The Gentle Art of Knitting

Superb new book from crafter, blogger and author Jane Brocket, that will delight both new and experienced knitters alike. As well as wonderful patterns for cosy scarves, cushion covers, gloves and mittens, stripy socks, bunting and throws, Jane shares her philosophy for gentle knitting. Relaxing knitting for pleasure, without complicated patterns and charts, enjoyed while listening to the radio, chatting with friends or waiting for a cake to bake. To this end Jane includes a list of wines to go with fireside knitting, and films to watch while making flowers for a tea cosy. There is also a chapter on finishing touches, with ideas for using ribbon and vintage buttons. Lovely.

 

 

Auberge Du Chocolat: The Secrets of Fine Chocolate Making

This beautifully photographed book by the couple behind Auberge Du Chocolate award winning chocolates, workshops and corporate events, is a marvellous opportunity to learn the art of creating fabulous chocolates at home. The 40 recipes for dipped or moulded chocolates and scrumptious filled truffles, use familiar ingredients like strawberries and cream and espresso, and more adventurous ones such as jasmine and rose, chilli chocolate, rosemary and thyme, and white chocolate and cardamom, making a collection to suit all tastes. There are also recipes for a range of dairy free chocolates and chocolates that even young children can help with. The history of chocolate and the equipment needed is covered too, and when you are ready to give your chocolates as gifts there are some excellent tips on gift packaging and presentation.

 

 

 

You're It!: A Hop Skip and Jump Guide to Childhood Games

Illustrated with wonderful vintage style pictures, this superb little book of children's games takes you back to a time when a piece of chalk, a skipping rope or a ball meant hours of fun. Here you will find rules and instructions for Wide Games in large open spaces, such as tag and bulldog, sardines and tails, Ball Games, like wall ball, dodge ball, French cricket and rounders, Party Games including a dressing up race, the chocolate game and tin can alley, plus fabulous Beach Games, School Games and Chalk Games, all guaranteed boredom busters and lots of fun for kids to play and adults to remember.

 

 

 

The Dairy Book Of Home Cookery

Updated version of the classic cookbook first published in 1968. It's easy to see why so many households had, or still have a copy, it's packed with over 900 really useful recipes for every occasion. The new 2012 edition, retains readers’ favourite recipes, but also introduces new dishes and cooking methods to reflect the way we cook and eat today, in an easy to read format with beautiful photography. From soups to sauces, dips to desserts, pastry to pickles, curries to cakes. It’s a staple item that offers something for every kitchen and cook, giving you recipes that you know will always work. Just £10.49 plus £2.50 p&p from http://www.dairydiary.co.uk/dairy-book-of-home-cookery.html or order a copy from your local milkman

 

 

 

Fun with Stitching: 35 Cute Sewing Projects to Turn Everyday Items into Works of Art

This book confirms that modern embroidery is so worth learning for the individuality it can add to your home and your wardrobe. Fiona Goble's bang up to date designs are shown on bags, bibs, aprons, mobile cases, pictures, jeans, plimsolls, shower caps, bunting, cards, and cushions, items that you can enjoy crafting for everyday use, not just for table linens pulled out of the drawer only on high days and holidays.