GIVEAWAY: Hello Kitty Crochet

Say konnichiwa to Hello Kitty & her friends! Just in time for the 40th anniversary of Hello Kitty, Hello Kitty Crochet features all our favorite Sanrio friends in the form of dolls you make yourself. This fabulous book is written by Mei Li Lee, a lifelong lover of Japanese pop culture. Mei Li has been sharing her Japanese-inspired crafts on her blog since 2012. Her blog is full of eye candy, but also important & helpful craft tips.

Full disclosure - I do not know how to crochet, or knit for that matter. However, I do love Hello Kitty & her friends and if anything was going to convince me to learn, it would be this terrific book! The book is jam packed with adorable Amigurumi patterns. Amigurumi refers to knitted or crocheted stuffed dolls. It's definitely an art that requires patience & practice, but it's worth it when you end up with the cutest Hello Kitty ever crafted!

The best part of this book is that there's something for all skill levels. Whether you're a whiz with a crochet hook & looking for a challenge, or you're just entering the world of crochet, Hello Kitty Crochet has something for you! This book provides full color photos, insider tips & tricks, and hours of entertainment while you create charming characters.

Quirk Books generously provided a copy for my review, as well as a copy for one lucky winner! Be sure to visit their website which is full of titles in a wide range of topics, including fiction, home & garden, and more. Enter to win a copy of Hello Kitty Crochet below - US and Canada only, please.

*** GIVEAWAY - Closed - Congrats Tracy Taylor! ***

PRIZE: One lucky winner will receive a copy of Hello Kitty Crochet courtesy of Quirk Books. *US and Canada residents only, please.*

TO ENTER: Like Quirk Books on Facebook & leave a comment noting that you have done so.

ADDITIONAL ENTRY: Comment on this post noting why you would like to receive a copy of Hello Kitty Crochet. (ie: perfect gift for a craft friend, you love to crochet, etc.)

ADDITIONAL ENTRY: Share this giveaway on Facebook or another social media site, then leave a comment noting that you have done so.

Giveaway ends at 6pm CDT, Tuesday, October 14th, 2014.

Funky Five: Earth Day Finds

1. Upcycled Silver Snake Bucket Hat by Silent Sea Studios

2. Japanese Woodblock Ornament by Rimrock View Studio

3. Handmade Vegan Soaps by Earth Natural Essentials

4. The Fern Tank Top by Orgotton

5. Soft Orange Handmade Paper by Astonishing Handmade

Zouzou Design

Kokeshi are Japanese dolls originally from northern Japan. While they are typically handmade from wood, one crafter in particular has begun creating Kokeshi & putting her own spin on them. Zouzou Design features lovely handmade fabric Japanese Kokeshi dolls that are stuffed with lavender or polyester filling - your choice. Caroline also creates fabric Russian Matryoshka dolls in the same way. If you aren't really looking for a plush doll, but like the style, you might like the Russian doll bookmarks. They are very colorful and feature Caroline's own digital photo montage designs. She also creates fun brooches featuring similar digital Kokeshi Dollface images. I especially love the pink-haired doll on a houndstooth background!

Zygomatics

Bright, fun and smiley. Those are the immediate things that popped into my head upon discovering Zygomatics. Chloe, who is originally from Switzerland, creates handmade accessories and jewelry reminiscent of kawaii (Japanese cuteness). I love the sweet kawaii lollipop earmuffs made with felt and adorned with beads. The Mr. Cloud hair clip will brighten up any outfit and bring a smile to your face. If you're looking for large, unique accessories, you need a huge ice cream felt pin! And, of course, no funky wardrobe is complete without a smiling banana brooch!!