Stunning Stitches ~ Martingale ~ Book Review

Stunning Stitches

by Jen Lucas

ISBN: 978-1604688238

Publisher: Martingale

Publication Date: May 23, 2017

Photographer: Brent Kane

RRP: $24.99

Available direct from Martingale.

    

This book is a fantastic addition to 

any knitters library.

Jen uses 7 sets of stitch designs

and uses them to create different garments.

This means you can make beautiful projects

that match and can be worn together.

It also means that you can enjoy the stitch patterns

for longer and make multitude of items.

 

I personally find this idea wonderful.

I often feel just as I am getting used to a design

the project is finished.

This way I can enjoy it for much longer and make

even more beautiful items that match.

Each of the patterns are broken down into sections:

Skill Level & Size etc.

Instructions (this gives you the general instructions of the

pattern i.e. set-up row)

Finishing

Written instructions for the chart

Chart

The patterns vary in difficulty from easy to experienced.

There are so many beautiful designs in this book.

It would make a fantastic gift for anyone you know

who likes to knit.

I love how she has used some lace designs in full

on a shawl and then added it to the edge of a cowl.

Each of the items can be made individually

or you can make the set.

The projects would make beautiful gifts for

family and friends.

Amazing designs that I am sure you'll want to knit.

Available direct from Martingale.

    

I received this book to review.

However all opinions expressed are my own.

Affiliate links are included on the post.

No monies were exchanged.

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The Art of tatting Jewelry ~ GMC ~ Book Review

The Art of Tatting Jewelry

by Lyn Morton

ISBN: 9781784942496

Publisher: GMC Publications

Publication Date: 7 Feb. 2017

RRP: £14.99

Available direct from GMC.

   

This book is designed for shuttle tatters 

who want to make some amazing designs of jewellery.

All of the designs use diagrams as well as written patterns.

Each design is broken down into smaller parts

and then added together.

The templates show you all the different options

that put together the different jewellery.

This book is designed for people who can already tat

and the instructions are for using a shuttle.

You could use the instructions using other methods

if you wish.

Some of the designs are also shown in different

colours so you can see what a different effect

it causes.

There are some amazing and beautiful designs in this book.

Available direct from GMC.

   

I received this book to review.

However all opinions expressed are my own.

Affiliate links are included on the post.

No monies were exchanged.

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Freeform Crochet ~ Search Press ~ Book Review

Freeform Crochet

with Confidence

by Carol Meldrum

ISBN: 9781782212676

Publisher: Search Press

Publication Date: 19 January 2017

RRP: £10.99

Available direct from Search Press.

   

I love to crochet but have always been scared

of freeform crochet.

This book is here to give you and me the confidence

to be able to not only follow patterns

of freeform but to also create your own.

Freeform take the rules away and lets

you create with individual styles and techniques.

Carol takes you through step-by-step so even

if you haven't crocheted before you can give it a go.

There are clear instructions with pictures to make

it easier to follow.

The start of the book is taken up with the instructions

of the different stitches.

Then it's straight into the patterns.

The patterns vary in difficulty and show you how

you can do something as easy as changing colours

at random through a project or use different designs

to create unique styles. 

The patterns are varied and give you a fantastic

overview of what you can create. 

The projects are all fun and use an amazing array of colours.

The patterns are all in written format 

and are easy to follow.

The writing is a bit small for me for the patterns

 

I love how Carol gives you support within each pattern

to make it easier. The little hints about how

to put the projects together etc. make them easier to complete.

The patterns are split into sections:

Patchwork & Squares

Circles & Spirals

Organic Patterns

Openwork & Lace

Trims, Edgings & Fillers

Within these sections are the following patterns:

Fingerless Gloves

Striped Headband

Table Mat

Cup Cosy

Striped Square Scarf

Patchwork Cushion

Nautical Flag Bag

Shopper Bag

Wavy Beanie Hat

Spiral Bag

Infinity Scarf

Cosy Slippers

Layered Brooch

Notebook Slip Cover

Camouflage Phone Case

Neck Warmer

Organic Scarf

Button Bracelet

Necklace Collar

Lace Motif Wrap

Embroidery Hoop

Mason Jar Cover

Granny Chic Top

Mix & Match Cardigan

Floral Filler Shawl

Freeform Trim

Loopy Edging Scarf

Floral Trim Mittens

Layered Lace Hat

Edging Garment

This book really does offer great value for money.

It teaches the techniques you need to create your

own freeform as well as providing you with

and amazing array of projects to make.

 Available direct from Search Press.

   

I received this book to review.

However all opinions expressed are my own.

Affiliate links are included on the post.

No monies were exchanged.

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I've Made Friday Week 210

Hi everyone.

Wow what a week.

I ended up back at the doctors

as my IBS hadn't been behaving and

the medication wasn't working.

The weather was awful but then it brightened

up nicely.

I didn't finish making much this week.

Time just seems to be flying by.

I can't believe it's spring already.

I do hope we get a nice summer this year.

Red Monster has been busy with science experiments.

 

This is an experiment to show what collagen feels 

and looks like.

You put the egg in vinegar and leave it.

The acid takes away everything except the collagen 

and the egg shell that is left is soft and bouncy.

We couldn't resist the magic crystal tree.

We also looked up how and why it is created.

The salt crystals are dissolved in the ammonia.

It soaks up the cardboard tree shape

and as ammonia drys quickly the crystals form

at the edges. As each one forms another grows on top.

With the shape of the cardboard the tree shape appears. 

This is the little gift I created for Red Monster.

Everything fits into the tin and there

are two sky scenes for day and night.

He loves playing with his Charmander and

the little things he has.

It's so easy to pack away and take with you

anywhere!

I made the figure and bits out of fimo clay.

I then made the bed, bottom and skys out of felt.

I added the glow in the dark star and moon from

a set Red Monster had.

I think it turned out quite well

and Red Monster loves it.

I had my hair dyed and restyled this week.

  

A bit of difference.

It won't stay looking like that as I am not very

good at styling my own hair.

It feels a lot lighter and cooler which will be nice

if the weather ever heats up.

Apart from that I haven't any real news.

I hope to be back soon.

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