INSPIRING BOOKS

LITERARY YARNS CINDY WANG (£11.99, Quirk Books)

Pay hooky homage to 16 of your favourite characters from novels and plays in amigurumi. Meet Hamlet holding a skull, Captain Ahab with Moby Dick, Sherlock Holmes in his deerstalker hat and the White Rabbit with his pocket watch. With a guide to the basics, step-by-step instructions and fun photos, this is an unmissable collection for literature buffs.

BOHO BABY CROCHET DEDRI UYS £12.99, Apple Press)

If you’re looking for modern, colourful ideas for baby, top blogger Dedri Uys’ book is for you. She's rounded up fellow designers and together they've created 30 fresh, achievable patterns for baby clothes, toys, accessories, nursery decorations and glorious technicolour blankets. There's plenty of how-to infomation, too, if you're new to the craft.

CROCHETED BEARS & OTHER ANIMALS EMMA BROWN (£12.99, Cico Books)

This collection of adorable crochet toys is a must for anyone wanting to further their amigurumi skills. With 25 cute projects, plus a section explaining techniques and stitches, you can hook bears, mice, owls and more. We love striped-jumpered Whimsie the bunny. So sweet.

COMPLETE DRESSMAKING JULES FALLON (£20, Quarto Press)

Learn the basics of dressmaking with this beautiful hardback resource book for beginners, covering everything from how to choose fabric and pattern cutting to getting to grips with essential techniques such as pleats, pockets, seams and linings. There is detailed step-by-step information throughout, presented with clear photographs. It's a comprehensive guide for any sewists taking their first steps.