Book Review: The New Tunisian Crochet

 The New Tunisian Crochet: Contemporary Designs from Time-Honored Traditions is written by Dora Ohrenstein who writes the Talking Crochet e-newsletter and is the mastermind behind The Crochet Insider online magazine.

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This book is TWO major components. One very important component is something you might not guess... it's also a Tunisian Stitch DICTIONARY with 33 Tunisian stitch patterns. And they aren't just written but SHOWN in symbol diagram form.  (revolutionary for Tunisian!). She comments on working a circle in short-rows, the history of Tunisian Crochet, double-ended crochet hooks, and entrelac crochet. The second important component is 11 patterns.

The 11 patterns are a variety of accessories, garments and home decor. Dora taps the talent of her friends to create the patterns. Vashti Braha, Doris Chan, Lily Chin, Margaret Hubert, and Charles Voth to name a few. The projects are: A woman's cardigan, a skirt, a man's cabled vest, a pullover, a blanket, hat and mittens, a luscious scarf, a wrap, a tote, slippers, and a rug. One of the most striking projects is the Marisol Cardigan, (shown above in red) by Andrea Graciarena.  It's lovely in Madelintosh Tosh DK. But the project that will likely get made most often by readers is a luxurious scarf by Dora in Lion Brand LB Collection Angora Merino. This book is a great reference tool for various aspects, techniques and stitches in Tunisian Crochet.

Book Review: Crochet at Home

Remember last week when I revealed my Nested Squares Dishcloths and my Overstuffed Seat Cushions?  Let's talk about the rest of the book!

Brett Bara teamed up with Interweave to make another star studded color filled collection. Crochet at Home, 25 Clever Projects for Colorful Living is her second crochet book in a row with Interweave. The first, of course was Clever Crocheted Accessories. I was honored to have the cover project, the Saturday Beret on that one! (Bruges Lace no less!)

Like Clever Crocheted Accessories, Crochet at Home is a compilation of various designers. Crochet at Home is 143 pages of colored bliss.  Many of the patterns have stitch diagrams, but many are easy enough that stitch diagrams aren't really necessary. Whether beginner or more challenging all of the patterns are big on color.

There is a huge variety of patterns in Crochet at Home. Everything from dishcloths and chair cushions (mine!) to a tea cozy, a table runner, a door stop, a trivet, several throws, an adorable nesting doll set, pillows, coasters...

You'll be thrilled to see the names of familiar designers and curious about many names you may not yet know! Susan Lowman, Linda Permann, Kathie Eng, Robyn Chachula, Amy Polcyn, Linda Cyr, Kim Kotary, Doris Chan, Kathy Merrick.... goodness, need I go on?

Joe Hancock with his signature crisp, bright style photographed the collection. You'll find details such as embroidery, textural stitches, and beading here and there through the book. Fill every room in your house with crochet accents with this fun and surprising book!

Book Review & Giveaway: 50 Sunflowers to knit, crochet & felt

50 Sunflowers to knit, crochet & felt by Kristin Nicholas is a book that I have looked forward to with much anticipation. I just couldn't wait to see what Kristin would come up with next.

Kristin has already authored several really beautiful books like: 
Color by Kristin: How to Design your own Beautiful Knits
Kristin Knits
Knitting for Baby
Kids Knitting
Kids Embroidery
Colorful Stitchery
Knitting Today's Classics
Knitting the New Classics

All of her books are rich with her signature color talent. All her books can be found here. She even has her own line of yarn that can help you get that same saturated color style. Her yarn line is called Color by Kristin and is distributed by Classic Elite.

 And now....

Sunflowers is a natural subject matter for Kristin. She and her family have a sheep farm with a popular blog following. On the blog she photographs all the elements of farm and home life including the sheep, her whimsical interior decor and the landscape that encompasses it all.... including the iconic sunflowers.  All of it can be found on her blog, Getting Stitched on the Farm and in products: photos, knitting and crochet patterns, notecards, and wall coverings. 

There are crochet stitch diagrams for the crochet projects. There are actually many more than 50 items in the book because she throws in as a bonus: creatures (butterfly, Robin, bumble bee, etc) and 15 projects that include a pillow, market bag, summer hat, brooch, grapevine wreath, wall art, a lampshade, a cardigan and more.  ANY of the 50+ flowers and embellishments can be used on the projects. The projects can be made exactly as she described or you can mix and match the elements from the first part of the book in any configuration on the projects.

The crochet ladybug is especially adorable. Some of the flowers are full 3-D with a stem and everything. Really awesome for "real" bouquet feel.   There are several petals for the flowers (and each are NOT counted individually... so MORE bonus items).  I'm partial to the Bi-color gem flower on page 89, and Autumn Beauty (#52 on page 90).

It's 128 pages of soft-bound bliss by St. Martin's Press. To win a free copy of 50 Sunflowers leave a comment on THIS post by Monday night, May 27 at 11:59pm. Please consider visiting her shop HERE and posting a comment on this post about something that impresses you about Kristin and her products. A winner will be drawn at random from the comment entries on this blog post and the winner announced on Tuesday May 28 on this blog.  The giveaway is limited to US residents. Please leave a post with your First name, Ravelry name if you have it or a city to help me identify you.  If you are the winner, email me at ellen@gocrochet.com or Ravelry message me at GoCrochet with your mailing address by Friday May 31.

Purchasing ANY of Kristin's products including books, patterns, notecards, etc, directly from her shop supports her family farm even more than purchasing her items elsewhere. Shop small business even on the internet :)

Of course, you know that Kristin is one of co-cast members on the PBS Show, Knit and Crochet Now!

E-Book Review: Crochet Book One and Giveaway

It's a modest little title for a sweet new book. "Crochet Book One" This e-book, five crochet projects, designed by my friend, Rebecca Velasquez and produced for Quince & Co yarns.

Beginning with this showstopping shawl, the book contains a shawl, a hat, a keyhole scarf, a sweater and pair of fingerless mitts. The Queen Anne's Shawl is made of simple stitches beautifully photographed by Carrie Bostick Hoge. The Shawl is crocheted in 2 skeins of Sparrow yarn, which is a nicely priced Organic Linen that comes in 13 colors. 

Each pattern is written in the e-book with both written text and symbol diagrams. 

The Pauline Hat is both crocheted and knitted using just one skein of the nicely priced Chickadee yarn. It's an American Wool and comes in 41 colors!

The Marigold Sweater is sized from size 36" to size 52" bust and is crocheted in Finch. Another economical yarn!

Each pattern is available individually or they are available as a whole collection.

Leave a comment on This post by Monday, April 22 11:59pm EST with your NAME and an identifying location or Ravelry name and you will be entered to win a free pattern from the collection.  You can enter this giveaway also on other blog reviews. In May, among all the entries from all the blogs, a winner will be chosen to receive the whole collection by PDF.  (So you have Multiple chances to win!)

Follow Rebecca for more details on all the dates and blog stops.
Twitter @RebecaVelasquez (for Twitter, she has to take out a "c" to make her name fit...)
Ravelry: RebeccaVelasquez

Book Review: Texting Mitts

A new Leisure Arts booklet written by Andee Graves!  Andee asked me to review her new book and sent me a copy. These very trendy mitts in sock weight yarns will make great gifts this season.  The book has 8 patterns, everything from shells to cables, clusters and post stitches. There is a variety of yarns used and most of the patterns are written in small, medium and large!  In the back is a handy (get it?) tip about sizing.  The coolest part about the sizing is that the sizing numbers are printed in DIFFERENT colors within the pattern!  No more highlighting or circling the numbers for your size. Very clever.

And even more clever, something I've never noticed in other books... every new or special stitch has a little video camera icon next to it.... you can go to the Leisure Arts website and see a video clip of that stitch if you need a refresher. Brilliant. You can either go to the Leisure Arts website and search the video clips (left or right handed) by the name of the stitch, or you can search their videos by publication. Here is the page for the Texting Mitts page.

Here's one of my favorite pairs of mitts in the book.  In addition to the fun funky ones on the cover, I like these terracotta ones.  "Twisted Cable Columns Mitts" are written in 3 sizes.  I love post stitches and the cable crochet construction makes these mitts look like they would fit very nicely!  The band of stitches near the fingers looks like it would keep the mitts in place securely. 

With 8 patterns to choose from, you could make them for all the teachers and friends in your life and sample them all. 

Review Learn Bruges Lace, Enter to win

If you have any kind words to say about my crochet book Learn Bruges Lace would you please say them on an Amazon review? While I’m a junkie for kind words, I’m really asking because it helps consumers find the book and order with confidence to have some reviews to look at.
Anyone who gives a kind review on Amazon, come back here and let me know and you will be ENTERED to win a prize… (I don’t know what yet… what would you like? yarn? books? patterns? tools?)

 Entries will be taken until January 2nd, 2013, midnight, EST. Anyone can enter, but if someone from outside of the US and Canada wins, your prize will have to be digital in nature, rather than something that has to be shipped. YOU MUST: Post a comment on this post or on my Ravelry group  with your first name, last initial and a location to help identify you from others. You may also offer what type of prize you would like to win from the suggestions above, I'll see if I can accommodate. But you can only enter one Review on Amazon, so you'll only be entered to win one time.

Here’s the link to the Amazon Page:
http://www.amazon.com/Learn-Bruges-Lace-Ellen-Gormley/dp/1596355476/ref=la_B00403OCDO_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1355927822&sr=1-2

The Winner will be announced on January 3, 2013. The winner will need to contact me at Ellen@GoCrochet.com by January 7, 2013 with your email and shipping address. 
This is my Christmas wish! Thanks for participating.

Fashions to Flaunt Crochet GIVEAWAY

I had the fun of meeting Jenny King this past September in Reno, Nevada at the Knit & Crochet Show and Crochet Guild of America conference.  She blew in from Australia like a breath of fresh air entertaining us all with her stories of the local wildlife in her hometown.

 Fashions to Flaunt, is all garments and accessories crocheted with Noro yarns! (yum).  There are 48 pages, 17 projects including the stitch guide and basic crochet instructions.

 In the book, you'll find this fascinating Crisscross vest. There is a second vest, 5 scarves, 3 shawls, 4 wraps, a pair of slippers, a hat and THIS.... awesome Stripy Skirt.

 The skirt is totally cute.  All the items are pretty loose and drape-y.  The fitted items are the skirt, hat and slippers. The rest of the garments are totally forgiving to both gauge and figure, though you will want to keep gauge for best results.  Many of the items have very interesting construction.  The photography is modern and fresh and done by Scott Campbell, the same photographer who did my book, Learn Bruges Lace. 

You'll love the familiar stitches in Jenny's book.  You'll see shells, traditional dc-3 groupings, filet mesh and v-sts put together with interesting shapes and fantastic yarns.

Giveaway Details: 3 readers will each win 1 copy of Jenny King’s Fashions to Flaunt Crocheted with Noro Yarns + 1 ball Noro Silk Garden super fine (sock) weight yarn (13/4 oz/110 yds/50g per ball) #304 hot pink/turquoise/lime (enough yarn to complete the popular Bobble Scarf featured in the book). Please leave a comment on THIS post or in "Jenny King 'Fashions to Flaunt' Giveaway" thread on Ravelry by Thursday night 11:59pm EST with your first name and town/village or identifying detail. (You may also enter BOTH places, for two entries, but may only win once). The winners will be announced here and the Ravelry thread on FRIDAY 12/15/12. The winners need to email me with your postal address by Monday 12/17/12.  THREE winners will be randomly drawn from the comments.

Go here to order your copy of Jenny’s book: http://bit.ly/TC0vhM

Go here to order Noro Yarn from Annie’s: http://bit.ly/RxJfev

Go here to “Like” the Annie’s Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/AnniesCatalog

Crochet Kids Winter Warmers

Want to knit or crochet some quick kids accessories?  I was reminded about a pattern booklet where I have patterns on the cover and I'm not sure I ever told you about it? Maybe I did, I don't remember! LOL

15 Knit & Crochet Designs to Warm from Head to Toe.  The Tea Cup Wristers and the Flowered Earflap Hat are my designs.

The book is going into REPRINT already!  So many of you have already found this little gem. 
The booklet with both knit and crochet designs is available at Red Heart.com (direct link to booklet)

Book Review: Knitting in Circles

I know, I know, it's not crochet. But it's just so pretty!  And I know many of you DO knit, so here's my 2 cents.

The new book by Nicky Epstein,  Knitting in Circles is gorgeous. It's based on knitted, round, motifs.  The construction of projects made from circles is a good lesson for all fiber fans, knitters and crocheters alike.

The projects are typical Nicky style, big, bold, almost avant garde. Possibly not for a soccer mom on a typical Tuesday, but inspiration and fantasy pieces for sure.

I may never have the skills to make these round confections, and I'm not likely to make them, but I'm likely to keep the book, because who doesn't love a beautiful book full of yarn?  If you are a knitter, I can see many of these circles becoming the top of hats or the beginning of round blankets. The photography is beautiful, typical of Potter Craft books. It's about 222 pages and hardback. Give it a look see and find out if it's for you!

The photo is from Amazon, you can purchase the book there for around $19.

Book Review and GIVEAWAY!

Sharon Hernes Silverman has come out with yet another strong techniques based book!  You may remember her last book, Crochet Pillows, with Tunisian and Traditional Techniques.
And don't forget her Tunisian crochet book: Tunisian Crochet: The look of Knitting with the Ease of Crochet.

You won't be surprised then, that no only are there beautiful TUNISIAN and Traditional techniques taught with the scarves in this book, but ALSO she teaches Broomstick too!  She also has projects with lace, filet patterns, basket weave patterns, and shells.

There are 21 scarves in the book (one is a cowl).  Scarves are really terrific learning projects.  Move through the book, learning all the techniques making scarves along the way. As you know, scarves make excellent gifts and charity projects. Think of them as big, functional swatches :)  I like to think of scarves as a way to bring a pop of flattering color to the face when in the midst of gray weather.

Many of the projects caught my attention, but the one I will try first is the above photo, Premium Cable.  This is a simple Tunisian CABLE pattern.  There are 21 photos that illustrate step by step how to do this technique. Don't be scared though, 21 photos doesn't indicate how hard the pattern is, but how thoroughly Sharon teaches!  Have I brought home my point yet? The point is... this book is about learning new things... and scarves are just the vehicle to make great projects in the process. You can apply these techniques and stitch patterns and apply what you've learned to any project.

If you want to stick with traditional crochet for now, the Sea Splash Scarf (blue above) is really lovely. The rolling wavy edge on both sides makes this scarf really feminine.

Sharon and her team at Stackpole publishing are offering a copy of the book to one of you readers!  US residents may leave a comment on THIS post with:
* your First name and last initial
* your town/village/street (one of those to help identify who you are)

by WEDNESDAY 9:00 PM EST August 1, 2012.  I will announce the winner first on my Ravelry Live Chat 9pm EST (here's the link...) I will then announce the winner here on the blog on Thursday. The winner will need to check back to see if you won, then email me at Ellen @ GoCrochet dot com with your MAILING address by August 7, 2012. Good Luck!

Book Review: Custom Crocheted Sweaters: Make Garments that Really Fit

Custom Crocheted Sweaters: Make Garments that Really Fit by Dora Ohrenstein

Thank you to Lark publishing for sending me a complimentary copy to review.  The book is 144 pages with 10 sweater shapes. The book is separated into 17 lessons, about 2 lessons per pattern, to address every area of a sweater that may need a custom fit. Everything from neckline adjustments, length and width adjustments.

The book has patterns of several types of sweaters. In this book Dora tackles drop shoulder, raglan one piece top down, rounded yoke and motif sweaters. There is a sweater vest to address armhole lessons, longer length tunic sweater to address waist placement. What's interesting, is that the sweater patterns don't even begin until page 49.  That means she takes the first 48 pages to teach about sweater construction, shape, reading schematics, taking measurements, choosing the right size, choosing the right fiber, understanding gauge, understanding repeats.  But the learning doesn't stop there, the lessons continue as they are applied to the sweaters within the book. The sweaters are all very classic in style, and at first glance may not appear to be cutting edge, but this is a book about learning the basics.  While the patterns offer eye candy, the real star of the book is the text and the lessons you'll learn by reading the patterns.  Also included:  stitch diagrams, schematics, multiple photos per pattern, yep, there is math.

This book is going on my "reading" list.  I want to read it and see what new lessons or new perspectives I can gain from it.  If you want to make the leap from accessories to garments, this book might give you just the support you need to give it a go! 

Book Review and Giveaway: Simply Crochet

Ok, so it's not exactly fair that I'm reviewing this book... since I'm IN IT! It's Robyn Chachula's new book, Simply Crochet.  The book is now available in hardcopy and ebook formats from Interweave Press.

The book is based on the 1, 3, or 5 balls of yarn. My Dots and Dashes blanket, is 5 skeins of Caron Simply Soft.

Of Course Robyn has several of the 22 designs in the book, but she also included many designers you might also enjoy:  Rebecca Velasquez (the cover design! GO REBECCA!) Marly Bird, Linda Permann, Kristin Omdahl, Doris Chan, Margaret Hubert and several more.

All the designs are shown in both written and stitch diagram instructions. There are several accessories and several garments, a few kids garments, a few household items. All in all, there is a little something for everyone.

I love this little Natalie shrug by Megan Granholm, so SWEET!

Interweave Press is offering a prize for one lucky blog reader.  Leave a comment on this post by Thursday night at midnight Eastern, December 22nd with your first name and city. I'll randomly pull a name from the comments, and post it on Friday. The winner will need to email me ASAP, because you'll win a coupon for a DIGITAL copy of the book!  Which means the sooner you claim your book the faster you can start enjoying your prize. 

HAHA, I guess I didn't really talk about my blanket, did I? LOL.  I'm truly in love with ovals.  I just think they are so elegant and interesting.  Of course that means that they fit wonderfully into an oval box.  Paired with the circles in squares, it's almost like little exclamation points.

Book Review: Crochet Stitches Visual Encyclopedia

 GIVEAWAY DAY!

 Everyone loves a good stitch dictionary, but this one is something to see!  With an author like Robyn Chachula, how can it not be a winner? Robyn teamed up with Wiley publishing to bring one of the most comprehensive (and pretty) stitch dictionaries I have ever seen. There are several special things about this book.  For one it's HUGE. 272 pages. Full color. There is a Stitch diagram for EVERY pattern.  I like how in the stitch diagram, there is a shaded area that shows you exactly where the repeat is!  Not just stitches for rows, Robyn also included her signature motifs (and how to join them) and many new ones. 

Here's another reason I'm excited: almost 30 pages of TUNISIAN stitches. YAY!  That's 35 Tunisian stitch patterns.

Gasp!  She has my new obsession (hint, hint):  Bruges/Brussels Lace!  I'm so glad to see this simple yet beautiful technique.

Textured sts, lace sts, motifs, colorwork patterns, and EDGING patterns.  Embroidery stitch patterns, whew.

You can GET IT on Amazon for only $16.49.  $16.49 for a HARDBACK, 272 page book. Incredible.

That is... if you don't WIN it here first!  To enter the giveaway to win a copy of Robyn's new book, leave a comment on THIS post, by Thursday at 6:00AM (Eastern time).  I'll randomly pull a winner from all comment entrants. You MUST leave at minimum, your first name and a city.  Come back on Thursday to this blog to learn who won! The winner should email me  (Ellen @ GoCrochet dot com) with your full name and mailing address by Tuesday 10/18/11.  

Thank you Wiley publishing for supplying my review copy and offering a copy for a lucky blog reader.

Check out Robyn's other blog tour stops at these other locations:

Tour Schedule:

Oct 10- Getting Loopy

Oct 11- Yarn Thing

Oct 12- Go Crochet

Oct 13- Hook and I

Oct 17- Vickie Howell

Oct 18- Modeknit,

Oct 19- Knitgrrl

Oct 20- NexStitch

Oct 24- Styled by Kristin

Oct 25- Yarn Craft

Oct 26- Crochet Doctor,

Oct 27- Lindamade

Oct 31- Manhattan Craft Room

Nov 1- Crochet Café

Book Review: Curvy Crochet AND DISCOUNT

Curvy Crochet by Marly Bird and Jill Wright

Designer, knitter, podcaster, creative director, friend supreme, Marly Bird teamed up with her pal and professional crochet designer, Jill Wright to create 8 gorgeous crochet patterns for women with curves.

The book is 60 pages of schematics and patterns. Two of the patterns have motifs or motif detailing. Most are garments, a couple pullovers, a couple cardigans, a shawl, a cute felted tote.

All the patterns are shown on PEOPLE and also on a dressform.  There are even photos of the BACKS of garments, this is really rare friends, and gives you a real idea of what the finished item will look like.

Not sure if you are ready for garments for your curvy frame? Would you like more support?  Marly is teaching "Curvy Crochet" Class on Craftsy.com  I have taken 3 classes already on Craftsy and I love them.  It's a great platform. You buy the class and it stays up on their site forever. You can go back and watch it again and again.  Each class is multiple hours long with PDF download class materials, patterns and help. You can ask questions and get answers! You can respond to other students' comments and questions. You can take NOTES that will be stored at the right place in the class so that you can go back and see exactly WHERE you were in the class when you had your epiphany or needed to go back and listen again.  Marly, as you know from her Blog Talk Radio "Yarn Thing" podcast (have I mentioned I've been on her podcast, on the right side bar on this page, you can see a heading, "Hear/Read Me inteviewed" the links are there) has such a fun disposition, you'll be cracking up along with the me as we watch the class. (snicker, she's so funny).

You want a DISCOUNT on Marly's class? Did I hear someone say they wanted to take Marly's class too?  Click this link and you'll be Craftsy and get the class, and the course materials, and the patterns in the class for the discounted rate of $29.99 (regular $49.99). I don't know how long this offer will last, but remember, if you buy it now, it's there and you can watch it at your leisure. Ok, I'm going back to watch more of the class, I'm on lesson 2!

Book Review: Totes for All Reasons

Crochet designer, tech editor and CGOA leader, Marty Miller asked me to review her book, Totes for All Reasons, 7 Versatile Crochet Designs

Leisure Arts produced this 24 page full-color booklet.  These quick to stitch designs are the perfect substitution for plastic grocery bags.  Most of the bags are made of durable cotton and are quick to make.  Machine washable and reusable these work horse bags will be so convenient you'll want to make more.  Each of the seven designs is stitched in 2 different yarns.  Each bag is made in both a craft store yarn and a yarn store yarn allowing you to choose!  There is one felted Bucket Tote (above) that from the side, seems to have a sweetheart neckline.

If you'd like to win this book, Please leave a comment here on this post, with your name and City/Town/Village by Wed Aug 31 at 6am Eastern. A winner will be randomly selected from these comments and announced here on Wednesday, Aug 31. The Winner will need to come back and email me with the mailing address at Ellen @ GoCrochet dot com

Book Review: Heady Affairs and GIVEAWAY

Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby has published his first booklet with Leisure Arts!  I'm sure there will be many more in the future. I love the sub-title, "7 Impetuous Hats to Crochet". The trendy, daring, impetuous people in your life will love them.

Here's a unisex beret in Naturally Caron, Country.

Here's an intriguing Origami hat, also in Naturally Caron, Country.  Other yarns used in the book are Stitch Nation: Alpaca Love and Patons: Classic Wool. All the patterns are written in two sizes.

To win a copy of Shannon's book, leave a COMMENT here on this post by Monday 8/22/11 6am Eastern. Include your first name and city. I'll randomly select a winner on Monday and I'll post the winner on the blog on TUESDAY, so you'll have to come back and see if you won. :) I'm tricky that way, aren't I?

If you can't wait to see if you won and have to have the book RIGHT NOW, here's the link:

Heady Affairs,

I learned to crochet by working projects in Leisure Arts books. I have always found their instructions to be very user friendly. They have a HUGE list of crochet publications. Chances are you have some Leisure Arts books on your shelf.  

Book Review and Giveaway: Little Crochet

Little Crochet: Modern Designs for Babies and Toddlers by Linda Permann with Potter Craft Publishing.

Linda Permann has followed up her first book, Crochet Adorned, with another fun crochet book, Little Crochet. Generally, Linda's patterns in this book are sized from infant to 3T or 4T.  There is a pretty equal balance of patterns for girls and boys.  Her mastery of color comes through in the colorful projects that are even appropriate for beginner crocheters.  How many crocheters were inspired to learn to crochet because of the news a baby was arriving?  MANY!  This book is perfect for expressing that happy feeling that a loved one is expecting.  Whether you have just a few minutes to whip up a crocheted ball to place on a shower gift, a few hours to make a cute beanie the night before the baby shower, or weeks to make a sweater or blanket for a long-awaited arrival, there is something in here you can make to give.

I made the beanie (with a bigger hook and a slightly bigger yarn to accommodate my older child), and I think it looks great!  Here's a photo of my beanie.  I made it for Chief, but it looks like Chickee may steal it... I feel a second beanie coming on to keep the peace.

Blankets, sweaters, toys, accessories... there is a wide variety in the 24 projects. A few of the projects offer photos of alternate color schemes.  All the boy projects can be made in girl colors.  There are 2 pretty dresses and 2 pretty cardigans for girls.  The rest are unisex patterns. Linda took care to make one of the dresses in her signature hybrid sewing/crochet style, perfect for little ones who live in warmer climates!  Those of you who loved Linda's appliques' in her first book will be thrilled to fine little appliques for boys and girls in this book.  Dress up a plain tee (or dare I say, 'cover up a stain with' an applique?  It wouldn't be the first time parents have gotten creative to get more life out of baby's clothes!

Would you like to win a copy?  (psst, you don't get mine, I'm keeping it, but I can have a chance to win one).  Here's the details... Open to US residents, place a comment here with your first name, last initial and city, on this Post by Monday night 11:00 pm EST on Monday 4/18/11. The winner will be randomly drawn from the commenters. I'll announce the winner on Tuesday, 4/19/11.  The winner MUST email me at ellen @ gocrochet dot com  by Friday 4/22/11 11:00 pm EST with your mailing address. If the winner doesn't email by that time, the prize is forfeited and will be given away in my Ravelry chat room the following Wednesday.

In the interest of full disclosure, Potter Craft provided a complimentary copy of the book for review.

Book Review: Crochet Pillows

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Sharon Hernes Silverman presents Crochet Pillows with Tunisian & Traditional Techniques

This  follows up the book Tunisian Crochet  with 118 pages of clear instructions and photographs.  While there are only a couple of stitch diagrams, there is a large volume of photos of each step.  Several pages of Tunisian Crochet instruction with photos and you'll be off and running. There is also several pages of traditional crochet instruction. The neat thing about pillows is that when you learn the stitch and know how to make it into a square or rectangle, there is no reason why you can't take that information at put it into a scarf or blanket, or poncho made of rectangles, or rectangular stole or any number of things.  

In keeping with the large number of photos is a Visual Index on the last two pages that feature all the projects in the book. There are 10 traditional pillows including a cable pillow, ripple pillow, and miter square pillow.  There are also 10 Tunisian pillow projects including the felted one on the cover and one that teaches how to cross-stitch letters on top of a field of Tunisian Simple Stitch.

Book Review: Baby Blueprint Crochet and GIVEAWAY!

As the natural follow-up to her smashing success with her first book, Blueprint Crochet, Robyn Chachula gives us more symbol crochet an innovative techniques in Baby Blueprint Crochet.  In stores this month, allow me to show you a few of my favorite features.

If you are a frequent reader of GoCrochet, you know I love Tunisian Crochet... you might ask, "What does that have to do with Robyn Chachula, she doesn't do Tunisian Crochet?".  SHE DOES NOW!  WhooHoo!  With this lovely Froggie Blanket, Robyn joins the ranks of designers who do Tunisian!  Traditionalists, never fear, this is the only Tunisian project in the book, but isn't it great!  LOVE it.

Lately there are many crocheters who are loving top-down construction....The Leah Pullover is for you!

But wait... isn't Robyn known for her fabulous motifs? Yes, and here's a few projects that will satisfy your need for more of Robyn's motif magic:  Kyla Stroller Blanket and the Rosa Car Coat

I think, though, the first thing I will have to make is the Pea Pod Slider Slippers... can I hear a collective, "Awwww!" Too cute.

Ok, one more thing... well, a couple more things... there is a tutorial on how to make the frog closures shown on the cover, (yay) and so many of the designs can be altered slightly to move them from girl to boy or boy to girl (yay) and there are several great designs for BOYS (so rare) that any mom of a little boy will be thrilled by the selection.  There are many stitches you thought you knew in the book but Robyn teaches you a new way to do them (and very easily too).

It's a great book and one lucky winner will get it!  To enter to win the free copy of Baby Blueprint Crochet, leave a comment on this post between now and Thursday, December 2 at 10:00 pm/EST.  You must enter with your first name, last initial, and city.  You must be a US or Canada resident to enter (sorry, shipping costs).  On Friday, Dec 3, I'll announce the winner here on the blog.  The winner should email me at my address in the right side bar (Ellen at sign GoCrochet dot com) get it?  Good Luck!

Also, go to Robyn's blog, Crochet by Faye, for more information about blog book tour stops all month long.

Just a reminder... the winner of Jilly Hanratty's book... has never emailed me with her mailing address.... Roberta B, from Belleville, NJ... if you are out there.... you're running out of time.

Give Away Winner: Plus Size Fashions!

Roberta B, from Belleville, NJ!  Chief pulled your number and you are the winner of the copy of Jill Hanratty's Plus Size Fashions!

Congratulations, Roberta, please email me, my email is in the right sidebar under my photo. Send me your mailing address and this will go out on Friday with my other to-ship packages.


If you didn't win, you can buy it NOW, either as a hardcopy or an instant electronic download for $9.95 at this link to Annie's Attic.

Here are the links for the rest of the tour stops this week:

Day 3 (Nov 17): Shannon Mullet-Bowlsby -- http://shibaguyz.com

Day 4 (Nov 18): Jennifer Cirka -- http://www.jaybirddesigns.com

Day 5 (Nov 19): Lisa Gentry -- http://hookandneedle-designs.blogspot.com/