How to Knit a Love Song - Rachael Herron

Book: How to Knit a Love Song

Author: Rachael Herron

Paperback: 320 pages

Publisher: Avon A (April 1, 2010)

A little while ago I read a knitting romance book by Rachael Herron called How to Knit a Love Song.  I received the book from Harper Collins and thought it was such a cute book.  I had no clue that there was a whole genre of knitting novels out there.  I have to say it's something that I could get into since I recently took up knitting.

Here's the story:

Abigail is running away from her old life and towards a new beginning.  Her mentor and friend, Eliza Carpenter (famous in the knitting circles) recently passed away and left Abigail a home on her California property.  Abigail's dreams are put on hold though when she shows up and finds Eliza's angry but attractive nephew living there.

Eliza apparently left Abigail the cottage on the property while Cade, the nephew, gets the property and the main house.  Cade is angry that the land he's made prosperous during his aunt's absence has been usurped by a city girl.

So yeah, this is a romance novel and normally I wouldn't be too big into it but I absolutely loved the knitting part.  I also have to admit that while not insanely original, the story was pretty cute and not too romantically annoying.  It also helped inspire me to knit more on my own.  There's even a pattern for a sweater, which is what Abigail is working on, at the back of the book.  I also loved that each chapter started with a pearl (or purl...sorry, had to do it) of wisdom from Eliza Carpenter.  This is one of those books I sent on to my sister to read and enjoy.

Speaking of knitting and sisters, here's what I made after I read this book.

It was my first attempt at a cable stitch.  I love this cool green color for a scarf. I used Lion Brand's Nature's Choice Organic Cotton because it is so soft. I hate itchy things around my neck:

 I call it the sister scarf. I made my sister the green one to match her hazel eyes and I am making myself a creamy white one.  If you want the pattern, head over to Lion Brand and search for Harbor Scarf.  You can also check out my Ravelry site (username: libraryofmyown) :

For more info about Rachael Herron's book, you can check out her blog Yarn-A-Go-Go.

Book Club Girl also interviewed her so go over and check out their show.

Also reviewed by:

Booking Mama

Bermudaonion's Weblog

Small Knit Project

So remember a while back when I said that I was learning to knit? Well, I've been creating some more little things. I actually have two beautiful projects going but can't tell you about them just yet as one is a gift for my sister. She tends to read this so, I can't spill the beans just yet.

But here's a little something that I found and whipped up:

It's a heart mug rug that I found over at FaveCrafts.  It's super easy and great for beginners.  By the way, the mug featured was made by Brainella the Librarian.  Go check out her Etsy shop to buy your own.  She's also got these awesome owls that I adore and would snatch up had I a job and some extra money.

Here's the front and back of the mug rug:

I'm on Ravelry (name ahack025) so if you knit or crochet, come and be my friend.  Do you do any crafts and do you blog about them or share photos?  If so, let me know!

I can knit!

One of my many goals in life has been to learn how to knit. Back when I was little, my mom taught me to crochet and I made an afghan using all her scrapings. It was pretty darn ugly. I want to re-learn how to crochet too but I think knitting just looks so cool.

So I was at Sam Flax here in the city, a very cool art store near my work. I found a little knitting kit that came with a book, three skeins of yarn, needles, the works. And it is aimed at teenagers so I figured if they could do it, I could do it.

And I can! Here's the book:

It has instructions for six projects. Here's the pretty purple yarn. The first task is to wind the skeins into balls. Dorkily, I kind of enjoy this part. I guess most yarn/art stores will do it for you though if you buy the yarn there. My first project was to make a little pocket purse for coins or whatever. It's a great starter project because it teaches you to knit, purl, stockinette and garter stitch. And how to make a button hole which was pretty cool.

I made it slightly too long so the flap kinda fits weird over it, but hey...I'm learning!My second project was to make a sunglasses case. I normally wear glasses so I don't normally wear sunglasses. I really need to get prescription ones so I don't ruin my eyes. This was a pretty fun project too. I learned how to knit and purl alternately in the same row, which is a rib stitch which is the top of the case. Kind of like the ends of sweaters. Boy did it take me a few tries to figure it out though. It's all in how and where you hold the place the yarn. And voila!Here it is with my glasses. I'm currently using the case to carry around my new phone until I make the third project which is a cell phone case. Do any of you knit or crochet? I'd love to hear about it! Do you have any favorite knitting books or projects? And I discovered Ravelry so if any of you are on the site, please friend me. My user name is: nycbookgirl