Have you ever wanted to learn how to create adorable little felted creatures? or Learn how to needle felt while creating miniature scenes with three-dimensional critters and scenery? If you answered yes, then let me introduce you to Wee Felt Worlds: Sweet Little Scenes to Needle Felt by Amanda Carestio
Amanda’s book offers needle felters a wide variety of projects that only require just a few tools, such as a felting needle, a foam felting mat, a pair of scissors and a good work surface. You will also need wool roving in a few basic colors and about 1/4 ounce (7 grams). The beauty about the majority of these projects, they use less than 1/4 ounce of roving in any given color and some even less than the 1/4 ounce.
This book is perfect for experienced needle felters as well as beginners, and offer over 50 projects with well written step-by-step instructions, tips, techniques and more. If you love the world of needle felting, be sure to include the fun collection of projects from contributing designers Yin Chan, Jenn Docherty, Cathy Gaubert, Michelle Kiker, Chrissy Mahuna, Heide Murray, and Aimee Ray.
Sterling Publishing has graciously given me a free squirrel project, click here to download, for you to try out just to see how fun needle felting can be! For this project, you will need a felting needle, foam felting mat and roving in brown, dark brown and a light brown. Enjoy!
About the Editor Amanda Carestio is the author of Fa La La La Felt, Stash Happy: Felt, and Heart-Felt Holidays. She blogs online at larkcrafts.com and at digsandbean.blogspot.com. Amanda lives in Asheville, NC with her husband, her new baby daughter, and her super-spoiled canines.
Disclaimer: This copy has been sent to me by Sterling Publishers for review. Please note that the above opinions are my own.
This book features a variety of quick knit projects from 30 up and coming designers using the versatile, colorful, and very affordable, Cascade 220 Superwash and Cascade 128 Superwash yarns.
Inside you will find designs that are whimsical, lacy, traditional, colorful and fun, such as Baby Beluga, A New Leaf, Lacy Chevron, Tickled Pink and Building Blocks. Bottom line, there is a great range of patterns that knitters are sure to enjoy and perfect to suit every skill level.
This collection offers knitters well written pattern instructions, colorful photos of the finished projects, charts where needed and a wonderful bonus project, a sweet knitted little Lamb designed by Susan B. Anderson.
Courtesy of Sterling Publishing
While this book is dedicated to “baby”, there are also designs that could be used as lap blankets or throws for adults, such as the Zig and Zag, Criss-Cross Coverlet and Good Vibrations. So to me, this book is very versatile and could be used for all ages!
I give this latest addition two thumbs up! If you knit baby blankets for gifts or for your own children, this is a book to consider adding to your knitting library. Be sure to visit Ravelry to view all the patterns included in this newest book!
Until next time, happy knitting, crocheting, spinning and crafting!
Disclaimer: This copy has been sent to me by Sterling Publishers for review. Please note that the above opinions are my own.
This past week I received a package that contained one yard in Checkered Past in Berry ( a blend of 58% Cotton and 42% Linen at 57″ wide) and one yard in Urban Blossoms in Berry ( 100% cotton at 54″ wide), a length of matching trim, and the April Issue of HGTV Magazine.
For my review I was asked to create a project using the fabric that I received by either using one of the online projects available at JoAnn.com or by creating something of my choice. I opted to create a new valance for my knitting studio and felt that I would have enough fabric leftover to create a small matching table runner. With an idea in mind, off to my local JoAnn store I went and came home with two patterns, 3 yards of cream-colored braided trim and 3 yards of beaded trim, which was way too much but I’m going to use it for another project later on down the line.
Braided Trim, Beaded Trim, Patterns and Fabric
I decided to start with the valance, as it seemed to be a fairly easy pattern. After cutting out the pattern paper piece, I placed it onto to the fabric and cut out six pieces ( three pieces in each color), which meant I would be eliminating the standard backing.
Pinned and ready to cut.
My idea was to alternate the fabrics.
Next it was time to place one piece of each color right side together, add the trim and get ready to sew them together. The trim was placed from edge to edge only, and pinned down in place. At the point, I carefully snipped the trim so it would create a smoother and more flawless edge.
Right sides facing, pin together.
When adding a braided trim, place the trim edge at the edge of the fabric, laying the top piece of fabric down on top of it. Pin in place.
Points can be a bit touchy at times and if not down correctly, can cause an uneven edge.
To avoid an uneven edge, gently snip the trim at the center portion of the point in the fabric, careful not to go through the braid itself. By doing this, your trim will lay smooth and create a nice edge.
Be sure to pin your layers in place for sewing, edge to edge works the best.
Remember to remove your pins as you go!
I opted for a 1″ seam and used my guide on the sewing machine to help me keep a straight line.
So the edging would not show, I made sure to sew snuggly against the braided trim, which was easy to do as I could feel the edge.
After sewing the edges, I left the top portions of each piece unsewn so I could turn the fabric right side out for creating the rod pocket. Each valance was turned right side out, gently ironed and the top edges were folded twice (one fold for the hem and the second fold for the seam) to create the rod pocket. After pinning down each fold, I seamed the rod pocket opening down in place.
Creating the rod pocket was a snap – two folds of the fabric, ironed gently in place and a 1/4″ seam sewn.
I was very pleased that all three valances turned out exactly the same and looked great on my window. I realized that I had a small gap between the two end valances and the rod, so I made two small squares to fit on each end to give a more finished look.
Finished with five pieces total, each one separate that can be moved around for interest.
I had just enough fabric leftover to create a reversible table topper. I used the beaded table topper pattern so I could cut out the ends for a perfect point. Like the valance pieces, I pinned the right sides together, adding the beaded trim at each point. On one edge, I left a 3″ space unsewn so I could draw the right sides through. Once this was done, I gently tugged each point to help make everything lay smooth and flat, then ironed each side.
I snipped one bead post off each end before pinning down the edges to sew.
One tip I forgot to mention when sewing corners, remember sew just before the corner, place your needle down, raise the foot, and turn to sew down the other edge. By doing this, you have a smoother edge and corner.
One side finished in Checkered Past Berry
The reverse side in Urban Blossoms Berry.
I love my new look for the window and the table topper was just the perfect size to lay on top of my antique cedar chest.
So what do I personally think about this new line of fabric? I love it! It’s sturdy, high quality and available in a variety of colors and patterns that are warm, and vibrant. I would also venture to say it’s not only perfect for upholstery projects, throw pillows and decorative accessories (table runners and place mats), but perfect to use for the bedroom to create a decorative headboard, curtains, valances, bedding, such as a quilt, duvet cover or comforter, and more.
Here’s a few other things to know:
The HGTV Home line of home décor fabrics and trims are only available at Jo-Ann.
From April 14th to May 4th, the HGTV Home line is 50% off at Jo-Ann’s.
The HGTV Fabric and trims are available in-store and online at Joann.com
Find inspirational projects online at JoAnn and online at Pinterest. Here’s a few pattern ideas too!
Be sure to print off the coupon below, a special 10% off HGTV home fabric and trim valid April 7th through May 4th. This coupon can be used during the sale for extra savings!
As a reminder, for subscription information, click here. Not only does each issue offer beautiful designs, but wonderful feature articles and information on what’s new.
If you decide that a subscription is not for you, I do encourage you to create a “free” account with Rowan to access beautiful designs and more. To register, just click here.
The winner is entry #4, Lori of Lori Times Five BlogSpot. Congratulations Lori and I hope you find a few inspirational items to knit or crochet!!!
Have a wonderful Sunday everyone!
Until next time, happy knitting, crocheting, spinning and crafting!
This gorgeously designed book is a guide to celebrating the rhythm of life’s calendar of events, as well as the Christian liturgical year, focusing on God’s love in our lives. Greer weaves her own faith story with original recipes, crafts and entertaining ideas, creating a vibrant, personal narrative that is a modern take on timeless traditions. ~ Paraclete Press
This book is a journey throughout the year that brings together family through traditions, food and crafting! But there is more depth to this book and I soon realized that when I started to read each chapter.
Jerusalem’s book isn’t simply a book of crafting and cooking, but a spiritual journey in which she shares her very own memories, her personal insights and her own values, all while sharing her love of cooking and crafting.
While I’m not Catholic, I do find this book to be quite enjoyable, spiritual and quite fun. Each chapter gives the reader gorgeous photographs taken by the author’s sister, Judea Jackson, wonderful recipes and many ideas to be creative during certain times of the year to celebrate the holidays and more!
This book really makes you realize that at times you need to slow down and remember the important things in life, such as family and spiritual needs. Jerusalem’s book can be purchased at Amazon.com, Barnes and Nobles and the Paraclete Press. Login to Amazon today to read the first few pages of Chapter 1 !
I truly enjoyed reading this book and give it a two thumbs up!
About the Author: Jerusalem Jackson Greer lives in an old house with her husband, their two boys, and a host of friendly critters. She fancies herself a farm-girl living in the city and she likes to rescue furniture off the side of the road. You can find her blogging, most days, at http://www.jerusalemgreer.com.
Disclaimer: This copy has been sent to me by Paraclete Press for review. Please note that the above opinions are my own.
It has been such a wonderful weekend so far. Yesterday my husband and I headed over to Scottsdale so I could visit Jessica Knits, a favorite yarn shop of mine that I love to visit now and then. I was on a mission to see if she had Rowan Yarns Savannah in stock in the color Arizona and hurray, she did. Needless to say, I came home with a sweaters worth of Savannah so I now I can knit Cheyenne that I mentioned in an earlier post. If you live in the Phoenix area, be sure to stop in Jessica Knits as she has a knitted display of Cheyenne and it’s gorgeous!
I also couldn’t resist the last four skeins of the Rowan Frost in color #95 Moorland. There’s just a touch of the same color tone as in the Savannah Arizona and I’m thinking about the possibility of a matching scarf.
This morning I finished clue 1 for the Capriole KAL and I love it! I can’t wait to see what clue 2 will be. Here’s a spoiler photo and you can see more spoiler photos online in the Ravelry Group, Remily Knits.
Last but not least, there is a winner for the copy of Knit New York by Emma King. Thank you all for entering and please remember to check back often as I have several reviews coming up and a few will include giveaways.
I have to tell you that I’m in LOVE and can see myself knitting, and even crocheting, the majority of these patterns. This new collection offers feminine textured designs created in yarns with very soft southwestern colors, all of which remind me of the desert of Arizona.
The cover captured my heart at the very beginning with the lovely Hoopa cardigan by Sarah Hatton. This feminine design has texture, interest and a gorgeous beaded front band. Created in All Seasons Cotton, this is perfect not only for summer, but even spring or early fall.
I was also instantly drawn to one particular design called Cheyenne. I love the yoke, the lace stitch and the simplicity of this design. Knitted in Savannah, a scrumptiously soft blend of 94% cotton and 6% silk, this design truly echos summer and I’ve already chosen my yarn color, Arizona, which is quite fitting, don’t you think!
Cheyenne by Sarah Hatton Courtesy of Rowan Yarns
If you love lace, I think you might really like Cherokee by Lisa Richardson. Knitted in All Seasons Cotton, a blend of 60% cotton and 40% acrylic, this lace tunic with capped sleeves is perfect to wear all summer long.
Cherokee by Lisa Richardson Courtesy of Rowan Yarns
I can’t forget about crochet and want to tell you that Havasupai by Sarah Hatton is a beautiful crocheted sweater created using Summer Tweed, a blend of 70% silk and 30% cotton that gives a gorgeous drape to finished garments. This design features 3/4″ sleeves, slash neck detail and a textured stitch pattern. I can see this being crocheted in the color of Rafia or Reed.
Havasupai by Sarah Hutton Courtesy of Rowan Yarns
I have to say living in the southwest desert area of Arizona, it is hard to find just the right weight of yarn that keeps you cool during the scorching heat of the summer yet warm enough to keep the chill off while in the confines of air conditioned offices or homes. You all know that I love wool and that I knit with wool year around, but I have to say I really like the look, texture and feel of the Summer Tweed and Savannah, so much so, I know that I will be purchasing enough to knit or even crochet the designs featured in this latest collection.
To view all sixteen designs, please visit Rowan online or view online at Ravelry. If you are interested in purchasing this booklet, or even the yarns, you can find it online at Webs, Jimmy Beans Wool, Laughing Hens, Royal Yarns and Amazon.com. Last but not least, visit your local shop to touch and feel these lovely yarns, I think you will really like them! Here in Arizona, visitJessica Knits and Knit 1 Bead 2.
Until next time, happy knitting, crocheting, spinning and crafting!
Thank you all so much for reading my review for Sew Red by Laura Zander, co-owner of Jimmy Beans Wool, and for entering chance to win my review copy.
Overall I give this book a huge thumbs up and have to say it’s perfect for anyone who enjoys sewing, quilting and who wants to stay “heart” healthy. For me personally, today I started my journey in becoming more “heart healthy” and I hope you do too!
Sew Red is the first sewing and quilting book to put a stylish twist on raising awareness about heart disease in women! Authored by Laura Zander and with a foreword by designer and veteran journalist Deborah Norville, Sew Red is a follow-up to Knit Red, offering the same level of excitement and inspiration, with projects from such fabric design, sewing, and quilting luminaries as Ty Pennington, Amy Butler, Tula Pink, Brett Bara, Anna Maria Horner, and Kaffe Fassett.
I just received a fantastic book to review from Jimmy Beans Wool , Sew Red by Laura Zander, co-owner of Jimmy Beans Wool.
I love the fact that this book, along with it’s predecessor, brings awareness to women about heart disease, something that we as women tend to overlook during to our busy lives.
Inside Sew Red you will find over twenty projects, including quilts, totes, garments and home décor, as well as healthy living tips and heart healthy recipes. Each project includes a designer bio, along with their tip for healthy living, detailed step by step instructions, beautifully photographed finished projects and full paper patterns for the top, skirts and dress designs. Also included is sewing basics, fabric terminology, basic stitches and finishing techniques.
The recipes are simply mouth-watering and include soups, main dishes, including a heart healthy version of macaroni and cheese, side dishes, salads and desserts, including an apple coffee cake. You will also find a section dedicated to the “facts”. Here you will learn about the signs of heart disease, the risks, what you can do to make your heart healthy and stay healthy, exercise tips that includes walking and more. Laura has dedicated one full page of informational sources and links where you can learn even more about heart disease and awareness.
Overall I give this book a huge thumbs up and have to say it’s perfect for anyone who enjoys sewing, quilting and who wants to stay “heart” healthy.
About Jimmy Beans Wools: Jimmy Beans Wool is a yarn and fabric retailer offering knitters, crocheters and sewers worldwide a comprehensive selection of the finest yarns and fabrics along with the latest fashion trends. As a market leader in its multi-billion dollar industry, Jimmy Beans Wool takes an innovative, unparalleled approach to marketing. It is the first-ever official yarn, knitting and crochet supplier to U.S. Snowboarding and U.S. Freeskiing and is responsible for the national industry-wide Stitch Red campaign against heart disease in women. The store has been awarded an excellent rating from StellaService for its outstanding customer service reputation and has been named four times to the Inc. 5000, Inc. Magazine’s List of Fastest Growing Private Companies in the U.S and three times to the BizRate Circle of Excellence. It has also been featured on CNN and NPR and in Forbes and the New York Times.
About The Heart Truth® Campaign: The Heart Truth® is a national awareness campaign for women about heart disease and is sponsored by the NHLBI, part of the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Through the campaign, the NHLBI leads the nation in a landmark heart health awareness movement that is being embraced by millions who share the common goal of better heart health for all women.
I am happy to announce that I will be giving my review copy of Sew Red that Jimmy Beans Wool sent to me to one lucky blog reader. To enter this giveaway, simply leave a comment, and do be sure to leave a means of contact if your email does not automatically attach to your comment, for example your Ravelry ID.
The Deadline to enter is Monday, March 11th at 7:00 p.m. Arizona Time. The winner will be selected by a random number generator and will be announced on Tuesday, March 12th. Please note that the winner will receive their book directly from me and that this giveaway is open only to US Residents only.
Disclaimer: This copy has been sent to me by Jimmy Beans Wool for review. Please note that the above opinions are my own.
Thank you for entering, this giveaway is now closed!
I just have to say again, that if you enjoy knitting scarves, enjoying learning new techniques, then you truly will enjoy Audrey’s book. I personally say this is a must have for your knitting library!
Have you ever wanted to learn how to create adorable little felted creatures? or Learn how to needle felt while creating miniature scenes with three-dimensional critters and scenery? If you answered yes, then let me introduce you to Wee Felt Worlds: Sweet Little Scenes to Needle Felt
Disclaimer: This copy has been sent to me by Sterling Publishers for review. Please note that the above opinions are my own.
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This book features a variety of quick knit projects from 30 up and coming designers using the versatile, colorful, and very affordable, 
Thank you all so much for reading my review for 
Thank you all for entering my giveaway for a chance to win a signed copy of Audrey Knights 
