Me and My Sewing Machine by Kate Haxell, softback published by Apple Press. ISBN 978-1-84543-353-6, price 12.99 from apple-press.com

If you are a complete beginner with sewing, a machine can be daunting but help is at hand in the form of this book. Beautifully laid out, you’ll find all about seams, hems, edging, zips, bias binding and buttonholes through the clear instructions. The attractive simple projects will hone your new-found skills. Just for beginners.

Sweet Nothings by Valerie Van Arsdale Shrader, hardback, spiral bound published by Apple Press. ISBN 978-1-84543-363-5, price 16.99 from www.apple-press.com

It should be a thrill, but somehow this did not do it for me. I could not see myself in many of these patterns, varied though they are. Overall, I didn’t find it flirty and fabulous like it says on the back of the cover. It is an interesting foundation in techniques and working with lingerie fabrics. It’s well laid out with patterns that might appeal to many ages. You will however, probably have to copy the included patterns as they are double-sided, which is a shame. I loved the lemon drop shortie nightie – would pass as an evening dress with a stole around the shoulders! I thought Trixie was frankly frightening whereas Sassafras was hot. I think this book could not really define its style and went for everything from boxer shorts to alluring undies.

The Knitting Answer Book by Rita Taylor, hardback, spiral bound, published by Apple Press. ISBN 978-1-84543-356-7, price 12.99 from www.apple-press.com

This is a handy, spiral bound, pocket-sized book that lies flat. From tools to materials right up to more advanced techniques, this book should hold the answers to all the questions you ever had about knitting. It includes specific techniques such as cables and working in colour or in the round. I liked the variations for casting on and the many explanations of techniques. As a very experienced knitter, I have recently been intrigued by reversible knitting, but could find no reference to this. This is a comprehensive guide providing many answers to just about all that you wish to know about knitting.

The Quilter’s Bible by Ruth Patrick, hardback, spiral bound published by Apple Press. ISBN 978-1-84543-366-6, price 12.99 from www.apple-press.com

This handy pocket-sized book should come in very useful. It lies flat, so is easy to use. It covers just about everything you need to know about the quilting process, from piecing to finishing. It includes some forty basic blocks and answers many of the questions you encounter when quilting. Discover how to draft shapes for your own quilts, how to do those fabulous cathedral window quilts by hand or machine. Learn about free machine quilting and offsetting designs. Find out about tools and materials. This is a book you will refer to time and time again.

Cakes by Rachel Lane and Carla Bardi, hardback published by Apple Press. ISBN 978-1-84543-431-3, price 16.99 from www.apple-press.com

I am not sure this book should be allowed for I am certain I am going to get very fat. I doubt that I have ever seen a more sumptuous cake book and a small part of me wishes I had not seen this one. However 99 per cent of me is glad it is in my possession, and I won’t let anyone take it from me. I want to make almost all the recipes and eat them straightaway. Ok, I’ll share if I must. It’s a truly scrumptious book, delightfully photographed (challenging recipes have step-by-step instructions) and I can almost smell the delicious cakes in the oven just staring at the pages. It even includes gluten-free cakes and other dietary considerations in the huge number of over 250 recipes. Yes, you can have your cake and eat it.

Super Cute by Annie Obaachan, softback published by Apple Press. ISBN 978-1-84543-348-2, price 10.99 from www.apple-press.com

Is there anyone who does not like Amigurumi? Even my son goes cool, real cute! If you have not discovered amigurumi yet, or if you are an avid fan – this is a great collection of crochet collectables for you. Instructions are clear – the japanese crochet charts look very confusing. Crochet know-how included. Quick to make, desirable and very cute. Twenty five great animal projects – you’ll want them all. I love the monkey the best.

The Complete Book of Sewing by Beth Baumgartel, hardback, spiral bound published by Apple Press. ISBN 978-1-8454-3346-8, price 16.99 from www.apple-press.com

This is another fine book from Apple Press with a simple but effective layout. Discover professional tips and techniques for machine sewing. The book includes easy-to-use reference charts and lays flat for ease of use too. Illustrated with over 1,000 illustrations, this book will show you how to create garments or home decoration. It is designed for all skill levels. Whether you are a beginner or experienced sewer, you will useful information in this book. Dust off your sewing machine and start creating today.

Making Trousers by David Page Coffin, softback published by Apple Press. ISBN 978-1-8454-3344-4, price 9.99 available from www.apple-press.com

This is a handy reference guide to making trousers brought to you by former editor of the USA Threads magazine. It features tips for speed, ease of making and versatility. Learn how to make trousers that flatter your figure. It gives examples of custom-tailored classics. It shows how to make the perfect pair of trousers for men and women. If you are afraid of making the first cut, this book will show you the way from basic construction to advanced techniques.

This 144-page book is full of the author’s own drawings and illustrations.

The Woodworker’s Technique Bible by Paul Forrester, hardback, spiral-bound published by Apple Press. ISBN 978-1-8454-3312-3, price 12.99, from www.apple-press.com

This handy compact book, which lies perfectly flat will become a much-thumbed reference for any woodworker. It is beautifully presented with clear photographs, techniques, tips and a wood identifier. There is so much information in this easy-to-use book. Besides all the techniques and troubleshooting, there are some projects, which include making a small table, a chair and chest of drawers amongst others. There is also a gallery of inspiring work. Keep this handy reference in the workshop.

Mosaic Artist’s Technique Bible by Teresa Mills, hardback, spiral-bound, published by Apple Press. ISBN 978-1-84543-281-2, price 12.99 from www.apple-press.com

If like me you have dabbled with mosaics, but never really got stuck into a large project – here is a book that might well change your mind. This 256 book has a wealth of information, ideas and projects for all skill levels. It lies perfectly flat – always a bonus for craft books. The layout and photographs are good and the information is detailed and reliable. 

The book takes you through tools and equipment, ideas and inspiration, recording ideas, materials, working methods including cutting, grouting and more. It has a number of projects but once you have absorbed the information, you can use this book as a reference to dip into when you need it. 

I really liked the way it tells you about different types of tiles. I also thought the posterization and mosaicization techniques were very interesting. The book has a simple yet very effective treatment of colour palettes that you can easily adapt to your project. There is also a very useful gallery. The only small niggle I have is that the resources section concentrates on household tile suppliers when I believe that many readers would have benefited from some craft suppliers being included too. I can’t wait to get started on my own projects.