Boho Baby Knits: Groovy Patterns for Cool Tots by Kat Coyle published by Potter Craft (November 13, 2007)

First of all – this book is not for beginner knitters, you must have some knitting experience to be able to attempt the easiest of these patterns – and there are plenty of challenges for more experienced knitters.

The book covers knitting patterns for newborns to toddlers (4yrs old), and I think it is great to have this limit – not every style is suitable for all ages – although I am sure experienced knitters can extend some of the patterns to fit slightly older children.

The book is very cute, funky photography and stylings (perhaps just a wee tad too cute! with too clever names for the patterns?) but gorgeous photography, adorable children modeling the outfits – good instructions and illustrations (although once again not for beginners – as some knowledge is assumed).

Regarding the patterns – I must admit that I loved most of them – some more than others – such as the self striping poncho – but not really sure how practical a poncho is for a 2 year old. I did like the lacy A-line skirt with elastic waist, and the knitted bloomers/wool soakers (do these work?) look fab, so comfortable looking – great design.

There were some flimsy whimsical patterns – such as a knitted very delicate fairy wings great idea – they look amazing – but for a toddler? I must admit to be struck by the ‘poet coat’ knitted in linen stitch with collar, cuffs and tails – so so adorable. In fact there are some very unusual and likeable patterns in here for boys – worthy buying for that fact alone. The coat and the ’studio lounger’ lounge pants knitted from side to side in self striping yarn are fantastic too.

As well as clothing there are also funny face bonnets, knitted picture book, and toys too. As will most knitting books there are some duds – but surprisingly few – recommend.

When I was a little girl I loved doing crafty projects with end results that I could be proud of. I was no stranger to tie-dyeing my own tees, papier-maché, making kaleidoscopes out of toilet paper rolls, you name it! There is a fab new book from Black Dog Publishing called Making Stuff for Kids by Victoria Woodcock, Ziggy Hanaor & Safiya Waley which is jam packed with art projects for the whole family! The book is broken down by age, beginning at 3, making it easy to find appropriate activities for all the members of the family! There are new versions of projects that you no doubt did, which I think is really exciting and brings a nostalgic twist to crafting with your kids! There are projects ranging from utilitarian (Pinboard Wizard, pg 116.) to just plain silly and fun (Totally Tutu, pg. 104). Each project includes easy to follow patterns and instructions to make the day go smoothly! You will only have to worry about having too much fun!

What I think is a great added bonus to this book, is the “How To . . .” section in the beginning defining all different forms of fabric crafts, including Applique, Knitting and Felting, with step by step instructions. There are even pages dedicated to easy and popular sewing stitches. I certainly learned a few things while perusing the pages, and cant wait to share this book with my niece!

pattern by tangled in laces – part of our alt craft month showcase.

I am not sure what to make of the boobie pillow (pattern here) – what do you think? (this version by Lauri on Ravelry)

Pat Ashforth and Steve Plummer from Woolly thoughts are are designers of mathematical knitwear.

Checkmate is an Afghan Game. Use it as an afghan or put it on the floor and play the game.

Double Vision appears to have 55 different shades though it only uses 10 ordinary, easily available colours.

Fibo-optic uses the Fibonacci Sequence in two directions, in each of the three dimensions, to give the illusion of a large flying cube.

Give Me A Clew is a repesentation of a Roman labyrinth discovered in Wales (UK) – part of the maze afghans set.

I don’t normally post anything like this here – but on the off chance that an energetic, innovative teacher is on the look out for a stimulating and challenging work environment…

Job vacancies for Blue Gum Community School – pre-school, primary school or middle school – expressions of interest welcome for full-time, part-time or casual work – email bluenet@tpg.com.au

Blue Gum School believes it is time to rethink the way we do schooling. Today’s schools need to move forward and reflect the world around them—a world where people work with others on projects, where their initiative, creativity, organising, research, problem-solving and negotiation skills are essential tools. These are the skills our students need to practise every day… Staff can make a decision on Monday, implement it on Tuesday, and improve it on Wednesday. The decision-making hierarchy is minimal—changes can be decided quickly, and strategies tried without delay. The curriculum can take account of students’ current passions and unexpected events, and seize the moment! The curriculum changes with the times; it does not stagnate.

Blue Gum Primary School - located in North Canberra, is an ‘alternative’ community school, a challenging interesting environment where teachers have more autonomy and flexibility. And where students genuinely want to learn …

Teachers set up challenges and situations that encourage children to explore the world around them. Teaching staff then closely observe children’s responses, looking for ways of extending their understanding and leading them naturally into related areas of study… All the students and staff know each other well, so they are genuinely interested and concerned for each other. Students have a much greater sense of belonging and their personal ‘uniqueness’ is recognised and valued by others—there is less peer pressure to conform.

Please pass this along to anyone who thing may be interested or you think is suitable.

An awesome idea by Krystyn Heide, hopeREVO.

hopeREVO began one evening when I decided to hide encouraging notes around New York City. This simple act inspired other people who heard about it to do the same in their cities. Days later, my inbox was flooded with messages from people spreading hope in their communities, after reading about it on my blog, and as it propagated through the Internet on other blogs. So, I decided to develop this website to start a hope revolution.

This is where you come in. Periodically, I will post a new challenge to grow the revolution, starting with Hope Notes. This spring, along with my soulsisters Elaine and Jen, I hope to grow hopeREVO into a larger online presence with more ways to inspire and celebrate our community.

I hope you’ll continue to be part of our revolution as it evolves.

Visit the flickr group or download hope notes templates.

I simply love these victorian underwear inspired knitted pants – pattern from knitty

Country Living Crafting a Business: Make Money Doing What You Love (Country Living) by Kathie Fitzgerald published by Hearst (January 1, 2008)

This book is quite an inspirational read. Filled with the stories of women who have made their handcraft passion into their livelihood. From weavers to cake decorators to book binders the women in this book are all passionate about what they do. There are mothers who turned to working from home out of a need to be with their children and women turned to crafting their business after a career elsewhere that left them empty. The stories of how these women became or are on their way to becoming successful are interesting and insightful and show what it actually takes to make crafting for a living actually financially viable. (lots of hard work and a passion for what you do)

There is a great deal of advice throughout, as well as a summing up at the end of each section and at the back where there is an excellent resource including how to write a business plan, marketing and sales and financial management and more.

Some of the women who are mentioned in the book include designers, shop owners and artisans: such as Liz Alpert Fay – textiles (rug hooking), Phyllis Leck (country weaving), Kaari Meng from french general , Amy Butler (fabric design), Crispina Ffrench (re purposing wool), Lisa Norris from Made by one girl (book binding) and lots more including caterers, fashion designers, flea market tours, cowgirl non-traditional vacations, florists and floral garden designers, interior designers and childrens clothing designers. Such a range of fantastic and inspiring women – a great read and resource.

greyhound crafts has an amazing array of patterns – all greyhound related. {via ravelry}

beautiful Greyhound Fisherman Sweater by amazing greys (pattern)

pixie greys and real life sized grey hound by flickr user aroyall (pattern)

greyhound table runner by Kathy in Georgia (pattern)