This is a simple fair isle beanie with a folded brim. My nephew asked for a hat with “stripes, diamonds and squares”. I knew exactly what he meant, but couldn’t find a suitable pattern. So what’s a doting auntie to do? She makes one herself, of course!

Every December of my childhood, I’d sit down with my family to make new Christmas decorations for our tree. My favourite was the traditional Christmas heart folded out of paper. They could be as simple or as intricate as my mood called for, and I found it very therapeutic to find the right pattern and the right colours to combine.