The Secret Stitch
Title: The Secret Stitch - Unraveling the New WorldAuthor: C. Jane Reid
MSRP: $14.99 USD
Book review by Pia Thadani - Stitches'N'Scraps
This novel is not about crochet or knitting. It's a gripping, historical fiction about starting over. Fiber arts play a role in the story, but are not the central focus.
As the book begins, the main character, Ailee Donaghue, is about to leave everything she knows behind, to start a new life with a new husband in a new world. Behind her is the stigma of a past mistake, and in front of her a lifestyle she is unprepared for. The physical journey is grueling, but the emotional journey is just as much so. Through hardship, joy, love, friendship, and devastating loss, Ailee begins to grow and discover hidden strengths she had never imagined.
Against this backdrop, we also see the beginnings of crochet in the new world. Ailee is a horrible knitter, but discovers a secret stitch that is much easier for her to do. It uses an oddly shaped tool and is wrapped up in handed down stories of cowls that protect the wearer from various dangers. Just superstitions....or are they? As a bonus, the pattern for this special cowl is in the back of the book!
When I got The Secret Stitch, I sat down to read it, thinking I could make it through the first chapter in the few minutes I had before bed. 4 hours and many chapters later, I struggled to put it down because I knew I had to get SOME sleep eventually. I loved this book, and I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
The Secret Stitch - A Crochet Companion
Title: The Secret Stitch a Crochet CompanionAuthor: Laurinda Reddig
MSRP: $16.99 USD
Book review by Pia Thadani - Stitches'N'Scraps
This crochet pattern book features 9 patterns inspired by the novel. One of the designs is Ailee's version of the cowl that so intrigued her, made with her newly discovered secret stitch. All the designs are historically inspired, but with modern twists that make them perfectly wearable today.
Some of you may know the author/designer, Laurinda Reddig. I've taken a few of her fabulously fun classes at the CGOA Knit and Crochet Show over the last couple of years. As I would expect, knowing her work, the designs are creative and the patterns are well written. The book also has tutorials for some of the less common techniques, and suggestions for modifying the designs to make them your own.
Get the Set!
Together, these two books are a fantastic set. I got completely drawn into the story, and I love the designs. They are both available on Amazon, but you can also enter to win a copy in the Spa Basket Crochet Along. There are a lot of other great prizes too!
Disclaimer: A free review copy of The Secret Stitch and The Secret Stitch a Crochet Companion were provided by Ficstitches Yarns Crochet Kit Club. Although I accept free products for review, I do not accept additional compensation, nor do I guarantee a positive review. My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions. All images of copyrighted material are used with permission.
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