Gingerbread house

Step 1 WORK the cross stitch in two strands of stranded cotton and the backstitch in one strand. Step 2 HOLD the heart template from page 64 and the stitching up against a window, then pin the templat

Stitch this dress-up set for a little one, with fairy wings, crown and wand in a pretty floral fabric

We can all agree we have spent our childhood daydreaming about Santa’s workshop, imagining his handy helpers make our toys and wrapping them up with gorgeous ribbons and sparkly paper, making our chil

■ Yarnsmiths Cotton DK (100% cotton, 50g/106m) 1 ball of each: Black (3000) Just Purple (3324) White (3040) Carrot (3126) ■ A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook ■ A stitch marker ■ Toy stuffing ■ 24 safety eyes

The excitement always begins on 1 December when you realise you have a treat waiting for you, making the run-up to the big day even more special as you discover what exciting surprise is hiding in you

You don’t need to experience the fast-paced busy streets of New York to recognise its breathtaking skyline, with buildings as high as the clouds. Emma Congdon has designed New York City as a magical w