Dumpling Cats - Sarah Sloyer

5+ Stars!

ABOUT THE BOOK -

Waffles is a relaxed feline who loves to read, and Cheeks just can't get enough to eat. These fun-loving characters are just two of the 25 dumpling-shaped crochet cats in this whimsical collection. The cuddly crochet critters were inspired by the Pokémon™-like craze Neko Atsume, a game that enables you to attract cats to your backyard and "collect" them. Each little dumpling has a name and personality points that add up to big fun!

You don't have to be an expert to crochet and collect these adorable kitties — the patterns are suitable for crocheters of all skill levels. Easy-to-follow instructions are accompanied by full-color photos and simple drawings. The directions explain every stage, from ears to tail, and some of the patterns include accessories and costume items. Plus, there are bonus patterns for a cat bed, food bowls, and more!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR -
Sarah Sloyer, a crochet designer whose designs can be found on Ravelry, specializes in crochet characters with plenty of personality. A graduate of New York City's School of Visual Arts with a degree in Animation, she lives in the Philadelphia area.

MY THOUGHTS -
OMG! This is an absolutely adorable book. Besides the patterns for 25 cats there are also patterns for a sleeping bed, a box, and a couple food bowls. I have to be honest - I have not made any yet because of such a crazy busy summer schedule. But - I am going to make every single one in the book! I have a new grand-baby on the way due in Sept. and I am sure she will love to play with them when she comes over.

Each cat is so different. Some are standing, some are sitting, some are laying and some have costumes! All of them are just so stinking cute! And - each one has a story. I sat there one night reading each one out  loud to my husband LOL, he loved it! But then again, we are both "cat people".

The directions look excellent and there are also a ton of pictures to show you how. I don't see how you could go wrong with this book.

When my daughter was over visiting I showed her the book and told her I was going to make them all for her new baby. She also thought I should copy each story page and put them in a notebook so she can read about them and learn their names while she is playing with them. I thought this was a wonderful idea.

Oh what fun we are going to have! I can't wait to start crocheting!

I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Dover Crafts -  Thank You!

Order your copy from Amazon - HERE

A couple of finished projects!

I finished the "future grand child" baby sweater jacket! Its lovely!
Here is the outer and lining of the jacket -

And here is the finished jacket. It is nice and heavy, should be perfect for those cold NY winters! -

Lately I have been making boot toppers, or boot cuffs! They are so quick and easy. I can make them while watching TV and not really paying attention to my knitting. -

And here is the sweater I am working on for myself. This is the back, I am now working on the fronts -

I am also working on a pair of slippers for the daughter (mother of any future grandchildren). I will put pictures up when I get one finished. I hope to make about 3 pair.
But this is the pattern and pic of what they will look like, only I am doing a different color. -

Here is the Ravelry page for them - HERE
And here is the direct link to the DROPS page - HERE

5 months since my last post! sheesh, sorry!

I have one completed project and two in the making.

This is the completed project. Its a throw that I made for my Daughter and SIL for their "guest bedroom" aka - my room LOL! She has made the room shades of dusty lavender and silver and gray and white.

And this is the yarn used -

The pattern is from 3 different patterns I found on Ravelry. I just picked what ever one I liked for each stripe and the gray cable one I just did myself (because I love cables!).
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WIP #1 - This is a baby jacket I am working on for my future grandbaby! No, she is not preg. yet LOL but one can hope. right?

 This is the start of the liner -

 This is the yarn I am using -

The pattern is from Piecework magazine off my Kindle.
You can find the pattern on Ravelry - HERE
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And, this is a sweater I am working on for myself. I am a nanny for a family with 4 children and for my birthday one of my gifts was a GC for AC Moore to buy yarn! So I am using the yarn I bought.

This is the yarn -

And this is the mag. it is from -

Please let me know what you are working on!

Project update - long overdue!

A couple projects I am working on -

Here is my source  - As you can see, I am knitting mine using a much lighter weight, almost wispy yarn.

Even thought this one is call a shawl - I will use it as a scarf.

I love this yarn! It is knitting up so nicely.

And here is the source  -

I love both of these magazines and buy them from time to time.

Knitting projects!

I am making this blanket for my livingroom. The yarn is very soft. Isn't is gorgeous? I love the little ruffles.
Here is the pattern from Ravelry - HERE

I am working on these socks, I think I will give them to the husband, haven't decided yet for sure. They are just my own "basic sock pattern" which works well for men.

And finally - I also love to crochet but I hadn't make a doily in such a ling. The daughter requested one and I was more than glad to do it!

And this is what the finished one will look like -

Winter Knitting: Patterns for the family and home - By MillaMia

5 Stars!

ABOUT THE BOOK -

This inspiring new book from the team behind MillaMia knitwear is packed with projects to take you through the wintertime. As the seasons change from cool, crisp autumn to the cold and dark of winter, Scandinavians are particularly good at easing the transition with clothing, interiors and food that bring warmth and light. Sisters Katarina and Helena Rosen aim to share some Swedish wonderful traditions, designs and activities with you - but of course with the signature modern twist that MillaMia bring to all things knitted. In this book you will find a mix of knitting projects to see you through the cold season, including stylish garments and accessories for adults and children, cozy homewares and unique gifts. Indulge in kitting yourself out for the first fall of snow, make clothes that the kids can wear for the festive season and create interior projects that will bring warmth both literally and visually. You will also find a selection of 'bonus' projects - with a couple of favorite festive recipes and some wonderful paper projects that any yarn enthusiast will enjoy.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS -

MillaMia, run by the two Swedish sisters Katarina and Helena Rosén has quickly become recognized for its distinctive, modern knitting pattern designs and high quality yarn. In their new book Winter Knitting they share some wonderful Swedish winter traditions, designs and activities for brining warmth and light to the cold season.
"As children we both had imaginary friends whom we gave names to – names that we thought were beautiful and grown up. Mine was called Kamilla which was shortened to Milla and Katarina’s was called Mia. So MillaMia is really us but in an imaginary and aspirational form!"

MY THOUGHTS -

Wow! Gorgeous knitting pattens! There are lots that I would personally make in here. I love almost everything in this book. All of these patterns are very usable and wearable, very practical!

This is full of beautiful, full-color pictures. The directions look clear and easy to follow. 

There are a nice variety of items in here, like sweaters, children's items, pillows, socks, mittens, and so much more. Ranging from beginner patterns to  more advanced.

I am looking forward to try some of these!

 
I might start with this! Isn't it gorgeous?

Or I could make these beautiful pillows!

Or, start with simple candle covers!

I highly recommend this knitting book no matter what your skill level is!

Thank you Netgalley and Pavilion Books for sending me this e-book for my honest review!

Get yours from Amazon - HERE

Christmas Knitting and crocheting

These are some fingerless mitts I made for my friend Jenn - @Random for christmas. 

And these are a trial mitt for a basic pattern that I am trying to perfect so I can write it up.

This is the beginning of a cowl for my daughter, you will see the finished one after Christmas when I have her model it for me.

This is a scarf I crocheted. The yarn is very soft and very shiney and sparkly.

Merry Christmas and happy knitting.