book reviews & giveaway #1

I could go on about the gifts I'm cranking against time, or my Shell Seeker wanting a scant 3 inches of the hem re-knit, to be finished 4good and 4ever....but instead, December is a fine time to review books and do giveaways.

They've been piling up. Why is there a baseball there? I don't know...the stitching?

So..off we go 
 
50 Sunflowers to Knit Crochet & Felt
I’ve mentioned how much I admire the multi-talented Kristin Nicholas --I was a fan of her knit designs long before we became friends. I’ve visited her farm. I can tell you, she is the real deal.  

a sheep behind the house, and a bedroom-from my visit in May 2012

Artist, designer, farmer, decorator, photographer--all of it. She is one of few people I begrudge my sheep photography admiration (hardass I am). Her house isn’t a fake set just for the photo shoots, it really is her world. You may know she also grows and sells fields of sunflowers--and thus the inspiration for this book.

Kristin's felted sunflowers in her field.

This book is just what the title says--Kristin’s come up with 50 different sunflowers for us to create,

Although the title doesn’t let you know that there are also instructions to knit, crochet and otherwise embellish robins, ladybugs, leaves, butterflies, even a polka dot crocheted vase in which to stick your handcrafted flowers--all in her gorgeous color sense. There are also 15 projects to make, from decorative wall art to useful small gifts (washclothes and baby rattle) to cool home items (mailbox and door wreath).

It feels like a bounty-- I’m tired of books that only have a couple of ideas and streettttttttch them thin. Kristin’s book is the opposite. 

As always she is generous with the instructions, the technique, with a playful layout and excellent photos. Class act, this one. The only reason I can bear to give it away? She sent me an extra copy just for that purpose. I have this idea I’m going to make flowers to embellish holiday gifts this year. Better get cracking? yeah yeah, I know...
I'm giving away this book by mail , leave a comment below, by 6 am Saturday morning December 7th , with  your email address* or your Ravelry name.  I’ll choose a winner by random number generator.

(added 12-8-13  giveaway is over-thanks!!!)

___Stop by again soon, I'm going to keep reviewing and giveaway-ing all month.__________ 
*my blogging platform doesn’t reveal your email address with your replies normally, so I need it. if you are worried about it attracting a ‘bot scanning for addresses, feel free to leave it as JaneSewAThotstuffDOTCom  ok? Thanks