book review

BOOK REVIEW & GIVEAWAY - KNITOVATION STITCH DICTIONARY IS HERE!

BOOK REVIEW & GIVEAWAY - KNITOVATION STITCH DICTIONARY IS HERE!

KNITOVATION IS HERE!

It’s here! I’m so very excited for the brand new release of my talented friend Andrea Rangel’s newest book - Knitovation Stitch Dictionary!!!! The Knitovation Stitch Dictionary ”includes more than 150 brand new colorwork motifs to expand knitters' creative possibilities and draw them further into the world of stranded knitting with clever, quirky, and beautiful motifs including botanicals, animals, and geometric patterns.” But that’s not all it is. Andrea includes that and so much more!

Andrea has written an invaluable and trustworthy resource that both sparks a knitters imagination and demystifies knitting modern colorwork motifs. Knitovation guides you through choosing the right yarn for colorwork as well as how to incorporate the motifs into patterns “you” create. It brings a fresh joy to any knitters library and really - who can say no to feeling inspired by such a wonderful book filled with motifs to satisfy any whim!

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WEAVING WITHIN REACH - BLOG TOUR & REVIEW

WEAVING WITHIN REACH - BLOG TOUR & REVIEW

I was so happy to recently hear that my talented and inspiring friend Anne Weil (of Flax & Twine) released her second book Weaving Within Reach: Beautiful Woven Projects by Hand or by Loom”. This truly is a weaving book for anyone and everyone! Anne says “it includes a simple and textural approach to weaving, exploring projects that folks can actually use” and that’s so true! Anne has put together the book in a way that allows a reader to be able take on the projects in the book without getting overwhelmed by looms and tools. Two-thirds of the books projects are done by free-hand or with made looms. Projects range from bags/totes, jewelry, home decor projects and more! There’s truly a project for everyone - from advanced weavers to beginners!

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ALTERKNIT STITCH DICTIONARY BOOK GIVEAWAY & REVIEW!

ALTERKNIT STITCH DICTIONARY BOOK GIVEAWAY & REVIEW!

If you've read my blog or follow me on social media you know I love books. And by love - I mean loooooove. I truly enjoy holding a book in my hands and slowly savouring and relishing in each page. I'm a total bookworm and will happily always be that way. Even though I'm a knitwear designer I still grab any chance to read. Whether it be while knitting or after hours, I've always got at least a few books on the go ranging from fiction to health/nonfiction. You know that feeling you get when reading a fiction book you're beyond excited to dive into? It's sooo good right? Well, I also get that feeling when I find fabulous knitting books. What's even better is when that fabulous knitting book is written by your equally as fabulous friend.

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BOOK REVIEW & GIVEAWAY || TEXTURE BY HANNAH FETTIG

BOOK REVIEW & GIVEAWAY || TEXTURE BY HANNAH FETTIG

It's no secret that I'm a fan of Hannah Fettig's (of KnitBot) patterns and her books. I adore her clean aesthetic and styling and was happy to see her newest book - Texture: Exploring Stitch Patterns in Knitwear, is filled with patterns that allow what Hannah does best shine!

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GIVEAWAY || GROWN BY KATE OATES OF TOT TOPPERS

GIVEAWAY || GROWN BY KATE OATES OF TOT TOPPERS

I'm thrilled to be a part of Kate Oate's (of Tot Toppers) blog tour for her gorgeous new book "Grown: Sophisticated Sweater Designs from the Maker of Tot Toppers". This lovely collection of 10 raglan-style sweater patterns are all inspired by original Tot Toppers patterns and are transitioned thoughtfully and intentionally for grown-ups. What a fun idea! The majority of the patterns in Grown are unisex (yay!) and there are also patterns just for men or women. I really loved this feature and found that the entire book was well thought out in regards to these elements for shaping, sizing etc. 

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BOOK REVIEW || TAKE HEART BY FIONA ALICE

BOOK REVIEW || TAKE HEART BY FIONA ALICE

I love knitting (& sewing books) that hold special stories and treasures inside. When I heard that the talented ladies behind Pom Pom Quarterly were publishing their very first book - Take Heart: A Transatlantic Knitting Journey by Fiona Alice, I knew it was a must have. Pom Pom Press has stayed true to their gorgeous and authentic keepsake aesthetic that they have so lovingly created with their popular magazines. Each one is a jewel to be treasured - and Take Heart fits right amongst them on my shelf. 

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GIVEAWAY || THE MODERN NATURAL DYER BOOK & PROJECT KIT!

GIVEAWAY || THE MODERN NATURAL DYER BOOK & PROJECT KIT!

Who's in the mood to win one of the most gorgeous books of the year filled with how to dye silk, wool, linen & cotton at home accompanied by 20 fabulous project patterns -plus your very own natural dye kit to make your own? Such a great prize! Yay! The Modern Natural Dyer is gorgeous, informative and a must have for any person with a love for textiles & fiber who's curious about dyeing!

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BOOK REVIEW || WHAT I'M READING THIS MONTH - NEW LACE KNITTING, CUSTOM SOCKS & THE FARMER'S WIFE 1930'S SAMPLER QUILT!

BOOK REVIEW || WHAT I'M READING THIS MONTH - NEW LACE KNITTING, CUSTOM SOCKS & THE FARMER'S WIFE 1930'S SAMPLER QUILT!

Ohhhh...I've got so many fun books on the go at the moment that I couldn't resist putting them all in one post for you all! I love this time of year for publishing! It's like xmas for my bookshelf!!! 

Here's some of my faves that I've been reading and enjoying the last little while! Have you picked up any of these titles yet? Are any on your wishlist? Read below and then share your thoughts in the comments!

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READING || WEEKEND KNITS BOOK REVIEW

READING || WEEKEND KNITS BOOK REVIEW

Can we all say a woot woot for cooler weather? I'm so excited that the fall brisk air has arrived so I can dig into Jen Geigley's new book Weekend: Simple, Modern Knits! Filled with 12 fab patterns ranging from hats, scarves, cowls & more, all knit with bulky or super bulky yarn, with patterns for both men/women and kids! Weekend makes for a book filled with great gift knitting & for satisfying that need for the perfect weekend knit! 

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READING || TOP-DOWN: REIMAGINING SET-IN SLEEVE DESIGN BOOK REVIEW!

READING || TOP-DOWN: REIMAGINING SET-IN SLEEVE DESIGN BOOK REVIEW!

I love knitting top down garments. I also love my hand knit garments to fit great so when Quince & Co. released their latest book - Top-Down: Reimagining Set-In Sleeve Design by Elizabeth Doherty I literally did a happy dance around my office! Top down garments with the look and fit of conventional set-in sleeves? Yes please!!! 

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GIVEAWAY || HANDMADE STYLE BY ANNA GRAHAM OF NOODLEHEAD!

GIVEAWAY || HANDMADE STYLE BY ANNA GRAHAM OF NOODLEHEAD!

I'm beyond thrilled and excited to be giving a way a copy of my dear friend Anna Graham's new book "Handmade Style: 23 Must-Have Basics to Stitch, Use and Wear" today. Her blog Noodlehead, is and has been, one of my top five reads for as long as I've been reading blogs. Handmade Style is just as addicting and stays true to her wonderful aesthetic and style. 

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READING || GIRL'S GUIDE TO DIY FASHION BOOK REVIEW!

READING || GIRL'S GUIDE TO DIY FASHION BOOK REVIEW!

I love to sew and being a mom to 2 girls, one of my hopes is that they will both also love to sew. Rachel Low's new book - "Girl's Guide to DIY Fashion" is a breath of fresh air in our house. Both my girls went crazy for it and were begging to get sewing after flipping through the bright, colorful and inspiring pages!

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READING || FAT QUARTERS BOOK REVIEW

READING || FAT QUARTERS BOOK REVIEW

I'm so excited to finally get to show you all the brand new book Fat Quarters: Small Fabrics, More Than 50 Big Ideas from Lark Crafts that I've got 2 projects in!

You all know how much I love me a fat quarter. They are such a fun and affordable way to play with fabrics and stock up on your fave prints without breaking the bank. There truly is a plethora of projects you can easily make with fat quarters and this book has over 50 of them!

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