Do you know Les Jouets Libres?  I wrote about their beautiful games on the go ages ago and have been keeping an eye on their creations ever since.  I spotted a new lacing and knitting toy of theirs when I recently visited Anthropologie and I liked the look of it for Anya.  It’s a wooden sheep with holes that comes with a needle and organic wool from French sheep.  The idea is to knit the wool on to the sheep and keep the sheep as decoration after.  This knitting toy is a great introduction to working with wool because it’s not as complex as knitting, it’s more like lacing.

Anya has been showing a lot of interest in knitting and sewing so this sounded like something she would enjoy.  At first she found it a bit tricky as the needle is not one where you thread it but instead you have to almost hold the wool in place.  But that is what this crafty toy is all about – teaching patience and perseverance.  It occupied her for ages and she persevered with great concentration.  She didn’t quite follow the suggested pattern but that didn’t matter as it ended up being her own pattern.   I am a big fan of toys like this that teach and challenge a child.  Oh the concentration on her little face while she was doing it and sometimes frustration! 

Les Jouets Libres have a lovely range of eco toys and games and their range has grown quite a bit since I last wrote about them.  We weren’t sent this knitting toy, we bought it because we liked the look of it and think you will like it too especially if you have kids who like to be crafty and enjoy a bit of a challenge.  It’s sold as 4+ but I thought it more suitable for 5 or even 6 years.  We ended up buying ours online from e-side.

*{Anya wears floral mint pyjama set}