Kevin McCould’s Colour Now, softback published by Quadrille. ISBN 978-1-84400-699-1, price 9.99 from www.quadrille.co.uk

Subtitled ‘An expert guide to choosing colour for your home’, this guide claims to show you how to master colour and how to use it in a sophisticated way.

It looks like a paint manufacturers colour palette swatch. However, colours have been chosen that are harmonious with one another. Each set of 65 palettes comes with a quote on colour from well-known names – alive or dead. Whatever your style you will find a palette for your purpose. The majority of the palettes are quite subdued. I would not call it indispensable, but it is a useful guide if you are unsure of mixing and matching colours in the home.

Choosing Colours by Kevin McCloud, softback published by Quadrille. ISBN 978-1-84400-440-9, price 12.99 from www.quadrille.co.uk

This book begins with a technical guide to colour. It then tailors paint palettes to decorative schemes. It is very similar to Kevin McCloud’s ‘ColourNow’ by the same publisher. In this book you will find over 700 colour swatches combined into over 60 palettes. The colours are matched to commercially available paints. Colours for every style and room in the house.

Gordon Ramsay’s Fast Food, softback published by Quadrille. ISBN 978-1-84400-761-5, price 12.99 from www.quadrille.co.uk

Ramsay is known equally for his use of the f-word as much as his ability to cook with a c. The title is a clever play on his use of the four letter word. That Gordon is an amazing cook I have little doubt. If you have little time or patience for the kitchen, then this 256 page book will set you in good stead to create quick food that’s healthy and delicious. The vegetarian section is almost non-existent – so many top chefs fall down at this so-called hurdle that we vegetarians feel we should shrivel up and die. Otherwise the selections are good. The photography is mouth-watering too.

The Amazing World of Orchids by Wilma and Brian Ritterhausen, hardback published by the Quadrille. ISBN 1844007111, price 20 pounds from www.quadrille.co.uk

I am in two minds about this. The reason being that the authors have written so many books on orchids and I am nt convinced that this is their best. Few know more about orchids than the authors. Their books are lavishly and beautifully illustrated. If you don’t have a book on orchids, then this is a good choice. However, if you already possess a book on orchids by these authors, then I would give this a miss.

Marie Claire Idees Irresistible Bags, hardback published by Quadrille. ISBN 978-1-84400-647-2, price 12.99 from www.quadrille.co.uk

Featuring 45 contemporary bags for all seasons, this is a big hit with me. The usual shopping bags, totes and rucksacks are here, although with a twist – refreshing and revitalized. What makes this book even more special is the items you perhaps would not find elsewhere – a sewing machine cover, a log basket, an armchair tidy. Providing chic style for your home; this is worth buying.

Beautifully produced, the book has templates and details to enable you to sew your heart out. Projects are well photographed and the book has a good layout – not overcrowded. Sit back, relax and create.

The Food Doctor Super Eating by Ian Marber, softback published by Quadrille. ISBN 978-1-84400-628-1, price 12.99 from www.quadrille.co.uk

There have been a number of Food Doctor books and the sad fact is that the content overlaps, leaving you wondering which to buy. This book helps you to maximise the goodness you get from the foods you eat. Nutritionally sound advice identifies nutrients that work together in food combinations that will help your body. 

There is an essential, detailed guide to nutrients. You’ll also learn how to combine nutrients for effect. This is a useful guide to what Ian Marber calls ’supereating’ – it’s not about the so-called ’superfoods’ but about learning how nutrients react and how to use them to their best advantage. Given the premise that understanding is the best way to health – this book should find a way into your kitchen.

Marie Claire Idees Papercraft, hardback published by Quadrille. ISBN 978-1-84400-695-3, price 12.99 from www.quadrille.co.uk

At first glance, you might not believe that everything in this inventive book is made from one substance – paper. From lanterns to paper hearts, papier mache jugs to stamp vases – this book explores the different crafts that use paper. Follow the pretty decorative ideas for table, gift wrapping, vases, lights and Christmas that use different types of paper and methods.

Fantastic photos show finished projects – instructions are brief but adequate. This 128 page book will show you how to get the best from paper and includes templates for the designs in the book.

Glamour by Erika Knight, hardback published by Quadrille. ISBN 1-84400-328-0, price 12.99 from www.quadrille.co.uk

Glamour is part of the Erika Knight Collectables series. The fifteen knits evoke the glamour of Hollywood. Wear them day or night – any time you need a touch of glamour in your life. The designs combine flattering shapes with sumptuous textures. 

From a lacy shrug to a chinoiserie embroidered cardigan – indulge yourself. accessories such as bags, scarf and knitted jewellery are included. Colour photography evokes a glamourous feel to these modern ‘oldies’. Easy to use instructions.

Not quite Lana Turner, Betty Grable or Rita Hayworth to me, but I do like the cable sweater studded with tiny beads and the cable waistcoat.

Classic by Erica Knight, hardback published by Quadrille. ISBN 1-84400-327-2, price 12.99 from www.quadrille.co.uk

Part of the Erika Knight Collectables series, this selection is a collection of fifteen designs to knit. With that unique, hand-knit appeal. Easy to wear casuals and modern knits for today’s woman form a capsule collection. Very simple, easy-to-knit, these stylish garments add class to your wardrobe. They are good weekend sweaters, from V-neck to large cowl and a scarf, bag and gloves too. Envelop yourself in a large, oversized knit on cold days, or be lithe in a slinky slip of a sleeveless top. 

The book is beautifully produced with colour photos of each design at the beginning, and black and white photos next to each pattern. This book uses easy to find yarns in the UK and USA. Instructions are easy to read and the plain patterns, mainly in stocking stitch have no charts to follow.

Essential Kids by Debbie Bliss, softback published by Quadrille, price £14.99. ISBN 978-1-84400-812-0 available from www.quadrille.co.uk

How I wish I had lots of kids to wrap in these sumptuous little designs. Made for sweethearts the world over, this book highlights twenty fabulous knitting patterns for children from ages two to five. The patterns are divided into three sections Down Time, Special Time and Time Out inspired by all the wonderful activities pre-school children discover. 

More than just knits for kids, this book offers blankets, toys, cushions and so much more. The designs are superb encompassing simple modern style that your kids will want to wear and you’ll want to knit. The designs are modelled by angels! The fabulous photos bring everything to life.

As a bonus, this book includes a how to knit section and how to read a pattern. It talks about yarn and caring for garments. Most of the patterns are easy stocking stitch, garter stitch is used effectively and there’s the odd cable and a flurry of fair-isle thrown in for good measure. There is also a complete alphabet given for use in knitting initials. The instructions are clear and easy to follow.

This is an excellent book for a beginner knitter, but many, even experienced designers like myself, will fall in love with the endearing styles in this book.