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

I left myself a note when I added Colorfully Sarah Shop to my list of shops to write about that says “small but adorable.” I was talking about the shop in general — which as of this writing has just 40 patterns — but it’s also true of the designs themselves.

These cute, candy colored designs are sure to make you smile and are probably as fun to stitch as they are to look at. Let’s take a closer look.

You know a shop (or its owner) defies categorization when the largest category (albeit only by one) is “other.” Other is all hoops of little icons, whether frogs with conversation hearts, different shapes of pasta or a set of colorful cupcakes.

I chose this set of Jellycat style kawaii creatures to highlight because it’s super cute and would be fun for a kids room or a kid at heart. The design include 13 little characters, including a bunny, penguin, croissant and marshmallows, the sun and moon and a octopus. My teenager would love this one!

It measures 88 by 87 stitches and uses 25 colors. The designer suggests using 14 count fabric and putting the design in a seven-inch hoop.

This design gives you a pretty good idea of the style and the colors that are used in a lot of her designs. Animals is the next biggest category and they’re the same kind of projects, with multiple little animals. The frogs are back, this time with mushrooms. There are axolotls, bunnies and “spring insects” including butterflies, moths and beetles.

Other categories include fall, Christmas and video games (which has a collection of retro controllers, some Starwdew Valley icons and a set of pastel potions).

All of the patterns are adorable and sure to bring a smile while you stitch and when you display them or give them as gifts.

Check out all the designs at Colorfully Sarah Shop on Etsy.

[Photo: Colorfuly Sarah Shop]

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