Learn to Carve Gnomes, Trolls, and Mythical Creatures by Sara Barraclough

 
Here is the book summary:

A delightful woodcarving book devoted solely to magical little creatures!

·       15 beginner-friendly projects with step-by-step instructions and coordinating photography

·       Full-size patterns with painting and finishing instructions for each project

·       Instructional guide for carvers of all skill levels to learn how to whittle and carve a variety of fantastical creatures

·       Progress your skills, from easy projects like a simple mushroom house to an intermediate elf and gnome to a more advanced dragon, wizard, and more

·       Author Sara Barraclough is a master carver, a regular contributor to Woodcarving Illustrated magazine, and the author of Weekend Whittling Projects

Carve a world of fantasy!

The perfect source of inspiration for whittlers and carvers alike, Learn to Carve Gnomes, Trolls, and Mythical Creatures boasts a menagerie of 15 woodcarving projects for any skill level! This woodcarving book is devoted to the booming popularity of gnomes and their charismatic features, from their floppy hats to their expressive eyes, as well as other magically charming creatures and objects. From a happy hedgehog and a darling dragon to a forgetful wizard and a whimsical unicorn, Learn to Carve Gnomes, Trolls, and Mythical Creatures is the perfect source of woodcarving inspiration!

Sure to conjure up your carving creativity, this exciting guide contains 15 step-by-step projects that carefully progress in difficulty from easy to more challenging, but can all be completed with just a few tools. With complete plans and step-by-step instructions and photography, you'll learn how to carve charismatic characters and objects full of magic, whimsy, and personality, including an owl, a sassy squirrel, a tiny woodsman, a sleepy fox, a troll with a will-o'-the-wisp, an elf, a cheeky toad, and much more! Along with the skill-building projects, you'll also find helpful overviews on materials and tools before getting started, detailed step-by-step photography, and guidance on painting and finishing each completed project.

Author Sara Barraclough is a master carver and a regular contributor to Woodcarving Illustrated magazine, as well as the author of the incredibly charming Weekend Whittling Projects. With a detailed introduction on materials and tools, as well as helpful tips on painting and finishing each piece, Sara will walk you through every stage of the carving process.

Beginners and pros alike will get a kick out of the super-simple, sweet designs rich with charismatic personality inside this book. Bring to life a magical array of gnomes, elves, animals, ogres, and more, with Learn to Carve Gnomes, Trolls and Mythical Creatures!

And now, my review:

I just really enjoyed looking through this Learning to Carve book.  My neighbor was a master carver and so we have greatly enjoyed carvings over the years with us not doing much carving ourselves.  This book makes me want to grab out some wood, supplies, and tools and get carving. This author makes it look so fun and she gives great ideas to get started.  She included measurements for the wood blocks along with painting ideas.

I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.   

https://www.amazon.com/Learn-Gnomes-Trolls-Mythical-Creatures/dp/1497101123/ref=sr_1_3?crid=TVCY7IL5HXBD&dchild=1&keywords=learn+to+carve+gnomes%2C+trolls+and+mythical+creatures&qid=1628513830&sprefix=learn+to+carve+gn%2Caps%2C329&sr=8-3

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learn-to-carve-gnomes-trolls-and-mythical-creatures-sara-barraclough/1136389586?ean=9781497101128

Crochet by DK

 

Here is the book summary:

Learn more than 130 fully illustrated techniques and stitches and put them into practice as you go, creating 80 imaginative projects for home and to wear.

Packed with step-by-step photography and clear instructions, Crochet has everything you need to crochet a gorgeous array of clothing, home decor items, and toys. Get started with your first crochet hook, work a range of classic granny squares, and discover how to craft delicate lace and openwork pieces. Practice your newly learned skills on simple projects as you move through the ebook, or dive straight into the dedicated projects chapter, which includes amigurumi and toy designs, blankets and pillows, and clothing for children and adults.

Newly updated with a fresh design and brand-new photography, Crochet is both a perfect e-guide for beginners and an invaluable resource for more practiced crocheters.

And now, my review:

With Crochet by DK there is so much inspiration in one book it just gets you longing to start a project or play with some new stitches with a scrap of yarn.  I was thankful that this book has such nice pictures that show what they are describing because it helps for those who learn by seeing.  From young and old alike, learning the skill of crocheting is possible with this book. 

I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  

https://www.amazon.com/Crochet-Over-130-Techniques-Stitches/dp/0744020409/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=crochet+by+DK&qid=1609263976&sr=8-1

Choose Joy by Ink & Willow

 Here is the book summary:

Relax and enjoy a creative approach to gratitude with this beautiful coloring book for adults filled with breathtaking illustrations and inspirational quotes from writers, hymns, and Scripture.

In today's hectic, stress-filled world, taking stock of our blessings and truly experiencing gratefulness isn't always easy, but this coloring book offers a beautiful and unique way to find moments of peace and quiet to meditate on gratitude. Each beautifully illustrated page features an original design from one of seven talented artists that illustrates a corresponding quote.

Features include:
  •  Large format 9.75" x 9.75" (25x25cm) pages
  •  45 single-sided coloring pages
  •  High quality, bright white paper stock--heavy enough to use pencils, pens, or markers
  •  Quotes from the Bible, hymns, and variety of inspirational writers, such as Charles Stanley, Henry Ward Beecher, Maya Angelou, Louisa May Alcott, Martin Luther King Jr., Shauna Niequist, Bob Goff, G.K. Chesterton, Mr. Rogers, and more
  •  A link to the "Gratefulness" playlist to help set the mood for worship, contemplation, creative expression, and a spirit of gratitude
  •  Illustrations by Holly Camp, Jennifer Tucker, Ann-Margret Hovsepian, Katie Howe, Laura Marshall, Bridget Hurley, and Radha Carlson--all artists previously featured in the bestselling Whatever Is Lovely and Everything Beautiful

This coloring book will take you on a journey towards deeper gratitude. Whether you are embarking on this journey by yourself or in a group, pick up your favorite art supplies and color your way to a new understanding of what it means to be truly grateful.

And now, my review:

To me Choose Joy: A Coloring Book of Gratitude and Wonder is an inspiring adult coloring book.  It has quotes written by other Christians throughout it with about 10 pages of Scripture pages.  The drawings are beautifully done.  Each one stands alone and brings a relaxing feel to it.  I was pulled to this book because of the title and the season in life that I find myself in.  Very fitting for such a time as this.  My favorite quote outside of all the Scripture pages is the one by Kay Arthur.  I just love her.  There is a little snippet on the backside of each page of where the quote, which I really enjoyed reading, came from. I'm looking forward to some color time with this one.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Choose-Joy-Coloring-Gratitude-Wonder/dp/0593232208/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=choose+joy&qid=1601940165&sr=8-7

https://www.christianbook.com/choose-coloring-book-gratitude-and-wonder/ink-willow/9780593232200/pd/3232200?event=

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/choose-joy-ink-willow/1136665360?ean=9780593232200

Plant Lady Embroidery by Applemints

Here is the book summary:

Brimming with over 300 botanical motifs, this wonderful resource will provide inspiration and instructions for embroidery artists and flower ladies everywhere. This collection features designs including flowers, ferns, succulents, leaves, bees and garden scenes. The books includes basic embroidery instruction for stitches and transferring designs onto fabric.

Original designs and clear instructions make this book a must have for any embroidery enthusiast's library. 

And now, my review:

If you are a person who loves to embroider, this is a great book of inspiration.  Included in this book are all sorts of plant embroidery creations.  Among the plants and flowers are a few extras.  The first part of the book is individual creations and as I moved to the back of the book, she had some creations with many components put together.  I found it to be quite inspiring. 

I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Plant-Lady-Embroidery-Botanical-Designs/dp/1631598457/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2YONOO568LIGB&dchild=1&keywords=plant+lady+embroidery&qid=1596139403&sprefix=plant+lady+em%2Caps%2C185&sr=8-2

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/plant-lady-embroidery-applemints/1132830715?ean=9781631598456

How to Draw Almost Everything Volume 2

Here is the book summary:

How to Draw Almost Everything Volume 2—a follow-up to the popular book 

·       Learn to draw each illustration in easy-to-follow steps. Just follow the arrows to complete each step. You’ll also find helpful tips and ideas for drawing variations.

·       Start with basic shapes, such as circles, triangles, and squares, then add special details to personalize your illustrations.

·       Draw animals, people, everyday objects, patterns and borders, and holiday and seasonal themes, along with warm-ups and special lessons.

·       An inspiration gallery offers fun ideas for adding illustrations to everyday objects or creating one-of-a-kind notes, cards, and gifts.

Each book in the Almost Everything series offers readers a fun, comprehensive, and charmingly illustrated visual directory of ideas to inspire skill building in their creative endeavors.

And now, my review:

I found this book to have all sorts of ideas to play around with.

I received an ARC digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/How-Draw-Almost-Everything-Illustrated/dp/1631598465/ref=sr_1_1?crid=HIJY9NIHD9YR&dchild=1&keywords=how+to+draw+almost+everything+volume+2&qid=1596137755&sprefix=how+to+draw+almost+everything+vol%2Caps%2C206&sr=8-1

Super Simple Hand Lettering Projects by Kiley Bennett

Here is the book summary:

The exciting follow-up from Kiley in Kentucky!

·       15 step-by-step projects for cutting boards, coasters, signs, holiday accents, clothing, decorative chalkboards, and more

·       Over 300 photos and drawings take you through each hand-lettering project in detail

·       Hands-on project book for practiced hand letterers to personalize gifts, add to your home décor, and let your letters shine

·       Learn how to use different surfaces, such as chalkboard, fabric, and glass, not just paper

·       Endless inspiration from popular author, teacher, and professional brush-lettering artist Kiley Bennett

If you have mastered Kiley's first book, Super Simple Hand Lettering, then Super Simple Hand-Lettering Projects will take your talents to the next level!

So, you already love to letter and have a favorite alphabet? Then this project guide will keep you inspired, lettering on just about everything, and allow your calligraphy skills to shine! Discover ways to hand letter on a variety of surfaces and materials in order to create amazing and appealing works of art, whether you want to give them as gifts, sell them in your Etsy shop, or decorate your home.

Filled with 15 simply gorgeous projects for making, displaying, and gifting, this book will help you discover all the amazing ways you can take your skills to the next level. Featuring helpful tips for lettering on fabric and wood, lettering with chalk on a chalkboard, lettering on a curved surface, and more, these accessible projects will have you creating a stunning collection of charming holiday ornaments, cake toppers, inspirational signs, functional items, and even clothing—all featuring your own personal touches. With step-by-step instructions, beautiful photography, and design templates, this book is the ultimate source of inspiration for lettering lovers!

Created for the experienced hand-letterer, Super Simple Hand-Lettering Projects contains a quick introductory course on lettering basics just to refresh your memory. Then, the easy-to-follow instructions, high-quality photography, material lists, helpful tips, and expert guidance from Kiley will encourage you to pick up your pens and get lettering!

The second book from the author of the wildly popular Super Simple Hand Lettering, Kiley Bennet (@kileyinkentucky on Instagram), Super Simple Hand-Lettering Projects is the ultimate source of inspiration for passionate hand letterers to keep going!

And now, my review:

Super Simple Hand Lettering by Kiley Bennett is inspirational in the way of inspiring 15 projects.  I did not find it so much a book that teaches hand lettering.  It does however have a few pages to refresh what I already know.  Some of my favorite projects were the writing on glass and adding words to a denim jacket.  I also thought the wrap that goes around flowers to be just a simple yet powerful addition to an already longed for gift. 

I received an ARC digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Super-Simple-Hand-Lettering-Projects-Calligraphy/dp/1497204518/ref=sr_1_3?crid=214N7HNTOLV48&dchild=1&keywords=super+simple+hand+lettering+projects&qid=1596137051&sprefix=super+simple+hand+lettering+pro%2Caps%2C192&sr=8-3

The Step by Step Guide to 200 Crochet Stitches by Tracey Todhunter

Here is the book summary:

An inspiring collection of 200 classic and new crochet stitches!

The perfect resource for new and experienced crocheters alike, The Step-By-Step Guide To 200 Crochet Stitches offers 200 stitches with detailed written, charted, and photographed instructions. This essential book stitch dictionary includes:

   • Basic stitches
   • Fans & Shells
   • Bobbles & Clusters
   • Spikes
   • Relief stitches
   • Mesh & Filet
   • Waves
   • Crossed stitches
   • Decorative stitches
You'll learn essential crochet skills, such as changing color, fastening off, and forming basic stitches. Each stitch is accessible with written, charted, and step-by-step photo instructions that clearly explain where the yarn goes each step of the way. Plus, large finished swatches in eye-catching colors show off the beauty of each stitch inspiring your hook through the entire book.

The Step-By-Step Guide To 200 Crochet Stitches is the must-have stitch dictionary you'll want in your reference library.

And now, my review:

The patterns are easy to read, fun, and inspiring.  You can go for days with no boredom with this one.  For those who love crocheting, I would highly recommend this book.  It’s easy to understand and great for beginners.  Those of us who are experienced, it’s a great reference for your crochet library.  I especially love the patterns where they change colors.  Now I’m off to crochet, crochet, and crochet some more. 

I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Step-Step-Guide-Crochet-Stitches/dp/1632506572/ref=sr_1_1?crid=I8JT417DEDSV&dchild=1&keywords=the+step+by+step+guide+to+200+crochet+stitches&qid=1593197359&sprefix=the+step+by+step+guide+to+%2Caps%2C176&sr=8-1

Beginner's Guide to Colorwork Knitting by Ella Austin

Here is the book summary:

If you long to knit stunning fair isle jumpers and brightly colored blankets for your home this is the perfect book. Learn all the techniques for how to start knitting with color and create really desirable projects as you learn. Choose from brightly colored stripy socks and work your way up to a patterned beanie hat and even a stunning sweater with a colorwork yoke. Even if you can only knit and purl--with this book you'll be making gorgeous colorwork accessories before you know it!

And now, my review:

I find Beginner’s Guide to Colorwork Knitting to be easy to read and very insightful.  It shows you how to do the different stitches, along with abbreviations, as well as giving you patterns to work on in both projects and learning a certain pattern to make your own creation with.  It gives you tricks to cutting your work without hurting your work.  It gives you different textures to work with.  The colors are creative and exciting to play with.  As a knitter, I enjoy this one.

I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Beginners-Guide-Colorwork-Knitting-Techniques/dp/1446307417/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2QZ3OQUQ7E5BS&dchild=1&keywords=beginner%27s+guide+to+colorwork+knitting&qid=1593195149&sprefix=beginner%27s+guide+to+colo%2Caps%2C178&sr=8-2

Amazing Loom Knits by Nicole Cox

Here is the book summary:

Prepare to be amazed at the stunning knitted accessories you can make on your loom!

Cabled hats, lace wraps, colorwork scarves and leg warmers, textured shawls, cowls, socks, and more! The basic loom knitting techniques are easy to learn, and when you are ready for more, lace, cables, Fair Isle, and beautiful textured designs can all be accomplished on a knitting loom.

This book teaches all of the loom-knitting stitches needed in photo-illustrated steps, so it's easy to follow along and start knitting your first project right away. Once you start, you'll want to knit all 30 patterns in the book!

·       Learn how to cast on, basic knit and purl stitches, and bind off

·       Expand your knowledge to use more than one color, make textured stitches, and lace

·       30 knitting patterns included for hats, scarves, shawls, totes, headbands, mittens, and more

And now, my review:

I thought that Amazing Loom Knits by Nicole Cox was an inventive way of showing all the different things you can put together using a loom.  My daughter didn’t realize before this book that you can use the loom in so many different ways to creative so many different things with it.  I personally really liked the mittens.  I think that you’ll be able to find a project that catches your eye.  The instructions seem laid out pretty well.  This book will really come in handy for our library of creative thread ideas. 

I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Amazing-Loom-Knits-colorwork-stitches/dp/0811737977/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1D43UQS0Q2Y4K&keywords=amazing+loom+knits&qid=1582906319&sprefix=amazing+loom+%2Caps%2C193&sr=8-1

Coffeehouse Knits by Kerry Bogert

Here is the book summary:

The jolt of inspiration every knitter needs!

Inspired by the ritual of sipping and stitching, Coffeehouse Knits is a stimulating collection of knitwear with an extra shot of something special. Whether you're joining friends at the coffee shop for community knitting or you're home enjoying the first cup of the day, perk up your knitting with:

   • 20 patterns that range in skill level from advanced beginner to intermediate--macchiato to espresso.
   • Simple touches evoke the idea of everyone's favorite drink, from steaming swirls around a sweater yoke to coffee bean inspired motifs.
   • Stirring essays from knitters explore community, connection, and caffeine.
Pour yourself another cup and settle in with Coffeehouse Knits.

And now, my review:

I just love perusing a new knitting book.  My favorite patterns in this book are the Gingersnap Pullover that is a nice sweater, Morning Brew Pattern of a sweater, and the Soho Shawl.  To top these, being a sock person, I just love that they included the twirling socks and extra whip sock patterns.  Now that the snow is flying, I think I might try to whip up some mittens using the Steamed Mittens pattern which takes the basic mitten look and adds a flare to it to make it extra special.

I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Coffeehouse-Knits-Knitting-Patterns-Essays-ebook/dp/B07MMWJ8V7/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Coffeehouse+Knits&qid=1576180713&sr=8-1

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/coffeehouse-knits-kerry-bogert/1129228741?ean=9781632506597#/

The Crochet Stitch Handbook by Betty Barnden

Here is the book summary:

The Crochet Stitch Handbook fully explains over 200 stitches. A perfect starter guide for beginners, with advanced projects and details for experts, this book is a wonderful addition to the library of any crafter, crocheter, or knitter.

The handbook includes step-by-step instructions for basic stitches, textured stitches, fans and shells stitches, mesh and filet stitches, openwork and lace stitches, trims and edgings, clusters, puffs, bobbles, spike, relief, Tunisian, multi-color, squares, and special stitches.

Crochet is the technique of making a looped fabric from a continuous length of yarn, using a single hook. The word crochet itself derives from the French croc, meaning a hook (or crook); an old Scottish name for crochet is "shepherd's knitting." It is one of the most portable and flexible of crafts, requiring only a hook and some yarn. 

Master the basic techniques of crochet, and more, to create a fascinating variety of effects with The Crochet Stitch Handbook.

And now, my review:

I found The Crochet Stitch Handbook by Betty Barnden to be an excellent book in the crochet book world.  She is thorough and helpful with a written pattern and a “picture” pattern.  My teenage daughter could not put this down.  She just kept working through more and more stitches and they were beautiful.  There is so much inspiration and ongoing options to choose from and I just can’t say enough about this book to all our friends in the crafting world.  If you’re a fellow crafter in the crocheting world, you’re going to want this physical book in your library!

I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review,

https://www.amazon.com/Crochet-Stitch-Handbook-Easy-Follow/dp/0785836365/ref=sr_1_3?crid=TPMZNJLHR8AH&keywords=the+crochet+stitch+handbook&qid=1570278317&sprefix=the+crochet+stitch%2Caps%2C160&sr=8-3

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-crochet-stitch-handbook-betty-barnden/1129166165?ean=9780785836360

Doubleweave by Jennifer Moore

 











Here is the book summary:

Conventional shaft loom weaving constricts the weaver into making only a single layer of fabric that is no wider than the loom. Increase your loom's capabilities with Doubleweave Revised & Expanded!
 
In this comprehensive guide to doubleweave, master-weaver Jennifer Moore revisits the tips and techniques to weaving in multiple layers.  Doubleweave Revised & Expanded is filled with new information about doubleweaving and more including:

·        More doubleweave technique samples for both 4 and 8-shaft looms, including more overshot patterns.

·        Expanded information on how to weave fabric twice, thrice or even four-times the width of your loom, with no seam.

·        Beautiful doubleweave project patterns for the home and more!

 Expand the abilities of your loom with Doubleweave Revised & Expanded!


And now, my review:

Doubleweave was a great book to work through.  I received an ARC and it was digital which didn’t come through all that well but that’s definitely not the author’s fault and what I found inside of this book was some great ideas for some future projects.  I enjoyed the ideas that the author shared.  What I saw of her machines looked very nice and the peace and relaxing rhythm of this hobby really makes me want to get moving on creating a masterpiece of my own.  My favorite part was the layers that she showed me how to work.  I also really enjoyed her many patterns and the color schemes that she chose.  If I were to buy this book I would purchase a physical book for the ease of flipping through the pages for inspiration. 

I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Doubleweave-Revised-Expanded-Weavers-Studio-ebook/dp/B07MMTRQ9Y/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?crid=1P0MOZWSLQMCG&keywords=doubleweave+revised+and+expanded&qid=1556675029&s=gateway&sprefix=doubleweav%2Caps%2C490&sr=8-1-fkmrnull

Pocket Art Portrait Drawing

Here is the book summary:

The instructions are quick visual exercises in Pocket Art: Portraits, the first book in the new Pocket Art series.

This lively, graphic approach to explaining concepts will have you looking and learning with step by step illustrations and expert tips straight from London-based artist "Miss Led" (aka Joanna Henly). This compact 112-page book is just right for carrying in a backpack or pocket for when you’re learning on the go.

Henly begins by guiding you through your initial set up, then moves on to "Understanding the Face". She takes you through every detail of capturing facial features and expressions, and mastering the rendering of hair and skin. Her exercises demonstrate and reinforce everything you learn as you go along.


And now, my review:

Pocket Art: Portrait Drawing is a nice book to reference when working on Faces.  I also found that this was quick moving and the change from one to the next was VERY quick and not all that basic.  So it depends on your talent and where you are in your drawing skills as to if this will be a good fit for you.  I know for me, if I’m working on a certain part, say an ear, then this resource can be helpful for me to look at.   

I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Pocket-Art-Portrait-Joanna-Henly-ebook/dp/B07CNMCGFN/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2G4UAMBCICH94&keywords=pocket+art+portrait+drawing&qid=1556669635&s=gateway&sprefix=pocket+art%2Caps%2C227&sr=8-1

Crochet 101 by Deborah Burger

Here is the book summary:

Written with the absolute beginner in mind, this engaging book teaches all the basics for learning to crochet with step-by-step instructions and photographs. Crocheting skills are learned by working on projects, beginning with something very easy and getting progressively more difficult as the reader works through the book. New skills are explored in depth as they are introduced. The introductory section covers all the basics of crochet-selecting yarn, hook types and sizes, other tools and accessories, crochet gauge, chaining, forming the basic stitches, reading patterns-making this the most comprehensive beginner’s book available. The online video tutorials created to supplement this book are an additional learning tool demonstrating the essential techniques used in crochet.

And now, my review:

From picking yarn and fibers to finding the right crochet hook for you, this book has all the basics a person needs to get started and be successful with crocheting.  My favorite project was what the author called the Roll Brim Cloche which is a hat with some flowers on it.  And I loved what she called a Flower Power Retro Beanie.  It was so nice that she included “wet blocking” instructions for the Windflower Shawlette.  There are many other parts of this book as well that makes this a great book to check out for your craft library.

I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Crochet-101-Step-Step-Instruction-ebook/dp/B07G36FJ95/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=crocheting+101&qid=1553967263&s=gateway&sr=8-2

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/crochet-101-deborah-burger/1112615804?ean=9781631596520

Knitting Modular Shawls, Wraps, and Stoles by Melissa Leapman

Here is the book summary:

Shawls are practical, versatile, and an ever-popular project among knitters. Noted designer Melissa Leapman has developed an innovative technique that promises hundreds of beautiful shawl design options in Knitting Modular Shawls, Wraps, and Stoles!

Beginning with a simple triangular wedge, Leapman shows how multiple knit triangles can be joined together to create square, rectangular, trapezoidal, and semicircular shapes. Her easy and customizable technique offers knitters of all levels endless flexibility in design and yarn choices. Charted patterns for 185 different stitches allow readers to select their favorite embellishment for the main fabric of their shawl. Colorful photographs of 20 of Leapman’s original designs illustrate the creative potential of this technique.

And now, my review:

Knitting Modular Shawls, Wraps, and Stoles by Melissa Leapman is an inspirational knitting craft book that I enjoyed.  The author has put many options in the hands of us individuals to pick and choose what we like best.  I really like that versatility.  Her patterns seem very extensive but well spelled out.  My favorites are Design #14 and Design #20.  There are 20 designs to choose from overall, but the sky is the limit on the mixing and matching that can go on with all the stitches that she offers. 

I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Knitting-Modular-Shawls-Wraps-Stoles/dp/161212996X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3H2X4R3G2V5MT&keywords=knitting+modular+shawls%2C+wraps%2C+and+stoles&qid=1551368916&s=gateway&sprefix=knitting+mod%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-1

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/knitting-modular-shawls-wraps-and-stoles-melissa-leapman/1129201566?ean=9781612129969#/

Delicate Crochet by Sharon Hernes Silverman

Here is the book summary:

Light, airy pieces crocheted in fine yarns show off the beauty of your crochet stitches and are a dream to wear! The shawls, cardigans, tops, and other designs in this collection are light as a feather, super soft, and made to drape beautifully across your body. These lacy pieces are fun to crochet and very versatile. Change up the yarns to create looks for day or night, work or play, city or suburbs. 

Pattern contributors include Kristin Omdahl, Robyn Chachula, Marty Miller, Amy Solovay, Vashti Braha, and others known for their innovative, gorgeous crochet designs. Each of the 23 patterns includes full written instructions and charts as needed. All special stitches are fully explained and skill levels range from easy to advanced.

And now, my review:

There’s wraps, shawls, scarves, gloves, and sweater/cardigans in this one. Along with a necklace design. There are 23 designs to choose from.  I enjoyed the names of each item.  In just their titles, it drew me in.  Each pattern told me what level it was rated and all the supplies I needed to have to accomplish that design.  I would say these are in the lace family of looks.  I think my favorite designs from this book are the Palmy Cardigan and the Lacy Sleeveless Cardigan.

I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Delicate-Crochet-Pretty-Designs-Shawls/dp/081171988X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=delicate+crochet&qid=1551366253&s=gateway&sr=8-1

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/delicate-crochet-sharon-hernes-silverman/1128520537?ean=9780811719889#/