Hey there everyone, my name is Erin and I'm helping out here while Maya is on maternity leave. We haven't heard from her in a few days so, fingers crossed, we can post about the truly newest addition to the Crochet Today family really soon! You just know the little guy is going to be decked in handmade gifts.

I've been a knitter and crocheter for years now, but to be honest, my experience with crochet is far less developed than my knitting. That's all definitely going to change now that I'm here, surrounded by all these great patterns and constant inspiration.

My most recent—and arguably best—crochet creation was my monkey, who I named Dhoby Ghaut. He's from a pattern I found online, but if you're a longtime subscriber you could try out the Mischievous Monkeys from our October/November 2006 issue—and if you wait just a bit, that pattern will be in an upcoming special issue!

He's named for a subway station in Singpore, where he was born. He's been on a bunch of adventures—I'll be sharing them with you! I hope to take him on plenty more. Funny, he hasn't seen all that much of New York yet, where he lives. But that's definitely going to change!