Nov 13
Step into Arne and Carlos' magical garden, in which they have found so much inspiration. They have created 36 fun knit and crochet projects. You will find many projects inspired by flowers. However, you have entered the world of Arne and Carlos' imagination, and the projects extend to creatures that live in the garden too. These include Magnus Mouse, Scarecrow, Bumblebee Man and the Hippies, delightful dolls to make. There are also some projects for a garden doll's house such as a crochet blanket. There are knitted and embroidered pot holders, a place mat and kitchen towel (very similar) and both finished with crochet flowers. There are crochet throws, I really like the Primrose one, and also a knit throw. Suddenly the book then switches to cross-stitch cushions and table mats for a few pages, which although garden inspired seem incongruous. I like the garter stitch pin cushions and they show you how to make this into a seat cushion or table mats. The same technique is used to make a butterfly. There are also floral crochet coasters, which again can be made into cushion covers. All in all, this is a beautiful book but I did find it a little disjointed. I would have liked the projects to be presented in themes. Throughout the book, the photos and ideas are wonderful. This is well worth buying.
* Karen Platt Yarnsandfabrics.co.uk/crafts *
Issue 67
Bring some spring colour into your life with this quirky book of projects from Scandinavian design duo Arne & Carlos. Inspired by flowers, trees, butterflies and bees, there are quick-to-make coasters, bags, cushions and toys, as well as larger pieces such as some stunning blankets. Crochet does take centre stage in this book, but there are plenty of knitting patterns, too.
* Knitter, The *
Jan 14
Arne and Carlos 'Knit-and-Crochet Garden' is a magical land. This isn't a stage produced book full of John Lewis props and Kath Kidston backdrops; this is a magical land which really exists. Arne and Carlos have created mice and hippies, a creature half red-head half bumble bee and have pimped their garden tools with knitted handles. If you like your knitting and crochet projects more practical then there are blankets and table mats, pot holders and cushions. You only knit and are wondering if there is enough here for you- I say; 'yep!'. Crochet is your thing, is there enough here without the knitting- 'for sure'! I think you might be tempted into pastures new though so be prepared but not afraid, the instructions are very clear and the photos nice and clear. There is space in this book, room to breathe, pages of pictures of charming scenes. These vistas truly do give a feel of sitting in a garden, of pottering around and being inspired. If you already own other titles by these boys you will not be disappointed these guys are really true to themselves again here- and that is a magical thing indeed!
* Jennyflowerblue.blogspot.com *
Jan 14
The Scandinavian double act that is Arne and Carlos has worked its magic yet again! You're invited into their very own garden; as you make your way around you'll be treated to projects inspired by it. The most beautiful flowers, butterflies, perennials... and even garden chimes and a mouse named Magnus! We adore the floral throw that's on the cover. The photography is very inviting and even if you never made a thing from this book, you'd still have fun reading it.
* Knit Today *
May 14
'Knit-and-Crochet Garden' by Arne & Carlos is, as always, an amazing cute wonderful book. It's full of bright cheerful colours and comforting knitting and crochet patterns. There are unusual twists on household items like coasters and cushions inspired by flowers and all things related to the garden. I love the feel and aura of Arne & Carlos books. They are so homely. You feel as if you could really snuggle up with the cushions and throws. There are also patterns in here for toys - a mouse and a hippy to be exact! They come with clothes and you'll need to be able to knit in the round with DPNs or be able to adapt the pattern to suit your needs. There isn't much in the way of instructions for complete beginners, just advice on yarn and needles, but if you are a confident beginner you should find you are OK. There is a pattern for a blanket for the toys and there are lovely photos of the dolls house Arne & Carlos own in their garden. http://sewingisforgirls.blogspot.co.uk/
* sewingisforgirls.blogspot.com *
June 14
Following on from 'Arne & Carlos' Easter Knits' book, this is an altogether more personal pattern book. They have used the garden of their home in Norway as inspiration and explaining how they bought their house, an old train station, which had no garden and which they then built from scratch. Describing how they conceived and built it, coupled with their love of all the flowers and shrubs, comes across the page and makes you understand how it must have been the perfect inspiration for the projects contained within the book. The whole book makes you feel like you are friends visiting the house and garden for the first time and being taken on a whistlestop tour of a whole year. You could be forgiven for almost forgetting that you are reading a pattern book, so immersed in the glorious garden and make-believe world it leads you into. There are a large number of projects and they vary in size but all are clearly explained with photographs and really importantly for knitting and crochet, large type. There are 'Tricks to Make Crochet Less Boring' (for larger projects) and some well thought pictures to help with some of the more confusing techniques. Finishing with a beautiful description of the garden at the end of the year, this is such a heartfelt and lovely book by people who are as devoted to their garden as they are to knitting and crochet, you cannot help but be completely enthralled by it.
* Workshop On The Web *
June 2015
Arne and Carlos's garden is a place that celebrates the rich crafting heritage of their native Scandinavia. It's a garden full of knitted and crocheted flowers, of picnics and baskets, of butterflies and tiny, knitted fairies. Here, the traditions of Scandinavian crafting come alive with a mirth and joy that is both modern and timeless. There are smaller, accessible projects for beginners or for those short on time as well as larger projects to get your teeth into, like chunky afghans and throws, all inspired by the sights, sounds and scents of their farm in rural Norway. The vivid colours of the garden and of summer that burst off each page and each pattern are for the whole year round. For Arne and Carlos,a garden isn't a place. It's a state of mind. A blissful playful and happy state of mind.
* Knitting & Crochet Home *
