Oswald, the rather wonderful woolly octopus, is a cleverly crafted critter, crocheted from a realistic pattern… if octopi were super fancy, which of course they are. His body is styled from a substantial red marl yarn and his tentacles are a pale coffee colour – definitely more latte than flat white. His eyes are black and white yarn and his little siphon (or funnel) is dark brown. Oswald measures 57cm (22½ inches) in diameter and, although he is not a toy, he is super-soft with no hard parts or pieces that could be pulled off.

Oswald has been created by guest designer “The Wool Witch” who lives and works in Whitby. She’s quite a secretive creature and only the privileged few have ever seen her work her magic or been gifted with her wondrous woolly works of art.

Oswald says, “Hello. I am looking for someone to adopt me. Although I’m a sea creature by nature, I’m very well house-trained and am happy to live indoors. I like watching David Attenborough on TV and my favourite animal is the red panda. I like yoghurt and my best flavour is peach and passion fruit.”