75 Floral Blocks to Knit, by Lesley Stanfield St. Martin's Griffin January 22, 2013; 128 Pages So you might be wondering why a crocheter like me is reviewing a book on knitting. Well, my friends at St. Martin's have a terrific line of craft books, including 100 Flowers to Knit & Crochet which is also by Lesley Stanfield, 75 Floral Blocks to Crochet by Betty Barden, 100 Snowflakes to Crochet by Caitlin Sainio, and 100 Colorful Granny Squares to Crochet by Leonie Morgan (due out in March 2013). And they have been kind enough to share some of them with me (and that means I get to share them with you!). Now you might be wondering if I have enough knitting knowledge to be able to provide you with an accurate review. The answer is of course I do! Don't let the fact that I have only recently joined the legions of bi-craftual yarn enthusiast color your confidence in me. The truth is that while my knitting experience is limited, my experience with books, these books in particular is not.
Like all patterns in the series they (seem to be) easy to follow and are accompanied by an excellent photo. Charts are included where appropriate, and the skill level is noted on each one. And finally the Projects. Since the book focuses on the squares, there are only a few and they really serve to give you ideas of what you can do with your work. They are creative and urge you to look beyond the standard blanket. Is there anything that I don't like about the book? To be honest not really. The only thing that I noticed is there are fewer beginner patterns than intermediate and advanced. I counted 19 out of the 75 are for beginners and 10 of them are in the Pictorial Design category which seems a bit out of balance. As a beginner myself it feels like the book is geared for a more experienced knitter. However, the only way to advance is to try new things and practice until it's not hard anymore! So my friends there you have it. A crocheter's review of a lovely little book of knitting. Lesley Stanfield is clearly a talented fiber artist as this book and her others show. Whether knitting or crocheting she brings beautiful, original designs to life offering a tremendous variety of patterns. Enter below for your chance to add this terrific book to your library! A few things about the giveaway. First, please know that the books that St. Martin's sends me are newly published or advance copies that they have asked me to review. The opinions that I express are my honest views about the books and are not influenced in anyway by the publisher. Second, this is my first giveaway using the Rafflecopter entry form. Please let me know if you find it difficult. The raffles are for you and I want them to be friendly and easy to enter. Next, I'm sure it says it somewhere, but this giveaway ends on Sunday, February 24, 2013 at midnight. I'll announce the winner within 48 hours. And finally, this giveaway is open to everyone everywhere. If I can mail it to you through the USPS please feel free to enter! Good Luck! Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me!
I hope that you enjoyed the review and will take a few moments and enter to win your own copy. Not a knitter? I bet you know someone who would love to add this to their collection! Until next time friends! Be blessed and stitch & read with love!
35 Comments
2/10/2013 04:38:08 am
i loved your review of the book.i am a knitter and crocheter.i will be definitely looking for this book
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laura
2/10/2013 04:48:50 am
i have a few of lesleys books.love them.great give away and great review
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linda
2/10/2013 06:21:38 am
great reader and addicted to crocheting flowers, leaves one of my fav to do
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2/10/2013 06:45:03 am
If possible, I like knitting in the daytime best for the lighting. This book looks like an amazing way to advance my skills on very small projects.
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Debbie Phillips
2/10/2013 08:49:18 am
I usually knit or crochet in the evening. If I am learning something new, though, I have better success if I take time out during the day to try it.
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Diane
2/10/2013 05:14:14 pm
This looks like an awesome book and I sure would love to add it to my knitting book collection. Your review sure sold me on this book!
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Francisca S.
2/10/2013 06:53:49 pm
I crochet on the weekends mostly.
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2/10/2013 08:46:08 pm
While any time is a perfect time to knit or crochet, my favorite are the hours between midnight and 2 A.M.
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Sarah Vincent
2/11/2013 02:44:57 am
My favorite time of day to crochet it ALL DAY! Whenever I find myself with a spare moment, I don't turn on the TV, I don't get on the computer (computer time is reserved for when I SHOULD be doing homework [like now ;P]), but I grab my crochet basket, assess my yarn, and start making something.
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Wendy
2/11/2013 11:38:12 am
Count me in! I'm all for trying out a new square. These would be beautiful as a quilt like knitted blanket!
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jessicac
2/11/2013 11:38:31 am
I love to knit in the evening, but if its a Sunday, I love to knit all day and watch old movies!
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Ann
2/11/2013 12:25:10 pm
I love to crochet or knit in the afternoon while watching movies :)
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MJ
2/11/2013 01:02:00 pm
I knit anytime I can find a quiet moment. Looks like a wonderful book - love all the colorwork.
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Tera Rowe
2/11/2013 01:36:11 pm
I like to knit anytime I can sneak it in :) Most of my knitting tends to be in the evening..
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Karen aka purplepenguin on Ravelry
2/11/2013 02:26:34 pm
I usually knit in the evenings, while watching tv. If I am not spinning that is! LOL
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Jessie
2/11/2013 04:16:22 pm
Love the book!
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Beth W.
2/12/2013 12:35:10 am
I love the book! I crochet mostly in the evening...when the house finally gets quiet.
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Toni
2/12/2013 01:30:14 am
what a lovely review, i knit and crochet and spin and either do one or the other every day :) good luck everyone :)
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Rose Scott
2/12/2013 03:57:52 am
Any spare moments I have, I just love to pick up my project and knit a few rows.
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patsy
2/12/2013 04:16:33 am
I like to knit or crochet in the afternoons.
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knittingdancer on Ravelry
2/12/2013 05:36:40 am
I usally knit in the afternoons or at night watching tv. I also knit in the mornings at my 2 knitting groups each week.
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KK
2/12/2013 07:08:28 am
In the evening while watching TV. I also like to curl up and crochet on a quiet afternoon, but with two toddlers I don't get many of those.
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Erica
2/12/2013 03:38:47 pm
Looks great! Have you reviewed the other books in the series?
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Flo
2/13/2013 04:22:57 am
Those are some seriously cute blocks! I'd knit them first thing in the morning -- my favorite time to knit/crochet -- while listening to NPR or an audiobook.
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vikki
2/14/2013 02:58:48 am
Please enter me!
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Lucia
2/14/2013 02:59:07 am
I love all kinds of flowers and love to knit, so how wonderful it would be to win this book! Please count me in, thank you!
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Jean A.
2/14/2013 03:26:08 pm
I usually craft at night. I knit and crochet, but have never tried flower blocks before...
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Pat
2/17/2013 06:38:14 am
I would love to knit all day but sadly I can only in the evening.
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lin
2/21/2013 12:19:06 pm
always looking for patterns for flowers, love them, great give away thanks
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Sandy
2/22/2013 08:50:48 am
I crochet whenever I have a free moment. There is always some crochet project lurking in my purse.
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Rosalie Wright
2/23/2013 11:42:10 am
Love your inspirational ideas and blog postings.
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My name is Robin. I am a wife, mother and strong believer in the power of faith. I'm a maker, a crafter and an artist. I love exploring new mediums and sharing my adventures with you. Did you enjoy your visit? Let me know by leaving a comment. I love knowing you dropped by, and hope to see you again soon! Be Blessed and Stitch & Read with Love! |