Pretty Little Cozies! Book Review

Most people own a beautiful tea cozy, even if you never use the pot beneath it. You probably also cover your mobile, mp3 player, tissues etc etc. You name it, we cover it. Mainly I think this is to inject a bit of our own personality into objects which often lack any. If you're a creative person you probably prefer to make such covers yourself. I was therefore delighted when I received a copy of Pretty Little Cozies by Lark Books from GMC Publications.

The book features 32 projects to makes various cozies/pockets and is written by a selection of designers. It begins with a very useful section on cozy basics. This includes materials required and techniques which are covered. I found the explanations and drawings to be clear and easy to follow.

If you're a regular reader then you will know that we always review books by actually testing them out. So I started by making a cover for a packet of tissues, seen here. It came out so well that I intend it to be a present for a relative.

There are many designs in this book and they are quite varied covering everything from a games controller cover to a pan handle cover. Once I had completed one project successfully I was eager to try out another as soon as possible.

So next I tried out the camera case. I used vintage fabric for this project and I think this is one area where the book really excels. All the designs are small enough that you will probably be able to make them from scraps of fabric you already have. Personally I find nothing more satisfying than being able to launch straight into a project without having to hesitate while I stock up on supplies.

I also made a mobile phone case out of the same fabric and again I'm very pleased with the results.

Would I recommend this book? Definitely! It has so many projects that there's bound to be one or two that will inspire you. There are also many ideas for gift giving.

Could it be improved in anyway? Not really. The only suggestion I would have and this is based purely on my own personal taste, is that I thought some of the projects looked slightly old fashioned. Largely due to the fabric choices used. But as I say this is only my own preference and really does not affect the quality of the book or the designs it contains.


Book Details

Title: Pretty Little Cozies

Author: Lark Books
ISBN: 9781600593765
RRP: £12.99
Publisher: Lark
Publication Date: July 2009.

Snowman Egg Cosy Tutorial

It has been sometime since we had a tutorial so today I thought I would share my Snowman Egg Cosy pattern. This lovely little chap will not only keep your eggs warm, it will keep them festive and stylish too!

What You'll Need

Size 3 Knitting Needles
Snowflake Wool
Orange/Red Wool
Black/Brown Wool
Wool Needle

Pattern

This pattern is made extra special by the use of Snowflake wool, if you've never encountered this you really must search it out. It's fluffy, sparkly and notoriously awkward to knit with but the results are beautiful.

Body
Cast on 30 st using the snowflake wool.
Beginning with a K row st-st 22 rows
(K2, K2tog) 7 times, K2 = 23st
P one row
(K1, K2tog) 7 times, K2 = 16st
P one row
K2tog to end = 8st
B & T tightly

Carrot Nose
Cast on 5 st using orange/red wool
St-st 4 rows
B & T tightly

To Make Up

Using your wool needle sew up the two side edges of the body leaving the cast on st free.
Sew up the side edges of the carrot nose leaving the cast on st free.
Stuff the carrot lightly if required & then sew onto the centre of the body.
Next, taking your brown/black wool sew on two eyes and four dots for his coal mouth.
Place over your eggcup and egg and admire!

I think a couple of these would make a lovely Christmas gift, perhaps buying a couple of eggcups and packaging it all in a pretty box.