First published in 1957, this classic paperback has been reissued. Featuring patterns for over 60 garments (including jumpers, scarves - and knickers), it also has guides on how to knit - and some words of advice: 'The way I have seen some women treat their knitteds fills me with dismay...I have seen jumpers flung across a chair. I have shuddered at cardigans hanging from an ordinary hook behind a door. The idea seems to be "oh it's only a woolly so it doesn't matter".'

'The Penguin Knitting Book' by James Norbury (Penguin, £7.99), £6.39 from Waterstones

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A refreshing change from the traditional chocolate toolkit!

Chocolate sewing kit, £3, Sainsbury's

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In funky fox and autumn-leaf print, this roll-up case will hold on to those hooks. The case comes complete with seven bamboo hooks.

Fox Crochet Roll, £15, from John Lewis

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Anyone aged over six can sew these kittens with pre-cut felt shapes - and the box converts into a basket.

Kitten Basket, £10.95, from Buttonbag

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Arena Holidays offers an amazing array of Stitchtopia trips for crafters. Some examples? How about a textile tour in South America? An Icelandic knitting adventure?  A Northern Lights quilting cruise? All feature top experts, amazing places and like-minded company.

Find out more from Stitchtopia at Arena Holidays

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This compact sewing machine is small enough to be portable yet sturdy enough to deal with different fabrics. It can even run on batteries so they can sew wherever they go!

Sew-Whiz sewing machine, £42.99, from the Allaboutyou online shop

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This compact roll-up case comes in jolly Clocks fabric to store knitting needles safely.

Clocks Knitting Needle Roll with coloured needles, £18.50, from Cath Kidston

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With a trendy owl design, this sewing bag is capacious enhough to stash all your needles, thread and haberdashery must-haves.

Owl Sewing Bag, £18, from BHS

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Whatever they're into, they're sure to find something they need or covet at Hobbycraft. Leave the present-picking to the recipient with a gift card

Gift card, any amount over £5, from Hobbycraft

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Imagine the possibilities with 30 pretty pieces for patchwork. They're all 100% cotton in a pick 'n' mix blend of patterns and colours.

Liberty-print patch pieces, £14.95, from Liberty

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Patchwork projects to try
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The perfect gift for keen jewellery makers or beginners. This comprehensive kit contains the beads, findings, tools and instructions you need to create six projects, all housed in a smart storage box.

Beading Starter Kit, £19.99, from Bojangle Beads

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Vintage 1950s Tea Dress Sewing Pattern and Fabric, £49, from Clothkits

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