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.
MaryBeth Billington says
Love to knit. Don’t mind a little simple crochet. Always need the relaxation. Thanks for the opportunity to win a new book. Would love to add it to my library.
Talia says
I think winning this might be good for me and my knitting. It’s rarely a serene experience…
Linda Ellis says
I do find knitting and crochet relaxing so would be interested in this book
Deborah Briscoe says
What a wonderful prize. Fibre crafts are always my go to to wind down my overactive mind. Would love to win this and share it with the lovely ladies in our creative fibre group
Victoria Smith says
Knitting and crochet are my bits if sanity so would love a look at this book thanks x
Rachel says
Looks like a good book, I’d love it if I won!
One-oh-four says
The book looks beautiful – I’d love to win it! (And I use a mug cosy quite regularly to hide the fact that most of the design has worn off my favourite mug-to-drink-from…!)
Helen H in NW Tasmania says
My computer won’t start. I need to relax.
Jo says
Looks like a lovely book, relaxing to read as well as make the projects. Incidentally when ever I try and use a mug cosy, I always end up with a mouth full of yarn!!
Vera Palmer says
Looks very interesting and the idea of relaxed knitting sounds good.
peaknaze says
What a lovely looking book! Count me in ?
Sue RT says
Love to knit but stopped crocheting when I was 10 – maybe some simple and meditative crochet patterns would get me back into it.
Myrthe says
Is it possible to enter from abroad? I live in The Netherlands, but I am very curious about this book :).
Morag Thompson says
This looks a really lovely book – maybe just right for someone like myself who is taking up yarn crafts again, having retired early from work on health grounds. I learned to knit as a child, but would love to try crochet. Thank you for the review!
Spinthrift says
What a lovely prize. I enjoyed reading your review of the book too. Best of all was your friend’s quirky way of anouncing her pregancy; that really made me smile!
Mary says
Sounds like a fascinating book. I love to knit and do so regularly, and it might get me to try crocheting again from the looks of some of the patterns. Would love to win it!
Judy says
I’d love to win a copy of this book. I absolutely NEED to knit or crochet each day…it is my ‘meditation’. 🙂
mjmgains says
I knit alot and have taught myself to crochet. i love them all, in fact any kind of craft is right up my street. Who doesn’t find the creative process calming and peaceful. I can block everyone out and only answer the door when I have to. Is that selfish?
Karen says
I crochet, but do like knitting socks! I’m currently doing the Hygge CAL & Nuts About Squares. Can’t wait to try the Mooses, Meeces, Moose ?
Laurel says
I’m ready for some serene knitting right now. I’m bored, no money for yarn, and would like some calming ideas for basic yarn that is my stash. (Not boring ideas, but not exciting stay-up-late-at-night because I am excited about what is happening ideas either.)
Debby says
I love to crochet. I just started in January, and I am hooked. 🙂 I would love to learn to knit too. This book looks amazing.
Jean Sadler says
I love your cowl and it is going to be my first colour knitting project so I will need some serene projects to help through this. The book looks lovely.
Sharon says
I knitted BiL a mug cosy, with Clangers intarsia. He returned a shot of it actually on a mug. Don’t know whether he really uses it.
Mind you, SereKNITy looks enticing.
Krysia Cording says
Thanks for the book review. I enjoy knitting and am trying to teach myself to crochet. It looks as though there are some easy to follow patterns in the Sereknity book.
Jessica says
This looks absolutely amazing.
itsmeval says
Love the patterns..both..though i am a knitter..mostly…would love to win the book!
Ashley says
I could use some peaceful projects about now. I am learning to knit, but still prefer crochet.
Tina Gordon says
I love both knitting and crochet, depending on my mood and circumstances. Rarely does a day go by without me sneaking in a few stitches! I have commented on Facebook that I would love to own a copy of this book, I need de-stressing.
I LOVE the yarn you used in your cowl. I think I prefer the knitted version, but cannot explain why. You are very clever doing such intricate colour work.
K Taylor says
I’ve always found knitting and crochet serene activities. Would love to read this book.
lynne mcfarlane says
There should be a law against having both knitting and crochet in one book!
Janet Treanor says
I love knitting and crochet having learnt to do both as child, I have been doing both for well over 50 years. These two crafts are my happy place and creating a finished and much loved project for someone or myself is a huge bonus. I am now involved as a guild member with Knitted Knockers N. Ireland, a great practical way to help others through something that I throughly enjoy doing.?
Paula Read says
This book looks awesome. My friend is having a really tough time at the moment, so I’d give it to her if I won it!
Jackie says
I would love to relax with this book, take it all in and decide on something to make. I am a knitter and new to crochet. I love to make things for people who appreciate them. This book would be an amazing prize ?
Vivian says
I would love I would love to win this book. I love knitting & crochet!! I would share it with my daughter.
Helen Coulthard says
I would love to give this book to my daughter who crochets to help cope with ill health, but makes fab things that give us all pleasure! We both love your blog too.
Lucinda Robinson says
This book sounds just lovely and fits my way of making. I love to create things that make my soul sing with colours and textures that please my eyes and hands. For me, the process is as important as the finished creation ?
tantail says
I love to Knit and Crochet so this book looks lovely ;D A great way to relax after work/at the weekends.
Sue says
I think I just might need this book.I’m so glad it’s open worldwide, so many are just for US and Canada. Thank you
Gayle Huby says
I would love this book, desperately looking for motivation to get back into the swing of all things yarn related after a longer than expected bout of low moods.
Jean Barrasin says
I find crochet very relaxing and this book looks inspirational. Lovely prize
Helen Davidson says
Knitting and crochet are about the only things that relax me. I think I would love this book. ?
Linda Rumsey says
I love to knit and have dabbled in crochet too. Peaceful projects sound ideal for unwinding!
Smita 'Smeetles' Setia says
Oh yes please x then i can make more lovely crochet and knit goodies x
Claire says
Looks like a lovely book! Yes please to the giveaway x
Theresa Chalmers says
I find knitting very relaxing, and I want to learn to crochet, so this book sounds perfect for me! Fingers crossed ? Oh, and the title is so clever!
Lynne says
Thanks for the opportunity to enter this giveaway. I love to knit to relax and am exploring crochet which is new to me.
Janet Donaldson says
Looks lovely. I’m a knitter of many years and been learning crochet for about 8 months so this book sounds perfect for chilled out afternoons as I’m newlynretired. Thanks for the review and offer.
Louise Beer says
Sounds like a perfect combination. Crochet is my ‘being in the moment’ therapy. A book which will enhance this = perfect! ?
Sherri Conrad McDonald says
I NEDD more zen in my life
Carol Grover says
Need to relax love to knit and crochet = Sereknity
karen turton says
looks a very inviting book, we all deserve me time to relax