Crafting the Wheel of the Year

Introduction 6
How to use this book 8
Getting Started: The Wheel of the Year Cape 10

Samhain 22
About Samhain 24
Knitted Pumpkins 26
Besom 38

Yule 44
About Yule 46
Rowan Berry Garland 48
Pinecone Wishes 52

Imbolc 56
About Imbolc 58
Wand 60
Brigid’s Cross 64

Ostara 70
About Ostara 72
Dyed Eggs Wall Hanging 74
Macramé Flower Lanterns 78

Beltane 84
About Beltane 86
Flower Crown 88
Macramé Meditation Charm 92

Litha 98
About Litha 100
Wheel of the Year Embroidery 102
Sunstone & Selenite Bracelet 108

Lughnasadh 114
About Lughnasadh 116
Smudge Stick 118
Charm Bag 122

Mabon 128
About Mabon 130
Poppet 132
The Wreath of the Year 138

Conclusion & Thanks 144

About Claire Gelder

Claire Gelder loves all things hand-made, hand-woven and hand-crafted. She has been crafting for relaxation and fun for over twenty years.

In 2015, Claire left her career as an NHS Director to launch her new business, Wool Couture, which specializes in knitting, crocheting, weaving and macrame. She quickly got her DIY craft kits on the shelves of retail giant John Lewis and, in 2017, secured two Dragons' Den investors to help her pass on her passion of crafting to the next generation. Adding a modern twist to age-old pastimes knitting and crochet, Claire uses giant, chunky yarn and oversized knitting needles made in her own factory.

As well as a successful entrepreneur, Claire is also a firm believer in the therapeutic side of craft, particularly its benefits to mental health and well-being.

Claire lives in Wakefield, UK and is proud to be continuing Yorkshire’s textile tradition. Her website is www.woolcouturecompany.com.

@thenocturnalbookworm

The Wheel of the Year is a truly spellbinding guide which I was deeply honoured to be gifted from @searchpress. Opening its pages felt like stepping into a circle of timeless wisdom and creativity. 

With 17 enchanting projects, this book beautifully weaves together history, folklore, and practical witchcraft with knitting, crochet, macramé, and the natural treasures we gather along the way. From flower crowns for Beltane to knitted pumpkins for Samhain, rowan garlands for Yule to charm bags for everyday spellwork. Each project feels like a ritual, uniting creativity and intention with the rhythm of nature. 

The book is structured like a journey around the Wheel, carrying you from the tender rebirth of spring to the golden blaze of autumn and into the deep stillness of winter. Each creation is steeped in ancestral echoes and seasonal magic. 

I have already loved crafting my own charm bag, imbued with intention, and I cannot wait to bring to life more of these seasonal creations as the wheel turns. What better way to spend a golden blustery autumn day spent indoors, crocheting a Wheel of the Year cape to wrap around myself like a cosy protective cloak, whilst reading my favourite book and the winds dancing outside. 

The projects are clear and easy to follow, yet brimming with lore and meaning. This is far more than a craft guide, it is a witchs companion, a cauldron of creativity and ancestral wisdom to carry you through the cycles of the year. I truly cannot recommend it enough; it has already become a treasured part of my practice. A must-have for every modern witch and seasonal soul, this book truly casts a spell. 

The Wheel of the Year is a lantern of inspiration to carry through the seasons. Every page feels like stepping into a circle of ancestral wisdom, a perfect blend of craft and witchcraft.