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! 

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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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Ava Shell CAL - Part 3 - Front Neck & Armhole Shaping

Welcome back to the Ava Shell Crochet-a-Long! If you're just joining us you can get all the info about the CAL, including a complete schedule and links to previous posts HERE.

This week you'll be working the armholes and neckline of the Ava Shell. Once this section is complete the front will be finished. Next week we'll work the back of the shell. 

Reminder: Gauge is critical with this pattern! I swatched 3 different brands of DK yarn and 2 had one gauge size and 1 needed a different hook size from the other 2 brands.

If you're just joining us, here's a little sneak peek of the stitch pattern for the main body of the shell.

Head over to the Ava Shell pattern for the CAL instructions. 

Join in the crochet-a-long and share your progress with other crocheters.

• Get more information about this crochet-a-long here.
• Stop by our Ravelry group or Facebook group to chat or ask questions. We can’t wait to see your progress! 
• Ravelry members can also add the pattern to your Ravelry favorites.
• Share your progress on social media with hashtag #cgoasummercal and #cgoacal 

Kristine

Ambassador Crochet

Book Review - Designer Crochet Accessories

Title: Designer Crochet Accessories
Author: Melissa Leapman
MSRP: $21.99 USD

Book review by Pia Thadani - Stitches'N'Scraps


The right accessory can turn an OK outfit into a show-stopper, and they make great gifts too! In this book, Melissa Leapman shares with us 25 stunning accessory designs. From traditional to trendy, subtle to dramatic, rings to wraps, you're sure to find a new favorite here!

Speaking of favorites - while all the patterns are very lovely, there's one that completely takes my breath away. The Delicata Reversible Wrap is hands down my favorite of the whole book. It's light and delicate, but still looks warm and fuzzy thanks to the mohair yarn. The reversible stitch pattern is intriguing, and seems surprisingly easy (at least from reading through it).

In the front of the book is a beautiful spread showing all the patterns. I did wish they were numbered or labeled in some way, or at least displayed in the same order as the table of contents. For the most part though, it was pretty easy to tell which picture goes with which name.

As usual with Melissa's patterns, the instructions for all the projects are very clearly written and easy to understand. They also include stitch diagrams, and some include schematics or other helpful illustrations as well. In the back of the book is a helpful resource section, which includes instructions for the basic stitches, help in reading the charts, and tips on finishing.

You can enter to win your own copy of Designer Crochet Accessories! This prize is generously provided by the publisher, Creative Publishing International. To be eligible, you must be 18 years of age or older, with a valid, US or Canadian shipping address. 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 on January 30th - Hurry and enter below! 

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Disclaimer: A free review copy of Designer Crochet Accessories was provided by Creative Publishing International. 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.

Book Review - Crochet Flowers Step-by-Step

Title: Crochet Flowers Step-by-Step
Author: Tanya Shliazhko
MSRP: $18.99 USD

Book review by Pia Thadani - Stitches'N'Scraps


Bring a little bit of sunshine into your world with these beautiful crochet flowers. They're fast, fun, and so versatile!

The absolute hardest part of this book is page 6. It says "choose a flower," with pictures of all the flower patterns in the book. They're not simply variations on the same basic design. Each one is unique and they're all so pretty that it's hard to pick just one!

Some of the designs may look complex, but the book makes them very accessible for beginners. They're organized by difficulty, so you can work your way up as you master new skills. In addition to clear instructions and charts, the patterns also include step-by-step photos of each row.

To get you started, there is a diagram showing what information is in each pattern and how it is arranged. The basic stitches and techniques used are illustrated in photo tutorials. There are also tips on choosing materials and tools, and reading the charts. Because the instructions are so detailed and the patterns themselves are so small, this could be a wonderful book to learn to crochet with!

Every flower needs leaves, and there are leaf patterns included too. You can use your finished flowers to decorate almost anything, or try one of the 5 fun projects in the book!

Enter to win your own copy of Crochet Flowers Step-by Step! This prize is generously provided by the publisher, St Martin's Griffin. To be eligible, you must be 18 years of age or older, with a valid, US or Canadian shipping address. 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 on December 30th. Hurry and enter below! 

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Disclaimer: A free review copy of Crochet Flowers Step-by-Step was provided by St Martin's Griffin. 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.