Thursday, September 17, 2015

book review & giveaway: Knitless by Laura McFadden

So, I was going to tell you how I'm not so much of a big stash person.....
I made the photo above-not the cover-and the photography in the book is NOT by me- but nice and colorful!
Then I decided to  set up this shot and basically, all I did was grab a couple of bags that were within reach of my desk. Not, like, the only bags of yarn in my office.  I realized a lot of yarn has accumulated.....let's just say, I do indeed have a stash.
  Laura McFadden's crafty book Knitless: 50 N0-Knit , Stash-Busting Yarn Projects  is full of ideas for us. Some  projects are quickies, some take time and concentration.  She is an experienced crafter in many media, so she brings in paper arts, jewelry, embroidery, coil and coin rugs, macrame--and more that mix it up. Nary a knit or crochet pattern in here. Perfect opportunity to stretch your craft muscles a little while using up yarn that is lying fallow. 
photos courtesy of Running Press, from Knitless
Some projects offer a technique or idea that you can roll with, like the yarn covered bicycle, or a yarn-bombed chair that has pre-knit/crocheted recycled components. Love, love, love. (Warms my CraftActivism heart).  Some give you ideas to use yarn gobbling elements, like pompoms--I'm thinking the PomPom Covered Slippers would make a great gift, and fun in the process, as well.

Other projects are more "Make and Take"--detailed instructions to make a specific item, complete with templates for re-creating the piece, exactly.  This kind of crafting isn't my jam, but it has huge appeal for those who want to try a new craft successfully,  and when you want a project you can claim as done by the end of the day.   Coming off of making a book with 28 projects in it, all knitting, I tip my hat to the author for putting together fifty projects with clear instructions and photos. 
No Knit Quick Scarf photo courtesy of Running Press, Knitless
This is a book I'll keep on the shelf for a day when I feel like messing around and making something but I'm not sure what.  The No-Knit Quick Scarf  (above) is so simple it's crazy- I have seen a cheapo version in a store and loved it. I can imagine it with a leftover single skein of something delicious like Malabrigo Rasta
String Art Lamp photo courtesy of Running Press, Knitless
What else might I be creating from in here? The 70-'s retro string art lamp brings back memories of trying this with my mom--I didn't have much patience at the time, mine was a disaster.  I'm so tempted to try again now in my more, um, mature  version of my craftng self.


GIVEAWAY !  Want a copy of Knitless: 50 No-Knit, Stash Busting Yarn Projects by Laura McFadden? Leave a comment below, by midnight September 20, 2015.  
Since I am still using the frustrating yet free Blogger platform, you'll need to include or spell out your email (as in MeATcraftqueenDOTcom) or else Blogger will make you impossible to reach.

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This book was sent to me by Running Press, the publisher. The above review  (unless you just skipped to the giveaway and if so--shame on you) is my unbiased opinion. If I didn't like it, you wouldn't be reading about it.

The blog tour for the book continues , here's the run down:



















25 comments:

Unknown said...

The book sounds like a lot of fun. The string lamp really caught my eye and how I know they were popular in the 70's they still look rather modern to me.
email - annATsimplyplayingDOTnet

Anna said...

I would love this book! Anna dot Wukich at gmail

Yarngiraffe said...

Such an awesome idea for a book. Id love to use some of these ideas for a monthly volunteer event we have at the youth shelter. We've been trying to teach them crochet but it's hard to do in one lesson.
Yarngiraffe at gmail and Ravelry!

Lori in Michigan said...

Woot! Right up my alley... My stash awaits!

Unknown said...

I would LOVE this book!! marcyssilver@gmail.com

nancy said...

Wonderful review!

nancylererATyahooDOTcom

Unknown said...

What a fun and fabulous book - a great reason to stash dive!

Sheila Can said...

I don't have a stash, I have a SABLE. Stash Acquired Beyond Life Expectancy. Sheilanan at me dot com

Sam said...

I think my sister needs this book so I can open the office closet without feat of being smothered by yarn. Oh wait....Rhinebeck is coming up. I'm doomed!

Sharon said...

Looks like fun -- I don't want to outlive my stash :-)

Margo said...

That book looks really fun! I do like that string lamp, and the scarf looks pretty cool. margoburton AT gmail DOT com

maryse said...

Child of the 70s that I am you had me at that lamp and the macrame. Justmaryse AT gmail DOT com.

JAG Knits said...

Great reconnecting with you & all your talents!

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

I have a stash of yarn I could use this book with winning it would be awesome
PalmerfjATyahooDOTcom

rrjane011749 said...

I'd love to win this book!
rrjane011749@yahoo.com

stacey said...

I miss seeing you in Connecticut! This book would be a welcome addition to my shelf.

And how goes the book of Rhinebeck knit wear?

staceyDOTlDOTwilberATgmail.com

UmmRania said...

Awesome! This book looks so cool.

ajpettey at yahoo.com

Unknown said...

So cool, that lamp shade really has my attention.
shingDOThsiehATcomcastDOTnet

Tobie said...

These projects look like so much fun!
tobie dot lurie at gmail dot com

Bonnie said...

I'm always on the lookout for ways to use up those bits of sock yarn left from making a pair of socks!

Bethany at YarnSkeinsAndPorchSwings said...

This would be so helpful!

Konstantly Kawaii said...

Ilove the light shade ,and that scarf!!!

Whitetail Deer Hunting Lodge Ohio said...

This is just the book I needed. After all, I have so many balls of scrap yarn left over from projects throughout many years of knitting and crochet projects. Some are quick and can be done in minutes like coasters and jewelry, others are weaving and stitching projects that you could zen out and spend time with your favorite fibers giving them a new life like upcycling an old lawn chair. Lots of the projects combine other unusual and unexpected materials like clear tubing to make unique conversation starter designs.

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