Our round-up of the best and the latest in the crafting world
Winter walks
Perfect for outdoorsy types, this new design from Stylecraft uses a tweedy, chunky yarn, Fusion, to create a stripey sensation that’s certain to keep you cosy on chilly strolls. Knit up the wide stripes pictured, or opt for the narrow-stripe version also included in pattern 9943. RRP:
£3.35, find stockists at stylecraft-yarns.co.uk
Moo-velous hooks!
These quirky cow-print crochet hooks are handmade using durable polymer clay and each one comes with two free matching stitch markers! You can pick and choose your colours, and even request your own custom ones if you have something special in mind. £14.50 each, JustCraftAlong on etsy.com
Animal lover
Just when you thought granny squares couldn’t get any better... combining two of our favourite things, cute animals and the granny, this book by Celine Semaan and Sharna Moore contains 36 different 3D designs for pop-up creations that would look incredible on blankets and throws.
Crochet a sheep, flamingo, turkey, turtle and much more! (David & Charles, £9.99)
Make it pop
Brand new this season is the Sirdar Pop Art collection, which includes this fabulous Patchwork Funnel Neck Sweater. The perfect introduction to intarsia, we just love the pastel colour scheme in this playful design, and the relaxed drop shoulders guarantee a snuggly fit. Patt 10601, RRP: £3.70, find stockists at sirdar.com
Deck the halls
Festive decorations looking tired? Join in with Hobbycraft’s Christmas Advent Crochet-along from 1st to 24th December and create a brand-new tree dec every day! Designed by Natalie Beard, the daily patterns will be released on the Christmas CAL Ideas Hub page and on Instagram @KnitcraftHQ.
Sweet thing
Perfect for chunky quick-knits this winter, Cygnet’s new Sprinkles Pop yarn combines two strands to create a fun self-striping effect with a tweedy look. There are eight vibrant shades of this acrylic, machine-washable yarn to choose from. £2.49 per 100g (160m) ball,
knittingwoolsales.com
Stuart Hillard
I absolutely love getting out and about in the countryside, but I’m also rather keen on walking in the city or town. There’s always plenty going on and I never know when I might come across a yarn shop or see someone knitting or crocheting
