[Clockwise from top-left] 1. Anna Wilkinson‘s Learn To Knit, Love To Knit is a beautiful, modern take on knitting your own clothes. Read our interview with Anna here.

2. Pip Lincoln’s second book, Sew La Tea Do, is packed full of cool projects and beautiful photography to enjoy. Check out the full review in issue 18 of Gathered by Mollie Makes.

3. Granny Chic is a superb showcase of dottie angel and Ted & Agnes’ “perfectly peachy” lives. See what wonders these ladies can do with an embroidered tea towel and a crochet hook!

4. Homespun Style looks beautiful and offers tons of inspiration, giving you hints and tips to track down one-of-a-kind pieces that make a room uniquely yours.

5. Erika Knight’s Crochet Workshop includes 20 patterns for you to try, including blankets, snoods and slippers. The book’s layout, styling and photography is accessible, thoroughly inspiring and, as a result, encourages you to give it go.

6. Meanwhile, Material World by Perri Lewis covers 15 different craft techniques, along with short features, tips and interviews with top designer-makers and fashion and craft businesses. Read our full review.

What’s your favourite craft book? Share your recommendations in the Comments box below

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Perri Lewis was once described on Twitter as “…what you’d get if the WI was run by MacGyver.” She’s one quarter of the Knit the City guerrilla craft group, a journalist and regular contributor to Mollie Makes. So, as you’d expect, her first book Material World is a rebellious sort of endeavour – very different to the usual craft fare.

“I’ve not filled it with step-by-step projects that you must follow word for word…” says Perri in her introduction, “Instead, I’ll teach you 15 different techniques so you can go away and use these to make whatever you want, however you like it.”

It’s an approach that works really well, giving Perri ample space to flex her journalistic muscles, searching out not only the techniques we want to master, but interviewing a definitive list of today’s crafting talent and book-ending each chapter with informative craft features.

It’s a good job Perri’s writing style is so enjoyable to read as Material World is no picture book. The project ideas are beautifully styled but take up very few of the pages.

The illustrations, too, are clear and to the point. Nothing is flowery; it’s a no-messing prose and witty, too. We applaud her for it! It makes for a classic craft book.

As you make your way through Material World, regardless of your crafting know-how, you’ll learn so much. Even if you’re familiar with the techniques, the vast array of tips and interviews divulges a lot of insider secrets.

She tackles craft and feminism too, as well as advice from craft magazines about how to be active within the community – which includes our very own Editor in Chief, Jane Toft. All in all, Material World is a joy, and very Perri. Highly recommended.

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Read the full review of Material World in issue 14 of Gathered by Mollie Makes. Available from Apple Newsstand now.

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Get your knitting needles ready because we’ve got a few books that’ll get you tugging at those yarn strings. Whether you’re learning how to knit or looking to progress these knitting books belong on your craft bookshelf.

Stitch New York

Knit the city that never sleeps with this kooky book from Lauren O’Farrell (aka Deadly Knitshade), from a super-cute mini statue of Liberty to a woolly Woody Allen. Buy here

Long-Legged friends

We love the simple black-and-white style of these whimsical little toys, apparently a craze in Japan, where they were first conjured up by a grandmother for her grandchildren. Buy here

The Knitted Home

With 30 projects over ten rooms, Sian Brown has made sure that every corner of your home can benefit from knitted and crocheted style. Buy here

Wool Book Two

This beautifully shot e-book comes from partners in knit, Cecily Glowik MacDonald and Melissa LaBarre. It features five snugly projects, delivered straight to your digital library. Wool Book Three & Four are now available, too! Buy here

More knitting books

Meet Julie and The Knits

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Crochet is a wonderfully versatile craft with endless possibilities of creative makes. And now we have Simply Crochet where we can indulge in our love of yarn: it’s jam-packed with creative ideas for anyone who loves – or would love to learn – crochet.

Whether you love interiors or fashion, Simply Crochet offers pages of beautiful designs for the home, fashionable accessories to wear and gift ideas for all occasions. From lampshade covers to shawls, toys to blankets and gadget cosies to cardigans, Simply Crochet is a must-buy if you’re looking for fresh ideas.

Get hooked on handmade with clear, easy-to-follow instructions to ensure the best possible results, every time. Every issue contains more than 20 patterns and an exclusive free gift. You will receive 13 issues of Simply Crochet a year as part of a subscription; get stuck in!

Get your crochet fix right away by downloading your issue from Apple Newsstand for just £4.99 GBP / $6.99 USD a month or subscribe £44.99 GBP/ $64.99 USD for a year – find out more on the Simply Crochet blog.

Check out Simply Crochet sampler

Subscribe to Simply Crochet

Check out Simply Crochet’s Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Ravelry pages

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If you’re a regular Mollie Makes reader and interested in a subscription, here’s something that’ll get you excited.

A Mollie Makes subscription today will also include:

• Six generous squares of Liberty’s new ‘Bloomsbury Gardens’ collection fabric worth £28.00
• Save 25% off the shop price of Mollie Makes magazine
• Delivery direct to your door
• And never miss an issue

To get your hands on this offer subscribe here

Offer ends: 31 January 2013

Or call: 0844 848 2852

Lines open 8.00am-9.30pm weekdays, 8.00am-4pm Saturdays

UK Terms and conditions:

This offer is for new UK subscribers only. Full details of the Direct Debit guarantee will be provided and are available upon request. Your subscription will start with the next available issue. Please allow up to 60 days for delivery of your gift. Gift is subject to availability and in the unlikely event of stocks becoming exhausted, we reserve the right to substitute the gift with items of a similar value.

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Little Stitches by Aneela Hoey

Little Stitches

There are 100 (count-’em) embroidery designs and 12 projects in this gorgeous new book from Moda designer Aneela Hoey. Whimsical, lost balloons and windswept washing galore. We can’t get enough! Buy here or add to your wishlist

Quilt Love by Cassandra Ellis

Quilt Love

Ever wanted to make a quilt but felt a tad intimidated? Cassandra Ellis’ freeform design technique will quell those fears. Part intuition, part improvisation, her tips and tricks will help you make a future family heirloom. Buy here or add to your wishlist

Granny Chic by Dottie Angel and Ted & Agnes

Granny chic

Granny Chic is a perfectly peachy guide for keen crafters who’d like to breathe new life into vintage fabrics and second-hand objects. Bring the granny chic look to life and give them your own personal twist in 20 projects from Dottie Angel and Ted & Agnes. Buy here or add to your wishlist

Mollie Makes Christmas

Mollie Makes Christmas

We couldn’t let a book round-up go without mentioning our own little offering! Mollie Makes Christmas is out now and is stuffed more full than Santa’s sleigh. Our regular project-makers whip up exclusive projects you’ll love. We’ve got knitting, crochet, sewing and papercraft covered, as well as ideas on how to turn your junk-shop finds into festive wonders. Buy here or add to your wishlist

See more craft book reviews in Mollie Makes

More best craft books for Christmas

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labour of Love by Vibe Ulrik Sondergaard

Labour of Love

Vibe Ulrik Sondergaard’s pretty book is a bible for mini fashionistas. Packed with over 20 unique knitting patterns, each garment is stunningly feminine and has obviously been designed functionally with active children in mind. Buy or add to your wishlist here

Learn to Knit, Love to Knit by Anna Wilkinson

Learn to Knit, Love to Knit

Not only has new knitter on the block, Anna Wilkinson put together a collection of 20 modern garments and accessories, but she’s also brilliant at teaching the basics about knitting. Win! Starting with an easy-as-pie, quick-knit chunky scarf, Anna demonstrates hot to make enviable knits with just a few basic techniques. Buy or add to your wishlist here

Circular Knitting Workshop by Margaret Radcliffe

Circular Knitting Workshop

Pretty makes all in a row. Adorable right? They’re just some of the snuggly knits you can make in Margaret Radcliffe’s Circular Knitting Workshop. Have a go at Fair Isle, twined, helix, tubular, and other classic techniques through 35 projects including socks, hats, bags, mittens, sweaters and vests. There’s even a demo on converting straight-needled patterns to circular. Buy or add to your wishlist here

See more craft book reviews in Mollie Makes

More best craft books for Christmas

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Raise your hand if you’ve been asked what you want for Christmas – quite a few of us then. Well this Christmas answering that question is a little bit easier with the help of Mollie Makes’ Christmas book list. You can find the full list in issue 21, covering fabulous fabric titles to natty knitting tomes.

Whether you’re on the hunt for a fresh crochet tute or helping a friend make her first granny square, here are some crochet craft books you could snap and wrap before yuletide approaches.

Crochet Worshop by Erika Knight

Crochet Workshop

Erika Knight is the queen of crochet, and this super-stylish book is perfect for beginners and experts alike, with her grown-up designs including antique-style cushions, shawls and even a laptop case. Buy or add to your wishlist here

Granny Squares by Stephanie Gohr, Melanie Sturm, Barbara Wilder

Granny Squares

The ever-popular granny square gets a well-deserved update. This is jam-packed with creative ideas to make bags, presents, home accessories or snuggly blankets. Buy or add to your wishlist here

Geek Chich Crochet by Nicki Trench

Geek Chic Crochet

Nicki Trench’s latest completely captures the 70s and 80s crochet revival. There’s plenty to challenge seasoned stitchers, and a techniques section with tons of tips to help newbies. Overall, a fun beginner’s guide or quirky refresher. Buy or add to your wishlist here

See more craft book reviews in Mollie Makes

More best craft books for Christmas

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There’s nothing better than receiving a page-turning, project-filled craft tome that inspires and thrills. Those crisp pages that reveal sumptuous snaps of things to come – or at the very least – projects to add to the New Year’s resolution list we “will definitely stick to this year!”

If your craft book collection is so-last-year here are the best fabric books out there – you can’t go wrong.

All Sewn Up by Chloe Owens

All Sewn Up

Chloë Owens mixes it up in this mew release, showing you how to turn old fabrics into contemporary and colourful 60s-inspired makes for the home. And it’s illustrated by she of pug-love fame, Gemma Correll. Win win. Buy or add to your wishlist here

Just Sew Stories by Katie Allen

Just Sew Stories

Hurrah! Our very own book reviewer Katie Allen has her own tome out, Just Sew Stories, and we couldn’t be prouder. It’s out now and we’ve been fighting over our advance copy. ‘Nuff said. Buy or add to your wishlist here

Sew Over It by Lisa Comfort

Sew Over It

Expert crafter, Lisa Comfort, shares the secrets of her infectious sewing passion in her first book. With 25 easy-to-follow projects – from customising vintage pieces to making accessories from scratch – there’s a guide to all the basics of hand and machine sewing, too. Buy or add to your wishlist here

See more craft book reviews in Mollie Makes

More craft books

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Merry Christmas x

Mollies Makes Christmas offer and other titles.

Give a gift that lasts all year round this year with the Mollie Makes Christmas subscription offer. This Christmas, Mollie Makes and 7 other sister mags are on offer – playing match-maker has never been this simple. There’s sure to be a few magazines that are perfect for your crafty friends (with a sneaky subscription in the basket for you, too). Choose from knitting to paper craft titles which are all conveniently delivered straight to your door every month.

Plus, you get a free gift card you can personalise to announce your present!

So, stay warm and toasty indoors and beat the Christmas crowds.

Ordering is easy!

Visit www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk/ZC09 or call 0844 848 2852 quoting code ZC09 (lines are open Mon-Fri 8am – 9.30pm, Sat 8am – 4pm)

Offer ends date: 31/01/2013

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