We challenged two designers to come up with a fab design, each using the same yarn… which is your fave?
Marianne Rawlins
“I loved this challenge because it’s so appropriate for me. My dad always has a cup of tea on the go (strong with one sugar, please!) and is renowned for his habit of pre-heating the mug with boiling water, making his brews mega-hot. So, what better way to toast to Father’s Day than with a perfectly insulated cuppa? I wanted my mug hug design to be tactile and comfy to hold – hence the bobble stitches. Here’s to you, Dad!” Find more of Marianne’s designs on Instagram at @mazcrochets
Pat Strong
“The mug cosy challenge was a magical thing to be asked to do. Gifting and crochet just naturally go together. In the last few years, giving handmade gifts has become even more important. A motif on a card, small toys, mug hugs... they’re perfect ways for us to use our crochet skills and small amounts of yarn. It’s a chance to relax with the craft and gift something unique. I also enjoyed combining another craft – embroidery – with crochet.” Visit Pat on Instagram and Facebook at @craicnyarn
FATHER’S DAY MUG HUG
Spell out your love for Dad in delightfully bumpy bobble stitch with Marianne Rawlins’ mug cosy. This is one gift he’s sure to love using every morning!
■ King Cole Simply Denim DK (50% cotton, 50% acrylic, 100g/280m), 1 ball of each: Blue Denim (5502), Turquoise Denim (5507)
■ A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook
■ A button, 10mm diameter
For yarn stockists contact King Cole www.kingcole.com
TENSION
16 sts and 17 rows measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over double crochet using a 3mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension
MEASUREMENTS
Mug Hug measures approx 7.5x20cm (3x8in)
NOTES
There is a Chart on page 79, which you will need to refer to. Each small square represents 1dc, and each small square with a C represents a 4-tr cl. Read all RS rows from right to left and WS rows from left to right. The first few rows of the Chart have been written out to guide you. Change colour on the final yrh of st before colour change is indicated. Carry unused yarn across the top of sts, enclosing strands as you go. Mug Hug is worked from the top down.
FATHER’S DAY MUG HUG
Using Turquoise Denim, ch34.
Row 1 (WS) Dc in second ch from hook and each ch across, turn. [33 sts] Change to Blue Denim.
Row 2 Ch1 (does not count as st throughout), (dc in next st, 4-tr cl in next st) 1
