Early Book Review: Huggable Amigurumi : Crocheting Teddy Bears and Other Cute, Cuddly Friends by Franziska Poser

Huggable Amigurumi : Crocheting Teddy Bears and Other Cute, Cuddly Friends by Franziska Poser is currently scheduled for release on February 20 2024. This book contains detailed  instructions for 14 extra-extra-large crocheted animals; from a funny floppy-eared rabbit to a waddling penguin and a giant teddy bear. By using a particularly thick crochet yarn, these oversize animals don't take much more time to crochet than normal-sized cuddly toys and the Nordic pastel colors blend wonderfully into every home, so that these cuddly friends are not only a real eye-catcher in the children's room, but also on the living room sofa. These big buddies are life-size cuddle partners that bring instant joy to children's faces.

Huggable Amigurumi is a well written and organized instruction book for making huge stuffed animals. I love making amigurumi and love the look of the finished project. However, I have to admit that working with the smaller hooks to get the tight stitches necessary to keep the filling invisible takes a toll on my hands and wrists so I do not make them very often. Scaling up is the perfect solution to solving those issues. The projects included are cute, and the written instructions were clear for those that already understand the language of crochet. I would not recommend the book for beginners, since there are very few in progress pictures- only a couple for special techniques like making fringe, and the details on the language on specific stitches are at the end of the book rather than before the projects so they might be missed by those that need them most.  

Early Book Review: Crocheting Reversible Amigurumi Projects: Adorable 2-Way Furry Animals with Cuddly Detailing by Jessie Van

Crocheting Reversible Amigurumi Projects: Adorable 2-Way Furry Animals with Cuddly Detailing by Jessie Van In is currently scheduled for release on February 6 2024. This is a book of inside-out animal crochet patterns created with traditional and faux fur yarns. Filled with tips, tricks, and techniques to build your skills and ensure success for every design, this exciting guide features seven adorable amigurumi patterns that are reversible and transform into a whole new design. From a fox that becomes a cat, a snowball that becomes a penguin, otters that become seashells, and more, these designs are truly one-of-a-kind and offer something special to the craft of amigurumi crochet. Opening with guidance on tools, yarns, and other necessities, also included are technique tutorials for working with faux fur, making a practice piece, counting rows and stitches, and fixing mistakes.

I was intrigued by the idea of Crocheting Reversible Amigurumi Projects. I have made amigurumi before, but never saw or tried patterns that were reversible before, so I just had to see how this worked. I thought the information in the beginning of the book was very helpful, as I am among those crafters that dread pulling out the textured or fur yarn. I have had it go badly, and generally find it frustrating, but this book offered hope that I could make that process much easier and made something cute in the process. I thought the projects were both cute and clever, and the instructions were very detailed and easy to follow. The included pictures help to make things even more clear. I love that the author reminds readers that the up side of working with the fur yarn is that it will hide any small mistakes that might be made along the way while also leaving plenty of room and tips for switching out colors and yarns to better suit the readers taste, needs, of materials that they can find. I think this book offers readers everything promised, and what readers need to succeed in making the projects included while enjoying the process. 

Early Book Review: Woodland Crochet Kit: 12 Precious Projects to Stitch and Snuggle by Kristen Rask

Woodland Crochet Kit: 12 Precious Projects to Stitch and Snuggle by Kristen Rask is currently scheduled for release on January 23 2024. This kit includes a 76-page instruction book and materials to make two projects, a sweet turtle and a beautiful bluebird. The instruction book has more than 80 full-color photographs coupled with 12 step-by-step patterns. Create a sweet skunk, a cuddly hedgehog, a clever raccoon, and more—all in the popular Japanese style of crochet, amigurumi. Materials include; Four colors of yarn, A crochet hook, Stuffing, Embroidery floss, Safety eyes, and a Yarn needle. 

Woodland Crochet Kit is a nice starter kit for those that want to try their hand at crocheting small animals. The instructions are clear and helpful for those that are learning. I like that this is a kit, including the materials needed to make a couple of the projects. I was glad to see a couple projects that I do not often see, for instance I do not think I have seen many fawn patterns before- although I also have not looked for them. I did think that some things were not fully explained- like how to work with the wool for the squirrel's tail and why the yarn for the mouse is listed as normal bulky yarn but it looks different to me. I also find working with the fuzzy yarn for the hedgehog gives the right look, it is also very frustrating for even advanced crafters and might not be a great starter yarn to be playing with for beginners. 

Early Book Review: 30 Day Challenge: Embroidery: A Day-by-Day Guide to Learn New Stitches and Create Beautiful Designs by Jessica Anderson

30 Day Challenge: Embroidery: A Day-by-Day Guide to Learn New Stitches and Create Beautiful Designs by Jessica Anderson is currently scheduled for release on January 30 2024. If you’ve always wanted to learn embroidery but haven’t known where to start, 30-Day Challenge: Embroidery is the perfect way to jump-start your creativity and get stitching. Even if you’ve never picked up a needle, you will quickly learn everything you need to know to master embroidery. After an overview of embroidery basics, author Jessica Anderson (Cutesy Crafts) shows you how to create—each day for 30 days—one new stitch and one embroidery design that features that stitch. The easy-to-follow projects include a variety of popular modern motifs such as flowers, birds, houseplants, rainbows, and more, and only take an hour or two, or less, to complete. As the book progresses, you will strengthen your skills with designs that combine multiple stitches. You can do one project per day in order or follow your own schedule and pick and choose. By the time you’ve stitched your way through the book, you will have an amazing collection of embroidery designs to hang up and display your skill and creativity.

30-Day Challenge: Embroidery is exactly what the title and description promise. A collection of information and projects in bite size pieces to help readers learn to embroider, learn some new stitches, or just keep using to skills you have to keep them fresh. I like that the designs are all relatively simple, and there is still room to change colors or small details as you go to make them fit in better with what you have on hand, or your personal tastes. The designs build on the taught skills as you go through the book, reinforcing what has already been covered and keeping things moving at the same time. I like that there is built in flexibility with the book. You could tackle a project a day in order, or you can change the frequency or skip around in the project order. I liked that the book included traceable templates for the projects as well as some extra designs to try that are a bit harder and more complicated than those included as lessons. I think this book would be good for those new to embroidery, those that have not picked up a needle in awhile, and those that just want to keep their skills fresh. 

Early Book Review: Shitty Craft Club: A Club for Gluing Beads to Trash, Talking about Our Feelings, and Making Silly Things by Sam Reece

Shitty Craft Club: A Club for Gluing Beads to Trash, Talking about Our Feelings, and Making Silly Things by Sam Reece is currently scheduled for release on September 19 2023. Did you know that you are a glorious and incredible artist? Wait, really? Well, you are. Shitty Craft Club gives you permission to have fun and be as weird, wild, and wonderful as you want to be. It’s about trying your best, not perfection. With step-by-step instructions and funny, deeply relatable tales from her life, Sam Reece, founder of the Shitty Craft Club movement, hilariously guides you through dozens of projects. Making a bunch of pom-poms so you can be your own cheerleader? That’s a craft. Sculpting a rhinestone shrimp out of aluminum foil and a glue gun? A craft. Having literally one sip of water (congrats, by the way)? Yup, you bet—a craft. Because life is hard. So why not spend a bit of time gluing some trash to more trash if it makes you happy?

Shitty Craft Club is a fun and enjoyable read. Are the crafts in the book my style? Nope, but I think that is kind of the reason I read this book. The encouragement to craft things just because it is fun and you deserve to do something you enjoy is fantastic. I have been doing different types of arts and crafts all my life, and I admit to falling into the trap of needing things to be just right or as close to perfect as possible before letting it been seen. Making myself a trophy for getting through the week might have sounded silly before, but maybe that is just the reward I need. Not the final result necessarily, but the making and doing of the craft for no good reason other than I want to and can is something we could all stand to do a little more, especially when (hot glue gun burns and clean up aside) there is no harm or downside in giving yourself the space to do this type of thing. I thought the authors voice was very honest and funny, making this book a joy to read. The emphasis on being health and happy, and working with sustainable and recycled supplies was an added bonus. I think this book is a great read for crafters and perfectionists of all kinds, and is definitely worth the read. 

Early Book Review: Cute & Cuddly Crochet: Learn to Make Huggable Amigurumi Animals by Lauren Bergstrom

Cute & Cuddly Crochet: Learn to Make Huggable Amigurumi Animals by Lauren Bergstrom is currently scheduled for release on September 5 2023. Author and artist Lauren Bergstrom provides 12 step-by-step projects for crocheting popular, trendy, huggable animals, such as a flamingo, a dinosaur, an elephant, an octopus, a red panda, a fox, a narwhal, and more. While amigurumi animals are often very small, this book features instructions and tips for crocheting larger plushie animals that are perfect for baby gifts, birthday gifts for kids, home decor, and more. Cute & Cuddly Crochet also offers a guide for crochet basics, such as crochet techniques, stitches, how to do color changes, materials and where to source them, and much more. Accompanying the book are helpful videos from the author. 

Cute & Cuddly Crochet offers readers a good selection of projects, with helpful hints and tricks that will make these projects (and future endeavors) less intimidating and stressful. I thought the text was easy to follow and the pictures were very well chosen to give a solid visual reference to the instructions. I like that the author left room for personalization, and showed some variation with eyes and colors, giving the crafter some room to make things their own. I think this book offers readers exactly what it promises. For crafters that are looking to make this style of project on a regular basis this might be a good addition to your crafting library. 

Early Book Review: Creative Embroidery and Beyond: Inspiration, tips, techniques, and projects from three professional artists by Jenny Billingham; Sophie Timms; Theresa Wensing

Creative Embroidery and Beyond: Inspiration, tips, techniques, and projects from three professional artists by Jenny Billingham, Sophie Timms, and Theresa Wensing is currently scheduled for release on June 6 2023. This book  presents hand sewing as accessible and fun. Three artists—Jenny Billingham (@flynn_and_mabel), Theresa Wensing (@get.stitch.done), and Sophie Timms (@mindfulmantra_embroidery)—each present six designs. They are ideal for embroiderers of all skill levels, from total beginners to more advanced. You will find step-by-step embroidery projects featuring flowers, animals, insects, and more; instructions for how to embroider on denim, hats, and t-shirts; primers on essential stitches, including whipstitch and satin stitch; information on embroidery tools and how to use them; advice for threads and brands to use; and more. Embroidery is a fun, accessible art medium that’s proven relaxing and mindful for millions of crafters around the world.

Creative Embroidery and Beyond offers readers exactly what they would expect from this title and description. I thought the instructions and text were helpful and accessible. I like the suggestions and clear instructions for the different supplies and stitches that are most likely to be needed. I thought the pattern, fabric, and project suggestions were nicely rounded. Some were very much to my taste, and others less so, as it should be because we all have things we like to work with more than others. The book has definitely given me some ideas for things to try next- if I ever finish my 'project to do' pile that I already have set up for myself. I think this book might be a good buy for newer crafters, but for experienced crafters might want to check it out from the library.

Early Book Review: Crochet Ragdoll Friends: 36 New Dolls to Make by Sascha Blase-Van Wagtendonk

Crochet Ragdoll Friends: 36 New Dolls to Make by Sascha Blase-Van Wagtendonk is currently scheduled for release on April 1 2023. This is a new collection of 36 ragdolls, including adult and baby pairs of animals and fantasy creatures such as dragons and dinosaurs; friends from around the world, such as kokeshi dolls, Santa Claus and reindeer, kangaroos and koalas, giraffes, and flamingos. So many cute dolls—great for baby gifts and using up small bits of yarn—and they work up quickly for near-instant gratification.

Crochet Ragdoll Friends is cute collection of relatively quick and easy dolls to make. I liked the variety of eyes used in these dolls. I often opt for the safety eyes, because they are so easy and look great, but I like having a variety of options. I thought the patterns were well varied, and easy to follow. I also liked that there was a difficulty rating for each one, sometimes even the most practiced crocheter wants to do something quick and easy. While some of the patterns are something you could find elsewhere, I think this is a solid collection, and overall very cute. I think I might be stitching up some hedgehogs in the near future.

Early Book Review: Cross Stitch Celebrations: Graduation: 35+ Patterns for Cross Stitching Unique Graduation-Themed Announcements and Gifts by Mollie Johanson

Cross Stitch Celebrations: Graduation: 35+ Patterns for Cross Stitching Unique Graduation-Themed Announcements and Gifts by Mollie Johanson is currently scheduled for release on March 14 2023. Learn to create personalized graduation announcements, congratulations, and additional keepsakes for education-related accomplishments. Whether you are an absolute beginner in cross stitch or a seasoned pro, this book shows you how to create highly giftable personalized keepsakes for the accomplished students in your life. This step-by-step guide includes all of the basic instruction you need to learn the art of cross stitch.

Cross Stitch Celebrations: Graduation is a lovely resource for those that want to make graduation (or some school) related cross stitch. I have been crafting most of my life, but I still get nervous and antsy when it comes to creating custom designs and patterns. Knowing what needs to happen, and doing it, felt miles apart. I liked the way the author acknowledged the anxiousness many of us feel and helped readers the tools to work through it rather than dismissing it out of hand. I liked the variety of pattern details included, and some of the suggestions for customization and a successful project. I think that this book offers a great deal of valuable information and would be a great resource when planning graduation related projects. It is not a book I would buy for my personal collection (I am out of shelf space and this is pretty specialized) but this would be a great addition to library collections. 

Early Book Review: Bob Ross Cross Stitch: 12 Happy Little Cross Stitch Patterns - Includes: Embroidery Hoop, Floss, Fabric and Instruction Book with 12 Patterns! by Haley Pierson-Cox

Bob Ross Cross Stitch: 12 Happy Little Cross Stitch Patterns - Includes: Embroidery Hoop, Floss, Fabric and Instruction Book with 12 Patterns! by Haley Pierson-Cox honors the beloved artist’s legacy with twelve patterns featuring Bob Ross's famous quotes and the materials needed to make 2 of the designs. It is currently scheduled fir release on August 30 2022.

Bob Ross brought happiness to millions with his oil painting program The Joy of Painting and continues to spread that joy to a new audience through YouTube, Amazon Prime, Tubi, re-runs on public television, and many, many others. His beautiful landscapes, calming presence, and wise quotes—“We don’t make mistakes. We just have happy accidents”—have become the hallmarks of his brand. This kit includes materials to make 2 designs, along with a 48-page, illustrated instruction book for 12 different patterns inspired by Ross’s quotes. In each kit, you’ll find 2 pieces of cross stitch fabric, a needle, embroidery floss, embroidery hoop, and the instruction book. 

Bob Ross Cross Stitch: 12 Happy Little Cross Stitch Patterns - Includes: Embroidery Hoop, Floss, Fabric and Instruction Book with 12 Patterns! is a well written set of instructions for cross stitch in general, and getting started on these pattern. Since I was reading a digital galley I did not get the physical items that are included in the kit, so I did not get to jump right in and get started. However, I thought he introductory information and each of the patterns were well explained and easy to understand and follow. I loved the chosen quotes, and thought that the patterns were well designed for beginning cross stitchers and will help them gain confidence in the craft  while creating something nice. 

Book Review: Super Subversive Cross Stitch: 50 Fresh as F*ck Designs by Julie Jackson

Super Subversive Cross Stitch: 50 Fresh as F*ck Designs by Julie Jackson offers crafters snarky inspirations they. The book features 50 patterns (23 brand-new designs and 27 fan favorites) along with easy-to-follow instructions for the beginner and fonts and designs for adventurous crafters looking to customize their creations. It recasts a traditional, dare we say "sentimental," craft into a modern,
relevant art form. It's the latest offering in the Subversive Cross Stitch brand, beloved by legions of DIYers. Less messy than graffiti, Super Subversive Cross Stitch allows crafters to adorn walls with political pith and irreverent twists on classic quotes ("I think, therefore I drink," "Let the good times be gin").

Super Subversive Cross Stitch is not for the prim and proper crafter, and I do not recommend gifting any of these creations to those that you do not know well, or would not enjoy the humor. I thought the chosen designs offered a good selection of what one would expect from this author and what the title promises. I thought the grids, instructions, and information on techniques were all well done, easy to understand, and entertaining in their own right. Most importantly I thought the author's encouragement to try new things and embrace mistakes made this book even better. The support and tools to try and create this designs and more, create your own and explore options and your own creativity could be the difference between someone trying something new and sticking with it and them giving up after a few mistakes think they just cannot be good at this. I really appreciated the tone, encouragement, and creativity in this book. While I might not be making these to give away for the holidays, I will be keeping some of these in reserve for the perfect moment and right recipient. 

Early Book Review: First Time Embroidery and Cross-Stitch: The Absolute Beginner’s Guide by Linda Wyszynski

First Time Embroidery and Cross-Stitch: The Absolute Beginner’s Guide by Linda Wyszynski is currently scheduled for release on September 3 2019. This beginner’s guide teaches everything you need to know about a variety of hand stitching techniques. It is filled with detailed descriptions of materials and tools, the easy step-by-step instructions for classic embroidery, crewel, and cross-stitch will have you creating and embellishing projects like jewelry, journal covers, pillows, fashions, and more with confidence.

First Time Embroidery and Cross-Stitch was a wonderful reminder for me, because I used to do a great deal of needle work but had switched most of my crafting time to crochet- mainly because I can read on my kindle when crocheting and that does not usually work out so well when working with a sharp needle. This has inspired me to get back to it and maybe get through some audio books or my Netflix queue instead of my reading pile once and awhile. I liked getting the refresher course on tools and supplies, and think that newcomers to the craft will get a good understanding of the options- but they might be a little overwhelmed. There are so many options out there that I had never even considered and details I was unaware of that I was eager to try something new, but all that information at once might be too much for someone that has yet to thread their first needle. Beginners might just want to take it in small pieces or read what they are interested in at the moment. I found all of the writing to be very accessible and clear, both in the supply descriptions and the instructions. The pictures and diagrams were helpful and were well placed for optimum usefulness. The handful of designs included were simple and well explained- a nice starter set for beginners. I now how a few personalized pattern ideas running through my head.

First Time Embroidery and Cross-Stitch is a nice stitch guide and a good resource for beginners. I would have liked a few more patterns and a little less about supplies that a beginner is not likely to need, however it offers exactly what the title suggests.

Book Review: DIY Projects for Cats and Dogs: 20 Easy-to-Build Creations for Your Best Friend by Armelle Rau; Pierre Legrix

DIY Projects for Cats and Dogs: 20 Easy-to-Build Creations for Your Best Friend by Armelle Rau and Pierre Legrix offers readers  20 simple projects that they can make in just a weekend, without any advanced skills or special tools. From a cat tree and a hide-away litter box to bowl stands, leash racks, and a Scandinavian bed platform, these stylish structures will take care of your pet’s needs while preserving your interior décor. Built and pet-tested by the authors in their own home, each imaginative creation features step-by-step instructions, materials lists, and inspirational color photographs. Projects include litter boxes, dog house, bowl stands, bed platforms, travel basket, cat tree, leash rack, bedside table cabin, and more.

DIY Projects for Cats and Dogs has a nice variety of projects, some of which I found to be completely not my style but some which I would gladly spend the time to build and put in my home or give to family for their pets. I found the instructions and photographs to be very well done, and easy to understand. I like that while some tools are necessary to get the work done, they are all tools that the average home (at least the home of anyone reading a book about building) are likely to own or have access to rather than crazy specialty tools.  The book is well balanced with projects for cats and dogs, with a variety of styles and function. As an animal lover I know I will be storing away some of these ideas for a later date, and will sadly never actually get around to making any of these, I think they are accessible and understandable instructions that anyone with the interest and motivation to make these projects will be successful. 

DIY Projects for Cats and Dogs is a well written and organized resource for handy pet lovers. I think this might be a book I would borrow from a library rather than buying, only to check out when ready to get to work, unless you plan on making a full collection of the projects for your home, and for your family and friends.  

Early Book Review: Crochet in a Day: 42 Fast & Fun Projects by Salena Baca; Danyel Pink and Emily Truman

Crochet in a Day: 42 Fast & Fun Projects by Salena Baca; Danyel Pink and Emily Truman is currently scheduled for release on April 1 2019.  This book has patterns that can all be started and finished in a day or less. From wearables like cowls, hats, slippers, and even a poncho, to home items like place mats, dish cloths, and baskets, every item will crochet up fast! Its patterns are fast and fun, and do not require a large time or yarn commitment. Perfect for using up stash yarn or to create something from that perfect skein you were saving, these patterns are creative, colorful, modern, and stylish. 

Crochet in a Day solid collection of patterns that are quick, and relatively simple. I think collections like this are great for using up yarn left over from larger projects, or that you have in your stash and simply cannot remember why. I like the variety of projects offered, and I thought that the instructions and photographs were well done and put together. My only issue was that not of the projects really struck me as terribly unique. So, while the collection is good I think it would be most helpful to those that are not used to browsing sites like Ravelry for crochet or creative inspiration, or the backlist of crochet magazines at the library. Maybe I am the only one that does that though.  This was a good but not great collection, and while it would be a good resource for some, it is not a must buy for many.

Book Review: Drawing Cute with Katie Cook: 200+ Lessons for Drawing Super Adorable Stuff by Katie Cook

Drawing Cute with Katie Cook: 200+ Lessons for Drawing Super Adorable Stuff by Katie Cook

teaches readers how to draw everything adorable in her first tutorial book. These are quick, easy-to-follow step-by-step lessons with some silliness on the side. All you need is a pencil and paper, or a napkin or a wall depending on how confident you are in your drawing ability. Readers will be shown how to turn curvy blobs, shapes, and squiggles into more than 200 different things. Some subject included are fuzzy animals, cute food, and inanimate objects like yarns balls, luggage and a toaster. Add details like nubbins, floof, and smiley faces to anything and everything to transform it into something really, really cute.

Drawing Cute with Katie Cook: 200+ Lessons for Drawing Super Adorable Stuff is a fun read, even if you are not terribly interested in becoming better at drawing adorable critters and such. Cook includes plenty of cuteness and humor along side the drawing tutorials. I love that she simplifies each of the drawings into things like basic shapes, but often in terms of produce, i.e. eggplant, potatoes, and seeds.  I think this is the perfect instruction book for those that want to draw and doodle adorable things, but do not have a ton of faith in their own artistic skills. The instructions are well written, in a relaxed and fun way, that should set even the most trepidatious sketcher's heart at ease and allow them to have some fun with the process.   As a bonus, fans of puns, fun facts, and Doctor Who will find little references and jokes to make the read even more fun.

Book Review: Out of the Box by Jemma Westing

Out of the Box by Jemma Westing includes twenty-five interactive cardboard model projects that will encourage kids' creativity and "out of the box" thinking skills through hands-on learning and the application of science-based principles. Kids can bring old cardboard to life and build recycled creations they can play with, sit in, or wear. From small-scale gifts to large constructions there are clear, step-by-step instructions to show kids how to make dinosaurs, masks, race cars, and so much more. There are also images and ideas to encourage them to make their own unique projects when they feel ready. Each of the projects use recycled materials, including cardboard rolls and boxes, so all the supplies should be easy to find right at home.

Out of the Box is a well written group project instructions and inspirations for making a wide variety of creations with common cardboard objects we all are likely to have around the house. The additional supplies, such as glue sticks, scissors, markers, duct tape and the like are also things that many of us have on hand. Even if you do not have every tool that the instructions use throughout the book, there are certainly some projects that will require no shopping. The projects include games, animals, wearable masks,  ships, a 'cityscape', things for pets, and more. Even though I am an 'adult' I still want to try out some of these projects. So I work in a school and I will find a way to make it about the kids, but I want them for me- they are just a good excuse. I found the instructions to be understandable and easy to follow, although some of the projects are significantly more difficult than others. The photographs that accompany each project are helpful and clear.  One of my favorite things about the book was the inclusion of "Try This" ideas which encourages kids to take their projects to the next level, and to truly make it all their own.

Out of the Box is a wonderful addition to school, public, and personal libraries. While it is a wonderful jumping off point for organized or personal crafts (i.e. makerspace, classroom, storytimes, homeschooling) it would also be a great resource for anyone that likes to build and create. I will be trying to get a copy for my school library for next year.

Early Book Review: Bless this Mother-Effin Home: Sweet Stitches for Snarky Bitches by Katie Cutthroat

Bless this Mother-Effin Home: Sweet Stitches for Snarky Bitches by Katie Kutthroat is a combination of sugar and spice in cross stitch samplers that is currently scheduled for release on March 7 2017. Laugh out loud fun through crafting is found in these biting yet precious patterns. Katie Kutthroat's warped and witty cross stitch has taken the internet by storm and has been featured on TV shows like HBO's Girls. Cute but snarky, each cross stitch pattern featured in Bless This Mother-effing Home evokes laughter and irony. Perforated pages allow for readers to hang up or share favorite entries, spreading the cross stitched love. 

Bless this Mother-Effin Home: Sweet Stitches for Snarky Bitches is a collection of off color cross stitch work. They are well done and snarky. The combination made this sarcastic crafter’s heart very happy. There are no patterns or charts, but a versatile crafter can figure out how to make their own by following the images, and making them their own a little. Not an in-depth book, but the introduction gives a nice bit of background information and get the reader curious and inspired. I can think of several friends that would really appreciate this style of gift, and I enjoyed flipping through the book.

Early Book Review: Every Which Way Crochet Borders by Edie Eckman

Every Which Way Crochet Borders: 100 Patterns for Customized Edgings by Edie Eckman is currently scheduled for release on January 24 2017. Step-by-step instructions and symbol charts put these new border designs within reach for beginning and advanced crocheters alike. If you’re ready to chart your own crocheted course, Edie Eckman offers plenty of helpful design advice, including how to choose an appropriate border for each project and how to incorporate an element from the main stitch pattern into a new border design. She then explains, with the help of close-up photos, how the same pattern can have dramatically different results depending on the weight of the yarn. With each pattern diagrammed to approach in both rounds and rows, Every Which Way Crochet Borders is an inventive and invaluable resource. 

Every Which Way Crochet Borders is a solid resource for crafters of all skill levels. The advice and instructions are well written, understandable, and practical. Some of the information might be old hat to experienced crocheters, however even the most experienced crafter sometimes need reminders. I think everyone can find a new boarder to use or a technique that will add some extra flare or perfect finish for the projects. While I already own several books of stitches and borders, I just might have to add another. 

Book Review: Dangling by a Thread (Mainely Needlepointers) by Lea Wait

Dangling by a Thread by Lea Wait is the fourth book in the Mainely Needlepointers mystery series. I have not read the previous books, but feel like I was able to jump right in and fully enjoy the mystery. Hermit Jesse Lockhart lives alone on King's Island, three miles east of Haven Harbor, Maine, where he's created a private sanctuary for the endangered Great Cormorants. But when a wealthy family wants to buy the island and Jesse's cousin Simon petitions for power of attorney to force him to sell, Jesse is the one who becomes endangered. Mainely Needlepointer Dave Perry, who befriended Jesse in the VA hospital, rallies the group to his defense. Angie Curtis and the ravelers stitch “Save the King's Island Cormorants” pillows and sell T-shirts to pay for Jesse’s legal counsel. But tragically, on a visit to the island, Angie finds Jesse dead. Now the search is on for a common thread that can tie the murdered man to his killer.

Dangling by a Thread is a fast, exciting read with complex characters. Angie is still getting used to living alone since her grandmother has gotten married and moved out of the house they shared. She is also getting used to running the Mainely Needlepointers business that she has taken over. When she sees an odd stranger come to town she begins an adventure that will lead her to discover more about threatened birds and murder. Jesse, the stranger, is a veteran that has taken on the mission of protecting the Great Cormorant’s nesting ground on an island he owns with a cousin. The fact that it allows him the isolation he craves is a bonus. When the purchase of the island is proposed it begins a spiral of stress, uncertainty, and eventually murder. I like that the mystery is more involved than it seems, and that while there are hints and clues through out the story I was not positive that I was right in who was involved until the very end, and that the last couple twists were slightly different than I expected. This is a fun weekend read tat kept me interested and entertained. 

Dangling by a Thread is a solid cozy mystery that hints at past and future romance but never loses focus on the mystery and character connections. I liked the characters and the well constructed mystery. I just might pick up the earlier books in the series just to see how Angie came to be who and where she is.

Book Review: Doodletopia: Manga: Draw, Design, and Color your own Super-Cute Manga Characters and More by Christopher Hart

Doodletopia: Manga: Draw, Design, and Color your own Super-Cute Manga Characters and More by Christopher Hart is a book that combines instruction, inspiration, and interesting illustrations. The instructions are clear and concise, with activities and ideas that aspiring artists can use to expand their skill and comfort level with a variety of anime and manga style art. There is a great deal of information as well as exercises and challenges. Sections include opportunities for readers to draw a companion for an existing character, create their own emojis, and finish their own scenes. Readers can design manga bookmarks, stationery, and even get started developing their own graphic novels.

I think Doodletopia is a good buy for readers that are looking to expand on their drawing skills, particularly in this style of artwork. I would suggest photocopying a few of the challenges and activities, only so you can complete them more than once and see how you skill and style grows.