2009’s best craft books

Debbie Bliss, the designer of her own much-loved line of yarns, and the author of over 30 knitting books collecting her highly wearable patterns, tells us why she adores her work.

An interview with legendary knitting designer Sasha Kagan

After her daughter Sophie, 20, was brutally murdered for being a goth, Sylvia Lancaster, who I interviewed for Prima, launched a campaign to prevent any more families experiencing the same sorrow. (For more info or to donate, go to www.sophielancasterfoundation.com)

Turn your career into a whole new one. Taking their roles from Missoni catwalk design to hotel design, musician to manager, eye surgeon to entrepreneur and travel writer to travel booker, these four women did precisely that when they came up with brilliant ways to multiply their skills.