New year is often perceived to be a time of change and new beginnings - quite apt as this month sees the debut of our new columnist Emma Escott, author of the gorgeous blog Lulu Loves. On page 14, she talks about her own new year goals and shows us how to make an adorable journal cover. It is a fab project and I can't wait to see what else she has in store for us.
If you want an ongoing, exciting and surprising project for the new year, then why not hook along with Vicki Brown's mystery blanket? The pattern will be unravelled over the coming months the first part is on page 38. It is a fun, colourful make and is sure to add brightness to the colder months as you make it. In fact we have lots of gorgeous colourwork projects inside this month's issue, and for the more adventurous amongst you, on page 82 Rohn Strong continues his advanced Tunisian crochet workshop with colourwork fabrics that look just like knitted Fair Isle. This issue he has designed a simple yet pretty hat to try with this exciting new technique, in preparation for working his Tunisian Fair Isle wrap, which will be featured in issue 49.
The interviews this issue are a must read Stephanie Dosen is an amazingly creative woman and excels at whatever she turns her hand to, from music to crochet. Her new book is already on my bookshelf and is full of cute, quirky projects. Of course I also own a number of Nicki Trench's publications. We are so glad to be featuring Nicki in this issue and excited to announce that she will be contributing some original patterns to the magazine this year.
If all that isn't enough, look out for the alpaca theme throughout the issue including the exciting exclusive pattern from TOFT, Francis the hedgehog.