75 Floral Blocks to Knit - Review and Giveaway

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.

Traditional Design - Four Seasons

Textured Design - Butterfly Bloom

Pictorial Design - Rose

In fact, over the past few months I have followed several of the patterns is each of the books I mentioned above with fantastic results.  I made snowflakes for the members of my book club and used several of Lesley's flowers to make bookmarks.
So while I can't say that I have actually followed any of these knitting patterns, I can earnestly say as long as they are of the same caliber as the others (which I feel confident they are) you will not be disappointed.

Can you tell that I am a fan of these books?
Here's why:
1.    Excellent Photography.  Each block, flower or snowflake is pictured individually in their actual size.  The pictures used here are my pictures of their pictures!
2.     Visually Appealing.  The overall layouts are done in such a way that they create backgrounds that compliment rather than compete with the objects.  It takes a keen sense of style to make page after page interesting - no matter how nice the knitting (or crochet) is.
3.    Simplicity of Content.  What I mean is the books are set up in a few sections that follow a logical plan.  They are not overly wordy relying on the photography and excellent line drawings to show you the way.
4.    The Patterns.  They are easy to follow with a nice sized font and plenty of white space between the lines.  The crochet patterns are also accompanied by charts that I find very helpful. Oh, and they are pretty too, with lots of unique and interesting designs that I actually want to make!

Now that I've given you an overview, let me tell you about this book.  The first thing that I thought when I opened it is that I really need to learn how to do knitting colorwork.  As a beginner I'm still working on the basics - like holding a needle in each hand and not letting the stitches slide off either one.  But it's books like this one that have inspired me to keep practicing.

There are three main sections;  Useful Techniques,  Instructions and Projects.  Useful Techniques provides a brief and clear look at what you need to know to make these squares.  It is meant to offer reminders of how-to instead of teaching (a beginner) how-to.  The Instructions are the patterns.  They are broken down into Traditional, Textured and Pictorial Designs.  "The traditional section draws inspiration from old, lacy, floral knitting patterns, the textured section includes bobbles, loops, picots and other textured stitches, and the pictorial section features some beautiful intarsia designs."

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. 

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Enter below for your chance to add this terrific book to your library!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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!

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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!