MITTENS

BOBBLE CUSHION

Kicking off our colour-popping rainbow collection is this fabulously squishable cushion by Liliana Buce. We love the popcorn stitch detailing and bold stripes.

■ Stylecraft Special DK (100% acrylic, 100g/ 295m), 1 ball of each: Lipstick (1246), Spice (1711), Citron (1263), Aspen (1422), Lapis (1831), Violet (1277), Emperor (1425), Silver (1203)

■ A 4.5mm (US 7) hook

■ A 50 50cm (20x20in) cushion insert

■ 4 buttons

■ A 3.5cm (1 in) pompom maker

TENSION

12 sts and 7.5 rows to measure 10 10cm (4 4in) over tr using a 4.5mm hook

MEASUREMENTS

Cushion measures 50 50cm (20 20in)

ABBREVIATIONS

st-sp(s) (stitch spaces, i.e. the space between 2 sts) The last st-sp of the row is between the last tr and the beg ch pc (popcorn stitch) Work 5tr in the same stitch space, remove loop from hook, insert hook into the top of first tr (from front to back), replace the dropped loop, yrh and pull loop through

For a full list, see page 92

FRONT PANEL

Using Lipstick, ch63.

Row 1 (RS) Tr in fourth ch from hook (skipped ch-3 does not count as st), tr in next 59 ch, turn. [60 st-sps]

Row 2 Ch3 (does not count as st throughout), tr in each st-sp to end, turn.

Row 3 Rep Row 2, change to Spice on last yrh of last tr, turn.

Fasten off Lipstick.

Rows 4-5 Using Spice, rep Row 2.

Row 6 Using Spice, rep Row 3, change to Citron on last yrh of last tr, turn.

Fasten off Spice.

Rows 7-8 Using Citron, rep Row 2.

Row 9 Using Citron, rep Row 3, change to Aspen on last yrh of last tr, turn.

Fasten off Citron.

Rows 4-6 and Rows 7-9 set the 3-row pattern. Continue in this 3-row pattern, changing to next colour on last yrh of last tr of third row, in the following colour sequence:

Rows 10-12 Aspen.

Rows 13-15 Lapis.

Rows 16-18 Violet.

Rows 19-21 Emperor.

Row 22 Silver.

Continue in Silver to the end of the Front Panel, joining in new colour as given for pc sts and cutting this colour after every pc:

Row 23 Ch3, tr in next 5 st-sps, *1pc (using Lipstick) in next st-sp, tr in next 3 st-sps, 1pc (using Spice) in next st-sp, tr in next 3 st-sps, 1pc (using Citron) in next st-sp, tr in next 3 st-sps, 1pc (using Aspen) in the next st-sp, tr in next 3 st-sps, 1pc (using Lapis) in next st-sp, tr in next 3 st-sps, 1pc (using Violet) in next st-sp, tr in next 3 st-sps, 1pc (using Emperor)*, tr in next 3 st-sps; rep from * to * once more, tr in next 2 st-sps, turn. [14 pc]

Rows 24-26 As Row 2.

Row 27 Ch3, tr in next 2 st-sps, *1pc (using Lipstick) in next st-sp, tr in next 3 st-sps, 1pc (using Spice) in the next st-sp, tr in next 3 st-sps, 1pc (using Citron) in next st-sp, tr in next 3 st-sps, 1pc (using Aspen) in next st-sp, tr in next 3 st-sps, 1pc (using Lapis) in next st-sp, tr in next 3 st-sps, 1pc (using Violet) in next st-sp, tr in next 3 st-sps, 1pc (using Emperor) in next st-sp*, tr in next 3 st-sps; rep from * to * once more, tr in next 5 st-sps, turn. [14 pc]

Rows 28-30 As Row 2.

Row 31 As Row 23.

Rows 32-34 As Row 2.

Row 35 As Row 27.

Rows 36-38 As Row 2.

Row 39 As Row 23.

Rows 40-41 As Row 2.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

BACK PANEL (BOTTOM)

Work as given for Front Panel to end of Row 22. Continue in Silver.

Row 23 As Row 2.

Row 24 Tr in next 7 st-sps, ch1, skip 1 st-sp, (tr in next 14 st-sps, ch1, skip 1 st-sp) 3 times, tr in next 7 st-sps, turn.

Row 25 Ch1 (does not count as st), dc in every st-sp to end.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

BACK PANEL (TOP)

Using Silver, ch63.

Row 1 (RS) Tr in fourth ch from hook (skipped ch-3 does not count as a st), tr in next 59 ch, turn. [60 st-sps]

Rows 2-20 Ch3 (does not count as a st throughout), tr in each st-sp to end, turn.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Sew 1 button onto the 8th, 23rd, 38th and 53rd sts of the Row 3.

POMPOMS (MAKE 28)

Using pompom maker, make 4 pompoms in each colour except Silver.

TO MAKE UP

Place Top Back Panel on top of Front Panel (with WS together) and pin in place. Work htr as follows through both panels at once, using matching yarns to join them together: begin by joining the Top Back Panel along the row-ends of right-hand side. Starting at the very first-sp at the bottom right corner, join Silver with a ss, ch1 (does not count as a st), dc in same sp, htr in same sp, 2htr in the next 18 sps (these are the row-end tr sps), 3htr in last-sp. Rotate your work 90° and work htr in every st-sp across top of Back Panel, rotate your work 90° and work 3 htr in the first sp, 2 htr in the next 18 sps, htr in the next sp, dc in the same sp. Fasten off.

Join Bottom Back Panel in exactly the same way, overlapping the Silver rows at the top of the Bottom Back Panel, and leaving an opening to slide cushion into.

Weave in all loose ends.

Attach pompoms to edges of Cushion cover with 7 evenly spaced along each side.

BOBBLE HAT

Hook up a rainbow hat with a mega-pom for a friend this Christmas and they’ll love you forever. Melissa Masterson’s simple and striking design will keep winter at bay.

■ Stylecraft Special DK (100% acrylic, 100g/ 295m), 1 ball of each:

Silver (1203), Emperor (1425), Violet (1277), Aspen (1422), Lapis (1831), Citron (1263), Spice (1711), Lipstick (1246)

■ A 4.5mm (US 7) hook

■ A 7cm (2 in) pompom maker

TENSION

16 htr and 12 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) using a 4.5mm hook

MEASUREMENTS

Hat measures approx 52cm (20 in) in diameter, 19cm (7 in) tall

NOTES

Yarn as listed is enough to also make Melissa’s Scarf and Mittens in this set. The Hat is worked top down in the round.

HAT

CROWN

Using Silver, make a magic loop. Round 1 (RS) Ch2 (counts as first htr throughout), 9htr into magic loop, ss to top of beg ch-2 to join, pull magic loop closed. [10 sts]

Round 2 Ch2, htr in same st, 2htr in each st to end, ss to top of beg ch-2. [20 sts]

Round 3 Ch2, 2htr in next st, (htr in next st, 2htr in next st) to end, ss to top of beg ch-2. [30 sts]

Round 4 Ch2, htr in next st, 2htr in next st, (htr in next 2 sts, 2htr in next st) to end, ss to top of beg ch-2. [40 sts]

Round 5 Ch2, htr in next 2 sts, 2htr in next st, (htr in next 3 sts, 2htr in next st) to end, ss to top of beg ch-2. [50 sts]

Round 6 Ch2, htr in next 3 sts, 2htr in next st, (htr in next 4 sts, 2htr in next st) to end, ss to top of beg ch-2. [60 sts]

Round 7 Ch2, htr in next 4 sts, 2htr in next st, (htr in next 5 sts, 2htr in next st) to end, ss to top of beg ch-2. [70 sts]

Round 8 Ch2, htr in next 33 sts, 2htr in next st, htr in next 34 sts, 2htr in next st, ss to top of beg ch-2. [72 sts]

Rounds 9-19 Ch3 (counts as first tr), tr in each st to end, ss to top of beg ch-3.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

BRIM

Round 1 Holding Hat with top furthest away from you, join Emperor with a ss to fl of any st of last round, ch2 (counts as first htr throughout), working in fl only: htr in each st to last st, 2htr in last st, ss to top of beg ch-2. [73 sts]

Fasten off.

Join Violet with a ss to any st of last round.

Round 2 Ch2, htr in each st around, ss to top of beg ch-2. Fasten off.

Rounds 3-8 Rep Round 2 in the following colour sequence: Aspen, Lapis, Citron, Spice, Lipstick, Aspen.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

POMPOM

Make a large pompom with a pompom maker, using an equal mix of yarn in all colours except Silver. Attach to top of Hat.

SCARF

Really love your friend? Show them how much by making them Melissa Masterson’s matching scarf too, complete with giant pompom ends that tuck neatly together. ■ Stylecraft Special DK (100% acrylic, 100g/ 295m), 1 ball of each:

Silver (1203), Emperor (1425), Violet (1277), Aspen (1422), Lapis (1831), Citron (1263), Spice (1711), Lipstick (1246)

■ A 4.5mm (US 7) hook

■ A 7cm (2 in) pompom maker

TENSION

16 htr and 12 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) using a 4.5mm hook

MEASUREMENTS

Scarf measures 92cm (36 in) in length, without pompoms

NOTES

Yarn as listed is enough to also make Melissa’s Hat and Mittens in this set.

The Scarf is worked back and forth in rows. Before you reach the second set of colour stripes, the row is split into two and worked as two identical halves to leave a gap for holding the other end of the scarf. These two halves are rejoined in the final colour stripe.

SCARF

Using Emperor, ch101.

Row 1 (RS) Htr in third ch from hook (skipped ch-2 count as first htr), htr in each ch to end, turn. [100 sts]

Row 2 Ch2 (counts as first htr, throughout), htr in each st to end, turn. Fasten off.

Join Violet with a ss to first st.

Rows 3-4 Rep Row 2. Fasten off.

Joining each new colour in the same way, and fastening off yarn after every 2 rows, rep Row 2 in the following colour sequence:

Rows 5-6 Aspen.

Rows 7-8 Lapis.

Rows 9-10 Citron.

Rows 11-12 Spice.

Rows 13-14 Lipstick.

Join Silver with a ss to first st.

Rows 15-86 Rep Row 2 in Silver.

Row 87 With Silver, ch2, tr in next 50 sts, turn (leaving remaining sts unworked). [50 sts]

Row 88 Ch2, 1tr in next 50 sts, turn.

Fasten off.

Continue on these 50 sts only.

Join Lipstick with a ss to first st.

Rows 89-90 Rep Row 88 twice. Fasten off. Joining each new colour in the same way, and fastening off yarn after every 2 rows, rep Row 88 in the following colour sequence:

Rows 91-92 Lipstick.

Rows 93-94 Spice.

Rows 95-96 Citron.

Rows 97-98 Lapis.

Rows 99-100 Aspen.

Rows 101-102 Violet.

After fastening off Violet, join Silver with a ss in first unworked st from Row 87, to work the remaining 50 unworked sts of the row. Rep Rows 87-102 on these 50 sts.

To join sections, join Emperor with a ss to first st of first half.

Row 103 Ch2, htr in each st of first half, htr in each st of second half, turn. [100 sts].

Row 104 Ch2, htr in each st to end.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

POMPOMS (MAKE 2)

Make two large pompoms with a pompom maker, using an equal mix of yarn in all colours except Silver.

TO MAKE UP

Take a long length of Emperor and thread onto a wool needle. Starting in one corner, but without attaching the length of yarn to the Scarf, pick up every fifth stitch along short edge of Scarf, using a running stitch. Pull the two ends of yarn together to gather the edge into a point. Tie tightly to secure and weave in ends. Repeat on opposite short edge of Scarf.

Attach one large pompom securely to each end of the Scarf.

BLANKET

For a full-on, wrapped in rainbows experience, hook up this gorgeously colourful blanket by Helen McLean.

■ Stylecraft Special DK (100% acrylic, 100g/ 295m), 3 balls of Silver (1203), 1 ball of each: Lipstick (1246), Spice (1711), Citron (1263), Aspen (1422), Lapis (1831), Violet (1277), Emperor (1425)

■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook

■ A 5cm (2in) pompom maker

TENSION

18 sts and 11 rows measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over tr using a 4mm hook

MEASUREMENTS

Blanket measures 110x110cm (43 x43 in)

NOTES

The Blanket is worked using interlocking blocks, changing colour after each row. This method produces lots of ends, so weave them in as you go.

A starting chain in multiples of 10 + 8 sts will allow any size of Blanket to be worked with this pattern.

Ensure starting chains are not too tight.

BLANKET

Using Silver, ch158.

Row 1 (RS) Tr in fourth ch from hook (skipped ch-3 do not count as st), tr in each ch to end, turn. [155 sts] Row 2 Ch3 (does not count as st throughout), tr in same st, tr in each st to end, turn.

Row 3 Ch3, tr in same st, tr in next 4 sts, (ch5, skip next 5 sts, tr in next 5 sts) to end, turn.

Fasten off.

In the following rows, all the tr sts will be worked into the skipped sts of the previous row, and will be worked over the ch of the previous row, enclosing it.

Row 4 Join Lipstick with a ss to first st, ch6 (first of these ch does not count as st), *skip next 5 sts, tr in next 5 sts, ch5; rep from * to end, ss in top of beg ch-3, turn.

Row 5 Join Silver with a ss to first ch, ch3, tr in same ch at base of ch-3, tr in next 4 sts, *ch5, skip next 5 sts, tr in next 5 sts; rep from * to end, turn.

Joining new colour as before and fastening off at end of row, work as follows:

Row 6 Join Spice, rep Row 4.

Row 7 Join Silver, rep Row 5.

Row 8 Join Citron, rep Row 4.

Row 9 Join Silver, rep Row 5.

Row 10 Join Aspen, rep Row 4.

Row 11 Join Silver, rep Row 5.

Row 12 Join Lapis, rep Row 4.

Row 13 Join Silver, rep Row 5.

Row 14 Join Violet, rep Row 4.

Row 15 Join Silver, rep Row 5.

Row 16 Join Emperor, rep Row 4.

Row 17 Join Silver, rep Row 5.

Row 18 Join Violet, rep Row 4.

Row 19 Join Silver, rep Row 5.

Row 20 Join Lapis, rep Row 4.

Row 21 Join Silver, rep Row 5.

Row 22 Join Aspen, rep Row 4.

Row 23 Join Silver, rep Row 5.

Row 24 Join Citron, rep Row 4.

Row 25 Join Silver, rep Row 5.

Row 26 Join Spice, rep Row 4.

Row 27 Join Silver, rep Row 5.

Rep Rows 4-27 five times more.

Next row Join Lipstick, rep Row 4.

Next row Join Silver with a ss to first st, ch3, tr in same st, tr in next 4 sts working over the ch-5 from previous row, *htr in next 5 sts, tr in next 5 sts; rep from * to end, turn.

Next row Ch3, tr in same st at base of ch-3, tr in each st to end. Fasten off.

BORDER

Join Silver with a dc in top of last tr of last row with RS facing.

Round 1 (RS) Dc in same st, ch2, 2dc in same st, working along the side of the Blanket using the row-ends, *work 2dc in between the rainbow colours to last st on that side, in the last st work (2dc, ch2, 2dc) to turn the corner, dc in each st along the bottom of the Blanket*, work (2dc, ch2, 2dc) into the top of last st; rep from * to * on rem 2 sides, ss to top of beg ch-2 to join. Fasten off.

Round 2 Join Emperor with a ss to any ch-2

corner sp, ch3 (counts as first tr), *tr in each st along to next ch-2 corner sp, (2tr, ch2, 2tr) into the ch-2 corner sp; rep from * around to starting corner, (2tr, ch2, 1tr) into the last ch-2 corner sp and ss to top of beg ch-3 to join. Fasten off.

Rounds 3-8 As Round 2, using the rainbow colours in the following order: Violet, Lapis, Aspen, Citron, Spice, Lipstick.

POMPOMS (MAKE 4)

Using the pompom maker, make 4 pompoms in rainbow colours and attach one to each corner of the Blanket. When it’s just too cold for fingerless gloves, hook up some rainbow pockets to slip on when you need to. By Melissa Masterson.

■ Stylecraft Special DK (100% acrylic, 100g/ 295m), 1 ball of each:

Silver (1203), Emperor (1425), Violet (1277), Aspen (1422), Lapis (1831), Citron (1263), Spice (1711), Lipstick (1246)

■ A 3.5mm (US E/4) hook

■ 2 red buttons, 1cm ( in) diameter

■ Yellow sewing thread and needle

■ A 2cm ( in) pompom maker

TENSION

19 sts and 14 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over pattern, using a 3.5mm hook

MEASUREMENTS

Mittens measure 26cm (10 in) in length and 21cm (8 in) in diameter

NOTES

Yarn as listed is enough to also make Melissa’s Hat and Scarf in this set.

LEFT MITTEN

CUFF

Using Silver, ch35, join with ss to first ch taking care not to twist foundation chain.

Round 1 (RS) Ch3 (counts as first tr), tr in each ch around, ss to top of beg ch-3. [35 sts]

Round 2 Ch3 (counts as first tr), FPtr in each st around, ss in top of beg ch-3.

Rounds 3-6 Repeat Round 2 four more times.

HAND

Round 7 Ch2 (counts as first htr throughout), htr in every st around, ss to top of beg ch-2. Do not fasten off Silver – remove hook and place a stitch marker in the loop so that you don’t accidentally pull it out.

Round 8 Join Lipstick with a ss to fl of first st, ch1 (counts as first ss), ss in fl of each st to end, ss to beg ch-1.

Fasten off Lipstick.

Round 9 Working into bl of Round 7, replace Silver loop back on hook, ch2, htr in bl of same st at base of beg ch-2, htrbl in next 6 sts, (2htrbl in next st, htrbl in next 6 sts) around, ss to top of beg ch-2. [40 sts]

Round 10 Ch2, htrbl in each st around, ss to top of beg ch-2.

Round 11 Ch2, htr in each st around, ss to top of beg ch-2.

Rounds 12-16 Repeat Round 11 five times more.

CREATE THUMBHOLE

Round 17 Ch2, htr in next 4 sts, ch9, skip next 8 sts (thumbhole created), htr in next st, htr in each st to end, ss to top of beg ch-2. [41 sts]

Round 18 Ch2, htr in next 3 sts, dc2tog, (dc in next 2 sts, dc2tog) twice, htr in each st to end, ss to top of beg ch-2. [38 sts]

Round 19 Ch2, htr in next 3 sts, dc2tog, (dc in next st, dc2tog) twice, htr in each st to end, ss to top of beg ch-2. [35 sts]

Round 20 Ch2, htr in next 3 sts, dc2tog, dc in next 2 sts, dc2tog, htr in each st to end, ss to top of beg ch-2. [33 sts]

Round 21 Ch2, htr in each st to end, ss to top of beg ch-2.

Repeat Round 21 four times more.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

RIGHT MITTEN

Work as given for Left Mitten to end of Round 16.

CREATE THUMBHOLE

Round 17 Ch2, htr in next 26 sts, ch9, skip 8 sts, htr in each st to end, ss to top of beg ch-2. [41 sts]

Round 18 Ch2, htr in next 25 sts, dc2tog, (dc in next 2 sts, dc2tog) twice, htr in each st to end, ss to top of beg ch-2. [38 sts]

Round 19 Ch2, htr in next 24 sts, dc2tog (dc in next st, dc2tog) twice, htr in each st to end, ss to top of beg ch-2. [35 sts]

Round 20 Ch2, htr in next 23 sts, dc2tog, dc in next 2 sts, dc2tog, htr in each st to end, ss to top of beg ch-2. [33 sts]

Repeat from Round 21 of Left Mitten, to end.

THUMB (BOTH MITTENS)

Find the thumbhole in the body of the Mitten, count from right to left along the 8 base sts, rejoin Silver with a ss in fourth st. Round 1 Ch1 (does not count as st

throughout), dc in same st, dc in next 3 sts, htr2tog over last st at base of thumbhole and first ch at top of thumbhole, dc in next 7 sts, htr2tog over last st at top of thumbhole and first st at base of thumbhole, dc in next 2 sts, ss to beg ch-1. [15 sts]

Round 2 Ch1, dc in same st, dc in next 3 sts, htr2tog, dc in next 5 sts, htr2tog, dc in next 2 sts, ss to beg ch-1. [13 sts]

Rounds 3-8 Ch2, htr in each st around, ss to top of beg ch-2.

Round 9 Ch2, (htr2tog) around, ss to top of beg ch-2. [7 sts]

Round 10 Ch2, (htr2tog) around, ss to top of beg ch-2. [4 sts].

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Thread tail end onto a wool needle and thread through the last 4 sts to pull the thumb top together. Weave in ends.

FOLD-OVER TOP (MAKE 2)

Using Lipstick, ch36, join with ss to first ch, taking care not to twist the foundation ch.

Rounds 1-2 Ch2, htr in each st around, ss to top of beg ch-2 to join. [36 sts]

Fasten off.

Rounds 3-6 Joining new colour with a ss to any st, and fastening off after every 2 rounds, rep Rounds 1-2 in the following colour sequence: 2 rounds Emperor, 2 rounds Violet.

Round 7 Join Aspen with a ss to any st, ch2, htr in each st around, ss to top of beg ch-2.

Round 8 Ch2, htr2tog, htr in each st to end, ss to top of beg ch-2. [35 sts]

Fasten off.

Round 9 Join Lapis with a ss to any st and rep Round 8. [34 sts]

Round 10 Ch2, 1htr, (htr in next 6 sts, htr2tog), ss to top of beg ch-2. [30 sts] Fasten off.

Round 11 Join Citron with a ss to any st, ch2, htr in each st around, join with ss to top of beg ch-2.

Round 12 Ch2, htr in next 2 sts, htr2tog, (htr in next 3 sts, htr2tog) around, ss to top of beg ch-2. [24 sts]

Fasten off.

Round 13 Join Spice with a ss to any st, ch2, htr in each st around, ss to top of beg ch-2.

Round 14 Ch2, htr in next st, htr2tog, (htr in next 2 sts, htr2tog) around, ss to top of beg ch-2. [18 sts]

Fasten off.

Round 15 Join Lipstick with a ss to any st, ch2, htr in next st, (htr in next st, htr2tog) around, ss to top of beg ch-2. [12 sts]

Round 16 Ch2, htr2tog, (htr in next st, htr2tog) around, ss to top of beg ch-2. [8 sts] Ch6, ss in sixth ch from hook to form a button loop.

Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing. Thread tail end onto wool needle and gather last round closed, taking care not to catch in the button loop.

TO MAKE UP

Pin Fold-over Top to the back of a Mitten, 3 rows from the top edge and sew into place. Sew a button to the back of the wrist of the Mitten in line with the button loop, and secure in place.

CORDS (MAKE 2)

Using Lipstick, ch50.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

POMPOMS (MAKE 4)

Make 4 pompoms using a small pompom maker. Attach a pompom to each end of each Cord. Form a bow shape from the Cord and sew the centre of the bow to Lipstick line at the wrist on each Mitten.

cord BAG

Go retro with this cool bag, stitched around thick, low-cost cord. Sara Huntington’s rainbow design will make a superb handmade gift all year round.

■ Stylecraft Special DK (100% acrylic, 100g/ 295m), 1 ball of each:

Silver (1203), Lipstick (1246), Spice (1711), Citron (1263), Aspen (1422), Lapis (1831), Violet (1277), Emperor (1425)

■ A 5mm (US H/8) hook

■ 20m (21 yds) sisal rope, 6mm ( in) diameter (available from www.homebase.co.uk)

■ Small bulldog clips

■ A 5cm (2in) pompom maker

■ Stitch markers

TENSION

Tension is not critical for this project

MEASUREMENTS

Bag measures approx 26cm (10 in) high including handles, 29cm (11 in) wide, 58cm (23in) circumference, 9cm (3 in) deep

NOTES

The Bag is worked in the round from the bottom up, working stitches over the rope. Yarn is held double throughout by using the yarn from the outside and inside of the ball, held together. If you need any help, we've popped a series of images on our blog

(www.simplycrochetmag.com) that will help you to start the base of the Bag.

BAG

BASE

Measure 14cm of rope from the end. Using Silver held double, secure the yarn along the length of the 14cm using clips and finishing with the working yarn at the end of the rope. Round 1 (RS) Make a slipknot and work 17dc along the 14cm length, working each stitch around the rope and trapping in the yarn as you go. Fold the rope back on itself so that the rope is on the top and the dc stitches are on the bottom. Work 3dc on the turn (place a st marker into the central stitch) then, starting with the st just worked, work dc in the opposite loop of next 19 sts from the first part of Round 1 and working around rope. Work 3dc in last st, placing a marker in the central stitch. [40 dc] Continue in a spiral without joining each round.

Round 2 Work a dc into each stitch from Round 1, working over the rope which is always carried along the work as you go. Work 2dc into the st before each marker, 3dc in each marked stitch (and moving the marker to the new central stitch), 2dc in st after each marker (increasing 8 stitches per round – 4 at each end of the oval). [48 dc] Rounds 3-4 As Round 2, increasing as set. [64 dc]

SIDES

Round 5 Retaining the second marker to indicate end of the round, dc bl of each st.

Round 6 Dc in each st around.

Rounds 7–11 As Round 6.

Change colour (to any colour of your choice) on the last yrh of the last dc of Round 11.

Rounds 12-25 Using any colour sequence of your choice, continue as set in Round 6, working 2 rounds in each colour.

Rounds 26-7 Change back to Silver and work two more rounds as set.

SHAPE HANDLES

Round 28 Placing Bag flat, identify the central 15 sts on each side and place markers in stitch 1 and stitch 15, dc in each st to st before first marker, skip next 15 dc, work 15dc around rope only and not into sts from Round 27, dc in st from Round 27 after second marker, dc in next 16 sts to st before next marker, skip next 15 dc, work 15dc around rope only and not into sts from Round 27, dc into st from Round 27 after next marker, dc to end of round.

Rounds 29-30 Dc in each st around, cutting rope at the end of Round 29 so that the final dc sts cover the end.

POMPOMS (MAKE 2)

Using the pompom maker, make 2 pompoms using all the colours except Silver and attach them to Bag with a chain made in Silver. Tie these to the handles of the Bag.