The Librarian

In this week's library haul, I came across a delicious little book, Homemade - Gorgeous things to make with love by Ros Badger and Elspeth Thompson . I could tell straight away that it wasn't a brand new publication (you probably can too! It's not your screen that's dirty - this book has been well-used!). Yes, it's a couple of years old, and craft ideas become old hat pretty quickly these days, but this one is worth seeking out. It is divided into seasons with activities to match, with stunning seasonal pictures alongside. With winter kicking in sharp and strong here in Hawke's Bay, I am going to start in on the stripey glove knitting pattern first off, and add some cheer to our evening meals with the paper-lined night-light holders.

This weather is still so contrary - yesterday I was outside luxuriating in the sunshine, today I am admiring our big pile of wood that has just been delivered and reaching for the snuggly blanket as I settle in to knit baby booties. And plan. Winter craft projects. Oh, how I love planning winter craft projects. My projects mostly seem to be knitting this year (with a bit of quilting and embroidery thrown in too). Knitting has taken first place in my crafting world. I like to remind myself when I struggle away at learning new things (my french classes, my violin lessons, my attempts at surfing are all slow progress!) that not so long ago I longed to be able to knit, and now, it is one of the things I love most in life. My English teacher was right - perseverance has its happy rewards! Getting the hang of cable stitch - it's quite exciting And beautiful books help, don't they. I am still loving this book Baby Booties by Caroline de Hugo . Not all of the patterns have had ...

October went by without me finding a book that I felt deserved the mantle of being a bookchat book :(. But happily I found just the one for November. It is a darling little book that I came across at a library that I don't usually visit. I'm so glad I did. It is called The Knitter's Home Companion - a heartwarming collection of stories, patterns, and recipes by Michelle Edwards. ` Published byMelanie Falick books Everything about this book appealed to me: the size (little), the illustrations, the inclusions of patterns, the book recommendations, recipes, and the writing. The writing (a collection of essays primarily about knitting, but encompassing the full richness of life: of mothering, being part of a community, and of humanity at large) is just beautiful. After enjoying the book so much I just had to google the author, and seek out more of her work to read. What I came across on her  website , and the browsing that followed, reminded me just how steeped in...

I have a new obsession. Any spare moment I have I spend knitting booties. Baby booties. For darling little babies.  I am determined to knit my way through this lovely new book Baby Booties: Eighteen pretty pairs to knit by Caroline de Hugo. Surely the most stylish booties book to come out for some time, this book is jam-packed with exquisite little footwear for babies. If you like knitting and want a little project or two, then I suggest you hunt this sweet book down. Baby booties: Eighteen pretty pairs to knit by Caroline de Hugo P.S. I promise to be back next week with book club, because finally I am reading an  amazing book. (I've had an amazing book drought of late, hallelujah it's over now). Watch this space.