Vintage Knits, 30 Knitting Designs from Rowan, softback, published by Search Press. ISBN 978-1-84448-558-1, price 14.99 from www.searchpress.com

Whilst this is an appealing book if you do not have the original first published by Rowan in 2004. Classic styles from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s are always in demand. However, although Kaffe Fassett gets top billing on the front cover, there is only one Fassett design. The majority of the 30 sweaters are patterns from Rowan’s studio designers – Kim Hargreaves and Louisa Harding, whom I always found adequate but very predictable. If you like enough of the sweaters, you’ll find this a very reasonable book, one that is nicely produced. One thing you can always say about Rowan is that the yarns, though rather pricey these days are easily obtainable.

Magnificent Mittens & Socks by Anna Zilboorg, softback published by XRX. Available in the UK, ISBN 978-193306416-1, price 17.99 from www.searchpress.com

I am in two minds about this, it appeals to the eccentric in me, but even I don’t think I would ever wear most of these. Therefore, could I be bothered to knit them. They are like an ugly child, you love it because it is yours. I think you would find yourself altering the cuff, so why not choose a book on mittens and not these inventive gauntlets. Interesting from a design point of view, but not really practical.

The Left-Handed Embroiderer’s Companion by Yvette Stanton, softback published by Vetty Creations, Australia. Available in the UK, ISBN 978-0-9757677-3-3, price 19.99 from www.searchpress.com

Now here’s a five star author and embroiderer, all of whose books you should own. I do. This is the first time in my life I have wanted to be left-handed. Unfortunately, I’m not. As right handers we can have fun flipping the instructions. This is a superb dictionary for all embroiderers, so don’t miss out. As with all Yvette’s books it has superb attention to detail. This has just become my number one embroidery book. This is a book you can judge by ots cover, it won’t let you down.

Van Gogh in Acrylics by Michael Sanders, softback published by Search Press. ISBN 978-1-84448-454-6, price 9.99 from www.searchpress.com

Whilst this is an interesting book, for me it fails in its purpose. The paintings just do not look like the real thing and it’s all rather half-hearted. Maybe that is because I love Van Gogh so much and being face to face with his paintings is a privilege. I can understand other s wanting to copy his works for practice, and you might well find this a good way to do it. Tracings are provided, all you have to do in the Ready to Paint series is transfer the tracing to canvas, get out your paints and brushes and follow the step by step instructions.

New York in Watercolour by Geoff Kersey, softback published by Search Press. ISBN 978-1-84448-4722-0, price 8.99 from www.searchpress.com

Part of the Ready to Paint series, this book takes a closer look at the famous landmarks in New York. Easy to paint with the inclusion of ready-made tracings, you are set to paint The Statue of Liberty and four other projects. Simple enough for anyone to paint, but does not allow much room for putting your personal stamp on a painting.

Airbrush Techniques by Roland Kuck, softback includes DVD, published by Search Press. ISBN 978-1-84448-524-6, price 16.99 from www.searchpress.com

A method of spraying paint for all levels of artists. Create realistic artwork with the help of this step by step guide. Subjects include flowers, animals and the sea. Includes a DVD and all you need to know about airbrushing from the basics up. This book was originally published in Germany in 2008.

Incredible Acrylics by Jean-Paul van Boxtel, softback published by Search Press. ISBN 978-1-84448-537-6, price 14.99 from www.searchpress.com

This is a pleasant guide for those who want to understand the properties of acrylic paint and how it can be used. The paintings and workshops further enhance that knowledge by putting it into practice. Exploring a medium is always a good way to stat and this book gives you a thorough grounding. There is enough information here for you to develop your own style.

Cartooning, Everything You Need to Know by Franklin Bishop, softback published by Search Press. ISBN 978-1-84448-556-7, price 9.99 from www.searchpress.com

This book includes a variety of styles so that you can try different effects. Good facial expression section, manga, cartoon strips and more besides. Handy size and useful information.

100 Traditional & Contemporary Quilt Blocks by Celia Eddy, softback published by Search Press. ISBN 978-1-84448-557-4, price 10.99 from www.searchpress.com

I’m sure any quilter would be pleased to own this book. I’d say the contemporary designs are still modern traditionals as opposed to ultra modern. Lots of ideas. Easy to use and a good resource.

Collage Lab by Bee Shay, softback published by Quarry Books. ISBN 978-1-59253-565-1, price14.99 in the UK from www.quarrybooks.com

Each section of this book deals with a particular area of collage from colour and gesso to images, tools and line. It’s compact and thorough and suitable for both beginners and old hands alike. It makes everything crystal clear, which is much appreciated. Nicely presented and very useful, this book should lead you to experiment. Get the basics, the techniques and ideas to develop on your own. Full of mixed media projects and superb examples of work that will stir the creative side. Recommended.