Disclosure: I was given an advance copy of Sweet and Simple Baby Crochet to review. The review and all statements are mine not Kristi Simpson’s or StackpoleBooks. An affiliate link is included and I will receive a small commission if you choose to purchase her book on Amazon.com. The giveaway is for the review copy. Please read my full disclosure and website terms.
Winner Announced:
Dianne You are the winner of Kristi’s Book.
I’ve been a fan of Kristi Simpson’s work for a long time. I first started collecting her patterns during my days as a seller on Etsy.com. One of the first patterns I bought from her was the Weaves Blanket which looks very complex but is really a simple pattern. I bought a pattern for a wee diaper cover with it and the owner of the set is now almost 2 years old. He still loves his blanket but the diaper cover has long since been outgrown.
Introduction
I was contacted in September about the latest release from Kristi “Sweet and Simple Baby Crochet – 35 Adorable Designs for Newborns to 12 Months” and was honored to review this pattern book for my readers. If you are anything like me and can’t get enough of Kristi’s patterns then continue reading. If you are ‘so done’ with crochet then thanks for reading this far and I’ll see you next time.
Product Description
What is it: A paperback book filled with 35 adorable patterns for baby girls and boys ages newborn to 12 Months.
How Much Does it Cost?: Retails for $19.95 US Save 34% on Amazon Now
Main Features: Step-by-Step Photos, 35 Crochet Patterns, a Pattern Reading Guide, Stitch Guide and a short section on Finishing Touches like how to fasten off, make a pom pom, make a tassel, sew on appliques and more.
Sweet & Simple Baby Crochet by Kristi Simpson
Where to Buy?: You can purchase Kristi’s book directly from her website RAKJPatterns.com ($19.95) OR on Amazon.com. You may also purchase it directly from the publisher’s site at StackPoleBooks.com which has it available as an Ebook. (PDF or EPUB $9.98)
Benefits
Fans of Kristi’s work will love this budget friendly collection of patterns. Most of Kristi’s pattern sell for $2.99 each with some deals like 6 for $20. If you purchased all of these patterns individually at this price it would be $104.65. Bundling them up in this paper back saves you $84.70. Wow! You also get the benefit of having an actual book to flip through.
Each pattern is written with tips to help you follow them so don’t shy away if you are a beginner. Kristi recommends newbies start with her Cream Puff Hat (page 40), Football Cocoon and Hat Set (page 80), or the Cotton Candy Hat (page 100) to practice your stitches and tension.
Kristi includes ‘art yarn’ in some of her patterns like the Ryan Toboggan and matching Car Seat Blanket which uses yarn from Etsy seller HeartstringsbyDee.Etsy.com. If you can’t find the yarn listed in the pattern she suggests you pay attention to the Yarn Weight so you can substitute a yarn available. Keep in mind that you will have to make a gauge with any new yarn to get the size similar to the one in the pattern.
The Downside
I really hate to include a ‘downside’ because I love this book so much. The only thing to note is that if you are very new to crochet and don’t know how to do the basic stitches (chain, single crochet, double crochet, slip stitch) or how to read a pattern then I would pass on this book for now until your skills increase.
As an alternative you can visit Kristi’s blog for video how to’s and tips, her Etsy shop for additional patterns like the basic beanie (to learn how to crochet in the round), or her website to view her other patterns that will help you practice these skills. You can always buy her book and save it for when your crochet skills Rock!
Get Your Copy Today
Don’t Miss Out on Sweet and Simple Baby Crochet 35 Adorable Designs for Newborns to 12 Months by Kristi Simpson on Amazon now for $13.07 U.S.
Giveaway
I’m giving away the review copy to one lucky reader. Just leave a comment below and let me know if this is the first time you’ve seen Kristi’s work. Please leave a contact email so I can reach you to mail this. USA Residents only. Ends Friday October 25, 2013 @ 10:00am PST.
About Sara Duggan
I’ve seen a lot of Kristi on facebook – love her patterns!
Andrea, yes, she is very active on there. I almost forgot, she is the lady behind Inspired Crochet Digital Magazine.
Just By the cover makes me want to buy the book! If I don’t win I will certainly buy it! I love her patterns! Thanks for sharing your review!
Jessica, nice to see your name it’s been a while. Good luck.
Wow I’ve never seen this before! I’m heading to check out her page nowa
Colleen, you will love her work and her photography. Be sure to stop by her fan page as well on Facebook.
I would love to win this book, LOVE her work
Melinda, thanks for stopping in and good luck.
I’ve never seen her work before. I love seeing the images.
Dianne, good luck and do visit her website for more lovely pieces.
I have seen her things a few times but have yet to try any of her patterns but would love to get a copy of her book and try some out!
Good luck Crystal.
Hi, I just stumbled onto your site looking for information about crocheting as a business. I’m thinking about trying to earn a little extra money as a stay-at-home mom, and I love to crochet. This is the the first time I’ve seen Kristi Simpson’s work, at least with the name coming to my attention. I like to window shop on Etsy so I may have seen her work without realizing it. I would like to be put in the drawing (or however you do it) for Kristi’s pattern book. I like to try new patterns by better crocheters than myself to help me learn more about crocheting. Thanks!
Welcome Sara, glad to have you. You are in and good luck.
Wow this is the first time I have seen her work. I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE the elephant hat. giveawaydiva AT aol DOT com
Jennifer, I’m glad to introduce you to her work. Good luck.