The shelves in the handcraft section of my local bookshop are groaning under the weight of all those craft projects waiting to happen. Much like cookbooks for me, if handcrafts are your scene, then you can never have too many books. Even if you don’t actually use them, looking through books is enough to provide inspiration, new ideas or just a warm, fuzzy feeling.

If you plan to get busy with some fine handcrafts, or just prefer to gaze longingly at pictures and think about what might be, take a peek at the range of craft books on offer at Pink Olive. I like Zakka Sewing by Therese Lasky and Chika Mori. The book details 25 projects for household pieces that will give you that warm fuzzy ‘zakka’ feeling. Each of the projects was created by some of the best Zakka makers in Japan and range from a simple bunny pencil case to padded slippers.

Also in Pink Olive’s craft range is Last Minute Knitted Gifts by Manhattan knitting guru Joelle Hoverson. It could be just the ticket if you need to throw together some angora baby booties for a new arrival in under two hours. Craft books are US$24.95 each.

New York’s Pink Olive is a shop of all sorts – things for the home, gifts and lots of lovely clothing, toys and accessories for babies. The wares are a carefully chosen, cohesive collection, featuring a large range of designers. The baby clothing has a cute New York and Brooklyn theme, but my favourite from the baby collection is the knitted city food and the knitted sushi rattles (prices begin at US$32).

Pink Olive ship to Australia.