ISSUE 101 SNEAK PEEK

Issue 101 of Let's Get Crafting hits the shelves on 10th May and you'll love getting your hands on the impressive ombré yarn pack that's included – you'll be inspired to create a whole host of colourful knitting and crochet projects. This issue we explore how you can do your bit for the environment starting with your yarn stash – Sue Stratford talks eco-friendly crafting and we shop the latest ethical skeins. We also caught up with Arne and Carlos about how their garden inspires floral creations and Sarah Shrimpton teaches us how to dye yarn.

FLORENCE FLAMINGO

Sarah Louise Read’s sassy flamingo is such a fun project. Featuring crocodile stitch, you’ll be able to learn new skills and create intricate wings that are sure to impress your crafty friends. Make sure you take a picture of your finished project and share it with us on Facebook and Twitter.

SPRING BERETS

British weather can be temperamental, so these stunning hats made by Let’s Get Crafting designer Dawn Finney are perfect for when the weather turns crisp – they add a lovely pop of colour to a little one’s outfit too. Are you a beginner knitter? This is a great project to start with as it only requires simple increasing and decreasing and you can easily knit one in an evening!

HEIDI HIPPO

Are you new to crochet? Dive in with Heather Gibbs’ easy-to-make hippo project. New to swimming, Heidi wears her trusty rubber ring, armbands and figure-flattering, skintight wetsuit. She’s the perfect amigurumi pal for children and adults alike and she’ll fit right into the family.

POT HOLDERS

Knit up Nicola Valiji’s pretty and practical must-have accessories! Not only do they make the perfect addition to your home cooking, they are guaranteed to add a vibrant touch to your kitchen too. You may even think they are too good to use, but rest assured they can be washed if need be.

MELINA MERMAID

Make an aquatic friend for life with Heather Gibbs’ stroll-and-swim mermaid. Wearing her tail, Melina’s in her natural environment, but swap the fins for a skirt and she’s ready to hit the beach – she's every kid's dream. Her hair is perfect for plaiting, so let little ones braid her locks to make playtime even more fun. Why not crochet a little starfish as an accessory for her multicoloured do?

PENCIL CASE

Fintroducing Dale the shark! This fun stationery buddy is sure to bring children so much joy and with his trusty zip, Dale will keep much-loved pens and pencils safe too. This project is quite simple to make and it’s a great way of practising neat increases and decreases in your knitting. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, give it a try tonight – you're sure to make homework fun!

TASSEL BAG

Graduate your kit colours with this ombré-effect accessory. It makes a real statement and is a brilliant way to showcase trendy tassels, so get making it today. Knitted bags are great for carrying large items, but you may find that small bits and bobs accidentally pass through the weave and lace detail – avoid this by adding an easy lining and trying your hand at sewing too!

DUCKLING DUO

Our feathered friends make the perfect companions for a new arrival and are sure to look super cute perched atop a nursery shelf. If you’re gifting these ducklings to small children, remember to make them extra safe by removing the pom-poms and embroidering the eyes. Love crafting for newborns? Try five free baby knits. https://www.topcrochetpatterns.com/blog/5-free-baby-knits

INNOCENT BIG KNIT

Do your bit for a good cause and craft for the Innocent Big Knit. Áine Marriott has created an impressive collection of teeny hats that you can knit for charity. So whether you’d like to make an adorable alpaca, an on-trend unicorn or even make all six with your Let's Get Crafting yarn kit the options are endless.

POM-POM MOBILE

Breathe a burst of vibrancy and texture into your home with Sarah-Jane Hicks’ eye-catching display. Suspend from the ceiling in a nursery or why not jazz up a corner in your abode that’s crying out for colour? This stunning feature may seem complex, but with the help of a pom-pom maker or fork, you can be sure to whip one up in no time. Try our pom-pom garland too!