Show and Tell - Product Reviews
By Allegra and Brandy
Show and Tell is a fun feature of our magazine which showcases knitting or crochet-related products, as well as handcrafted products for children. A limited number of products are reviewed personally by Brandy or Allegra for each issue, to ensure that each product is evaluated with the utmost time and care. If you are interested in having your product reviewed, send it to us! We'd love to check it out.
Design It, Knit It Babies
by Debbie Bliss
Sixth & Spring Books
$24.95
After the great success of Design It, Knit It, Debbie Bliss has come out with Design It, Knit It Babies much to our excitement. This book has excellent information for those who want to knit for babies, as well as those who want to design knitwear for babies. Debbie talks about different shapes, showing swatches using practical shapes such as the A-line, added vents and flare. She focuses on the types of fibers that are best for babies to wear against their precious skin.
I could go on and on about the extraordinary advice that is given in this book, really an excellent resource for knitters who love knitting for babies. So let me go on a little more: besides the lovely designs that are included in the book, Debbie also offers a Designer Workbook, which I think is brilliant. She has included sketches of garments such as the Round Neck Pullover and Raglan-Sleeve Jacket, just to name a couple. With these sketches, you can go to town coloring, choosing stitch patterns, adding a collar; whatever you wish. And she’s done the grunt work for you! I love it! There is also graph paper, charts and a stitch gauge included. Many lovely perks to this workbook. I highly recommend investing in this resource.
Crochet Adorned
by Linda Permann
Potter Craft
$24.95
Oh this book is just gorgeous! Linda Permann has put together a beautiful collection of patterns and crochet stitches to help reinvent your wardrobe. Linda first gives great suggestions and advice for beginning tips for crocheters, how to read patterns and understand symbols.
The patterns that are found in this book are beautiful. There are such creative and colorful ways to embellish your ready-made wardrobe. Linda divides up the patterns into three chapters: Fashion, Accessories and Home. Some of my favorites are the Breezy Tunic (which uses some sewing skills as well as crochet), the Scalloped Spring Jacket, Dainty Earrings and the Lace Bowl.
The Stitch Dictionary is wonderful. Gorgeous trims, embellishments, flower motifs, geometric shapes, as well as basic crochet stitches are included. This book is so beautifully done and full of wonderful information, even a beginner crocheter could feel easily at home with their new craft.
I look forward to seeing what Linda Permann offers us in the future. You can find her online at www.lindamade.com .
Sewing Clothes Kids Love
by Nancy J.S. Langdon and Sabine Pollehn
Creative Publishing International
$24.99
This collection of sewing patterns is truly one-of-a-kind. Inspired by little money, some sewing skills and many hand-me-downs and thrifted fabrics comes some incredible, stop-you-in-the-street children’s garments.
This book discusses important topics when dealing with children such as designing “to grow” since our kids grow faster than many of us can finish a project; and also the age-old argument of Cool vs. Cute. The book contains some helpful tips on what to have in your sewing room, and how to measure children, and pattern tracing but I would say that overall, this book is for those with intermediate and above sewing skills.
One extra fabulous project in this book is a tutorial on how to make a “kinderquin” dress form! Instead of spending $100 or more on a standard dress form, you can make one out of duct tape in about an hour.
The patterns themselves are great. Full of funk and popping colors. These patterns really give you full creative freedom, when it comes to fabrics and techniques such as appliqué. With this book, you can create a completely one-of-a-kind wardrobe for your little fashionistas at home.
Gifted: Lovely Little Things to Knit and Crochet
by Mags Kandis
Interweave Press
$24.95
I was lucky enough to see this book at TNNA in June of this year and I was blown away by the beauty of it. Mags Kandis has put together a lovely collection of small knitted and crocheted items that would make perfect gifts. The projects have a classic feel to them, but at the same time, offer a modern twist.
Mags has divided up the projects into two categories: those gifts for the body, and those for the soul. I love that! Some of my favorite gifts for the body include: Cabled Boot Toppers, Arm Cozies (made from a felted recycled sweater), Paper Roses, and a Bevy of Bangles. Oh and I can’t forget about Baby’s First Felted Feet! My favorite Gifts for the soul are the Felted Heart Milagros. These sweet felted hearts can also be combined to make a lovely door hanger.
Another aspect of this book that resonates with my soul is the fact that Mags includes recipes throughout, such as Ginger Syrup, Tomato Jam and Mexican Hot Chocolate Mix. This book is the perfect companion for the Fall season, with it’s beautiful patterns and treats, to help you with all of your holiday crafting.
More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts
by Joelle Hoverson
STC Craft
$27.50
A couple years ago, we were blessed by the original book of this series, Last-Minute Knitted Gifts. Then we were gifted with Last-Minute Fabric Gifts and Last-Minute Patchwork and Quilted Gifts. Now, just in time for holiday knitting, Joelle Hoverson as done it again with the newest addition to the series, More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts.
Joelle has brought us 30 new and interesting gifts for all levels of knitters. The book is beautifully photographed by Anna Williams, and you can always count on Joelle to use the most luxurious and gorgeous yarns for her projects (seeing as she is the founder of Purl Soho, one of the most renowned yarn and fabric shops and websites in the world).
Just as in the previous books in the series, the projects are divided up according to how much time it takes to complete them. The projects range from less than two hours to more than eight hours. This is something to keep in mind when you want to cast on that last project before the holidays begin!
It’s hard to choose favorite projects from this book because I think each one is fantastic. But hands down, the Huggable House is truly fabulous. The knitting seems to be quite simple for this project, really bringing it to life with embroidery. This project alone is worth buying the book. (But so are all the others, so it’s a win-win situation!). The book also includes excellent baby garments, as well as other projects for the home and family.
Wee Wonderfuls: 24 Dolls to Sew and Love
by Hillary Lang
STC Craft/ Melanie Falick Book
$27.50
Critically acclaimed toymaker and popular blogger Hillary Lang has come up with an absolutely fantastic collection of dolls to sew and share. As a long-time follower of Hillary’s blog, I was ecstatic to learn that she had come out with her first book! Hillary’s dolls are adorable and full of personality. In this book, she offers toys for everyone in your family—no one will be left out!
The book is full of tips and suggestions on basic tools, doll construction and sewing techniques as well as hand stitching and embroidery terms. All of the pattern pieces for the projects can be found in the book, along with tips on how to trace patterns.
I like that Hillary offers a nice range in projects, from the adorably simple Evelyn Inchworm, to a more involved project like Little Miss Storybook. A few other favorites of mine (besides all of them!) are Koji, the cute and creepy monster, Marie Antoinette, with gorgeous embroidery, Panda Buns and Patchwork Penny, who comes with her own matching quilt! I also have to mention the Wee Town Trolley, which is adorable and featured in Petite Purls colors! I have a feeling most of the projects in this book will be made at some point during my daughter’s childhood.
Hillary’s aesthetic is clean, fun, cute and colorful. Her dolls are inviting and imaginative and I hope that we see many more fun books like this from her in the future.
60 Quick Knits: 20 Hats, 20 Scarves, 20 Mittens in Cascade 220
Sixth & Spring Books
$17.95
Another fantastic book to give you a jumpstart on your Fall and Winter knitting, 60 Quick Knits brings you great projects all designed out of one of the industry’s warhorse yarns: Cascade 220. The book offers a wide range of simple yet beautiful patterns that will make beginner and experienced knitters happy.
The list of designers that contributed projects to this book is incredible. To name a few, Susan B. Anderson (a Petite Purls fave), Debbie O’Neill, Tanis Gray, and Cathy Carron. Some stand out projects include: the Lion Scarf (Amy Bahrt), Monkey Hat (Irina Poludnenko), Birdcage Mittens and Octopus Mittens (Ellie Stubenrauch) and the gorgeous Spotted Fair Isle Mittens (Cheryl Murray). Again, it’s hard to choose favorites because there is such a great assortment of fabulous designs by wonderful designers. That should be incentive enough to go out and get yourself a copy!
Timeless Knits for Kids (Sizes 4-14)
by Chris de Longpre
Timeless Knits Publications
$24.95
Chris de Longpre, of Knitting at KNoon Designs, has given us a lovely collection of classic, yet fun designs for kids beyond toddlerhood. This is the first book published by de Longpre (Timeless Knits Publications), her first full-length collection. She used her own four grandchildren as her models, photographed everything herself and knit every stitch of every garment shown. Obviously this is a true testament of de Longpre’s love for children’s knitwear.
Chris offers tips about choosing yarns for kids wear and secrets for a successful fit. She gives us a lovely collection of 12 designs for boys and girls, from pullovers and turtlenecks to cardigans and vests. A very classic collection that I can see many knitters returning to for many years to come.
Knitting Mochimochi: 20 Super-Cute Strange Designs for Knitted Amigurumi
by Anna Hrachovec
Watson-Guptill Publications
$19.99
Knitted amigurumi. Oh how I’ve waited for this! I have always adored crocheted amigurumi, feeling envious because I haven’t had the opportunity to learn how to crochet (well). But now, I can jump right in and knit myself a collection of knitted amigurumi. From the moment you lay eyes on the cover page of this book, you have to be intrigued and fascinated by Anna Hrachovec’s quirky little toys.
So what’s mochimochi? Anna is a fan of the Japanese food mochi, a sticky rice sweet. She decided to name her toy design company after the sweet and its squishy texture reminded her of soft toys. She hasn’t looked back and has had the opportunity to “mochify” all sorts of animals, objects and even weather patterns!
Anna offers photographed techniques that specifically pertain to knitting toys. Stuffing, seaming, embroidery, and even feeling comfortable knitting with double pointed needles and magic loop are discussed. Adding eyes and appendages are also discussed—topics that aren’t often found in a “traditional” knitting book!Where to start with my favorite projects from this book? This is the type of book where you turn every page and you sigh and say, oh isn’t that cute? I’d have to start with the Bite-free Bed Bugs. Oh and the Squirrels on Wheels. The Petite Pencil! Micro Mountains! The Feet Eaters! I could go on and on! Hands down, though, my favorite project in the book is the Grouchy Couch. The 70’s looking couch is brilliant. Who doesn’t need a toy couch? Anna is a genius! Fun, quirky toys with a serious sense of humor. I love it.
Anna finishes the book with suggestions and tips on designing your own amigurumi. She offers encouraging words for budding designers and the tools you need to be on your way to inventing your own little gems.
PolarKnit LadyBug Slippers and Stitch Dots
www.polarknit.com
I had the opportunity to meet the ladies behind Polar Knit, the creators of the ever-popular polar-fleece yarn, earlier this summer. As soon as I saw the knitted Ladybug slippers, I was hooked. These slippers are so adorable, I fear for my family and the fact that they all might have a pair by winter! The Ladybug Slipper kits come in sizes for baby, child and adult, and you have the choice of pink, red, or light blue (with black as the contrast color). The kits also include Polarknit’s popular “Yarn Dots” for the eyes. “Yarn Dots” are little pieces of flare that can be added to any knitted item and even can fit in your crocs! I hear that they are working on a prototype for a crocheted version too, so be on the lookout.
Another great product from Polarknit is “Stitch Dots”. Every knitter needs these. These stitch markers “talk” to you, with various knitting terms on them to keep you organized in your knitting. Can’t remember which side is the Right Side of your work? Where the end of your knitting is? You’ve got “Start”and “End”; “RS” and “WS”, along with other helpful terms. These stitch markers are easy to slip over the needles, without snagging, and come with a retro carrying pouch.
LuSa Organics
LuSa Organics is a small business based in Viroqua, WI, focusing on handcrafted body care for babies, children and adults. Their ingredients are naturally sourced and primarily organic. They exclusively use essential oils to scent their products and color only with natural pigments, herbs and clays.
We had the opportunity to try LuSa’s Booty Balm, a balm designed to help sore or rashy skin. I tried the balm on my horrible eczema this past winter and it worked wonders. Although this is categorized as a “baby” product, I can only assume that this balm is very popular with people of all ages.
We also tried the Wipe Juice. This ingenious product makes 2 gallons of baby wipe “juice”, to help keep your little ones clean without synthetic fragrances and preservatives that are found in most other baby wipe products. The scent is very enjoyable, not overwhelming in any way and you can feel good about what’s going on your baby’s bottom.