Crochet Geometry - Book Review

(This post contains affiliate links*)

Namaste friends. Have you ever thought of taking your crochet skills a step further? Something more than doilies, afghans and bags? 

For a long time now I have been wanting to crochet a garment that would actually fit me and not look awkward. So when the magic words "Sizes Small to 5X" jumped at me from the front cover of Crochet Geometry* my interest was piqued! A quick preview online and I was certain that I have to grab this book.

Firstly, the garments are modelled by regular women! Yes, women in all shapes and sizes. Now there are tons of patterns online both free and paid, but the fact that they were always displayed on models who had just walked out of Victoria's Secret runway was a big deterrent. How the garment would look on a regular person was a mystery especially since I am a size mumble mumble...haha. 

Next, the garments are in gorgeous colours, No greys and beiges. Also there is lacework as well as solid patterns. I was "hooked"! (oh, when are crocheters going to stop using this cliche...lol) 

Why Geometry? The author Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby takes basic geometric shapes - circles, squares and rectangles and manipulates them to produce gorgeous garments with a lovely drape and elegant fit. Does that mean these patterns are for experienced crocheters? Of course not, this is where your expertise with mandalas, scarves and granny squares will be taken to the next level. 

There are projects for all skill levels - Easy, Intermediate and Experienced.

The book has 15 patterns in four categories: Shrugs, Cardigans, Pullovers and Wraps. 

The yarns used are Super-fine to Medium, making the patterns ideal for Indian climate.

Each pattern explores a different texture and with charts for every special stitch pattern, one is spoilt for choice. My "favourite" project changes every time I open the book. 

The superb photography by Jason Mullett-Bowlsby which make the garments "pop out" of the pages, doesn't make it any easier to choose :) I often refer to this wonderful article about natural light photography by Jason.

{All images belong to Shibaguyz Photography and used with permission}

Crochet Geometry is a must-have addition to any serious crocheter's library.

The book is available on Amazon.in* (that's where I bought it) and of course it is also on Amazon.com*.

Check out all the patterns and read more about the Shibaguyz duo HERE. 

Right now I am busy swatching (my biggest learning from the book), but there should be a Ta-dah post sooner than later, hopefully :)

Note: This is NOT a sponsored post and I have not received any compensation for writing it. I purchased the book and loved it, and all the comments/opinion shared above are mine. This post does contain affiliate links*, check full DISCLOSURE.

Birthday Goodies

Hi Friends, remember me?

Well, I wouldn't blame you if you don't remember me since I disappeared for so loooong. I was actually jolted out of my stupor after reading THIS post by Sharon, that is when I realised that I had been neglecting my blog and my lovely friends too. I know you will forgive me but you see this is what happens when overgrown kids get too many toys to play.

Confused? I am referring to the presents I got for my birthday. As Aishwarya rightly pointed out I spent my birthday, which was on 10th of September, in Mumbai. And much to my surprise I got a lot of pressies which I was not expecting at all.

Firstly I was not happy about the trip to Mumbai, because;

A) Believe it or not, after all my grumbling, three years down the line I am finally calling  Ahmedabad my Home, and I hate leaving my house to go Anywhere.

B) Hubby could not get any leave from work so it was only me and sonny to Mumbai, which also meant I would spend my B'day without him....Grrrrrrr.

But then, surprise, surprise...Hubby managed to squeeze in two days of leave and reached Mumbai just in time for my birthday.

He also threw a lovely dinner party for me, along with a few of our closest friends at my favorite restaurant, Urban Tadka (at Ghatkopar), and with desserts on the house, what more could I ask for, right?

But wait there is more, a visit to my Mom's place revealed a huge pile of crochet, knitting and craft books bought for my by my brother!! Yes, dozen's actually, plus a whole set of "Stitch by Stitch" books which I think are now a vintage item. All thanks to the eagle eyes of my brother and my sister-in-law, both of them are avid readers and spend most weekends visiting all possible book fairs. Since I couldn't carry all the books back with me as my shoulder is on the verge of popping out of its socket, I picked the most colorful book of the lot. The rest are expected to reach me by courier. So here it is:

Easy Living Crochet By Carol Alexander
(Affiliate link) 

There are a lot of lovely projects in this book and I will give you a book tour soon (ulterior motive... I want to play with our new scanner).

Then a visit to my aunt who had just returned from the U.S. brought forth this goody, something that I have been lusting after for a long, long time...

 

This CD has sixty two issues of Crochet World magazine!!! Can you imagine how many patterns that works out to?!! Even if I make only one fourths of the patterns I think I am set for life... What do you say?

Think that's all......NOOO I am saving the best for last!!!! Guess what was waiting for me in my mailbox back home at Ahmedabad. This fantastic book which I secretly longed for, sent by the lovely Gale from Boocoos Blogthingy, all the way from USA. Now isn't that very very sweet of her. It was the prize of a giveaway but as I firmly believe in the power of Positive thinking I knew the book was looking for me too. ;) Hehe.

 Crochet Saved My Life
(Affiliate link)

 Ever since I had heard and read about this book I longed for it, (especially since I believed that the lives of People around me was saved because I never put my hook down to pick up any weapon.....haha) and it was definitely on my bucket list. Who knew my wish would come true so soon. Thank you, dear Gale. Did I mention the Bonus - the book is signed by the Author Kathryn Vercillo of Crochet Concupiscence. Now that is a first for me - an author signed copy!

So now tell me, can you really blame me for getting lost, poring (read that as salivating)  over the patterns and the books and forgetting to update my blog!! I am sure you will understand. :)

Now, no visit to Mumbai is complete without a visit to my favourite yarn store - Pradhan's of course. I got a lot of yarny goodies...kilos actually but more about that in a later post.
So do come back for the book tour, my review of "Crochet Saved My Life" and to see my yarn extravaganza.

Have a great weekend. Happy crafting.

Afghan Glory

Hello there my lovely friends.

So, did you have a enjoyable weekend or were you busy with household chores. Some weekends have to be devoted to the home, so its okay.

Let me start the week by keeping a promise I made. I had promised you a book tour - of the lovely afghan book I bought recently. So here it is;

The book is called "Join-As-You-Go Afghans" by The Needlecraft Shop

These are a few of my favourites from the huge selection. Aren't they just gorgeous? So tempting! Makes me want to start an afghan right away.

I can see my unfinished hexagon blanket beckoning me, so I guess a new afghan will have to wait. I hope you enjoyed these pics.

See you later, crocheters.
Love xxx
Sangeetha

Welcoming Lord Ganesh

Hello friends, come join me in the celebrations to welcome Lord Ganesh also known as Ganapati.

Today 19th September is Ganesh Chaturthi, it is the Hindu festival celebrating the birthday of Lord Ganesh, the son of Parvati and Shiva. The festival lasts for ten days ending on Anant Chaturdashi, during which the Lord is said to shower his devotees with blessings.

Lord Ganesh is considered to be superior to all the other gods and He is also the lord of wisdom, learning, prosperity and good fortune. He is considered the remover of obstacles. Any new venture like house warming, a new business, start of travels, marriage or any other pooja(worship) will start with a prayer to Lord Ganapati.

During the Ganeshotsav (utsav means festival) lots of goodies are made as offerings. The main offering made everywhere without fail is the Modak known as the Lord's favourite. The modak can be a steamed rice flour dumpling filled with coconut, jaggery, dry fruits and cardamom OR a deep fried wheat flour dumpling having the same filling. Of course in a vast country like India, every region has its own completely unique version of the modak.

This festival is celebrated in homes or on a larger scale in public places in which case it is open to all and anybody can visit the venue. Festivities start with bringing the idol which can be of clay or plaster of Paris. After celebrating with much pomp and splendor, on the last day the idol is immersed in water- lakes, rivers or the sea, to mark the end of the festival.  The idol is taken through the streets for immersion accompanied with song, dancing and merriment.

The immersion is said to signify his return to his heavenly abode and also the never ending cosmic cycle. 

Reams can be written about Lord Ganesh, the legends, significance of his forms, his 1000 names and so much more. At a recent visit to a book fair, I got a book about the Lord and today I will share some pictures from the book with you.

Front Cover

Back Cover

Siddhivinayak at Mumbai

Ganapati at Titwala

Three headed Ganesh

Five headed Ganesh

Idol being taken for immersion

You can imagine the size of the statue by seeing the tiny people in the crowd!

I hope you liked these photos of my favourite deity.   Now I have lots of places to visit and pay my respects, and lots of goodies to taste. I will see you soon with my next thread project.

Do keep writing to me.

Have a lovely week. Take care.

Love xxx

Monday Musings

Good afternoon, friends. I hope your Monday has got off to a roaring start. 

Is that groaning I hear out there?  Ha ha... don't worry we can groan together! 

Now as a SAHM for me Monday mornings only mean getting up a little early to make breakfast, and lunch for hubby to take to office.  Sunday mornings I am allowed to wake up a little late, but mainly because I think my husband thinks I just might kill someone if woken up too soon. Yeah..... I confess I am not a morning person and it takes a big pot of tea to bring me into the land of the living. 

But Monday mornings never fail to take me back to those days when I was a full time working mom. The only regret I have is that I never got to spend enough time with my little boy. I don't even remember watching him grow. Memories of hurried breakfasts, bus stop deadlines, dropping and picking him up from the babysitter's, PTA meetings, struggling to get the homework done before bed time and then off to sleep. Life was like a train hurtling down the fast track, you are sitting eagerly at the window with you nose pressed against the window. But stations just fly by before you can read the names and before you know it your destination has arrived.

Now that he is a teenager he is so busy with his smartphone, iPod, laptop and God knows what other fancy gadgetry, who has the time for parents? BUT yesterday he very sweetly agreed to drive me to the book fair as he loves to drive and he knows how crazy I am about books!!

And yes..... if you have not already guessed, that is my son posing at the steering wheel in my last post. 

And now (gleeful rubbing of hands) let me show you the treasures I acquired!

A couple of novels

Catherine Cookson

Catherine Cookson is not really my favourite author and I do find her books to be a tad depressing, but I have a weakness for fat books.... so there.

A few cookbooks 

Cookbooks

Cookbook

Young housewife...who me? (He he) But seriously, this book has some great recipes and covers everything from soups to desserts. And also, because I often read cookbooks for reading pleasure. Especially the really descriptive and narrative ones where they go into stories about their childhood memories, how this dish was invented, and blah, blah blah. Yeah...good fun.

And now a lovely mouthwatering book

Cookies and Biscuits

I love baking but I don't bake nowadays as all three of us need to seriously lose some weight. (I can imagine my brother exclaiming "some weight!! write a lot of weight".)

This next book is chock-a-block with information and photos of my favourite deity Ganapatiji. And it was a real steal at that price.

Ganesha

 

 Of course, saving the best for last,

Join as you go Afghans

This is one lovely book with gorgeous, gorgeous projects. Absolutely fantastic afghan designs which deserve a "guided tour", which I will give you in a few days.

Kid's Quilt's Weekend

One more quilting book added to my bucket list. You know.... make at least one quilt before I die. LOL Now that I have totally four books it is high time I made at least ONE quilt...shame on me.

Well, now off I go as I have lots to do, which means deciding whether to drool over the afghan book OR the cookie book. Life is so full of tough decisions :)

See you soon, do let me know your Monday woes, keep your hooks busy and take good care of yourself. 

Love xxx

Keep the change

Hello, Beautiful people! 

It feels so good to be back with you after a long forced break. What started as a slight cold with a painful throat quickly turned into a full blown viral fever with bodyache, sleepless nights due to bouts of coughing, watery eyes and high temperature. After hoping that it will subside on its own, on Thursday I gave up and went to the doctor for meds. Since Sunday I am feeling quite better, of course the fact that dear hubby was home, may have something to do with that :)

A big thanks to all of you for your kind words and get well soon messages. Dear Aishwarya thank you for the magical recipe.

A warm welcome to Autumn Thyme and Boo from Boocoos Blogthingy.

Dear friends I am so happy to tell you that I have now reached 50! Not in years of course but in Google Friends. Isn't that just fantastic. When I started this blog I was hoping that a few people would actually read it and that eventually over the months or years I would also have friends. But to reach 50 after just 3 months into blogging is just super cool. 

A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL MY DEAR FRIENDS!!!

The last few days were dry in terms of blogging and crochet but I did manage to complete a few WIPs. One of them was to add the finishing touches to this cute little purse to be used for ... yes, you guessed it - Keep the Change.

It is from a free pattern on Ravelry called Floral Pouch. The purse has a small doily as its flap.

I used a pearl as a button for the flap. I think it is a cute purse and a nifty way to keep your change in one place. It will also make a lovely purse for a little girl to keep her hankie and some sweets.

 

The pattern is from a Japanese site and relies more on diagrams with only a couple of written instructions. I was stumped when the pattern called for a decrease in the number of stitches at the mouth of the purse and it took me a while, but after that it was smooth sailing. I am thinking of making a few more purses with different colour combinations.

So, do you like this cute little Change Purse? 

Another WIP I managed to complete was to read "STILLWATCH" by Mary Higgins Clark, who is my current fave author. A gripping plot with a really surprising turn of events at the climax. 

A very enjoyable read, I like murder mysteries. Due to crochet fever the books in my library are gathering dust. Pity!!

And while on the topic of murder mysteries, my current fave TV serial is "The Mentalist". I am not really sure whether it is the gripping storylines, the crisp editing or the dishy Simon Baker (as Patrick Jane) that is keeping me glued to the TV. All three reasons are good enough but especially the last one ....he he. I am a big fan of mysteries being solved "mentally" rather than by using DNA, fingerprints and ballistic reports etc which is why Agatha Christie is my all time favourite author. Don't you sometimes wish you could meet your favourite authors?

And now off I go to visit your blogs and keep up with the things you were doing in the past few days.

So, see you later and a Great Week to all of you.

Lovexxx

Let's take a tour

Hi there! How are you? Aren't you glad that the weekend is approaching?! Can't say I am looking forward to the weekend as hubby is out of town on a business trip, so it is just sonny boy and me at home.

I had expected to get a lot of crochet done as DH was away and sonny is happy with any one dish meal I can conjure up at the last minute. But sadly that did not happen, due to sundry aches and pains I had through out the week. 

Never mind, I will share one of my lovely books with you today.

So, get ready for the tour of "Crochet Mesh". This is a lovely book by Ondori and I just loved it the moment I laid eyes on it. There was a slight hesitation to buy it due to the high cost, but I am the kind who will gladly sacrifice a new outfit for a gorgeous new book so now the book stands proudly on my book shelf. Have I mentioned earlier that books make my mouth water and that I get goose pimples whenever I turn the crisp pages of a new book, and oh... that lovely smell of a fresh book.  Ok, ok I know, too much blah blah.....let's get on with it.

Ondori Crochet Mesh

This doily is the first one I tried from the book. It looked deceptively simple but gosh it was quite complicated. The last few rows required a lot of fastening off and joining thread and if there is one thing I hate to do it is weaving in the ends. So I was relieved to complete this one.

Here is the end result. It has survived years of use and washing and now I don't even bother to block it, poor thing.

The next doily or should I say centerpiece is what I attempted next. Today when I see it, I can't imagine how I actually managed to complete it.  You see I am notorious for accumulating WIPs and normally I have 6 to 7 projects going on at a time. Yeah... sometimes I do manage to get some of them done and sometimes I keep them pending just to remind myself that I am alive and I still have a lot to do!! Did that make any sense to you?

 Ta da, here is my masterpiece. As usual, too lazy to block it. Do you think it looks like the original? I would love to hear your opinion.

 Here are a few more pages from the book. Projects that I hope to make some time in the future, like these lovely cushions.

These cushions are lovely too, don't you think so?

This bedspread is one page that I love to open often and just stare at longingly. I wonder if one lifetime will be adequate to finish making it. Maybe a group effort with the ladies in the family might do the trick. Sadly, that is so not happening!

These coasters look cute.

When I was in my hometown Mumbai I used to conduct crochet classes from home and the runner on the next page was made by one of my  students but I don't have any photo of the finished piece :(

 

This runner with roses is definitely tempting.

Don't you just love the cats on the piano cover?

The next photo is not very clear but I added it anyway.

I hope you enjoyed the tour through Meshland. I do like filet crochet as it requires only chains and dcs and does not call for clusters, popcorns, pineapples or any other edibles!! But I think sometimes the designs are too subtle and do not stand out against the mesh. And in that sense I feel filet crochet can be tricky at times.

I hope I complete my Phd (Projects Half Done) soon and have something to share with you the next time. 

Till then, lotsa luv. Have a great weekend and do write to me.