Handy hoops

Seasonal decorative touches to bring the outdoors in

■ DMC Petra 3 (100% cotton, 100g/280m) 1 ball of Yarn A Black (5310) ■ Anchor Artiste Metallic (80% viscose, 20% metallised polyester, 25g/100m) 1 ball of Yarn B Gold (0300) ■ A 2.5mm (US B/1 or C/2)

■ Rico Creative Cotton Aran(100% cotton, 50g/85m)3 balls of Natural (60) ■ A 4mm (US G/6) hook ■ A 2mm (US B/1) hook ■ A stitch marker ■ 64 red beads, 6mm ■ 64 orange beads, 6mm ■ A wooden button, 30m

Smarten up your front garden with hanging baskets that will burst with blooms from spring until the end of summer

■ Any 4ply yarn in: Yarn A gold lamé Yarn B pink Yarn C dark green ■ Any thread weight yarn in Yarn D fuchsia ■ A 2mm (US B/1) hook ■ A 2.5mm (US B/1 or C/2) hook ■ 162 small multicoloured beads ■ Sti

Beautiful window treatments frame views, filter light, offer insulation and afford privacy, and looking to the past for inspiration can help with the right styling and making the most of the proportions of a period home