Make more than 35 fabulous projects, from quick and easy scarves and mug cosies to blankets and arm warmers.  Versatile and easy to make, the granny square is the ideal starting point for many people when they first learn to crochet. In Granny Square Crochet, crochet teacher Catherine Hirst presents 35 projects which show how this traditional square can be updated and used in many different ways. The first chapter has over a dozen projects for the home, ranging from a blue-and-white mug cosy which can be made in less than an hour to a stunning bed cover. There are cushion and seat covers to brighten up your living room, plus place mats and a runner for your table. The second chapter has some beautiful accessories, including gloves, a scarf, bags, and even a dog coat to keep your pets warm in winter. The third chapter has a great range of patterns to make as gifts for children and babies, such as blankets, bibs, hats and toys. Each project is graded according to the level of skill required, and there is a comprehensive basic techniques chapter explaining all you need to know.

Grow your own is a comprehensive guide providing practical guidelines that will teach you how to fully utilise your garden (large or small) by means of alternative as well as traditional growing methods. The recommendations aren’t limited to the more ordinary plants, either. Grow any variation of vegetables, fruit, nuts or even herbs and spices. This guide is logically presented to discuss the respective plants along with brief, but thorough, guidelines detailing requirements for soil preparation, propagation, cultivation, harvest and storage. Enjoy additional tips about cultivating in containers, choosing the most suitable plants for different spaces, deterring pests, companion planting, and combatting diseases and other problems. A handy summary about each plant offers a quick reference with nifty textboxes that highlight other interesting facts about the plant species concerned, to gain some bonus insights.