Issue 103 Sneak Peek

We’re going back in time this issue with our wonderful Heritage Special. Make sure you pick up your copy, on sale 19th July, to find amazing classic toys, heartwarming reads and sentimental stories. We also reveal our winning Woolly Writer entry, so make sure you give it a read – it really is a lovely tale. Do you love making toys? Make sure you enter our Toymaker of the Year competition!

WOODLAND HEADBANDS

How cute is our model Izzy showcasing Claire Garland’s fun playtime accessories? These animal characters are perfect for an autumnal birthday party and you can even bring your child’s other favourite animals to life. Our kit colours also lend themselves perfectly to tiger, dog and deer ears!

SUN AND MOON TOYS

Little ones will love Sarah Shrimpton’s fun plushies. Try teaching toddlers all about their bedtime routines and for super teeny tots, why not adapt the amigurumi duo into a baby mobile? Just use your leftover yarn to crochet a chain to hang them from and add a few simple stars. When gifting to a child, swap the safety eyes for embroidered French knots instead.

TOY HAMMOCK

This beautiful make is sure to keep rooms neat for even the messiest of children. A great way to home all kinds of toys, our hammock looks fantastic in any colourway and can be whipped up on a sunny Sunday afternoon. What are you waiting for? Get making and share your finished projects with us on Facebook and Twitter.

OWL PALS

Twit twoo’s this? It’s only our loveable pair, Richard and Judy! If you’re not so confident with your colour changes, we recommend that you use this opportunity to practise neat transitions between each stripe and try carrying the yarn up the side of your work instead of cutting it each time – this will save you having to weave in as many pesky ends. We can’t wait to see your finished results!

BLANKET CROCHET-ALONG

The final part of our sampler blanket crochet-along is here! We hope you’ve enjoyed seeing it come to life over the last few months, and now it’s time for those all-important finishing touches. Work a few more rows, then move on to the edging, eye-catching granny triangles and fringing. For an even more sumptuous look, carry the fringing on down the long sides of the blanket using yarn from your stash.

FELICITY FOX

Our knitted fox encourages you to practise colour stripes, intarsia and adding endearing features. Sachiyo Ishii has even done a spot of crochet with the flower embellishment – if you’re strictly a knitter, this is an easy way to kickstart your crochet hobby. We promise you won’t regret it!

TRAIN SET

All aboard! Sarah-Jane Hicks has crocheted this wonderful four-part train, complete with the all-important engine and a selection of carriages. It’s really easy to make, giving you the opportunity to experiment with different colour combinations and embroidered finishing touches. You could also create more carriages with coordinating yarns from your stash. However yours turns out, we’re certain little ones will absolutely love it.

CUDDLE BEAR

How adorable is Sachiyo’s little ted? Made using every colour in our stunning Sundaze yarn kit, he will truly become a toy that is treasured for years to come. He’s a great beginner project for new knitters, just make sure that you leave long ends at the beginning and end to aid you when sewing up. Want more yarn? Purchase a pack at craftstoreuk.com.

HOT DOG AND CHIPS

There’s something about this fun food pattern that makes us feel like we’re hanging out with Danny and Sandy at the diner in Grease. Crochet Hannah Cooper’s hot dog and chips combo for little ones with a make-believe kitchen, as decorations for an American-themed party or even just because. If you like making your own patterns, why not try crafting some gherkins or dips?