Hook up he love!

The New Year comes with many resolutions, but there are some really simple ways to make nice ripples in the world, even some that involve crochet (and whenever is that a hardship?). Battersea welcome donations of cat toys and blankets (not too holey, or their claws get caught!) – see www.battersea.org.uk.

Octopus for a Preemie is a charity that takes donations of crocheted octopuses and distributes them to UK hospitals. Look up their Facebook group (octopus for apreemie) for advice and a free pattern. Or look out for more opportunities locally. If your busy schedule makes all this tricky, you can still join in – every sale of WYS Re:treat yarn (www.wyspinners.com) gives a 50p donation to Mind (www.mind.org.uk ) for every kilo sold, so stock up for spring.