Cast On, Bind Off: 54 Step-by-Step Methods; By Leslie Ann Besto

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• Spiral-bound: 216 pages
• Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC; Spi edition (June 19, 2012)
• ISBN-13: 978-1603427241
• Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.8 x 7 inches

I'm sure that there other, possible larger, books out there that contain cast on and  bind off techniques, but I really like this one. I find it to be well organized, well thought out and well illustrated. I have already  learned a lot about cast-on and bind-off methods - I've even learned some  new things about my "go to" methods that I had not known before. Methods are organized into categories . For cast-ons: basic, stretchy, decorative,  circular, double sided, multi-color, provisional and tubular and mobius;  for bind-offs: basic, stretchy, decorative and sewn. I like the size because it's easy to keep in my knitting basket and, as always,  I really like the fact that it has a spiral binding so it lies nice and flat or folds  over easily. For me, this is a very useful book and contains information and instructions  that I used to have to go searching the web for. It's a definite keeper for me ! Do you knit? Then you really might want to check this book out!  I bet you too will want to keep it handy!

Adventures In PomPom Land by Myko Diann Bocek

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• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Lark Crafts (March 5, 2013)
• ISBN-13: 978-1454703860
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 8 x 0.4 inches

Don't chuckle at me! Those of you who know me - or who have read my blogs for some time will immediately realize that this is not my usual art form!

When the publisher sent this book to me for review my  immediate reaction was - oh no pompoms! I do not like pompoms; never have and I thought I never would! Then, as I turned the pages of this charming little treat of a book, I realized that although these little cuties are made from wool pompoms, they aren't pompoms as we normally think of them. These are haute pompoms!

The author, Myko (think mike-o") Diann Bocek, is a Beatrix Potter fan and her pompom creatures are born from Beatrix's delightful whimsical creatures. Beatrix Potter also filled my childhood with delight and I remain a huge fan of her work to this day.

If you can, for a moment, consider what Beatrix Potter's creatures might look like as pompoms you will get an idea about what's in this charming little book.

I am going to give making these a whirl - they are too cute not too. These haute pompoms are all made from luscious wool yarn and roving and they become shaped like whimsical creatures. Not my typical type of art making - by these are just too adorable not to give them a try.

Don't be put off by the word pompom - if you are like me - this book really deserves your attention! If you are already a pompom lover then you have to have this book.!

I'm not sure how Lark manages to produce such high quality, visually beautiful books - but this one is a bargain!