books, etc. - 100 flowers to knit & crochet

I don't own many crafting books. I usually turn to blogs, Ravelry, and Pinterest for inspiration and new patterns. So when I saw 100 Flowers to Knit & Crochet: A Collection of Beautiful Blooms for Embellishing Garments, Accessories, and More at Michaels, I hesitated to buy it. But since I have long wanted to make a set of tea cozies inspired by different flowers, I thought it would be a worth while purchase for me. 

While the book does not include specific yarn or needle size suggestions for each pattern, I am hoping that the detailed pictures will be enough to help choose the right materials. From browsing the book, some of my favorite flowers include the crocheted pansies and knit filed poppies. The carrots or radishes would be an adorable accessory to a reusable grocery bag. 

It is still definitely winter here in Boston, but that won't stop me from bringing a little bit of spring into my (knitting) life! 

anna reads - anna karenina

I finally finished Anna Karenina. While it took a while to read, it was worth every moment. I had never read Tolstoy before, but I understand now why he is considered one of the greatest writers of all time. The characters were so developed and so nuanced they seemed almost real. While there are many competing themes and story lines throughout the novel - such that it sometimes feels like you are reading multiple books at once - they all come together, and each thread compliments the other story lines and characters beautifully.

For all its complexity, Anna Karenina was surprising easy to read. I would definitely recommend it.

(Love the bookmark? Buy one here!)

I started reading Anna Karenina after watching the movie, which I also loved. I think reading the book after seeing the movie was a good idea, because it helped me to keep track of all the characters and story lines.

For my next read, I decided to go with something lighter. Since I am leaving for Paris on Friday (!), I chose Lessons in French: A Novel by Hilary Reyl. It just came out, and has been fun so far. This is the first book I'm reading on my new mini iPad. So far it is lighter - to carry around and in its subject - than Anna Karenina!

anna etsys - heart bookmarks

Crochet Heart Bookmarks are now up on my Etsy shop: anna knits, etc.!

Pair one with a great book to make the perfect gift for your favorite bookworm - or yourself!

Want to make your own? I posted the pattern (free!) here. 

anna crochets - heart bookmark

Since it is Valentine's Day week, I've been experimenting with crochet hearts. I ended up making a bookmark, which I am really happy with. Here is the pattern for you to try:

~ Crochet Heart Bookmark Pattern Idea ~

I used Cascade 220 worsted weight yarn in red and pink and an H/8 5.00mm crochet hook. Please note that this is less of a pattern and more of a pattern idea as you will be required to crochet a heart based on your own preference. There are many tutorials out there for crocheting hearts. Good luck!

Step 1: Crochet a heart. I used this photo pattern from the blog Cornflower Blue Studio  Please see below**.
Step 2: Crochet a second heart.
Step 3: Attach a second color yarn with a slip stitch to one of the hearts.
Step 4: Chain 30 (or as long as you like).
Step 5: Attach the other end of the chain to the second heart.
Step 6: Tie in loose ends.

Have a happy Valentine's Day!

** (12/10/14) A reader alerted me that the Cornflower Blue Studio pattern is no longer accessible. I found the same pattern with great instructions on another blog, a creative being.  Enjoy!

*** (2/12/17) Unfortunately the link from a creative being is also no longer accessible. Thanks to reader Madeleine for letting me know! I found a tutorial for making the same type of crochet hearts on Youtube from Chic and Cheap (Easiest Crochet Heart Tutorial). Happy Valentine's Day!

anna crochets - crochet bookmark

Want a quick, easy project for extra yarn? Try a crochet bookmark. You can use any color combinations you want!

~ Crochet Bookmark Pattern ~

I used Cascade 220 worsted weight yarn and an H/8 5.00mm crochet hook.

Round 1: Chain 21, or desired length of your bookmark. 

Round 2: Single crochet in second chain from hook. Single crochet across (20 stitches).

Round 3-4: Chain 1. Single crochet across. 

Round 5: Chain 1. Single crochet across. End off.

Create fringe if desired. A video showing you how to make fringe is available here.  

anna reads - 2 memoirs

I just finished two memoirs, which were both wonderful in their own ways. The first was My Life in France by Julia Child (and her husband's nephew Alex Prud'Homme), and the second was Into Thin Air by John Krakauer.

          

The first is about Julia Child's time living in France while her husband, Paul, and her journey to write her famed cookbook: Mastering the Art of French Cooking. 

The couple’s 1956 Valentine’s Day card. Courtesy of the Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, Harvard University.

The second is also about a journey, but in the literal sense of the word.  Into Thin Air chronicles the author's personal assent up Mt. Everest during the infamous 1996 trip that would ultimately end the death of eight of his fellow climbers. 

Anatoli Boukreev, Mike Groom, Jon Krakauer, Andy Harris, and a long line of climbers on the Everest upper Southeast Ridge, with Makalu behind, on May 10, 1996 - Into Thin Air Illustrated Edition (Jon Krakauer) book

While the topics of the two memoirs are exceedingly different, both books are highly informative while also being very fast reads. I recommend both books.

PS: I post whatever I'm reading at the moment on the "Reading Now" tab to the right.