Great Little Gifts To Knit by Jean Moss

  Great Little Gifts to Knit

by Jean Moss

 

 
 



Today's knitters are avid—and busy. Although they love to knit for friends and family, and enjoy trying out new patterns and stitch techniques, they're constantly faced with the challenge of finding enough time to complete their projects. Great Little Gifts to Knit solves this problem. Jean Moss, author of Sweet Shawlettes, has designed 30 fun, fresh, beautiful patterns that incorporate traditional knitting techniques from all over the world: from Fair Isle and Aran knits to Peruvian intarsia patterns and Japanese shadow knitting techniques. Beautiful, clever, and, most of all, quick to knit, these projects offer knitters a chance to learn and experiment with new techniques—all in projects that can be made in less than a weekend.

 

 

*I received a review copy of this book from Netgalley*

 

I really wanted to like this book more than I did.  I love the idea of quick knits that I can make with my leftover stash yarn.  Even better if they can be gifts for someone else.  I found the patterns in this book a little...lacking.  I just wasn't in love with any of the patterns or the photos of the finished result.  It would probably be better for someone who likes to make small knick-knack items or someone who has kids.  I'd rather spend my time on something that inspires me. 

 

California Foraging by Judith Larner Lowry

California Foraging

By Judith Larner Lowry

 

  The diversity of California’s terrain and climate are a forager’s dream, with unique offerings from the coast, the mountains, the deserts, and everywhere in between. A passionate wild foods expert, Judith Larner Lowry shows you what to look for and how to gather it in a sustainable way.

California Foraging is a hardworking guide packed with detailed information and clear photography for the safe identification of more than 120 wild plants. It also features a seasonal guide for foraging year-round and collecting tips for sustainable harvesting.

 

*I received an ARC copy of this book through Netgalley.*

 

For a few years now I've been reading everything I can get my hands on about natural healing and foraging for wild foods.  I think it is something that is important to know.  Our ancestors knew it...they lived by it.  I think it's a shame that not many modern people are connected enough to the land that we know where to turn for food in case our supply runs out.  Until a few years ago, I had no idea that I was living in an area with a bounty of wild foods literally right outside my door.   

 

I've run across a lot of books in my search for information and I can say that this one ranks pretty high in terms of quality of information and pictures.  There were several things I've never heard of before (madrone bark tea!), as well as more information on plants I regularly gather (salal, chickweed, purslane).  There is a wealth of information in this book and it is one that I will most likely buy for myself some day.  It is definitely worth a look if you are interested in foraging in California. 

Historical Heroine Quiz and Giveaway!

 

Authors Grace Burrowes, Katie MacAlister, and Shana Galen wrote this quiz.  Are you royal, an operative, or member of a retinue?  After taking the quiz, be sure to enter the giveaway by clicking the link below!

 

Quiz: Which Historical Romance Heroine Are You?

#1 What word best describes you?

a) effervescent

b) nonconfrontational (mostly) 

c) stealthy

#2 My favorite hobby is ...

a) comparative study of the male form

b) looking after my darling baron   

c) target practice

#3 What is the perfect late night snack?

a) bread, cheese, meats, lemon tarts … whatever can be liberated from the kitchen

b) the baron's kisses

c) ratafia, shaken not stirred

#4 My ideal man must have ...

a) a sublime derriere

b) an aptitude for growing hardy, contrary flowers 

c) brains

#5 What accessory do you never leave home without?

a) my corset (large bosoms are such a trial)

b) my composure 

c) my pistol

***

If you choose mostly As ... then you are as sparkling and resourceful as Her Serene Royal Highness Dagmar from The Truth About Leo by Katie MacAlister. Dagmar may have been raised in a strictly formal manner, but she’s never let that stop her from pursuing anything that catches her interest. She’s a bit quirky, marches to her own drummer, and has a fine, fine appreciation of the manly form.

If you choose mostly Bs … then you are clearly the stuff a baroness is made of, much like Millicent, from The Traitor. Milly is sweet, fierce, determined, and brave but slow to trust. Sebastian, Baron St. Clair, is ALSO sweet, fierce, determined and brave, and relentless when it comes to protecting those he cares for. Alas for both Sebastian and Milly, an enemy stalks them who is not sweet. By the time Milly is done with Sebastian's enemies, they are not very brave either. So if you chose mostly B's, the bad guys better steer mighty clear of you!

If you choose mostly Cs … then you are equipped to be a master spy like Jane Bonde from Love and Let Spy by Shana Galen. Jane is smart, cunning, and loyal, but she has her weaknesses too. Her latest weakness goes by the name Dominic Griffyn. Planning a wedding and defeating a villain intent upon the destruction of England is tricky, but if you're the sort who multitasks easily, then you too have Jane's unique skills and panache.

 

 

Enter to win from dozens of books by clicking the link below!

 

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/07c2363f18/

 

Release day for Blood In Snow by Robert Evert!

AUTHOR BIO
By day, Robert Evert is an ordinary university professor bent on stamping out ignorance and apathy wherever they may rear their ugly heads. By night, and during various faculty meetings, he is an aspiring fantasy writer. Living in northeast Ohio with his wife, two sons, dog, four cats, and a host of imaginary friends, Robert enjoys teaching, yoga, hiking, and writing. You may learn more about Robert Evert at http://robertevert.blogspot.com/ where he discusses being a neurotic writer. Riddle in Stone is his first novel.



BOOK DESCRIPTION

 The final installment in the epic Riddle in Stone saga.

Having committed treason by claiming the Highlands for his own kingdom, Edmund—the one-eyed, stuttering former librarian—decides to stop running and make his final stand. Along with his best friend, Pond Scum, and his manic dog, Becky, he must fight off goblins, magic users, and King Lionel's entire army in order to protect what he loves. However, his deadliest adversary is the approaching winter, and neither Edmund nor his men have the supplies they need to survive.



LINKS

Website: http://www.robertevert.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6925118.Robert_Evert?from_search=true

Purchase: http://diversionbooks.com/ebooks/blood-snow-riddle-stone-3