Tuesday, June 14, 2011

REVIEW: A Knitter's Home Companion

A Knitter's Home Companion
A Heartwarming Collection of Stories, Patterns, and Recipes
by Michelle Edwards
Hardcover: 160 pages
Publisher: STC Craft/A Melanie Falick Book (March 1, 2011)

STC1017_Cover_Mech_R3d

Attention knitters... must-add-to-your-bookshelf alert!  A Knitter's Home Companion: A Heartwarming Collection of Stories, Patterns, and Recipes is charming little book that combines patterns, essays and recipes that perfectly intertwine around the craft that we love so muchIt'll make you want to cast on that new sweater while you simmer a pot of Esther Retish's Spaghetti Sauce and chat about your dogs all at the same time.

I know I speak for all of my fellow knitters when I say, knitting is more than just a hobby.  Once you've picked up those sticks and some string, you instantly become part of a tight-knit (pun intended) community bound by tradition and creativity.  A community that, thanks to Ravelry, Facebook and countless blogs, now spans the entire globe.  Unlike our Mother's and Grandmother's small knitting circles of the past, ours now encompass hundreds of friends - some who live next door and some we may never meet in person.  Whether you get in your car to drive to a weekly knitting group meet-up or hop on Ravelry after work, you are participating in that unique bond known as the knitting community.

A Knitter's Home Companion is a wonderful extension of our ever growing knitting community.  Author Michelle Edwards says, "Let this book keep you company when you need another knitter's voice besides you." She's right - Michelle's stories are heartwarming and funny, inspirational and thought provoking.  Chances are you'll relate to many of her life lessons, which just might inspire you to cast on a pair of mittens for a relative on the other side of the country or whip up some comfort food to take to your next door neighbor who's a little under the weather.  

The patterns nicely complement the four chapters, including a Zigzag Baby Blanket and Playtime Cape in "Motherhood," Quick and Easy First Socks in "Home," Good Karma Slippers in "Community," and a Trio of Lacy Washcloths in "Legacy."

Of course, knitting and comfort food go together like hand in glove.  To complement the stories and patterns, you'll find recipes for some yum-o dishes including Genie's Killer Deviled Eggs, Mitten Ladies Slow-Cooker Soup, Aunt Charlotte's "You Won't Believe How Easy It is to Make" jam and, because we all have had those times when we reach for a jar of frosting and a spoon, Foolproof Frosting.
Grab yourself a copy of A Knitter's Home Companion and I promise you won't be disappointed.  Better yet, grab a copy to give as a gift for someone in your knitting circle.

About the Author: Michelle Edwards is the voice of Lion brand Yarn's e-newsletter and the award-winning author/illustrator of many children's books. She lives in Iowa City, Iowa.  You can check out Michelle's website here.

5 comments:

Kathy R said...

Sounds like a book I'd like. I'll look into it.

Marjie said...

Stories, patterns and food. Sounds like knitter heaven.

Sue said...

Ha, I had to laugh about the frosting and spoon. Been there, done that. I'll have to take a look at that book.

Quite a game last night. Looks like #7 is going to get rough. Do you think they can manage to wine one on the road?
Sue

Anne Ylvisaker said...

Fun to find this lovely review! I just started reading this book for the second time last night - it is comfort food for the knitter's soul - and will make non-knitters want to pick up sticks and learn.

SissySees said...

Sounds like a great book. Does it come in Nook?

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