She knits (when she should be writing)

Knit Red for Heart Health

2012-05-23T08:35:00.002-05:00

Gorgeous knitwear--that does good, too! The knitting community has always come together to support a great cause, and Knit Red once again attests to knitters' generous, giving spirit. These 30 beautiful red-themed projects help raise awareness of the number-one killer of women today: heart disease. The patterns are all donated by top designers, including Debbie Stoller, Nicky Epstein, Debbie Bliss, Norah Gaughan, Deborah Newton, Melissa Morgan-Oakes, Iris Schreier, Jared Flood, and Ysolda Teague. In addition, the book offers important medical information, a Heart Healthy Resources and Action Plan, and powerful stories from survivors of this deadly ailment.

Goodreads

This collection of projects is a treasure trove. A knitter's paradise! From the first second I set my eyes on the cover, I knew it was going to be good. The inside fulfilled my expectations. There are sweaters, scarves, a spa kit, cowls, capes and a shopping bag that had me drooling. (Even the fear of multiple needle knitting still will not daunt me from trying this project!)

The instructions are clear, with photos that show each project to the fullest. Some of the top designers in the world have gathered together on this quest for heart health. I for one am buying it and adding it to my collection. Check out the recipes and health tips from each designer. Having a glimpse into their healthy habits was inspirational.

5/5

Noni Flowers by Nora Bellows

2012-05-23T00:31:00.001-05:00

Designer Nora J. Bellows’s extraordinary Noni® bag and flower patterns have earned her acclaim and endeared her to a loyal following of knitters all over the world. Now, in her first book, she offers lifelike knitted flowers that rival the beauty of true botanicals. This is a collection of luscious designs and essential techniques that knitters will turn to again and again. Inside, you’ll find:

• 40 exceptional knitted and felted flowers, from Angel’s Tears Ddaffodils to ylang ylang

• 6 beautiful yet practical garment, accessory, and home projects perfect for floral embellishment

• Clear instructions for knitting, felting, wiring, and finishing your work.

Goodreads

When I saw this book on the bookstore shelves, I knew it had to be mine. No writing to a publisher in hopes they would send one. Oh no. This one was coming home with me. I am a nut for flowers. It is a known fact. This book has such a beautiful take on knitted flowers that it literally took my breath away.

Overall rating:

5/5

If you are a knitter, no matter what level, you need this book for your library. Yes, some of the multiple needle (eeeekkk) techniques gave me a hot flash just thinking about how I was going to learn that, but the good thing about small projects like this is that you learn things you never thought you would. So, this book is now happily sitting on my library shelf and my fingers are itching for an afternoon off to give these flowers a try.

The pictures are great, the instructions clear and other than my own neurotic fear of tiny needles ( I am indeed working to overcome this!) the projects are a good size to begin something challenging and new.

New In My Crochet Library: Crochet Inspiration by Sasha Kagan

2012-03-05T10:35:00.002-06:00

Celebrated designer and renowned colorist Sasha Kagan has created a distinctive crochet reference that showcases her unique sensibility. Containing more than 200 swatch designs in her signature style, this is a must-have manual for beginning and experienced stitchers alike. Special chapters on fabric, motifs, grannies, and flowers highlight a myriad of patterns, including beautiful lace, shell, and cluster stitch variations, and gorgeous circular and hexagonal designs. Each chapter also includes stunning garments, such as a classic Chanel cropped jacket in woven mesh, a lacy shawl with leaf embellishments, and a 1920's cloche cap covered in crocheted blossoms. Every one has a special individuality that transcends "here today, gone tomorrow" trends, so crocheters will enjoy these for a long time."A Main Selection of the Crafter's Choice Book Club."

Goodreads

This beautiful book is on my craft table and I adore it. Filled with new and interesting ways to piece together granny squares and lovely flower designs, this book is a must for anyone who crochets. One of the delicate floral patterns hooked me right away and I knew I had to put this wonderful book in my library.

5/5

Interweave Knitting Lab Announces Scholarships!

2012-02-28T00:02:00.000-06:00

Interweave Knitting Lab Announces Scholarships for Free Tuition to 2012 Events on East and West Coasts

Deadline for submissions is March 15, 2012

Loveland, Colo. Feb. 2, 2012: Interweave Knitting Lab, a national knitting event taking place in San Mateo, Calif. November 1-4 and Manchester, N.H. October 4-7 announced today that it is now taking applications for two scholarships—one for each 2012 Knitting Lab retreat—to be awarded to passionate knitters who are eager to take their knowledge to new heights. Knitters who are 18 years or older and who have demonstrated that they are actively developing their knitting skills and sharing that knowledge with the larger community are eligible to apply.

The application is available online at: http://www.iweventproposals.com/iweventproposals/knittinglabscholarship/

The Interweave Knitting Lab Scholarship is designed to bring knitters to Knitting Lab who have much to offer the community both at the event and beyond, and who would otherwise not be able to attend.

"Our hope is that the knitting community will benefit by the infusion of in-depth education and the acknowledgement of the importance of recognizing and compelling the exchange of ideas, skills and stories," explains Karin Strom, Editorial Director at Interweave Knits magazine.

Interweave Knitting Lab offers knitters opportunities to learn from knitting legends and experts in small, intimate class settings. This premiere event was created especially for passionate knitters who want to take their knitting skills to new heights. The event presents immersive workshops and project-based classes, lectures, enticing panel discussions and other special evening sessions, plus three days of shopping opportunities at the Knitters’ Market.

The Knitting Lab scholarship program is modeled after the scholarship program for the Spin-Off Autumn Retreat, an Interweave event that is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

Two Knitting Lab scholarships will be awarded in all—one for each of the event’s 2012 locations. A distinguished committee of editors, publishers and knitters will review the applications and determine the scholarship recipients.

The Interweave Knitting Lab Scholarship covers the full fee for the Knitter's Weekend Package. This allows the recipient to sign up for as many workshops, lectures, demonstrations and evening events as the schedule allows throughout the four-day event. All other fees and expenses related to attendance at the event (hotel, transportation, meals, etc.) must be paid by the recipient.

Once awarded an Interweave Knitting Lab Scholarship, scholars are expected to participate fully in Interweave Knitting Lab, attending the sessions, connecting with the community and immersing in the educational experience. Scholars may be asked to be introduced to the other participants during an evening program at Interweave Knitting Lab. Following the event, scholars are expected to submit a report related to their experience at Interweave Knitting Lab, outlining how the scholarship helped them proceed toward their goals.

Applications and additional information are available online and the deadline to enter is March 15, 2012. All scholarship recipients will be notified by March 30, 2012.

Interweave Knitting Lab is put on by arts and craft media company Interweave, publisher of Interweave Knits and Knitscene magazines, as well as the online knitting community, KnittingDaily.com.

For more information and the latest updates, interested participants should sign up for the event e-newsletter online at http://www.interweaveknittinglab.com.

Seamless Crochet Scarf

2012-02-09T12:39:00.001-06:00

Well, after discovering my error in pattern reading, I was determined to make this scarf turn out cute after all. Using methods in Seamless Crochet, I finished it this morning.

Knitting Glass Guy Hooks and Circular Knitting Needles

2012-02-01T10:03:00.000-06:00

Looking at these hooks the first time on Facebook, I think I may have drooled on myself. These glass (pyrex) crochet hooks are the creation of Knitting Glass Guy Chris and he has been working with and creating his wonderful glass crochet hooks and knitting needles since 1996.

Right now, for the next few days, he is having a contest on Facebook to win 2 hooks or 2 needles. Here are some of his links if you want to pop over and say hello. (And start your list of all the hooks you must have.)

Find me on FaceBook as "Knittingglassguy Chris"

My Facebook Page

Find my artist page on Facebook as "KnittingGlassGuy"

My Facebook Artist Page

Find me on Twitter as "KnitGlassGuy"

My Twitter Profile

Find me on Ravelry.com as "KnittingGlassGuy"

My Ravelry Profile

Feel free to contact me by phone, or email, anytime.

Chris 661-547-2555

knittingglassguy@yahoo.com

You can also check out his galley and website at:
www.knittingGlassGuy.com

Make sure you enter the contest by February 5th!

Seamless Crochet Blog Tour and Giveaway

2012-02-01T08:55:00.001-06:00

When I first came across this book in the Interweave Crochet Accessories special edition for 2011, I was hooked. The Radiance Sparkling Skinny Scarf caught my eye and I was intrigued by the idea of a seamless scarf done in a pattern. Picking up hook and yarn, I played with it but realized something rather quickly. One must learn to better follow diagrams to avoid the urge to stab ones self in the eye with ones hook.

I had the first motif on the scarf looking awesome. The second one was gorgeous. Then I ended up in the middle of the two with nary a place to go. Rip. Rip. Ribbit. Read directions again.

There is a happy ending. I got super good at triple crochet clusters and I have a scarf that is morphing into something that is going to look great once I adapt it to the non pattern solution I just came up with.

Happily, my copy of Seamless Crochet arrived and I was able to look in the back of the book and see very detailed instructions on how to read the diagrams, both by color code (which matters) and in how the diagram works in general and for the projects in the book. There is even a DVD to explain further. You can bet on my day off tomorrow, that is where I am going to be. Hook in hand in front of the television, learning more about this awe inspiring book.

What I liked:

The diagrams in the book are clear once you understand the method behind them. So are the written directions. Combine the two and you have a marvelous system that is truly unique. One of the things I hate about motif style work is the amount of ends you have to weave in. Oh the horror. Not with this book though. Kristin Omdahl has done a great job of crafting projects that have little to no pieces to join and Yay (insert happy dance) hardly any tails to hide.

The other thing I liked was the basic layout of the projects. You have a pattern block so if you want to adapt the theme to a project other than the one listed, you can do it. (Or like me who is learning how to read diagrams and made a detour or two that will have some creative offshoots from the original piece.) The projects themselves are lovely and I am itching to sit down and work through them. I love lace and the open style to these patterns is very appealing.

What I didn't:

Not a thing. My own inexperience was a stumbling block, but I am stubborn and am learning. The diagrams, once I received the book for review, are clear and I began to understand some of what I had missed in the magazine article.

Overall:

This book uses geometric patterns to create a project base that will delight crocheters of all levels. There are 18 projects but infinite possibilities that will change the way you crochet and have you looking to change other patterns to reflect the methods taught here. The DVD included, in addition to the information at the back of the book is supremely helpful and will lead you to success.

5/5

About the author:

Kristin Omdahl designs knit and crochet garments and patterns under her label KRISTIN and website www.styledbykristin.com. She appears in every episode of Knitting Daily TV on public television as the show's Crochet Corner expert, conducts seminars around the country and teaches knitting and crochet in her DVD workshops, including Innovative Crochet: Motifs. She is also the author of Wrapped in Crochet, Crochet So Fine and A Knitting Wrapsody. Kristin's work has appeared in many magazines and books. She enjoys knitting and crocheting in her orchid garden in sunny southwest Florida.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hairpin Lace Scarf Project

2012-01-21T00:04:00.000-06:00

Every new project is a journey. After working on this particular one, I believe it even more. I had never tried hairpin lace before and was thrilled to pick up the loom and give it a whirl.

My pattern came from the very amazing crochet book:

You can also find this wonderful pattern on the Stitch Diva website.

I found some of my most basic information on how to start this project on YouTube.

This video really broke everything down to the basics, so I could quickly do the hairpin lace portion.

Then I started on the edging instructions and just about freaked out. I was doing fine on row one. My hook was too big, but well, it was going great until ROW TWO. (insert corny doom music). Wow. After about ripped out much of my hair, I contacted some lovely folks on Ravelry and Facebook and went to knitting class, book and project in hand.

www.stitchdiva.com

My wonderful knitting class mentor Mary suggested I get a smaller hook and helped me to work through some of the instructions. My new Ravelry friends meanwhile had been dissecting the instructions from what they remembered about their own experiences with this project and were able to give me something for someone in my stage of learning. Boy, did I learn a lot on this project. Crochet directions without the chart are kind of like algebra. I bet you can't guess how good I was at that? (insert snorts of laughter here.)

Anyhow...With the patience of my new friend Lisa, who literally transcribed the pattern line by line, I finished the scarf for my mother tonight. She is turning 70 at the end of this month and I wanted to show her my progress from knitting with baseball bats (as she calls them) to crocheting with a size E and not gauging out my eyeballs with it. (mostly).

So, in conclusion. I have learned this today...

Crochet charts are good. Written instructions begin to resemble algebra problems to the inexperienced eye and do just about the same thing to my mental state.

Have chocolate nearby.

Ravelry is your friend. Bless you ladies! Mwah!!!

Hairpin lace is actually non-scary and totally easy. It's the edging that might get you.

Team efforts work. Yes, yes they do. Thank goodness for knitting class.

Victory is possible when it comes down to making it for your Mama.

Happy Holidays From Busy Mom's Designs

2011-12-11T05:00:00.000-06:00

Looking for a last minute gift for the little cutie in your life? Try this wonderful headband from Busy Mom Designs. Learning to crochet this lovely headband for my niece was a joy...

Making the chain...

Creating the headband...

Flower power!

Ribbons and curls make a flower!

Rose

Artful creation...

The directions for this piece were very clear and easy to understand.

Check out more patterns to delight the ones you love!

Win a copy of this lovely pattern.

Happy Halloween From Busy Mom Designs

2011-10-28T00:49:00.001-05:00

BusyMomDesigns

Busy Mom Designs is a one-mama operation!

I am Tricia, busy mom to 4 little ones, but I still somehow find lots of time to crochet (often in the wee hours of the night) and love to design patterns for all levels of expertise.

In under 2 years, since my first pattern was published, thousands of Busy Mom Designs patterns have been sold worldwide via Etsy and several other resources (ArtFire, Ravelry, Annies Attic, Lulu, etc.).

Patterns are easy to read and understand and are always fun to work up!

I am always happy to help if ever you should have a question about any of my patterns (or crocheting in general) and will do my best to work with you to help you make the perfect creation!

crochet-pattern-the-elegance-headband

crochet-pattern-simple-pumpkin

I noticed this pattern on Tricia's site and knew I had to try to make it. Being a very beginner at crochet, I felt the fear and did it anyway. Take a look at my progress!

A visit to Busy Mom's website was

very worthwhile...on the pattern, she gives the link

to how to make the magic circle to make sure you get a perfect

little circle in the center that slides closed every time.

magiccircle

I did it!

And around we go! Time to form the pumpkin.

Wow! It is starting to look pumpkiny!

Making the stem...

Done!

We have a baby pumpkin!

Off I go to make some more!

If you would like the chance to win this really great pattern, fill out the giveaway form. Make sure you thank Tricia for being a part of our Halloween fun!

On My Wishlist...'Twas the Knits Before Christmas

2011-10-03T23:17:00.000-05:00

Knitting enthusiasts will get into the Christmas spirit right away when they open this evocatively illustrated book. It combines a charming selection of holiday-themed knitting projects with an illustrated presentation of Clement Clarke Moore's classic poem, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. Beautiful full-page and full-color Christmas illustrations capture the holiday spirit, and many of the book's pictures feature knitted items based on characters and objects cited in the beloved Christmas poem. Among them are a knitted Saint Nicholas, his reindeer, a Christmas wreath, Christmas dolls, and a large Christmas stocking. Best yet, knitters can reproduce each one of these items for themselves. Author Fiona Goble presents detailed directions for knitting each Christmas item--ten projects in total. Knitters who complete all of these projects will have a wonderful set of holiday decorations for their home or their Christmas tree. The book's opening chapter was prepared especially for inexperienced knitters. It reviews basic knitting techniques as an introduction to the book's projects.

Barnes & Noble.com

This book looks great and I am totally adding it to my Christmas wish list!

Crochet Fun and Follow Friday

2011-09-01T21:53:00.003-05:00

Hello everyone and welcome to another Follow Friday. I hope your week has been a good one and your fall projects are going well.

Q. If you could change the ending of any book (or series), which book would you choose? Why and to what?

A. Well, since this is a crafty kind of blog, I am going to stick with my current project book.

I love this book to death, and have already made the cupcake scarf. Currently, I am in the process of making cookies for the one on the cover. So cute! What I wish the book had would be more bakery items and less things like pizza and spaghetti. Bakery items are cute, but I am not so sure I want to run around with meatballs hanging off my chest. Just sayin'. More cookies!!! Less weird pasta!

Make Stuff Together by Bernadette Noll & Kathie Sever

2011-09-01T15:48:00.002-05:00

24 simple projects to create as a family.

During these uncertain times, families around the country are slowing down, reconnecting, and getting back to basics. One of the best ways for families to share experiences and meaningful time together is through the art of crafting, sewing, and recycling.

Make Stuff Together gives you 24 projects to build family connections while being creative and truly enjoying your time together. The authors have uniquely broken down projects into manageable chunks for the shorter attention spans of children?enabling even smaller kids to accomplish bigger projects. Projects promote the slow family movement. A fun variety of useful finished pieces and suggestions on where to find materials.

Brimming with full-color photography.

Whether you're a mom looking for innovative projects for your kids, or a seasoned sewer and advocate of the slow family movement, Make Stuff Together gives you 24 projects for getting back to basics.

Goodreads

This book has really gotten back to basics with projects that are primarily recycled and very much made from scratch. Each project is focusing on home, hearth and family and I found that very appealing. From the library bag, to the game roll ups, I thought the projects were very homespun, basic and great to work on together as a family.

Authors Bernadette Noll and Kathie Sever do a great job recreating cool crafts with easy to follow instructions, patterns and ideas. Celebrating milestones, events and just getting together to have some time unplugged with the family are big themes in this book. Both authors have been featured in publications including Mothering Magazine, Chicago Tribune and Child Magazine.

Better Homes and Gardens Best of Knit It

2011-08-19T14:11:00.000-05:00

Release date:

August 29, 2011

I just got this in the mail this week from the wonderful publicity department at Wiley. As soon as I ripped open the package and sat down with the book, I was hooked. With over 100 patterns both in knit and crochet, there is something for every level of skill and every desire. Kids sweaters, purses, coordinating pillows and bed spreads, crochet prayer shawls, stuffed animals, bath sets and more...

Looking at the directions, they are very clear and tell you exactly how many stitches you should have in a given row. There are skill levels at the onset of the project so you can gauge how you are doing. At the back of the book there are stitch guides to help you learn or relearn knit and crochet stitches. Most of the patterns are written out and not charted. For me that is a very good thing.

I want to do the Green Lace Shawl on page 99! Gorgeous!!! So is the Mohair Scarf on page 96.

This is a great book to have in any knitter or crocheters library. It is a keeper and I am so happy to have received it just in time for the holidays!

Follow Friday and Blogger Hop

2011-07-15T00:20:00.000-05:00

Greetings fellow needle workers and I hope this finds you having a safe and cool weekend in the air conditioning. I don't know about you, but it is so hot outside, I don't go out there unless I have to! Sit a spell and tell me what you are working on. Thanks for stopping in and have a great weekend!

Question of the week:

What do I do when I am not reading?

Hmmm. I read so much, but filling in the blanks...I write alot. Blogging takes up some of my time. So do my puppies and my husband. I review music, so when I am not listening to it, I am usually writing a review about it. When time permits, I try to make my Thursday knitting class, but lately that has been quite the challenge with my full time job demanding more of my time than normal. So, I crochet a bit here and there, watch a sitcom with my husband over dinner and then I am usually back on the computer writing, blogging or reviewing something. Typically, this means I am surrounded by my furry kids, trying to either write a bit on the book, toss some laundry in the machine and run the vacuum all while running plot lines in my head and trying to squeeze as much into my time off as I can. Life is never boring at my house.

Where do you get your books?

Answer: Most of the time I buy my books, both on my Nook and in physical form. I get some from publishers and authors who are interested in having me review them, and I find some at the e-branch of my public library. I love that you can use the e-branch Overdrive system with the iPad and the Nookcolor. It is super cool. I also use Netgalley. For any of you bloggers out there who have not investigated Netgalley, you really need to check it out. It is like an extended library check out system that you can use on your e-reader or iPad.

Follow Friday and Blogger Hop

2011-07-08T00:22:00.000-05:00

Welcome to another blog hop weekend! I hope your projects are coming along well. My cookie scarf is well on its way and pretty soon I will have more pictures to share with you. Until then, enjoy the hop, make some new friends and tell me what you are reading and stitching!

Q. Let's step away from besties...What is the worst book that you've ever read and actually finished?

A. Oh wow. That is a hard question. The worst book that I actually finished. That is so hard. There have been a lot of books I have read over the years that don't get finished. I think I would have to say the one I hated the most was:

I mean, really. A story about a guy that turns into a giant roach? Oh the horror. It was the worst. Wait. No that might actually go to:

I hated every second of this book. It was awful. It's funny, I don't remember why I hated it, but the very thought of reading it again makes me shudder.

As long as we are talking about knitting, crochet and books we hated, let's bring up this one. Last Christmas I tried to make the holly leaf pattern from this book. I tried. My knitting class tried. No deal. The instructions were terrible and the actual holly leaf "looked like a bug" to quote one of the ladies in my class. Not a stirring endorsement to be sure. One of the amazing ladies in my class ended up creating a pattern for me. Go figure.

This week, the question isn't really a question...It is a promotion of another blog's giveaway! So here we are a hunting! Let's see who we can find! Hmmm...our hostess of course! Since she took the time to give to us, I figured we should all know about her giveaway!

My first sugar cookie for the cookie scarf.

2011-07-01T11:11:00.001-05:00

I am now starting on Twinkie Chan's cookie scarf. There are several different cookies in the scarf and it should look amazing. There will be sprinkles and chocolate chips too!

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4th of July Follow Friday!

2011-06-30T23:57:00.000-05:00

Happy Follow Friday! Hope this finds you in the air conditioning, happily knitting or crocheting something amazing. If you are just joining us, welcome! Hope you will stay a moment and tell me what your favorite knitting or crochet book is. Have a great weekend!

Q. ACK! Your favorite book/movie character (example Hermione Granger played by the Emma chick) just walked into the room! Who is it and what would be your first reaction? You get extra points if you include visual stimulation.

Nicky Epstein is one of my favorite knitting books ever. I have made three flowers from the book Nicky Epstein's Knitted Flowers and have made one from the crochet version. Both are lovely books that are treasured pieces in my library. If I ever met Nicky Epstein, I would pepper her with questions about knitting and ask her if she has an orchid pattern.

“What keeps you reading beyond the first few pages of a book, and what makes you want to stop reading a book and put it back on the shelf?“

Answer:

The voice of the book has to grab me within the first few pages. The point of view, dialogue, and characters have to be there. The other thing that drives me crazy is when a book is marketed for a certain genre or age group and it doesn't fit within that category. Especially if a middle grade book is being marketed for a teen audience. That just does not work and that is the fastest way to find a book flying back onto the shelf.

Amigurumi Toy Box by Ana Paula Rimoli: The Review

2011-06-30T09:04:00.000-05:00

Crocheters everywhere fell in love with the quirky toys in Amigurumi World and Amigurumi Two! Now Ana Paula Rimoli presents the third book in her best-selling series. Sparkling with playful ideas inspired by her children, this wildly imaginative collection will tickle kids of all ages.

* Choose from more than 25 irresistible toys that stitch up quickly
* Catch Ana's creative zaniness--put a grin on a silly hot dog, stitch a princess frog with a water-lily throne, make mom and baby koalas, create a tugboat, and more
* Find step-by-step instructions, great photos, and lots of funny friends

Goodreads

I received this book from the wonderful folks at Martingale for a review. This is one of the cutest books on amigurumi I have ever had the privilege to review. The designs are easy to understand. They are in the written style, not charted. At the end of each row of instruction, the author wonderfully gives you how many stitches you need. As someone who is learning more and more about crochet all the time, this is a wonderful thing.

The pictures and instruction are good also. Pictures to know what you are trying to get to, and the instructions for anyone who may need a moment to remember what a certain stitch is. Great book for beginners!

Project wise, this book has everything. Unicorns, birds, bears, pigs, snakes, frogs, bunnies, puppies...you name it, it is there. My favorites are the flan, hot cocoa and cake. Yes...cake!!!! So cute you won't believe it.

This book gets five stars because of the easy of instruction, the sheer cuteness of the projects and overall presentation. If you love to crochet, grab yourself one of these gems at the bookstore. It would be a great thing to start with for small gifts year round, or stocking stuffers for the holidays.

If you want to know more about this wonderful crochet artist/author, head over to her Etsy shop at:

www.anapaulaoli.etsy.com

Visit her blog:

www.amigurumipatterns.blogspot.com

For more excellent knitting, quilting, crochet and craft books, visit the publisher at:

www.martingale-pub.com

How to: Colonial Knots

2011-06-25T11:13:00.000-05:00

The wonderful ladies of my stitching and knitting groups told me about an easy knot that can take the place of a French Knot in embroidery. If you look at the pics of my cupcake scarf, you can see the finished product. Check out the technique and I am sure you will agree that this is an excellent stitch to learn.

At the craft festival last weekend.

2011-06-17T15:31:00.001-05:00

Our local library had an event where we could show arts and crafts. I brought my cupcake scarf to work on.

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Cupcake scarf finished...

2011-06-17T15:29:00.001-05:00

It is done!

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Steampunk Softies

2011-05-26T22:23:00.000-05:00

One thing that defines the steampunk movement is the artistic nature of its followers. From the creation of eye-catching costumes to the aesthetic update of already existing technology, few movements encourage being handy as much as the steampunk movement does. The creations in this book will speak to the inventive soul of steampunk enthusiasts who frequent an array of blogs, online magazines, fan sites, and fantasy/role-playing conventions.

Steampunk Softies contains patterns, photos, and illustrated instructions for eight cleverly designed plush dolls. While the instructions are easy enough for a new crafter to follow, they contain enough steps to keep even a steampunk craft-master interested. The book even contains tips for how to distress fabrics and materials to give the dolls an extra aged appeal.

(Goodreads)

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review.

The originality of these dolls is wonderful. The directions are easy to understand and take to new levels of creativity.

If you are unfamiliar with Steampunk, you may have heard of authors like Lemony Snicket, Jules Verne or Mary Shelley. Gail Carriger is another wonderful author in this genre. Kady Cross is another. It is a captivating time of possibilities and very exciting gadgetry.

This book has great full color photos, blueprints for each of the eight designs and a reference section for materials. The coolest thing about this book is that it is for the experienced sewer or the novice. Just have fun, grab some gears and some scraps of fabric and go to it!

Positively Postcards

2011-05-16T09:54:00.000-05:00

A small-sized commitment of time is all you need to create these picture-perfect postcard quilts! Give, trade, or treasure these 4" x 6" mini-greetings-and make a one-of-a-kind quilt in an evening.

Follow one step-by-step project to learn the technique; then get inspired by more than 85 creative variations, all shown in close-up photos.

Choose a novelty fabric to start; then learn to develop your own themes with photos of fabric and embellishment collections.

Embellish postcards with machine satin stitching, ribbons, yarns, buttons, beads, rubber stamps, costume jewelry-there's no limit to what you can use!
(Goodreads)

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This book is simply beautiful. The photos of the projects are breathtaking and the instructions are easy and understandable. Looking at some of the amazing artistry, I wanted to scavenge around my closet for some fabric to start stitching right away. Perfect for quilters, these small projects are lovely and inspiring projects to keep or give away.

Baby Slippers!

2011-04-29T22:50:00.001-05:00

I finished the crochet baby slippers I had been working on for a friend. My first granny square project. Woot!!

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