Book Review & Giveaway... Edward's Menagerie: Birds

Hello!! I'm so pleased to have a few minutes to pop back here and share this with you. The lovely people at Toft sent me a PDF of Kerry Lord's new book, Edward's Menagerie: Birds, to review and I've got a proper, real, hold-in-your-hands copy to giveaway too.

 

 

There are sooooo many gorgeous patterns to choose from, knowing where to start and which to make first is a tricky business. My girls, of course were very willing to help me choose (and we've all got our favourites!), but rather than commit to making three at once for them, I've chosen one to make for me.

 

 

The gangly legs, fluffy tail and simple colour palette of Florian the Ostrich won me over in the end.

 

I don't crochet from patterns very often, so it's been quite liberating to follow someone else's instructions. With all the decision making already taken care of, you can sit back and crochet knowing that Kerry's patterns are going to leave you with a beautiful bird for all your efforts. I particularly love the attention to detail; knobbly knees, placement of wing, expression of eye. Everything is thought of to make sure that your bird has just as much character as those that have been photographed for the book.

 

I would have liked a little more help with regard to how much yarn each bird requires. The amount needed is a little vague, giving an approximate total weight of yarn for each size, rather then specifics for each bird. As most of the patterns involve more than one colour of yarn, it is difficult to judge how much of each you will need. Tricky if you'd like to use up something from your stash, but not a problem if you're happy to buy a little extra to make sure you have enough.

 

I love the photography and styling; it's a gorgeous book to look at and flick through. The way that each bird is a variation on a set of patterns is a great idea, and means that once you've mastered the techniques you'll be crocheting numerous Christmas presents in no time. The technical section is clear, well illustrated and full of helpful tips.

 

For Florian, I'm using a mixture of Debbie Bliss and Rowan yarns, all DK weight, I matched the colours as best I could to those in the book. He's working up nicely and will certainly be finished in time for me to announce the winner of the competition....

 

If you'd like to win a copy of Edward's Menagerie: Birds, please leave me a comment below and make sure to include a way for me to contact you, should you win. The winner will be announced here on my blog, on Wed 23rd September. Good Luck!

 

 

xx

 

p.s. competition open worldwide, and as I'll be posting it to you I might include a few extra goodies too!