Cute Knitting: March 2011

Book Blog Follow and Book Blogger Hop April 1

Happy Friday, Everyone!!

It's time for Book Blog Follow Friday hosted by Parajunkee.com and The Book Blogger Hop hosted by Crazy for Books!

My Answer: I can't think of any books I don't want to admit to loving!!

Answer: I'm not really much of a pranker, unless it's really harmless :)

Don't forget to check out my Fool for Books Giveaway Hop contest, you can win an ARC of "Madame Tussaud" by Michelle Moran!

If you're visiting for the first time, I'd love to hear from you, so please leave a comment and say hi!! :)

Fool for Books Giveaway!!

Welcome to my stop on the "Follower Love Giveaway Hop" hosted by Kathy at I am a Reader, Not a Writer!

Here at In the Hammock Blog, I'm giving away an

ARC of "Madame Tussaud" by Michelle Moran!!

I'm passing my copy of the ARC on to one of my readers!

GIVEAWAY RULES:

The winner will receive an ARC of "Madame Tussaud" by Michelle Moran

All you have to do is follow my blog publicly and leave a comment on this review with your email address!
Please follow publicly or I can't tell that you are following :) Also, if you aren't comfortable leaving your email here, go ahead and leave a comment and then send me an email with your email addy.

There are no extra entries for this one, I know you all are wanting to get to each giveaway quickly! All you have to do is be a GFC follower!

Rules:

US only
Must be a follower to enter
Leave a comment with your email address
Books will be mailed out by me
Ends Sat April 2 at midnight
Thanks to everyone for entering! Good luck!

Don't forget to check out the other stops on the Fool for Books Giveaway Hop!

hairpin scarf business model

knitted shawls made of blue hairpin business models with examples of hairpin blueshawl patterns shawl patterns

Baby dress model

baby hat and booties knitting patterns baby dress lilac color

"Kat, Incorrigible" Review

"Kat, Incorrigible"
by Stephanie Burgis

Publisher: Atheneum
Release Date: April 5, 2011

Source: sent by publisher

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Summary from goodreads.com:

Twelve-year-old Kat Stephenson may be the despair of her social-climbing Step-Mama, but she was born to be a magical Guardian and protector of Society--if she can ever find true acceptance in the secret Order that expelled her own mother. She’s ready to turn the hidebound Order of the Guardians inside-out, whether the older members like it or not. And in a society where magic is the greatest scandal of all, Kat is determined to use all her powers to help her three older siblings--saintly Elissa, practicing-witch Angeline, and hopelessly foolish Charles--find their own true loves, even if she has to turn highwayman, battle wild magic, and confront real ghosts along the way!

My Review:

I remember wanting to read this one under it's original title "A Most Improper Magick." As a huge fan of historical romance, I thought it was great fun to see the Regency Era with it's ballrooms, carriages, and adorable suitors, from the eyes of a twelve year old.

There was a slight Cinderella slant to the story, with Kat's at times annoying two sisters, and her almost evil stepmama. I think this element will greatly appeal to younger girls. Sometimes the magical element seemed a little overdone and slightly confusing, but I liked the general idea of Kat having magical powers.

The two boys who Kat encourages to court her sisters are just too adorable for words. Mr. Carlyle was especially cute as a love potion victim. And Kat's exasperation with Mr. Collingswood's various shortcomings was quite entertaining.

Kat was a super heroine and she had so much self-confidence! She was so confident and sure of herself that it was a little funny sometimes, but still, I think this is a fantastic trait to nurture in girls that age. Kat knows what she wants and she doesn't even think twice before going after it.

The door is wide open for a sequel, I can't imagine what Kat will be up to next!

Main Characters: 5/5
Supporting Characters: 5/5
Setting: 5/5
Romance: 4/5 (Kat's sisters)
Uniqueness: 4/5
Cover: 4/5
Writing: 4/5

Bottom Line: This is a fun historical romp that is perfect for middle grade girls and I think older fans of Regency book will get a kick out of Kat's story too.

Flowers summer blouse

cottage floral blouse female models

Week 2: Book Review: Knitting At Home

Thank you to everyone who participated in last week's book giveaway!

I picked out one comment at random and the winner is Carolina! Congratulations!

For this week I'll be reviewing the book Knitting At Home by Leanne Prouse,

the designer behind the Ella Rae brand.

When I first received this book in the mail from Sixth and Spring Books, I kind of just glanced through it but quickly dismissed it as a "home decor" knitting book. And those sort of books rarely appeal to me because I hardly ever knit anything for the home.

I was very wrong. After looking at this book in more depth, I have to tell you that I absolutely love this book.

It is not just a book of home decor patterns. This book has a wide variety of patterns including garments, cushions, accessories, bags, throws, and children's wear. Yet most patterns follow the same theme... All of these knits are cozy and comfy pieces you would use around your home.

While flipping through the pages, I found that the designs evoke feelings of comfort and relaxation.

All of the wearable items seem very comfortable and practical.
These are things I could see myself actually using.

Nothing high fashion, form fitting, or fussy.

Instead all are loose fitting, cozy, knock-around-the-house types.

This book has patterns to accentuate every corner of your home with sweet knitted items.

Is there any better way to showcase your love for knitting than to surround yourself with it?

I also especially enjoyed the section for little ones.

I love these knitted dolls..

And I found the children's blanket patterns to be quite charming.

This book contains so many cute blanket patterns. I haven't made an afghan in forever, but this book makes me want to.

Altogether, Knitting At Home offers 60 designs. 60! That is a whole lot for one knitting book!

I was very impressed by the beautiful layout and style and I would love to knit many of the patterns included.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book.

I think this is a great book for many different knitting levels. Many of the patterns could be easily knit as a first knitting project, but there are some challenging projects included for more experienced knitters as well.

There is a lot of variety.

The only thing that didn't offer much variety were the yarn choices offered. All of the patterns are knit from one yarn, Ella Rae Classic. It is understandable. Leanne Prouse is after all the creator of the Ella Rae yarn brand. And it is actually kind of impressive really.. It shows exactly how versatile this yarn really is.

If your local shop doesn't carry Ella Rae Classic, it seems to be as easy enough yarn to substitute. Its a worsted weight wool, so you have many options available.

Although I very badly would like to keep this book for my own personal knitting library, I am going to be very nice and give it away to one of you!

To enter to win this brand new copy of Knitting At Home provided by Sixth and Spring Books, please leave a comment under this blog post. Don't forget to include your contact information!

I will be announcing the winner next week with another book review!

My Knitting Book Collection

Today I'm dreaming about the craft room of my future and looking for inspirational photos. We hope to finally buy a house soon and my second wish after a large kitchen is a room completely devoted to crafts. I know it will be the only room painted white so that the colors of the yarn will shine. I also don't want carpet because I am always dropping pins whenever I drag out the sewing machine. Of course a special corner for Bubbles and all her bunny beds and toys is important. I still am not sure about yarn storage - I like it on display but I do think it is safer covered. I may look into finding some crystal clear containers for yarn.

In preparation for Flash Your Stash Day Friday I also took photos of my knitting books.

On the top shelf are my knitting notebooks and a few manila folders containing printed out patterns. The second shelf includes a few books on embroidery, felting, and spinning.

Most of my sock books are on the third shelf and the fourth shelf is mainly for Starmore, Fassett, and the wonderful Threads compilation books.

Next I have more color knitting books and one of my prized possessions, the very first Rowan magazine. The white spiral bound books at the bottom are the very fun vintage reproductions from Iva Rose. I have Butterick's Fancy and Practical Knitting and The ART of Knitting, Weldon's Practical Knitting and Practical Stocking Knitter #11, and Paton's Collection of Knitting and Crocheting Receipts from 1903.

HERE is a blog post I did with some fun quotes and photos from the Iva Rose booklets, including a pattern for a knitted coffee filter and knitted reins for children who like to pretend they are horses?? BTW, in case you are wondering why my early blog posts such as that one have no comments, it is because not once but twice I had to use different methods of providing comments and unfortunately I lost many comments through sometime in 2007.

totes from military gear

Shop Update: A couple new bags in the shop today,

both made of canvas from an old military

duffel bag, with supple cowhide leather

handles.

Utilitarian and full of character...

Coming Soon: some more feedsack totes.

~ deb

For girls, a great dress

Knitting sweaters for winter-Male

Waiting on Wednesday (61)

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine, and it is a way to show off the books you can't wait to be released!!

This week I chose:

"Juliet Immortal"
by Stacey Jay
Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Release Date: Sep 13, 2011

The following description is from goodreads.com:

"These violent delights have violent ends
And in their triumph die, like fire and powder,
Which as they kiss consume."
—Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

The most tragic love story in history . . .

Juliet Capulet didn't take her own life. She was murdered by the person she trusted most, her new husband, Romeo Montague, a sacrifice made to ensure his own immortality. But what Romeo didn't anticipate was that Juliet would be granted eternity, as well, and would become an agent for the Ambassadors of Light. For 700 years, she's fought Romeo for the souls of true lovers, struggling to preserve romantic love and the lives of the innocent. Until the day she meets someone she's forbidden to love, and Romeo, oh Romeo, will do everything in his power to destroy that love.

You all know I'm into the retellings! And "Romeo and Juliet" is one of my all time favorite stories!

What are you waiting for this week???

"Get Energy!" Review

"Get Energy"
by Denise Austin

Publisher: Center Street
Release Date: Jan 7, 2011

Source: sent by publisher

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Summary from goodreads.com:

With busy schedules, demanding careers, and little time, many of us battle just to stay awake. But energy is something that is in our control, even when time is short. Now 50 years young, fitness guru Denise Austin shows readers how to super-charge their lives, using her innovative lifestyle plan. She eats the right foods at the right time of day. She uses the power of stretching and breathing to feed her body with energy-enhancing oxygen. She uses mini-workouts to get energy even on her busiest days—and now you can too!
Denise shows how simple changes can add up to increased energy levels throughout the day. From the foods they consume to the way they sit in their chairs, readers won't believe how Denise's quick and easy plan will dramatically increase their energy levels. In as little as a week, results will be felt: radiant skin, more restful sleep, and a sharper mind...so follow Denise Austin and prepare for a fitness wake-up call!

My Review:

I thought the author made some really good points and she had a great positive attitude. The book was set up with an intro and then a quiz to determine what aspects of your life are energy-deprived. Then you can flip to specific chapters to learn how to get energy in the areas of life that you need it most.

The tips and tricks aren't physically hard, but it's hard to make lifestyle changes. The workout moves and stretches aren't difficult either, they are things that people most levels of fitness can do. I like her ideas for mini stretches throughout the day, and yes, she shows you how to do them. her meal and snack ideas are simple and do-able. No foods you've never heard of, three hour prep times, or complicated recipes. The great thing about the book is that everything is do-able. It's not a heard core diet or work out book.

Austin feels that if we're always running around, working, and doing chores and we never take even a few minutes for ourselves, our energy is always going to be zapped. I love that she tells us to take time out for joy. Whether it's talking to friends, taking a walk, or ice cream with your kids, we all need to treat ourselves to recharge our energy.

Sometimes, the book becomes a little repetitive, almost like she had to fill a certain number of pages. But the basic ideas are great. Even if I only take a few this way from the book and try to implement them, I think I will see an improvement in my energy level.

Bottom Line: Great advice delivered with a positive attitude and kindness.

Teaser Tuesday (29)

Yay for "Teaser Tuesday" from MizB of Should be Reading!!

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My teaser Tuesday pick:

" The man underneath me had kept walking forward even after I kicked his hat off. He hadn't even paused to look up at me, or to pick up his hat. "

p 25 "Kat, Incorrigible" by Stephanie Burgis (ARC)