book chat - Coffeehouse Knits

Coffeehouse Knits by Kerry Bogert, Expected publication: March 31st 2019 by Interweave

Another great knitting book from Interweave! There is a nice selection of patterns here with a little something to suit just about any knitter. Included are designs for sweaters, scarves and shawls, cowls, a hat, mittens and socks. I was initially excited to see the wide range of sweater sizes included, but quickly realized it was only certain sweaters. A couple of the sweater designs go up to a 60/63" bust, though I noticed at least one only sized into the low 40s so if this is a concern, you might want to check this book out from your local library first to be sure the design you're interested in is written for your size or you think it might be up- or down-sized utilizing your own skills and experience. Multiple well-lit photographs are included to show details well, always appreciated. Knitting patterns all seem simple enough to be worked on during know nights without concern of making errors. Interspersed with the designs are stories centered around knitting which is a nice departure from just knitting patterns.

Thank you to F+W Media and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review. 

book chat - Plus+

PLUS+: Style Inspiration for Everyone

by 

Rutter Bethany, 

Published February 5th 2019 by Andrews McMeel Publishing

I love seeing people of all sizes being confident in who they are. I was happy to see a wide variety of people represented in these pages and have quite a few additions to my social media feeds. Along with photos, the reader is treated to a bit from each participant about their personal style. I found this book well put together and a joy to peruse.

Thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this inspiring book in exchange for my honest review. 

book chat - 100 Knits

100 Knits: Interweave's Ultimate Pattern Collection by Interweave Editors, Published October 2nd 2018 by Interweave

Another great collection of knitting patterns from Interweave! With 100 designs in a variety of styles, any knitter is sure to find plenty of inspiration for future projects in this large volume. Many of the included designs have been previously published in various Interweave publications (magazines, books) so some will be familiar to fans of Interweave, however, this collection would be a wonderful addition to most knitters' pattern libraries. The items are beautifully photographed, including multiple photos to show details when needed. Lace, colorwork and cabled designs are charted as well as written. My only complaint is that a few project samples were knit in dark yarn, making detail difficult to see at times. Normally, when browsing books of knitting patterns, I may find a few I'd like to knit. In this case, I found a ton of patterns I'd love to make myself in this book.

Thank you to Interweave Editors, F+W Media and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book. All comments are my own, unbiased opinion. 

episode 78: free your feet!

The winners for my portion of  the prizes for the Summer Stripe-along are announced along with the winner of the Yeksa shawl pattern! I also talk about some of my recent reads, my recent social media break and future plans.

In addition to the yarny prizes and progress keeper I provided for the Summer Stripe Along CAL, I'm so thankful to have had a couple of my podcaster friends offer up prizes as well. Big thanks to both of these generous ladies!

• Angela of Delusional Knitter Designs/Revelations of a Delusional Knitter podcast offered one of her patterns 
• Benita of Dyed in the Wool Biz/Fiber Pusher Podcast for offering up a copy of her Walking Through China sock pattern and 4 ounces of spinning fiber!

The sun progress keeper was made by Julieanne of Lovebird Lane Yarns on etsy (also hosts the My Muddlings Podcast).

I also drew for the winner of the Yeksa Shawl pattern, designed by Janine McCarty of the Yarn and Ewe Girl Podcast.

The books I talked about:

• The Homemade Vegan Pantry by Miyoko Schinner
• Dynamic Aging and Simple Steps to Foot Pain Relief by Katy Bowman (all of her books can be found here)

Podcasts mentioned and not already linked above:

• Katy Says with Katy Bowman
• The Slow Home Podcast

The shoe brands mentioned (check out Katy's site for lots more recommendations!):

• Vibram
• Kalso Earth Shoes (the vegan option is Prosper)

Videos are available on YouTube, iTunes and through your favorite podcatcher! =)

May craftiness

Another month has passed and the poncho that will not end is still... unfinished. I had high hopes, but I swear this thing is shrinking.

Plus, I didn't work on it much. ;-) Most of the finished objects for this pattern on Ravelry have been knit with 21-22 repeats of the pattern. The above has 21 completed repeats and even stretched, it's a good 10" from being long enough! This is why I don't knit sweaters often - they take forever! I do love how the two yarns are playing off each other and I know once finished and has had a nice bath and tumble in the dryer, it will be lovely and soft, but I have to admit... I am fighting the urge to frog this thing! I'm wondering if this yarn might be better in a different project. We'll see...

With the poncho on ice, I have started another knitting project that I can actually see progress on:

Socks! I looked and it's been a year and a half since I finished a pair of fingering weight socks. It's about time for another pair, yes? I'm not working on them often, but I can at least see some progress. ;-)

With my knitting mojo waning, I turned from the knitting needles to the sharper needle of my sewing machine. Now here, I can definitely see real progress! I started with a little something destined to be gifted to a little someone:

Over Mother's Day weekend, Amazon offered a deal for a full year of access to Creativebug classes for $25. I've taken classes from Craftsy, CreativeLive and other sites, but had been curious about Creativebug. I haven't been disappointed! I followed along with the videos (and printed pattern) and created this adorable bib. The first was so much fun, I've now made a second, but you'll see that in my June update along with more sewing from a different Creativebug class. :-)

Not too impressive for an entire month, huh? This is why it's a hobby. I do what and how much I want, when I want. No pressure. I do seem to be on a sewing kick now though so next month's post may have lots of fun stuff!

Until then, craft what makes you happy! I know I will. :-)