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Book Review And Giveaway : Embroidery Companion

by

Embroidery Companion: Classic Designs for Modern Living

Embroidery Companion
Classic Designs for Modern Living

// Written by Alicia Paulson
On Sale: August 2010
Price: $22.99
ISBN: 978-0-307-46235-0

Alicia  from the popular blog Posie gets cozy is sharing 30 of her most loved designs/projects.  Whilst convalescing from a serious accident Alicia stitched her way to recovery. 12 years later she is putting all her new found talent into a beautiful book that will be released August 10th.

We are giving 1 lucky CraftGossip reader the chance to win our review copy simply by leaving a comment on this post. For your chance to win tell us what craft helps you to relax, unwind or heal.

Competition Open : Worldwide

Competition Closes : August 15th

Competition is randomly drawn

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Comments

  3. Although I like it, I’m a newbie to embroidery, so it not relaxing yet! I unwind with crochet – easy and fast, it’s very satisfying.

  5. Sewing and embroidering help me relax a lot. I also love knitting, especially in winter.
    Thank you for the chance to win.
    ap_lemos at yahoo dot com

  7. embroidery, sewing, painting, just creating in general really helps relieve my anxiety. this book looks amazing!! thank you so much for this giveaway!

  9. My mother & grandmother taught me to embroider when I was 5. They sat every evening – never without something in their hoops, stitching away. Things have finally come full circle as I find myself doing the same. Stitching away to unwind from a day at work.

  10. I have enjoyed Alicia’s other books. So I am sure this one is just as enjoyable. Thank you for the chance to win one.

  12. Oooooh, I’d love to have this book! Alicia is such an inspiration and she just fills me with envy (the good kind) every time I visit her blog. Thanks for the chance to to win!

  15. Sewing helps me unwind. After I put my daughters to bed at night, I pour a glass of wine and sit down to my machine. I have just started making my own patterns and it is so rewarding when it actually fits the next day. I try to sew a little every night.

    Looks like a really great giveaway.

  16. lately, i find that i am doodling in my visual journal or crocheting when i need to relax. want to get back into embroidery, but need some inspiration. would love to win this book. thank you for the chance.

  17. Sewing does it for me! I’m starting to explore embroidery and other needlework as well. Looks like a lovely book!

  18. Ahh. the love of embroider, and all crafts, relaxing and fun!! Thank you for doing this giveaway, It’s so wonderful to find new things and new places.

  20. This looks like a great book especially since it contains patterns for a variety of needlework types.

  22. coincidentaly, i just got an emroidery machine as a grad present, however its not helping me relax at the moment b/c i’m still trying to figure out how to use it. But i’m sure once i get the nooks and crannies out the way it’ll turn into a healing art 🙂

  23. The reason I craft is to relax, unwind, and heal! The most forgiving, relaxing and fulfilling would have to be hand embroidery.

  24. I’ve just recently gotten back into embroidery. It’s so relaxing and you can get some instant gratification on bits of a project.

  25. Feel very relaxed when and after I embrioder, cross stitch or knit.

    Thank you for the giveaway.

    CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

  26. embroidery and card making are my “must do” crafts! Get stressed if I don’t do one or the other for a while.

  28. Knitting, crocheting, x-stitch, embroidery, quilting…it all helps me unwind. It’s why I do it. Thank you for doing this give-away!

  31. Embroidery or crocheting helps me get back in the right frame of mind. I’m calm and have something to show for it!

  32. I am new to embroidery and find it very relaxing. I am making a crazy quilt my first. I also crochet and do other needle crafts. I check in with many of the Crazy quilt and embroidery blogs almost daily.

  33. I do all kinds of crafts to unwind. I love sewing/embroidery, quilting, knitting, and scrapbooking.

  35. I’ve embroidered for years, but lately have lost some of my mojo – maybe this would help me get it back! In the meantime, I quilt and needlepoint and look for that perfect floss project.

  36. Definitely embroidery – I love to work with my hands so for me it’s pretty much a no-brainer. Crazy quilting is the best of ALL worlds as far as I’m concerned because I’ve found I can adapt most types of crafts for use in a CQ piece. Thanks for a chance to win what looks to be a great book!

  37. Thanks for the chance to win!

    I relax, unwind and heal with either small hand embroidery projects or by stitching up yo-yos.

  39. I like to crochet to unwind. It’s nice because I can do it with the little one still running around (usually when I need to unwind the most).

  40. Quilting helps me relax like none other! It’s just the pattern of cutting and stitching that is so methodical you just have to give yourself over to it.

  43. Patchwork and quilting are my sanity savers! I love Cosy with Posy blog and I bet the book is wonderful. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.

  45. All of my crafts relax me! I get into them and tune the whole world out! Especially crocheting! 🙂
    jenn14_85 at yahoo dot com

  48. My mother taught me to embroider. Now I’m teaching my daughter!I love embroidery because it can be portable, so I can take it when I know I may have a wait at the doctors. So glad to hear Alicia has a book coming out .

  49. I need alot of unwinding.(lol) Anything involving a needle and thread or needles and yarn are VERY relaxing to me. You get a sort of rhythum going and you can zone out. It’s helped me through many a tight spot in my life

  50. my mom could crochet, and knit like a fiend, but my passion is for embroidery, thanks for the chsnce to win this book. it would be a nice addition to my library

  51. Sewing the binding on to a quilt I’ve made is the most relaxing part of crafting for me. I love it.

  52. I love to do embroidery; it’s so relaxing! For those of us who are needleworkers, this is an awesome giveaway, since we get tired of doing the same old designs. Something with contemporary appeal will be great!

  53. I love all crafts, but when I really want to just destress, it is hand embroidery all the way. The repetitive motion and concentration help drown out all other thoughts swishing through my brain.
    This book looks wonderful!

  54. Hmm… I love crafting so just going in my craft room helps me relax…. but really making an art doll is what I love to work on the most right now.

    Thanks.

  55. how fun this would be! I love to add stitches to everyday items and especially to handbags! Yum!

  57. Cross stitch is my way of unwinding, especially since my 86yr old mum has come to live with me I find that when doing my sewing I can have me time while doing omething productive. Great site.

  60. Any type of hand sewing will quickly take me to another space mentally and allow me a chance to renew my spirit and energy. Just put a needle and thread in my hand and a piece of fabric to embellish. Great book giveaway and one I would love to win.

  61. To unwind, I love to take my dog to the dog park. Its great to spend time outside, and I love seeing my best puppy friend so happily playing with the other dogs.

  62. Of all the things I like to do (craftwise), I’d say the ones that help me unwind the most are embroidery, knit, and crochet. Some, like sewing, I enjoy but I get too frustrated sometimes to consider it relaxing. Obv. I should get some practice in on that when I’m NOT stressing 😀

  63. I grew up cross-stitching and am now an avid beader, but would love to learn embroidery. Those dainty stitches have always awed and intrigued me.
    thanks for the chance!

  64. Though I’m still a beginner, I love embroidery! It’s so calming, and helps me unwind after a stressful day.

  67. Being bedridden, this fun-looking book will help me spiff up my wardrobe considerably. Best of luck with it.

  69. I love Alicia Paulson, she does such amazing work, and embroidery is something I’ve been wanting to take up…this would be perfect!

  72. Knitting! But I’m sure if I felt more confident in my embroidery skills it would too! =0)

  74. I have taken embroidery up in the past year and would love this book. I have made a few items out of Alicia’s last book, bought some of her patterns and follow her blog.

  76. Honestly, when I am tired and cant bring myself to actually craft, I love to read about crafting. I keep all my magazines/books in a cabinet close by. A glass of wine in hand, I head to the craft book cabinet to find some good (re)reading material and relax in heavenly crafting bliss.

  79. i love her blog, her book is a sure succes.me and embroidery are struggling, we’ll see how it goes…but i’m trying and it is so cool when you see the result.and the feeling after you i have managed to make something!!;)

  81. knitting is what I use to relax, but I love handsewing, embroidery and needlepoint as well.

  85. I can unwind after a full day with 3 little ones by sewing and then a glass of wine. No wonder my seams are so wonky.

  88. I would love this. I learned basic embroidery as a little girl and just started sewing. I would love this so I can learn more. Hand sewing, quilting is very relaxing to me.

  90. There are six crafty females in my house and I am always on the lookout for new projects. We would love this.

  91. Crochet is my salvation!!! But I have always wanted to do some embroidering. I love pouring through old embroidery pattern books.

  92. I love embroidery not only because it’s so creative but because of it’s tradition. While stitching I think of my great grandmothers hands as she taught me how. I think of my grandmother sitting in her chair in the wee hours of the morning working on a cross stitched Santa Claus for her Christmas quilt. I think of my niece & nephews excitement at learning how to make something beautiful. It’s a way to connect to those no longer with us and those far away.

  93. Tha craft that makes me relax is certainly doing embroidery, whether it’s ribbon, beads, cabochon or thread embroidery.
    They’re just can take off my mind from any problems I had 🙂

  94. Hand work while watching TV or resting helps me relax – whether sewing, embroidery, or quilting. It calms and relaxes me.

Have you read?

Book Review: Crochet in a Day by Angie Bivins – Quick Crochet Patterns For Gifts, Blankets And Cozy Make

There is something very appealing about a crochet book that promises you can actually finish something in a day. Not “start it enthusiastically and then find it again in a basket six months later,” but properly finish it. Ends woven in, project usable, smug little cup of tea afterwards.

Crochet in a Day: 18 Easy Patterns for Cute Sweaters, Cozy Blankets, Stylish Shawls and More by Angie Bivins is built around exactly that idea. The patterns are designed to be quick, cozy and achievable, using thicker yarns and simpler stitches so you can make pieces that feel impressive without needing to block out a whole season of your life.

And honestly, that is the sort of crochet book I think a lot of us need on the shelf.

You can find the book here: Crochet in a Day by Angie Bivins

 

What Is Crochet in a Day About?

This book includes 18 quick crochet patterns for wearable pieces, home accessories and giftable projects. The focus is on projects that can be made in a short amount of time, including sweaters, blankets, shawls, cowls and cozy accessories.

The idea is not that every single crocheter will finish every project in exactly one day — because we all crochet at different speeds, and some of us are interrupted every 14 minutes by family, pets, dinner or the sudden need to reorganise a yarn drawer. But the patterns are designed to be fast-moving and approachable, which makes them especially appealing for crocheters who like visible progress.

If you enjoy quick crochet projects, you might also like browsing our free crochet patterns on CraftGossip or the beginner-friendly crochet patterns on CraftBits for smaller makes to keep in your project basket.

Why This Book Caught My Eye

The title alone is a bit irresistible. Crochet in a Day taps into that very real crafter feeling of wanting a satisfying project without adding another long-term work-in-progress to the pile.

I love big heirloom blankets as much as the next yarn lover, but sometimes you just want a project that gives you a win. Something you can start after lunch and be wearing, gifting or tossing over the couch by bedtime.

This book is especially nice for crocheters who enjoy making handmade gifts. Quick crochet patterns are brilliant for birthdays, teacher gifts, Christmas presents, winter warmers, charity makes and those “oh no, I forgot I needed something handmade by Friday” situations.

What Kind Of Projects Are Included?

The book includes a mix of crochet garments, accessories and home décor. Amazon’s listing highlights designs such as the Embrace Cardigan, Serene Throw, and a Cape Cowl and Hat Set, which gives you a good sense of the book’s cozy, practical direction.

This is not a tiny-amigurumi-and-keychain sort of book. It leans more toward wearable and useful pieces — the kind of crochet projects that feel substantial but still manageable.

Expect patterns that suit crocheters who like:

quick crochet sweaters
 cozy crochet blankets and throws
 shawls and wraps
 cowls and hats
 last-minute crochet gifts
 chunky yarn projects
 simple stitches with stylish results

If you already have a stash of bulky or chunky yarn waiting for the right project, this book may be dangerous in the best possible way.

For more gift-friendly inspiration, you could pair this review with a roundup like quick crochet gift ideas or link readers through to simple beginner makes such as a basic crochet granny square on CraftBits.

Who Is This Book Best For?

Crochet in a Day is a good fit for crocheters who want patterns that feel achievable rather than intimidating.

I would recommend it for confident beginners, intermediate crocheters and experienced crocheters who simply want faster projects. If you know the basic crochet stitches and are comfortable reading patterns, you should find plenty here to enjoy.

It is also a lovely option for crocheters who:

want quick crochet patterns for gifts
 prefer useful projects over decorative-only makes
 like modern, cozy crochet designs
 enjoy chunky yarn and fast progress
 need last-minute handmade gift ideas
 want crochet patterns that feel current but not overly complicated

If you are a total beginner who has never held a hook before, you may want to start with a smaller beginner project first, such as a simple dishcloth, scarf or granny square. Once your tension feels a bit more comfortable, this book would be a lovely next step.

What I Like About It

The biggest strength of this book is the promise of momentum. Crochet books can sometimes be beautiful but overwhelming, with projects that look gorgeous and then quietly scare you back into making another dishcloth.

This one feels more practical. The designs are intended to be made with speed in mind, but they still look like proper finished projects. That balance matters. Nobody wants a “quick” project that looks like it was made in a panic at midnight, even if, occasionally, it was.

I also like that the book includes a mix of garment and home projects. A cardigan, cowl, hat set or throw all feel useful, especially if you are making handmade gifts. There is something satisfying about giving someone a crochet piece they will actually wear or use.

And because the patterns use thicker yarns and simple stitches, it has that lovely “one more row” rhythm that makes crochet relaxing rather than fussy.

What To Keep In Mind Before Buying

The title is appealing, but I would still treat “in a day” as a friendly challenge rather than a strict guarantee. Your finish time will depend on your crochet speed, yarn choice, interruptions, and whether you are the sort of person who stops to make snacks every half hour.

Some of the larger projects, especially blankets or garments, may take longer if you crochet slowly or prefer to take your time with finishing. That is not a negative — it just means the book is better understood as a collection of fast crochet patterns rather than a stopwatch test.

You will also want to check yarn requirements before diving in. Quick crochet projects often rely on thicker yarns, so this could be a good excuse to use chunky yarn from your stash or shop for bulky yarn bundles from places like Amazon, Mary Maxim or your favourite yarn supplier.

Is Crochet in a Day Good For Gift Making?

Yes, this is where the book really shines.

If you make handmade gifts, this book would be very handy to keep nearby during the busiest crafting seasons. Christmas, Mother’s Day, birthdays, winter gifting and charity crochet drives all benefit from patterns that work up quickly.

A cowl and hat set makes a lovely cold-weather gift. A throw is perfect for someone who loves cozy home pieces. A shawl is one of those gifts that feels personal without needing exact sizing. And a cardigan, if you know the recipient’s style and measurements, can be a beautiful handmade present.

For readers who enjoy giftable crochet, this article could naturally sit alongside CraftGossip’s crochet gift roundups or even a seasonal post on quick handmade crochet gifts to make before Christmas.

Supplies You May Want With This Book

To get the most from Crochet in a Day, I would keep a few practical supplies nearby:

chunky or bulky yarn
 a comfortable ergonomic crochet hook set
 stitch markers
 a yarn needle for weaving in ends
 a tape measure for garments
 blocking mats or a blocking board for neater finishing

If you are buying the book as a gift, you could pair it with a soft bulky yarn, a hook set and a project bag. That would make a lovely crochet gift bundle for someone who already knows the basics.

My Review

Crochet in a Day is a warm, practical and very giftable crochet book for makers who want beautiful results without committing to a huge long-term project.

I like that it focuses on patterns that feel useful: sweaters, blankets, shawls, cowls and cozy accessories. These are not just “make it once and wonder what to do with it” patterns. They are the kind of projects that can be worn, gifted, displayed or used around the home.

The quick-project angle makes it especially appealing for busy crocheters. Many of us love crochet but do not always have weeks to spend on a single make. This book gives you that satisfying feeling of progress, which is sometimes exactly what you need to fall back in love with your yarn stash.

It would suit crocheters who want stylish, achievable patterns, especially those who like cozy makes and handmade gifts. It is also a good book to buy while it is on sale and tuck away for Christmas gifting, either for yourself or another crochet lover.

Because let’s be honest, buying a crochet book “for later” is not a bad habit. It is project planning.