Anniversary Special #9: Syd the Rabbit

This week’s anniversary special is a cuddly cutie you can’t help but fall in love with, and his story goes all the way back to the very first days of Loop.

If you ever visited our original shop on Cross Street, you may remember a sweet little rabbit that sat on the counter for years. That characterful critter was the creation of our very first Loopette, Claire Montgomerie, who joined Susan in the shop right after she finished university. Claire’s iconic rabbit came to be when one day she gave an old cashmere sweater a new lease on life and named him “Syd”.

Syd was a charmer from day one, winning the adoration of Loop’s staff and early customers alike and becoming something of an unofficial mascot for the shop. It wasn’t long before people started asking how they could make their own, and what had been a one-off upcycled toy turned into a crochet pattern that was included in the very first Loop pattern book.

Since those early days, Syd has warmed the hearts and homes of so many stitchers. This bunny has been a playmate and beloved confidant for children of all ages (even the grown-up ones), and our creative collaborations with Claire have flourished in tandem. Since her days at Loop, Claire has embarked on a truly impressive portfolio career as a textile designer, author, stylist, teacher, and long-time editor of Inside Crochet magazine. Her Sweetie Pie Capelet pattern was developed for Loop’s 10 year anniversary book, (and now features in our 20th anniversary Postcard Book) and throughout the years she has continued to host classes and workshops at Loop. All the while Claire has stayed true to her signature style of making toys from knit and crocheted fabrics, and sweet Syd has kept his special place in our hearts.

Given all of Claire and Syd’s illustrious history with Loop, we thought it only fitting to give this original toy something of a makeover for our 20th anniversary. Our updated Syd the Rabbit Kit features beautiful modern yarns that give this bunny a fresh look while keeping all the character of the very first one Claire created. Absolutely everything you need to create your own Syd is included in this kit — De Rerum Natura yarn, a crochet hook, toy stuffing, a printed pattern, even a pom-pom maker for his fluffy tail! And of course a Julie Arkell 20th Anniversary Loop Project Bag to keep it all together.

We’re also chuffed to welcome Claire to the shop for two very special Syd the Rabbit Workshops on 12 October and 1 November. Claire will work through the basics of making crocheted toys and walk through the Syd pattern for anyone who wants some hands-on guidance. You can either bring along the full Syd the Rabbit Kit or use your own materials (a full list of what you’ll need is on the Workshop page). There’s an option to buy your kit via the workshop listing, and if you do that we’ll hold it in the shop for you to collect on the day rather than shipping it. This keeps it right where you’ll need it and saves on shipping costs! Claire is such a wonderful teacher and a lovely person to spend a few hours crafting with. We’re overjoyed at the chance to have this full-circle moment with Claire and Syd for our 20th anniversary!

Don’t forget to check out our 20th Anniversary Collection to see the full suite of special launches to celebrate two decades of Loop. We’ve been able to collaborate with so many of our dearest friends — it’s a total blast!

Happy stitching!