Stitches & Stories is a collaboration between Jo from and Jules at North Books. We thought a book group of crafters who sit and discuss books while they work alongside each other would be rather fun. Jo takes the credit for coming up with the textile-themed books.

The group meets on the third Thursday of every alternate month from 4pm to 6pm, and refreshments will be included.

Bring a stitching project with you and don’t forget to read the book in advance! See below.

JOIN THE CLUB

The book club meetings are seated events, so places are limited, and events can get pretty full. Please email Jules on jules@northbooks.co.uk to add your name to the list. Participation is free if the book is purchased in advance from North Books at a 10% discount.

At North Books, 4 Castle Street, Hay-on-Wye on Thursday 18 December, 4–6pm.

THE BOOK

A Winter’s Dress by Lauren Chater was the fourth book on S&S’s 2025 reading list

The final novel of 2025 up for discussion on Thursday 18 December is Close Knit by Jenny Colgan. This book is available from North Books at a 10% discount.

Everyone knows her life story. But who will win her heart? Gertie has always wondered what her life would be like if she could pluck up the courage to leave the remote Scottish island where she was born. It's the only place she's ever known, but it can be stifling.

The glue of this community is the Knitting Circle, a group of strong, capable (and nosy) women who gossip, knit and support each other through thick and thin. So when the chance comes for change - a new job, new friends and maybe even a new romance - a world of possibilities opens up for Gertie: if she can finally be brave enough to make her dreams come true. Fifteen million copies sold.