INSPIRING BOOKS

WHIMSICAL STITCHES LAUREN ESPY

(£16.50, Paige Tate & Co) Amigurumi fans are in for a treat with 30 colourful designs in this nicely presented book. The characters are fun and quirky, from doughnuts and macarons to cacti and a jellyfish, with themes including In the Garden, Down on the Farm and At the Bakery. The patterns are clear with useful step-by-step photographs.

CAREFREE CROCHET MAY BRITT BJELLA ZAMORI

(£17.88, Trafalgar Square Books) Norwegian designer May has filled this book with 50 stylish projects, designed to make you feel good both crocheting the designs and wearing them. You’ll find ideas for summer and winter wear, including scarves, sweaters and dresses, plus home accessories, cushions and blankets. Projects cover a range of sizes and skill levels.

ZOOMIGURUMI 7 AM I GURU MI PATTERNS.

NET (£12.50, Meteoor Books) In this latest Zoomigurumi book you’ll meet 15 new characters from designers from all around the world, including Hamish the hamster, Monty the mouse, Snorky the elephant, Freddy the piglet, Cheryl the chicken and Lonzo the llama. Hook them all and collect the set. They make great little gifts for family and friends, young and old!

NATURAL DYEING WITH PLANTS FRANZISKA EBNER

(£23.50, Schiffer Publishing Ltd)

Learn how to create your own hand-dyed yarns using a huge range of natural ingredients including dahlia, rhubarb, hollyhock, coffee and onion. Franziska takes you through the history of dyeing, suitable plants and the different methods of dyeing, and even has some project ideas. It’s a fascinating book that will have you foraging for colourful ingredients!