Pretty neat huh?  As I was getting ready to write this post I did a bit of looking around the internet for details about the author.  It really is a small world, because what I discovered is that Ms. Nicholas lives in the same region of Massachusetts that I do!  Now we're not next door neighbors, but all things considered we're close enough that I'm sure we've driven on the same roads and shopped in the same stores! It's a rural area so we're pretty lenient about what we consider close by!!  Now are you ready for another bit of coincidence that will make you say wow?? Do you remember about a month ago when I decided it was time to learn how to knit and  I got myself a stack of books from the library?  Well, the first book that I opened up when I got home and the one that I am still referring to on a regular basis because of it's easy to understand illustrations is called Kids Knitting by Melanie Falik.  Guess who illustrated that book?  You got it - Kristin Nicholas!!  Now I'm not sure what the universe is trying to tell me, but I feel confident that there is a message in there somewhere.  It seems like our paths are destined to cross and I'm curious about what the future holds.  In the meantime though I'll settle for making more sunflowers and working on my knitting skills!!

What do you think about that?!?  Now it's your turn!  I'm giving away a copy of "50 Sunflowers" to one lucky winner.  It's free and easy to enter and I just know that you're going to love this book!  If you're interested in purchasing a copy it goes on sale on March 19. You can get a signed copy from the author herself by following the link on her blog, Getting Stitched on the Farm. You can also find it on Amazon and other retailers.

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, I'm sure it says it somewhere, but this giveaway ends on Wednesday, March 20, 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!

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me!
I hope you enjoyed the review and will take a moment to enter the drawing.
Until next time friends,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!

"A kind heart is a fountain of gladness, making everything in its vicinity freshen into smiles."
     ~ Washington Irving (1783-1859)

Perfection.  We strive towards it.  We practice to achieve it.  In matters of the heart it is often elusive.  But in crochet, all things are possible.  And so I set out to crochet a perfect heart.

There are patterns that make them in the round and those that work them in rows.  Some came close, but nothing gave me exactly what I was looking for.  I knew that creating a perfectly symmetrical heart was a matter of diligence, patience, and little geometry.  I learned a lot from all the different versions I made. Using the elements that worked the best from other patterns and through lots  of trial and error this beauty came to life! 

I made my thread hearts into bookmarks, and I included the instructions here so you can make them too.  If  they're not your style there are lots of other things you can do.  Thread hearts can be attached to a card with ribbon and given as a lovely Valentine.  Sew them onto a shirt, hat, jacket or pants pocket.  Sew 2 together and stuff for fluffy hearts.  Add a little cat nip to make a treat for you favorite kitty.  Attach one (or more) to a hair clip, barrette, or head band.  Hearts made with worsted weight yarn and an H hook are the perfect size for a coaster.  Add personalization by stitching you and your love's initials with embroidery floss.  Embellish them with terms of endearment (like the Sweetheart's Conversation Heart candies). Or just make them because they're fun and easy!

The heart in the pattern is made with #10 cotton thread and a #4/1.75 mm steel hook.  It measures about 2.5 inches x 2.5 inches.  The large heart in the picture above is made with worsted weight acrylic and an H/5.00 mm hook.  It measures about 5.5 inches x 5.5 inches.  You can make them with whatever yarn or thread and hook makes you happy.

No matter what you do with your heart, I hope it fills you with gladness and brings you a smile!

It's easy to loose your place when working rounds 3 and 4 so I created a PDF that you can download.  I point the corner of a sticky note at each step/stitch and move it to the next after working it.  Then if I  have to put my work down I know where to start!

Thanks so much for spending a bit of your day with me.
Until next time friends,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!