Saved My
Life, is a non-fiction account of her experience using
crochet to heal through depression.

To check out the Happily Hooked review of that

book, see the following page!
REVIEW: Crochet Saved My Life
This book really hit home for me personally. Kathryn Vercillo has written a very moving
devotional of her own mental health struggles and shares stories of others who have
healed through crochet. I too found immense solace in crochet after my oldest brother
passed away. It’s comforting to read the stories of others and see a bit of myself in each
of the very personal stories. I truly commend Kathryn Vercillo for bringing light to a dark
subject and for sharing her very personal journey. I look forward to reading this book
again and sharing it with those who also have found healing in the art of crochet.

Alison Lütz
Co-Founder & Editor
Happily Hooked Magazine

tap here to
CHECK
IT OUT

If you’d like your book reviewed in Happily Hooked Magazine, contact us and let us know =)
groovy-ghan
Pattern designed by
Wink of A Creative Being

Let’s Get Started!

 EASY

Materials
a crochet hook (I use a 5mm hook)
yarn (I use Stylecraft Special DK)
a pair of scissors
a darning needle

Let’s get started! :)

1. Start by chaining 40, plus 1 for turning so we keep an even stitch count. (this is just for the example; when
you make an afghan the count doesn’t really matter! just make it as long as you would like the afghan to be
wide)
So: ch 41

2. Turn and work a sc in each stitch, by putting your hook in the bump on the back of the chain. This creates a
neater finish. You could also use a chainless single crochet foundation stitch; if you choose to do so, you can
skip step one.

Continue until you reach the end of the chain. Cut the yarn and pull through the loop on your hook.
So: sc 40 (40)

3. Make another row of sc’s, but don’t turn your work! We are working from right to left here, every single
round. Start with a standing single crochet by making a slip knot on your hook and starting the sc like you
normally would, and crochet in the back loops only. (remind yourself to crochet all sc’s in the blo’s from now
on)
So: blo, sc around (40)
4. Now it’s time to change color. We’re going to do this after every row from now on. With the new color, start-
ing on the right hand side, start with a standing single crochet stitch, and sc 5, back loops only. Then make
a double crochet but put your hook through the stitch in the second row below, using the ridge of the front
loop. Make 10 single crochets and make another front loop double crochet in the second row blow, and re-
peat this till the end of your work. (when making the dc, skip a stitch when making the next sc. the dc counts
as one stitch)
So: blo, sc 5, *fldc in 2nd row below, sc 10* (40)

5. Change color again, start with a standing single crochet stitch on the right hand side and single crochet 6
times before making the front loop double crochet. If you look at your work, you can see that you are moving
the double crochet one stitch to the left on each row, so they sit next to each other! :) You no longer have to
count your stitches; just single crochet in the dc from the previous round and then make a front loop dc next
to that.
So: blo, sc 6, *fldc in 2nd row below, sc 10* (40)
 If you continue in this fashion you’ll quickly see the dc’s creating diagonal lines across your work. And that’s all
there is to it! :) Easy, right?

Now it’s time to show it off...

Share your photos on the Happily Hooked Facebook Page! We can’t wait to see what you made!

Marinke (ask ‘Winkieflash’) of A Creative Being

Wink is a 28 year old creative person who loves

crochet, coloring her hair pink, reading thrillers
and creating beautiful things. She is diagnosed
with Asperger’s Syndrome, and finds crochet to be
a great way to deal with all the issues that come
along with it.

Wink also found that crocheting resonates really

well with her being a modern hippy :)
Stay Connected With Wink
Her goal is to spread her crochet love around the
web, showing everyone what she has made – And
shares a lot of her patterns for free on her website.

In the next issue, Wink shares with you another gorgeous afghan pattern ... So, don’t miss that issue =)
tap to visit
WEBSITE
 REVIEW:
I was so happy to receive Kat Gol-
din’s “Crochet at Play” in the mail
to review. It’s such a creative col-
lection of patterns perfect for the
modern kids in your life. The de-
signs are bright, imaginative and
just plain ole’ cute! My five-year
old daughter sat down with me
and oohed and ahhed over all of
the adorable photos. She then
placed her order for several of the
designs for herself and a few for
her brothers.

I made the “crown” in a few col-

ors and was very pleased with
my finished product. The pattern
was concise, very easy to follow
and worked up very quickly. I
also made her a few of the “sweet
bumpy bows” from the “Ma-
ny-Ways Alice Bands”. The bows
came out so cute and I can’t wait
to attach them to headbands
and clips.

This is an excellent book filled

with creative, innovative and
fresh designs for your modern
kids =) It gets five hooks from me!

Alison Lütz
Co-Founder & Editor
Happily Hooked Magazine

tap here to
CHECK
IT OUT

If you’d like your book reviewed in Happily Hooked Magazine, contact us and let us know =)
Yes, I crochet ... And I have the balls to prove it =)
 hooked on amigurumi!
H A P P I LY
)

We’re pretty sure there’s not a lot of things on

the planet cuter than cuddly crocheted animals =)

Meet just some of those cuddly creations in the

following pages (and the designers behind them!)

Images courtesy of Amigurimi.net

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:

STACEY
TROCK
founder of freshstitches
 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:

STACEY
TROCK
founder of freshstitches

QUESTION #1 arts: needle felting, knitting and QUESTION #6

polymer clay and think about how
How long have you been the shapes come together in 3-D. How did you make the transition
crocheting, and how did you first from crochet and crafting as
learn? *************************** a hobby to that of a thriving
career? And how hard was that
Stacey: My mom taught me to QUESTION #4 transition?
crochet when I was little… about 5 or
6, and I’ve been crocheting ever since! What are your favorite kinds of Stacey: I really wanted the flexibility
projects to crochet? that came with running my own
*************************** business, so I just plunged in! Starting
Stacey: Right now, I’m really loving a business is hard work- you need
QUESTION #2 working on bead crochet. It’s a very to do all of the work associated with
portable project that has a very getting your name out there, and you
What made you gravitate toward impressive looking result! have to do it while it isn’t necessarily
Amigurumi, and what do you earning you an income (I worked
love best about crocheting cute *************************** for about 3 years part time before
& cuddly stuffed animals? FreshStitches became my full-time
QUESTION #5 focus).
Stacey: I’ve always loved stuffed
animals, and I sewed a few before You’ve created an amazing ***************************
I first crocheted them. Eventually, community, written multiple
I gave crocheting them a try, and I books, teach, blog, eat QUESTION #7
realized that the fabric of crochet adventurous food and travel a
makes such a nice animal! lot (whew, did I miss anything?). Many of our readers LOVE to
So what’s next on the horizon of crochet, but aren’t real sure how
I suppose my favorite part about you crochet career? Any new fun to generate revenue from it, but
crocheting them is having a look at plans or projects in the works would love to live their passions,
the finished item… they’re always so that you’d like to share? just like you. What pieces of
cute! advice, strategies, or insights
Stacey: Aww, thank you! I’ve already can you share that have worked
*************************** got most of 2014 planned out, and it’s for you to help you turn your
more of the stuff I love: planning new passions into profits?
QUESTION #3 designs, crochet-a-longs, teaching,
and blogging :) Stacey: I think the thing that’s most
Where do you get your important to point out is that even
inspirations for your designs? Recently, I’ve been focused on my Kit though I run a crochet business, I
Club, which has become way bigger don’t actually get to *crochet* for
Stacey: I wish I knew! The designs than I ever could have imagined! more than a couple hours a week.
just come to me. Coming up with new and innovative Many of my fellow designers don’t
ideas for kits, in addition to my even do that much (as it’s very
I spend time looking at cartoons regular schedule of pattern releases, common to hire out your sample-
and drawings, to see how various keeps my brain working hard! making).
artists compose animals of different
shapes. I also like looking at crafts *************************** Running a business requires a ton
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:

STACEY
TROCK
founder of freshstitches

of work: photography, graphic work, knowing that you will are big (and expensive to ship),
design, formatting, emailing (I have to make personal sacrifices, I always recommend that folks
can spend a couple hours a day keeping an eye on customer check out their local police and fire
alone answering customer emails), service), then you’re a huge step departments. Both often are more
marketing, accounting… the list ahead. I like to recommend the than happy to keep a few toys in
goes on. You can hire out some of resources on Ravelry (budding their trucks to hand out to a child
these tasks, but if you hire them designers group) and Etsy (forums) that has been caught in a stressful
all out, you might not be left with as well as small business blogs as situation.
much of an income! great things to follow when you’re
just getting started. I also love for folks to ask their local
The difference between a foster care office if they accept
business and a hobby is that, *************************** donations. Many foster children
with a business, you have to do it move from place to place, with few
regularly… whether or not you feel BONUS QUESTION possessions to call their own. A
like it that day. With a business, you donated stuffed animal can mean
can’t set a project aside because Are there any crochet-based the world to that one child.
you’re bored. Or skip a looming charities and organizations
deadline because you’d rather pop that you’d like to mention to You don’t need to have an
out for a coffee with girlfriends. our readers that you believe organization to donate stuffed
are doing great things in the animals. And you could change a
If you have the goal of making world? child’s life!
revenue and have the right
mindset (of focusing on quality Stacey: Because stuffed animals

Stacey Trock, Founder of freshstiches

Stacey Trock lives her fantasy life designing

cute and cuddly amigurumi (aka crochet stuffed
animals). She offers patterns and tutorials at her
website, FreshStitches.com. Stacey is the author
of a couple crochet books (Crocheted Softies,
Cuddly Crochet and Modern Baby Crochet) as
well as an instructor on Craftsy.

A passionate crafter and advocate for self-

Stay Connected With Stacey
sufficient living, Stacey and her husband live in
Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she spins wool,
makes soap, quilts, bakes bread, makes tofu and
preserves, and designs knitting patterns and the
occasional non-stuffed-animal crochet pattern.
Check out one of Stacey’s patterns on the next page...
Mike the Monster! Pattern designed by: Stacey Trock

Size: 10 inches tall

(5 inches, seated)
DOB: October 2013

Let’s Get Started!

 I N T E R M E D I AT E

Abbreviations
ch: chain
sc: single crochet
sc2tog: single crochet 2 stitches together
st(s): stitch(es)

Materials
Size H (5.0mm) crochet hook
Tapestry Needle
Polyester stuffing
Locking stitch marker (for counting rounds, optional)
Small amounts of felt: black, white, grey and blue
Craft glue

Yarn
This pattern can be used with any weight yarn! Just use the hook recommended on the ball band, and adjust
as needed (see ’gauge notes’). For a bigger, super-cuddly animal, try a bulky weight yarn! Just keep in mind
that you’ll use more yardage than recommended. The sample is crocheted in worsted weight yarn, and all
yardage/hook recommendations are calculated based on the sample.

To complete this pattern, you’ll need:

MC- Green (Ella Rae Classic Wool, color #317), 250 yards
CC- White (Ella Rae Classic Wool, color #01), 15 yards

Stuffed animals are a great time to experiment with awesome yarns in fun colors! Some of my favorite yarns
are: Brown Sheep Nature Spun (100% wool), Spud and Chloe Sweater (50% wool, 50% cotton), Blue Sky Al-
pacas Worsted Cotton (100% Organic Cotton) and Plymouth Galway (100% wool, available in worsted and
chunky). Give them a try!

Helpful Instructions & Pattern Notes

Gauge Notes
This pattern doesn’t specify a gauge. It’s a stuffed animal, and you don’t need to be too picky about exact siz-
ing. The most important thing is that you use a hook size that creates a nice looking fabric for your yarn. If you
use the recommended hook size, and your fabric looks very loose (so that stuffing would show through), then
you will want to use a smaller hook. Other than that, no measuring required!
In case you’re curious about getting the exact gauge I do, it’s 5 rounds=2.25 inches.

Stitch into the back

All stitches in this pattern (that are worked in the round) are worked through the back loop only, unless other-
wise directed. Look at picture below, and see how one loop is highlighted in black? This is the back loop, and
it’s what you’ll stitch into. Stitching into the back loop creates ridges on the right side of the piece.
For pieces worked in rows, you will stitch into the front loop only, unless otherwise directed. You can stitch
into both loops if you desire, but this will change the look of the final product.

TIP FROM STACEY: Want to see crocheting through the back

loop in action? Watch my video found HERE

Starting out: the sloppy slip knot

Most pieces in this pattern (as they are based on circles) begin with stitching six times into one loop. I recom-
mend the ’sloppy slip knot’ to avoid creating a hole in the center. To do this, twist the yarn around the hook to
begin (a), and crochet as directed. Once you have completed your first round (b), pull on the tail, while hold-
ing the work you have created (c). The center hole will close right up!

TIP FROM STACEY: Want to see the sloppy slip knot in action?
Watch my video HERE

Fasten off with long tail

What does this mean? It just means that when you are ending a piece, leave a lot (about 6-9 inches) of extra
yarn, as pictured. This will be used to attach this piece to another piece. To attach your piece to another, just
thread the long tail through a tapestry needle, and stitch to the second piece.
Attaching parts
In this pattern, you will be instructed to attach two pieces together, such as attaching a smaller part (such as a
leg) onto a larger part (like a body. The small part (in this case, the leg) will have a row of stitches at the open-
ing, and a long tail. Thread a tapestry needle with the long tail. Put the leg where it should go along the body,
and pick up a stitch on the body. Keep going (one stitch on leg, one stitch on the body), until you have stitch-
es all the way around the leg. When you are done, tie a knot to fasten off. Read this post for more tips on at-
taching limbs easily!

The Pattern
Feet
Make 2.

Each foot has 3 toes!

Toes
Make 3.
With MC, ch 2.
Round 1: Sc 6 times in 2nd ch from hook. (6)
Round 2: Sc twice in each st. (12)
Rounds 3-4: Sc in each st. (12, 2 rounds)
For two of the toes, fasten off.
For the third toe, do not fasten off! You will continue to work this toe to join all three together for the foot.

Round 4: Sc in first 6 sts of the toe you are working on. Then, sc in 6 sts of round 4 of the second wing toe,
then sc in all 12 sts in round 4 of the third toe. Sc in the remaining 6 sts on the second toe, then the final 6 sts
of the first toe. (36)
Phew! That last round of instructions was a little
exhausting, right? Fortunately, that’s the hardest part
of the pattern (and crucial for getting those super-cute
feet!). To the right is how your piece should look:

Rounds 5-6: Sc in each st. (36, 2 rounds)

Round 7: *Sc2tog in next st, sc in next 4 sts. Repeat from * 5 times. (30)
Rounds 8-9: Sc in each st. (30, 2 rounds)
Round 10: *Sc2tog, sc in next 3 sts. Repeat from * 5 times. (24)
Rounds 11-12: Sc in each st. (24, 2 rounds)
Round 13: *Sc2tog, sc in next 2 sts. Repeat from * 5 times. (18)
Rounds 14-15: Sc in each st. (18, 2 rounds)
Remove hook, but do not fasten off…

Assembly Instruction
You may notice holes in between where the toes are joined. Use a scrap of MC and a tapestry needle to close up the
gaps.

Stuff the foot.

Continue crocheting…
Round 16: *Sc2tog, sc in next st. Repeat from * 5 times. (12)
Round 17: *Sc2tog. Repeat from * 5 times. (6)
Round 18: Sc next and 4th st together. (1)
Fasten off, pulling knot to inside.

Legs
Make 2.
With MC, make a slip knot. Attach with a sc to the front loop
of a stitch on round 13 of the foot (first stitch is marked with
a red arrow in photo to the right.) Using the front loops of
stitches on rounds 10-13, sc a total of 12 stitches in a circle
shape, as pictured.

TIP FROM STACEY: Need help attaching with a single crochet?

Go HERE

Rounds 1-17: Sc in each st. (12, 17 rounds)

Fasten off with long tail.

Arms
Make 2.

Each arm has 4 fingers!

 Fingers
Make 4.
With MC, ch 2.
Round 1: Sc 6 times in 2nd ch from hook. (6)
Round 2: Sc twice in each st. (12)
Rounds 3-6: Sc in each st. (12, 4 rounds)
For three of the fingers, fasten off.
For the fourth finger, do not fasten off! You will continue to work this finger to join all three together
for the hand.

Round 7: Sc in first 6 sts of the finger you are working on. Then, sc in 6 sts of round 6 of the second wing fin-
ger, then sc in all 12 sts in round 6 of the third finger. Sc in the remaining 6 sts on the second finger, then the
final 6 sts of the first finger. (36)

Don’t fret! You’ve done this part before… it’s just like the feet!
The fourth finger hasn’t been used yet. Just set him aside for a few rounds from now.

Rounds 8-10: Sc in each st. (36, 3 rounds)

Round 11: Sc in the next 18 sts of the hand, then sc in all 12
stitches in round 6 of the fourth finger, then the remaining
18 sts of the hand. (48)

It’s his thumb, get it?

Round 12: *Sc2tog, sc in next 6 sts. Repeat from * 5 times. (42)

Round 13: *Sc2tog, sc in next 5 sts. Repeat from * 5 times. (36)
Round 14: *Sc2tog, sc in next 4 sts. Repeat from * 5 times. (30)
Round 15: *Sc2tog, sc in next 3 sts. Repeat from * 5 times. (24)
Remove hook, but do not fasten off…

Assembly Instruction
You may notice holes in between where the fingers are joined. Use a scrap of MC and a tapestry needle to close up
the gaps.

Stuff the hand.

Continue crocheting…
Round 16: *Sc2tog, sc in next 2 sts. Repeat from * 5 times. (18)
Round 17: *Sc2tog, sc in next st. Repeat from * 5 times. (12)
Rounds 18-34: Sc in each st. (12, 17 rounds)
Fasten off with long tail.

Eye
With CC, ch 2.
Round 1: Sc 6 times in 2nd ch from hook. (6)
Round 2: Sc twice in each st. (12)
Round 3: *Sc twice in next st, sc in next st. Repeat from * 5 times. (18)
Round 4: *Sc twice in next st, sc in next 2 sts. Repeat from * 5 times. (24)
Round 5: *Sc twice in next st, sc in next 3 sts. Repeat from * 5 times. (30)
Round 6: *Sc twice in next st, sc in next 4 sts. Repeat from * 5 times. (36)
Fasten off with long tail.

Horns
Make 2.
With CC, ch 2.
Round 1: Sc 6 times in 2nd ch from hook. (6)
Round 2: Sc twice in each st. (12)
Rounds 3-4: Sc in each st. (12, 2 rounds)
Fasten off with long tail.

Body/Head
With MC, ch 2.
Round 1: Sc 6 times in 2nd ch from hook. (6)
Round 2: Sc twice in each st. (12)
Round 3: *Sc twice in next st, sc in next st. Repeat from * 5 times. (18)
Round 4: *Sc twice in next st, sc in next 2 sts. Repeat from * 5 times. (24)
Round 5: *Sc twice in next st, sc in next 3 sts. Repeat from * 5 times. (30)
Round 6: *Sc twice in next st, sc in next 4 sts. Repeat from * 5 times. (36)
Round 7: *Sc twice in next st, sc in next 5 sts. Repeat from * 5 times. (42)
Round 8: Sc in each st. (42)
Round 9: *Sc twice in next st, sc in next 6 sts. Repeat from * 5 times. (48)
Round 10: Sc in each st. (48)
Round 11: *Sc twice in next st, sc in next 7 sts. Repeat from * 5 times. (54)
Round 12: Sc in each st. (54)
Round 13: *Sc twice in next st, sc in next 8 sts. Repeat from * 5 times. (60)
Rounds 14-23: Sc in each st. (60, 10 rounds)
Round 24: *Sc2tog, sc in next 8 sts. Repeat from * 5 times. (54)
Round 25: *Sc2tog, sc in next 7 sts. Repeat from * 5 times. (48)
Round 26: *Sc2tog, sc in next 6 sts. Repeat from * 5 times. (42)
Round 27: *Sc2tog, sc in next 5 sts. Repeat from * 5 times. (36)
Round 28: *Sc2tog, sc in next 4 sts. Repeat from * 5 times. (30)
Remove hook, but do not fasten off…

Add the Eye

Stuff eye and attach to rounds 6-15 of body/head.
Attach the eye so that it forms an oval-shape (horizontally).
Attach arms
Stuff arms. Flatten and attach to round 13 of the body/head. When attaching, note that the opening will be on the
bottom of the monster.
Visit here for more details on attaching a flattened piece.

Attach legs
Stuff legs. Flatten and attach to round 25 of the body/head.
Stuff the body/head.

Attach horns
Stuff horns. Attach to rounds 6-9 of body/head.

Continue crocheting…
Round 29: *Sc2tog, sc in next 3 sts. Repeat from * 5 times. (24)
Round 30: *Sc2tog, sc in next 2 sts. Repeat from * 5 times. (18)
Round 31: *Sc2tog, sc in next st. Repeat from * 5 times. (12)
Round 32: *Sc2tog. Repeat from * 5 times. (6)
Round 33: Sc next and 4th st together. (1)
Fasten off, pulling tail to center.

Here’s how he looks… he needs some features, doesn’t he?

Add an eye
Using blue felt, cut a circle approximately 1.25” in diameter. Using black felt, cut a circle about .5” in diameter.
Using craft glue, glue the black circle to the center of the blue circle. Then, glue that piece to the center of the cro-
cheted eye.

Add a mouth
Using black felt, cut a smile shape about the 3” wide.
This is your time to have fun!
Using white felt, cut out teeth shapes. Be creative!
I even added a small bit of grey felt to be Mike’s retainer!
Glue mouth onto your monster.

Congrats! You now have an adorable monster!

Now it’s time to show it off...

Share your photos on the freshstitches Facebook Page and the Happily Hooked Facebook Page!

We can’t wait to see what you made!

Mike the Monster Get more patterns and stay connected with Stacey:
Pattern designed by
Stacey Trock, founder
of freshstitches
 Happily Hooked Discount: SAVE 25%
Take Stacy Trock’s New Class on Craftsy:
Amigurumi Woodland Animals

What just some of her students are saying:

tap here to
LEARN
MORE
 tap here to
CHECK
IT OUT

If you’d like your book reviewed in Happily Hooked Magazine, contact us and let us know =)
 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:

JOKE
VERMEIREN
AmigurimiPatterns.net
 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:

JOKE
VERMEIREN
AmigurimiPatterns.net

QUESTION #1 wasn’t until later I discovered this was start collecting. As I’m a graphic
actually the same craft that makes designer, I turned my pattern
How long have you been you nice scarfs and hats as well :) collection into a website, which to
crocheting, and how did you my surprise attracted more visitors
first learn? I love the endless possibilities that than I had expected. My amigurumi
lie in amigurumi. With basic shapes, fan page on facebook turned into a
Joke: It must have been about 3,5 the right placement of safety eyes gathering spot for people searching
years ago my boyfriend brought and bright coloured yarn, you create for patterns, and I loved finding the
home yarn and a crochet hook. a character that has a personality. right ones for them.
He often has the craziest ideas on Even when you let 10 people make
spending his spare time, so I wasn’t the same character using the same As the site kept on growing, a
really surprised. But when I got pattern, their choice of colour and little idea grew along... making an
notion of his plan to crochet a 3D embellishments will make it into a actual amigurumi patternbook with
South park cast, I must say I was unique project each time. I love how my favourite designs would be a
eager to see what would come out. It cute illustrations are turned into dream come true. I teamed up with
triggered me to find out more about cuddly toys that everyone seems a group of top notch designers
this craft, and upon a google search to love, grownups just as much as to create a selection of the
I sort of lost myself in the cuteness toddlers. And there’s such a variety sweetest patterns in amigurumi-
of amigurumi. I started collecting all in styles, you can often see the land. I worked an entire summer
the patterns I wanted to try and put designer’s hand in his/her characters. on editing, layout, copy, writing
them on a blog I quickly made. With Some make them more realistic, basic stitch explanations, drawing
the help of youtube I got a pretty others like to put their animals in illustrations… So that’s how my
good understanding of the basic adorable outfits. first self-published amigurumi book
stitches and was off for a nice start in came to life. A second followed
amigurumi-land. *************************** quickly and now even a third has
been released. I hope to make
QUESTION #3 many more in the future. Fans keep
*************************** asking when the next book will be
Why inspired you to start your available, they push me forward
QUESTION #2 website, online Facebook and I love their incitement.
community, and create the
What made you gravitate toward Zoomigurumi Books? ***************************
Amigurumi, and what do you
love best about crocheting cute Joke: I’ve been a collector all my QUESTION #4
& cuddly stuffed animals? life, from precious minerals to fruit
stickers, I’ve gathered it all. I make What are your favorite
Joke: Amigurumi really was my first to-do-lists, lists of recipes to try, Amigurumi pattern(s), and who
contact with crochet. It triggered me movies I should check out, picture is your favorite Amigurumi
to pick up a hook and try. I wanted folders of interior designs I like... designer(s)?
to know if it was really as easy as the So when I discovered amigurumi
designers on youtube made it look. It it was a natural thing for me to Joke: That’s an impossible question to
 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:

JOKE
VERMEIREN
AmigurimiPatterns.net

answer :) Patterns on my website QUESTION #5 such a huge success. There’s a

are all my personal favourites. book in the making of characters
I tend to be super selective in You crochet, you’ve created from the contest I adored. They’re
adding patterns as it comes an amazing community, online all animals at work - a squirrel
more naturally to me to promote pattern shop and created gardener, a lobster cook, a
someone’s work when I really have multiple books. So what’s kangaroo mailman… really, it’s an
a crush on the design. There’s next for your crochet career? overload of cute.
already over 650 patterns available Any new fun plans or future
on the site, so that might mean projects to mention? I’ve also started a new site with
I tend to fall in love easily? I just crochet patterns that are not
keep discovering new styles, new Joke: 2014 really is a year full of amigurumi - with super cute hats,
designers and they all surprise me plans. Last year I first organised fashionable scarfs, cute baby
with their creativity. a themed design contest, open toys… Sometimes I wish my day
for anyone to participate, I plan had more than 24 hours to keep up
*************************** to organise another one during with all the nice things I discover!
autumn this year as it has been

Joke Vermeiren, AmigurumiPatterns.net

Joke is a graphic designer with a love for the authentic

and handmade. She’s worked in an agency and for
non-profit since graduation but never found her niche
until a few years ago when she started collecting
amigurumi patterns on her website. She has a soft
spot for colourful and cute things and loves helping
all these great designers get the word out about their
adorable creations.

Her original blog - a project on the side - evolved to

a full time activity over the past year. She’s recently
started her own small publishing house and has
published three popular amigurumi books so far. She
loves seeing people worldwide create characters
from the books, see young people discover crochet Stay Connected With Joke
and be able to support these top-notch designers
by offering them a new way to share their designs.

Beside her amigurumi website she recently started

www.allcrochetpatterns.net where you can find all
the non-amigurumi crochet patterns she loves.
 tap here to
CHECK OUT
BOOKS
Lil’ Moustache
Easter Eggs
Pattern designed by
Rachel H. of Little Barn Friends

Let’s Get Started!

 EASY

Abbreviations
MR - Magic Ring
sc - Single Crochet
2 sc in next sc - Increase
dec 1 - Decrease
* * - Repeat Step
F/O - Fasten Off

Materials
Yarn(s) - 8ply Acrylic Yarn. Preferably white and another colour of your choice.
Crochet Hook - Size 3.0mm.
Yarn Needle
Tapestry Needle
White Tapestry Thread.
Fiberfill
Black beads for the eyes
Stitch Marker or Safety Pin
Black Felt
Small piece of White Paper
Scissors
Fabric Glue

Note: This pattern works in continuous rounds (instead of joined rounds).

Egg
White Yarn.
Rnd 1: MR, sc 6 in MR. (6)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each stitch around. (12)
Rnd 3: *sc 1, 2 sc in next sc*, repeat around. (18)
Rnd 4: *sc 2, 2 sc in next sc*, repeat around. (24)
Rnd 5-8: sc around. (24)
Change Yarn to your colour choice.
Rnd 9-12: sc around. (24)
Rnd 13: *dec 1, sc 4*, repeat around. (20)
Rnd 14: *dec 1, sc 3*, repeat around. (16)
Stuff egg with fiberfill.
Rnd 15: *dec 1, sc 2*, repeat around. (12)
Rnd 16: *dec 1, sc 1*, repeat around. (8)
Rnd 17: *dec 1*, repeat around. (4)
F/O. (Use the Ultimate F/O method for a neater finish. Click “Here” for the tutorial)
 Assembling: (refer to picture)
• Using white thread and tapestry needle, sew on the black
beads on Rnd 7 of the egg, with 4 stitches spacing between
each beads.
• Using the moustache template provided, choose the moustache
design that you prefer, trace out the shape on a white piece of
paper, cut it out, put it against a black felt and cut out the shape.
• Lastly, glue on the black felt moustache onto your crocheted egg.

And Congratulations, you’ve completed your Lil’ Moustache Easter Eggs!

Now it’s time to show it off...

Share your photos on the Happily Hooked Facebook Page! We can’t wait to see what you made!

Rachel H, Founder of LittleYarnFriends.com

A lover of artsy-craftsy things ever since she was a kid, Rachel

was introduced to the art of “Crocheting” in September 2011
when she first saw her colleague crocheted a scarf for her
Mother. It wasn’t long before she was hooked!

A self-taught crochet-amigurumi artist (thanks to some helpful

crochet skills learned from other talented crochet artists on the
internet), Rachel started making her first few amigurumis with
the help of crochet books and free patterns she found online.
As she got the hang of some basic stitches and how to read Stay Connected With Rachel
crochet patterns, she took the leap of faith and started creating
her very own “Little Yarn Friends” Creations that she shares
on her website. (Most of them are FREE).

Rachel’s mission is to make “Little Yarn Friends” a place for

to share, love, impact and bless others in one way or another
through amigurumi.
tap to visit
WEBSITE

tap to visit
WEBSITE
 QUICK TIP:

Not So Magic Circle

A method for ‘closing the opening’
of every Crochet Circle

Let’s Get Started!

Don’t you just hate that open circle left in the middle of your crochet in the round?...like in the Crown of Hats
or center of Flower Granny Squares?

I definitely do. I have never felt ok just leaving it that way. So years ago, I worked out my own way to close the
opening space.

Then the Crochet Magic Circle came along and I thought AWESOME! ... Until I tried it. It doesn’t work for me
the way it is supposed to and I get frustrated. I’m so glad that I NOW have my own way to deal with that pesky
open space.

I’m thinking that maybe I’m not the only one who doesn’t like the Crochet Magic Circle?

If that’s a Yes, then give this method a try. If it works for me, maybe it will work for you too!

Chain 3

DC in 3rd chain from your hook

 Crochet half of your beginning round stitches to the right of the knot
If your pattern says to crochet 12 DC in the circle, work 6

Crochet the remaining half of your beginning round stitches to the left of the knot
Crochet this 2nd half of stitches over the tail.

Count your stitches and Slip Stitch into the first

Turn your circle around to the back...this is what it will look like.

Pull the tail ... this will draw your circle close

This is what it will look like...this is still the backside

 Thread the tail into a large eye needle and hide the tail in the first round of stitches.

This is the front side of your beginning circle

showing the opening in the center completely, and neatly, closed.

Great job right!? You can hide the tail using whatever method you like. I never used to use a large eye needle be-
cause it was a pain to thread the eye with yarn...then I discovered an easy way to do that too and I actually like us-
ing the needle better than anything else!

Tracy Joyner of Tracy’s Crochet Bliss

Tracy’s an avid crocheter and blogger. She

has been crocheting since 1973 and has
launched two successful crochet websites.
Stay Connected With Tracy
 Want to ADVERTISE in
or CONTRIBUTE to
Happily Hooked Magazine?

Awesome =)
Simply get in touch and let us know!
hooked on yarnbombing!
H A P P I LY
)

“Yarnbombing is more feminine...

It’s like graffiti with grandma sweaters”
~ Jesse Hemmons
 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:

JESSIE
HEMMONS
aka “ishknits”
 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:

JESSIE
HEMMONS
aka “ishknits”

QUESTION #1 2010 after I picked up the book,

“Yarnbombing” by Mandy Moore
How and when did you first learn and Leanne Praine. At the time I
to crochet? was mostly crocheting and knitting regards to
fashion accessories, but I had never people and places
Jesse: I first learned to crochet fully let go of my rebellious nature in Philadelphia. After
when I was a teenager. My learning and was always looking for a creative rolling my eyes or making
experience was pretty unique, way to express my opinions. I have jokes about certain statues for
actually. When I was a teenager I always been a huge follower of years, yarnbombing gave me a
acted out a lot and behaved in some street art, and felt that yarnbombing way to express sentiments that I
negative ways which landed me in a was the only fitting way for me to knew would be shared with many
juvenile facility for adolescent girls. I contribute to the culture. The day others in the city. It provided me
had a very difficult time adapting to after I picked up the book and I went a way to connect with my city in a
the environment as well as bonding out and installed my first yarnbomb. way that was not possible before.
with the other young women in the It was immediately love and the rest is
program. Eventually, they allowed us history. The biggest achievements of my
to have yarn and crochet hooks and I career have been the amazing
begged the girls to teach me. Finally, *************************** commissions that I have been able
they relented and taught me how to to acquire throughout the years.
chain and make a double crochet. QUESTION #3 Because I have no formal art
That teaching experience was actually
the first time I was able to connect Can you share with our readers training, it gives me such great
with the other young women in the some of the best moments and pride to have had my artwork
program. biggest achievements of your displayed in art institutions and
career? used for branding purposes by
*************************** international companies.
Jesse: Some of the best moments
QUESTION #2 of my career have been to ***************************
yarnbomb Philadelphia’s cultural
When and why did you start yarn icons. Being born and raised in QUESTION #4
bombing? the Philadelphia area gave me
great insight into the psyche of the What are some of your most
Jesse: I started yarnbombing in city and opinions of the locals in memorable or favorite works,
 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:

JESSIE
HEMMONS
aka “ishknits”

and why? introduce the city to my work. It

is a learning experience because
Jesse: My favorite work has been I don’t have the same cultural
relatively
my bikini installation on the statue “insider information” that I had
new form of street
of Philadelphia’s controversial in Philadelphia so most of my
art, and I was able to use
mayor Frank Rizzo. As I mentioned projects are aesthetic rather than
my marketing skills to create
before, this cultural icon has a political. I am hoping that perhaps
strategic projects at specific sites.
rich history with the people of a local crew will want me to
In regards to transitioning into
Philadelphia and it was such a yarnbomb one of their Mardi Gras
a business venture, the most
fantastic opportunity to assert my floats!
important thing to remember is
own opinion about the person and
that if you’re creating something
the statue. I also really love one ***************************
important to you that other people
of my early projects, which was
will love, the business will come
covering three different subway QUESTION #6 naturally.
seats on the Market-Frankford
subway in Philadelphia. I felt How did you make the
***************************
very strongly about making art transition from crocheting as
accessible to everyone, not just a hobby to that of a revenue-
QUESTION #7
those in the “Art World”, and I generating endeavor? And
believed this was the best way how hard was that transition?
Many of our readers LOVE to
to make my work viewable to
crochet, are are interested in
everyone in the city. Jesse: Moving from crocheting
yarn bombing, but don’t know
as a hobby to crocheting as a
how to get involved. What
*************************** business takes more than crochet
advice would you give them
skills. It really requires business
as to how to kick things off?
QUESTION #5 savvy and a marketing mindset.
It’s important to find an avenue
Jesse: I actually offer an online,
Any new fun plans or projects where your crochet work can fill
self-paced yarnbombing course
in the works? a gap in the market and provide
on Skillshare.com. In the course
a product that people don’t yet
students become part of the
Jesse: I have recently moved to have access to. I was very lucky to
community and are able to ask
New Orleans so I am just trying to begin yarnbombing when it was a
 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:

JESSIE
HEMMONS
aka “ishknits”

questions and collect feedback measurements of the object so

on their projects from me as that you can create a custom
well as other students taking fitting piece. The final step in
the course. Additionally, I have yarnbombing is to sew the seam our
written a piece on Craftsy.com’s of the fabric while the crochet is readers that you
blog that gives instructions for wrapped around the object. believe are doing great
creating your first yarnbomb. If things in the world?
given the opportunity, I would also ***************************
pick up the book “Yarnbombing” Jesse: The Penguin Foundation
I mentioned earlier. The most BONUS QUESTION uses knitted or crocheted
important things to remember for “jumpers” to protect penguins
creating your first yarnbomb is to Are there any crochet-based from cleaning themselves after
pick an object that’s feasible and charities and organizations they’ve been caught in an oil spill.
interesting, and collect accurate that you’d like to mention to

Jesse Hemmons, ishknits.com

Ishknits, or Jessie Hemmons, is a yarnbomber who

recently moved to Oakland, CA from Philadelphia,
PA. Her work concentrates on facilitating a shift in the
perception of street art, by using a typically feminine
craft to inititate a dialogue on the relationship between
gender and non-commissioned public art. Through
her use of vibrant colors and an historically empathic
medium, she encourages people to understand and
utilize the ability they possess to be assertive as well Stay Connected With Jesse
as positive in their community. Her work exemplifies
that the loudest public voice does not have to be
the most hostile and threatening, but can be used
to encourage and elevate.

In the next issue, Jesse shares with you EXACTLY how to get started with YOUR first yarnbomb!
So, don’t miss that issue =)
getting hooked H A P P I LY
)
Your Handy Hooker Reference Guide
 hooked
H A P P I LY

Handy Hooker Reference Guide

)
Learning how to read the language of Crochet Patterns
If you are new to crochet and picked up a pattern and thought you were reading Greek you are not alone! At
first the shorthand terms can be a bit overwhelming but keep these tips and the handy definition guide with
you and you’ll be tackling patterns before you know it.

Things to keep in mind when diving into a pattern:

• A crochet pattern can be worked in rounds (rnds), rows or both. Each pattern will indicate what you’ll
be working in.
• Patterns will have a difficulty scale to help you gauge your skill level:
• Beginner – These patterns are for the newbies. Patterns labeled beginner will use the basic

stitches and will have minimal shaping.

• Easy – Perfect for watching your favorite shows and still being able to crochet =) The stitches

will be repetitive and there might be minimal shaping and easy coloring changes.
• Intermediate – These patterns will include a wider variety of stitches and more complex color

patterns.
• Experienced – Break out your magnify glass for these patterns! They will have really intricate

stich sequences and may use smaller hooks with thread.

• Gauge Check!
• It’s important to check your gauge/tension before starting a pattern.

• Crochet a test 4x4 square with the hook listed in the pattern. If your gauge is too big go down a

hook size, if it’s too small then go up a hook size.

• It may seem like a waste of time but if your pattern is for a newborn size and you wind up with a

hat that’ll fit your noggin you’ll be sad.

If you are feeling overwhelmed in the beginning, don’t stress! The more patterns you read the more confi-
dence you’ll gain and you’ll tackle more challenging patterns. If you are new to the crochet world, it might be
helpful to take a class at your local craft store or if you have a friend who already crochets, ask if they’d mind
showing you the ropes.

Patterns that Appear inside Happily Hooked Magazine will be accompanied with the below legend to
illustrate the difficulty level of each design:

BEGINNER I N T E R M E D I AT E

EASY EXPERIENCED
 hooked
H A P P I LY

Handy Hooker Reference Guide

)
Abbreviations
beg – begin/beginning dtr – double treble crochet rep – repeat(s)
bpdc – back post double crochet fpdc – front post double crochet rnd(s) – round(s)
bpsc – back post single crochet fpsc – front post single crochet RS – right side
bptr – back post treble crochet fptr – front post treble crochet sc – single crochet
CC – contrasting color g – grams sc dec – single crochet (decrease)
ch – chain stitch hdc – half double crochet 2 or more stitches together, as
ch – refers to chain or space hdc dec – half double crochet indicated
previously made (decrease) 2 or more stitches sk – skip(ped)
(i.e. ch-1 space) together, as indicated sl st – slip stitch
ch sp – chain space inc – increase/increases/ sp(s) – space(s)
cl – cluster increasing st(s) – stitch(es)
cm – centimeter(s) lp(s) – loops(s) tog – together
dc – double crochet MC – main color tr – treble crochet
dc dec – double crochet 2 or more mm – millimeter(s) trtr – triple treble
stitches together, as indicated oz – ounce(s) WS – wrong side
dec – decrease/decreases/ pc – popcorn yd(s) – yard(s)
decreasing rem – remain/remaining yo – yarn over

Symbols
Crochet patterns use symbols to signal repeated text, special instructions and clarifying information.

( ) Work instructions within parentheses in place directed; used to indicate collective stitch groups worked as
one procedure in the same place; used for additional or clarifying information, indicated in italic text.

[ ] Repeat instructions within brackets as directed; also used to indicate additional or clarifying information.

{ } Repeat instructions within braces as directed; used to indicate a set of repeat instructions that are worked
within a bracketed set of repeat instructions, or to indicate multiple repeats of stitch patterns that are part of
a collective stitch group contained within parentheses.

* Repeat instructions following a single asterisk or between two single asterisks as directed.

** This symbol has two uses, as follows:

1. Repeat instructions between or from double asterisks as directed, usually in combination with a set of
single asterisk instructions.
2. Work a partial set of repeat instructions as indicated by double asterisks.

à Repeat instructions between or from diamonds as directed, usually in combination with single asterisk
instructions.
 hooked
H A P P I LY

Handy Hooker Reference Guide

)
Basic Stitch Guide

Treble Crochet
Decrease – tr dec
Holding back last
Chain Change Color loop of eash stitch,
Once you’ve made Drop first color; treble crochet in each
your slip knot you’ll with 2nd color, pull of the stitches indi-
have one loop on the through last 2 lps of st. cated, yarn over, pull
hook. Yarn over and through all loops on
pull through the loop. hook.
There will be one loop
left on the hook.

Double Crochet
Yarn over, insert hook
into indicated stitch,
yarn over and pull
up a loop (3 loops on Treble Crochet – tr
Slip Stitch Single Crochet – sc hook), yarn over and Yarn over twice, then
Insert your hook in Insert hook in stitch draw through 2 loops insert hook into stitch
the stich indicated indicated and yarn on hook (2 loops on indicated, yarn over
then yarn over and over. Pull up through hook), yarn over again and pull up a loop (4 Half Double Crochet
pull loop through the the loop (two loops and draw through the loops on hook), yarn – hdc
stitch and through the on hook), yarn over last two loops on the over through 2 loops Yarn over and insert
loop on your hook. and draw through hook (1 loop remains). on hook for a total of hook into indicated
You will have one loop both loops on hook three times (1 loop stitch, yarn over and
remaining on your (one loop on hook). remains on hook). up through loop
hook. (3 loops on hook),
yarn over and pull
up through all three
Front Loop Back Loop loops on hook (one
loop on hook).
Double Crochet
Decrease– dc dec
(Yarn over, insert Double Treble
Single Crochet
Front Loop (front lp) hook, yarn over, draw Crochet – dtr
Decrease – sc dec
Back Loop (back lp) loop through, draw Yarn over 3 times,
(Insert hook, yarn
through 2 loops on insert hook in stitch,
over, draw loop
hook) in each of yarn over, pull Half Double Crochet
through) in each of
the stitches indicat- through stitch, [yarn Decrease – hdc dec
the stitches
ed, yarn over, draw over, pull through 2 (Yarn over, insert
indicated, yarn over,
through all loops on loops] 4 times. hook, yarn over, draw
draw through all loops
on hook. hook. loop through) in each
of the stitches
indicated, yarn over,
draw through all loops
on hook.
 hooked
H A P P I LY

Handy Hooker Reference Guide

)
Gauge and Gauge Swatches
Gauge is a set of measurements used to indicate how large your stitches and rows should be to achieve
results similar to those achieved by the designer. These results include the size of the piece and the drape or
softness of the resulting fabric. If your gauge differs significantly from the designer’s gauge your piece will be
a different size, and may be stiffer or floppier than desired.

Gauge is typically given as two measurements:

1. Stitch gauge: The number of stitches in a certain number of inches

2. Row gauge: The number of rows in a certain number of inches. It is most common to indicate the stitch
and row gauge over 4”/10cm, but it could be given over any number of inches.

To determine if you are working to the correct gauge, you can make a gauge swatch. Or, if the piece you are
making is at least 4” wide to begin, you can begin making the piece, work for at least 4”/10cm and then
measure your gauge over this piece.

To make a gauge swatch, use the indicated size hook, yarn, and stitch indicated in the “Gauge” section, to
make a small, sample piece.

For example: If the gauge is: In single crochet, 12 sts and 14 rows = 4”/10cm, you want to work a piece that is
at least 12 sts wide and 14 rows long. We recommend working a piece that is a bit larger than 4”/10cm. After
making the small piece, lay in flat but do not stretch it. Use a ruler to measure across a row near the center of
the piece and count the number of stitches in 4”/10cm. Then measure and count the number of rows in 4”/10
cm. If the number of stitches or rows is less than the number of stitches or rows given in the gauge, try again
using a smaller hook. If the number of stitches or rows is greater than the number of stitches or rows given in
the gauge, try again using a larger hook.

Important Notes:

1. It is usually more important to achieve stitch gauge than row gauge. If you must choose, choose to
achieve stitch gauge.
2. Gauge is critical to achieve a good fit for sweaters. It is slightly less critical for hats and slippers that are
designed to stretch to fit. It is even less critical for blankets, bags, toys, and scarves. If the item you are
making must ‘fit’ it is worth the time to achieve almost exactly the same gauge as the designer. If the item
you are making doesn’t need to ‘fit’, the gauge you achieve can vary more from the designer’s gauge and
still yield acceptable results.
3. Sometimes a pattern indicates that the gauge is not critical. For such patterns, ensure that there’s not
a note somewhere else indicating that you should work ‘tightly’ or ‘loosely’. Such notes let you know
whether the resulting fabric should be stiff (work tightly) or more flowing (work loosely).
 hooked
H A P P I LY

Handy Hooker Reference Guide

)
Hook Sizes (Aluminum)

US ENG. METRIC
- 14 2
B/1 13, 12 2.5, 2.75
C/2 12, 11 2.75, 3
D/3 10 3.25
E/4 9 3.5
F/5 8 3.75, 4
G/6 7 4.25, 4.5
H/8 6 4.75, 5
I/9 5 5.5
J/10 4 6
K/10 1/2 2 6.5, 7
- - 7.5
L/11 - 8
M/13 - 9
N/15 - 10
P/16 - 16
Q - 16
S - 19

Standard Yarn Weight System (and substituting yarn)

Yarn can be grouped into different weights. When substituting one yarn for another, always look for a yarn in
the same weight category. There is variance within the same weight category. Swatching for gauge is the best
way to check whether a yarn substitution will work well.

Yarn Weight Category Types of Yarns in Category Recommended Hook Size

0 – Lace Finger, Size 10 crochet thread 1.6 – 1.4mm
1 – Super Fine Sock, findering, baby 2.25 – 3.5mm
2 – Fine Sport, baby 3.5 – 4.5mm
3 – Light DL (double knit), light worsted 4.5 – 5.5mm
4 – Medium Worsted, afghan, aran 5.5 – 6.5mm
5 – Bulky Chunky, craft, rug 6.5 – 9mm
6 – Super Bulky Bulky, super chunky, roving 9mm and bigger
 Tu r n k ey M obile M agaz ine Publishi ng

Want to Publish Your Own Mobile Magazine?

Well, Now You Can! (and it’s easier than you think)

Appzine Machine is quite simply the easiest and most user-friendly

turnkey solution for making your own magazine with ease. Period.

From professionally designed pages templates, a simple WYSIWYG

user interface, and a world-class training center, there literally is
no better digital publishing platform out there … Something we’re
extremely proud of.

To Learn More, TAP HERE!

“Appzine Machine’s training shows you “Appzine Machine is a truly drag and drop “Having a platform like Appzine
how to start from nothing and end with system, where you can put a magazine Machine makes the process simple,
an income producing product.” together and not have any technical or quick & easy. With me not being ‘tech
Darron Michael design skills. If you can send an email, savvy’, the platform makes it easy ...
Gluten Free Health Magazine you can build your magazine quickly and it does the techy bits for you.”
easily all by yourself.” Colin Piper
Antoine Cameron My Health My Wealth Magazine
Real Foods Magazine
Next Issue...
We truly hope you enjoyed reading
this issue, as much as we enjoyed
publishing it for you!

We have so much more “crochet

goodness” to share with you... but hey,
we can only squeeze so much into
each issue = )

Here’s a little “sneak peak” of what to

expect in the next issue:

• Find out what Vickie Howell is up to

in an in-depth exclusive Q&A interview
• Salena Baca shares ‘Design Wars’ updates,
and we even feature some of the
contestant’s patterns!
• Learn even more handy tips and tricks,
brought to you by some of the best
crocheters and designers around
• Several more cute free patterns and
projects for you
• And way more goodies we’d love to share
with you because we’re busting at the seams
to tell you… but you’ll just have to wait =)

In the meantime, if there’s anything else you’d

like us to cover, or if you have any ways that we can improve our magazine, simply tap the email button
below and let us know. We want ALL of your feedback – the good, the bad and yes, even the ugly.

See you in the next issue!

Created With: