Category Archives: book

Book Review – Crochet A-B-Sea

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I have a delightful new book to share with you today – Crochet A-B-Sea – An Extraordinary Underwater Alphabet by the fun and fabulous Pony McTate.

It’s not often that you come across a truly unique crochet book but this is one of those exceptions.  Pony has a fun quirky sense of humour which really shines through her designs.

It was fun following this project develop over on Pony’s instagram feed earlier in the year and I was excited to see that it has turned into a book so that we can all have a go at making our own unique and educational blanket.

So let’s have a look inside ….

ABSEA_2The chapters

 

Preliminary stuff

This chapter includes all the things you need to know before getting started, including:

  • abbreviations used and a conversion chart from UK terms to US terms (the book is written in UK terms). 
  • a page of ideas for other uses of the motifs – such as clothing appliques, fridge magnets and any other kind of decorative purpose you can think of
  • Yarn, gauge and hook size information

Techniques

This is a great chapter with lots of tips and tricks to help you produce beautiful work, such as:

  • How to make a magic loop
  • How to make neater seams working in the round
  • Invisible joins
  • Changing colour
  • Embroidery tips

The patterns

In addition to the instructions for the plain background squares, here you will find:

  • 26 patterns for all the weird and wonderful sea creatures from A to Z
  • Each pattern includes a difficulty rating and is written with clear instructions, hints and tips and photo tutorials for the tricky bits
  • Fun facts about the creatures

Finishing off

Another great chapter with more tips on creating a beautiful finished blanket, including

  • Blocking your squares
  • Attaching your creatures
  • Attaching a fabric backing
  • Joining your squares
  • Making the border

And finally there is a comprehensive list of all the yarn used with details of colours and amounts used.

Of course, I couldn’t resist making a couple of squares myself but choosing just a couple of faves was hard – there are so many cute, quirky creatures to choose from!  I finally settled on the Clown Fish and Jellyfish for now but I’ll definitely have to make a few more in the future I think!

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!!  Giveaway !!

Pony has very generously given me a book to giveaway to one lucky reader.  To go in the draw to win a copy, simply leave a comment telling me what your favourite sea creature is.

Entry is for Australian residents only (sorry to my international readers – but postage is a killer). 

Entries will be drawn at random on 4th October 4:00 pm AEST

Where to buy Crochet A-B-Sea

Head over to Pony’s website for links to order either a print or digital copy.

Until next time

Michelle xx

 

 

Book Review: Crochet Kaleidoscope

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CrochetKaleidoscope_500px_72dpiimage credit:  F & W media

I am delighted to bring you a review of the fantastic new book Crochet Kaleidoscope – Shifting Shapes and Shades across 100 Motifs by Sandra Eng aka mobiusgirl on instagram or you can also find Sandra on her blog here

Inside you will find  a fantastic variety of patterns for 100 different motifs ranging in shape from circles, squares, hexagons, triangles and other shapes.  There really is something for everyone in this book!

Kaleidoscope_1045 (1)image credit:  F & W media

Each motif includes a clear photo, written instructions and a chart diagram.  Many of the motif designs are also shown in alternative colourways which is a great feature and really highlights how different a motif can look depending on your colour choices.

Speaking of colour, there is an excellent chapter on choosing colours which guides you through colour selection using the colour wheel, finding inspiration and pairing colours as well as some excellent links to ‘colour picking’ tools available on the web.

This book is a wonderful resource to add to your crochet bookshelf which you will refer to time and again when planning new projects.  I really liked the tip on using a photo collage app to get a sense of what your finished project will look like when all joined together.  To kickstart your creativity, there are patterns 5 gorgeous projects using some of the motifs in the book.

I always like to make something from the book I am reviewing.  Flicking through the pages, it was hard to choose.  There were so many interesting motifs I wanted to try, I didn’t know where to start!

Solstice_Pillow

image credit:  F & W media

I was really drawn to the Solstice Pillow and I’ve made a start on making these squares.  So eye-catching!

solstice squares

I also know someone who would absolutely love the Zinia Table runner

ZinniaTableRunner2

image credit:  F & W media

This is a great stash-buster project!  I’ve made a start with these – it’s very addictive and I’m enjoying how quickly it’s working up.

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In summary, Crochet Kaleidoscope is a great book and I would highly recommend it.  It will make a wonderful addition to your library and I’m sure you’ll refer to it often.

Until next time

Michelle x

*disclaimer:  I received a copy of this book in return for my no obligation, honest opinion.  There are no affiliate links in this post.

Tunisian Crochet Workshop Blog Hop

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Hello friends

Just popping in quickly to let you know that the official promotion for my Tunisian Crochet Workshop book starts on Monday 25th September where I’ll be kicking off over on the publishers, SewandSo blog . It also happens to be my birthday that day so double celebrations and cake all round!

Some awesome crochet friends will be joining me so come and join in the fun with us.

Monday 25th September – SewandSo

Tuesday 26th September – Amanda from Crochet by Redagape

Wednesday 27th September – Sandra from Mobius Girl Design

Thursday 28th September – Shelley from Spincushions

Friday 29th September – Julie from Little Woollie

Saturday 30th September – Cintia from My Poppet

See you there!

Michelle x

 

Herringbone Cushion Pattern in Mollie Makes Issue 84

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Herringbone Cushion pattern - Mollie Makes issue 84I was pleasantly surprised to discover the Herringbone Cushion pattern from my Tunisian Crochet Workshop book is reprinted in the latest issue of Mollie Makes (issue 84).  How exciting!

Herringbone Cushion pattern - Mollie Makes issue 84

This latest issue is out now in the UK.  I’m not sure when it will be available here in Australia or elsewhere but the digital version is available on the links below:

Apple – https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/mollie-makes/id911319779?mt=8

Google Play – https://play.google.com/store/newsstand/details/Mollie_Makes?id=CAowr9LnAw

Until next time

Michelle x

 

 

Tunisian Crochet Workshop Bonus Offer

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Hi there

Just popping in quickly to let you know about the free bonus pattern offer if you pre-order my book Tunisian Crochet Workshop now.

Tunisian Triangles_Bonus Pattern

When you place your pre-order you’ll receive a copy of my Tunisian Triangles cushion pattern. All the details of how to take advantage of this offer are over on Ravelry so click away and enjoy.   I know some of you have already pre-ordered your copies (thank you lovelies x), but don’t worry!  You can still get your bonus pattern too – just have your order number handy and follow the steps as per the instructions on Ravelry.

While you’re over on Ravelry you can also view all the individual projects from the book too.  Be sure to give your favourite projects some love!  It would be fab if you could press that little heart button on your faves so I can get an idea of what appeals to you all the most.

The Sampler Blanket is my fave of them all.  It was such fun to work on and uses many of the different stitch patterns found in the book so it’s a great way to practice your new skills.

Tunisian Crochet Workshop Book: Tunisian Sampler Blanket

photography: Jason Jenkins/F&W Media Intl.

Until next time

Michelle x

 

 

My New Book: Tunisian Crochet Workshop

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Tunisian Crochet Workshop Book by Poppy & Bliss

Do you remember a few posts ago, I quietly mentioned that I’d written a book?

Well, the day has finally come that I can let out the secret the I’ve been bursting to tell for so long now and I can start shouting it from the rooftops.  Yippee!

It was an exciting day here when the postie delivered an advance print copy.  Champagne was drunk and a little happy dance was had.

My book is called Tunisian Crochet Workshop and is an ‘all you need to know’ about Tunisian crochet filled with stitch patterns, projects and how to’s.

Click on the book for a little sneak peek inside

Tunisian Crochet Workshop book by Poppy & Bliss

 

The book will be available in September but is available now for pre-order on Amazon now.

 

Well that’s it from me now but I’ll be back to tell you more about my book later and there is a blog hop planned in the coming weeks too.  How exciting!

Until next time

Michelle x