Mindful Crochet - A book Review

Mindfulness: a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and body sensations, used as a therapeutic technique*.

Mindfulness is extremely contemporary at the moment, and appropriately so; with increasingly hectic and busy lifestyles it's important that we take some time to focus inwardly and find a space and time to be calm and peaceful. 

Clinical studies show that mindfulness can help reduce anxiety, exhaustion and insomnia and can enhance the body's natural healing rhythms. It's no secret that crafts like knitting and crochet also have similar effects and can even slow the onset of dementia. So what better way to improve our physical and mental health than by combing the two?

Prayer Flag Garland

I was privileged to be asked to review a copy of Emma Leith's new book, 'Mindful Crochet'. On reading the introduction, Emma explains how crochet has changed her life and that it is '... the doorway to my happy place where pain and anxiety are softened and a state of peaceful acceptance resides ... it doesn't make the bad stuff go away, but can help transform it.'

Mindfulness Cowl

I couldn't agree more with Emma's thinking - I find crochet extremely relaxing (except when trying to wrestle with a particularly difficult pattern, or yarn that just won't do what I ask) and it's my favourite way to wind down after a long day. 

Prayer Beads Purse

Emma's book is split into four sections: Colour Therapy, Touch and Texture, Mindful Meditation and Caring and Sharing and has 35 beautiful projects with everything from small motifs and quick makes to larger ones which will take a little longer to complete. There are projects for the home, including bunting and flags, a table runner, a cushion and even a chandelier; and accessories – bag and purse, a desk tidy, shawls and scarves. Each project has a star rating which denotes the skill level required and the instructions are written in UK terms with clear descriptions of how to make the stitches in each round or row and detailed explanations of how to make up and finish each piece.

Boho Baskets

Dotted throughout the book are mindfulness reminders – helpful little tips and hints to put you on the right path as you work through the projects. These include practicing breathing techniques, helping you to focus on achievement and fulfilment and enjoying the rhythm of the stitches.

One thing that strikes me as I flick through the book is the wonderful range of colours popping out from every page – every project is photographed beautifully and looks very inviting. The yarn choices throughout range from cottons and acrylics to sock yarn and mohair. What I particularly like is that you could happily use whatever yarn you please, busting your stash or substituting for your favourite brands.

Kaleidoscope Mandala Mat

I'm thrilled to be able to give away a copy of Emma's lovely book to one lucky blog reader. All you have to do is enter below. The giveaway will end on the 2nd April 2019 and the winner will be notified by email. Entries welcome worldwide.

**** GIVEAWAY CLOSED ****

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I'm waiting for a quiet moment in my schedule to have my own moments of mindfulness, but I cannot decide between the Kaleidoscope Mandala Mat or the Summer Sun Coasters ....

Enjoy your week,
Sarah xx

*From online dictionary
I was given a copy of the book in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Supersize Crochet - a new book

Oh yes, it's very nearly here...
My new book is currently at the printers, ready to be released in May 2017 .
*supresses squeals of excitement*

There are 20 projects to choose from ranging from larger-than-life rugs and blankets to an oversized colour block cowl and hat for super-sized accessorising. The projects are simple enough to be tackled by beginner crocheters and you’ll be amazed by how quickly they work up.
All you need to get started is a big hook and some yarn and you’re good to go!

So why tell you about it now?
Well, I thought it would be jolly nice to offer this free BONUS pattern for anyone who decides to pre-order a copy.

Here's what you need to do:

Want a FREE copy of my “Gelato Snood” pattern?
(Offer valid until 25/05/17)
If you pre-order my book on Amazon, it’s yours with my thanks! Here’s how to get it:
1) Preorder Supersize Crochet on Amazon by clicking here:

2) After you have placed your order, click here to visit the link to receive your free bonus project (you’ll need to input your order number, so have that handy).

3) Enjoy your free pattern right now!

I hope you all like the new book - it's been a real pleasure to design the projects for you.

And if you fancy a quick peek at all 20 projects, then check out the Ravelry page here.

Happy crocheting,
Sarah xx

Twenty

A magic number.

Not my age (alas), but the number of projects I need to design for the book.

Luckily, as it's a book for beginners, the projects are neither complicated nor lengthy. 

However, designing everything from scratch involves a lot of testing and trying and fixing and frogging.

And there's a lot to be done..

I do hope you likey.

Enjoy the rest of your week, 

Sarah xx

It's a ...

...book!

A book is my new project.
No, I can't believe it either.

(A book about crochet, obviously- not a 50 Shades or Harry Potter type-thing)

So, pull up a chair (yes, the squishy one over there) pour yourself a cuppa (teapot's on the table) and let me tell you a story about a book....

...For anyone who doesn't know, I haven't been crocheting long. I taught myself a few years back when I felt the grey matter ebbing away after I'd left teaching to be a full-time mummy;

I needed to learn something new.

And so I tinkered about a bit.

And crocheted.

I made some stuff. Some bad... Some really bad.

But some good.

Then I started selling the things I made. And people liked them.
I sold my crocheted wares at local events, rented a little shelf in a little shop in Arundel and online, too.

And then I thought I could design my own stuff.

So I did.

I started writing down my designs and putting them in my Etsy shop.

And people liked to buy those too.

And all along, I had this little blog. 

Where I catalogued my crochet journey (honestly, go back to the beginning and you'll find all the really bad stuff) where I tried new things and where a lovely publisher found me.

And their crafty commisioning Editor wrote to me and told me all about a book she wanted to make. 

And asked me if I would like to write it.

And I said 'Yes'.

So after much talking and discussing (and scribbling of ideas in the dead of night) I went to New York Newton Abbot in Devon for a planning meeting.

I met the fabulous gals from F&W Media and we planned the book. 

From cover to cover.

Seriously. It was a lengthy meeting. And definitely the most enjoyable meeting I've ever attended. We worked all day, without a break (none was needed- we were unstoppable).

There is a now a detailed plan about everything I need to write and design and I am raring to go.

The deadlines are ready..

My pen (laptop, actually) is poised..

I'm ready for the off. (Look! I have already made a terrible mess of my front room)

Can't wait to tell you what happens next.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Sarah x