It Came Upon a Midnight Shear - Book Spotlight

 

It Came upon a Midnight Shear (A Riverbank Knitting Mystery) by Allie Pleiter

About It Came upon a Midnight Shear

It Came upon a Midnight Shear (A Riverbank Knitting Mystery) 

Cozy Mystery 3rd in Series 

Setting - Maryland 

Berkley (November 1, 2022) Mass Market Paperback ‏ : ‎ 304 pages 

ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593201825 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593201824 

Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09RPVTR4M

 

A murder in her yarn shop’s backyard puts Libby Beckett’s holiday plans on thin ice.…

 

The holiday season looks merry and bright for Libby and her friends at Y.A.R.N. The store is expanding for a holiday boom, and she’s gathered Collinstown’s businesses to decorate a community Christmas tree. Dashing “Gallant Herdsman” Vincenzo Marani arrives to showcase the rare vicuña, whose coat produces the world’s most luxurious yarn. It’s a perfect yuletide—until Libby’s ex-husband, Sterling, turns up in town…and then turns up dead.

 

The murder unravels Libby’s life faster than a hand-knit Christmas stocking. The luxe yarn goes missing, Sterling’s domineering family comes to town, and the vicuña attempt an escape. If Libby can’t stitch up a solution to the case, she may be trading in her knitting needles for a set of handcuffs.

 

About Allie Pleiter

The bestselling author of over fifty titles, Allie Pleiter's twenty-year career has sold 1.6 million books. Allie also coaches on writing productivity and speaks nationally on time management for creatives. Allie is an avid knitter, confirmed coffee junkie and firm believer that “pie makes everything better.” She lives in the suburbs of Chicago with her husband and the world’s most adorable dog.

Author Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alliepleiterauthor/ 

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/alliepleiter 

Facebook group (books): https://www.facebook.com/groups/firesidewithallie/ 

Twitter: https://www.instagram.com/alliepleiterauthor/ 

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/allie-pleiter 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Allie-Pleiter/e/B001H6IEUO/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1 

To subscribe to Allie’s newsletter: http://www.alliepleiter.com/subscribe/ 

Purchase Links - Amazon - B&N - Kobo - Author - IndieBound 

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Cozy Knits - Review

Cozy Knits: 30 Hat, Mitten, Scarf and Sock Projects from Around the World 

Authors: Sue Flanders, Janine Kosel

Edited By: Kari Cornell

Publisher: Voyageur Press

Release Date: March 15, 2022

ISBN: 9780760373538

Pages: 453

Genre: Knitting, Crafts, Hobbies

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Cozy Knits presents 30 of the coziest, globally-inspired patterns for hats, mittens, and gloves—including stylish traditional projects from Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, the British Isles, the Americas, and Asia.

What is everyone’s favorite thing about hand knits? The coziness! This book offers 30 knitted patterns inspired by international knitting traditions for socks, sweaters, scarves, and hats.

If you are a fan of cozy fair isle—it’s in here. If you are looking for a cozy Norwegian knit pattern—it’s in here—the cozier the better. These stylish projects are inspired by knitting traditions from around the world, such as Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, the British Isles, the Americas, and Asia.

Each project is partnered with complete illustrated patterns, beautiful four-color photography, schematics and diagrams, and alternatives for yarns and needle weights and sizes to help you get the results you want. The patterns range from simple to more complicated, making this a great book to grow your craft.

With Cozy Knits, create beautiful and gift-able cozy knits for friends and family—or even maybe just for yourself!

MY THOUGHTS:

Cozy Knits is a treat for any knitter who loves to try something new. These smaller projects will be done in no time and one will enjoy learning something new as well as having a lovely finished item at the end.

The book is filled with patterns from some of my favorite designers: Nancy Bush, Dawn Brocco, Donna Druchunas, Lily M. Chin, Anna Zilboorg plus many others. The patterns are not only beautiful and well written, but there are also charts included for colorwork, etc. I cannot comment on the charts as my review copy did not included them, however, the instructions are clear and easy to understand. 

Cozy Knits is a gorgeous book filled with beautiful photographs and lovely patterns that will be demanding calling out to you to make them. It would be perfect for any knitter's library!!!

I received a copy of this book through Edelweiss+. I was not required to post a positive review - but one of my honest opinion. 

One-Stitch Baby Knits - Review

One-Stitch Baby Knits

22 Easy Patterns For Adorable Garments and Accessories Using Garter Stitch

Author: Val Pierce

Publisher: Design Originals

Release Date: June 10, 2019

ISBN: 9781054801102

Pages: 144

BLURB:

Welcome your new baby to the world with lovingly knitted garments and accessories! This book is filled with easy-to-knit projects you’ll want to make for the baby in your life. Top knitwear designer and author Val Pierce presents 25 simple patterns for practical but adorable baby knits, from bootees to hats to blankets. Whether it’s a kimono-style jacket that you don’t have to pull over a newborn’s head or drawstring mittens that keep your little one from pulling them off, One-Stitch Baby Knits is full of thoughtful details that parents will love. Each and every one of these irresistible garments is made entirely with the garter stitch—the easiest stitch in knitting—making them accessible to beginners and quick and simple for more experienced knitters. Designed with small babies in mind, Val’s patterns can be readily customized to get exactly what you want in a garment that’s cheaper and sturdier than anything you’ll find in stores.

MY THOUGHTS:

One-Stitch Baby Knits is one of those books that you will find yourself turning to again and again. It contains 22 patterns that are easy to construct and are based on just one simple stitch: the garter stitch. The garter stitch is one of those stitches that seemed to be overlooked because of it's simplicity, however there's no stitch that is as soft and squishy as well as absorbent (when it needs to be) as this stitch.

The author, Val Pierce, plays on this stitch to create some cute and beautiful items that would be welcomed by any new mother or mother-to-be. The items look more complicated to do than they really are, and the patterns are easy to read, follow and understand. The photography of this book is gorgeous and each photo calls out to you to make the item pictured.

Some of my favorite patterns are the Easy Burp Cloth, Bunny Earflap Hat, Sleepy Cow Hat and Drawstring Mittens (featured on the cover), T-Shaped Sweater and Simple Shoes, and the Geometric Blanket. I love how nicely they all work up and the best part is how simple they were to make! The Geometric Blanket is a little more fussy with the color changes and weaving all the ends in then piecing it all together, but the finished product looks so much more complicated than the blanket was! The Easy Burp Cloth is not the normal square cloth but one that has an interesting shape and also another that looks so much harder than it really is to make. Then there's the Cow and Bunny hats - absolutely adorable and not at all hard to construct.

One-Stitch Baby Knits is a book that needs to be added to anyone's library that knits for babies and new mothers as well as anyone who loves to make items to donate. This is a book that will be returned to again and again! 

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. I was not required to post a positive review - but one of my honest opinion. 

Review: A Crafter Knits a Clue by Holly Quinn

A Crafter Knits a Clue 

A Handcrafted Mystery Book 1

Author: Holly Quinn 

Publisher: Crooked Lane Books 

Publication Date: October 9, 2018 

ISBN: 9781683317715 

336 pages

Blurb:

For fans of Betty Hechtman and Maggie Sefton, the latest craft frenzy is this charming cozy mystery series debut starring amateur sleuth Sammy Kane—and featuring bonus knitting patterns!

Sammy Kane just moved back to her hometown to run a craft store. But when the owner of a nearby yarn shop is murdered, Sammy will needle little help finding the killer.

When a heartbroken Samantha “Sammy” Kane returns to her hometown of Heartsford, WI, for her best friend Kate’s funeral, she learns that Kate’s much-loved craft store is in danger of perishing with its owner. Confounding all her expectations of the life she would live, Sammy moves back home with her golden retriever and takes over Community Craft. A few doors down Main Street, fellow new arrival Ingrid Wilson has just opened the Yarn Barn, a real “purl” of a shop. But when Sammy strolls over to see if Ingrid could use a little help, she finds Ingrid’s dead body—with a green aluminum knitting needle lodged in her throat.

Detective Liam Nash is thrown for a loop as every single citizen of Heartsford seems to have a theory about Ingrid’s murder. And nearly everyone in town seems to be a suspect. But the last time Sammy did any sleuthing was as a little moppet. And this is not fun and games. Sammy is eager to help the handsome Liam—who seems to be endlessly inventive in finding reasons to talk with her—and when Liam arrests affable woodworker Miles Danbury, Sammy puts everything on the line to help clear Miles.

As the case comes dangerously close to unraveling, Sammy must stitch the clues together. But the killer has other plans—and if Sammy’s not careful, she may wind up in a perilous knot in A Crafter Knits a Clue, the first warm and woolly yarn of Holly Quinn’s new Handcrafted mysteries.

My Thoughts:

What a fun read!!! I really enjoyed not only the characters but the storyline as well! Being a crafter and knitter, I found it refreshing to find a book that centers around my interests and because of that, I think I may have gotten more involved in the story. 

The characters themselves were quite easy to be able to identify with and all were quite likeable. I will say that Sammy could be a bit "over the top" at times, but I think that made her more fun. Then there's Detective Nash, he's, well... you will just have to read the book to find out more about him.

I found A Crafter Knits a Clue  a very enjoyable and an easy read. It went quickly, almost too quickly! I was almost sad to have finished the book but happy to find out if my theory of "who done it" was correct. There were enough red herrings that I changed my guess a couple of times. Once I get caught up on my reading list, I will definitely be getting the next book in the series: A Crafter Quilts a Crime! 

This is definitely a must read for anyone that loves cozy mysteries - especially those that love cozies based on their passion of crafting!

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. I was not required to post a positive review - but one of my honest opinion. 

Bluprint -vs- Creative Bug

Photo by Surene Palvie from Pexels

I love all types of crafts, from needlework to making wreaths, so I'm always doing something with my hands and always looking for new and interesting things to try. I've done subscription boxes, combed the net for new projects, watched hours and hours of YouTube and am a member of a couple of guilds.

When I check my email, I'm always getting offers to join a new club, take a new knitting class, etc., and honestly, it seems like every time I try these things, they are underwhelming and I end up cancelling after just a couple of months.

Bluprint

So when Craftsy starting sending me their offers, I did the free week, downloaded a few of their free classes and patterns, but couldn't justify the price. Then Bluprint merged with Craftsy, and the price came down. I got some great offers, but still didn't join. Well, the price came down more and after a week free preview, an offer for a free knitting kit, I said to my husband I'm going to try it out. I paid the yearly fee up front (saving some money there) and picked out my kit from their list. I chose the LaMott Wrap Knitting Kit by Erika Flory featuring Cloudborn Highland Sport in the Santa Fe colorway. Within 2 days from the time I signed up, my kit was in hand! I was impressed with the quality of the Cloudborn wool as well as the pattern instructions. The kit retails for almost $47 - over half of what I paid for my yearly membership ($79.99)

The classes are well done and very professional looking. Yes, you can probably find videos that cover some, if not all, the topics on YouTube, but I can tell you, I've spent a lot of time trying to find exactly what I needed and weeding through a lot to finally find it, and sometimes the information that is given is not correct. Provided with the classes are downloadable materials. They may include patterns and/or other helpful information.

Another perk from the Bluprint membership is 12 keep forever classes that you choose. If you decided not to renew your membership, those classes will always be available to you to watch - as well as all the class materials that come with them. You get the codes for 3 of them every 3 months.

Included with the membership is free shipping on any order from Bluprint's shop. I didn't think I'd use it really, because the prices I viewed as a non-member seemed a bit high. Well, I got a surprise with that! Members get 15% off, which is ok, but the real savings comes from their coupons. For example, I found a 60% off coupon code on my member page off one item. I used it on a wool sweater kit. I chose the largest size I could  buy so that I was sure I'd definitely have enough yarn. This kit also has a class that goes with it, so not only am I trying a new technique, but I have a class to explain everything about this sweater. The cost? $33 including shipping! I got a lovely wool cardigan kit for the cost of what I would have spent on acrylic yarn to make the exact same sweater!

I have made a couple of other purchases since I've been a member, and believe me, the savings alone has more than paid for my membership! Everything is shipped by FedEx and I usually have the items in hand in 2 days. (This time frame could be different, depending on where you are located).

Creative Bug

Right after I became a member of Bluprint, I received a free month trial from Creative Bug. I wanted to compare both to see which was more useful and a better deal for me. Creative Bug offered me a membership for $7.99 a month and I couldn't find any place to pay for a year upfront.

With that membership came the video classes, class materials, patterns and CBTV.  Currently, they are offering a $10 JoAnn gift certificate when you become a member. I didn't find any other perks besides the videos, classes and Creative Bug TV.

The videos that I viewed didn't seem to have the same professional quality that Bluprint's has. Now, to be fair, it could only be the ones I chose and may not be that way with all the videos. It's possible they were older ones. The class materials were decent. I downloaded a couple of patterns and they were well written and easy to follow. One nice thing I came across on the videos I watched, was the opportunity to download a transcript of the class. It appears you had to download one for each segment, but still, it's nice to be able to have it in print instead of trying to find what you need in the video.

Which Is The Best?

So which is the best for you? It depends what you are looking for. With Creative Bug, you don't have to make along term commitment, since you pay monthly, you can cancel at any time, however, I could find no option to pay quarterly or yearly, so I found discounts on that price. I do know they run specials from time to time, so you may want to sign up for the newsletter to see when their offers become available. If I remember correctly, there was an offer for half price off of their normal price. Currently a year of Creative Bug runs $95.88 (12 x 7.99)

For me, Bluprint was the better deal. With free shipping, a free kit, amazing coupons and sales, lots of free patterns and nicely done classes/videos,  I am thrilled with my membership!! My yearly membership was $79.99. I've seen Bluprint have other sales and membership  has been lower. I've also seen quite a few nice offers of gift certificates. I'd suggest getting the Bluprint newsletter and checking the offers for yourself.

My only regret is not joining Bluprint sooner!

***Please note - I paid for the membership out of my own money. I was not given anything or asked by either company to do a review. This if from my own experience and sharing to help others decide if they want to try either/both companies out.

Disappointed With Ravelry

On June 23rd, I logged in to my Ravelry account and as usual, looked at the Ravelry main page to see what amazing patterns or designers were being featured. Instead, there was a posting saying that they would no longer allow support of our President and his administration. Those that supported them would be banned. Instead of a NO POLITICS, there was a NO TRUMP policy. Why? Because according to those that run Ravelry, those that support President Trump and his administration were white supremacists! Then, they stressed the importance of inclusiveness and how everyone should be included. My chin hit the floor.

If I voted for Trump or if I'm a Conservative is no one's business but mine. I have never posted anything political, racist or anything offensive about anyone. I went to Ravelry to gather with like minded fiber artists for education and encouragement - and that sharing ran both ways. I have been on the receiving end of help as well as giving it. Unfortunately, that feeling has gone by the wayside. I am no longer comfortable in what is called an inclusive environment when it is obviously not.

People became labeled as white supremacists because they didn't believe what those that ran Ravelry does. Tell me how this is any different than the bully on the playground telling you that you had to do whatever he said or think the way he thought, or you'd pay one way or another? I remember being a child that befriended someone that my friends didn't like. They told me I had to stop being friends with that girl or they'd stop being my friend. I thought it was absurd and didn't follow their rules. I was mocked, kicked, punched, shoved, etc. every time they went past me to let me know that I was going against their "rules". Yes, we made up and became friends again, even though I never unfriended the girl they wanted me to, but there was a level of distrust from then on. I always wondered what I'd do to make them angry again. Tell me how Ravelry's new policy is any different?

When we allow labels to be put on groups, then we notice a difference and hatred gets a foothold. Don't believe it? Watch a group of young children play together. They don't notice race, religion, IQ scores, or anything like that, until it is pointed out to them. They do see differences, but accepted it like hair and eye color. Discrimination and hatred is learned as soon as it is labeled.

Tell me, why can't we all just be a group of people who love the Fiber Arts? Why does politics, religion and sex have to be allowed when it should be excluded - they are hot topics and have no real place in a group that many of us use to escape from our daily lives. It WAS a safe haven for me. Obviously, it is no longer.

Darn Good Yarn Subscription Box

Subscription boxes... you hear all about them, but are they worth it? Some are, and some aren't -IMHO. I have tried quite a few and will discuss them in future posts, but I really need to share one that I'm currently subscribed to now. It's called the Darn Good Yarn of the Month Subscription Box from Darn Good Yarn. When I subscribed to it, there was a code that made the first month free. At the time of this post, I see the code is still active. It is at the top of the page in large white letters on a blue header. If you're interested in trying this out - now's the time! The normal price for each month is $10 plus shipping. The cost of shipping will depend on where you live, but for me here in the US, it is about $4.

What separates Darn Good Yarn from other yarns? Their yarn is made from reclaimed silk that would have been normally just thrown away! I love the idea of making something useful out of something that would just become more landfill. The yarn is interesting. I've used three different skeins of their yarns and have enjoyed each one of them. They are, of course, silk and they are a lot of fun to work with.

The subscription boxes contain a pattern, a skein of yarn and a surprise. The pattern has both a crochet version and a knit version of a project, so you don't have to worry about choosing one that is for your favorite craft. I love the versatility of the kit. Sometimes I like the knit version of the project better than the crochet version, and vise versa.  My first kit allowed me to add a surprise item for $5. Of course, I had to add it to the box! When my first kit arrived, it contained a pattern for a cowl, Darn Good Yarn Roving Silk in the Rainbow colorway, a set of knitting needles and a crochet hook, both in size 5.0mm (their surprise) and the $5 surprise was a skein of Darn Good Yarn Roving Silk in the colorway Crimson Fire.

Since both skeins of yarn were the same type, I worked up both versions of the pattern. The crochet version is called Ripples Neckware by Victoria Dorn, and it was the perfect design to use the Rainbow colorway with.  This cowl worked up so quickly and in the round, so there was no seaming and just ends to weave in.  I love how bright and cheery this cowl is. Although you cannot really see it in the photo, this is done in a ripple pattern.

The knit version, called Snow Big Deal Cowl by Darn Good Yarn was knit using the Crimson Fire colorway of the Darn Good Yarn Roving Silk. Both cowls turned out nicely. The directions are easy enough for a beginner and each uses one whole skein. I did have a very small amount left from the crocheted version, but used the whole skein with the knit version.

My second box contained a pattern, a skein of Darn Good Yarn Fancy Twist Silk in the colorway Pink Flamingo and a needle bag. The bag is the perfect size to hold the needle set included in the last shipment. Each month, a few items are offered at a special price to subscribers and you can add 1 or all of them to your shipment if you want. With this box, I chose a handcrafted yarn bowl. I had expected my shipping costs to go up with this added item, but it didn't! So no only did I get the bowl at a great price, but there was no extra charge to add it to my order.

The second box contained directions for an adorable bag called "Treasure Keeper Pouch" by Darn Good Yarn. It comes in both a knit and crochet version. I did the crochet version because the dimensions were a bit larger and the bag would be more durable. I followed the directions with no modifications and found I didn't have enough yarn to make my tie the length that was specified on the directions. I was off just a bit, but still had enough to make a decent size bow when I tied it.

I am enjoying the subscription so far and will continue it. So far, each skein of yarn has been 50 grams and the patterns are designed for the yarn you receive. I like that you can pause the subscription if you need to take a break from it for a bit. I find the yarns different and fun to work with and the patterns, so far have been useful. This bag will be used as a gift bag.

The hand made yarn bowl was an add on.
The needles, crochet hook and case were the surprise gifts
from shipments one and two

I'm looking forward to next month and can't wait to see what yarn and pattern I will get - as well as the surprise. There have also been a few nice offers of exclusive add-ons that I'm mulling over. I'm sure at least one will be added to my next shipment.

Holiday Hats for Babies by Debby Ware

Holiday Hats for Babies
Caps, Berets & Beanies to Knit for Every Occasion
Author: Debby Ware
Publisher: Taunton Press, Inc.
ISBN: 9781627101028
Paperback: 128 pages
Genre: Crafts, Knitting

About the Book:

These sweet and sassy baby hats will bring a smile to your face! 25 adorable patterns for every celebration of the year: Birthday Cupcake Cap, Halloween Hat, Holly Holiday Hat, Baby Chick Cap, Crystal Party Hat, Firecracker Topper, Leaf Peeper Cap, and more.

My Thoughts:

If I had to describe the hats in "Holiday Hats for Babies" in just one word, it would be ADORABLE! There are hats for every occasion including birthday, Halloween, Easter, Spring, Mother's Day, etc. The instructions are easy to read and follow.

Each hat is made to fit babies with a 14" or 18" head by using the recommended DK yarn and needles. However, if you use a worsted weight/Aran type yarn, larger needles or both, you will end up with a larger hat that can fit a child's larger head. This would make this book even more useful and fun - especially for children who love to dress up or for those that want to look like their baby brother/sister.

I had a lot of fun trying out some of these patterns and had no issues with any of the instructions. They were clear and easy to understand.

This is perfect for anyone who loves to knit for the wee ones, enjoys making hats, or just enjoys to knit something different that will put a smile on someone's face!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley courtesy of the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

Sometimes I Do Other Things Besides Read

One of the things I love to do when I'm not reading, is knitting. With such a hot summer, that is something I've put aside and haven't touched for quite a while. With the cooler weather, I'll have to dust off my knitting needles, work my stiff old fingers out and get back to working on another pair of socks. My husband loves heavy wool socks for hunting, so I try to get a pair or two done for him every year.


Iowa Cruise Socks by Carole Anderson of Cottage Creations. I knit these using Lion Brand Fisherman's Wool. This is one of my son’s favorite patterns for warm winter socks. I used some Kool-Aid dyed wool that I had done for the accent color. This is my 8th pair of socks that I’ve made from this pattern.

Barbie Sleeping Bag Pattern (knit)

I had sent this pattern to the KnitList years ago as a gift. Since then, it has been removed. However, it is still being requested, so I thought I'd post the pattern here for those that may still want it. My daughter loved her Barbie Sleeping Bag and wore it out. She used it for both her Barbie and Ken dolls as well as her Beanie Babies.

Materials:
US size 9 Needles
Worsted Weight Yarn (I used Red Heart Confetti 2.5 oz with leftover)

Gauge: 4 1/2 sts = 1"

Pattern:
Beginning of bag:
Cast on 20 sts.
Work 4 rows Garter Stitch.
Work stockinette stitch for 20 1/2" ending with RS. This will end your bag and mark the beginning of your pillow.

Pillow:
Knit next 2 rows.
Then work st st for 6". You will now see your purls on the RS and knits on the WS.
Bind off.

You now have a very long strip of knitting. The pillow will be folded over 3" so that the binding edge will come down to the pillow beginning. Stitch sides with RS together (RS is the knit side). Do not stitch bottom of pillow yet.

Then fold up beginning of bag (4 rows of garter stitch) until it meets beginning of pillow. Sew side seams with RS together.

Turn bag and pillow right side out. Lightly stuff pillow with fiberfill and sew to first P row on back of sleeping bag.

This fits both Barbie and Ken.

Pattern copyright 2001 Theresa Dunlap

Wendy Knits Book Review

Wendy Knits: My Never-Ending Adventures in Yarn
by Wendy Johnson
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Audience: All levels of knitters from beginners to advanced

Wendy Johnson takes you through her knitting life and her obsessions with knitting and yarn. From her first cast-on and being self-taught to becoming one of the most known names in the knitting blog world. Wendy has included 20 beautiful patterns for all knitting levels, as well as many hints and tips throughout the book.

I have followed Wendy Johnson's blog for many years, so I was excited to finally get my hands on this book. It was everything I had expected and more. Wendy's warm and humorous look back over her knitting career is a fun and fascinating read. The patterns she includes are lovely and will please any knitter - from beginner to advanced. I have knit up a few of her patterns including the "Sophisticated Cabled Catnip Mouse", "Easy One-Skein Hat" and her "Generic Socks". All patterns were well written and easy to follow. She as sprinkled tips throughout the book that are very good and useful. My only wish is that the photos were in color. I've seen her pictures on her blog, and the b&w photos just don't do justice to her knitting or her precious blue-eyed cat, Lucy! I highly recommend this book to any knitter - beginner through advanced.