Two Books Reviewed: Penguin Bloom and Hooked

I had not intended to review two books in January, but when another delightful book plopped onto our doormat, this week, I couldn’t help but include it for you too.

Lets start with my new crochet book.

Hooked By Claire Montgomerie.

I am and you will be ‘hooked’ that is! (sorry but it is such a tempting pun to use) I found Claire a long time ago when I first started blogging, way back in the summer of 2012. I had fallen in love with an amigurumi mouse that Claire had designed. It was probably a pattern from ‘Inside crochet Magazine’ because at that time Claire was the editor. Over the years we have ‘liked’ each others Instagram pics and chatted via comments.

I love Claire’s fresh style and clever colour palettes, she is a very modern crocheter in the truest sense of the word.

Hooked is a book that will appeal to both new and experienced crocheters. There are clearly written and brightly photographed instructions, which are always helful if you are new to the art of ‘hooking’ plus pretty modern patterns and projects, for the more experienced yarn addicts.

There are 20 projects in this expertly styled book, ranging from a simple but fun pompom book mark, to a very attractive slouchy beanie hat. I am very tempted by this one as the weather outside is so cold this month.

A usual I like to review a crochet book by pattern testing a project. I chose to crochet this very sweet bracelet from page 65. One of the things I particularly like about this book is that Claire leaves you free to interpret and choose your own colour palettes, as I have done with my bracelet.

A little video of me flicking through the book for you…

Penguin Bloom by Cameron Bloom and Bradley Trevor Greive

I have a large collection of craft books, in fact I own more than our local library! Penguin Bloom however is a rare category of book for me to own.

A photographic account of an Australian family’s life with a rescued female magpie, they name ‘Penguin’ I dont want to publish any spoilers here, but the magpie helps the family overcome a personal tragedy. It is a heartwarming uplifting book.

I discovered the origins of this story after writing about my fascination with magpies on my instagram account. A lovely lady suggested I follow the story of Penguin who has her own account on IG too.

I checked out the account and fell in love with the Bloom family and Penguin. I am sure you will too. If you are not on IG I can highly recommend this awe inspiring, life affirming book

Another little flick through video for you…

So two books reviewed for you this month one for the ‘hookers’ and one for the ‘twitchers’! let me know if you like those little flick through vids?

Best wishes