Tag Archives: children

Review: A Hat for Mrs Goldman

Review: A Hat for Mrs Goldman post image

mrsgoldman

First, the facts:

Title: A Hat for Mrs Goldman

Author: Michelle Edwards

Illustrator: G. Brian Karas

Published by: Schwarz & Wade Books, 2016

Pages: 40

Type: Children’s book

Chapters:

No chapters, just a sweet story

The In-Depth Look:

This is an adorable little story book for kids which is particularly hard to review because I don’t want to give too much away!

It tells the story of Sophia, whose neighbor next door is so busy knitting things for other people, she doesn’t have time to make anything for herself. What will her young neighbor do?

Honestly, I already feel I’ve said too much–but even if the story is perhaps predictable to grown-up readers, the story is still sweet and caring. Charming, too.

The illustrations by G. Brian Karas are sweet, gently tinted pictures against tea-colored pages–not bright or gaudy, but carefully calibrated to the tone of the story. The artist even taught himself to knit, to be sure to get the illustrations right–you have to love his dedication.

The story ends with a knitting pattern for the hat itself, so you can make one for yourself. Or your kid can make one. It’s a simple pattern geared toward a (very) new knitter–just right, I think, to tie in to Sophia’s story. This isn’t about Mom making something for her kid–it’s about the kid figuring out how to make something wonderful.

This book is charming and sweet and lovely and gentle and … just really nice. I would have loved it as a kid and it makes me smile now, too.

You can get your copy at your local bookstore or at Amazon.com. (Both paper and Kindle versions are available.

Want to see bigger pictures? Click here.

This review copy was kindly donated by the author. Thank you!

My Gush: Sweet and adorable

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Kids On The Beach…

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Martha’s Vineyard


Review: Modern Baby Knits

Review: Modern Baby Knits post image

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First, the facts:

Title: 3 Skeins of Less: Modern Baby Knits: 23 Knitted Baby Garments, Blankets, Toys, and More!

Author: Tanis Gray

Published by: Interweave Press, 2016

Pages: 128

Type: Baby knits

Chapters:

No chapters, just a list of patterns

KS: Modern Baby Knits

The In-Depth Look:

Tanis Gray doesn’t disappoint. She always puts together creative and fun collections that make you look at knitting in a different way, and this one is no exception.

Oh, it seems simple enough. Modern Baby Knits is a collection of things for babies (and toddlers). Twenty-three of them, things to wear, cuddle, or play with. All helpfully using three skeins or less of yarn, making them all fairly quick and easy to knit together.

What’s not to love?

The nice thing, though, is that the projects are all stylish–not always a word you think of when describing things for soft, cuddly, little people. They’re simple and functional as suits the age group, but they have unique colors or asymmetrical shapes. Things to keep it interesting for Mom, while practical for the kids who will be wearing them.

Tanis says in the introduction that she “is a firm believer that babies and children should live their lives in comfortable handknits. The label ‘handmade’ regarding knits for children is often confused with ‘fussy’ and ‘finicky’ and implies tiny gauge and a pastel palette, when that doesn’t have to be the case. This book is designed with both the knitter and the wearer in mind, chock-full of designs that are easy to knit and have fuss-free finishes, bright colors, easy-care fibers, and modern silhouettes that little ones want to wear.”

Which, you know, is pretty much what I just said. It’s so nice when the designer and I are on the same page … and in this case, it’s a cheerful, adorable page indeed.

You can check out this book at Amazon.com or look for it in your local shop!

Want to see bigger pictures? Click here.

This review copy was kindly donated by Interweave Press. Thank you!

My Gush: Stylish and cute.

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Review: Crochet One-Skein Wonders for Babies

Review: Crochet One-Skein Wonders for Babies post image

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First, the facts:

Title: Crochet One-Skein Wonders for Babies

Editors: Judith Durant and Edie Eckman

Published by: Storey, 2016

Pages: 286

Type: Crochet patterns for babies

Chapters:

1. Little Hats and Caps
2. Little Socks and Booties
3. Little Tops and Dresses
4. Little Bottoms
5. Little Bibs and Washcloths
6. Little Toys
7. Little Blankets and Sacks
8. Little Bags and Accessories

KS: Crochet One-Skein Wonders for Babies

The In-Depth Look:

We’ve done the knitting version, but now it’s time to look at adorable crocheted things for babies.

How can you resist all this cuteness? (Hint: You can’t; don’t even try.)

The newest installment of Judith Durant’s series of one-skein wonders is here, and it’s filled with truly cute things for truly cute little, little people.

Bags, tops, toys, bibs, blankets, booties. So many cute things!

I do mean so many, too. One hundred one projects for toddlers and infants, here–that is a LOT of patterns. Things to keep a little person warm, entertained, stylish, and portable, there are a lot of things to choose from here, and almost every single one of them is just what you’d expect … cute!

I don’t know if it’s possible to have too much cuteness in one book, but if you’ve got one of these tiny people in your life, and if you like to crochet … this collection is fantastic. Versatile, colorful, entertaining … and with 101 patterns, it’s a great bargain, too.

You can get your copy rushed to you from Amazon.com.

Want to see bigger pictures? Click here.

This review copy was kindly donated by Storey Publishing. Thank you!

My Gush: So much cuteness.

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Review: Henry’s Hat

henry_001

First, the facts:

Title: Henry’s Hat

Author: Eric and Joanna Johnson

Illustrator: Eric Johnson

Published by: Slate Falls Press, 2016

Pages: 46

Type: Children’s book

Chapters:

Adorable Story
Adorable Patterns

KS: Henry's Hat

The In-Depth Look:

They never fail to amaze me.

This is the fourth picture-slash-knitting book by this talented couple. Together they write the story, and then Joanna designs the knitwear and Eric does the illustrations … all before publishing the book themselves. Even if the book were terrible, it would be an impressive achievement.

But, of course, the book is anything but terrible–it’s wonderful, just as I expected when my review copy arrived.

The story, telling about chipmunk Henry’s favorite hat being lost, is sweet and gentle, the kind of story I loved as a child. Henry lives in a bustling family and the story thrums with that kind of chaotic energy a houseful of children and adults can create.

The illustrations aren’t just background to the story, either–they have their own energy, driven by detail and enthusiasm. I love Eric’s pictures, and they’ve blown me away in every book in this series. Not only is each different animal drawn with loving detail (and I do love how there is a mix of animals, here, with everyone mingling and getting along), but there are great little notes to catch your attention when you look–like the Norman Rockwell Thanksgiving print hanging on the wall, or the grasshopper (later seen outside in the cold like in the fable) playing the world’s smallest violin when Henry discovers the fate of his hat.

Last but not least are the knitting patterns, three in all. Henry’s Hat, Henry’s Letter Sweater, and a Henry-the-Chipmunk doll. They’re all good patterns–the hat is quick and stylish, warm with earflaps and suitable for boys or girls. The letter sweater is a traditional raglan with stripes and a bold initial. And the doll, of course–a 3D representation of Henry himself, complete with jeans and a sweater.

I love this series. I hope Joanna and Eric never stop.

You can find this book at the Slate Falls Press Etsy shop or at Amazon.com.

Want to see bigger pictures? Click here.

This review copy was kindly donated by Joanna Johnson. Thank you!

My Gush: Wonderful as always!

Other posts for this author:

Review: Henry’s Hat

henry_001

First, the facts:

Title: Henry’s Hat

Author: Eric and Joanna Johnson

Illustrator: Eric Johnson

Published by: Slate Falls Press, 2016

Pages: 46

Type: Children’s book

Chapters:

Adorable Story
Adorable Patterns

KS: Henry's Hat

The In-Depth Look:

They never fail to amaze me.

This is the fourth picture-slash-knitting book by this talented couple. Together they write the story, and then Joanna designs the knitwear and Eric does the illustrations … all before publishing the book themselves. Even if the book were terrible, it would be an impressive achievement.

But, of course, the book is anything but terrible–it’s wonderful, just as I expected when my review copy arrived.

The story, telling about chipmunk Henry’s favorite hat being lost, is sweet and gentle, the kind of story I loved as a child. Henry lives in a bustling family and the story thrums with that kind of chaotic energy a houseful of children and adults can create.

The illustrations aren’t just background to the story, either–they have their own energy, driven by detail and enthusiasm. I love Eric’s pictures, and they’ve blown me away in every book in this series. Not only is each different animal drawn with loving detail (and I do love how there is a mix of animals, here, with everyone mingling and getting along), but there are great little notes to catch your attention when you look–like the Norman Rockwell Thanksgiving print hanging on the wall, or the grasshopper (later seen outside in the cold like in the fable) playing the world’s smallest violin when Henry discovers the fate of his hat.

Last but not least are the knitting patterns, three in all. Henry’s Hat, Henry’s Letter Sweater, and a Henry-the-Chipmunk doll. They’re all good patterns–the hat is quick and stylish, warm with earflaps and suitable for boys or girls. The letter sweater is a traditional raglan with stripes and a bold initial. And the doll, of course–a 3D representation of Henry himself, complete with jeans and a sweater.

I love this series. I hope Joanna and Eric never stop.

You can find this book at the Slate Falls Press Etsy shop or at Amazon.com.

Want to see bigger pictures? Click here.

This review copy was kindly donated by Joanna Johnson. Thank you!

My Gush: Wonderful as always!

Other posts for this author:

Special Christmas Santa …

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To find out why this Santa is so special to my family please CLICK HERE to visit my other blog.. MV Obsession.  Thank you.

http://www.mvobsession.com

 


Review: Family-Friendly Knits

Review: Family-Friendly Knits post image

family1

First, the facts:

Title: Family-Friendly Knits: Seasonal Knitted Garments and Accessories for Children and Adults

Author: Courtney Spainhower

Published by: Interweave Press, 2015

Pages: 143

Type: Garments for the whole family

Chapters:

Not so much chapters as a list of patterns

KS: Family-Friendly Knits

The In-Depth Look:

This is the kind of book you want to climb inside because everybody looks so happy and cozy.

The author starts,

When I first conceived this book, I had clear inspiration from my time living in Oregon … Each day we wore boots and long johns and our natural curls were left to grow long and untamed. I had with me only one sweater through that time, a pale blue, gray, and white Lopi cardigan with pewter buttons that my mother gave me as a long-distance embrace and as a reminder of her own youth spent in the mountains.

… I have wondered what my life would look like if I could fold it like a piece of paper, joining then and now, collapsing my quiet, nostalgic youth onto my bustling adult life with my charming husband and spirited chilren; that is the place where this collection was born. Each piece carries either a slice of life then, a dollop of life now, or a sweet marriage of the two.

It’s no surprise, then, that what follows is a collection that makes you feel warm and coddled. Everything here is designed to be practical and suitable for tromping about with the family, playing with the dog, walking through the woods. Nothing is fussy or frilly or overdone, but that’s not to say they’re boring. There are stitch patterns to add texture and color patterns to add style (and warmth). Wraps to throw on when you leave the house, hats, mittens, and lots of snuggly sweaters.

The collection says it’s for “Family,” though, and she means it–there are patterns here for all the two-legged people in your family. (Well, okay, the mobile ones. Nothing for babies or little toddlers, but they’re not going to be hiking in the woods on their own power yet, anyway.)

I like this bit of wisdom: “I’ve done some very careful planning for men and children here because they are both famously difficult to knit for, squaking at the first sign of itchy wool, constricting necklines or sleeves, and overworked stitching. Because color is extremely personal, I stress using hues and tones that kids will love to show off and that men will feel comfortable in. The women’s pieces are more daring, peppered with rich colors and textures with construction and style reigning.”

You can find your own copy of this book at Amazon.com or your local shops.

Want to see bigger pictures? Click here.

This review copy was kindly donated by Interweave Press. Thank you!

My Gush: I’m quite serious about wanting to climb inside.

Review: One-Skein Wonders for Babies

Review: One-Skein Wonders for Babies post image

Oneskeinbabies_001

First, the facts:

Title: One-Skein Wonders for Babies: 101 Knitting Projects for Infants and Toddlers

Author: Judith Durant

Published by: Storey, 2015

Pages: 288

Type: Babies!

Chapters:

Little Ensembles
Little Tops
Little Bottoms
Little Dresses
Little Hats
Little Socks & Booties
Little Accessories
Little Blankets
Little Toys
Little Miscellany

KS: One Skein Wonders for Babies

The In-Depth Look:

There are three things that tell you, right off the bat, that this book is going to be a good one.

1. It’s a new book in the “One-Skein” series by Judith Durant

2. It’s full of patterns for babies–which means, at the very least, lots and lots of adorable pictures of adorable patterns.

3. It’s got 101 knitting projects. One hundred one! That’s … huge.

I could really just stop the review right there, couldn’t I? What more could you really need to know?

Going by the table of contents, you can see that these patterns are a wide-ranging assortment of things designed to keep your baby warm and snug. Sweaters, hats, booties, blankets … I can’t think of much (which is to say, anything) that’s left out.

The fact that there are 101 projects in this book is astounding to me, especially when a lot of books only offer a dozen or so. That means this book is crammed full with actual patterns, not padded at all. There are plenty of pictures–good ones–but they’re smaller than in most books–no full-page spreads of lush photos taking up space that could be used for a pattern instead.

Honestly, the only complaint I have about this book is that I don’t have any tiny people to knit for.

You can get this lovely book at Amazon.com or at your local yarn shop.

Want to see bigger pictures? Click here.

This review copy was kindly donated by Storey. Thank you!

My Gush: Adorable, but did I really need to say it? And … 101 patterns!

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Review: Complete Photo Guide to Knitting

Review: Complete Photo Guide to Knitting post image

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First, the facts:

Title: Creative Kids: Complete Photo Guide to Knitting

Author: Mary Scott Huff

Published by: Creative Publishing, 2015

Pages: 143

Type: How-To for Kids

Chapters:

Knitting Mechanics
Yarn and Knitted Fabric
Special Techniques

KS: Creative Kids Complete Photo Guide to Knitting

The In-Depth Look:

Moms know how much creativity their kids have–imaginations going wild, boundless curiosity about the world around them. It’s the perfect time to introduce them to new experiences and teach them new skills.

Like, say, knitting!

The only problem with this is that most knitting books are written for adults. Even the ones with cute patterns or fun little projects obviously assume that it will be an adult picking up the needles to create the toys or pint-sized sweaters the kids will love.

So, how is a mom supposed to introduce this fun craft to her kids?

Well, Mary Scott Huff’s new book, “Creative Kids Complete Photo Guide to Knitting” is a good place to start.

The book is a basic how-to book about knitting–everything from casting on to picking the right kind of fiber, reading schematics, knitting cables … almost everything you need to know. This is followed by a bunch of cute, fun projects to knit: washcloths, cowls, sweaters, toys, accessories, all ranging from quick and simple to keep your kid involved and more complex, to keep them challenged.

Coming from Creative Kids, this is full of great photos, good illustrations, and lots of happy, smiling faces. Including mine. My only regret is not having any kids to pass it on to!

You can get your copy of this lovely book here, at Amazon.com.

Want to see bigger pictures? Click here.

This review copy was kindly donated by Creative Publishing. Thank you!

My Gush: Informative and fun

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