"Use Up That Yarn" Giveaway Winner

The winner of Drew Emborsky's book "Use Up That Yarn" is Barbara of Michigan! Thank you to everyone who took the time to comment! We have several new giveaways coming up, including another book by The Crochet Dude and the new "Urban Edge Crochet" by Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby.

"Use Up That Yarn" Review and Giveaway!

What crocheter doesn't have lots and lots of yarn leftover from their other projects in their stash? I know that I certainly do!

Well, there is a new book "Use Up That Yarn", 13 Designs to Crochet from your Stash, that will help us deplete some of the leftover yarn in our stash!

Designed by Drew Emborsky (The Crochet Dude ®) and published by Leisure Arts, this new book showcases thirteen never-before-published designs that are 'fantastically fast at shrinking" your yarn stash.

From worsted weight to bulky weight, almost every category of crochet projects are included in this book. There is something for every crocheter, from quick coasters to intermediate outer wear. Most of the projects in this book use less than 250 yards of yarn and are rated either Beginner or Easy+.
This would be a great book to add to your crochet pattern library!
My favorite designs include Fingerless Gloves, Snow Scarf and Hat Set and the Coasters.

One lucky reader will win a copy of this book, compliments of Leisure Arts. To be eligible to win, comment on this post telling us what you usually prefer to crochet: home decor, thread crochet, wearables, accessories, afghans or toys and dolls.
Please don't forget to LEAVE your EMAIL ADDRESS  or a way that you can be reached if you are the winner. One winner will be drawn at random next Wednesday, February 15, 2012.

Custom Crocheted Sweaters Giveaway Winner

The winner of Dora's Ohrenstein's book Custom Crocheted Sweaters is Gloria of PA. Thank you to everyone who took the time to comment! The sweater most people liked was the Eleganza Raglan. Stay tuned.....we have two new books from Drew Emborsky, AKA The Crochet Dude coming soon!

Monday Market

It is time for Monday Market again! Monday Market is being offered to the readers of our blog and Facebook fan page and will showcase one design for a week from my Etsy shop at Too Cute Crochet by offering the crochet pattern at a 40% discount! One of our newest patterns is the Animal Flap Purses and is the one we chose for this week's Monday Market! For this week only, you can purchase the Poodle and Bear Flap Purses pattern for $3.60. That is 40% off the regular purchase price! Two patterns are included with this set. Sale runs through FRIDAY February 3rd.

Custom Crocheted Sweaters and Giveaway

Custom Crocheted Sweaters, "Make Garments That Really Fit" by Dora Ohrenstein.

I was thrilled to be asked to review Lark Craft's newest crochet book, Custom Crocheted Sweaters by Dora Ohrenstein. As a designer, I am always interested in learning all I can about garment construction and the best way to make them fit! Dora's new book specifically focuses on the construction and fit of crochet sweaters. But the contents of this book give readers so much more than that!
Dora starts us off with a basic "Overview of Sweater Construction" in Chapter One where she takes us through the most common construction techniques and then continues with choosing yarns for the best drape and of course, how to measure our bodies for that perfect fit!
Dora walks us through Understanding Fit, picking the right size and "Demystifying Patterns". All of this BEFORE we get to the patterns. There is so much to learn from this book, whether you are a seasoned veteran
of garment making or a beginner!

All the sweaters in this book are tailored perfectly, and contain several different and interesting stitch patterns. I love the way that Dora has designed each sweater, showing us how to "make garments that really fit."
There are so many design shaping and alteration techniques in this book. The sweater patterns each tackle a different construction or altering technique which include 17 'master class' techniques for creating garments that fit perfectly. Brilliant! Some techniques included are: an in-depth discussion on how to alter an armhole and how to do internal shaping to create a bust dart! Each crochet pattern also has beautiful stitch diagrams that are usually left out of other books of it's kind. What a great addition for the stitches who prefer diagrams! The photos throughout the book are stunning, with many close-up shots of the designs. Lark did a fabulous job on the photos; a lot of crochet EYE CANDY included! 

From the publisher: "Presenting the only how-to guide to focus specifically on customizing crochet sweaters, Custom Crocheted Sweaters teaches crocheters how to create the perfect fit for every body type."

Some of my favorite sweaters include:

Eleganza Raglan

Fiji Cardi

Floating Tee

Double Trouble Shell

Sterling Publishing has graciously provided this review copy as well as one other copy to be given away to one lucky reader! The book is also available for sale at Amazon.
In order to be eligible for a chance to win, please comment on this post and let us know which is your favorite sweater design from the ones that are  pictured on this post above. PLEASE don't forget to include your EMAIL ADDRESS! If you are the winner I cannot contact you without it!
Contest closes next Wednesday, February 1st and a random winner will be drawn then. Thank you!
THANK YOU, WE HAVE A WINNER!