I love the change between seasons and probably the main reason I love it so much is my childish excitement at all the new yarn types that are released. This year is no exception with Rowan launching lots of irresistibly gorgeous new yarns – thicker weights for the felted tweed range, a lovely mix of wool and silk in the new Silky Tweed, intriguing textures with Lima and my favourite; the lovely fluffy and soft Alpaca Cotton which I've already made a bunny with.

The only difficulty now is choosing which to use next!

Thanks so much for all of the kind comments about the knitted hedgehogs. The little pattern is all finished and I'll pop some copies into my etsy shop and on to Lulu shortly. I thought I'd give away *20 copies of the pattern and also 2 of the finished hedgies at random – so please leave a comment below if you'd like to be entered into the draw.

The pattern can be made from leftover yarn and is very simple and with just 1 seam – the little feet are optional if you're in a hurry or don't like fiddly! They can be used as toys or make useful little pincushions.

I've decided to donate a portion of the profits to the British Hedgehog Preservation Society who were so helpful when we were hand-rearing Herbert Hogwart 2 years ago. Hedgehogs are in decline in many areas of the UK and if you'd like to encourage them in your own garden they have some great tips and advice on their website. They're lovely little creatures – very entertaining to watch and great to have around the garden as they hoover up all those pesky slugs and snails!

* sorry, I've just ammended the draw from being first 20 comments to a random draw (in order to give everyone in different time zones an equal chance!) I'll draw winners on Thursday morning (2nd July)

Comments are now closed (Thursday July 2nd 9.59am) Thanks x