I've boobed on this before I've even started by thinking it was the last day of the month that it is due when in actual fact it is the last Friday which is a full 6 days ago. Oopsie
I chose the book 100 Flowers To Knit And Crochet by Lesley Stanfield as my first one. It has sat on my bookshelf for some time and apart from a very quick flick through I hadn't read it.
January was a busy month so I figured it would be easy to read a knitting or crochet book and bang out a few flowers. Big mistake.
I'm not hugely experienced at crochet but I would consider myself as very experienced at knitting. On the whole I found this book hard going to understand the crochet in comparison to most other patterns I've done before. I really struggled with even the basic projects because it isn't clearly written in my opinion. I fared a little better with the knitting but mostly by fudging some of the instructions to make them work. I was disappointed by this book if I have to be completely honest and would not recommend it. It definitely didn't inspire me.
Here is what I created and to be perfectly honest they are going to end up either in the bin or the bottom of my knitting bag. The book didn't even inspire me to finish them.
Having had a quick look at some of the amazing art (see the link at the top of this post) the other bloggers have made I feel a bit of a phoney this first month by only making a few flowers that I can't even be inspired to finish off. However I have started my February book and am already inspired so it isn't all doom and gloom :-)
17 comments:
Kerry that was a disappointing start to your year of reading, some of the how to books can be very confusing but at least you gave it your best shot. Hope next months read will be a better read for you.
Oh, so sad for you! This is one of my favorite craft books. It's always near and flipped through, even by my girls who ask me to knit/crochet them new flowers for their hair or broches. I made teapot cozies stuffed with complete gardens as birthday gifts.
Maybe you could give it another try when there's more time to play? ♥
Wishing you a better read for February!
I always get frustrated when I read certain how-to books. I've suspected that my natural stubbornness is the main reason behind it, but you've made me feel a bit better ;-)
well if you couldn't figure the book's instructions out I would stand no chance as I can't crochet to save my life and haven't knitted in years! so maybe I'll give this book a miss :)
That said, I really like the look of the one you have started in red white and navy, even if you don't finish it maybe you could use it to trim something?
ohh so disappointing, when i saw the title I was ready to add it to my list of books that I need, but if the instructions are so confusing then maybe not. The ones you made do look pretty though, maybe you could use them on the front of a book cover.
You are not a phoney at all...that was an excellent review. I would have wanted that book just from looking at the cover, and then been infuriated at not being able to create from it.And as to throwing away those flowers, knit someone a hat and use them to decorate it :D XXX
You are not a phoney at all...that was an excellent review. I would have wanted that book just from looking at the cover, and then been infuriated at not being able to create from it.And as to throwing away those flowers, knit someone a hat and use them to decorate it :D XXX
Not a phoney at all. If a book isn't for you, it isn't for you and nothing in the World will make it so. Like others have said, I like your half flowers and maybe you could use them as an embellishment for something else.
A good honest review :-)
Such a shame to start the year with an uninspiring choice. Books, especially teach-you-something ones are very personal. I think you did extremely well, I would fail miserably. Thanks for a frank review and see you next month.
Janet xx
No need to feel like a phoney - if the book wasn't inspiring then I don't blame you at all! Hopefully next month will be better.
I like to scrapbook and crochet flowers look good on pages. A shame that this one is so hard to follow.You did well with yours given that. Won't be buying this one.
Jen x
It's strange how often people who are good at their craft seem unable to communicate well enough for a 'how-to' book. If someone is going to ask the public to shell out for the book, either the author or publisher should make sure they test out the instructions on a few people - it could only make the book better.
I liked the straightforward honest review - the author might benefit from reading it! And you're not a phoney, it's just a different kind of artwork. Enjoyed this post, look forward to next month's review.
Not your fault that the book didn't inspire you! (although I really like your flowers!! Maybe you could used them in a mixed media project?)
Most def not a phoney ... What you achiev in my opinion is fab especially considering the book was rubbish! I can't knit or crochet so you are a mile ahead of me!
And I really like the green flower in the right in articular! Cute!
I'm with Catie..I like the green flower too! It is frustrating when you don't enjoy a book, but there is always the next one to look forward to. I hope it is a gem for you!
You should be proud of yourself for sticking with the book. I have a couple of art how-to books on my list for the ARC and worry that I will give up on them if they become too difficult to understand the steps. Your flowers look good and they will find the perfect home some day. I'm glad that your start with the February book has already inspired you.
This is quite an informative book, I really like it.
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