i heart felt

Thursday, April 10, 2008

I recently had the pleasure of reviewing i heart felt, by Kathleen Taylor, published by The Taunton Press.  I have had it for a while, and really felt as if I needed to set aside an hour or so to read it, in order to give it a fair review.  I have felted one time.  A bag whose measurements when knit were dead on, but when felted could not be achieved.  I sure wish I would have had this book residing with all of my other knitting books.  Kathleen's tips and techniques chapter is so helpful.  There are "how to's" for felting cabled knits, fair isle, and intarsia.  All of the patterns are easy to follow with explicit directions for finishing.
First of all, I of course was drawn to the bags.  Cabled bags!  I thought this one was so great.  
How about this big bag out of Noro Iro.  Can't you just see that holding your  knitting project?
And for those autumn lovers, like me, how about felting these cute little pumpkins, gourds, and squash for your fall decorations.
Check out the fair isle peppermint stick Christmas stocking, measuring 5 inches wide and about 15 inches long.
You can bet if my daughter was a little younger, I would have made her a cute magic wand!

There is even a pattern for a tiara.
These were just some of my favorite patterns.  In the book, there are beautiful patterns for sweaters, mittens, hats, belts, and much much more.

If you are interested in adding this wonderful book to your book collection, please let me know.  Leave me a comment by Sunday, April 13, and I will draw a name.  

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85 comments

  1. thanks for a great review Leslie. i've done two felted bags and love one of them, so extra help would be great. the magic wand would be perfect for my niece who's coming to visit for a week this summer.

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  2. Cute projects! I cannot pass up a contest, so count me in!

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  3. I have been eyeing that book for a while. I was really happy to read your review and then when you said there would be a drawing, well, here is my comment! Pick me! Pick me!

    Cathy (blushing in MN)

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  4. i love felting. i feel like i'm creating magic. i'm thinking my kid needs a magic wand, too!

    thanks for your excellent reviews!

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  5. Anonymous4/10/2008

    I actually have this book on my wish list. I have felted a few times, but find sometimes patterns lack appeal. This book seems to have a variety of options!

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  6. Anonymous4/10/2008

    Thanks so much for the review Leslie. Absolutely love the bags that are felted in it. Plus, I never win at contests but what the heck you never know! :)

    SandiSue

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  7. I have only felted a couple of things, without great success...that Christmas stocking is calling my name!! Great review.

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  8. Anonymous4/10/2008

    Wow, that looks like a great book. The wand would be a great addition to the crown and tutu currently in our collection. I'm not normally drawn to bags, but that Noro one looks great!

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  9. I've knit a Noni bag and it felted well, but that's all I've ever done. I would buy this book for the pumpkins alone (if I don't win it ;-)
    I love all the pictures you've shown and might just have to add this to my wishlist on Amazon (if I don't win it) oh, I said that already didn't I?
    :-)
    I've just been and splurged on yarn at my LYS - DB Cathay and Aran Tweed. Will post later about it:-)

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  10. ooh, yes - I've been looking for the right felting book. My daughter's at just the right age to get into some felted trouble ...

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  11. Anonymous4/10/2008

    It looks great! Count me in for the contest!

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  12. i love felting and would love to try that noro bag!

    great review! now i really want the book :)

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  13. So glad to see your review, this one is on my wish list. Could take it off if you pick me. Have a great weekend, no matter what!! Suzanne

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  14. Ooh! Pick me! I currently own only one measly knitting book, and nothing on felting!

    Thanks for the drawing!

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  15. Anonymous4/10/2008

    Oh, I'd *heart* to have that book! I especially *heart* that Noro bag...yum!

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  16. Anonymous4/10/2008

    Me please!! I think I could find a princess or two that would like and wand and tiara.

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  17. Those wands are much too cute for words! Currently zoe uses a hair brush as her wand! Oh but don't feel sorry for her- just think about that vivid imagination she has! Although I suppose Mommy could find the time to make one!

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  18. Anonymous4/10/2008

    That green cable tote is awesome! Now I want to make one!

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  19. Anonymous4/10/2008

    I saw this book earlier in someone else's blog and I love the sheep bag. I really enjoy your blog. Very inspiring.

    lisaq

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  20. Wow! What a cool book! That felted cabled bag is right up my alley. Count me in for the contest! And are you ever too old for a magic wand???

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  21. I had no idea she was coming out with another book. I have the first and love it :)

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  22. The gourds and pumpkins are adorable! And bags? I'm always looking for new ones!

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  23. Anonymous4/10/2008

    This book looks super fun! Please count me in!

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  24. Wow! That looks like a must have book!

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  25. I love felting, but never thought you could felt a cabled project. Love the idea of that bag!

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  26. What a lovely book. I have done one felted bag and am still amazed at how pretty it is. Hope you draw my name.

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  27. Anonymous4/10/2008

    Looks like a very neat book. I'm not too into felting, maybe after my wool sweater felted after I let it soak. :( But I do like the cabled bag, very cute accessory!

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  28. I really like to felt bags. The cabled bag looks like one I would have to try. Thanks for the great review as always.

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  29. The cable bag is my favorite - something about felting is so amazing to me - I love the transformation. Thank you for a peek inside this book! Maybe you could make a little tiara for yourself for those rare moments you get alone?:)

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  30. That looks like a great book! I am about to try felting for the first time - a bag! Some tips sure would come in handy.

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  31. Anonymous4/10/2008

    Nice review - if I don't win ;), I'll keep it in mind to buy! :)

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  32. I heart felt too! Directions may be helpful. Yeah I really want this book now.

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  33. Anonymous4/10/2008

    wow what a treat! I just started felting when I accidentally shrank a coat/sweater that I've had since HIGH SCHOOL! Gulp. It was too heavy for my toddler but has been made into several flowers and things with gifts. I would love to win this book for more ideas. Thanks!

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  34. That X-mas stocking is soooo cute but the NOro bag just flat out ROckS!

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  35. oh, what a fun book! i may have to go and buy a copy, if I don't win! the cabeled bag is to die for!

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  36. Hi, can you please add my name to the list for the book? I would love to make the wands for my niece.

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  37. Thanks for the review yet another book to add to my ever growing book list! I'm not much of a bag person, but I'm loving the noro bag.

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  38. Anyone that looks at my blog knows how I love bags and especially felted bags! OMG that cable bag is to die for, I will keep my fingers crossed. Thanks Leslie!

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  39. Oh go on and make her the wand, she'll love it, Leslie!!

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  40. Oh I think my daughter would still want a wand! Might have to check out that book, nice review.

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  41. I have felted a couple of bags but would like to try other things. I have several knitting and sewing projects in the works. What's a couple more, right? Count me in.

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  42. That looks like a great book--count me in! I think the stars on the wands would make cute Christmas ornaments.

    I have only felted one thing--a bag that ended up very misshapen. It was knit with some really nice Cherry Tree Hill Yarn, too:(

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  43. cute felt veggies !

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  44. Anonymous4/10/2008

    how adorable are those wands! i think that i'll definitely be adding this book to my collection! throw my name on in! :) thanks!
    julie
    jrbgrapes@hotmail.com

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  45. That sounds like a great book!

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  46. I'm awful at felting. Maybe if I get this book it will help.

    I love those wands.

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  47. I have this book home from the library and after paging through it I decided it was one to add to my collection.
    Thanks for the chance to win it! That's so nice of you.

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  48. wow--what gorgeous felted projects. I have a 5 yo grandaughter that would love that magic wand. Once again--I lurk at your blog daily--just love it.

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  49. Sounds like a great book.....count me in!!

    You give a good review. You should add a monthy review to your blog! Great stuff!

    I love those felted veggies!

    And I think I would make the wand for myself! So cute!

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  50. I did one felted project as a display project for my LYS, and was tremendously entertained -- but haven't tried any other felted projects since. The striped bag you show, in particular, looks fantastic! And the magic wand... nevermind that I don't have a daughter to give it to. I might someday. Or I might play with it myself. Oh, cuteness.

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  51. Count me in, please. I make lots of felted items, but love to see oher ideas.

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  52. I can't say that felting has ever really interested me but when I saw that cabled bag - ooooh my goodness!! I would absolutely love something that gorgeous. Good review - you made me want to have the book!

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  53. I love felting and hadn't heard of that one...thanks for your review. The cabled bag is great!

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  54. Love the new banner! I can't believe I missed that book. I love the green cabled bag. Bella would love those wands and a tiara. To cute! Thanks for bringing it to my attention!

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  55. he leslie! thanks for sharing this great review and some pretty amazing photos! i am drawn to the bags as well, and these ones look pretty cool! i love the cabled one...and the felted veggies!

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  56. Anonymous4/11/2008

    Thanks for posting such an engaging review on one of my favorite topics. How I wish I had owned that book when I attempted to felt my first bag. It was a disaster. I adore that green bag and would love to make it for my sister.

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  57. I too love felted bags and have made several. After my recent undoing of a sweater half done, I think I may have to just make felted bags.

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  58. Anonymous4/11/2008

    Looks like a wonderful book!

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  59. You are so right-the cabled bag is to die for. Unfortunately, that is just what will happen to me one day as I am felting a project. I have successfully felted a couple of handbags and enjoyed the finished project. But what is it about throwing all your hard-worked stitches into a steaming hot washer to agitate the heck out of them that breaks me into a cold sweat??? I really need to jump back on the horse and give felting another chance. That cabled bag may just be the project to force me again to try it.

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  60. Anonymous4/11/2008

    I've never done any felting yet, so I'd love to give it a go!

    Thanks for the chance!

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  61. I haven't done any felting (not purposefully, the skein of wool which found its way into the wash doesn't count) your review of this book makes me want to felt something...

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  62. I'd love to check out those finishing techniques. Looks like a great book.

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  63. What a great book. .definitely on my list.. Love the wands.. Alas, I know C would just beat her brothers with it!.

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  64. I tried to felt a teacozy and had a disaster...twice! I'd love to have a book with some good tips & patterns.

    Andrea

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  65. Anonymous4/11/2008

    I've made felted bags before, great fun especially the bit with the washing machine, I'm never quite sure what will come out. Haven't been disappointed so far, it would be great to have a proper instruction book!

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  66. Anonymous4/11/2008

    Yes, thanks for taking the time to do a review and posting the pics! It is so helpful! Ive never felted before but i cant wait to try. Thanks for the contest!

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  67. Anonymous4/11/2008

    I have just gotten into knitting and would LOVE to have a book on felting. I looked at some books at my LYS, but was unsure which one to choose. Now I know, and maybe it will be free!!!

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  68. I've actually done quite a bit of felting and though it's not really my thing, there are a couple of girls in this house who'd dig a magic wand and tiara.

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  69. I made a felted bag last year but the bottom of it didn't come out to my liking. It's still fun to use but next time (ha!) I'll leave the board in the bottom longer or read better directions. LOL Now my Mom knits far better than me and made a large felted bag similar to one you pictured on your post. It is gorgeous and the bottom of it is perfect. I wish she'd put a picture of it on her blog http://lachatelainedesigns.blogspot.com/ - check and see if she does soon. I remind her!

    Happy Weekend,
    Tanya

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  70. I have only felted a pair of slippers. I would love to win this book. I want to felt some more:)

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  71. The book looks wonderful! I love the gourds and pumpkins!

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  72. hi leslie,
    i've been enjoying your posts and projects. great review; very appealing book! count me in for your drawing, please.

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  73. I've only ever felted once, but now I'm determined to make a big felted camera case!

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  74. Reviews are so helpful, especially with so many books out there to choose from. I've been wanting to try a felted project for a while now and this book has some really cute (wands and gourds) and funky (purses) patterns. Count me in for the contest and I'll keep my fingers crossed.

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  75. Contest? Did you say contest?!? Count me in! I have felted once...a purse that I use as a knitting bag done in our school colors. I carry it with me to ballgames as I watch my boys play! Lots of cheering :) little kntting :( I would love to learn new & improved felting projects/technique. I am a big, bIG, BIG fan of your blog!! I check it faithfully twice daily (OCD maybe?)! Thanks for your great ideas & sharing your family fun! great recipes too!

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  76. I'm with you, Leslie. I just love the felted bags. It's the first thing I look at. The veggies are sweet, too.

    By the way, I think you already have a magic wand :o)

    - K

    p.s. I'm not in the contest

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  77. Anonymous4/12/2008

    What a great book...I really want to try the cabled purse...looks like a fun project...now I just have to win...if not, I'll look for it at my local bookstore.

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  78. Anonymous4/12/2008

    Loved your review of the new felt book...hope I win it...I'd love to make the cabled/bobble purse...wish me luck!!!!

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  79. Anonymous4/12/2008

    Looooovvveeee felting. Would love to win a contest. Take care. Margaret L.

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  80. I lovethe fabric felting produces too. My one felt was a booga bag which my Mum loved so much I had to give it too her! Its about time I made myself one!

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  81. Anonymous4/12/2008

    Yum! I love felt!

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  82. Anonymous4/12/2008

    Magic wands and a tiara? My daughter would love those! I love felted cables too... I'd definitely love to be entered into the drawing :)

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  83. This book looks wonderful! Count me in, too.

    Rachelle

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  84. What a fabulous book...I am so sorry I missed your giveaway, but I will definately keep an eye out for that one. Those bags look fantastic.
    My first vist to your blog (via Green Phonix) and I love it! I have already printed off the recipe for the ginger biscuits!

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