Book Review: IMagical Seasons Crochet Couture for Kids 2-12, Vol.1-Spring; Vol. 2-Summer By Alla Koval

Imagical Seasons Vol. 1: Spring

Imagical Seasons Vol. 2: Summer

The interesting title of these books sets the tone for what crocheters will find inside! Making use of the “portmanteau word” which blends two or more distinct forms like smoke + fog = smog, Alla has blended the words "imagine" and "magical." You'll find imaginative and magical designs for the little ones in your life.

Alla Koval “creates happy fashion designs by combining colors, texture and materials that make her designs unique and enticing.” After selling hundreds of custom-created children’s fashions, she decided to start writing up the designs to instruct others to make them. She is well suited to create original fashions that will thrill mothers as much as their children! At first Alla feared that she would burn out, but she now feels that writing the patterns is what makes her the “happiest person in the world!ead!” Read the whole story in my in-depth interview with Alla.

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At first glance, I was so inspired by her fashion sense. Before I even received these books, I explored her website and bought two "can't resist" patterns that I immediately ordered. I really enjoyed making Polka Dots Hat for my granddaughter.

Polka Dots Hat

Based in Seattle, Washington, Alla moved to the United States in 2013 and brings a European sensibility to her designs which makes them fun and stylish! A very useful chart for standard measurements and standard sizes is not often found in books; and is here as a great go-to for the crocheter’s library, along with the UK and US conversion charts.

Millefiori Apron Top (Summer Volume): photo courtesy Alla Koval/IMagicalSeasons.com

A 4-part series, IMagical Seasons shows how a little imagination can

-transform a simple ruffle into an endless variety of designs for Spring

Sakura Top (Spring Volume): photo courtesy Alla Koval/IMagicalSeasons.com

-show yarn weights can change the same square motif to create anything from a blanket to a halter dress (Summer volume)

-adapt a lace pattern from one theme to another to achieve different Fall looks

Daisy Beanie (Fall Volume): photo courtesy Alla Koval/IMagicalSeasons.com

-vary the puff stitch to create cozy and trendy project

Tutti-Fruitti Blanket (Spring Volume): photo courtesy Alla Koval/IMagicalSeasons.com

Simplicity and versatility are attributes of the book. For example Tutti-Fruitti Blanket starts in the center so it is adjustable to make a fun pillow or even a tablecloth!

Self published at MyLttleCityGirl website, these books can be pre-ordered after June 15, 2015. They will be available in early July in soft cover ($22.46) or digital ($15.95). Alla is offering a special deal between July 13 and August 1: buy the pint edition at her website, Etsy or Amazon and the Summer version on Amazon and get the digital version for free! Use the code, IMAGICAL.

Below is a complete schedule for the talented bloggers who are partipating on the tour. Check in often to read varying takes on the books, chances to win prizes and in-depth interviews of the author, Alla Koval!

Alla Koval Blog Tour 2015

July 13: Knitting and Crochet - Amy Solovay

http://knittingandcrochet.net/

July 14: Faina’s Knitting Mode – Faina Goberstein

http://www.fainasknittingmode.blogspot.com/

July 15: Crochet Queen: Royal Ramblings – Gwen Blakley Kinsler

http://www.crochetqueen-royalramblings.blogspot.com/

July 16: Crochet Concupiscence – Kathryn Vercillo

http://www.crochetconcupiscence.com/

July 17: Petals to Picots - Kara Gunza

http://www.petalstopicots.com/2015/07/imagical-seasons-blog-tour-and-giveaway

July 18: Stylish Knits – Simona Dest Merchant

http://www.stylishknits.blogspot.com/

July 19: Craft Gossip – Sarah E. White

http://crochet.craftgossip.com/

July 20: Positively Crochet – Mary Jane Hall

http://positivelycrochet.blogspot.com/

July 21: Magic with Hook and Needles - Vendula Maderska

http://www.vendulkam.com/

July 22: Cute Crochet – Jocelyn Sass

http://crochetcafe.blogspot.com/

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