Gift Nature's Gifts!

Thanksgiving has passed and winter holiday decorations are popping up everywhere! Something I'm really happy about is that I am completely done with my holiday shopping. It's true! I got a jump on it this year and now I get to wrap all of the presents. I think wrapping presents is super fun!

However, I realize that I am likely an anomaly in having my shopping done. Most folks are just getting started. If you're looking for a gift for a crocheter, consider my book: Nature's Gifts for Baby. It can be purchased on Amazon and the Leisure Arts website (where it's on sale this weekend!), as well as in craft stores around the United States. Your giftee will be able to get a head start on all of the baby shower gifts that will be needed next summer as a result of this year's cozy winter moments *wink*.

 Still not convinced? Check out these reviews:

From Mikey of The Crochet Crowd: "Sara has gone that extra step to make the blankets look and feel special."

From Tamara Kelly of Moogly: "Aren’t they gorgeous!?"

From Kathryn Vercillo of Crochet Concupiscence: "I love the way that nature has inspired the pieces in ways that are both obvious and subtle."

From Susan Carlson of Felted Button:  "As you know--I looove making blankets, so this is right down my alley!"

From Susan Lowman of The Crochet Architect: "If you’re looking for some new crochet patterns to make for a favorite baby in your life, I hope you’ll consider this book with lots of creative designs!"

PS: Re-reading all of the kind words of the reviewers definitely has me misty-eyed. The crochet community is so kind and supportive!

Nature's Gifts Crochet Book Giveaway Winner

It's that time! It's time to announce the winner of a signed copy of my first book, Nature's Gifts for Baby. The winner is...

Congratulations, Jordane! I'll be contacting you to get your contact information. Thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway for supporting me on social media.

Giveaway: My First Book, Nature's Gifts for Baby

I am still glowing over the recent publication of my first book, Nature's Gifts for Baby. From the conception of the idea to holding the finished book in my hand, the whole process took about two years. It is fabulously rewarding to see it in print.

Today, I'd like to celebrate with you by offering up a signed copy of the book for giveaway. Hook up these seven adorable projects yourself with your very own book! I'll even write whatever you want in it :p

See below for details on entering the giveaway.

To enter the giveaway, simply complete these two steps:

1 - Share this blog post (or a picture of my book cover) on any of the following social media platforms: Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

2 - Send an email to illuminatecrochet@gmail.com with the subject line "Book Giveaway" proving that you shared it. A link to your post or a screenshot of it would both work.

And guess what? This time, multiple shares count! You can send a separate entry email for each social media platform for more chances to win. This giveaway is open in all countries.

The deadline for entries is Monday, August 22nd 2016 at 11:59pm. The winner will be announced on Tuesday the 23rd. Now, get out there and share to win!

Hook to Heal by Kathryn Vercillo

Kathryn Vercillo, one of the most supportive and active voices in the crochet community, has just released her new book, Hook to Heal.

This is her second book on the health benefits of crochet, which she is an expert on. What makes this book unique is its goal of providing you with the most health benefits possible by guiding you through activities. If you've struggled with anything lately, big or small, Kathryn's new book can help you use your crochet time to its best stress-relieving advantage. Thank you for putting more good things out into the world, Kathryn!

Vintage Crochet Illustrations

The other day my friend Toni brought a bunch of her favorite crochet books to the needle arts group I meet with on Sunday afternoons. I had a great time looking through her books, but one of them stood out above the others. It was a vintage crochet book called The Complete Book of Crochet by Elizabeth Mathieson, published in 1946. The book itself was a 1947 edition.

The thing I found so remarkable about this book was its absolutely delightful vintage illustrations. I thought I'd share a few of them here today for your viewing pleasure. Please note that all of the images are the property of the author and the publisher. If you pin them please be sure to note in the description that they are from Elizabeth Mathieson's book. Enjoy!

What a fun bit of crochet tradition and history!