Book review and giveaway: Quick-Knit Flower Frenzy
I recently received a review copy of Quick-knit Flower Frenzy: 17 Mix & Match Knitted Flowers
My favorite patterns are Sakura by May Ho, Dahlia by Ashley Forde Rao, Daphne by Lorna Miser, Roses in Bloom by Jodi Lewanda, and the flowers on the Quick Color Wheel Wreath by Carri Hammett, who I interviewed here earlier this year. (The patterns aren’t on Ravelry yet, but Sakura is the orange flower at the top center of the picture of the front cover, above, and the two flowers beneath it are Daphnes.)
If this was just a pattern booklet, it would be unremarkable. Some folks would love the patterns, others would hate them, and others would be indifferent. But this is actually a technique book disguised as a pattern collection. Each pattern includes a step-by-step photo tutorial demonstrating at least one technical aspect of that project. Many of the tutorials focus on gathering and finishing techniques, but there are others showing cast on methods (crochet and Channel Island), picot bind off, attaching beads, and stitches for increasing and decreasing.
The book also displays the flowers as part of a range of projects including as embellishment for shoes, a hat, a lampshade, and a clutch. While this is great inspiration for how to use your finished flowers, I wish more of the tutorials (or even the written directions) explained how to create such a project. The ring, lariat, and wreath projects include instructions on how to connect the flower(s) to the rest of the piece. If you’re not the type to experiment with a glue gun, you may prefer a book with more detailed assembly instructions. Another minor drawback: The booklet is a little thicker than other Annie’s titles, so it doesn’t lay flat so you can’t read and knit.
If you are looking for tips on how to attach flowers and other appliques to projects, look elsewhere. If you’ve ever seen a cute flower pattern but after knitting, ended up with a shapeless blob, this is the book for you! I would also recommend this book to advanced beginners who like quick projects, embellishments, and/or are looking for ideas for those little scraps of yarn left over after finishing a project.
Giveaway
I’m giving away my review copy of Quick-knit Flower Frenzy: 17 Mix & Match Knitted Flowers,
To enter:
- Leave a comment telling me about your flower knitting experience. Have you ever knit a flower? Have you used flowers as appliques on your projects?
- For additional entries, like Underground Crafter on Facebook, follow Underground Crafter on Twitter, join the Underground Crafter group on Ravelry, and/or share a link to this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, or your blog. (And then, leave a comment here, on Facebook, on Twitter, or in the Ravelry group letting me know what you did!)
- One winner will be chosen at random.
Good luck!
Such a unique idea!
In the spring, I created a whole set of flowers (19 different kinds and colours) in memory of my mother, who died in May. They brighten up the bedroom at my father’s apartment now. I intended for him to be able to switch them around but he has them all displayed all the time. LOL I found a few ideas to make them online, but most of the ones I made are morphed from those ideas I found. Good to know there is a REAL book available!
What a sweet idea. It sounds like your dad really treasures these flowers, Donna.
I am a big fan of floral appliques and knitted flowers in general. It is so easy to make a gift or present look extra special.
I knit an i-cord and turn that into a flower with a lovely button in front, add it to a wrapped something and it looks spectacular! So a variation on this theme is most welcome.
Great giveaway again! Ciao, Fleur (Fleurtje-Eliza on Ravelry)
Love! I have a vase that need flowers, and plenty of scraps.
I love knitted flowers and have them to purses. I know someone who would love this book.
I always knit simple flowers or crochet them. I felt some of them and then I use it to enrich a gift wrap or a gift bag. Thank you for the giveaway and Merry Christmas to all.
asteride on Rav.
Would love me some flowers!!! Thanks
I love making flowers for cancer and heart patients in hospitals, they just add a nice touch of brightness to any room. I don’t think I’ve worked from a pattern before though, I usually make it up as I go along but these flowers sure are pretty!!
I am a Rose myself so obviously I would love this giveaway. My main flowers that I have created have been to adorn cowls and scarves that I have sent to my MIL who was of the generation where no exra bling was too much for their scarves, etc.
I’ve never knitted a flower but have crocheted a few for different projects. I’d love a book with knitted flowers/ patterns. The flowers I’ve crocheted were made up as I went along, a trial & error kind of thing.
~Alicia/ “lishknits” on rav.
I have never knitted flowers, but recently received a request from my niece for some knitted flower hair pieces. This book would be perfect to get me started! Thank you for offering the give-away.
strawberrykid on ravelry
I have crochet flowers but never knitted them, I would love to learn!
I have knit many flowers and felted some as well. I love how some of them look so true to life.
Crocheted flowers were actually what brought me into crochet from the knitting world, and taught me how to follow an international crochet symbol chart. I love the Sakura flower on the cover, and would really like to learn more tips about how to improve the quality of my flowers!
I also follow you on Twitter (mamahobbit) and Facebook (Kara Hobbs), and am part of your Ravelry group!
… And, re-reading your review, I realized that this book is actually about knit flowers, not crocheted ones. *blushes* It still sounds really fun, since I love to knit flowers too
No worries, Kara
.
oo they look lovely and the review is great
WoolyTanis on rav
I like to put knitted flowers on hats and the ends of scarves.