every home should have one

I have to confess, he isn't one of mine. I bought him from a local supa-knitta and he was just the thing to brighten up Saturday's dreary morning. I'm particularly impressed with his beard and the jaunty pompom on his hat.

One of the mums I'm working with has started to knit toys and Christmas decoration and she inspired me to dig out Jean Greenhowe's 'Knitted Toys', bought from a charity shop for 50p. As I revisit it, I'm amazed at how simple the patterns are for such complicated toys.

If I wanted to, I could knit Snow White and the seven dwarves, including thin ones and fat ones. I could then progress to knitting a scarecrow, a reversible doll and Mary, with her little lamb. Hours of fun.

I'm usually inspired by Rowan-esque patterns with moody, heather-coloured yarn so toy patterns are light relief. I'm not sure I'll embark on many of them myself but I can see why others like them so much.