We are delighted to highlight the work of Claire Gelder, designer, author and founder of Wool Couture, whose publishing journey with Search Press has grown into a varied and deeply distinctive body of work. Across eight books and with nearly 150,000 copies sold, Claire has established herself as a creative voice that blends traditional textile techniques with contemporary design, seasonal storytelling and a quietly magical sensibility.
Claire’s approach to craft is rooted in warmth, tactility and meaning. Her projects invite makers to slow down and find enjoyment in purposeful creativity. Drawing inspiration from folklore, nature and long-standing handcraft traditions, Claire creates work that feels both comforting and fresh, accessible yet rich with character. This philosophy runs consistently through her books, whether she is designing loveable yarn creatures, practical reference guides or reflective, seasonal projects.
Her first titles with Search Press introduced readers to her instantly recognisable style. Mabel Bunny & Co (2019) presented a charming collection of crochet characters, designed to be quick to make and full of personality. This was followed by Robyn Octopus & Friends in 2020, which expanded her animal designs into knitting, and Bonnie the Cow & Friends (2022), further enriching her growing menagerie. Together, these books introduced countless crafters to the pleasure of character-led crocheting and knitting using bold textures and simple construction.
In 2023, Claire broadened her publishing scope with two compact, practical titles: Pocket Book of Crochet and Pocket Book of Knitting. Designed as accessible, easy-to-use references, these books distilled core techniques into a portable format that reflected Claire’s belief in demystifying craft skills and encouraging everyday creativity. This series continued in 2024 with Pocket Book of Macramé and Pocket Book of Weaving, extending the concept across a wider range of textile disciplines and reinforcing her reputation as a versatile and thoughtful educator.
Claire’s most recent book with Search Press, Crafting the Wheel of the Year a collaboration with Deb Bowen, marked a notable evolution in her work. Published in September 2025, the book brought together crafting, nature, ritual and reflection, guiding readers through seasonal projects inspired by the traditional cycle of the year. The title resonated strongly with crafters and critics alike, going on to win Best Seasonal Crafts Book at the Creative Book Awards 2025 – a moment of recognition we were thrilled to celebrate. The award reflected the book’s originality, clarity of vision and its ability to connect craft meaningfully with the rhythms of everyday life.
Beyond her publishing achievements, Claire’s creative journey is shaped by a rich personal and professional background. In 2015, she made the life-changing decision to leave her career as an NHS Director to launch Wool Couture, a craft business specialising in knitting, crochet, weaving and macramé kits. Today, Wool Couture products are enjoyed by makers around the world, offering thoughtfully designed kits that make traditional techniques approachable and enjoyable.
As well as being a successful entrepreneur, Claire is also a firm believer in the therapeutic values of craft, particularly its benefits to mental health and well-being – she has been crafting for relaxation and fun for over thirty years. This ethos underpins much of her work and has helped her build a loyal and engaged audience who value craft as part of a balanced, mindful lifestyle.
Claire is also open about the spiritual influences that shape her creative outlook. She discovered Tarot at a young age and has been reading the cards for many years, an interest that informs her belief in the unseen magic woven through the natural world. This perspective adds a subtle depth to her work, particularly in projects that explore seasonal change, symbolism and intention.
Based in Wakefield, UK, Claire is proud to be contributing to Yorkshire’s long-standing textile heritage, continuing a regional tradition of skilled crafting while ensuring that these crafts remain relevant to modern audiences. Her work bridges past and present, blending ancestral techniques with contemporary design and purpose.
Crafting the Wheel of the Year is Claire’s eighth book with Search Press, and working with her continues to be a rewarding collaboration. She brings care and a strong sense of originality to every project, alongside a shared commitment to producing books that are practical and enriching for readers.
We are immensely proud of what Claire has achieved with Search Press so far and look forward to supporting her next chapter as her creative journey continues to unfold.
Find Claire at: www.clairegelder.com
Find Wool Couture at: www.woolcouturecompany.com
