ISSUE 104 SNEAK PEEK

Christmas is here and we couldn’t be more excited to get festive with you all. We know that you get started on your Yuletide makes at this time of year, so we’ve certainly delivered. Whether you want to crochet some robins and a teddy bear, or knit a reindeer and an elf, you’ll have plenty of projects to get your needles clicking. Also inside, find a Christmas countdown to keep you on track, shop the latest 100% wool yarns and discover the books you need on your wishlist.

ELF ON A SHELF

When he’s not stealing gumdrops and causing lots of cheeky mischief, you’ll find Toby helping parents to create wonderful festive scenes for children to wake up to. Sachiyo Ishii’s cute little character is so much fun to make and is also a great way of practising a variety of knitting stitches too. Want to make more projects? Get extra yarn at craftstoreuk.com.

ARTHUR BEAR

Made by the very talented Sarah-Jane Hicks, little Arthur is a crochet project you simply have to get on your hook this Christmas. He’s a doddle to whip up – just make sure you work in continuous rounds throughout unless we say otherwise.

MUG COSIES

Snuggled up on the sofa with a hot chocolate in hand, does it get any better than that? Nicola Valiji’s mug accessories are so much fun to knit and make a cosy weekend afternoon that bit more luxurious. Get the crafty juices flowing and try embroidering a name on the cosy to personalise it for a loved one, or even attempt colourful stripes throughout the pattern.

ADVENT CALENDAR CROCHET-ALONG

Get excited, crafters! Here’s a brand new crochet-along for you to take part in. With this three-part series, we show you how to create sweet little socks which – when hung together with numbered gift tags – make for the most wonderful advent calendar. They’re the perfect size for mini chocolates and sweeties, making this an inexpensive festive treat that can be enjoyed year after year. Use your Blitzen yarn kit to create the first eight socks. Keep your eyes peeled for part two!

CAR ORNAMENT

Driving home for Christmas, oh I can’t wait to see those faces… those words are enough to get anyone in the festive spirit. Encapsulate that warm, fuzzy feeling with Susie Johns’ knitted car and trees. All of the elements are easy to make – it’s the sewing up that might take you a bit of time. Once you’re done, this nostalgic set would look tip-top as a table centrepiece.

SPOOKY FRIENDS

A frightening witch, endearing Frankenstein’s monster and mischievous ghost… does Halloween toymaking get any better than that? Sachi’s latest toys are ideal for ghoulish decorations or games come 31st October. Don’t forget to leave long tails at the beginning and end for sewing up, and make sure you embroider French knots for eyes if you’re making these toys for little tots.

CHRISTMAS TREES

Is your home crying out for a festive revamp? Sarah-Jane Hicks’ little colourful creations are the project for you – instead of lugging the same traditional baubles out of the loft every year, whip up these for a refreshing change.

RUPERT REINDEER

Step aside Dancer, Prancer, Vixen and Rudolph, a new little guy has landed on our roof and stolen our carrots. Meet Rupert, the cutest, cuddliest Christmas companion for little ones. Whether you’re a knitting extraordinaire or a novice, Sachiyo Ishii’s lovely pattern is fun for all abilities.