New books this week for anyone interested in making knitted toys and more for Christmas – fairy tale characters, farmyard animals and stylish vintage knits. If you’re good at it, why not make a business out of crafts.
If you prefer to sit and read, try the novel, The great Christmas knit off, see below for a heart warming easy read.
Keen, Sarah Knitted fairy tales
Made from washable, readily available DK yarn, these knitted characters will bring the fairy tales to life for young children, encouraging imaginative play and conversation. You will find all the information you need on techniques, tools and materials, plus there are plenty of photographs of each character from different angles so you can clearly see how your knitting should look as you work your way through the projects
Muir, Sally, Knit your own farm
A collection of new patterns for farm animals- cows, bulls, horses and pigs as well as cute chicks, lambs and piglets. Easy to make, it only takes a few evenings to create yourself a loveable companion. These knitted animals in miniature are much easier to look after than the real things – they don’t need feeding, they won’t make a mess and they take up hardly any room.
A fabulous collection of garment knitting patterns for men and women, styled by top fashion magazine Marie Claire. The 30 designs are inspired by knitwear designs from the 1950s to the 1970s, but are fully updated for today’s knitter, using modern yarns in contemporary colourways and are fun to knit and even more fun to wear
Pullen, Fiona – Craft a creative business
Successful craft business owner Fiona Pullen, owner of the Sewing Directory, explains how to turn a pastime, skill and talent into a fulfilling and rewarding commercial success. Anyone wanting to turn their hobby, craft or art skills into a successful business should read this clear, accessible and thorough guide
Brown, Alexandra The great Christmas knit off
Heartbroken after being jilted at the altar, Sybil has been saved from despair by her knitting obsession and now her home is filled to bursting with tea cosies, bobble hats, and jumpers. But, after discovering at work that she may have perpetrated the cock-up of the century, Sybil decides to make a hasty exit and, just weeks before Christmas, runs away to see an old friend in the picturesque village of Tindledale
Leeds Reads 