Book Review: Crochet Wraps Every Which Way by Tammy Hildebrand

Published by Stackpole Books.

I am so honored to be the next stop on the blog tour to promote the new book  Crochet Wraps Every Which Way by Tammy Hildebrand.

Tammy is the vice president of the Crochet Guild of America. (That means she knows what she is talking about when it comes to all things crochet!) She is also the designer behind Hot Lava Designs.

This book includes 18 patterns using 6 different crochet techniques with patterns ranging from easy to experienced. Whether you are new or have been crocheting for years, you will find something of interest in this book. The 6 different techniques are traditional crochet, motifs, hairpin lace, broomstick lace, Tunisian crochet and double-ended crochet. I am very anxious to work one of the Tunisian and double ended crochet patterns! She also includes a photo tutorial at the back of the book to help you with the various stitch techniques.

I love that all of the designs are very unique! There are light weight, lacy wraps as well as warm, cozy shawls. Such a great variety!

Another thing that I love is the pattern index at the back of the book. It's something so simple, but it really makes it easier when I am deciding on my next project.





You can purchase this book on Amazon here.

To get a full look at all of the patterns in the book, check out the Look Book here!

Want to get to know Tammy more? You can visit her Facebook page here.

Book Review: Crochet Wraps Every Which Way by Tammy Hildebrand - See more at: http://crochetville.com/book-review-crochet-wraps-every-which-way/#sthash.e18I7aOv.dpuf

Book Review: Crochet Wraps Every Which Way by Tammy Hildebrand - See more at: http://crochetville.com/book-review-crochet-wraps-every-which-way/#sthash.e18I7aOv.dpuf

Sweet & Simple Baby Crochet Book Review and Giveaway!

I had an opportunity to review the new book, Sweet and Simple Baby Crochet, by Kristi Simpson of RAKJ Patterns!!

Sweet and Simple Baby Crochet is PACKED with 35 patterns for babies up to 12 months as well as a detailed stitch guide in the back.  Inside, is not only hats, but also diaper covers, footwear, sweaters, and more. You can also check out the "look book" online to see everything included in the book.

I wanted to try out one of the patterns to check for gauge and accuracy. I am happy to report that everything was spot on! The photos are gorgeous, it's easy to read, and follow along.

My favorite one in the book is the Fruit Punch Hat. It is so cute and I had the perfect yarn for it. Kristi suggests yarns to use and they are all affordable and easy to find in stores.

There are quite a few patterns in this book that I can't wait to make!

Now for the giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Yummy Yarn Cakes!

 I ordered my new Knit Picks Yarn Ball Winder way back in early March, but it was on back order until April 5th. Boooooo! But finally April 5th came and a few days later, so did my new yarn ball winder.
I did a lot of research trying to figure out which one I wanted to get. I had a few things I knew I wanted.

My requirements:

• I wanted it to make yarn "cakes" (Cakes= cylinders of yarn usually flat on the top and bottom).

• I wanted a manual crank one and not an electric one. (I can't wind yarn in a hurricane if the power is out with an electric one and there isn't much else to do them. :)
• I wanted it to be under $50

In my search I had only found one that really fit all of my needs. That was a Lasic Yarn Ball Winder. Then my friend Kendall over at Up in Stitches clued my into one that Knit Picks sells. It met all my requirements, got decent reviews, came recommended, was inexpensive and seemed perfect! So I go it! YAY!

  I love that I can clamp it on to a table top or attach the handle to use it. The only struggle I had was getting the beginning tail to stay on, but really I think that will work out once I get some experience using it. It's relatively easy to work. My kids are 4 and 5 and both had no problems cranking it once I got it started.
(Just a disclaimer, I am no way affiliated or attached or getting paid for this review, I just love it, but Knit Picks, feel free to email me and we can talk! Hehe)

Look at that pretty wind! So orderly and neat! So much better than the half used skeins all flopping around in my yarn storage! Is it just me or do all skeins of yarn just look so much better all wound up?!
  
So that's my super pretty yarn cakes. Now I just have to figure out if I want to store them differently then in the tubs that I usually store them in. I saw a really cool yarn wall that used peg board. That would be awesome, but I think keeping it out of sight from my husband might be a better idea. :)

Do you have a yarn ball winder? Do you like it? Which one do you have? Feel fee to leave me some comments letting me know!