Morning, all.
Shall we have another giveaway-review whilst I put the finishing touches to the cowl pattern? Yes?
There’s a new book that may well be right up your street. Or it might not. Hopefully after this review, you’ll know either way.*
Introducing the quirkily-monikered Sereknity, by Nikki Van De Car, published just this week by Running Press. And if you’re thinking, ‘Hang on, I definitely know that name from somewhere’, I’ll save you the brow-furrowing by reminding you that Van De Car is the author of What To Knit When You’re Expecting, (a book so well-known amongst knitters that a yarn-loving friend of mine simply sent me a photograph of it the other day as a way of telling me the stupendously brilliantly fabulous news that she’s pregnant).
Anyway this new book is different. There has been a flurry of knitting/crochet books published recently inspired by emerging evidence that these crafts are that rarest of things: both fun and good for you, partly because of the meditative, calming, experience of working stitch after stitch. (I’ve reviewed a couple of these books, here and here.) Sereknity is the latest in this tradition.
The book is a collection of 27 patterns, roughly evenly divided between knitting and crochet. It’s also a series of reflections on aspects of these crafts, and an encouragement to find peace amongst the stitches that you work. All of the patterns are simple, because the route to serenity does not lie in attempting one of those heirloom lace shawls that can pass through a wedding ring. Instead, think simple cowls, mittens, a couple of hats, and so on. The projects are biased towards objects associated with comfort and calm, hence the eye pillow, the yoga socks, and a meditation cushion.
Patterns are grouped into three sections, titled ‘Colour’, ‘Structure’, and ‘Texture’, although disappointingly, there is no narrative directly on these important aspects of design. But interspersed with the patterns are brief ‘Tips and Meditations’ sections, that combine basic information about aspects of the two crafts (working in the round, selecting yarn, blocking your work, etc.) with personal reflections. The style is anecdotal and encouraging. There are definitely no Knitting Police, here.
I decided to try out one of the patterns, and settled on Vishuddha, a crocheted cowl.
I’m used to designing complicated cowls that are anything but meditative in the making, so this was a completely new experience: just round and round and round in double crochets (UK: trebles), using a big hook and small yarn to create an open, textured, fabric. It was certainly calming. I got so lost in the hookery that I completely overshot and ended up making a cowl that is considerably longer than the pattern suggests. Still, Van De Car endorses not sticking rigidly to patterns, so I doubt she’d mind.
(The yarn is Stylecraft’s new Candy Swirl in ‘Sugar Plum’ – which will be available from June, and I made this for a dear, purple-loving friend. Happy birthday, M!)
Visually, I love this book. The colours are rich and muted, and the pages are peppered with line drawings of flowers, animals, and birds. The projects are appealing, …although there is the obligatory mug cosy. I am yet to be convinced that anyone, anywhere, regularly uses a mug cosy, but feel free to correct me if your day can’t start until you’ve enjoyed your yarn-encased Earl Grey.
Given the simple nature of the patterns, and the inclusion of basic hints and tips, Sereknity would suit anyone from a near-beginner upwards.
In short, you’ll like this book if:-
- You’re a process knitter/hooker, and enjoy the act of making.
- You’ve picked up a hook or pair of needles before, but you’re definitely still learning fast.
- You’re interested in meditation.
- You like making all sorts of different things.
You’ll be less keen if:-
- You adore crochet, but would rather eat roaches than attempt knitting. Or vice versa.
- You want to make the most insanely complex and challenging items known to humankind, and never mind the damage to your blood pressure in the process.
- You like making super-bright knitted toys in zingy colours whilst listening to AC/DC at full volume.
- You only knit/hook to GET STUFF MADE.
So let’s have this giveaway. The kindly folk at Running Press are offering one lucky reader of this blog a free copy of Sereknity, and the competition is open worldwide!
Usual Twisted procedures apply. To enter, leave a comment below. To gain a sneaky additional entry, hop over to the Yarn’s Facebook page, here, ‘like’ the overall page, and leave a comment on the Facebook post-about-this-post.
The contest is open from right now, until 12.00 noon UK time on Saturday 22nd April 2017. As the final gong sounds, I’ll feed the entries into the random number generator at random.org, to find out who has won. I’ll then message that person to arrange for the publisher to send out their prize.**
OK? Right, let’s do this! Ready… steady… GO!
∗ Yes, I was sent a free copy to review, but all opinions are very much my own, especially in relation to mug cosies.
** If, after a week of attempts to reach the winner, I have had no response, an alternative winner will be selected using the random number generator.
Marguerite StClaire says
I knit for a sense of tranquility…. this book sounds perfect!
Barbara says
Thank you for the review, I am a big fan of relaxing and meditative knitting and crochet!
Fiona Richardson says
Thus looks like a fabulous book. The perfect crafting partner for one of my other passions – yoga
Katrijn says
I love the meditative quality of knitting and crochet.
Pauline Parr says
What a lovely book this looks. I am a novice crocheter who prefers knitting, but I seem to be getting hooked by the crochet bug, so a mash-up of the two would be most welcome!
niki robins says
I honestly use my mug cosy at least once a week!. I was pleased to learn this book has crochet patterns too, although I am so tempted to learn to knit x
Em says
Love the colours used in this book. There is definitely peace in yarn ?
aprettypotato says
I do love the meditative effect of crochet (I am a beginner knitter and as such do not find it quite so relaxing yet) and will often crochet in silence in an empty room which baffles my other half to no end!
hawthorn-livelovecraft says
I know just the person who would love this book, my sister in law who knits and crochet but has lost her woolly mojo, this would pique her interest and get crafting again x
Kiley Delisle says
Oh goody a give away I can enter! I do love the look of the book and would love to win it.
Susan Chambers says
Love knitting but love the calming effect of crochet (even though I am only an enthusiastic beginner are the moment). This book looks ideal for combining both
Tiff jordan says
This book looks adorable! I’m a fairly new crocheter and aspiring knitter. Count me in!!
quietwatercraft says
I’ve always wondered about mug cosies. Has anyone ever used one??
Lenore Rhodes says
Love the concept of the book as I definitely agree that creating something whether it is knitted or using crotchet can be calming and meditative.
Sarah L says
Would love to add this book to my library! Thanks for the giveaway.
Jo Rushworth says
Crochet and more recently knitting have transformed my life. I would love to win a copy of this book.
Margaret McCauley says
The book sounds wonderful! I am a knitter, but I would like to learn how to crochet.
Rosie S says
Totally agree with the mug warmer things … but they are great for teachers presents!
Lindsey says
I knit and crochet and I love both. This sounds like a nice book.
Mrs Squiggle says
You won me over with your gorgeous cowl ? Would love to explore more of these lovely patterns if I’m lucky enough to win x
Lindsey Loughtman says
This looks like a lovely book! Yes please x
Claire Frost says
Please enter my name for a chance to win the book – crochet and meditation – 2 of my favourite things x
Debbi says
I would like to get back to a bit of crochet as I have been knitting exclusively and this sounds like a good mix. I tend to do complicated patterns but, with the Donald as my president, I think a bit of meditative needlework may be just the ticket!
Miranda Prince says
This book sounds wonderful!
Andrea says
Oh, how wonderful! What a lovely book.
Kari Anderson says
Sweet!
Laurel says
I knit (and use) mug cozies. It works up as a usable gauge swatch, a way to hold and enjoy my most favorite yarns that I just can’t bear to actually knit up, and as gifts to my mom who lives where it is too warm to wear the scarves I knit for the rest of the family.
Ki says
I’m in need of calm. knitting and breathing work fine, and I could really knit with serenity The title is my goal!
Robin Smith says
I would love to own this book! Knitting is what keeps me even remotely normal.
Pat says
I would love this book! I love the meditative nature of working with yarn!
Heather A says
It sounds like a lovely book, I love to knit & crochet
Emma says
Looks like a wonderful book ?
Anne watts says
As a carer who also looks after Grandchildren I often have trouble concentrating, mainly due to stress and tiredness and would love a book of simple patterns to get myself back into knitting and crochet on a more regular basis.judging by your critique of this book it sounds like it is just what I need. Love the cowl you made for your friend, she is a very lucky lady.
Cindy says
Your designs are stunning!
Jennifer Krause says
This looks like a really fun book! I would live to have it ?
Linda Bradley says
I love the meditative process of working with textiles, and I think the book looks inspirational.
Catherine Longstaff says
This looks lovely. I knit more than crochet, these simple patterns look ideal.
Penny Mores says
i can knit, but my passion is crochet. i would love this book.
Tinke says
Cozies for mugs end up so dirty, I have a leak some were down my chin. I would need hundreds a day for every cup I take. I sip a lot of tea and espresso. So they need to be tiny too. Espresso cups are tiny. I’ve an other solution, double glass mugs, they isolate and I can drip and drool whatever I want with a warm cuppa. But for the book, I knit and crochet for calm of mind. I think things over while hooking. Recently I spent two days in the delivery room with a patient ad I completely “over” hooked a babyblanket, missed a pattern in the middle and crocheted tighter to the end. Frogged it all. But the patient felt secure because of my calm crocheting on the side. I had a couple of struggles with crocheting and knitting in college but in the end I made clear by my testresults that in every stitch was knowledge of the complex theories spread by ignorant professors that didn’t knew a hook for a needle.At first I thought that it was a Kenyan book but then it dropped that it meant serene and knitting. As usual I’m curious so count me in.
Tony says
Sounds just what I need/like, so hopefully I’ll win.
Mary O' Mahony says
This book sounds wonderful. Love the relaxation I find from crochet it is vital. Knitting also is great to keep me focused
craftingmomsite says
This sounds like what we all need….more peace, harmony, and something to do with our hands instead of wringing them while watching the news.
Gabie E says
I’d love to get this book. I knit because it is fun and relieves stress.
Kathryn Daley says
What a great review…..makes me want to buy the book (or better yet, win it!)
nanacathy2 says
Super book
leelah saachi says
I admit I am an addict to knit7crochet books. I read them and adore them and smell them and just get crazily happy leafing through them. Then I end up mostly doing one thing only. But the joy I get is – indescribably healthy.
Linne says
I’ve been offline for much of the past months but I’m catching up a bit this week. Love this review. I’m with you on cosies, at least at home. Handy to keep a drink warm / cold when purchased away from home, though. Also, in those cases, they make it easy to identify one’s own cup.
I don’t follow your blog by email, as I get too many emails as it is, but I do follow you via my WordPress reader.
I do find peace and calm through creating, but I admit that sometimes, as an extreme and very laid-back introvert, I create to my favourite music, turned up more than a bit 🙂 Runrig, mostly, but quite an eclectic bunch of other favourites, too. Mostly, it depends on how my day or week is going and how focused I feel. Fair Isle style stranded knitting I find extremely calming, but I prefer to do it when on my own. These projects (the cowl, especially) look like items I could work on while chatting with friends or out for coffee or tea.
thanks so much for the chance to win this book and sorry about the long comment. I can be a tad gabby at times. See you again soon. I know the book will land up in exactly the right place. ~ Linne
Julia says
Looks wonderful, love the calming colours.
Jane says
Looks like such a lovely book
calypso says
Thanks for the giveaway! I love to knit and make things that I like to wear.
asteride says
Such a great book! Would love to win it!