Title: Wildlife Cable Afghans
Author: Leisure Arts
MSRP: $9.99 USD

Book review by Pia Thadani - Stitches n Scraps

I received a free review copy of Wildlife Cable Afghans from Leisure Arts. Although I accept free products for review, I do not guarantee a positive review. My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions. All images of copyrighted material are used with permission.

Bring the great outdoors inside with these Wildlife Cable Afghans! I love the modular, "choose your adventure" concept of this book.

First, pick the animal you want. There are patterns for a bear, moose, wolf, and deer. Each of the animals has a colorwork chart for the main section of the afghan. Finish off the section with a decorative, crossed stitch border.

Next, choose your sides and corners. With 4 of each, you can create a truly unique look. These trim pieces are where the cables really shine, adding loads of texture. Make all 4 sides the same, or all different, it's entirely up to you!

You can enter to win your own copy of Wildlife Cable Afghans! This prize is generously provided by the publisher, Leisure Arts. To be eligible, you must be 18 years of age or older, with a valid shipping address in the US. The winner will be contacted by email and must reply to that email and provide the shipping address within 1 week in order to receive the prize. If the winner does not reply within 1 week, a new winner will be selected.

The giveaway ends at 11:59pm Central Time on May 31st. Hurry and enter below! 

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Book Review - Super Simple Summer Tops

Title: Super Simple Summer Tops
Author: Sharon Hernes Silverman
MSRP: $9.99 USD

Book review by Pia Thadani - Stitches n Scraps

I received a free review copy of Super Simple Summer Tops from Leisure Arts. Although I accept free products for review, I do not guarantee a positive review. My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions. All images of copyrighted material are used with permission.

Add some fun to your summer wardrobe with these Super Simple Summer Tops! This must-have booklet has 6 fast and easy patterns in lighter weight or cotton yarns. Each of the tops comes in 6 sizes, from small all the way up to 3X!

One thing that struck me right away was the use of color in the pattern text. The stitch counts for each size are written in a different color, so it's easy to follow the size you want. It's such a simple thing but makes a huge difference in the readability of the pattern. Large print and lots of white space make the patterns easy to read too.

Of course the designs themselves are absolutely lovely, and easy to wear. My favorite top in the book is Enchanting Empire. I just love the funky belt, with tails flowing down the back.

You can enter to win your own copy of Super Simple Summer Tops! This prize is generously provided by the publisher, Leisure Arts. To be eligible, you must be 18 years of age or older, with a valid shipping address in the US. The winner will be contacted by email and must reply to that email and provide the shipping address within 1 week in order to receive the prize. If the winner does not reply within 1 week, a new winner will be selected.

The giveaway ends at 11:59pm Central Time on April 30th. Hurry and enter below! 

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Book Review - Delicate Crochet

Title: Delicate Crochet
Author: Sharon Hernes Silverman
MSRP: $29.95USD

Book review by Pia Thadani - Stitches n Scraps

I received a free review copy of Delicate Crochet from Stackpole Books. Although I accept free products for review, I do not guarantee a positive review. My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions. All images of copyrighted material are used with permission.

It may not seem like it, but spring really is coming.  With it comes the need for lovely, lacy crochet tops and accessories.

Delicate crochet is a collection of designs from top designers, all of which are clear and easy to follow. Most of them have short instructions with repeating pattern stitches, and charts too.

I really fell in love with the Damask Rose Wrap by Katya Novikova. With it's pink color and floral theme, it just feels like spring.

The book is not all shawls and wraps, though there are plenty of those. There are also sweaters, vests, scarves, and more. There's even the beautiful Cyndi Floral Lace Skirt. Paired with leggings, it could easily go from workday wear to an evening out.

Delicate lacework often brings to mind lace doilies and other classic pieces. This book takes lace in a much more contemporary direction, with fun and fresh designs like this Ziggy Vest. I love the way it folds to drape over the shoulders.

The book includes many more gorgeous designs, as well as sections on techniques and other resources. 

You can enter to win your own copy of Delicate Crochet! This prize is generously provided by the publisher, Stackpole Books. To be eligible, you must be 18 years of age or older, with a valid shipping address in the US. The winner will be contacted by email and must reply to that email and provide the shipping address within 1 week in order to receive the prize. If the winner does not reply within 1 week, a new winner will be selected.

The giveaway ends at 11:59pm Central Time on March 31st. Hurry and enter below! 

This giveaway is powered by Rafflecopter, and they may ask for some log-in information if you are not already logged in. See the Rafflecopter privacy policy for more information. 

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2019 Chapter Challenge

The CGOA Chapter Challenge for 2019 is now open!

Challenge runs January 31 - June 30, 2019

The challenge for this year is preemie blankets.

Visit the CGOA website for more info.



Kristine

Book Review - Crocheted Hoods & Cowls

Title: Crocheted Hoods & Cowls
Author: Tammy Flores
MSRP: $24.95USD

Book review by Pia Thadani - Stitches n Scraps

I received a free review copy of Crocheted Hoods & Cowls from Stackpole Books. Although I accept free products for review, I do not guarantee a positive review. My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions. All images of copyrighted material are used with permission.

Keep warm through the winter with these Crocheted Hoods and Cowls! From adorable critters hoods for kids to stylish adult accessories, there's something in this book for everyone!

The patterns that caught my eye first were the hoods for kids. There are 7 different animals, including a kitty and a giraffe, and even a dinosaur. I think the dinosaur could be a dragon too - what do you think?

For adults, there are 20 beautiful patterns featuring rich textures, from subtle to bold and chunky. The book says these are intended for women, but most of them seem pretty gender neutral to me. For example, I could see a guy looking handsome in this Linen Stitch Hood.

Among the patterns are hoods, hooded cowls, and hooded scarves. Hooded scarves are my favorite because they can be worn in different ways. If I'm really cold, I like to tie the scarf ends and shove them down into my jacket for an extra layer of warmth. 

If it's just a bit chilly, I'll let the ends hang free. This herringbone hooded scarf would be perfect for that, and they made it even better by adding pockets!

You can enter to win your own copy of Crocheted Hoods & Cowls! This prize is generously provided by the publisher, Stackpole Books. To be eligible, you must be 18 years of age or older, with a valid shipping address in the US. The winner will be contacted by email and must reply to that email and provide the shipping address within 1 week in order to receive the prize. If the winner does not reply within 1 week, a new winner will be selected.

The giveaway ends at 11:59pm Central Time on December 31st. Hurry and enter below! 

This giveaway is powered by Rafflecopter, and they may ask for some log-in information if you are not already logged in. See the Rafflecopter privacy policy for more information. 

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Cuddly Animals to Crochet - make these cuties for someone you love!

Are you looking for some fun crochet creations for the little ones in your life? Well I have the book for you. Stick around 'till the end and you could even win a copy of your own!

A copy of this book was provided to review. All opinions are those of Jessie Rayot of Jessie At Home. This post contains affiliate links

Cuddly Animals to Crochet: 28 Cute Toys to Make and Love by Lucia Forthmann is full of wonderful crochet patterns that are sure to bring joy to the little ones in your life! The patterns are separated into 7 categories - Forest, Farm, Africa, Asia, Australia, South America, and Water. Each category includes several lovable creatures that you can create in the colors of your choice.

Before the patterns begin, there are several pages of techniques with lots of useful pictures to help you with your creations. The patterns are written in US and UK terms. All patterns include a supply list which includes the yarn suggested. Of course, you can use another yarn or other colors if you choose, just remember if your gauge is different than the size will be different.

Each pattern includes color photos and a fun little bio about the critter you are about to create. The patterns are well written; between that and the  techniques at the beginning of the book, even a beginner crocheter should be able to crochet these cuties.

You can find Cuddly Animals to Crochet on Amazon HERE. You can also enter the giveaway below for a chance to win a copy.

To enter this giveaway, you must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid shipping address in the North America. Void were prohibited. This giveaway will end at the end of day on December 3rd eastern time. Winner will be contacted by email and will have 1 week to reply with a valid shipping address or a new email will be chosen.

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Book Review - Crocheted Beanies & Slouchy Hats

Title: Crocheted Beanies & Slouchy Hats
Author: Julie King
MSRP: $22.95USD

Book review by Pia Thadani - Stitches N Scraps

Disclaimer: I received a free review copy of  Crocheted Beanies & Slouchy Hats from Stackpole Books. Although I accept free products for review, I do not guarantee a positive review.  My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions. All images of copyrighted material are used with permission.

For many of us, cold weather is just around the corner, which means it's time for some new hats! Crocheted Beanies & Slouchy Hats has you covered. With a wide variety of styles to suit every taste, you may want to make a bunch for holiday gifting too!

There are three basic styles of hats in the book - the classic, close fitting beanie, the round and wide slouchy hat, and the long and droopy slouchy beanie.

If open and lacy is what you like, try the Diamonds Slouchy Hat on the cover, or the Seashell Slouchy Hat above. Need something quick and simple? The Ziggy Beanie may be the one you're looking for.

Solid is more my style, and there are plenty to choose from. One of my favorites (though how can you just pick one?) is the Stained Glass Slouchy Beanie with it's layered colorwork.

 I particularly love that these designs play with different stitches and construction methods. Each hat is unique and gives you a chance to learn something new. Some are worked top down, some are worked bottom up, and there's even one that's worked sideways!

You can enter to win your own copy of Crocheted Beanies & Slouchy Hats! This prize is generously provided by the publisher, Stackpole Books. To be eligible, you must be 18 years of age or older, with a valid shipping address in the US. The winner will be contacted by email, and must reply to that email and provide the shipping address within 1 week in order to receive the prize. If the winner does not reply within 1 week, a new winner will be selected.

The giveaway ends at 11:59pm on November 11th. Hurry and enter below! 

This giveaway is powered by Rafflecopter, and they may ask for some log-in information if you are not already logged in. See the Rafflecopter privacy policy for more information. 

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CGOA Membership Month

October 2018 is the first-ever Membership Month at CGOA!!  All the details can be found at www.crochet.org, including Prizes and Special Pricing.

Did you know that the Crochet Guild of America also offers these three opportunities to connect with others?

Gift Membership   You can now literally Give the Gift of Membership to someone who is not already a member of CGOA!  And October’s special pricing creates a perfect holiday gift. Click HERE and follow the directions to complete your gift purchase!

Refer a Friend    Here’s a secret:  www.crochet.org  has a program called Refer a Friend.  Once you are signed into the site, look under your Profile on the left and click on Refer a Friend.  This tool will help you spread the word about October Membership Month, and the special pricing for new members!  Can you think of a friend who isn’t already a CGOA member and could use this good news?

Facebook community  Head on over to our Facebook page and join over 107,000 crocheters who share their love of crochet.


Jennifer Williams
Membership Chair

17 (Mostly Free) Crochet Patterns for Fall Wearables

I'm Marie from Underground Crafter and I'm back to share a roundup of seasonal crochet patterns designed by Crochet Guild of America members.

The weather is getting colder in most parts of the country so I thought this would be a perfect time to highlight fall wearables! These patterns include hats, scarves and other neckwarmers, shawls and ponchos, cardigans and tunics, and even a clutch. You’re sure to find a great project in this roundup of 17 mostly free crochet patterns for fall wearables. All images are © the respective designer or publisher and are used with permission.

17 (Mostly Free) Crochet Patterns for Fall Wearables

Roundup by Underground Crafter

Left column, from top to bottom:

• It’s Fall Y’all Shawl, free crochet pattern by Stitches n Scraps: This cozy, triangular shawl uses a self-striping yarn to make the colorwork easy.
• Fatima Poncho, free crochet pattern by Pattern Paradise: This knit-look, textured poncho features a collar.
• Cabled Clutch, premium crochet pattern by Underground Crafter for KnitCrate: This clutch features twisted cables and an asymmetrical picot closure.
• Aran Sampler Scarf, premium crochet pattern by Bonnie Bay Crochet: This sampler features 10 Aran/Celtic crochet stitches with video tutorials.

Second column, from top to bottom:

• Double Down Beanie, free crochet patterns by ELK Studio: This pattern is available in both bottom-up (pictured) and top-down versions.
• Classy Guy Scarf, premium crochet pattern by Randy Cavaliere for Annie’s: This plaid scarf features long fringes.
• Everyday Cardigan, premium pattern by A Crocheted Simplicity: This classic cardigan with an oversized fit is available in 8 sizes from XS to 4X.

Third column, from top to bottom:

• Mourning Dove Scarf, premium crochet pattern by American Crochet: This lacy scarf is a great statement piece.
• Hitch a Ride Scarf, premium crochet pattern by The Crochet Architect: This asymmetrical scarf makes a great one-skein project.
• Autumn Breeze Scarf, free crochet pattern by Oombawka Design: Use buttons to create multiple styling options for this simple scarf pattern.
• Timber V Back Pullover, free crochet pattern by Cre8tion Crochet for Furls: This form fitting sweater is available in 8 sizes and is being released in 3 parts throughout September, 2018.

Right column, from top to bottom:

• Hygge Cocoon Cardigan, free crochet pattern by Moogly: This beginner-friendly oversized cardigan with ribbed sleeves is available in 2 versatile sizes: Misses and Plus.
• Blues and Brass Bandana Cowl, free crochet pattern by Same DiNamics Crochet: This buttoned bandana cowl pattern is available in 3 sizes from X/S to 1X-5X.
• Wandering Tunic, premium crochet pattern by Tammy Hildebrand for Annie’s: This tunic is available in 4 sizes from S/M to 3XL. The pattern is available as a digital download or print-to-order.
• Chrissy Neckwarmer (pictured), free crochet pattern by Jessie At Home: This beaded neckwarmer coordinates with the free crochet pattern for the Chrissy Hat.

I hope you enjoyed this roundup! You can find more project inspiration on my Crochet/Knitting For Fall Pinterest Board.

Book Review - Design It, Promote It, Sell It - Marie Segares

Title: Design It, Promote It, Sell It
Author: Marie Segares
MSRP: $14.99 USD (pdf)

Book review by Pia Thadani - Stitches n Scraps

A free review copy of Design It, Promote It, Sell It was provided to me by Marie Segares. Although I accept free products for review, I do not guarantee a positive review. My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions. All images of copyrighted material are used with permission.

Marie Segares has been an authority on the business of crochet for years. Her Creative Yarn Entrepreneur site and podcast have helped many designers start or grow their business, including me.  So I'm very excited to review her new book: Design It, Promote It, Sell It - Online Marketing for your Crochet and Knit Patterns.

Not just for designers!

This book is invaluable for anyone who wants to knit or crochet as a business. If that's not you, it's still an intriguing look into the business behind the patterns you enjoy! It's also a great introduction to online marketing for any kind of business.

Timely and timeless

The book does go into specific social media platforms and marketing strategies, which can change over time. Most of the book, however, discusses more timeless marketing concepts. It is divided into 5 sections that take you from a broad-strokes, crash course in marketing to specific action items and resources.

Plan, evaluate, optimize

Work through defining your business and audience, developing a marketing strategy, evaluating your results, and focusing your efforts where they are the most rewarding. Learn about marketing on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, and other social media platforms.

Find new tools to add value and encourage interaction with your customers. Explore some common pitfalls, and find a balance between marketing efforts and all the other aspects of your business.

A marketing expert

Marie is not only a talented designer herself, but also has a strong marketing background which really shows through. Read this author interview for more information about her, and the journey that brought her to write this book.

Where to buy it

Design It, Promote It, Sell It comes in 3 editions.

1. The PDF ebook is 69 pages, including printable worksheets and checklists. 
2. The paperback edition is coming soon, and will include the same worksheets and checklists
3. The streamlined, Kindle ebook 

Enter to win a copy!  

You can enter to win your own digital (pdf ebook) copy of Design It, Promote It, Sell It. This prize is generously provided by the author, Marie Segares. To be eligible, you must be 18 years of age or older, with a valid email address. The winner will be contacted by email, and must reply to that email within 1 week in order to receive the prize. If the winner does not reply within 1 week, a new winner will be selected. See entry form for full terms. 

The giveaway ends at 11:59pm US central time on September 30th. Hurry and enter below! 

This giveaway is powered by Rafflecopter, and they may ask for some log-in information if you are not already logged in. See the Rafflecopter privacy policy for more information. 

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Humans That Yarn

The Craft Yarn Council's fall campaign is here! "Humans That Yarn" features six unique people who all craft with yarn and their stories reflect the variety of people who identify as yarnists. They'll also highlight several other people in the yarn community who have unique stories that you will be able to relate to.

The point of the campaign is to spotlight the people behind yarn crafts, rather than focusing on specific yarn projects. Along with highlighting a variety of people, Humans Taht Yarn aims to showcase different types of crafts that can be made with yarn.

So, if you're a "yarnist" (yarn artist), be on the lookout for conversation about yarn crafts of all types this fall. You'll find inspiration and ideas, teaching tips, free patterns, project ideas, giveaways, ad so much more. Make sure you check out CYCA's social media pages (see links below). And make sure you tag your posts with #humansthatyarn and #yarnist.

CYC on Instagram
CYC on Facebook
CYC on Pinterest


Happy Yarning!
Kristine

15 (Mostly Free) Crochet Patterns for Chevron and Ripple Accessories for Women

I'm Marie from Underground Crafter and I'm here to share a roundup of seasonal crochet patterns designed by Crochet Guild of America members. This month's theme is chevrons and ripples. I’m sharing 15 (mostly free) crochet patterns for women’s accessories that would be perfect for the fall. Each includes chevrons or ripples prominently in the design.

This roundup includes shawls and wraps, scarves and cowls, tops, ponchos, bags, and mittens. All images are © the respective designer or publisher and are used with permission.

15 (Mostly Free) Crochet Patterns for Chevrons and Ripple Accessories

Roundup by Underground Crafter

Left column, from top to bottom:

• Warm Waves Mittens, premium crochet pattern by Trifles n Treasures: This pattern is available in 4 sizes from toddler through adult large.
• Granny Chevron Wrap, free crochet pattern by Underground Crafter: This rectangular wrap combines ripples and color blocking for a dramatic effect.
• Excursion Wrap, premium crochet pattern by Linda Dean Crochet: This striped, lacy wrap uses a simple row repeat pattern.
• Granny Ripple Wrap, free crochet pattern by Jessie At Home: This tassled wrap is made with an ombre yarn that does the colorwork for you.
• Pearl Cowl, premium crochet pattern by Gwen Buttke McGannon: This buttoned cowl is worked in one piece.

Center column, from top to bottom:

• Perfect Simple Cowl Poncho, free crochet pattern by Marly Bird: This pattern includes abbreviations, international stitch symbols, and video tutorials.
• Chevron Chic Tote Bag, premium crochet pattern by A Crocheted Simplicity: This stylish tote can be made with crocheted straps or purchased handles.
• Merry Pompom Scarf, premium crochet pattern by Karen McKenna: This striped scarf features pompoms for embellishment.
• Autumn Sky Wrap, premium crochet pattern by Blackstone Designs: This one-piece, fringed wrap makes a bold statement.
• Chevron Tank Top, free crochet pattern by Busting Stitches: This pattern is available in seven sizes from XS through 3X.

Right column, from top to bottom:

• Sands by the Sea Shore, free crochet pattern by ELK Studio: This chevron wrap features asymmetrical stripes.
• Chevron Lace Infinity Scarf, free crochet pattern by Moogly: This pattern is part of the Chevron Lace series and includes both pattern abbreviations and an international stitch symbol chart.
• Mini-Chevron Infinity Scarf, free crochet pattern by Celtic Knot Crochet: This single crochet chevron uses a one-row repeat. The pattern includes both written abbreviations and international stitch symbols.
• Peppermint Wrap, free crochet pattern by American Crochet: This striped rectangular wrap is worked lengthwise.
• Wriggle Wrap, premium crochet pattern by Edie Eckman: This buttoned, striped wrap is one of 30+ projects featured in this issue of Crochetscene magazine.

I hope you enjoyed this roundup! You can find more project inspiration on my Crochet Accessories for Women Pinterest Board.

Book Review & Author Interview - Crochet for the Absolute Beginner by Pauline Turner

Title: Crochet For the Absolute Beginner
Author: Pauline Turner
MSRP: $19.95 USD

Book review by Pia Thadani - Stitches n Scraps

A free review copy of Crochet For the Absolute Beginner was provided to me by Search Press. Although I accept free products for review, I do not guarantee a positive review.  My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions. All images of copyrighted material are used with permission. 

---

One of my favorite parts of the CGOA Chain Link Conference this year was getting to meet Pauline Turner. I took one of her classes and besides learning a lot, it was very entertaining. She's an absolute riot, and a genuinely nice person too.

Pauline was inducted into the CGOA Hall of Fame this year, and I had the pleasure of interviewing her on Facebook live. We talked about her book, Crochet for the Absolute Beginner, along with some of her other books, and other exciting directions her work has taken her.

Crochet for the Absolute Beginner was first published in 2005 as the Beginner's Guide to Crochet. It was such a popular book that it's been republished (a few times, I believe) since then.

This latest edition has all the same text and images in an updated, easy to read layout. It also features a spiral binding, so that it can be opened completely flat. This is important when your hands are too busy crocheting to hold a book open!

This book is exactly what it says - a comprehensive guide for brand new crocheters. It takes you from choosing yarns and hooks, through all the basic stitches and more. As she teaches each stitch, Pauline also shows the abbreviations and chart symbols. This way students can learn the language of patterns and charts seamlessly, as they learn each stitch.

One little feature I absolutely love is this fold-out abbreviations list. When opened, it sits to the right of the book pages, so no matter what page you are on you can always see the list of abbreviations! What a great tool for learning to read patterns.

If you need help with pattern reading, chart reading, or just brushing up on your basic skills, this book is for you. Even if you don't, there are plenty of patterns to enjoy as well! It's also a great gift to help spread the love of crochet to someone who might want to learn.

You can enter to win your own copy of Crochet For the Absolute Beginner. This prize is generously provided by the publisher, Search Press. To be eligible, you must be 18 years of age or older, with a valid shipping address in the US. The winner will be contacted by email, and must reply to that email and provide the shipping address within 1 week in order to receive the prize. If the winner does not reply within 1 week, a new winner will be selected. See entry form for full terms.

The giveaway ends at 11:59pm US central time on August 31st 2018. Hurry and enter below! 

This giveaway is powered by Rafflecopter, and they may ask for some log-in information if you are not already logged in. See the Rafflecopter privacy policy for more information. 

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