"Sweet & Simple Baby Crochet": Review and Giveaway!

This giveaway is now closed! Congratulations to the winner, Vikki L-H! You can still read my review of "Sweet & Simple Baby Crochet" below, and go to Amazon US or Amazon UK (or search the Amazon service for your country) to purchase your own copy today!

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Recently I did a Q&A with Kristi Simpson, author of "Sweet & Simple Baby Crochet. It was great learning about the process and thoughts behind her new book. And as part of her book tour, I got a free copy of the book to review - and I get to give one away too! So read on to see what I think - though I got the book for free, all opinions are my own. And then enter to win your own copy of "Sweet & Simple Baby Crochet"!

"Sweet & Simple Baby Crochet" is the first book from Kristi Simpson, designer behind RAKJpatterns and publisher of Inspired Crochet. This is her first book, though rumor has it there's another in the works!

All of the patterns in "Sweet & Simple Baby Crochet" are, of course, for babies. The patterns include sizes for newborn to 12 months, and  there is a great variety of patterns and styles to choose from! There are 35 patterns total, and lots of them are quick hats, making this the perfect go-to book when you need a pattern for a last minute gift. There's also a photo-prop pod, cocoons, some tops and sweaters, a fun baby toy, and other great wearables. The yarns used include fingering sock, novelty, and super bulky, as well as worsted, from a variety of manufacturers.

The variety of yarn weights and brands used, as well as the information on yarn weight and fiber content, make this book particularly easy to use - no wondering what would make a good substitute when crocheting from stash, as all the info you need is right at the beginning of the pattern! Each pattern is also marked with skill level, and there's a Stitch Guide in the back for those who are new to crochet. As someone who's been crocheting for quite some time, I appreciate that the Stitch Guide is in the back - it's there if you need it, but experienced crocheters can get right to the patterns! But if you do need it, it's a good one to have - there are step-by-step color photos and clear instructions.

Another thing  to note about the format is that the directions for each size are written separately. This is much easier for beginners (as well as experts) to follow - as long as you notice right away. I overlooked it, but it turned out okay - as every size of the pattern I made started out the same way! I made the Fruit Punch Hat in size 9-12 mths, using Red Heart Boutique Treasure in Horizon. Ties and flower included, it was a one skein project, with less than 10 yards left over! The directions were well written and clear, and I love the result! It's CrAzY stretchy and the way the flower came together was a fun twist.

Though "Sweet & Simple Baby Crochet" is being sold as a paperback, the quality is quite high. The paper is heavy, and the photographs are all sharp and saturated with color. It feels more like expensive stationary than a paperback novel - but way more friendly and fun! It's about the same size as a sheet of paper, so it's big enough to read without eye strain and compact enough to fit in most project totes and large purses.

"Sweet & Simple Baby Crochet" is a great baby pattern book that would be at home in any crochet library. And that's why I'm so excited to be able to host this giveaway! One winner will receive their very own copy of "Sweet & Simple Baby Crochet," courtesy of Kristi Simpson and Stackpole Books. Just enter on the form below for your chance to win!

This giveaway is open to residents of the United States only. The giveaway ends 10/21/2013 at 12AM Eastern. The prize will be mailed by the sponsor, Stackpole Books.

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Good luck everybody! Get Moogly on your favorite social media sites:  Facebook, Twitter, G+, Pinterest and Tumblr, and sign up for the Newsletter so you don’t miss a thing! TamaraKelly@mooglyblog.com
Disclaimer: I received the book for free but have not been compensated otherwise and all opinions are my own.