Book Review, Crochet Cute Critters

When I first picked up my hook as an adult to begin crocheting, I did as I typically do when learning new things...I try the skill in as many ways as possible. That meant: something flat in rows, something flat in the round, mixing up stitch placements, shaping with short rows, and on and on. One of the techniques I really had fun with was making amigurumi--those soft and 3D toys and objects that are so cute and full of variety. My boy was young, and he loved the squishy little critters I made him that could be so personalized--and the pretend that was possible with them. Today I'm hopping in to share with you the perfect book for a beginner to have a go at making an alphabet of amigurumi critters.

The Art of Crochet Blankets Book Review

I've spent a bit of time lately contmeplating my crochet.  Why do I do it? What is its purpose in my life? Does it play a role in other's lives? There are varied and convoluted answers to these questions, but one answer that emerged during my deep think was that it is a means for expressing myself artistically. This is the piece that is much stronger than just making something functional--or even merely stylish. It is an expression of my inspiration, feelings and art. It is literally a piece of me. Guess what?

YARN Book-A-Zine FOLK Is on the Shelf

There's a lot of beauty happening right now in the crochet world so I thought I would pop in and share a bit of what I've creativity I've come across lately.

Firstly, the YARN Book-a-zine FOLK issue was just released. There is nothing old-fashioned and frumpy about this! Would you take a peek at this blanket?! Rachele Carmona of Cypress Textiles has come through in her characteristic style of color, asymmetry and mixing up motifs and stitches in creative ways!

Happy Folk Blanket by Rachele Carmona of Cypress Textiles Photo Copyright: Scheepjes

Crafty Llama: Three Things

When I first began crocheting several years ago I quickly discovered three things about this new versatile craft:

1. Crocheting allows me to focus my thoughts and quiet my otherwise noisy brain.

2. Crocheting makes useful, creative and cheerful goods ideal for gifting to others.

3. Crocheting is a natural "connector" to other people.

After reading the new book Crafty Llama* by Mike Kerr with darling illustrations by Renata Liwska, I found myself relating to this sweet story about crafting, friends and making "useful" things. (It is reminiscent of a loved book I have called Extra Yarn*)

Delicious Crochet Shawls Book Blog Tour

Hello, my dear friends! If you've found your way here through Kathryn's blog Crochet Concupiscence, welcome! I'm the lucky one to be next in line on the blog tour taking place for Lisa Cook's new book Delicious Crochet Shawls*.

When I was invited to participate I was thrilled because I have been following Lisa's work for some time and have always admired her shawl designs. You could say she is the Queen of Shawls.

Crochet Kaleidoscope Book Review

I've been a bit off the radar lately--but don't worry, all is well and I'm still busy as ever crocheting, creating, and dreaming.

One thing I've been enjoying has been my browse through a fantastic new crochet book on the scene by Sandra Eng--the creative crochet designer behind MobiusGirl Crochet Design (@mobiusgirl on IG). The book is titled Crochet Kaleidoscope: Shifting Shapes and Shades Across 100 Motifs so you can imagine that it's right down my alley! Let me tell you about it...

Design Your Own Crochet Projects Book Review

When I was asked to review Sara Delaney's new book Design Your Own Crochet Projects, I held my hand high. See, I love math. Now don't get click away just yet if math is not your thing because, although this book may use math to get you to your own custom pattern, it (along with a nifty online crochet calculator) does all the work for you. Let me explain.

The book provides an incredibly detailed and cleverly simple way to design and make everything from hats, mittens, cowls, socks, scarves and fingerless mitts. It includes 18 already designed patterns for you to try, but then takes it all a step further by providing templates and formulas to design it your own way and in your own size based on your measurements.

Here are the basic steps:

Modern Tapestry Book Review

When I got my hands on the new Modern Tapestry Crochet book by Alessandra Hayden of Just Be Happy Crochet I did a little jig right there in front of my mailbox! I discovered that she was working on this book last year when we met at the CGOA conference in Charlottesville--and I knew it would be a unique book.

And once I browsed its pages, I knew I had to make something from it.

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...

Free Border Pattern from Every Which Way Crochet

If you read my review of the new book by Edie Eckman (Every Which Way Crochet Borders), you'll know that I love it! If you missed it, read more about it here. I'm also able to share with you a FREE pattern from the book!! Nifty, huh?

Remember, each of the 139 patterns in the book is unique and includes a color photograph, written instructions, a crochet symbol chart, and explanations of any special stitches right there on the page. Here's a really cool one right from the book...

Every Which Way Crochet Borders: Book Review

Edie Eckman has just released a new book called Every Which Way Crochet Borders, and I'm thrilled to review it and to participate in her blog tour.

Lucky me--I've got my hands on this really amazing book. I'm not just saying it's amazing because they gifted it to me. Let me tell you why I love it.

Nature's Gifts Book Review

I love leafing through crochet books and dreaming of all the pretty and unique things I could make, who I would make them for, and especially in what COLORS I would make them. How about you?

I have recently received a fun crochet book by the talented Sara Leighton of Illuminate Crochet. It's called Nature's Gifts for Baby and you can find it here.