Monday, December 02, 2013

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.  
kristin3
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

42 comments:

Connie said...

I would love a copy of that book!! My email address is cmspecht@yahoo.com...thanks so much!!

Sharon said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sharon said...

I love Kristin's work -- straynotionsatcomcastdotnet

Tobie said...

Kristin's color work is a real inspiration.
tobie.lurieatgmail.com

kjsutcliffe said...

What a lovely giveaway! I love the photo of the bedroom you stayed in gkjsutatgmaildotcom

deidre said...

I would love to win Kristen's book of sunflowers. Thanks for the chance. Deidre --email:
gen-kookieATmywayDOTcom

auntsandee said...

would love to win sandeelaporte@gmail.com

Rose said...

Love Kristin's work, so would love her book. Thanks for the chance. Email is: sandinmyyarnATmeDOTcom

Also, can't wait until your Rhinebeck book comes out!

Drae said...

a bright spot in the bleek winter. These would be fun to knit for cheer! alcbrooksatwindstrem.net

bensedin art said...

I would love to win!

principeta said...

Sounds interesting,count me in,please.Thank you for the chance to win it,so generous of you.

Maria i Falkenberg said...

Love Kristin's work AND sunflowers!

Amy said...

Thanks for a chance to win a copy! aalcorn5atgmaildotcom.

Liz Kaplan said...

I love flowers. I love to crochet. I love you!!!
x.o.

Anonymous said...

Love sunflowers! Thanks for the chance to win this! slwilberAtsbcglobadotnet

sparky136 said...

Love sunflowers!
sparky136 on Ravelry

DianeOart said...

I love flowers, this book seems really inspiring. Ohlalalaine on Ravelry

Kerry W said...

Who doesn't love flowers? And I can see how I could use a couple of these patterns on a long-term freeform project I am doing!

I'm beluke on Rav.

Anonymous said...

What a great giveaway!
we all need a few more flowers in our lives.

Pagecsa on Rav :)

Ridgely said...

Finally....flower patterns...I'm thrilled and would LOVE this book!

lmecoll on Ravlery said...

I love Kristen Nicholas' work. Thanks for the chance to win the book.

lmecoll on Ravelry

joheintz@hotmail.com said...

I love Kristin's feltwork and flowers. I would love to have her book.
joheintz@hotmaildotcom

Anonymous said...

Lovely looking book! Kristin is so talented!
Lee (mamagiff on ravelry)

SherryG. said...

I would love to win this book. Thanks for the chance.
sherryglover1 on RAV

Unknown said...

I love Kristen's work and heard her interviewed recently (catching up on podcasts). Would love a copy of her book. I'm Shing on ravelry.

Cicha said...

:-)

My Rav: Cicha

Thistle Cove Farm said...

Although we've never met, I am also a fan of Kristin's work; glad to hear she's as real as she appears. What a great name you have for your blog...love it!
I'm Thistle Cove Farm on Rav.

Kim said...

What a beautiful book!

KimeijpenATaolDOTcom

Anonymous said...

Count me in please.
laurie
lariluuataolcom

Anonymous said...

Kristin's work just makes me happy!

texknitteratyahoodotcom

Susan in Katonah said...

My mom loves sunflowers. I want to make her a whole basketful.

Susan in Katonah (SusanM on Ravelry)

Sumac said...

What a nice book! Love her patterns.
sumac

JKH51 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
JKH51 said...

Would love to win this great book!


JKnits51 on Ravelry

Victoria said...

OOh, the ideas are endless. Thanks for the chance. victoriadotsmith456ATgmaildotcom

Terri said...

Kristin Nicholas has such an incredible sense of color. Wonderful book.
janesezknitATyahooDOTcom

Unknown said...

You are my inspiration! Great blog!
ImperialCookies@gmail.com

Sheri said...

Love all the colorful designs by Kristin.

sherileamoon@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Would love this book! ansicoAThotmailDOTcom

Carmen N said...

gift embellishments sounds like a great idea! I'd be more likely to make snowflakes though :) carmen99 at asimplehomestead.com

Sheila said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sheila said...

Since today is cold and snowy, I could really use some sunshine and warmth, if only in the form of knitted sunflowers.

SheilaOKeefe on rav