Ruth Cross - The Knitted Home Book

Here at Roost Living HQ we do love a good craft book, especially when it's beautifully photographed and full of amazing projects for the home.  And we love it even more when it's by one of our own.  And this one is by the wonderful Ruth Bridgeman of knitwear brand Ruth Cross.  So if you're passionate about interiors and knitting, this is a must have. 

And if you're not already familiar with her work, we teamed up with her to create an exclusive range of cushions, tea cosies and hot water bottle covers...

Cable Hottie, hot water bottle cover by Ruth Cross

Knitted Tea Cosy for Candy Tea Pot by Ruth Cross

Cable Cushion by Ruth Cross for Roost Living

Smart space-saving

Doesn't it always seem as if there's never enough storage? Bedding, towels, and toys all need a home - but where to put them? We spotted some ingenious ideas for saving on space that are suitable for all sizes of homes. Take a look...

1. Wall art, if you like, that's wholly functional, too. A wonderful idea from German industrial designer  Yi Cong Lu. 

2. Don't be fooled into thinking this is just your ordinary (rather tidy) linen cupboard - the sheets have been neatly folded and placed into their matching pillowcases to flatten things down. More space and a pretty shelf, too!

3. Ok, so this one's more decorative, but it's such an adorable idea, we just had to include it. Great for bookworms!

5. What a clever use of space - this above-door-shelf proves that being inventive with the room you have can lead to both aesthetically pleasing and functional results.

It's not often that we have time to read books, what with a toddler, a 7 month old baby and a business to run, but while looking for inspiration for Roost Living I came across a book all about fonts.

Fonts are all around, but when was the last time you stopped to think about who designed them and why.  What do the fonts we choose say about us? Simon Garfield's book, Just my Type, is a a fascinating look at the history of fonts from Helvetica to the horrific Comic Sans...and it is a really great read too!

What to do when it rains (and pours!)

Hone your scrabble skills

When was the last time you tested your linguistic abilities? Brush up on them while the roads turn to rivers.

See the Damien Hirst retrospective

Its doors have just opened and the exhibit includes the first recreation of Hirst’s 1991 'In And Out Of Love' installation - complete with real butterflies.

Make homemade pizza

Pile on the toppings and serve just before our next idea!

Watch a black and white classic

Switch on Sunset Boulevard (circa 1950) or Fritz Lang’s original Metropolis. Rather see a colour flick? Stick with the classics and download Gentleman Prefer Blondes.

Take to the library (or revisit an old favourite at home)

Usher the kids out of the door and spend some quality time reading Roald Dahl to them, while you reacquaint yourself with some of the greatest children's books ever written.