Huggable Crochet Review and Giveaway

Anyone who knows anything about Cute Crochet Chat, knows that we love cute! A lot...So when I was asked to review the adorable book, "Huggable Crochet", how could I resist! The best part about this review is that one lucky reader/commenter will win a copy of this book!
This book is titled, "Huggable Crochet, Cute and Cuddly Animals from Around the World", and is written by Christine Lucas. It is published by Krause Publications/FW Media.

"Huggable Crochet" has some of the cutest crochet stuffed animals that I have seen anywhere AND has several crochet animals that I have never seen patterns for! With a menagerie of adorable animals, I can see why this book was named Huggable Crochet!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

 The patterns for all the animals are divided into five interesting chapters, with fun names. They include The Pranksters, The Protectors, The Scientists, The Covert Operatives and The Entertainers! All in all, there are 19 crochet patterns for cute animals.


 



 The book describes all these animals as being TRULY huggable, as they measure from between twelve inches to eighteen inches!
The patterns look very easy to follow and include wonderful illustrations that will help you create the animal to look as the designer intended. She also gives finishing tips.
There is a metric conversion chart in the beginning that I actually learned something from!

Christine takes you on a "magical tour of the animal kingdom!" Each chapter has Alternate Color Versions and I love the fact that Christine offers variations; the realistic or traditional colors for the animals AND a nice whimsical color palette for them! Such fun!








Some of my favorites animals include Sly the Snake, Bandit the Raccoon,  Tiger Lily the Snail, and Hannah the Hippo!
You can learn more about Christine Lucas at her website: Scarecrow Originals and follow her on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/scarecroworigin
One lucky reader has a chance to WIN a copy of the delightful book. In order to qualify, leave a comment on this post with your EMAIL ADDRESS, so we can contact you if you are the winner. We ask that you would also either LIKE FW Craft on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/fwcraft OR follow them on TWITTER: http://twitter.com/#!/fwcraft @fwcraft
A winner will be chosen next Wednesday, December 7, 2011!
Thanks for participating and good luck!
 We have our winner! Thank you for participating!

Friday Fun - Crochet Patterns

Let's face it....crocheters and knitters LOVE patterns! Some stitchers collect patterns the way others collect antiques! The downside to this is that we NEVER get around to making ALL the designs that are in our library. The upside is that we can be continually INSPIRED by the best and the brightest crochet and knit designs that are out there. Here are a few for this week:

Cupcakes by Skymagenta  -- 
These cupcakes are not only cute, they are PRETTY! You can purchase the pattern from Skymagenta.
Skymagenta has a wonderful pattern shop on Ravelry and
you won't believe all the incredible crochet goodies she has to offer!

Dahlia Shawl by Lisa Naskrent for Interweave  -- Wouldn't this Dahlia SHAWL by Lisa Naskrent be beautiful for the HOLIDAYS? Gorgeous!

Peter and Patty Pilgrim by Rachel of Crochet Spot  --  How cute are these crochet Pilgrims? They measure between 8 and 10 inches, so I think they would crochet up quickly. Especially for this month!

Urban Revival Slouch Hat by Vicki Howell  -  Love this slouchy hat! Functional yet ultra feminine!

Crochet Eye Candy

I am mesmerized by all the beautiful crochet images that are on the web today! Such beauty, such talent, such color! Here is a small, varied collection of crochet that I thought you might enjoy! What are your favorites? I always try to include links to the items when available, so you can check them out for yourselves. With summer waning, I hope to have Crochet Eye Candy more often!

  I love the simplicity of this bracelet, which encompasses the 'bigger' jewelry look that is so fashionable today. I would love to see this done up in blacks and whites or even metallic yarn for an evening look.  You can find the instructions at                CRAFT STYLISH








Aren't these little guys the sweetest? I am a pinky girl and love the cuteness of them. I found the image on FLICKR.

Speaking of pink, the designer calls this adorable hat, Strawberry Beret. The hat is made with Super Chunky yarn and would work up super fast! The pattern is available HERE.

I just LOVE the simple beauty of this pretty wrap! It looks so soft and feminine, doesn't it? The stitch pattern looks so lacy and airy. And the good news is, the pattern is available for FREE from Caron Yarns.  Designer Marty Miller did a great job on this!

What crocheter or knitter doesn't LOVE looking at yarn? I love this picture, not only for the incredible yarn colors, but because I love this storage idea! In my house, it is important that I protect my yarn (and other valuables :)) from dust, so I like the idea of having a cabinet I can close!


Stay tuned for more Crochet Eye Candy in the very near future!

Sometimes It Just Doesn't Quite Come Out Right

This past week, I have been working on a new Easter set for babies and little girls. Recently, I have definitely enjoyed designing all the frilly, cute little girl's accessories that I have placed for sale in my Etsy Shoppe. I guess it reminds me when my own daughters were young! It was so much fun in those days designing for them!
Usually when I am designing something, I am very lucky to have the actual crochet item come out pretty close to what I envisioned in my mind. But this week, I struggled trying to get the little girl's purse design for the Set just right. When I was finished with it, it DID look exactly like what I had been seeing in my vision and sketch, but unfortunately, when I began to sew the purse together, I realized it was not going to work! Rats! For some reason, the finished project turned out to be too awkward looking.

I am very fortunate that design mishaps don't happen to me very often. Perhaps this is because most of my designs are usually quick and easy to do, I don't know.
I was terribly discouraged yesterday. It is hard to abandon a project that you have put your energy into. But today, in the light of a new day,  I have decided to re-design a new purse to match the Easter Bonnet that is already completed. So, it is back to the drawing board! Hopefully, I will be able to complete my "Put On Your Easter Bonnet" set as planned!


Easter Bonnet worn by my beautiful niece, Jillian!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

 

  

New crochet design, Jester Hat, worn by my new 10 day old grandson. 

Hat is stitched in the new Stitch Nation yarn 'Alpaca Love' by Debbie Stoller and Red Heart.