15 September 2014

book review and giveaway

I was well chuffed to be asked to take part in the blog hop to launch Louise Walker's new book "Faux Taxidermy Knits".


 I have to admit the word "taxidermy" in the title, did put me off slightly, but all the 15 patterns in the book are adorable and so cute. As a child I was always fascinated by my Nannie's fox stole, but even then felt for the most unfortunate fox who gave up its life, for my Nannie to wear round her neck. Now I can wear that fox stole without the cruelty and the fox stole shown above is definitely on my knitting to do list
The book  also appeals to me as I'm not really a jumper making knitter and I am always on the look out for different and out of the ordinary, dare I say novelty patterns. The book does not disappoint ...it has a variety of patterns from "Wearables" such as the Polar Bear Paw Mittens, the Wolf Headdress and the Hedgehog Slippers to things for around the house (Habitat) such as the Owl Tea Cosy, the Badger Head and the Tiger Rug or what about a hanging pheasant? Now being a veggie I wouldn't consider a real one hanging in my kitchen, but maybe a knitted one.......


Patterns in the book range from beginner level to some for the more advanced knitter and some even contain instructions for dpns. There are lots of photos, diagrams and tips to help with projects. There is even a techniques part at the end of the book which explains basic knitting such as casting on, knit and purl and more advanced methods such as double pointed needles and intarsia.

I wanted to knit up at least one pattern  before writing the review so  I choose one of the more simpler patterns the Bear Coasters. Here's Louise's version.



 and here's my version.....


A quick fun knit and the suggested Drops Lima was the perfect yarn for the project.


The layout of the book is very appealing and the photos are just gorgeous, well thought out and include such lovely "props".

Louise's book can be bought here

or if you are feeling lucky please talk part in my give away. The publishers have a free book on offer....all you have to do is leave a comment at the end of this post. The giveaway will close at midnight (GMT) on 21st September 2014. I will announce the winner, the next day on the 22nd. If you dont want to check back, please leave your email address in the comment so I can get in touch if you win.

A variety of other knitting books are available from Stitch Craft Create, to have a look, click here

The blog hop has been going on for a while and to see past and future participants please click here.
I feel I'm in very good company!

Good luck if you're taking part in the giveaway, Ali.

16 comments:

  1. I'm not sure about feeling lucky, but I'd love to take part in the giveaway please. It looks like a great book with some fabulous knits. I think those bear coasters are so cute, they'd be the first thing on my 'to knit' list.

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  2. Lovely book, I must have a knitted phesant for my kitchen, its so colourful. Fox is excellent too. Jane

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  3. I know what you mean Ali, the word taxidermy sends shivers down my spine and I have to be honest still not sure I would want a dead knitted pheasant in my kitchen. Hedgehog slippers and polar bear mitts sound good though!
    V x

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  4. I have that book on my Amazon wish list. It was the fox scarf that appealed to me but I want a knitted pheasant now! Please count me in!

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  5. this book looks brilliant, a friend of mine called Mrs Fox would love the fox scarf. Please enter me into your giveaway!

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  6. I love your bear coaster!! I need to win this book! <3 it!!

    email= silly.stitches@yahoo.com

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  7. I would love to win a copy to send to my sister. love louise's deisgns! the bear coasters are my favourite in the book :) pls contact me as twotoucans on ravelry if I win? thanks xx

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  8. Wayhey what a fab book Ali - and such a fabulous quirky coaster!
    Love it!
    Congrats on being in such cool company on the blog hop!
    Ali xx

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  9. Would love to win a copy. Love the thought of hedgehog slippers and the bear coasters made me smile. Jacqui x

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  10. These are hysterical! I'd love to win!

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  11. This book looks adorable!! I'd love to add it to my collection :) Mowry.andrea@gmail.com

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  12. Oh how lovely this book sounds :) Would love it!
    mmyheartishere@gmail.com

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  13. Second review I've read on this book and both good. Count me in.

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  14. Wow what quirky fun knits. #knittersaremad

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  15. Anonymous20/9/14 23:05

    Miland
    Those patterns are amazing! It would be perfect for my lovely knitter! :)
    sevakiraly@freemail.hu

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  16. Woow, those patterns are amazing, i would love to win them :)

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Id love to hear what you think about my blog, knits etc.