Early Book Review: Huggable Amigurumi : Crocheting Teddy Bears and Other Cute, Cuddly Friends by Franziska Poser

Huggable Amigurumi : Crocheting Teddy Bears and Other Cute, Cuddly Friends by Franziska Poser is currently scheduled for release on February 20 2024. This book contains detailed  instructions for 14 extra-extra-large crocheted animals; from a funny floppy-eared rabbit to a waddling penguin and a giant teddy bear. By using a particularly thick crochet yarn, these oversize animals don't take much more time to crochet than normal-sized cuddly toys and the Nordic pastel colors blend wonderfully into every home, so that these cuddly friends are not only a real eye-catcher in the children's room, but also on the living room sofa. These big buddies are life-size cuddle partners that bring instant joy to children's faces.

Huggable Amigurumi is a well written and organized instruction book for making huge stuffed animals. I love making amigurumi and love the look of the finished project. However, I have to admit that working with the smaller hooks to get the tight stitches necessary to keep the filling invisible takes a toll on my hands and wrists so I do not make them very often. Scaling up is the perfect solution to solving those issues. The projects included are cute, and the written instructions were clear for those that already understand the language of crochet. I would not recommend the book for beginners, since there are very few in progress pictures- only a couple for special techniques like making fringe, and the details on the language on specific stitches are at the end of the book rather than before the projects so they might be missed by those that need them most.  

Early Book Review: Crocheting Reversible Amigurumi Projects: Adorable 2-Way Furry Animals with Cuddly Detailing by Jessie Van

Crocheting Reversible Amigurumi Projects: Adorable 2-Way Furry Animals with Cuddly Detailing by Jessie Van In is currently scheduled for release on February 6 2024. This is a book of inside-out animal crochet patterns created with traditional and faux fur yarns. Filled with tips, tricks, and techniques to build your skills and ensure success for every design, this exciting guide features seven adorable amigurumi patterns that are reversible and transform into a whole new design. From a fox that becomes a cat, a snowball that becomes a penguin, otters that become seashells, and more, these designs are truly one-of-a-kind and offer something special to the craft of amigurumi crochet. Opening with guidance on tools, yarns, and other necessities, also included are technique tutorials for working with faux fur, making a practice piece, counting rows and stitches, and fixing mistakes.

I was intrigued by the idea of Crocheting Reversible Amigurumi Projects. I have made amigurumi before, but never saw or tried patterns that were reversible before, so I just had to see how this worked. I thought the information in the beginning of the book was very helpful, as I am among those crafters that dread pulling out the textured or fur yarn. I have had it go badly, and generally find it frustrating, but this book offered hope that I could make that process much easier and made something cute in the process. I thought the projects were both cute and clever, and the instructions were very detailed and easy to follow. The included pictures help to make things even more clear. I love that the author reminds readers that the up side of working with the fur yarn is that it will hide any small mistakes that might be made along the way while also leaving plenty of room and tips for switching out colors and yarns to better suit the readers taste, needs, of materials that they can find. I think this book offers readers everything promised, and what readers need to succeed in making the projects included while enjoying the process. 

Early Book Review: Woodland Crochet Kit: 12 Precious Projects to Stitch and Snuggle by Kristen Rask

Woodland Crochet Kit: 12 Precious Projects to Stitch and Snuggle by Kristen Rask is currently scheduled for release on January 23 2024. This kit includes a 76-page instruction book and materials to make two projects, a sweet turtle and a beautiful bluebird. The instruction book has more than 80 full-color photographs coupled with 12 step-by-step patterns. Create a sweet skunk, a cuddly hedgehog, a clever raccoon, and more—all in the popular Japanese style of crochet, amigurumi. Materials include; Four colors of yarn, A crochet hook, Stuffing, Embroidery floss, Safety eyes, and a Yarn needle. 

Woodland Crochet Kit is a nice starter kit for those that want to try their hand at crocheting small animals. The instructions are clear and helpful for those that are learning. I like that this is a kit, including the materials needed to make a couple of the projects. I was glad to see a couple projects that I do not often see, for instance I do not think I have seen many fawn patterns before- although I also have not looked for them. I did think that some things were not fully explained- like how to work with the wool for the squirrel's tail and why the yarn for the mouse is listed as normal bulky yarn but it looks different to me. I also find working with the fuzzy yarn for the hedgehog gives the right look, it is also very frustrating for even advanced crafters and might not be a great starter yarn to be playing with for beginners. 

Early Book Review: 30 Day Challenge: Embroidery: A Day-by-Day Guide to Learn New Stitches and Create Beautiful Designs by Jessica Anderson

30 Day Challenge: Embroidery: A Day-by-Day Guide to Learn New Stitches and Create Beautiful Designs by Jessica Anderson is currently scheduled for release on January 30 2024. If you’ve always wanted to learn embroidery but haven’t known where to start, 30-Day Challenge: Embroidery is the perfect way to jump-start your creativity and get stitching. Even if you’ve never picked up a needle, you will quickly learn everything you need to know to master embroidery. After an overview of embroidery basics, author Jessica Anderson (Cutesy Crafts) shows you how to create—each day for 30 days—one new stitch and one embroidery design that features that stitch. The easy-to-follow projects include a variety of popular modern motifs such as flowers, birds, houseplants, rainbows, and more, and only take an hour or two, or less, to complete. As the book progresses, you will strengthen your skills with designs that combine multiple stitches. You can do one project per day in order or follow your own schedule and pick and choose. By the time you’ve stitched your way through the book, you will have an amazing collection of embroidery designs to hang up and display your skill and creativity.

30-Day Challenge: Embroidery is exactly what the title and description promise. A collection of information and projects in bite size pieces to help readers learn to embroider, learn some new stitches, or just keep using to skills you have to keep them fresh. I like that the designs are all relatively simple, and there is still room to change colors or small details as you go to make them fit in better with what you have on hand, or your personal tastes. The designs build on the taught skills as you go through the book, reinforcing what has already been covered and keeping things moving at the same time. I like that there is built in flexibility with the book. You could tackle a project a day in order, or you can change the frequency or skip around in the project order. I liked that the book included traceable templates for the projects as well as some extra designs to try that are a bit harder and more complicated than those included as lessons. I think this book would be good for those new to embroidery, those that have not picked up a needle in awhile, and those that just want to keep their skills fresh. 

Early Book Review: Oversize Fashion Crochet: 6 Cozy Cardigans, Pullovers & Wraps Designed with Maximum Style and Ease by Salena Baca

Oversize Fashion Crochet: 6 Cozy Cardigans, Pullovers & Wraps Designed with Maximum Style and Ease by Salena Baca is currently scheduled for release on November 7 2023. As the title tells readers, this book offers up  6 crochet designs made with bulky yarn and big hooks. Designs include pullovers, cardigans, ponchos, and wraps in easy-to-wear, popular oversized fit. 

Oversize Fashion Crochet is a book that delivers on its promises. It offers readers six patterns, with pictures and finishing instructions. I thought the instructions were easy to understand and follow for all but the newest to crochet. I like that the designer took the time to explain how to get the best fit and explain some of the stitches so that newer crafters can make use of the patterns. I think everything is well done, my only sticking point is that none of these designs are unique. There are similar designs available already in books, magazines, and for free on the internet. It is good for what it is, but is not a book that would make it into my home collection. However, I might check it out from the library and I think it would be a solid addition to a public library collection. 

Early Book Review: Cute & Cuddly Crochet: Learn to Make Huggable Amigurumi Animals by Lauren Bergstrom

Cute & Cuddly Crochet: Learn to Make Huggable Amigurumi Animals by Lauren Bergstrom is currently scheduled for release on September 5 2023. Author and artist Lauren Bergstrom provides 12 step-by-step projects for crocheting popular, trendy, huggable animals, such as a flamingo, a dinosaur, an elephant, an octopus, a red panda, a fox, a narwhal, and more. While amigurumi animals are often very small, this book features instructions and tips for crocheting larger plushie animals that are perfect for baby gifts, birthday gifts for kids, home decor, and more. Cute & Cuddly Crochet also offers a guide for crochet basics, such as crochet techniques, stitches, how to do color changes, materials and where to source them, and much more. Accompanying the book are helpful videos from the author. 

Cute & Cuddly Crochet offers readers a good selection of projects, with helpful hints and tricks that will make these projects (and future endeavors) less intimidating and stressful. I thought the text was easy to follow and the pictures were very well chosen to give a solid visual reference to the instructions. I like that the author left room for personalization, and showed some variation with eyes and colors, giving the crafter some room to make things their own. I think this book offers readers exactly what it promises. For crafters that are looking to make this style of project on a regular basis this might be a good addition to your crafting library. 

Early Book Review: Creative Embroidery and Beyond: Inspiration, tips, techniques, and projects from three professional artists by Jenny Billingham; Sophie Timms; Theresa Wensing

Creative Embroidery and Beyond: Inspiration, tips, techniques, and projects from three professional artists by Jenny Billingham, Sophie Timms, and Theresa Wensing is currently scheduled for release on June 6 2023. This book  presents hand sewing as accessible and fun. Three artists—Jenny Billingham (@flynn_and_mabel), Theresa Wensing (@get.stitch.done), and Sophie Timms (@mindfulmantra_embroidery)—each present six designs. They are ideal for embroiderers of all skill levels, from total beginners to more advanced. You will find step-by-step embroidery projects featuring flowers, animals, insects, and more; instructions for how to embroider on denim, hats, and t-shirts; primers on essential stitches, including whipstitch and satin stitch; information on embroidery tools and how to use them; advice for threads and brands to use; and more. Embroidery is a fun, accessible art medium that’s proven relaxing and mindful for millions of crafters around the world.

Creative Embroidery and Beyond offers readers exactly what they would expect from this title and description. I thought the instructions and text were helpful and accessible. I like the suggestions and clear instructions for the different supplies and stitches that are most likely to be needed. I thought the pattern, fabric, and project suggestions were nicely rounded. Some were very much to my taste, and others less so, as it should be because we all have things we like to work with more than others. The book has definitely given me some ideas for things to try next- if I ever finish my 'project to do' pile that I already have set up for myself. I think this book might be a good buy for newer crafters, but for experienced crafters might want to check it out from the library.

Early Book Review: Cross Stitch Celebrations: Graduation: 35+ Patterns for Cross Stitching Unique Graduation-Themed Announcements and Gifts by Mollie Johanson

Cross Stitch Celebrations: Graduation: 35+ Patterns for Cross Stitching Unique Graduation-Themed Announcements and Gifts by Mollie Johanson is currently scheduled for release on March 14 2023. Learn to create personalized graduation announcements, congratulations, and additional keepsakes for education-related accomplishments. Whether you are an absolute beginner in cross stitch or a seasoned pro, this book shows you how to create highly giftable personalized keepsakes for the accomplished students in your life. This step-by-step guide includes all of the basic instruction you need to learn the art of cross stitch.

Cross Stitch Celebrations: Graduation is a lovely resource for those that want to make graduation (or some school) related cross stitch. I have been crafting most of my life, but I still get nervous and antsy when it comes to creating custom designs and patterns. Knowing what needs to happen, and doing it, felt miles apart. I liked the way the author acknowledged the anxiousness many of us feel and helped readers the tools to work through it rather than dismissing it out of hand. I liked the variety of pattern details included, and some of the suggestions for customization and a successful project. I think that this book offers a great deal of valuable information and would be a great resource when planning graduation related projects. It is not a book I would buy for my personal collection (I am out of shelf space and this is pretty specialized) but this would be a great addition to library collections. 

Early Book Review: Knot Bad Amigurumi: Learn Crochet Stitches and Techniques to Create Cute Creatures with 25 Easy Patterns by Vincent Green-Hite

Knot Bad Amigurumi: Learn Crochet Stitches and Techniques to Create Cute Creatures with 25 Easy Patterns by Vincent Green-Hite is currently scheduled for release on November 8 2022. Create the unexpected: a smiling rocket ship, a jubilant glass of boba tea, a joyful acorn, a breezy beach hat, and much more. These modern characters spring from the imagination of crochet artist Vincent Green-Hite (Instagram: @knot.bad; TikTok: @knotbad), who loves sharing his designs and techniques with the world. In addition to beginner-friendly patterns, the book includes a rundown of basic materials such as yarns and hooks, step-by-step stitch tutorials, instructions for embroidering appealing faces, advice on working with color, and ideas for customizing patterns.  You’ll learn how to give your amigurumi a clean, professional look with easy methods for stuffing, attaching, and finishing pieces. Build your skills and become a more confident creative as you work your way through each charming pattern.

Knot Bad Amigurumi is a well written and organized instructional book. I thought the information of supplies and technique were accessible and understandable, and I think novice crocheters will find it that way as well. My favorite thing about this book is that the designs and projects are different. They are not the some animals, creatures, and objects that you can find in a hundred other books and online. They are also very cute. I am very much looking forward to trying my hand at several of these patterns. I will say that I learned something, because I never really thought about 'Yarn Punk" even though I never really felt like I fit in with the typical fiber arts folks, or really wanted to. I like the emphasis here on crafting the style and way you want to, without trying to fit a particular mindset or the expectations of others. I wholly support that idea and always have, and love seeing that individuality encouraged here. 

Book Review: A Call to Needles: Acts of Craftivism and Crafted Kindness in the Age of Trump by Dee Ann Eisner

A Call to Needles: Acts of Craftivism and Crafted Kindness in the Age of Trump by Dee Ann Eisner is a comprehensive look at how our needlework became a tool for change, especially in the Age of Trump. Needleworkers have a particular set of skills, and this blending of craft and activism is often referred to as craftivism. This book pays homage to craftivists and needleworkers reacting to challenging times. The ideas, the design and development of patterns, the teams that have been built around these ideas, and the outreach to other needleworkers to support and sustain these efforts deserve more attention. Eisner builds on her backstory, calling on readers to feel their own Call to Needles, whether they participate in an existing project or create a new phenomenon. Writing this book began as the author's coping mechanism while watching the slow chipping away at democracy, both in the US and around the world. It quickly became a passion project. The moment came that, even knowing there was more to discover, the writing simply had to stop. The story will continue, with updates on those in the book and new endeavors at www.acalltoneedles.com.

A Call to Needles taught me a bit about the history of crafting in the activism lens, and I feel like I learned a great deal in that regard. I had no idea about some of the craft related protests and projects, both in our relatively distant history and much more recently. While I knew about the pussyhats and the penguin sweaters, many of the other projects and movements were things I had never heard about and things I very easily could have taken part in. The book has made me more interested in getting involved, and looking more at what I can do locally and globally with my resources and skill sets. I thought the book was informative and inspiring, with a great deal of information and resources to help readers further research the things that interest them and to do some self assessment to understand our own motivation and not only how we can help, but the most effective, efficiently, and ecologically friendly way we can do so. Time to put me privilege, skills, and inability not to have at least two works in progress to better use. 

Early Book Review: Bob Ross Cross Stitch: 12 Happy Little Cross Stitch Patterns - Includes: Embroidery Hoop, Floss, Fabric and Instruction Book with 12 Patterns! by Haley Pierson-Cox

Bob Ross Cross Stitch: 12 Happy Little Cross Stitch Patterns - Includes: Embroidery Hoop, Floss, Fabric and Instruction Book with 12 Patterns! by Haley Pierson-Cox honors the beloved artist’s legacy with twelve patterns featuring Bob Ross's famous quotes and the materials needed to make 2 of the designs. It is currently scheduled fir release on August 30 2022.

Bob Ross brought happiness to millions with his oil painting program The Joy of Painting and continues to spread that joy to a new audience through YouTube, Amazon Prime, Tubi, re-runs on public television, and many, many others. His beautiful landscapes, calming presence, and wise quotes—“We don’t make mistakes. We just have happy accidents”—have become the hallmarks of his brand. This kit includes materials to make 2 designs, along with a 48-page, illustrated instruction book for 12 different patterns inspired by Ross’s quotes. In each kit, you’ll find 2 pieces of cross stitch fabric, a needle, embroidery floss, embroidery hoop, and the instruction book. 

Bob Ross Cross Stitch: 12 Happy Little Cross Stitch Patterns - Includes: Embroidery Hoop, Floss, Fabric and Instruction Book with 12 Patterns! is a well written set of instructions for cross stitch in general, and getting started on these pattern. Since I was reading a digital galley I did not get the physical items that are included in the kit, so I did not get to jump right in and get started. However, I thought he introductory information and each of the patterns were well explained and easy to understand and follow. I loved the chosen quotes, and thought that the patterns were well designed for beginning cross stitchers and will help them gain confidence in the craft  while creating something nice. 

Book Review: Super Easy Crochet for Beginners: Learn Crochet with Simple Stitch Patterns, Projects, and Tons of Tips by Deborah Burger

Super Easy Crochet for Beginners: Learn Crochet with Simple Stitch Patterns, Projects, and Tons of Tips is a nonfiction resource by Deborah Burger. Want to learn how to crochet but are not sure how to start? With Super Easy Crochet for Beginners, adapted from Deborah Berger’s best-selling Crochet 101, you will feel confident in your skills quickly and eliminate frustrating mistakes and missteps. Learn what you need, how to read patterns, how to select yarn, and how to troubleshoot problems and turn yarn into charming knitted accessories and clothing. Building skills through fun projects, you will find success quickly and easily while actually making something, giving you the confidence to try another project. This is a comprehensive beginning crochet book, yet it won’t overwhelm you with details and instruction you don’t need or want, so you can start enjoying your crochet hobby immediately.

Super Easy Crochet for Beginners is the book I wish I had fifteen years ago when I taught myself to crochet via books, YouTube, and helpful advise fro fellow crafters after my childhood lessons on the subject failed me. Event after years or crochet, sewing, embroidery, and other crafts I had somehow never finished a project by felting, so I still learned something new even as a more experienced crocheter.  The projects are nicely varied and cover the skills and questions that new or struggling crocheters often need clarification on. My only issue is one I commonly have with this kind of guide- while the patterns are well written and the instructions easy to follow and great starting points they are also generally (with some exceptions) something that few of us actually want more of in our house, or that others would be overjoyed to receive as gifts. They are great starting points, and good ways to try new stitches and skills or to bolster confidence before trying something new, but not something many of us would make repeatedly to hone our skills. repeating a pattern you feel you mastered and enjoyed, and looks more difficult that it is results in a box of fancy shawls that it is way too hot to wear. Trust me, I know from experience.

Super Easy Crochet for Beginners definitely lives up to the title and is a great starting point. 

Early Book Review: Hoop Quilts for Beginners: 15 Designs from Easy Patchwork and Embroidery by AnneMarie Chany

Hoop Quilts for Beginners: 15 Designs from Easy Patchwork and Embroidery by AnneMarie Chany is currently scheduled for release on October 15 2022. The craft of hoop quilts combine simple quilting techniques with embroidery, patchwork, and other favorite fabric arts. This is a  guide for quilters and crafters, featuring 15 hoop-framed block designs of all different sizes with step-by-step instructions and guidance for adding hand embroidery and other embellishments, resulting in stunning wall hangings and handmade gifts. A great way to use up some scrap fabric and make something beautiful without committing to an entire quilt, transform single blocks into impressive projects and practice a variety of sewing and embroidery techniques with this exciting, must-have source of inspiration!

Hoop Quilts for Beginners offers readers exactly what the title and publisher description promises. I have tried my hand at all of the skill sets used in this craft, and enjoy some more than others and have been more precise and technically proficient in some compared to others as well. I think this book offers instruction, tips, and tricks from crafters of all skill sets, but definitely is best for some that have a basic knowledge of sewing and needlecraft. However, I learned a great deal about proper quilting and other techniques that I have tried but not mastered. I found the instructions to be well written and the pictures to be helpful.  I thought the techniques and results are very cool and I am glad I have read the book. I found the finished projects to be interesting and I was inspired by many to look at my thread and fabric in a new light. Once I finish my current to do list I might be giving some of these patterns a go.

Early Book Review: Embroidery Made Easy: Beautiful Birds: Easy Techniques for Learning to Embroider a Variety of Colorful Birds, Including a Cardinal, a Barn Owl, and a Puffin by Beth Hoyes

Embroidery Made Easy: Beautiful Birds: Easy Techniques for Learning to Embroider a Variety of Colorful Birds, Including a Cardinal, a Barn Owl, and a Puffin by Beth Hoyes is currently scheduled for release on July 12 2022. Learn to create a variety of birds following the newest embroidery trend: thread painting. Through a collection of 12 detailed, full-color patterns, aspiring and established embroidery artists will discover how to employ the art of thread painting to create a range of popular birds and waterfowl from around the world, including North America, the Amazon rain forest, and Europe. Thread painting is the name for using single strands of embroidery floss to create lifelike images with beautifully blended gradients of color and detail. Fortunately, the process is not as hard as it sounds! After learning a bit about how to create gradients and blend colors, anyone can create incredible embroidered masterpieces.

Embroidery Made Easy caught my eye, as I have recently gotten back into cross stitch and embroiderer, and most of my projects have been landscapes, flowers, and simple animals. Looking to expand my skillset I quickly requested the book and netgalley, and here we are. I thought the information on techniques and terms in the front of the book was well written and organized, but the idea of thread painting can be intimidating to new crafters. Even as someone that has been doing a wide variety of crafts some of the charts explaining the way multiple colors in a section create the effects we are looking for was a little overwhelming. However, once you get to the individual patterns with the color order, direction of stitch, and all the little details explained step by step it all felt much more manageable. The fact that the templates for your fabric are included is helpful and everything seems doable, but it is something that will take a crafter's full attention, at least until they feel more comfortable with the process. I still have a couple works in progress on my side table, but I will be tackling the hummingbird as soon as I can.

Early Book Review: Anyone Can Crochet Amigurumi Animals: 15 Adorable Crochet Patterns by Kristi Simpson

Anyone Can Crochet Amigurumi Animals: 15 Adorable Crochet Patterns by Kristi Simpson is currently scheduled for release on January 19 2022. With some simple stitches and a little stuffing, amigurumi is a charming style of crochet that’s great for beginners. A project guide for any crafter of any skill level, this book offers readers 15 crochet patterns, including a hippo, panda, unicorn, hedgehog, giraffe, and so many more. Opening with an introduction on the basics, each project that follows features easy-to-follow instructions, how-to crochet illustrations, photo step-outs for detail work, and other helpful tips and tricks. Also included are detailed sections on how to read an amigurumi pattern, as well as stitch guides. Have fun making the most charming plush toys, all while you fall in love with crochet!

Anyone Can Crochet Amigurumi Animals is a well written guide to crafters that are new to crochet, or just getting started in projects that require more small work than the scarf and blankets that most of us found our confidence and rhythm for crochet with. The instructions are clear and well written, and the tips and trick included will be helpful to many novice and beginner crocheters. I did not find the patterns to be terribly unique, but they did offer a good set of basic skills that will be useful as newcomers attempt more complex problems in the future. There was one formatting issue- that I have full faith with be rectified before final printing- that honestly made me smile as I read. All of the images in my electronic galley were upside down or sideways. Like I said, I am sure the final version will not be like this, but it made my read through just a bit more interesting and has no consideration in my review or number of stars granted to the book.

Book Review: Modern Crochet Style: 15 Colourful Crochet Patterns for your and your Home, Including Fun Sustainable Makes by Lindsey Newns

Modern Crochet Style: 15 Colourful Crochet Patterns for your and your Home, Including Fun Sustainable Makes by Lindsey Newns is packed full of crochet makes for you and your home. Designer Lindsey Newns, of Lottie and Albert, has created 15 different projects to  inspire throughout the seasons. From t-shirt yarn bath mats and raffia beach bags, to Christmas stockings and leopard-print cowls. With advice on yarns, detailed stitch descriptions, and step-by-step photo instructions, the projects are accessible to all, including beginners.

Modern Crochet Style is something I was happy to see, as I love getting to look at crochet designs I might not have seen yet. I thought the techniques and related information was well explained in the beginning, including the specifics of UK terminology since there are some difference between that and US terminology. I thought the patterns and instructions were well written, and the corresponding photographs well chosen and placed. Some of the patterns included were similar to those I have seen before, and some were just not something that I would make. However, I know people that would happily make or receive those very projects as gifts. I think the book would be great for crafters that are still building their pattern library, but I think this is best suited for library collections. 

Book Review: Super Subversive Cross Stitch: 50 Fresh as F*ck Designs by Julie Jackson

Super Subversive Cross Stitch: 50 Fresh as F*ck Designs by Julie Jackson offers crafters snarky inspirations they. The book features 50 patterns (23 brand-new designs and 27 fan favorites) along with easy-to-follow instructions for the beginner and fonts and designs for adventurous crafters looking to customize their creations. It recasts a traditional, dare we say "sentimental," craft into a modern,
relevant art form. It's the latest offering in the Subversive Cross Stitch brand, beloved by legions of DIYers. Less messy than graffiti, Super Subversive Cross Stitch allows crafters to adorn walls with political pith and irreverent twists on classic quotes ("I think, therefore I drink," "Let the good times be gin").

Super Subversive Cross Stitch is not for the prim and proper crafter, and I do not recommend gifting any of these creations to those that you do not know well, or would not enjoy the humor. I thought the chosen designs offered a good selection of what one would expect from this author and what the title promises. I thought the grids, instructions, and information on techniques were all well done, easy to understand, and entertaining in their own right. Most importantly I thought the author's encouragement to try new things and embrace mistakes made this book even better. The support and tools to try and create this designs and more, create your own and explore options and your own creativity could be the difference between someone trying something new and sticking with it and them giving up after a few mistakes think they just cannot be good at this. I really appreciated the tone, encouragement, and creativity in this book. While I might not be making these to give away for the holidays, I will be keeping some of these in reserve for the perfect moment and right recipient. 

Book Review: America the Beautiful Cross Stitch: 30 Patterns of America’s Most Iconic National Parks and Monuments from becker&mayer! books

America the Beautiful Cross Stitch: 30 Patterns of America’s Most Iconic National Parks and Monuments from becker&mayer! books  contains 30 original cross stitch patterns, an introduction to each park or monument, and instructions on cross stitching techniques and suggested materials. The patterns include: Yellowstone National Park, Statue of Liberty, Great Smokey Mountains, Washington Monument, Arches National Park, Yosemite National Park, Appalachian Trail, Haleakala Volcano, and many more. The finished projects can be used to commemorate your favorite vacations or to personalize household items like tea towels, pillowcases, and backpacks.

America the Beautiful Cross Stitch offers readers exactly what the title promises. As someone that has always been a crafter, but has only picked up my cross stitch tools again after several years, I have to say I stumbled across this book at the exact right moment. I was able to look at the patterns and instructions both as someone that knows the terminology and sometimes needs a reminder of technique and tips. I thought that the chosen patterns were beautiful, and the information provided about the tools and techniques needed was accessible by all skill levels, but it might be a bit daunting for those new to the skills. I liked that the book also included information and pictures about the parks the patterns portray. This was a great touch to bring a bit more of the heart of those scenes into the final product, and maybe inspire another trip. I cannot get started on these after I finish my current project. 

Early Book Review: Amigurumi Crochet: Farm and Forest Animals by Kristen Rask

Amigurumi Crochet: Farm and Forest Animals by Kristen Rask is currently scheduled for release on February 16 2021. These patterns come from talented artists around the world, with tips and tricks for learning amigurumi, the Japanese art of crocheting adorable companions. Crochet yourself a wide-eyed owl, a huggable fox, a napping fawn, a pig with an adorable curly tail, and more. These animals make for great decorations around your home, unique gifts for your friends and family, and something to keep in the car or backpack as a furry companion! The book offers a glossary of crochet terms for beginners, easy instructions to follow, and helpful photos to make sure you're on track with each of these projects. The patterns: Cow, Pig, Chick, Giraffe, Bird, Koala, Bear Pod, Dog, Alpaca, Peter Pilot Duck, Owl, Bunny, Beaver, Bear, Fish, Hedgehog, Cats, Fox, Raccoon, Fawn, Squirrel, Kitten, Mouse, Skunk, and Tortoise.

Amigurumi Crochet: Farm and Forest Animals is a solid crochet pattern and instruction book. It offers readers exactly what the title promises, and does it well. I liked that it included the tools and tricks that help beginning crocheters find comfort and success in the process. I thought the instructions and corresponding pictures were very well done, and would be easy for beginners to follow and understand. I do think that more advanced crafters are likely to skip the beginning of the book and go just for the pattern they want or need. Most of the patterns are also similar to those I have seen before, but they are all well done. I would recommend this book for crocheters that are just starting to make the stuffed toys, or plan on making many of them. Otherwise, I would recommend this book for libraries, for checking out when you need to make one of these for the first time, or to revisit a specific pattern. 

Book Review: Summertime Crochet: 30 Tops, Bags, Wraps, Hats, & More for Sunny Days & Balmy Nights by Helgrid van Impelen and Verena Woehlk Appel

Summertime Crochet: 30 Tops, Bags, Wraps, Hats, & More for Sunny Days & Balmy Nights by Helgrid van Impelen and Verena Woehlk Appel is a collection of instructions and patterns that take advantage of today's cotton and linen yarns. These yarns are perfect for lighter apparel like tanks, motif tops, and cute hats.  Breezy articles that can all be crocheted and are just right for warm-weather style.

Summertime Crochet is a well organized collection of patterns with bright, bold photographs that capture the feel, drape, and possible styles for the featured pieces. The instructions are understandable, with notes about skill level and options to adjust sizing. I really like that the notes about yardage often includes matching or related items from the book. I really likes some of the ideas and patterns, like the espadrilles. However, I found some of the patterns to look much like theses easily found on free pattern websites. I also found a few that had me thinking, just because you can does not mean you should- or maybe I am just old- because crochet bikini pieces make me shudder (and they always have).  I do like that the basic instructions for the stitches and terms is included at the end, for some of the beginner crafters than want or need the additional support.

Summertime Crochet is a small collection of patterns for working in cotton and linen yarn. I was not greatly impressed by it, but think that it would be helpful for those that prefer to work in these yarns, and do not want to go looking for the patterns every time they want to make a lightweight hat, shawl, or handbag.