Coastal Crochet Book Review

I am a diehard beach lover. I was born on the coast of California and grew up by the beautiful San Francisco Bay. So when I read an Editorial Note on Ravelry regarding Karen Whooley's new book Coastal Crochet, I knew I needed to have it!
The note on Ravelry spoke about walking along the beach and warming your feet in the sand or feeling the cool water gently lapping against your toes -- MY HAPPY PLACE!

When I flipped through the pages of Coastal Crochet and saw the beautiful designs, I knew that Karen had captured this wonderful feeling exactly!

You can see that Karen put a lot of time and attention to detail in Coastal Crochet. Every aspect of the book has been carefully thought out and meticulously constructed, from the lovely crochet designs to the thorough instructions to the beautiful photography.

It has twelve wonderful crochet wearables, designed for sizes S through 2X. If you LOVE timeless designs that are well written, then you won't be disappointed with this book. These designs contain detailed schematics and charts and they are very clearly written. As always with her

style, fashion-wise, the book is filled with lovely wearables that have become Karen's signature. She put a lot of thought into choosing a variety of beautiful styles and colors that would appeal to many different tastes, yet still remain with the cool beachy theme of the Northwest Coastal area.

One of my favorites is the beautiful Mist Open-Work Cardigan,

 as well as the lovely Depths Side-to-Side Shawl.

But there are so many pretty crochet projects in Coastal Crochet!

Each design is created with beautiful fingering OR lace weight yarns in a variety of colors.

You can purchase this beautiful book through AMAZON at THIS LINK.

You can visit Karen anytime at her BLOG,  .

You can see ALL of Karen's designs from Coastal Crochet on Ravelry HERE.

You can also see Karen's extensive design portfolio on RAVELRY.



This blog contains affiliate links.

Mommy & Me Crocheted Hats Book Review and Giveaway

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This week  I have the pleasure of reviewing,

"Mommy and Me Crocheted Hats"
30 Fun & Stylish Designs for Kids of All Ages
designed by Kristi Simpson for Stackpole Books.

If you love to crochet hats, then you are going to love Kristi Simpson's latest book,  
Mommy and Me Crocheted Hats! 

The hats in this book are so adorable! Most of the designs use very-readily-available yarns and are sized from Small Child to Adult, although there are a few that are sized for newborns as well. The designs are fun and most are easy to crochet. They would make quick gifts for anyone on your list!

Kristi's latest book has lots of colorful photos and 'how-to' examples and has a great pictorial of Stitches, which could help even the novice crocheter. There is also a section on 'How to Read My Patterns' outlining all you need to know to crochet from one of Kristi's patterns.

Stackpole Books has comprised a 'look book' to showcase all 30 crochet patterns.
You can view the look book HERE.

Kristi Simpson is also author the popular Sweet and Simple Baby Crochet that I reviewed HERE last October.
She is also the genius behind RAKJ Patterns where she sells her self-published designs.

There is something for everyone in Mommy and Me Crocheted Hats, from playful to warm to cute to interesting; this hat book has it all!  (see Visual Index below).

As usual, our readers have a chance to WIN a copy of this book from the publisher, Stackpole Books.

Leave an email address or another way of contacting you in the COMMENTS below. We will pick a random winner on 5/2/14. Without an email address or contact info, I cannot contact you in case you are the winner!

Disclaimer: Review copy and giveaway copy of book supplied by Stackpole Books.

Banana Moon Studio, Book One Girls Review and Giveaway!

Banana Moon Studio has a new CROCHET e-book! This new book, designed by Banana Moon Studio's founder, April Garwood, is now available for purchase.
When describing her own design style on her blog, April states that her brand means "current, stylish, beautiful, and sometimes just a hint of quirkiness."
You can see that April put a lot of time and attention to detail in Book One, her first crochet e-book. Simply titled, "Banana Moon Studio's Book One", it has seven wonderful crochet wearables, designed just for girls. The patterns are well written and contain lots of beautiful photographs. If you love crocheting for girls Size 4-10, you won't be disappointed with this book! As a bonus, The Treehouse Top is sized from 12 months to size 12.
Most designs contain detailed schematics and ALL are professionally tech-edited for accuracy. 
For more detail on each individual design and beautiful photographs, you can see the patterns in April's Ravelry store.
Below are a few of April's designs that are included in her e-book:

Gracie Lacie Capris

Jacket and Jill

Lovestruck Leggies

Treehouse Top

Our readers have a chance to win a copy of this e-book. Leave a comment on this blog post, telling us which design you love the most from April's book. (My four favorites are the ones shown above). We will pick a random winner on 10/29/13. Please don't forget to leave contact information in your comment in case you are the winner!

Follow the BLOG TOUR and enter at each site for a chance to win a free copy of Book One, Girls!

October 22: Amy Shelton, Crochetville Blog

October 23: Jocelyn Sass, Cute Crochet Chat

October 24: Brenda Bourg, Designs by Brenda

Thanks to April for providing the giveaway copy of the e-book!

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. 

Urban Edge Crochet

Have I got a treat for you! I am tickled pink to be able to review a brand new crochet book, "Urban Edge" with designs by Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby of Shibaguyz Designz and published by Leisure Arts. The book is chock full of some really beautiful silhouettes in crochet, not seen anywhere else. Rarely have I seen a crochet wearables book that delivers so many wonderful  contemporary designs. Shannon has outdone himself! The silhouettes all have clean lines and are beautifully fitted garments that are sized from Small to 3X. The book has thirteen (13) consistently good contemporary designs. The title "Urban Edge" says it all. Designs are contemporary, edgy and look oh-so-fun to crochet and wear! The schematics and stitch symbol charts are large and easy to read. I love the variety of yarns, especially because all of them are readily available.

 All the designs are named for great international cities. I am in love with NYC dress, a gorgeous black and white fitted dress that any trendy woman would want!
Included in the book are some of Shannon's own personal tutorials for foundation  and finishing techniques. What a bonus! These tutorials are from Shannon's own crochet class, "Fab Foundation and Finishing Class".

 

 Besides the NYC dress, some of my favorites include Rio de Janeiro Sleeveless Hoodie made with Malabrigo Silky Merino.

St. Tropez Butterfly Sleeve Top, stitched in the Star Stitch in Naturally Caron SPA,


















Bangkok Jacket, crocheted in the Spike Wedge Stitch in Naturally Caron Country (left); AND
Los Angeles, crocheted in Spike Stitch pattern in Classic Elite Wool Bam Boo. (center).















Want to learn more about this fabulous book? Hop on over to the Shibaguyz blog to read all about how this book came about! And don't forget to visit all the other fine folks on this Blog Tour. The schedule is posted below.

"Urban Edge" is available in softcover through Leisure Arts and also available for digital download. Photos of all the designs can be seen there as well! Leisure Arts has graciously provided a review copy AND a giveaway copy to one our  LUCKY readers! Anyone who crochets would want a copy of this great book! In order to be eligible for our random drawing, you MUST be a MEMBER or FOLLOWER of this blog. You can join in the left sidebar if you are not already a member. Then comment below and let us all know what was your first wearable item that you crocheted. Please don't forget to include an EMAIL address or a link to where you can be reached in case you are the winner! Drawing will be held on Wednesday, April 11, 2012.

Hug It Out Review and Giveaway

"Show how much you care with these easy crocheted 'hugs'."

Just in time for Spring, we have a brand new crochet book review and giveaway! How lucky are we to have a chance to win ANOTHER new crochet book from The Crochet Dude himself, Drew Emborsky!
Obviously, Drew has been as busy as ever turning out multiple books this year already.
I love this new book entitled, Hug It Out published by Leisure Arts. It has a great variety of crochet projects in it, suitable for all crochet levels!
Drew dedicates this book to his Mom, with whom he spent many evenings crocheting with, while they made gifts for others. Drew tells a poignant story of how he got started crocheting for others, which is the basis for this book!
Hug It Out crochet contains nine new crochet designs 'that will give you the opportunity to help others in their time of need".

Some of my favorite designs include:

Chemo Cap

Comfort Teddy and

Comfortghan

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 "comfort" crochet item that you have made and who it was for.
Please don't forget to LEAVE your EMAIL ADDRESS  or a way that you can be reached if you are the winner. I will be out of town on and off this month, so our contest will run a bit longer than usual. One winner will be drawn at random Monday, March 19, 2012.

Hug It Out Review and Giveaway

"Show how much you care with these easy crocheted 'hugs'."

Just in time for Spring, we have a brand new crochet book review and giveaway! How lucky are we to have a chance to win ANOTHER new crochet book from The Crochet Dude himself, Drew Emborsky!
Obviously, Drew has been as busy as ever turning out multiple books this year already.
I love this new book entitled, Hug It Out published by Leisure Arts. It has a great variety of crochet projects in it, suitable for all crochet levels!
Drew dedicates this book to his Mom, with whom he spent many evenings crocheting with, while they made gifts for others. Drew tells a poignant story of how he got started crocheting for others, which is the basis for this book!
Hug It Out crochet contains nine new crochet designs 'that will give you the opportunity to help others in their time of need".

Some of my favorite designs include:

Chemo Cap

Comfort Teddy and

Comfortghan

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 "comfort" crochet item that you have made and who it was for.
Please don't forget to LEAVE your EMAIL ADDRESS  or a way that you can be reached if you are the winner. I will be out of town on and off this month, so our contest will run a bit longer than usual. One winner will be drawn at random Monday, March 19, 2012.