CROCHETED GIFTS – New From Kim Werker

Interweave Press puts out another winner! This new book by Kim Werker, an always reliable designer, has some great gift ideas with good photography and Interweave’s clear instructions. There are schematics accompanying many patterns. Wish they with all the patterns.

In addition to the cool afghan on the cover, there are a couple of projects with which I’m IN LOVE. First is a unique Sea Star Pendant on page 23. It’s designed by Katie Himmelberg and is a really attractive piece of jewelry that can be worked up quickly. You could make it in every color you need for your wardrobe!

Then there’s the Mesh Trellis Cardigan by Karen Drouin on page 13. I GOTTA make this – however, I’m not a frilly type gal so I’ll eliminate the very attractive but impractible for me edging on the sleeves.

Another nifty garment is the Trinity Lace Shrug on page 43. Designed by Annie Modesitt, it’s PERFECT for those of us who need some camouflage for our upper arms without the added weight of a sweater in the summer. This little shrug will fit nicely in my wardrobe over some shells that I’ve avoided wearing for many seasons.

Other designs include items for baby, Dad, kitchen, bags, jewelry, etc. There are several caps that could be quite versatile. All in all, this is a nice collection of crocheted gifts that I think you’ll enjoy.

SPECS:

Crocheted Gifts, Irresistable Projects to Make and Give by Kim Werker.

Interweave Press, 2009

ISBN 9781596681071 119 Pages

List Price $21.95

Lots of Americans seem to think that May 5 is Mexican Independence Day, but that holiday actually falls on Sept. 16.

May 5 is the celebration of the Battle of Puebla, in which the Mexicans defeated the French in 1862. Independence Day marks the beginning of their fight for independence from Spain in 1810. That was the day of what’s known as El Grito de Dolores, or the cry of Dolores, for when the Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla rang the church bells at his church in Dolores and declared that Mexico should be free from Spanish rule.

They would fight for their freedom until 1821 when they finally gained independence.

Fabulous Classroom has a little of the history and ideas for celebrating the holiday for all age groups. There’s also a link to a good video in that post about the real story of Mexican Independence Day.

Twinkl also has a good tops about the history and different activities, discussion ideas, crafts and foods that can be incorporated into lessons at school or used at home.

I also found a few pins that no longer link to a website but include good information on Mexican Independence Day, including some questions for students to answer based on the reading. You can find more printables and questions for kids from TX Homeschool Mama on Etsy (also available in Spanish).

You can find a lot more paid resources about Mexican Independence Day at Teachers Pay Teachers.

Mexican flag crafts are a fun option for celebrating Mexican Independence Day (though the current iteration of their flag has only been in use since 1968). Kids Activities Blog has a free Mexican flag printable and a few different ideas for decorating it including dot markers and torn tissue paper.

You can also find some great Mexican crafts at Red Ted Art. The post includes all sorts of Mexican inspired projects including Day of the Dead crafts, Frida Kahlo pinatas and upcycled musical instruments. I love the giant paper flowers they shared from Honestly WTF.

Have you read?