Every project in this book has been designed to enhance your happiness! From purses to cuddly toys, most use just one ball of yarn, making them quick, accessible and affordable – ideal for knitting groups and knitters on the go. The feel-good theme means that all of these knits would make great gifts.

Buy from All About You’s online bookshop: 'Fast and Fun Knits' by Claire Garland (David and Charles £12.99)

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Expert knitter Clara Parkes tells you everything you need to know about knitting socks, from which wool to use to how to how to get perfect stitches. It includes 20 beautiful sock patterns, including new designs by some of the biggest names in the field.

Buy from All About You’s online bookshop: 'The Knitter’s Book of Socks' by Clara Parkes (Potter Craft, £21.99)

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Renowned knitwear designer and consultant Erika Knight has compiled this pocket book of knitting wisdom, full of quotes, quips and wit. The book also includes expert troubleshooting tips and techniques to keep the contemporary knitter calm in the face of a dropped stitch, plus a section on the therapeutic benefits of knitting.

Buy from All About You’s online bookshop: 'Keep Calm and Cast On' by Erika Knight (Quadrille, £4.99)

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Fun knitted food that’s full of fibre and short on calories! These easy-to-follow projects will show you how to make everything from sweet treats to pizza so you can treat your family and friends to a banquet of cakes and fast food. Choose from knitted hot dogs, cheeseburgers and sushi followed by chocolate gateau, Swiss roll and fruit tart. Yum.

Buy from All About You’s online bookshop: 'Tasty Knits: Made with Love' by Susan Penny and Susie Johns (Search Press, £9.99)

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'The Twelve Knits of Christmas' brings together 12 charming knitting patterns for making all of the objects, birds, and people mentioned in the song, plus a beautifully illustrated book containing the words for each verse. Children will love to play with your knitted creations as you sing along together. And the projects can double up as Christmas decorations around your home.

Buy from All About You’s online bookshop: 'The Twelve Knits of Christmas' by Fiona Goble and Debbie Powell (The Ivy Press, £9.99)

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An irresistible collection of utterly cute baby clothes, these patterns are a delight to make – even for beginners. There are bootees that look like little strawberries, a baby bonnet in the shape of a crinoline skirt, a bumblebee set of hat and mitts and a cosy cot blanket that looks like a field of daisies. There are also accessories including a pram blanket, play mat and even a gorgeous knitted mobile.

Buy from all About You’s online bookshop: 'Cutest Ever Baby Knits' by Val Pierce (New Holland Publishers, £9.99)

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In this book, knitters will first learn to read colour charts and then gain the confidence to use the patterns to create their own stunning projects and garments. A unique selector at the beginning of the book makes it easy to choose a design you like. A mix and match feature lets you combine patterns with confidence. Includes guidance on yarn choices and special techniques unique to Fair Isle knitting.

Buy from All About You’s online bookshop: '200 Fair Isle Designs' by Mary Mucklestone (Search Press, £14.99)

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Cath Kidston’s 'Knitting Tin Book' is a gift set that is sure to please any novice knitter. Packaged in a pretty re-useable tin, it includes everything you need to make a Cath Kidston scarf including six balls of yarn, one pair of 4mm knitting needles plus a pattern sheet with all the instructions. The set also includes a book covering basic knitting techniques, including casting on, casting off, changing colours and achieving an even tension across your knitting.

Buy from All About You’s online bookshop: 'The Knitting Book (Tin with book and project)' by Cath Kidston (Quadrille, £20)

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There’s nothing nicer than a hand-made gift, and this book by top knitwear designer Debbie Bliss is full of inspiration. Divided into five sections - For Her, For Him, For Baby, For Kids, For the Home - each project is designed to give maximum joy with the minimum of fuss. Many of the projects can be tackled by beginners, and all are a joy to make, give and receive.

Buy from All About You’s online bookshop: Knits to Give: 30 knitted gift ideas by Debbie Bliss (Quadrille, £18.99)

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If you missed out on tickets for London 2012, don't fret – you can knit your own! With patterns for 20 top Olympians, including Usain Bolt, Mark Spitz and Olga Korbut, and accessories such as a podium, torch and medals, you can stage your very own competition. You can even knit your own ticket. A techniques section for novice knitters means that everyone can take part.

Buy from All About You’s online bookshop: Knitlympics: Knit Your Favourite Sports Star by Carol Meldrum (Collins & Brown, £7.99)

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Best new craft books