Crochet Ponchos Book Review and Giveaway

CROCHET PONCHOS -
Stylish Looks For Every Wardrobe - Designed by Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby - Published by Leisure Arts



In Shannon's latest book from Leisure Arts, he presents six interesting takes on a very classic design. All look simple to crochet, yet they redefine ways to create the once-again fashionable poncho. Let's showcase the details of each design:









I am in LOVE with the cover design, THE CIRCLE PONCHO! Not only is it beautiful and rich looking, it is constructed in a very interesting way. The design begins at the bottom and continues up the poncho in a unique, tailored design, with the cowl added last. Crochet perfection! The skill level is EASY. It uses #4 worsted weight yarn and is a one-size fits all garment. The Circle Poncho uses Foundation Single Crochet, which is fully explained and traditional single crochet.

THE CIRCLE PONCHO

What makes the IN THE ROUND PONCHO (below) special is the use of a Long Half Double Crochet. This design begins at the neckline and the stitches are gradually increased. The skill level is EASY. This poncho uses #4 worsted weight yarn and is also a one-size garment. All of the stitches are fully explained.

IN THE ROUND PONCHO

The RECTANGLE PONCHO looks simple, yet incorporates a very pretty and fun-to-do Spike stitch. I love the way this garment looks on the model! This one-size design is constructed in two panels, making it somewhat portable. The skill level is EASY and it uses #4 worsted weight yarn. This poncho begins at the bottom and is worked up to the shoulders.

RECTANGLE PONCHO

The TRIANGLES PONCHO has an innovative design construction. Stitches used in this design included Foundation Half Double Crochet, Front Post Double Crochet, Half Double Crochet and Single Crochet. The skill level is EASY, the yarn required is #4 worsted weight and it is also a one-size fits all garment. The design begins at the neck edge with gradual decrease rows and color changes culminating in the point at the bottom. It looks more complicated to construct than it really is, which make it so desirable to crochet! A contrasting color collar and a drawstring complete the look.

TRIANGLES PONCHO

Even though the ACCENT PANEL PONCHO is also a one-sized garment, it looks generous enough to be wearable by all, including plus sizes! It's sideways construction is unique and the alternate colored center panel makes this a figure flattering poncho as well. The skill level is EASY and it uses #4 worsted weight yarn. It also uses the Half Double Crochet Stitch including the Foundation Half Double Crochet.

ACCENT PANEL PONCHO

Last but not least, the BORDER PONCHO uses the most diverse amount of crochet stitches than any of the other ponchos. Stitches include Foundation Half Double Crochet, Front Post Half Double Crochet, Back Post Half Double Crochet and a Long Single Crochet. It, too, is generously sized to fit most body types! The panels are constructed sideways and the center panel make it an equally flattering design. The use of special stitches creates a beautifully textured garment! The Skill Level is listed as EASY and it also is crocheted with #4 worsted weight yarn.

BORDER PONCHO

All Yarn Information is included in this book and every sample garment is crocheted with readily available yarn! As always, Leisure Arts has provided great stitch explanations and diagrams.
You can view ALL the details of these designs on Crochet Poncho's Ravelry page. Book can be purchased through AMAZON or the LEISURE ARTS WEBSITE.

For those who are quick enough, KNIT PICKS is having a 40% off SALE of all of their knit and crochet books. You can purchase CROCHET PONCHOS here until 2/19/13!

Would you like to win a copy of this beautiful book? If so, leave a comment on this post. Please let us all know what you are crocheting at the moment! I am working on several new designs for my women's accessory shop and also some custom design orders for a beautiful little girl!
As always, PLEASE leave CONTACT information, so I can email you in case you are the winner! A random drawing will be held Thursday, February 7, 2013.

Stay tuned to Cute Crochet Chat for more great reviews and giveaways in the month of February! You can JOIN this blog OR SUBSCRIBE to our RSS feed, both shown in the left sidebar of the blog.

DISCLOSURE: Leisure Arts provided Cute Crochet Chat with a free review copy of Crochet Ponchos and will also be providing the GIVEAWAY copy. 

Crochet Boutique Book Review and Giveaway

 

Recently, I was lucky enough to receive a review copy from Sterling Publishing of CROCHET BOUTIQUE "30 Simple, stylish hats, bags and accessories" by Rachel Oglesby, published by Lark Crafts.  

Are you looking for crochet designs that are quick to crochet yet trendy? If you like crochet accessory patterns that are simple yet fashionable, then this book is for you. Some of my favorite items to crochet are accessories and Crochet Boutique has plenty of them. There are a total of 30 crochet patterns including 7 hat patterns, 10 scarf and cowl patterns and 9 bag and accessory patterns. Each one is stylish and trendy for today's crocheter.

Crochet Boutique has a little of everything. Rachel describes the crochet items herself in the Introduction: "Stylish items to adorn yourself. Cherished gifts to make for your loved ones and fashionable accents for your home". 

There is a full techniques section in the back of the book that describes all you will need to know to crochet the items in this book. Since most of the designs are accessory items, they all appear to be quick to stitch. Except for the Bamboo Handle Bag (which is intermediate) they are ALL rated beginner and easy and use mostly #4 worsted or #5 bulky weight yarns.

Need a quick gift for a trendy relative? This book has many crochet items that fit the bill. I can see several items that I will be making for my daughters this Christmas!

If you are on Ravelry, you can see all 30 projects HERE!

Would you like to own this book? Lark Crafts has graciously offered to give away a copy of Crochet Boutique to ONE lucky winner! To be eligible to win, please COMMENT below. Let us know at least one gift you will be making for the upcoming holiday season! One winner will be chosen at random on November 1, 2012. Thanks to all who participate!

Urban Edge Book Winner

Katelyn of Pennsylvania and Dana of Colorado are our two winners today of Urban Edge! Congratulations to both of you! Thanks to Leisure Arts for providing these books!

"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 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!

Christmas Week of Giveaways at Too Cute Crochet DAY FIVE

At Too Cute Crochet,  today is our final day of giveaways during Christmas week. For DAY FIVE, two days before Christmas,  two (2) winners will be chosen to receive our newest crochet pattern, Baby Santa Set..

In order for a chance to win, you MUST comment on THIS blog post! Tell us what your favorite Christmas song is.
PLEASE DON'T forget to leave a CONTACT EMAIL, so I can notify you if you are the winner.

Thanks to everyone who participated in our Christmas week of giveaways!
Merry Christmas to all my readers!
Jocelyn

Christmas Week of Giveaways at Too Cute Crochet DAY FOUR

At Too Cute Crochet, we are CONTINUING our FULL WEEK of giveaways during Christmas week. For DAY FOUR, three days before Christmas,  three (3) winners will be chosen to receive our crochet Christmas Gift Bags.
In order for a chance to win, you MUST comment on THIS blog post! Tell us one Christmas tradition in your household either past or present! I will start it off by saying that we ALWAYS have cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning! This tradition has been going on for over ten years now!
PLEASE DON'T forget to leave a CONTACT EMAIL, so I can notify you if you are the winner!

Christmas Week of Giveaways at Too Cute Crochet DAY THREE

At Too Cute Crochet, we are CONTINUING our FULL WEEK of giveaways during Christmas week. For DAY THREE, four days before Christmas,  four (4) winners will be chosen to receive THEIR CHOICE of any pattern from my Etsy shop at http://toocutecrochet.etsy.com
In order for a chance to win, you MUST comment on THIS blog post! Please visit Too Cute Crochet at the link above and let us know WHICH PATTERN you would choose if you are one of the winners! ALL patterns are eligible. Come back here and comment on this post. PEASE DON'T forget to leave a CONTACT EMAIL in the comment.

Christmas Week of Giveaways at Too Cute Crochet - DAY TWO

At Too Cute Crochet,  we are doing a FULL WEEK of giveaways during Christmas week. For DAY TWO, five days before Christmas,  five (5) winners will be chosen to receive our our new Animal Flap Purses (Poodle and Bear) crochet pattern set!
In order for a chance to win, you MUST comment on THIS blog post! Tell us one (or more) things you have to still do to be ready for Christmas,,,,,,is it shopping, crochet, baking, wrapping....etc!
PLEASE DON'T forget to leave a CONTACT EMAIL, so I can notify you if you are the winner!
Five winners will be chosen at 3pm ET today.
Stay tuned also for tomorrow's Christmas Week giveaway!
ALL WINNERS HAVE BEEN CHOSEN AND NOTIFIED! THANK YOU!

Christmas Week of Giveaways at Too Cute Crochet, DAY ONE

Santa Purse and Headband Crochet Pattern

At Too Cute Crochet, on our Facebook page, we are doing a FULL WEEK of giveaways during Christmas week. For DAY ONE, six (6) winners will be chosen to receive our Santa Purse and Headband crochet pattern!
In order for a chance to win, you MUST comment on the original post HERE for a chance to be one of SIX winners! While you are there, please give Too Cute Crochet  a LIKE!
Stay tuned also for tomorrow's Christmas Week giveaway!
Contest ends for each day at 3pm ET.
SIX WINNERS HAVE BEEN SELECTED. THANKS FOR PARTICIPATING!

Huggable Crochet Winner

We have a winner! Congratulations goes out to Traci of Florida for winning our giveaway of Huggable Crochet! Thank you, thank you to all who participated. Stay tuned for more giveaways in the next few weeks!

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!

Crochet Stitches Giveaway Winner

Good morning! We have a winner! Congratulations goes out to Shawn of New York for winning Robyn's new book, Crochet Stitches, Visual Encyclopedia. Shawn is an AVID crocheter who makes a lot of gifts and charity items in crochet. She is thrilled to win this book! Thank you, thank you to all who participated. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for SEVERAL new crochet book reviews! After all, it is the gift giving season!

Our Newest Giveaway from Robyn Chachula

Hurry on over to Cute Crochet Chat for a chance to win Robyn Chachula's new book, "Crochet Stitches, Visual Encyclopedia" published by Wiley.

Crochet Stitches, Visual Encyclopedia by Robyn Chachula

At Cute Crochet Chat, we LOVE any kind of giveaway! Today I am pleased to review (and give away) a wonderful new book by the incredibly popular crochet designer, Robyn Chachula. The book is entitled, Crochet Stitches, Visual Encyclopedia and is published by Wiley. It has been a while since I have seen a crochet book that is so visually appealing.

This book is beautiful. But Crochet Stitches, Visual Encyclopedia is so much more than that! This is a book that you will keep in your crochet library forever. This is a book that you will browse through when you want to be visually inspired. This is a book that you will pick up when you are looking for just-the-right-stitch-pattern for your latest design or project. This is a book that you will go to when you want to LEARN a new crochet stitch pattern or when you want to EXPERIMENT with new crochet stitch patterns. Not enough? There are stitch patterns in this book that I have not seen anywhere else!










Each crochet stitch pattern is accompanied by beautiful full color photographs and easy to read stitch diagrams. There are TIPS throughout the book, which will make learning and using the stitch patterns even more enjoyable!

There are a whopping 36 individual crochet stitch categories, encompassing nine chapters! Included are Simple Stitches, Textured Stitches, Lace Stitches, *Unique* Lace Stitches, Colorwork Stitches, Tunisian Stitches, Square and Hexagonal Motifs, Flower and Snowflake Joining Motifs, and Edging Stitches!

Some of my favorites are the Circular Motifs and the Partial Motif patterns.







Robyn was gracious enough to answer a few questions for our readers!

1. Do you have a favorite book that you have authored?

That is a hard question since I am in love or hate every book I have worked on.  It all depends.  Right now I am loving this encyclopedia.  I have one stationed upstairs in my office and downstairs in my living room.  I am coming back to it over and over while I am writing my new book.  And that is exactly what I wanted to do.  I really wrote this one for me, to catalog all my favorite patterns in one place. *  And so far I have been really using it.  But I am sure my mood will switch and I will get fall back in love with another soon.
* (Reviewer's Note) I love the fact that Robyn initially wanted to write the book so she could compile all her favorite stitches and motifs into one resource!


2. Which is your favorite crochet technique?

Again, it all depends on the way the wind is blowing.  I adore motifs when I am exploring a yarn for the first time.  I love simple stitch patterns to highlight more challenging garment construction.  I use Tunisian to relax after a stressful day; I just love the woven look some patterns can give. 


3. Do you ever crochet from other designer's crochet patterns and if so, do you prefer to follow the written instructions or a visual stitch diagram?

I rarely have time to do anything but my own work.  I think the last time was 18 months ago, when we were moving actually.  And even then, I made up my own pattern.  I do like reading patterns though.  I love to see how another designer's brain works.  For me, stitch diagrams are the key to reading.  I am dyslexic, and the abbreviations are incredibly difficult. That's why I love stitch diagrams.  I can follow those so much easier and really understand how a piece goes together.

Thank you, Robyn, for giving us a glimpse into your design world! If you would like to "meet" Robyn or learn more about her new book, she recently was interviewed on Getting Loopy podcast and Yarn Thing podcast and LB YarnCraft podcast.
Just for FUN, Wiley is giving away a copy of Crochet Stitches to ONE lucky reader of Cute Crochet Chat! In order to be eligible to win, comment on this blog and tell our readers how you have used crochet stitch dictionaries in the past to enhance your crocheting! If you have not done so before, HOW WOULD you use this crochet stitch encyclopedia? Please DON'T FORGET to leave a contact email address in your comment!
A thank you goes out to Wiley Publishing for providing the review copy to Cute Crochet Chat and also the giveaway copy of the book!
You may also purchase a copy of this book at Amazon.

Granny Square LOVE winner

 We have a winner! Congratulations goes out to Jenifer of Oregon for winning our latest giveaway! Thank you, thank you to all who participated. Stay tuned in the next 2 weeks for ANOTHER crochet giveaway! Trust me, you won't want to miss this one!

Granny Square LOVE review and GIVEAWAY!

Today on Cute Crochet Chat, we are delighted to present a review of a new crochet book published by North Light Books, a division of F+W Media. The title is "Granny Square LOVE" A New TWIST on a Crochet Classic for your Home, written by Sarah London!

If you love granny squares like so many crocheters today, read on to find how you can win your very own copy from Cute Crochet Chat! There is also a LINK included at the end of this post which will enable you to obtain a copy of this book at the reduced rate of $12.99! That is $10.00 off the publisher's price! 

I am pleased to say that I was 'around' for the first wave of granny square mania. To be honest, I was never really happy with the avocado and harvest gold family of colors that were so popular in the seventies and many granny square designs reflected this muted color palette.
Now that the granny square has made a big comeback, I love all the color combinations and uses for it that are so popular today. Sarah London, known for her beautiful color combinations, has done a wonderful job of giving us a multitude of great projects! She has actually created uses for the granny square that I have not seen before.

At first glance, I was struck by all the colorful diagrams and great photographs included in "Granny Square LOVE". This lovely book is wonderful and FUN to browse through because of its colorful photographs and pretty color palette. Is it a perfect book for the beginner crocheter because so much information is included. There are well detailed, visually pleasing diagrams of all the crochet stitches used and

also well defined photos of how to create the perfect granny square.

Sarah gives us lots of details, tips to create the perfect granny square and an easy-to-read crochet diagram for every project, as well as written instructions. Each project even has its own "Color Commentary" from the author herself.

There are 25 crochet granny square projects included. Here are some of my favorites!

 Stool Cover

Bath Mat

Bold Bedroom Cushion

Grocery Tote  AND

Tablecloth

One copy of "Granny Square LOVE" is available for our giveaway. For a chance to win, post in the comments section and let us know the very FIRST or the LAST granny square project you crocheted. Was it for yourself or for someone else?
One winner will be drawn at random at the close of the contest, on or around October 12, 2011! Please don't forget to leave a contact email address in your comment, in case you are the winner!

If you can't wait to see if you've won and would like to purchase your own copy at a reduced rate, visit the Martha Pullen Company online store. Enter the promo code GRANNYTOUR and receive "Granny Square LOVE" for $12.99! That's $10.00 off the publisher's price! Promo Code expires on October 8, 2011.