Hi, Knitters,
I have a treat for you today. Kristin Nicholas has done it again with another fantastic book. This collection is creative, innovative and downright sunny. Kristin has created 50 sunflowers for you to create using different techniques through knitting, crocheting, and felting. Along with the sunflowers are leaves, a bumble bee and ladybug and an adorable robin. The entire book is whimsical and fun.
The layout of the pages is gorgeous and clear. I love these two page spreads showing all of the flowers in wonderfully clear detail.
The backgrounds are just as stunning. The variety of flower design in the book is staggering.
The book includes clear instruction on the basic techniques. It's very beginner friendly. Kristin tells you how to read the crochet charts and instructions. There is a color theory section, one of Kristin's specialties. Special techniques are made very clear and there is a section on both materials and embroidery, as well. Step-by-step tutorials are included in the beginning section. The written patterns for the flowers and such are next. The book ends with a nice variety of projects you can make with your beautiful handcrafted flowers.
I love the idea of felted flower napkin rings either in the spring or summer or even to cheer up the winter doldrums at your dinner table. I love that each flower on the napkins is different. Gorgeous idea by Kristin, as always.
Kristin also includes projects that combine store-bought ideas along with your handmade flowers. Fun projects made with store-bought items include embellished lampshades, a child's cardigan, a decorated straw bag and more. There is much to choose from.
What an adorable gift this sunflower washcloth would make paired with a good-smelling bar of soap. Anyone would love to receive this for the kitchen or bath or even a baby gift.
Of course, with her Kristin style and artistic flair she has included the flowers in framed artwork to adorn your walls. This idea makes me so happy. Don't you just love the way those framed pictures look? I would love to hang these in my house.
Kristin is a longtime favorite of mine. I pretty much love anything and everything she does. She is a storyteller, an artist, a farmer, a devoted family woman, and mainly, a creative spirit. If you are not already following her blog, you should subscribe. Kristin also has an informative newsletter which I subscribe to as well. Her designs and books are all on my shelves. Her books are a constant source of inspiration and reference for me. I go to her books for not only patterns but color ideas, techniques (steeking and putting in zippers are my two favorites), project information, colorwork charts (Color by Kristin has a chart dictionary that I love and use often).
Click here to purchase Kristin's available books, including 50 Sunflowers, directly from her online shop. I love that she sells her books directly because that helps to support her farm. I encourage you to take this route.
Click here for Kristin's wonderful farm-filled blog! It is a must-read! Her farm and sheep photography is amazing.
Here is the book description from Ravelry:
In 50 Sunflowers to Knit, Crochet & Felt you’ll find:
- Over 25 crocheted sunflower designs, plus a monarch butterfly and ladybug. Crochet instructions are both written out and charted.
- Over 25 knitted sunflower designs, plus a robin, swallowtail butterfly, honey bee and a woolly bear caterpillar.
- 15 ideas with instructions for how to use the designs in your home, as part of your wardrobe, or anywhere in your life.
50 Sunflowers to Knit, Crochet and Feltbrings Kristin’s sunflower garden to life in knit and crochet stitches. Inspired by her summer garden, the book presents a joyful collection of small knit and crochet projects that are fun to create and will add to the joy of gift-giving. Kristin includes a how-to section that will make you feel more confident about working with color combinations.
To enter to win a copy of Kristin's 50 Sunflowers book, please leave one comment on this blog post. Leave your Ravelry ID or an email address so I can get in touch if you win to gather your mailing address. Please be patient for your comment to appear on the blog as I approve all comments to avoid spam. I will be back in a couple of days to choose a winner by random number generator. The book will be sent directly from the publisher.
Good luck! You will love this book for years to come. It is a true flower adventure.
best, susie
