Colorful Crochet Book Review and Giveaway

I'm absolutely thrilled to be a participant in a blog tour for a dear friend and talented designer's new book. When Marianne Dekkers-Roos of maRRose -- Colorful Crochet & Crafts invited me to participate I emphatically replied, "YES!!" See, I've been following her work on Instagram (@marretjeroos) for a while now and let's just say...she's incredible, and I'm in awe!! (Bonus: She's one of the nicest, most genuine, people I have ever met. And, yes, we met on my last jaunt to The Netherlands--a day I'll always remember.)

And now she has a BOOK! I bounced and tried to stay busy with other projects until it arrived in the mail. Let me honestly say, it met my expectations for an explosion of color and creativity.

So, I immediately began thumbing through the pages of the lovely book and was off to rummage through my yarn stash to get started with some projects in the book. 

So let me tell you a bit about the book...

• It has a oodles of patterns to make a variety of items--from garments to accessories, to home decor. (All elegant, yet modern.)
• It includes clear, yet simple, patterns instructions--including charts, designer tips and options for making one design into something completely different--like a solid-colored blanket into one with several colors, a scarf into a blanket, even a pillow cover into a vest. I like that versatility which allows you to make something uniquely suited for you.
• The pictures are inspiring and "personal". I love that Marianne is in several--showing her own style and personality. Really cool idea!
• In the back, Marianne shares some crochet tips that are really clear and helpful, if you encounter something that is new to you. 
• Another personal touch is her details about the individual designs--for whom they are named and what they mean to her. Again, I like that I feel like I get to know her better through the pages.

This book has inspired me to get my hook flying on my own project found within its pages. I was particularly intrigued by some of the stitch patterns. They all had amazing texture that were calling my name.

So...let me show you what I've been working on.

I pulled my Scheepjes Softfun Aquarel* out of my stash because the colors felt so..."Marianne" to me. I decided to make some wash cloths from this super soft cotton blend where I could play with the textures of three of Marianne's blanket patterns in the book. The one to the above left is from her blanket design called Striped Baby Blanket "Ingrid". Wowza! Would you look at that texture?!

I loved it so much that when I went to make another cloth, the turquoise one, I included a few rows of the Ingrid in that one. (See pink and yellow stripes in the turquoise cloth.)

I used the Cobblestone Blanket for this wash cloth--using the border from this design on my first Ingrid cloth, too. (Didn't I tell you these designs were versatile?)

I'm simply tickled with the texture and rhythm of these stitch patterns. And the border is simple, yet lays flat. I like that.

Finally, I had to try the Puff Scarf and Stroller Blanket "Wendi" pattern. This one is super squishy with delightful texture.

See??

I'm really pleased with how all of these came out and imagine that the full blankets that Marianne has designed are in my future. For now, these cloths will have to do.

You can snag a copy of this wonderful book--in English (Colorful Crochet) and Dutch (Eindeloos Haken) from your favorite retailer or...

...enter my giveaway to win a copy! All that you need to do is comment here on this blog post with your favorite color scheme and I'll select a winner to receive it (US folks only; selection made 6/7).  Make certain you are logged in to comment because "Unknown" folks are not included. If you are outside the US, continue to follow the blog tour because there are additional opportunities to win from other bloggers. Thanks!

You can also follow along on the blog tour to have more chances to win. I'm following in line from the talented Shelley Husband of Spincushions and sending you off to follow Sharna Moore of Sweet Sharna. 

Be well, and happy crocheting!

| On the Board | -- Those who do not see their weaknesses do not progress. Your awareness of your weakness is a blessing as it helps you remain humble and keeps you turning to the Savior.                             ~~Henry B. Eyring

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