We're looking at something a little bit different this month with 'Mindfulness in Crochet - Meditations on Connection & Calm' by Emma Friedlander-Collins (Leaping Hare Press 2026 ISBN: 9781805705109), one of the latest additions to the 'Mindfulness In' series of books by various authors. Emma has been crocheting for over 20 years  and her patterns have been featured in Mollie Makes, Simply Crochet, Inside Crochet, Love Crochet and Crochet Now magazines. She also recently published a paper on wellness, crafting & hope. 

Even the first impressions of this book are calming. The small size of the book makes it easy to hold and the understated colours used on the cover work well with the theme. There are seven chapters in total, covering themes as wide ranging as the smart phone and social media to some of the socio-historical background of crafting in women's lives, together with a sprinkling of patterns and mindfulness exercises among them.

In the Introduction the author talks about how, alongside therapies, crochet helped her to cope with difficult thoughts following recovery from a mental health crisis, by enabling her to really be grounded in the present rather than becoming distracted with escalating thoughts and worries. 

There are simple exercises placed throughout the book encouraging the reader to really think about things when they are crocheting. Notice how the crochet hook feels in the hand, what material it is made of, to feel the embossing of the size mark, is it indented or raised? Then move on to the yarn and think about the qualities of the yarn. Is it smooth or rough, does it have a bounciness to it or a more solid feel? For example cotton has a completely different feel to acrylic. Look closely at the yarn and think about how many strands of fibre make up the yarn, are they loose or tightly plied, is there a twist to the ply? As stitches are made focus on what the hook is doing with the yarn for each movement that is made. All of these tiny observations help to focus the mind on exactly what is happening right in that moment and can pull the mind away from everyday worries and concerns. 

Another of the exercises really struck a chord with me. Do you ever find yourself scrolling endlessly on your phone, whilst at the same time saying to yourself 'why am I doing this? I don't need to be reading all these irrelevant stories'? I certainly do and I have started leaving my phone downstairs deliberately so that I don't get drawn into this at bedtime or when I wake up in the morning. It also means that I am far more likely to pick up a knitting or crochet project and add a few rows or rounds here and there, which is far more useful and satisfying than reading about an incident in a car park in a town I have no connection with! The exercise on page 55 suggests that when being 'sucked into a scroll hole' (love that phrase), put the phone down, pick up a hook and yarn and just start making. There doesn't need to be an end goal in mind, just start making stitches and feel your mind start to slow down and relax. If it doesn't start turning into anything it can always be pulled apart ready for use another time. 

Each chapter is marked with the same monochrome drawing depicting crochet as part of nature. It would have been nice to see a different image in the same vein for each chapter but I like the drawing style nonetheless. I guess one of the overall aims of the book is to promote calmness and therefore it really feels like a 'low stimulation' approach has been taken with the illustration and layout of the book. The simplicity itself is calming. 

I haven't leapt straight in and read this book from cover to cover, but I am enjoying dipping in here and there and taking little snippets to apply in my own life. I have recently been adjusting to a new routine with changes in educational placements for my daughters and as a result of this I have been able to incorporate some walks in a local park into my days. It's a lovely large park with a nature reserve/wet woodland as well as the children's play area, and large grassy areas. One of the exercises Emma suggests is to start really looking at the colours in nature. Notice the variations of blue in the sky, all the different greens in the trees, the colours of a flower close up and to take a photo. Then at home, with that photo try to find a way to record the colours, whether that be with colouring pencils, a palette app or even (and this is the one I'm going to try) with yarns from your stash! 

This isn't a book full of glossy photos of crochet makes or tempting squishy balls of yarn but it's perfect for snatching a moment of calm in a busy life and I'm looking forward to becoming more mindful in my own crafting activities as a result. 
Happy crafting (and reading)! 

I don't know about anyone else but my yarn stash seems to have taken on a life of its own and (I've probably said this before, several times) I think it's time I had a good sort out. Most of my stash contains yarn in good quantities, purchased to make specific projects, along with lots of beautiful individual skeins of hand-dyed yarn, which are great for one skein projects such as small scarves and shawls. There are many individual balls of yarn (and part-balls) left over from finished projects that need a bit of attention turning to them. So my chosen book for this month is 'Crochet with Leftover Yarn' by Nikki Trench (Cico Books 2026 ISBN: 978-1-80065-583-6).

The book is divided into four pattern sections: For the Home, For Baby, Bits & Bobs and Toys. There is also a comprehensive Techniques section covering basic stitches through to increasing and decreasing, seaming and weaving in ends. The book is written in UK terms throughout and it's worth noting that there isn't a conversion chart for the US equivalents. 

All the projects in the book are small and only use fairly minimal quantities of yarn. Most of the items use a variety of colours within the pattern and so really helpful for using up much smaller leftover amounts. My favourite pattern in the book is the Vintage Style Vase Coaster. I like making mandalas and they usually end up under an indoor plant pot and so this is the sort of project I enjoy in between larger ones like garments and blankets. I love crocheting with cotton too, which is always perfect for this sort of thing.

The 'For Baby' sections includes, as might be expected, patterns for hats, booties, covers for hangers and a pretty, striped buggy blanket using a wave stitch pattern. Stripes are a great way to use up small amounts of yarn and it can be fun to not plan out your colour scheme in advance and just add to the blanket one colour at a time, looking at how the next colour works with the one before it each time you choose. 

'Bits & Bobs' includes items such as bunting, pin cushions and tea light jar cosies, while 'Toys' includes a kitten, a puppy, mice and a snowman among others. 

This is a book that would suit a relative newcomer to crochet as most of the projects are fairly simple and straightforward and as such a great way to practise newly acquired skills and reinforce techniques. For those more experienced crafters there are lots of ideas for quick and easy gifts and 'in-between' projects that give a bit of light relief from more longer-term undertakings. 

When I chose this book I wasn't aware that it is a reprint of a previous publication that appeared under the name 'Crochet Stashbusters' in 2019 and it is also worth pointing out that some of the patterns have appeared in other books by the author too. 

​There are some interesting titles coming out over the next couple of months so I'm looking forward to choosing next month's book. In the meantime enjoy your crochet! The very hot weather here in North London has eased and so settling down in the cooler evenings with hook and yarn has become far more enjoyable. See you next month. 

Welcome back to my monthly book review blog. This month I've been taking a look at Interlocking Crochet by Ana-Maria Babanica (ISBN 9781446316092, David and Charles May 2026) and for those of you who love bold geometric patterns and two tone colourways, this is the book for you! 

Interlocking crochet is very like mosaic crochet in appearance but the big difference is that it produces a fabric that is completely reversible. Each side can look slightly different in appearance as you can see in the photo below, but they are just as attractive as each other. 

The book contains 50 reversible stitch patterns and five garment/accessory patterns, again all fully reversible. The first stitch pattern, entitled Tic Tac Toe (and shown in the photo above), is accompanied by an 18 page step-by-step guide to help you complete it from start to finish. There are photos for every step and a really useful section following on how to avoid making common mistakes.

The book is written in US terms throughout but as there are only a handful of stitches used in interlocking crochet it would take no time at all to get up to speed if you are usually a UK terms crocheter. The pages are clearly laid out and not overcrowded and each stitch pattern includes some step by step images. There are no charts included and so you would need to be confident in reading written pattern instructions to get the best from this book. 

The five projects included in the book are for a sleeveless vest top, a strappy top, a shawl, a tote bag and cushion covers. I really like the tote bag (can anyone ever have too many tote bags? I don't think so) and the way different shades of purple have been used to create an ombre effect. 

The size inclusivity of the garment patterns is great, with a range of bust sizes from 31 inches through to 65 inches. It's always good to come across patterns where a wide range of sizes have been catered for. 

'Interlocking Crochet' is widely available online but if you are in the UK and fancy grabbing a copy for yourself you can get a 20% discount and free delivery by using the code DD88 at checkout on the Search Press website here. You can find out more about Ana-Maria and her designs over on her website www.crochethighway.com.

I haven't chosen next month's book yet but I'll be having a browse soon and will be back in August so until then, enjoy your crochet!

This month I have been looking at a fun, light-hearted book called 'Cozy Crochet Motifs' by Tuija Heikkinen, hot off the press this month and published by David & Charles (ISBN: 978144317037). Tuija is a textile designer and an arts & crafts teacher from Finland, where she lives in the Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, near the Arctic Circle! 

There are 75 motif patterns in the book, grouped into 5 chapters: Living Room, In the Kitchen, Craft Room, Nature and Animals & Insects. They are all small and only use tiny amounts of yarn so absolutely perfect for using those small ball ends that we all have and can't bear to throw away! Tuija suggests that the motifs can be used as appliques coasters, bookmarks or as elements to be incorporated into collages. There is an 'Inspiration' section at the back of the book with some ideas for ways to use the motifs such as a tote bag, cushion cover and tea towel.

Each of the motif patterns comes with written instructions and charts and the book uses US crochet terms throughout. The pages are nicely laid out, not too crowded to look at, and the font is clear to read. Many of the motifs are finished with embroidery embellishments and there is a useful section at the back of the book with explanations of all the embroidery stitches used together with clear diagrams of how the stitches are sewn. There is a comprehensive crochet techniques section too, including a full list of chart symbols and their meanings. I particularly liked the section explaining the meaning when symbols are grouped together for example for puffs and bobbles, or fans and shells. 

My favourite chapter of the book is 'In the Kitchen' and I particularly like the idea of decorating plain tea towels with the some of the designs in it. We always have tea towels hanging from the oven door in our house and making them a bit more 'fancy' does appeal. The coffee pot is my favourite!

I like the author's explanation of how her ideas come about in that she uses hook and yarn like a journal and that the motifs are visual notes of her life, reflections of her mood, surroundings and interests. She calls her creations hook pictures, hook sketches or hook illustrations.

I wasn't sure how I would feel about this book, thinking perhaps I would find it a bit childish, but I actually really like it and for times when the thought of an in depth, long-term crochet project doesn't appeal, I can see myself picking this up, finding some ball ends and just enjoying creating a picture in yarn.

The book is widely available online and if you are in the UK you can take advantage of a 20% discount and free delivery by purchasing from the Search Press website here and quoting code DD88 at checkout. 

Until next month, happy reading and hooking! 

Welcome back to my Book of the Month blog, where I take a look at a (usually) crochet related book that has recently been published and share my thoughts. This month I'm looking at a book that focusses specifically on crochet borders: '150+ Crochet Borders - Edgings & Decorative Finishes for Every Project' by Bernadette Baldelli. (Quarto January 2026 ISBN 9780760399767).

I liked the idea of this book as I don't always like to follow a pattern's recommendation for a border. Sometimes I like to go a bit simpler, sometimes I like the idea of something a bit more decorative and whilst I have other books that include a handful of border suggestions this book introduces an impressive array of unusual designs. Some of the borders incorporate motifs that could, with a little bit of thought, be made separately from the border, such as parrot and a mini Eiffel Tower.

The book is nicely laid out with clear text, charts and photos for each of the borders featured. It's not a book for beginner crocheters and the 'Crochet Basics' double page at the beginning of the book briefly covers information that readers will need to know for completing the borders, such as how to manage colour changes in the patterns. 

The patterns themselves are all inspired by different cities around the globe, hence the names and yes, you guessed it, the border incorporating the Eiffel Tower motif is named Paris! Each pattern has a difficulty rating from 1 star to 3 stars. This isn't clarified in the book but presumably 1 star is easy, 2 stars intermediate and 3 stars the most difficult! The book uses US terms throughout and there isn't a conversion chart for those who use UK terms, which is a shame. 

I like the idea of using some of these borders as embellishments, for example along the short edges of a hand-towel, and think that would turn something quite ordinary into a lovely item for gifting on a birthday or other special occasion.

The book is widely available online but if you are in the UK you can receive a 20% discount and free delivery (on any purchases, not just this book) at the Search Press website here, with the code DD88.

Next month I'll be taking a look at a book, very recently published, on interlocking crochet so I'll be back in June to tell you all about that one. Until then I wish you lots of crafting time!

Welcome back to my monthly book review blog. Last month I promised you something special and I'm here today to show you the beautiful 'Crochet Fairy Tales: Cottage Stories' by Kerry Lord (ISBN-13: 9781446316009 David & Charles Ltd. 2026). I was lucky enough to visit the Stitch Festival at the Business Design Centre in London's Islington last month and the Toft stand was an absolute beauty, decorated with all the characters and scenery from this enchanting book.

As I've probably mentioned before I'm not a happy amigurumi crocheter - I would like to be but unfortunately it just doesn't agree with my hands. If amigurumi is your thing though, this book is a real treat. Six fairy tales are retold and recreated in crochet within its pages: ​ Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel, Snow White, The Elves and the Shoemaker, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Thumbelina.

The book is divided into three sections. The Prologue contains all the yarn and equipment information together with a characterisation section which explains how all the different hairstyles are created, how to choose skin tones and hair colours, how to add facial features and how to stuff and sew up your pieces. 

The Stories section of the book is divided into chapters, one for each fairy tale, and within each chapter there is a retelling of the fairy tale followed by all the individual patterns for the characters in the story as well as the accessories. For example for the Jack & The Beanstalk story the patterns are Jack, the Beanstalk & Seedling, the Giant's Chicken, the Golden Harp & Golden Egg and the Axe & Rucksack. It's helpful to see that there are specific yarn requirements listed for each individual element of the story as well as the total needed to make all the pieces of the story.

In the third section of the book is all the technical information needed to crochet the pieces, from the very basics such as how to hold the hook, through to individual stitch diagrams, a table of abbreviations and a small guide to finishing techniques needed along with a handful of embroidery stitches used in the patterns. The patterns use UK terminology throughout. 

The book itself is a real keepsake item. It's hardback with foiled details on the cover and marbled papers inside the front and back covers. There's a ribbon page marker so you don't lose your place between crochet sessions. As well as plentiful full page colour photographs of the crocheted pieces there are also lovely line drawings decorating the text pages so there are always little details to notice throughout the book. 

Those dwarves look very purposeful don't they? I love that all their little boots are different, as are their hats and it's that attention to detail that makes this book so interesting. I'm not sure that my grumpy hands will let me crochet any of the characters but I'm definitely going to have a go at Grandma's Nightwear because there are a good few Barbie dolls knocking about my daughter's bedroom who might benefit! Look at those frilly sleeves and hem. 

Clearly a lot of the visual appeal of the characters and accessories comes from the staging of the photographs, with the miniature props of furniture and foliage as well as custom-made gingerbread houses, but a huge amount of time must have gone into making this book and even if I never crochet a single piece from it, I will still glean a lot of pleasure from reading the stories and admiring the pictures. 

If the book appeals to you it can be found on the Search Press website here and if you are in the UK you can get free delivery and 20% off the cover price by using the code DD88 at checkout. I'm very excited to see on the Search Press site that another book is due to be published later in the year with a further six fairy tales included in it. 

I hope you have a great month, with lots of time to craft, and will look forward to being back with another review towards the end of May. 

It's good to be back after a small break from my book of the month series. Spring seems to have arrived and I'm loving that evenings are starting to stay lighter for longer. I don't know about you but I always seem to be more productive this time of year. A bit like growth starting in plants that have been lying dormant over the winter months, my own energy seems to be increasing too. Having said all of that I still don't seem to find enough time for my favourite activities of crochet and knitting! 

This month I've been enjoying looking at Rachele Carmona's book 'Crochet Modular Blankets' (David & Charles 30th November 2025 ISBN: ​9781446315569). I have admired Rachele's blanket designs for many years and enjoyed making her Vibrant Vintage CAL 2020 blanket using a box of Scheepjes Catona mini balls for the individual motifs. This is Rachele's second book on the subject of crochet blankets and she continues with her characteristic style of playing with different shapes within her individual blanket designs.

There are 18 designs in the book, all with joyful and bright colour palettes, indeed Rachele describes the collection of designs as 'bright, bold and opulent' in her introduction. One thing the book isn't short of is photos, diagrams and layouts and so should suit those who like visual information as well as written instructions. Some of the motifs have charts but not all, so you would need to be relatively confident in your pattern reading, and the book uses US terms throughout. All the information is laid out spaciously and clearly on the pages, which always helps me when it comes to working through patterns. 

I have realised that I clearly have a 'thing' about triangles because the two blankets I am most drawn to in the book include one of Rachele's very characteristic design features where she 'cuts off' or 'cuts into' a section of a blanket with a large triangle. It has always been one of my favourite things about some of Rachele's earlier designs that appeared in the Scheepjes Bookazine publication series. The photo below is the Field of Blooms Blanket and the design underneath is the Sunlight Valley Blanket, which is such a fabulous size. 

If you like the look of this book you can find it on the Search Press website here and if you are in the UK enter the code DD88 at the checkout for a 20% discount and free delivery too. 

Next month I have a real treat in store for you, join me to feast your eyes on the incredible 'Crochet Fairy Tales: Cottage Stories' by Kerry Lord. It will definitely be one for all you amigurumi lovers out there. Until then, enjoy your crochet! 

Happy New Year to you all. I think I'm allowed to say it as we are still in January! For this month's book review I have chosen a lovely book, hot off the press, called 'A Crochet Year' by ​Zoë Curtis (Quadrille, January 2026, ISBN9781837834129). Zoë is an independent crochet designer from Cornwall and having grown up in a remote coastal landscape it's not surprising that she draws much of her inspiration from the natural world and the coastline in particular. 

The book is split into four main sections, one for each of the seasons, and each of these sections begins with a description of the season, from both a nature perspective and from a human perspective. As an example, in the section for Spring, there is a description of how blossom starts appearing and the landscape begins its change from brown to green, from barren to lush and we start to want to spend more time outdoors. It also considers the concept of the 'Spring Clean' and how we can use natural materials to make items for the home that are both practical and biodegradable. In other words they can be used until they are thoroughly worn out and can then be returned to the earth as the materials they are made from biodegrade. With this in mind the Spring section contains projects for a linen tea towel, a laundry bag and raffia place mats among others. 

The book doesn't just contain patterns for household items, there are garments and accessories too. From a delicate cotton filet crochet wrap in Summer to a simple granny square vest designed to be worn over a jumper, in the Winter section. I particularly like the simple patchwork wrap made from a mixture of plain and striped blocks of simple double crochet stitches. Sometimes complicated patterns can feel like too much and the idea of gradually working on and accumulating a set of simple squares to assemble into a wrap really appeals. I think it could also be a great way of using small amounts of yarn, that would never be enough for a full project, but could make one or two squares as part of a bigger item. 

As you can possibly tell, I like this book very much. It's so very calming to leaf through, with the gorgeous seascapes and natural, understated colours. The projects are thoughtful and useful and Zoë's perspective on nature and crafting strikes a deep chord with me. 

The book also contains a comprehensive information section, covering tools, techniques, abbreviations and symbols and, usefully for me but becoming more unusual, the book uses UK terminology throughout. 

I highly recommend this book if you are a mindful crocheter, happy to take time over your projects and keen to embrace aspects of the natural world as you work. Or perhaps this is the year that you are able to slow down, take a breath and try to bring a greater sense of calm to the creative side of your life.

Although the official publication date for this book isn't until January 31st, it is available now on the Search Press website here and if you are in the UK and enter the code DD88 at checkout you will receive a 20% discount and free delivery. 

I'll be back next month with another review. In the meantime keep safe and warm.

Welcome back to our regular book review feature. I'm scraping into December by the skin of my teeth. It's always easy to underestimate just how busy life becomes around Christmas/school holiday times. 

This month I've been looking at another book by the fabulous Anna Nikipirowicz, following hot on the heels of 'Crochet Socks that Rock' comes 'The Crochet Stitch Companion for Blankets & Afghans' (Search Press 2025 ISBN: 978-1-80092-293-8).

As the title of the book suggests this is a stitch directory, but not your average stitch directory. It is divided into five sections: Stitches, Motifs, Edges, Blankets and a comprehensive techniques section. 

The Stitches section includes both written instructions and charts, stitch multiples and a rating  of easy, moderate or challenging to help you choose according to your skill level, although with such comprehensive instructions I think anyone could have a try of any of the stitch patterns. The Motifs section divides the motifs by shape. covering hexagons, squares and diamond shapes and there are ten patterns in the Edges section, several of them really quite unusual, such as the Fair Isle and Overlay Mosaic stitch patterns. They also include stitch multiples so they can be adapted to work with your own blanket designs. 

The layout of the book is clear and concise, with the text set in lots of white space so the pages aren't cluttered. US terms are used throughout.

There are four suggested blanket patterns so that you can have a go at testing several of the stitch patterns, motifs and edge stitches without needing to incorporate them into a design of your own. The blankets are colourful and look fun to make, with a variety of stitches/motifs to try out. You can see the Teignmouth Blanket in the photo below.

As today is the 31st December and I have just finished the squares for my JC temperature blanket my first job for this book will be to help me choose the edging! Emma would have me launching straight into a picot edging but I'm just not sure! 

If you like the look of Anna's book and fancy getting hold of a copy for yourself you can find it on the Search Press website here. If you are in the UK you can get a 20% discount and free delivery by entering the code DD88 at checkout. 

I'll be back next month but I haven't chosen a book yet so if you have any suggestions do let me know in the comments. Happy New Year! 

Welcome back to our Book of the Month feature and this month we are looking at socks! You might have seen on our socials that we recently took part in a book tour for 'Crochet Socks that Rock' (David & Charles 2025 ISBN-13:9781446314517) by Anna Nikipirowicz. 

Crochet socks are a far rarer beast than knitted socks but patterns are starting to appear more often in the crochet magazines these days and Anna has put together a whole book of fabulous designs. 

I am a sock knitter and so I hadn't ever attempted a crocheted sock so I thought it would be a good idea to start with the Shortie Socks pattern. DK sock yarn is less common than 4-ply/fingering weight and so there wasn't a huge selection to choose from in my yarn stash so I used some leftovers from a skein of green DK merino/nylon from Castle View Yarns, together with a skein of Coop Knits Sock Yeah DK. As you might see in my photo above I hugely underestimated the amount I would need for the toe/heel/cuff and only have a tiny amount of the green left so for the second sock I will be substituting in another colour from the Coop Knits range, which is lighter but similar. 

There is a choice of 3 sizes for this pattern and most of the others but a couple of patterns only have 1 or 2 sizes to choose from. The instructions are laid out clearly on the page, with a good amount of spacing so they don't appear cluttered or squashed together, which really helps when it comes to following them. For patterns with lace or colourwork there are charts too. 

Towards the beginning of the book there is a very helpful information section , which includes information on the best types of yarn to choose, tools needed and very importantly how to measure your own feet. The anatomy of a sock is clearly explained, which really helps you to understand the construction of the sock as you make it. 

There is a also a glossary of techniques towards the end of the book, including pictures, useful as the book uses US terms throughout and whilst there is a note on the differences between UK and US terms in the introduction there isn't a full conversion table for the stitch abbreviations, which is quite a lengthy list. I think this is a shame as it could lead to confusion for crocheters used to working in UK terms.  

This is a lovely book and visually very pleasing. I confess that I'm not going to be a convert to crochet socks as I love knitting them so much but certainly if you aren't a knitter and would like to have a go at making socks it is well worth taking a look. 
If you are in the UK you can purchase the book from Search Press here with a 20% discount and free postage by using the code DD88 at checkout. 

Until next month, enjoy your crafting and if you do have a go at a pair of socks from the book let us know in the comments.
Bye for now...