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 ****

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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.

Cutest Crochet Creations - A book review and GIVEAWAY!!

Autumn seems to be book review season for me...

*** GIVEAWAY CLOSED ***

But you won't hear me complaining. This is the second book I've been lucky enough to receive to review - and I must tell you, it's a cracker!!

Alison North is someone I've known for aaaaaages on Instagram, under her name of @KornflakeStew and she is an amazingly talented amigurumi designer. For the last few years, her sweet little creations have been flying off her hook and into her Etsy shop but now, you can find a whole new selection of cute characters in her new book, 'Cutest Crochet Creations'.

I really like the book - not just because the patterns are sooooo sweet, but because it's put together in an easy-to-follow format, which is perfect for new and experienced crocheters alike:

The first section covers everything you'll need - materials, yarn and accessories - and then describes all the basic stitches with illustrations to help. Alison then shares her crochet tips for amigurumi-making; everything from changing colours to fitting safety eyes and assembling the pieces together. Again, helpful photos guide the reader.

And then there are 16 original patterns - all of them equally ADORABLE!!! 

I chose to make Boris the Bear, because he looked like a serious sort-of chap:

I found the pattern easy to follow - the instructions are written in US terms, but this is easy to get used to and it didn't pose a problem at all. I liked how there were close-up photos to show me where parts should be positioned, or how to make certain stitches and I found the instructions for assembly very well-explained.

Congratulations, Alison - it's a fabulous book!

Alison has kindly sent me an extra book to GIVEAWAY!!!

All you have to do is enter below and a winner will be drawn at random on the 29th September 2018. Open worldwide.

Good Luck!

As a part of the Blog Tour with TUVA publishing, I received a copy of Alison North's book to review and a copy to giveaway. 

All views this blog post are my own.

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Home Decoration in Crochet - a book review

It seems to be book review season here at the moment

And I'm not complaining, I'm really not - this particular one is a corker!

It's written by Tanya Eberhardt, a fellow crochet designer, who I've known for ages through her blog, Little Things Blogged and her Instagram account, Ltblogged.

It's a book packed to the brim with 25 colourful designs to brighten your home - everything you could imagine, from beautiful blankets to these adorable jar cosies *adds to ever-growing future projects list*

This is another of the projects which caught my eye - a vintage-inspired cushion cover.

And this stool cover is such a fun make, too.

But I've always been a storage girl at heart and I loved the simplicity and stitch definition of these sweet little baskets.

I had some cute little balls of yarn I'd picked up at Yarndale (for a bargainous 50p each) and thought they'd be the perfect match.

And they are!
The pattern was well written and very easy to follow and it even had a chart, too. I love the way this has turned out and am planning to make the other two sizes, too.

(I've just realised that I actually did not complete as many rows as Tanya's pattern states - that's what I get for crocheting late at night!) but I'm still just as pleased. I might make the taller version next.

 

I've really enjoying looking through Tanya's book - there are projects in here to suit everyone, from a complete newbie to an experienced pro and there's even a tunisian crochet project included. 

The patterns are written in US terms throughout and all have them feature a chart. At the back of the book there is a brief section containing descriptions of the stitches and techniques you'll need to know.

If you'd like to purchase Home Decoration In Crochet by Tanya Eberhardt, then it's available here.

Enjoy!

Sarah

Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of Home Decoration in Crochet for free. However, the opinions I’ve posted are my own.

Book review - Colourful Crochet

Would I like the opportunity to review a new crochet book and be a part of its blog tour?
Would I 'eck!!
(Especially when it's been designed by a fellow crochet pal, Marianne Dekkers-Roos)

Marianne and I have 'known' each other through blogging and social media for many years now and I'm very honoured that she has reviewed both my books, so was super-glad of the opportunity to repay the favour - and what a treat it is.

I love Marianne's designs; they're bright, colourful and completely inspiring, and if you follow her on Instagram, or via her blog, you'll know exactly what I mean.

This book does not disappoint.

There are 23 projects listed, but what I really like is that some of them show two or three different items you could make with the motifs - clever, eh?

The patterns themselves are varied and are a mix of projects for your home and accessories to wear. They also range in difficulty from beginner-friendly to something more challenging, too. 

Each project is written clearly, with each step well-explained and there is an accompanying chart too; perfect for those of us who prefer a visual approach to making patterns.

AND, Marianne has a top tip for getting your granny square to stop being squiffy (you know how they kind-of lean?) anyhoos, I cannot reveal the secret - you'll have to read the book.

So, what did I choose to make?

Not an easy decision- there are so many designs I wanted to try, but I settled on the Geometric Triangle Blanket. I was intrigued to see how this pattern came together.

Ok, so I may have lied a teeny bit. 

I have not made a human-sized blanket. I have made a tiddly mouse-blanket.

Here's the first row done. Isn't it clever? I love how the triangles are constructed.

And this is the beginning of the third row. It's a lovely pattern to crochet and not as tricky as I thought it might be - there's a lovely rhythm in its making, with a two row repeat, which I really enjoy. 

If you'd like to join the blog tour and see what other crochet peeps have made (there's some crochet royalty taking part, let me tell you) then take a look here for all the links.

And if you'd like to purchase your very own copy, then see here.

Well done, Marianne - it's a really wonderful book.

Sarah xx