Greetings Friends!

Oh have I got something special for you!  It's a new book called Crochet: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide from DK Publishing. If you crochet - you should have this book in your library.  If you can't afford it (it's an oversized hard cover so it is a bit pricey), you should put it on your wish list and in the mean time, borrow it from your library!  I know you're wondering what is so special about this book? I made a list!  Let me say this first though... I am a bit fanatical when it comes to books, and even though I have a soft spot for all of them I don't love them all. I love this one. Not because the publisher sent me a free copy, but because in my opinion it excels in all of the areas a crafting book should.  Here we go...

The photography is outstanding.  This is a big book, printed on quality paper. The pictures are sharp, vibrant and dynamically capture the beauty of the yarns and stitches. There is a lot to look at making this as much a coffee table book as a how to guide. As the title claims, there truly are step-by-step instructions, wonderfully photographed and clearly worded for a bounty of crochet techniques.

This is a reference guide plus.  Here is a partial list of topics covered: following a crochet pattern, including reading charts; stitch techniques, embellishments, working crochet edges, open work and Filet crochet; colorwork; unusual stitches; unusual yarns (wire, t-shirt, plarn and string); making toys / amigurumi. Chances are if you are working on a project and come across a stitch or technique you're not sure how to execute, you'll find what you need here.  It's that kind of book!

Then there are the patterns.  More than 80.  Most of the techniques are accompanied by a pattern so you can see it in action.  Classic is the word that comes to mind when trying to think of how to describe them to you. There is nothing really advanced.  I think a beginner could do most, and certainly intermediate skills would be sufficient to follow all of the patterns.  Like all of the other information in the book, the patterns are clearly written with easy to follow, complete instructions.

One of my favorite things about the patterns in this book is all of the yarn recommendations are generic. Instead of telling us that some obscure, expensive yarn that you can't find or afford is used, these all say things like: Any DK merino can be used for a similar effect; An aran weight yarn will suit this project; or You can use any wool or wool mix 4-ply sport weight yarn for this project. I think that's awesome since choosing and substituting yarns is something I struggle with (and I bet lots of you do too!).

I always like to try out the patterns when I review a book.  In this instance I decided to try a new stitch.  It was still cold out and I had a skein of super bulky yarn left from the My Mountain promotion that Schachenmayr Yarns did last year. I made this simple cowl using just four stitches (I think! it's been a while and I can't find my notes!). I'm pretty sure it's just the chain, single crochet, half-double crochet and from the book - the Simple Crossed Stitch forming a top and bottom border.  I can't bear to think about wearing it now, but winter will be back again and I'll have this snazzy addition to my wardrobe.

Now how about that Giveaway!!

I think that you'll agree: this book is the kind of staple in your library that you'll turn to again and again!  In addition I've got some fabulous accessories to make this an awesome prize package.  There is a set of stitch markers from our etsy shop NirvanaDesigns, a pair of decorative forged embroidery scissors and a size H rosewood crochet hook.  There are several ways for you to enter - once or lots of times -  you decide. This one is open to US residents only - sorry folks, but it's a heavy book and shipping is on me! 

Good Luck!!

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me!
Until next time,
Be Blessed and Stitch and Read with Love!

Greetings Friends!

It's been a while since we've gotten together.  Don't think that I've been slacking!  I've actually got so many things in the works right now that I struggle to keep a healthy balance.  Since my last post and giveaway I'm excited to report that I've acquired some great new books and accessories to share with you.  So let's get right down to business and talk about the Stitch Red series and the newest book: Crochet Red.

The Stitch Red series of books are the brain-child of Jimmy Beans Wool co-founder Laura Zander.  Their designed to promote awareness and support for women and heart disease. Today heart disease is the number one killer of women and is more deadly than all forms of cancer. Wow! The good news is that we can change! Information gives us knowledge and that makes us powerful!  Beautiful projects are coupled with personal stories from the designers, tips for healthy living and even enticing recipes.  On top of that, a portion of the proceeds go to The Heart Truth® and women's heart health education and research.

When the publisher asked my if I was interested in reviewing a copy I didn't hesitate to say yes.  While the women in my family have been fortunate,  in 2012 my husband at the tender young age of 50 suffered a major heart attack.  Thanks to the amazing medical professionals and the technology available he's made a tremendous recovery.  He's got a pacemaker that helps his damaged heart beat strong and steady and we're both now non-smokers after more than 30 years!

Our family has made lots of changes and as devastating as the whole ordeal has been we appreciate each other more, let the little things slide and enjoy every single moment we have together. Things I'm sad to say we didn't always do before.

During those difficult times going in and out of the hospital, crocheting was my serenity.  I was too distracted to concentrate on books and reading, but the easy rhythm of hook and yarn helped to keep me calm and let time pass without counting every minute. I continue to find peace and relaxation with my yarn, and a project bag is always with me just in case!

Now, about the book... Crochet Red is an attractive, nicely laid out collection.  The book is divided into 3 primary sections.  Following the introductions by both Deborah Norville and Vanna White we have: Projects & Profiles, Heart-Healthy Living, and Crochet Know-How. There are a variety of projects, and while a complete novice may need a little guidance, there seems to be a little something for everyone. There are bigger items, like the Peplum Jacket by Kathy Merrick with it's flattering shaping and detailed stitching at the waist and small fun items like the Heart Sachet (that I chose to make) by Kristin Nicholas.  The patterns are clearly written and easy to follow.  I did run into a little trouble making the heart sachet, but I think that was more due to being tired than any problem with the pattern!!  I am a fan of charts as a means to enhance a written pattern, but I was able to get by without them and I think the end result is just lovely!! The photography is wonderful with multiple images from different angles including close ups of stitch details. I found this helpful (in the absence of charts) to make sure that I was following the pattern correctly.

As a book and reading geek I especially like this book as the profiles of the designers and details about the patterns add insight and feelings that we don't always see in pattern collections.  I'm always interested in what inspires a design and like to understand how it came into being.

If you've read my reviews in the past, you know that I have a pet peeve about book bindings.  I'm pleased to report that while this is a paperback with a glued binding, it easily stayed opened to the right page!!  

Crochet Red Prize Package

I'm really excited to have this red themed prize package for you.  All of the pieces just seemed to come together and I think it may be one of the best giveaways yet!!  Here's what you'll win:  A copy of the book (from the folks at Sixth&Spring Books); A pair of my favorite stork scissors; A key chain made from heart sachet pattern in the book embellished with beaded charms; A set of hand crafted stitch markers from our shop Nirvana Designs with easy open lever backs (that could even make cute earrings!!); and finally a red crochet hook.  WOW!! It's free, easy and open to EVERYONE!! If I can send it to you through the US post office - you can enter!! 

Well folks - I hope you're all as excited about this one as I am!
Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me.
Until next time friends,
Be Blessed and Stitch & Read with Love!

Greetings Friends!

I am so excited to announce that our Etsy shop is now officially open!  If you've been reading the blog then you know that we've been working on this for a while.  And let me tell you it's been work!  I really had no idea what is involved in opening up a shop.  It's a lot like when I started the blog.  Learn as you go.  Be patient and flexible.  If somethings works - keep doing it and if it doesn't, change it!

Our shop is called Nirvana Designs and it's development has been a somewhat organic process.  I learned how to crochet, started writing about it and the blog was born.  I took up knitting and wrote about that.  As I learn things I like to share them with you.  It's a way for me to record my experiences and hopefully lend a hand to you along the way.  My husband ties flies for fishing.  It's small, precise work.  One day I admired the beaded earrings a patron at the library was wearing.  It turns out her daughter made them. I thought we can do that!  And so we did. With John's amazing dexterity and my creative motivation we began making earrings.  Then came stitch markers. And more jewelry.  It's fun and a terrific way for us to share a hobby. We didn't set out to sell anything, but since we've pretty much saturated our friends and family with gifts and we're not ready to stop making things a Etsy shopped sounds like the obvious next step.

For nearly a year we have been refining our techniques, searching for raw materials and slowly building our inventory.  The past month I've been doing product photography and learning about Etsy.  Believe me there is a lot to learn!  Thankfully there are plenty of books available and more importantly, the site is designed for people just like us. 

Now after more that 1000 pictures and many hours on the computer we are happy to welcome you to our grand opening.  We're hopeful that you'll take a look at what we've been busy making.  To break the ice, we're offering 50% off your first purchase.  Use the coupon code: WELCOME at checkout.  Initially we're only listing our stitch markers.  The jewelery collection is coming next and eventually I hope to offer a selection of knit and crochet pieces.

We're having a great time with our new project and we're looking forward to learning, growing and finding our place in the world of Etsy boutiques!  Drop in for a browse and maybe even treat yourself to a little something! 

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

Scarves, Shrugs & Shawls:
22 Knitted Designs with Their Special Techniques
by Sarah Hatton
St. Martin's Griffin
February 26, 2013; 136 Pages

Scarves and wraps are the perfect canvases for experimenting with new stitches and practicing new techniques. From well-respected Rowan Yarn designer Sarah Hatton with Sharon Brant as the technical editor, Scarves, Shrugs & Shawls offers over twenty easy-to-make and fun-to-wear designs that explore a range of knitting techniques—from gorgeous textured and cabled stitches, to intricate openwork and lace patterns, to interesting and appealing shaping. A gallery of designs features the garments photographed in full color and includes a helpful and inspiring "How to Wear It" section, showcasing the myriad ways to wrap your shawl, twist your neck warmer, or tie your scarf. Making these popular accessories even more versatile so you can wear them over and over, and still keep them looking fresh! (from Amazon.com)

Greeting Friends!

Welcome to a new review and an awesome giveaway.  First, let me tell you about the book.  As most of you know I'm a lover of books - that includes all kinds from fiction to dictionaries and everything in between.  As a crocheter and more recently a knitter I love browsing through the pages of pattern books looking for projects and inspiration.  Having checked out many titles from our library I fancy myself a bit of a connoisseur.  So how does Scarves, Shrugs & Shawls measure up?  On a scale of 1 - 10 I give it a solid 8. 

The book is set up in sections.  Right away I was drawn in by the full page photographic spreads featuring each item.  So often in pattern books you get one little picture.  Not here.  After you've had a chance to view each piece from a variety of angles it's on to the patterns.  Again there are more (different) pictures that really show you what you're making.  Along with the line by line instructions charts have been included allowing you to use whichever format you prefer.  Now I haven't made any of these items, so I can't speak to the accuracy or ease of following the patterns, but I did read through several and it appears that they are well laid out and complete.

As the publisher promises, there are a variety of different techniques featured in the patterns providing an opportunity to try new things.  As a beginner I feel like several of the patterns are more advanced than I am, however the technique section at the back of the book seems to offer good insight on the skills needed by  covering everything from how to avoid holes when doing two handed fair isle work,  how to string beads using a needle and thread, to making a no-turn bobble.   I'd say the projects are best suited for those with knowledge of the basic skills and some experience under their belt.  A confident beginner should be able to handle many and might be inspired to give some of the more complicated designs a try.  Intermediate and advanced knitters will be pleased with the options available.  There really is something for everybody.

I'd say my favorite part is the "How to Wear It" section.  What a brilliant idea!   As a scarf and shawl enthusiast I'm always struggling to find new and interesting ways to wear them.  While this section is showcasing the garments from the book they make it easy to see how it would work on any item of similar shape and dimension.  In addition to the pictures they tell you what to do to achieve each look!  For the fashionably challenged like me this is important!

The paperback book is nicely bound and lays open fairly easily.  It's 9.7" x 9" size makes it big enough to see things clearly, but small enough to fit in your bag if you wanted to take a project on the go.  I like the matte finish of the pages, too.  Overall I think this is a well done book that any fan of shoulder and neck wear would be happy to have in their collection!    

I love giving things away!  I'm so blessed and thankful to the people at St. Martin's who send me all kinds of books to review.  It only seems right that I spread the joy and share them with you.   I've been collecting little trinkets to put together a fun knitting prize package.  In addition to the book, there are stork scissors!!  These are a classic item and a huge favorite of my Facebook friends.  This pair is 3.5" tall making them perfect for home or on the go in your travel bag.  I have a 5" pair that I use every day - they cut beautifully!  Next I found a pair of Rosewood knitting needles from Boyd.  They're US size 6 and 14" long.  They're quite lovely and while I've never tried them, I know that my Rosewood crochet hooks feel warm and natural and seem to get better every time I use them.   Finally there is a set of handmade cobalt blue glass stitch markers.  They're one of a kind and will help you keep your place in style!  So there you have it!  All the tools you need - just add your favorite yarn and you're on your way to knitting nirvana!!

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me.  I hope that you'll take a moment and throw your name in the hat.  I've tried to come up with lots of different ways to enter giving you plenty of options.  This time I'm opening the drawing to everyone everywhere!  If I can send you mail through the US Post Office than you're welcome to enter. If you're a crocheter and are feeling left out - don't!  I've got something special planned for you coming up towards the end of the month!  I promise you're going to love it!

Until next time friends,
Be Blessed and Stitch & Read with Love!

100 Colorful Granny Squares to Crochet by Leonie Morgan
St. Martin's Griffin
March 19, 2013; 128 Pages

The timeless granny square has adorned sofas, armchairs, and bedspreads for generations. In this latest addition to our popular Knit & Crochet series, we feature a treasury of squares that are quick to make and sure to stand out—from tried-and-true vintage favorites to contemporary designs. Author Leonie Morgan uses her amazing eye for color to add a new and appealing twist to the perennially-popular granny square, presenting us with a fabulous collection of squares featuring delightful and vivid color combinations that are perfect for a new era of crocheters.

The book teaches you everything you need to crochet beautiful granny squares—from the basics to embellishment techniques that will really make your work pop. The possibilities for square designs are endless, with an in-depth overview for how to successfully mix and match colors, plus step-by-step instructions for a variety of embellishments including tapestry and surface crochet, cross-stitch, and appliqué. With all this technical and professional know-how, crocheters will be inspired to get adventurous with their colorways and decorations for an array of projects from heirloom afghans, to quick cushions, to baby blankets, and more!

Now you, too, can create a granny square showpiece that can transcend the ages and add a fantastic burst of color to any household. (from Amazon.com)

Granny Squares.  They're timeless. Classic. A simple design that transcends all styles. They are both old fashioned and modern finding a welcome spot in most any home.  You decide what the style will be.  Will you make something using the classic pattern and your stash of scraps? Or will you push the design envelope and and use unexpected techniques like cross stitch and surface crochet with your hand dyed yarn? No matter what you choose the granny square is one of the most versatile crochet elements you can make.

It's hard to believe that I made my first granny square a little over a year ago.  In that time I've learned so much about them. (Check out my series The Granny Square Project, the links are in the sidebar.) And just when it seems like there couldn't possibly be something fresh and different a new book arrives on my doorstep!  The folks at St. Martin's sent me the latest in their crochet/knitting series to review and share with you. 100 Colorful Granny Squares to Crochet is bright, cheerful and overflowing with great ideas.

As I've come to expect with the books in this series, the photography is terrific presenting clear, consistent shots of each design.  The patterns are accurate, easy to follow and are accompanied by charts/diagrams.  This makes any questionable instructions easily understandable.  I find myself volleying back and forth between the words and diagrams.  Because of using both I'm certain that my chart reading skills have really improved.

I was pleasantly surprised to see a number of squares using cross stitch, surface crochet, applique elements (including beads and ribbons) and embroidery to create beautiful and interesting designs.  There are also squares that use color in a technique that is basically the crochet equivalent to intarsia knitting.  The two hearts that I made show a few of these.  They were challenging, but fun to make.  The challenge being in using new techniques.  I've never done any cross stitch before, so it took me some time to get the feel of it.  I'm quite taken with the look and am glad to have it in my crochet toolbox!

Another nice feature of this book is the inclusion of yarn requirements to make various size throws using each square.  I've never seen that before and can imagine it being helpful in planning a project.  In addition to the squares there are a handful of projects scattered throughout.  Since this is primarily a book of squares it makes sense that it's not saturated with projects.  There's a bit about designing your own as well as a section devoted to edging and border patterns.  Of course these are all in addition to overviews of tools & techniques, joining & blocking and caring for your projects.

Can you tell that this one is a hit with me?  I'm flipping through it to see if I missed anything important, and to see if there's anything that I don't like about it. The only thing that could potentially be improved is the binding.  This is a paperback and the pages have a tendency to flip closed while you're using it.  A spiral binding would take care of that, but it's hardly a deal breaker! I'm sure over time and from use the pages will relax and stay open more easily.

Now let's get to the good stuff!  That's right, the giveaway!  This time I have something special in store for you.  Not only am I giving away a copy of the book (thanks St. Martin's!), I've collected a few other goodies that I think you're really going to like.  First there is the rosewood crochet hook from Boye.  It's a US size H/ 5.00 mm.  I have a few of these myself and they get better every time I use them.  Plus, I love the warm feel of the wood.  Next is this adorable pair of scissors.  The cast filigree design makes them lovely addition to your kit.  They're sturdy and sharp with a slightly round tip that won't poke into things should you decide to carry them with you.  And finally, a one of a kind set of handmade stitch markers.  They have the lobster claw head that you need for crochet, and their size makes them easy to manage but not overwhelming on delicate work. They're from our soon to be open Etsy shop - Nirvana Designs.  For now though, the only way to get them is to win them!  The drawing is easy to enter, and the Rafflecopter gives you lots of options for multiple entries.  I do have to limit this one to residents of the US only (sorry!), but I promise there will be more that are open to everyone coming soon!

Well folks, that's all for now.  I hope you enjoy the review and that you take a few minutes to enter the drawing.  I'm excited to have such a wonderful prize package for you.  All you need is your favorite yarn and you'll be ready to make granny square magic!  The contest ends at midnight on Wednesday, May 29 and you can even come back and enter everyday if you want!

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

I am enamored with flowers.  Pansies mainly. They have long been one of my favorite blossoms, and so I decided to see what kind of interpretation I could design.  A natural pansy is a bit unbalanced with big and little petals.  My plan is to incorporate them into squares, and since I'm still a novice it makes more sense to work with uniform sizes. I'm feeling pretty satisfied with where things are so far.  The technique for moving from flower to square was a challenge for me.  I want the background to resemble a classic granny, so I needed to add on chains in the right location and configuration that I can work off of to make the square. With a few more adjustments I should have my "Classic Granny Pansy" ready for it's unveiling.

Along with the pansy, I'm working on a pop-corn-picot flower.  Again I plan to use the classic granny as the background.  I'm sure I can find a pattern for these, but I'm trying to build my design skills.  That means I'm stitching and ripping and stitching some more until I'm happy with the result! I have one finished that gets the big thumbs up, and another that is nearly there!  Look for the big reveal on Friday.

I still have other projects on the hooks. Eleanor and Juliana are patiently waiting for my flower fetish to wilt.  But for right now, I'm really enjoying all the new things that I'm learning and being able to share my experiences with you.  I had no idea when I started the Granny Square Project that it was going to grow into something so wonderful.  I figured I'd make a few squares and be done.  I guess not.  Now I understand why people are so devoted to this technique or method of crochet. It's fun, satisfying and only limited by your imagination.

Since it's Wednesday I bet you're surprised that I didn't included a book picture!  Actually, I'm just about finished with Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness.  There has been much anticipation for this book as her debut last year with A Discovery of Witches was enormously successful. Was it worth the wait? I'll let you know what I think when I'm finished!! 

Well friends, that does it for me today. I'll be linking up with these terrific blogs, and spending some time visiting and seeing what amazing things are going on.  I hope you'll join me.

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

I've been inspired by fabric this week. Today I'm finishing up a tote bag and yesterday in just a few hours I made this sweet barrette. I owe thanks to Libby (Truly Myrtle) who showed me how in her pincushion tutorial. I knew when I saw it that I'd be wearing flowers in my hair! Here's what I did:

I know that this doesn't really "go" with my flowers, but I'd like to share it with you just the same.  Only recently I discovered SoCS. A weekly prompt for five minutes of writing in the raw (like Five Minute Friday). I've been doing them both, but it feels awkward since they're only a few days apart and so similar. It turns out that I don't have to worry about it anymore because Fadra, our host has decided after two years it's time to move on and today is the last SoCS. I wish her well as I've enjoyed the Sundays we've spent together.  There is a bit of serendipity at work here because I was facing another Sunday conflict. I've decided to participate in the Ravelry Group - Come Blog-A-Long. The Second Year of Projects kicks off today, July 1 and weekly updates are posted on - you guessed it - Sunday! With SocS ending I don't have to choose where I want to do my weekly writing exercise or worry about overextending myself on Sundays!  I love it when things just fall into place like that.

So without further ado, here is my five minutes of writing on today's prompt:

What does it mean to reinvent yourself?

Recently I reinvented myself – well not entirely. I think it’s more like I found my true self and I’m letting her out.

I used to worry about fitting in, what people think, keeping up with the Jonses all that kind of stuff, and then a few years ago after some very bad things happened I decided it was time to let go and move on.

To find out who I really am and to be true to her I had to do a lot of soul searching and praying and meditating and simply letting go of all the old ways that were not working.

I started to believe in myself. I began to do things just for me. Because I wanted to and because I need to take care of myself.

I stopped trying to control everything and everybody in my life.

It has been so liberating! So freeing.

I think differently and respond differently and I’m happy. I face difficult situations with faith and optimism that I can and will get through. I enjoy my life. I appreciate little things and little events. I work on being in the moment and being happy now. There’s no reason to wait for the big long list of things to be done and then be happy when I can just do it now.

I hope you enjoy the small things that make up your day! I'll be linking up this week with the lovely Nicole and her family on the farm at Frontier Dreams: Keep Calm and Craft On. There are always lots of wonderful works to see. Why don't you join me? Until next time friends,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!

Today we made earrings for a couple of friends.

I designed these little cards to hold our creations.

We needed a name.  Something that we can use for all the creative ventures that we undertake. I love Crochet Nirvana, but it doesn't say "Jewelry".  And so Nirvana Designs was born.

We've only just begun our journey, and there's so much to learn.    As long as we have a good time being creative together and maybe have the good fortune to make a few bucks then it's a trip I want to take! (Does this mean we're starting an etsy shop?!?)

Although all this work isn't doing anything to reduce my yarn stash, it is giving us some great ideas for holiday gifts.  Check out what others are doing over at Underground Crafter!

Until next time friends,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!