Winter is here and I don’t know about you, but I’m keen to stay inside and start some new craft projects. Here are some great beginner titles to help you get crafty and beat the winter blues.

Maryanne Moodie’s Modern Weaver by Maryanne Moodie

Maryanne Moodie is the maker to watch. Since her first book debuted in 2016, both Moodie and weaving have continued to grow in popularity. In Maryanne Moodie’s Modern Weaver, there is a wealth of information focused on color theory, designed to help readers better select their own palettes for their custom creations. With detailed instructions and photography for each project, this book is both beautiful and informative. And with projects that explore gradients and ombre effects, as well as advice on how to tackle even the boldest of color choices, there’s enough to keep even the most advanced weavers engaged.

Want to learn to weave from the expert herself? Come along to our

Sew It Yourself with DIY Daisy by Daisy Braid

When Daisy Braid started sewing, patterns were out of her budget so she just started DIYing! Sew It Yourself with DIY Daisy is a colourful, size-inclusive and inspiring book for sewers of all stages and abilities, beginners included. It includes guides on everything you need to get started (including equipment, materials and basic techniques) and step-by-step projects with clear instructions, photographs and illustrations that will take the scary out of sewing.

Sew It Yourself with DIY Daisy is all you need to get started on discovering sewing and creating something one-of-a-kind. Just remember: sewing is self-care, and you make the rules!

Modern Japanese Crochet by Nihon Vogue

15 amazing stitches, 10 simple lessons, and 25 glorious projects. Modern Japanese Crochet casts the classic stitches you think you know in a totally new light, showing them in ways that add striking textures and contrasts to handcrafted pieces. For the experienced needlework enthusiast, this book is a revelation-the perfect introduction to the unique Japanese style of crocheting and charted patterns. Clear instructions, schematics, and charts walk you through exciting Japanese-style projects in this book.

The introduction by Gayle Roehm explains how Japanese crochet diagrams work, allowing you to stitch these fantastic patterns and projects easily.

Knitstrips by Karen Kim Mar

Inspired, original, and laugh-out-loud funny, knitstrips are patterns and knitting instruction mixed with advice and humorous commentary-and presented in illustrated comic book panels. Launched in 2016 on the mega-popular knitting site Modern Daily Knitting, the strips gained instant popularity and have attracted thousands of avid fans. The book includes 22 brand-new patterns and is designed to mimic a bound collection of comic books in a series: each issue with its own cover and wry theme-from yarn stashes to binge knitting-that is close to the heart of knitters.

15-Minute Art Painting by Hannah Podbury

Explore the pure joy of paint with fifty 15-minute projects inspired by nature. From leaves and houseplants to flowers and fungi, 15-Minute Art Painting encourages you to explore painting in a relaxing, free and fun way. Each project can be completed in no more than six steps and will include practice pages, colour swatches and helpful hints to make light work of the artwork.

Although Hannah will provide a brief introduction on how to sketch out your paintings, the book will also contain traceable templates, so you can fully focus on the process and pure joy of painting.