Artisan Preserving

Artisan Preserving: Over 100 recipes for jams, chutneys and relishes, pickles, sauces and cordials, and cured meats and fish by Emma McDonald
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I requested this book to read & review from netgalley (in exchange for my honest review) because I am a beginner canner - or at least, I consider myself a beginner canner, as this is only my second year. The photos are inspiring & beautiful; the directions are clear, and the recipes well laid out & I would have no problem in following any of them.

The book, however, is a little artsy for me - well, it is in the title after all! I can simple foods, and cook even simpler, so the chutneys, sauces, and cordials are wasted on me. I live in a tiny apartment (my garden is elsewhere) so even if I wanted to cure my own meat & fish, I have no space to do so, so that section is all wasted on me.

Unfortunately, there's not really a single recipe in this book that I think I'd ever actually make ;/.

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soap craft

Soap Craft: 31 Recipes for Creating Amazing Handmade Soaps by Anne-Marie Faiola
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Years ago - before I knitted, before I designed, before I taught fiber arts, before weaving and spinning and dying, back when I did other crafts that didn't involve yarn, crafts like scrapbooking and latch hook and embroidery and cross stitching, I made homemade soap. I didn't make a ton of it, but I made soap, and it was fun.

When this book popped up on netgalley, I remembered how much fun it was to make soap. I didn't make anything fancy or honestly anything that even looked pretty, but it was fun. And reading this book made me remember how much fun it was to make soap and why I enjoyed making soap in the first place, and makes me long to make soap again (even though honestly, it won't happen because I'm a little too busy with the knitting, crocheting, hopeful weaving, sometimes spinning, always dying yarn and fiber, and oh yeah the designing and the occasional knitting class, too. Not to mention the reviews. And oh, seeing your husband every other Sunday).

Anyone's who's thought of trying a new craft or is looking for a new hobby or perhaps something different to sell at a craft show, should try this book. There's great details and lots of photos, besides amazing end products that you can actually make.

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Scarlatti's Cat by Nathaniel Lachenmeyer

Scarlatti's Cat by Nathaniel Lachenmeyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Scarlatti's Cat is a cute children's story about an Italian music composer, Scarlatti, and his beautiful and smart cat, Pulcinella, and how his cat composed a sonata. Man, I wish my Wedgie was talented like that - does this mean his scratching on my furniture is really a display of artistry?

This book is beautifully drawn, and I especially love the drawings of Pulcinella, who reminds me a lot of my beloved Zorro. There's a great drawing of Scarlatti holding Pulcinella, with Handel's dog nearby.

The book also teaches young readers to follow their hearts, their passions and their dreams. Though being a proud and crazy cat lady, I was very sad to read the ending.





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raising goats

Raising Goats Naturally: The Complete Guide to Milk, Meat and More by Deborah Niemann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is another book I requested to read from netgalley on a whim - I honestly saw "goats" and translated that to "fiber" in my head, so I thought it was a book about raising fiber animals. That being said, this wasn't exactly the book I thought it was going to be, but I agreed to read the book, and so I read the book. It was more interesting than I thought it would be, even though I'm not going to be raising a goat anytime soon.

The book begins on explaining how to buy a goat, what to look for, what things to consider, the different breeds of goats. Niemann explains why raising a goat for a dairy animal is easier, simpler, and smarter than buying a dairy cow. There is a small section about fiber producing animals, but the bulk of the book is on the milk and meat products.

Every aspect of care is discussed, from parasites, to housing / shelter, bedding, fencing, food, companionship (goats like to be with other goats, not just other animals), protecting from other animals, and so on. There's lots of photos to help you on your journey of goat ownership.



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Quilting with a Modern Slant

Quilting with a Modern Slant: People, Patterns, and Techniques Inspiring the Modern Quilt Community by Rachel May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First, I want to say I am not a quilter, but I am a fiber artist and teacher and have long, long been obsessed with quilts. I own a ton of quilt books for their inspiration and even own a fabric stash & a sewing machine, though I can barely sew. I want to be a quilter, but the fiber life has a mind of its own.

The book starts with the basics, explaining how to make a simple quilt (6 parts) and defines what modern quilting is, and what different people feel about quilting and modern quilting in particular. There's a lot of writing from lots of different quilters from all walks of life, talking about how they make quilts and why and how they got started. You'll reconigize some of the names included in the book if you have any interest in quilting at all.

The book also has gorgeous, inspiring photography on each and every page.

I enjoyed the improv section the most, which makes sense because I love freeform the most in my fiber journey.



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Great Little Gifts to Knit

Great Little Gifts to Knit: 30 Quick and Colorful Patterns by Jean Moss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm a little confused because I vividly remember reviewing this book, going through all the patterns & adding my thoughts and comments about each one, and I can't find a copy of my review anywhere either online or on my hard drive. So here I am trying to recreate it, playing catch up as I am always doing.

I love Jean Moss's designs and I'm always looking for "gift" related patterns. I only knit for a few people & usually socks, because generally speaking those are the only items that anyone ever appreciates (it's why I knit a lot for charity). This book has a lot of gift giving ideas that maybe, just maybe might actually be appreciated by family.

Patterns are clearly written, terms and abbreviations are explained, and items are well photographed.

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Knitting Yarns

Knitting Yarns: Writers on Knitting by Ann Hood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Anyone who has read more than one of my reviews before knows I'm a crafter and more specifically a knitter and crocheter, and anyone who follows my blog knows I try to review a wide variety of crafting books, so naturally I jumped at the chance.

There's a few similar books out there, a collection of short stories with the common theme of knitting in all the stories. The difference is this collection includes more famous people, like Barbara Kingsolver, Sue Grafton, and Anne Shayne (of Mason Dixon fame). Like any short story collection, some are better than others - my least favorite was about a guy who kept talking about how he didn't knit but yet his story somehow involves knitting anyway. He just kept talking about how he didn't knit, like he was insulting the craft and those who love it. But that's the great thing about short story collections, you spend a few minutes reading a story you don't like, you move on to the next one that you do like.

There's also a few patterns included in the book, which in books like this I always figure they include solely as a way of selling more books (you know, people who enjoy reading will read this book, and people who just want patterns will buy this book, so you get twice as many sales). You have no idea what the patterns look like because you have to go online to see photos - I hope that this is maybe just something in my e-ARC and not in the final book. They are all very basic designs, like fingerless gloves, cabled head wrap, ruffled slipper socks, coffee cozies, etc., and most designed by Helen Bingham.



I received a copy of this book for free through http://edelweiss.abovethetreeline.com/

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Handbag Workshop by Mazur

Handbag Workshop: Design and Sew the Perfect Bag by Anna M. Mazur
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I'm a beginner sewer (more of a wannabe sewer than an actual sewer) and so I requested this book to read and review from netgalley because the word "workshop" led me to believe that this would be a book on learning how to design and sew the perfect bag. I knew there'd be a variety of projects for all skill levels, but still thought it would be suitable for a beginner sewer.

It's not.

The projects use materials such as leather, and involve way too much work and too many steps, for this beginner sewer. The bags, for the most part, are not my style - they are more professional than my life calls for. Yes, choice of materials can dress a bag up and down, but that only changes things so much, and a dressy bag made in a more casual material is just going to look stupid.

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The Fifth Vertex by Kevin Hoffman

The Fifth Vertex by Kevin Hoffman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

parts I really liked, but overall, another book I didn't really get into.

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I enjoyed the book when I first picked it up, and couldn't stop the first few chapters. Then the action seemed to slow, the book got a little weirder, more and more characters were introduced, when I felt like I was still trying to get to know the main characters. I didn't really "like" any of the characters other than Cailix, and really would have liked to have seen her in the book much more (and perhaps we'll see her more in future books).

The book is well written, the stage is set out well, the action flows from one scene to the next, but I just couldn't really get into it as much as I would have liked. By the time we got to the halfway mark, I had to force myself to finish (mostly because I wanted to know what would happen to Cailix, and not to the other characters).

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I received a copy of this book for free from netgalley in exchange for my honest reviews, and was not paid in any way

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Curvy Girl Crochet

Curvy Girl Crochet: 25 Patterns that Fit and Flatter by Mary Beth Temple
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is another book that I vividly remember reviewing, but yet I can't find a copy of it anywhere.

I downloaded this book to read and go through on my nook and it entertained me all the way on the long drive to the airport and back (we were taking my parents). There is a wonderful variety of patterns in here that you'd come to expect from Mary Beth Temple, from jackets and sweaters to accessories. And of course there's hints and tips on how to make garments actually fit your body and make them flatter.

There's simpler, basic, every day sweater designs, that you'd actually live in all winter long, and more complicated, fancier stuff that you'd make and wear on special occasions.

Crochet garments, even in this day and age, still has the repuation that it's bulky and not flattering on a girl's figure, and this book goes a long long way to change that.

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Living with Intent: My Somewhat Messy Journey to Purpose, Peace, and Joy by Mallika Chopra

Living with Intent: My Somewhat Messy Journey to Purpose, Peace, and Joy by Mallika Chopra
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I requested this book from netgalley to read on a whim, and I was glad I did! I don't normally read books like this or really, self help books at all, but I've been struggling lately with being more organized, better planning, where do I want to be in a year or ten years and how do I get there? This book is a roadmap, and is constantly asking you questions that make you think about those very same issues. I've written down many of the questions Chopra asks so I can think about them more in more detail.

I like the fact that Chopra repeatedly admits how her own life can be a mess, that she's not perfect, that she too is striving to make sense of her life, and gives you the sense that if she can create order from chaos, so can you.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my review. I was not paid for my review

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Holiday Hats for Babies: by Debby Ware

Holiday Hats for Babies: Caps, berets & beanies to knit for every occasion by Debby Ware
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A very cute book, filled with a variety of hats to knit for the special baby in your life! The patterns span all of the holidays, and are suitable for advanced beginner to intermediate knitters. The details are what make the hats in this book special! Hats are great projects for beginner knitters to make (especially baby hats) because they are so easy and quick to make, and they make great gifts for baby showers!

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Daughter of the Reef by Clare Coleman

Daughter of the Reef by Clare Coleman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Daughter of the Reef shares the tale of Tepua, a chieftain's daughter, who's on her way to a different island to get married to a man she doesn't know, and ends up almost drowned. The book starts off nicely, with some background setting the scene and the characters, but ends up being too slow paced for me.

I didn't like the pacing very much the first half of the book, but enjoyed the story line enough to keep on going for the first half of the book, but by the halfway mark, I just wanted the novel to be over.

There was a little too much romance and not enough historical detail for me, and the pacing was just so slow, and I didn't feel the characters were drawn enough to really get to know them or care about their lives. I really wanted to like this book, as I really enjoy other, similar novels and I don't think I've ever read a novel set in Tahiti before, but I wanted to learn about the culture and the people, and that was sadly lacking.

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I was asked to read and review this book by the publishing company, received a free copy of this book to review but was not paid for my thoughts or review

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Lucky Spool's Essential Guide to Modern Quilt Making: From Color to Quilting:by Editors at Lucky Spool

Lucky Spool's Essential Guide to Modern Quilt Making: From Color to Quilting: 10 Design Workshops by your Favorite Teachers by Editors at Lucky Spool
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

First, let me start off by saying I am NOT a quilter and am barely a beginner sewer. I'm obsessed with quilts, love looking at them & dreaming of making them, but I haven't made the plunge - yet. I was hoping that this book would help push me into quilt making; unfortunately, it's just not written for a beginner. That's fine; there should be books out there for every level of skill for every craft, and that's a good thing!

I didn't feel the quilts were terribly modern; most of them were things I'd seen before on pinterest, the net, etc. - yes different colors/fabrics but the same basic design.

The cover isn't appealing (another reason for the 3 stars). I didn't particularly find the photos amazing, either; I expect photos in a craft book to motivate me into making the projects, and these photos didn't do that for me.

All in all, I just was disappointed with the book.

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I received a review copy from netgalley in exchange for my honest views and was not paid for my review

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Public Produce: The New Urban Agriculture by Darrin Nordahl

Public Produce: The New Urban Agriculture by Darrin Nordahl
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book was an absolutely fascinating read, though not quite what I was expecting.

Nordahl clearly is screaming at us, the average citizen, to change how we get our food from the farms to our tables. Yes, I mean that literally; Nordahl is so passionate on the subject (which is a good thing) that I felt he was yelling at me, and as he often repeats his point over and over again, I felt as if he was lecturing me for all the evil food practices I apparantly am a part of, and that I was so stupid for not knowing any better.

I know he doesn't mean it that way; I just felt he could have toned down his narrative a bit, but he definitely gets his point across. I still give the book 3 stars, however, because he is so passionate about the subject and did open my eyes up even more on the subject, a passion that I do share (one of the reasons I started my own garden three years ago, and am part of a CSA / buy from farmer's markets / do my own canning, etc.)

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I received a free copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for my honest review & was not paid for my review.

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Stitch It Simple: 25 hand sewn projects to make and share by Beth Sheard

Stitch It Simple: 25 hand sewn projects to make and share by Beth Sheard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A simple little, beginner sewing book, complete with templates and full color photographs. The book has a variety of projects and filled with ideas for items to make for your home. It's designed for beginner sewers (like me), but unfortunately, most of the projects aren't anything I would actually make, as they are a little too cutesy and a little too, well, plain.

That being said, it's a great book for beginners who want to learn to sew for the home (which to me is easier because you don't have to worry about fit issues like you would in making, say, a dress).

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received a review copy for free from netgalley

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Five Portraits by Piers Anthony

Five Portraits by Piers Anthony
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I've reviewed Anthony a bunch of times before, & I always have such mixed reactions to his stuff. I adored him as a kid/teen/young adult, and Anthony is the reason why I love to read today, as an adult. It's a bond I share with my dad - he handed me my first "adult" book (Golem in the Gears, by Anthony, part of the same Xanth series) in the summer before I started my forth grade year, and I've never looked back.

I enjoyed this one a bit more than the last one in the series; it's not as filled with puns (he explains in the author note he wrote this one ahead of schedule so there was less time for his mailbox to fill up with puns from fans; I always think it must be so nice that his fans write half his story for him). Puns are a part of Xanth as yarn is to a knitter, but the puns do get a bit old sometimes. Ironically, I missed the puns in this one, so I think I like them more than I think I do.

There's the usual sexual commentary Anthony always seems to make - maidens about to get raped, and then laughing about it two seconds after it almost happens - it bothered me a lot in his last novel, but I read it this time more as he meant it - social commentary / a parody.

I am thrilled to see that Anthony has finally introduced a gay character, too - it's about time, and kudos Piers Anthony!

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free copy from netgalley in exchange for my honest review

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Christmas Crochet for Hearth, Home & Tree: Stockings, Ornaments, Garlands, and More by Edie Eckman

Christmas Crochet for Hearth, Home & Tree: Stockings, Ornaments, Garlands, and More by Edie Eckman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Edie does it again in this modern collection of crochet projects designed for the holidays. They are all designed in Edie's characteristic style of easy, modern, simple enough for a beginner (for most designs) but not boring in any way. Most Christmas craft books are filled with things that are only OK - but not anything you'd ever actually MAKE - but this one is different.

All designs are well photographed, special stitches are explained within the pattern itself, and some of the patterns include charts - a must in today's pattern books.

(netgalley)

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Comfort Knitting and Crochet by Norah Gaughan

Comfort Knitting and Crochet: Afghans: More Than 50 Beautiful, Affordable Designs Featuring Berroco's Comfort Yarn by Norah Gaughan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Comfort Knitting & Crochet is a book of 50 or so afghan designs, using mainly worsted weight Comfort (acrylic/nylon) yarn. There's a great variety of designs, from pieced or paneled afghans to one piece designs. Some are written as baby blankets (which can always be done with different colors for lapghans for adults, which is what I usually do for baby blanket designs). Some are pretty standard type afghan designs that you've probably seen before, but most are pretty unique designs for all skill levels.

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Fermented Vegetable by Kirsten Shockey

Fermented Vegetables: From Arugula Kimchi to Zucchini Curry, a Complete Guide to Fermenting More Than 80 Herbs and Vegetables by Kirsten Shockey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm a vegetable gardener, and started canning as an alternative to freezing my harvest. I've been obsessed with fermenting vegetables - love the idea of preserving food, adding healthy probiotics to my food, and all without heating up my kitchen - but like I was with canning as first, I was so intimidated by the process.

I'm not, any longer. This is a great how-to guide, filled with amazing recipes that think outside the box. Everything is explained so this fraidy-cat isn't quite so afraid anymore. I also appreciate the small batch size, for my small sized family.

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received a free copy in exchange for my honest review

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