When I was a kid my dad and I would go foraging for morels every spring. We had a “spot”. I had no idea what a treasure it was. What a family heirloom. Since moving away to college, those elusive morels are no longer a part of my spring diet. […]
book review
A Bag for All Reasons by Lisa Lam
I can’t recommend Lisa’s A Bag for All Reasons enough. With great step-by-step instructions and clear photos, the author takes you through everything you need to know to complete many bag types.
book review
Farm Anatomy by Julia Rothman + Giveaway!
I had never heard of Julia Rothman or her latest book Farm Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of Country Life until my publisher sent me this copy. They are so sweet that way, “Kristin, we just know you’ll love this book, here you go!” And I do lvoe this book! […]
book review
Review: Teach Yourself Crochet Visually
I like writing knitting and sewing patterns because it’s exacting. You have your drape, you have your stitches, you have your needles. One stitch, two stitch… nice in a row. Even sewing is pretty math based. Crochet, kind of. It’s organic and shapely. You can put your hook just about anywhere. […]
book review
Vogue Knitting Ultimate Sock Book
I went through stages of delight and disappointment with Vogue Knitting The Ultimate Sock Book. When it comes down to it, would I recommend it? Maybe. Here, let me explain. I’ve had this book in my library for a couple years and I loved it. Yesterday when I sat down […]
book review
Hand Printing from Nature + a Giveaway!
I was so excited when the package containing Hand Printing from Nature showed up unexpectedly from Storey. The note simply read, “Kristin, I think you’ll love this book, enjoy!” I suppose that’s one of the many reasons I love working with Storey Publishing, they really get to know their authors. Anyway, I realize […]
book review
Review: The Ohio Knitting Mills Knitting Book
When I first sat down to review this week’s book, The Ohio Knitting Mills Knitting Book: Celebrating Four Decades of American Sweater Style, I approached it like all my craft books. I read through the index, skimmed for the projects that grab my attention, read through the actual patterns to see […]
book review - journal
My first book: Mend it Better!
I’m so excited to officially announce the release of my first book Mend it Better! It’s in stores now and on the shelves officially – I’m a nerd, I went and checked! Go here to order it online from a number of great book sellers, or head over to your […]
book review
Book Review: I Love Patchwork
Ever since I Love Patchwork: 21 Irresistible Zakka Projects to Sew by Rashida Coleman-Hale came out, oh, 3 years ago, I’ve been drooling over it. It’s one of those books that every time I would go to the book shop, I would flip through it, contemplate buying, then put it […]
book review
Little Woods Homestead: New Garden Journal
A little known fact is that I’ve had miserable luck as a gardener. And the thing is, that up until this year, I left a lot of it up to luck. I’d plant things whenever, wherever. Even though I knew such casual practice would lead to casual results. Well this […]
book review
Book Review+Giveaway: Water Paper Paint
Update: Quarry Books is giving away a copy of Water Paper Paint to one lucky reader! Leave a comment between now and Tuesday May 31st about how you have or hope to use watercolors in your creative process! Please make sure to sign in so your email address is available […]
book review
Book Review: 101 One Yard Wonders
Perfectly suited for using up your stash,One-Yard Wonders by Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins is packed with fun, creative projects for my office, home, and even my wardrobe! There’s a super cute summer dress made from just one yard of fabric! I’m so happy I finally got my hands on […]
book review
Book Review: Painted Pages by Sarah Bellemare
While some of you may doubt the “leftoverness” of this book, let me assure you that Painted Pages is filled with wonderful ideas how you can take those smallest of small treasured scraps and integrate them into beautiful works of art all your own. Not an artist? Let me assure […]
book review
Book Review: A Dyer’s Garden by Rita Buchanan
Not that many years ago I was naturally dyeing yarn on a small scale to sell in my etsy shop Green Prairie Fibers. I love natural dyeing in all of its aspects–collecting, fermenting, straining, the smells, the surprise of colors from unexpected sources, and the beautiful fusing of chemistry, cooking, […]
book review
Pattern Review: the Darling Durby Sweater (aka Jak’s Jumper)
I finally finished Jak’s sweater. Thank goodness we had some excellent, unseasonally warm weather this past month. I just had too much on my plate to be able to get it done in a timely fashion. But I did get it done! The pattern that I used, the Darling Durby […]
book review
Book Review: Crochet Master Class
Every Thursday I make my way to the local library to peruse the books on my current topic of interest (lately herbalism, greyhound adoption, and botanical illustration) as well as check out the newest craft books (which is usually quite a few because the circulation manager happens to be a […]
book review
Book Review: Unexpected Crochet for the Home
I was initially attracted to Unexpected Crochet For The Home by its cover: those funky gourds holding citrus fruits. I am definitely one to judge a book by its cover and this time the inside did not disappoint. While I know there’s nothing new under the sun, I’d never thought […]
book review - thrift kitchen
Holiday Baking Making Plans
Okay family and friends out there reading this post, avert your eyes. This is a complete spoiler alert, so go away, skip to a different post. Starting last year I opted to make gift baskets up for my family and friends instead of trying to puzzle out individual gifts for […]
book review
Book Review: The Alchemy of Color Knitting
I’ve always emphasized color theory as a great tool for using up leftovers. I was so excited to see this book on Amazon and even more delighted when I realized my local library had it on its shelves. I picked it up last Thursday and read the whole section on […]
book review
Vintage Book Look: Finding inspiration and lessons in craft books of old
My phone rang, I moaned and dug it out of my bag (little known secret, I hate phone calls). When I saw it was my dear friend my attitude instantly changed. “Hi Linda, what’s up?” “I’m so glad you answered! I’m here, in this amazing thrift shop, and they have […]