Tuesday, September 11, 2012

crochet boutique (& giveaway!)

crochet boutique
I was recently given the opportunity by Lark Crafts to review a new crochet book. It's called Crochet Boutique: 30 Simple, Stylish Hats, Bags & Accessories written by Rachael Oglesby of Softspoken. Just from the cover, I knew it was one I wanted to check out and when I got it, I was right, it's full of projects I want to make!

This book is really well put together, I liked the photography and the way each pattern was set up. It's very pretty to even just flip through! Each pattern tells you the skill level, which most are either easy or beginner. I especially love the section on 'basic stitches & techniques', it has illustrations to show you how to do stitches. I don't really need those anymore but I love to look at them!

There's a great mix of patterns in here, you can see all the projects here on the ravelry page. This book is great for fall weather though, so many projects perfect for the season! I want to have a few finished soon since it's starting to cool down.

The first project from this book that I decided to try was the Bamboo Handle Bag. I unfortunately couldn't get my hands on an oval bamboo handle like the pattern calls for, so I settled on round plastic ones. I got them with my 50% off coupon at Michaels, so I'm not too upset. Next time though, I will order handles online!

new project bag
I used Loops & Threads Charisma yarn in chocolate cupcake, I love the colors in this yarn! The pattern was easy to follow too, I only spent a couple hours on this one. I'm using it now as a project bag for a knitting project I'm working on (I haven't shared it yet but I will soon, it's getting so big already!).

knitting project

Are you interested in this book? Want to win a copy? Lark Crafts was generous enough to offer a copy to giveaway to one of my readers! All you need to do is leave a comment on this post, be sure to include your email address so I can get in touch with you if you are the winner! This one is only open to those living in the US or Canada this time.

Which project would you start with if you win! (see them here)

I will announce the winner on Sunday, September 16th! Good luck!

48 comments:

  1. EllenSeptember 11, 2012 at 2:20 PM

    So many amazing projects in here! I think I would start off with the Cuddle Cowl (I'm on a huge cowl/scarf kick at the moment)!!! Not sure what color/yarn yet...
    Thanks for the chance to win!!
    ellenbruton(at)gmail(dot)com

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  2. PaulaSeptember 11, 2012 at 2:21 PM

    How nice looks like some fun patterns. I like the purse.I can see it, with oval bamboo handles too. I would love to have a copy of this, thanks for a chance to win it. :)angelzharp@hotmail.com

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  3. RachaelSeptember 11, 2012 at 2:33 PM

    Wow what a lovely crochet book - I love all the scarf's but I'd have to start with that lampshade cover - it would certainly brighten up our plain ikea lamp shades!

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  4. AnonymousSeptember 11, 2012 at 2:35 PM

    What a beautiful bag! I love the colors you crocheted it in! I would absolutely love a copy of this gorgeous book. So I'm crossing my fingers and here's my email address:
    itscominguproses@comcast.net

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  5. Thorn QueenSeptember 11, 2012 at 2:37 PM

    Oh nifty! Count me in. Firelakecondo@gmail.com

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  6. KatSeptember 11, 2012 at 3:02 PM

    Gorgeous bag! I really want to crochet or knit a bag. The craft store here has crap handles though so I think I will have to find some online instead.

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  7. annemarieSeptember 11, 2012 at 3:23 PM

    Love the rainbow shell throw - it would be fun to make this project.

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  8. Norma Jean September 11, 2012 at 3:23 PM

    So many beautiful patterns! I think I would love to start with the chunky ribbed scarf! I also love the rainbow shell throw. Count me in for the drawing! Norma at toomuchyarnnotenoughtime@gmail.com

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  9. Lauren PSeptember 11, 2012 at 3:31 PM

    I would start with one of the many scarves!

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  10. Pammy SueSeptember 11, 2012 at 3:58 PM

    Hmm...I like a lot of the patterns, but maybe the chunky scarf first? Would love to have the book. Love your bag!

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  11. MeredithSeptember 11, 2012 at 4:09 PM

    It looks fantastic, I can't make up my mind!
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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  12. grrlysarahSeptember 11, 2012 at 4:23 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  13. grrlysarahSeptember 11, 2012 at 4:23 PM

    wow...all of the patterns are awesome. really interested in the cuddle cowl, or the triangle fringe scarf!

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  14. Heather PSeptember 11, 2012 at 4:51 PM

    Love the Chunky Ribbed Scarf! So cozy looking :)
    heather.palmer(at)mail(dot)com

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  15. AlyciaSeptember 11, 2012 at 4:52 PM

    i would love a chance to win this! looks like a beautiful book. i'd start with the laptop sleeve :)
    --alycia
    thecuriouspug at hotmail dot com

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  16. AnonymousSeptember 11, 2012 at 5:40 PM

    Oooh! All of these patterns are gorgeous! I'd love to make the Rainbow Shells Throw-- that is so fun and elegant.

    You can reach me on Ravelry: holliejolly :)

    Thanks for hosting such an awesome giveaway!

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  17. RacheeSeptember 11, 2012 at 6:03 PM

    I would probably start with any of the hats but I will narrow it down to the sunburst one.
    -r

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  18. isaksmomSeptember 11, 2012 at 6:27 PM

    Love the button clutch or the rainbow throw, although they all look pretty good so would be hard to choose.

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  19. Lisa GutierrezSeptember 11, 2012 at 7:07 PM

    I would probably start with a cowl or neckwarmer! I have plans on cutting my hair this fall, so I'm going to need something to keep my neck warm on my walk to pick up the kiddos.

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  20. CriossaSeptember 11, 2012 at 7:16 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  21. CriossaSeptember 11, 2012 at 7:17 PM

    Oh My Goodness! I was looking at this book but didn't have the money to spend on it. I will keep my fingers crossed :) criossa@yahoo.com

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  22. CarolineSeptember 11, 2012 at 8:34 PM

    I just read some other reviews about that book too and would love a copy ! Please enter me!

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  23. Jenn HelleSeptember 11, 2012 at 8:57 PM

    It would be great to win this book. Thanks for posting about it on FreshStitches! :)

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  24. UnknownSeptember 11, 2012 at 10:31 PM

    I love the bag you made! I think the colors make it. I would love to win this book, because I love to make accessories and handbags. I'm always on the lookout for new patterns.

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  25. SherriSeptember 11, 2012 at 10:54 PM

    I'd like to make the fingerless mitts, they are so cute, perfect for winter. Crochetr@aol.com

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  26. dahtSeptember 12, 2012 at 4:20 AM

    There are several, but the button capelet gets my attention and would do it first.

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  27. dahtSeptember 12, 2012 at 4:22 AM

    oops forgot email dahtee@swbell.net

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  28. AnonymousSeptember 12, 2012 at 5:24 AM

    There are several projects that I would love to make but the Cuddle Cowl especially got my attention seeing as fall is on the way and it will soon be time to have snuggly warm things to wear.
    Thank you for your lovely blog and the chance to win!
    Dominique
    D@JandD.ca

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  29. SnapSeptember 12, 2012 at 6:06 AM

    I think the floppy sun hat is adorable, but I think I'd start with one of the cowls if I win! Thanks for the chance! twistylane at aol dot com.

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  30. MommaMCSeptember 12, 2012 at 7:10 AM

    Tough I would start with the bamboo bag as well or maybe the chunky ribbed scarf? I have trouble picking just one lol thats why I always have so many projects on the go. sherildg@gmail.com

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  31. MelodySeptember 12, 2012 at 8:44 AM

    Really nice bag.

    melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com

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  32. Dee GillSeptember 12, 2012 at 8:52 AM

    Even without the bamboo handles, the bag turned out beautifully! Thank you for doing a contest too. I'd love to be included. dmitchellgill@yahoo.ca

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  33. ColeSeptember 12, 2012 at 9:35 AM

    Lovely bag! I love the button capelet in the book, how fun! Thanks!!!
    nicolespence22 at hotmail dot com

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  34. AnonymousSeptember 12, 2012 at 12:35 PM

    This would be a lovely addition to anyone's crochet library!!!

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  35. Knittingdancer on RavelrySeptember 12, 2012 at 2:02 PM

    I like the lace shell wrap pattern. Good job on the bag.

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  36. Melissa GrahamSeptember 12, 2012 at 2:34 PM

    I like the button clutch, in blue of course. I also like the granny cushion. I do love your bag though.

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    Replies
    1. Melissa GrahamSeptember 12, 2012 at 2:37 PM

      Sorry, forgot my email. melsdaisypatch at gmail dot com.

      Delete
  37. KarenSeptember 12, 2012 at 3:26 PM

    Thanks so much! I love the Geraldine Circle Scarf - so ready to start wearing chunky scarves again!!
    Karen
    lemontart5kb at gmail dot com

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  38. Now Am Found!September 12, 2012 at 8:55 PM

    I would make the bag / bamboo handle. love the yarn you chose. the size is perfect too. thank you for a wonderful blog, I always learn something

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  39. UnknownSeptember 13, 2012 at 5:49 AM

    I would make the bamboo handled bag! I love that! Thanks for hooking us up with this awesome giveaway! :)
    CuriousTiff
    lifeissweet.curioustiff@gmail.com

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  40. UnknownSeptember 13, 2012 at 5:49 AM

    I would make the bamboo handled bag! I love that! Thanks for hooking us up with this awesome giveaway! :)
    CuriousTiff
    lifeissweet.curioustiff@gmail.com

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  41. loralieSeptember 13, 2012 at 11:41 AM

    That's an easy choice-the fingerless mitts. I have been trying different knit & crochet patterns for them & having so much fun with them.
    slmartin at vtc dot net

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  42. LisaSeptember 13, 2012 at 12:51 PM

    Love your bag. I would probably make that first.

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  43. Philippa MullerSeptember 13, 2012 at 1:05 PM

    I have fallen in love with the purse...and love your choice of yarn...thinking of using Neopolitan by Loops & Threads!

    flipmuller at yahoo dot com

    Thanks!!!!

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  44. HootowlSeptember 15, 2012 at 1:44 PM

    This book sounds good. The purse looks really cute and useful.

    hootowl1978 at gmail dot com

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  45. The Suburban DruidSeptember 15, 2012 at 3:38 PM

    Oooo, I love this! I think my first project would also be the Bamboo Handle Bag---I am in dire need of a new project bag!

    ValerianOddity@gmail.com

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  46. CarlaSeptember 15, 2012 at 7:26 PM

    I love the look of that yarn choice with that pattern - perfect!!

    mcdtheta@gmail.com

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  47. AnonymousSeptember 15, 2012 at 7:58 PM

    You know, I was just thinking the lampshade in my daughter's room needed a pick-me-up. I think Lovely Little Lampshade would be perfect!

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