The connection might be that the crossword creator used elements from a long story and knitters ball to create challenging word puzzles. It could involve character names, settings, or actions from the story and terms related to knitting or the ball event.
It could be that the words or concepts related to a long story and knitters ball are hidden clues within the crossword grid.
Perhaps the theme of the crossword involves elements from both a long story and the activity of a knitters ball. Maybe there are specific words or phrases related to these that need to be filled in.