Winter is one of our favourite times of year to crochet! After the mad dash of Christmas, with presents all finished and gifted, it's the perfect time to grab your hook and indulge in a little selfish crochet. The delight of snuggling inside with a hot drink and a crochet blanket or jumper on your lap is pretty difficult to top. This is the season for those must-have accessories and garments to keep warm, which is why this month the team put our heads together to bring you a collection of everything you will need to get you through the winter!

Start your new winter wardrobe with a classic sweater with the Snowcap Sweater from Grace Kok, the simplicity of design creates such a flattering, staple garment for your wardrobe. Then hook up a new winter scarf with the Brumal Scarf that is crocheted with the yarn held double for a quick, snuggly make. Or perhaps the Tunisian Bubble Scarf might be more to your taste? Then complete your collection with a pair of fluffy socks or push your skills with Lir Shilton's amazing pair of Sleepy Sheep slippers!

We hope you will love your essential new crochet tools too, your six new yarn bobbins are must-have tools to make colourwork projects easy to manage! Find out what your bobbins are and how to get the most out of them inside your issue, along with four fabulous patterns to get started tonight inside, including a fun blanket, a hot-water bottle cosy and two stunning cushions. If you are familiar with bobbins, we are certain you will love using these charming sheep bobbins for all your projects.

Plus don't miss these other new and exclusive patterns from some of our favourite designers, including your official pattern card to crochet your own Elmo* using the amazing King Cole Tufty! And don't forget to enter our Huge Winter Giveaway, or claim your 20% off King Cole yarn with Wool Warehouse - find your code inside your copy of issue 50 to claim!

*Elmo pattern is available only in UK print editions of Crochet Now issue 50. This is not available in exported copies or on digital editions of the magazine.

Issue 50 is available to buy from your local supermarket, newsagent and craft store from Thursday 12th December but if you can't wait, order your copy online now, grab yours from Deramores, or why not treat yourself to a subscription and never miss an issue again?