The world is a beautiful, diverse place that we at Crochet Now believe should be celebrated with joy, whether this is through bettering ourselves through learning about as many countries and cultures as we can, or admiring them through our favourite craft, which in itself teaches us more, and is something the designers and I hope to do throughout this issue.

Cities from across the globe serve as the inspiration for a number of projects this month, including the Toulouse Wrap (below), which is made in my favourite shade of West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4-ply! The city of Santiago in Chile prompted the striking Santiago Chevron Blanket (above) and we travel across to Mérida in Mexico for the inspiration behind the Mérida Shawl (cover), which only needs one skein of Scheepjes Whirl to complete!

Of course, we mustn't forget this issues gifts - this month we are bringing you a bumper pattern collection, with a 52-page pattern book from our friends at Rico. The Fairytale Crochet Collection is packed with toys, accessories, blankets and more for little ones, and our favourite has to be the charming helmet and dragon toy!

Please note the helmet visor from this collection can fall down, and it is not advisable to cover an infant's faces. Please don't leave unattended, or we suggest adding some stitches to the helmet to ensure it won't fall down.

Your copy of the magazine also comes with an official crochet pattern card! Start our favourite characters from The Magic Roundabout tonight: Ermintrude and Florence are great for kids both young (and old!) and are sure to bring a smile to anyone's face.

We're really excited to have teamed up with the lovely folk at Rowan this month to launch a search for new crochet designers! Read all about how you can submit ideas for consideration to the team in the magazine, and you could be in with a chance of winning money-can't-buy prizes, as well as the chance to have your work showcased by Rowan itself. You can also make the super bright Harlequin Travel Rucksack in Rowan Summerlite DK using your pattern in this issue.

Plus, don't miss our huge discounts this month! Our friends at Wool Warehouse are offering 20% off Sirdar yarn, and SMD Knitting is offering 20% off Stylceraft Special Chunky so be sure to check inside your copy for these exclusive offers.    

Note from the editor: Due to an oversight on the editor's part, an image on page 30 was printed without correct copyright credit (Inside Crochet, Gorse Sweater). We apologise for this mistake and a printed credit for the image will follow in issue 43.

The full photo credit should read:

Linda Skuja's Gorse Sweater Inside Crochet magazine/Leanne Jade Photography