Tag: Schiffer Publishing Ltd

Patchwork Knitting: 18 Projects to Knit and Crochet Johanna Schwarz {Book Review}

Posted on December 5, 2014December 10, 2020 by Erin

Patchwork Knitting: 18 Projects to Knit and Crochet Johanna Schwarz is a unique book! In order to create the designs you must know how to both knit and crochet. One without the other will just not work. So, I would not recommend this book unless you are reasonably comfortable with those two fiber arts skills and are aware you’ll be using them together with every pattern.

The concept is that you’ll be whipping up patches such as squares, rectangles, triangles and other numerous shapes and joining each together using specified crochet stitches. The formula for every piece is explained in detail and when grasped one can start creating any of the projects in the book. Instructions precisely inform how many stitches to cast on, rows to knit, and eyelet holes needed for each pattern. You’ll be working those eyelet holes for the crochet step of the project to seam everything together. I find using crochet instead of seaming with a needle and thread much more fun and easy to do!

There are 18 patterns which includes skirts, slippers, jackets, scarves, hats, shrugs, pullovers, and home decor. The over 130 full color photos give you a good idea of what your creation should look like. Each of pattern pages also features colored diagrams showing exactly where each piece should be placed when putting it together.

There is complete course in how to create slippers with this technique that takes you through start to finish. Near the back of the book there is a section dedicated to step-by-step knitting and crochet skills needed to do any of the patterns within the pages. Following that section is an area for notes.

I believe my first project will either be the afghan or the set of pillows. I am however head over heels for the Quick-Change Artist Jacket that offers two looks in one. It’s simply beautiful but it will take more yarn than I currently have for it right now. I find it amazing how pieces like these can be used to create a very fitted and attractive finished design.

If you are looking for a unique book that you can utilize both your knitting and crochet skills, I would certainly recommend this one. Many of the garment patterns can be worn for almost any occasion! The home decor will certainly be a great conversation piece as well! I did find this book in the Ravelry Community Database so if one has any questions for the author or others using this book, you can leave ideas, comments, or questions over there.

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Disclosure: I was not financially compensated for this post. I received the book for review purposes from Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.

Felting by Elvira López Del Prado Rivas {Book Review}

Posted on November 29, 2014December 10, 2020 by Erin

Felting by Elvira López Del Prado Rivas is an exciting book that teaches everything one would want to know about the craft. I with very little knowledge about felting before feel much more educated! I have not only been educated but inspired greatly to make my own interesting, creative, and unique things out of felt! Who knew such an age old technique from around 3500 B.C could be so be so exciting to learn about as well as take part in!

The book is put together very well being thoroughly detailed in the imagery of over 550-step-by-step photographs as well as in instructions and explanations. There are a total of five chapters which are: 1. Felt, 2. Material & Tools, 3. Processes, 4. Techniques, 5. Projects. Each of the chapters have several categories. At the end of the book there’s an Artist Gallery by International felt artist which features all sorts of interesting, inspiring, exciting, and amazing creations.

The twenty-eight original projects presented use both industrial felt and felted wool. You can learn whether using wet or dry felt to make flowers, balls, hats, purses, slippers, refrigerator magnets, dolls, finger puppets, jewelry, and more! There are so many projects I adore!

I took the opportunity to introduce my 3 and 6 year old to felt starting out with the felt sheets commonly found in craft stores and a few of the patterns in this book. These specific projects for younger kids include mostly cutting & gluing. Though note there are many more projects that have you creating felt yourself from wool!

As a knitter, I am quiet drawn to the patterns in this book that feature blocking and a few other techniques I’ve been eager to try but just hadn’t done so yet. This book is taking me out of my comfort zone and for that I am glad! It has taken my love for fiber crafting to yet another level! I highly recommend picking up a copy for home, school, or crafting group use!

Interested in Purchasing? Felting by Elvira Lopez Del Prado Rivas can be purchased on Amazon.com right now for $24.00! This book can also be bought off the Schiffer Publishing website!

Disclosure: I was not financially compensated for this post. I received the book for review purposes from Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.

Basic Knitting and Crocheting for Today’s Woman: 14 Projects to Soothe the Mind & Body {Review}

Posted on October 8, 2014December 10, 2020 by Erin

Basic Knitting and Crocheting for Today’s Woman is book that can help take your mind off the stresses of life. This book was designed with personal peace and relaxation of not just the mind but of the body and soul as well. It’s based around the art of yoga and each of the designs and colors chosen for the projects represent a specific interpretation of colors. For example, green represents soothing, amber represents warmth, blue represents relaxation, and so forth. If you aren’t so much into yoga, I for one believe you can still enjoy the projects found within.

As you go through the book you’ll find acknowledgments, an introduction, a standard abbreviation key, and 14 knit and crochet patterns. I can do both fiber related crafts so I found this book a nice asset to add to my collection. There is no how to knit or how to crochet basics in this pattern book. Most of the patterns are quite easy to follow and feature basics skills that any intermediate to advanced beginner would know how to do. I don’t believe any one would get frustrated or find the patterns to hard to follow. I like that though simple in design there’s a few steps here and there that add a nice design element to many of the items.

The patterns that can be found in this book are a Soothing Knitted Yoga Wrap, Meditative Yoga Mat, Healing Crocheted Yoga Wrap, Happiness Bolster Pillow, Om Crocheted Table Runner, Lotus Blossom Throw with Matching Pillow, Warm Infinity Scarf & Matching Wrist Warmers, Om Scarf, Sophisticated Reversible Scallop Lace Scarf, Swirls of Energy Cowl, Abalone Shell Infinity Scarf, Baby Lotus Wrap, Louts Baby Blankie, and Aura Color Cover Up. These practical patterns can be made as is or you can add you own personal touch. The yarn used in all the patterns is Plymouth yarn. It’s a yarn I’ve never used but looks very nice in all the full color photos. I’m going to have to nab a few skeins.

I knit up the Warm Infinity Scarf pattern quite quickly over the span of a couple of days and am currently working on the matching wrist warmers. The scarf pattern went quickly and was quite enjoyable to work on. At first the pattern took a little bit to get used to but as I went on I sped up in my knitting. I think it really helps that in this book each thing to do is broken down step by step. Working patterns such as these will give you rest from your day to day but improve your knitting or crocheting skills as well! I know a few gals that would probably love if this set was gifted to them for a birthday of Christmas gift too.

If you are into yoga or know someone that is, this would be a good book to work up a few or all of the patterns to give as gifts or to expand your own or their skills as a knitter or crocheter. The patterns are practical, easy to read, and quite appealing.

“Basic Knitting and Crocheting for Today’s Woman” by Anita Closic is published by Schiffer Publishing Ltd. and the publisher’s retail price is $16.99. You can order directly from the publisher at 610-593-1777 or email info@schifferbooks.com. You can reach the author at the website for her yarn shop, www.agardenofyarn.com. Both the publisher and the yarn shop are in Pennsylvania.

Interested in Purchasing? Basic Knitting and Crocheting for Today’s Woman: 14 Projects to Soothe the Mind & Body can be purchased on Amazon.com for $13.99 as of this posting!

Disclosure: I was not financially compensated for this post. I received a sample of the product for review purposes. The opinions are my own or my immediate family members, based on our personal experience with the product.

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