Legions of readers love Debbie Macomber's Blossom Street series, which began in 2003 with The House on Blossom Street.
Back on Blossom Street was published in 2007, and Leisure Arts simultaneously released a booklet of 12 patterns inspired by the book.
Each book follows some of the same characters who frequent Lydia's yarn store on Blossom Street. This time, the story involves Alix's preparation for her wedding and the opening of a flower shop next door to the yarn store. Lydia is teaching a class about prayer shawls, and these patterns dominate the booklet.
Patterns
The booklet offers 12 patterns, including five prayer shawls, two hats, a scarf, a pair of gloves, a bay cardigan and onesie and a bit of lace with heart-shaped motifs used on Alix's wedding invitations.
The patterns are all easy to intermediate except for the wedding lace and a lace prayer shawl.
The instructions are easy to follow, and there are general instructions in the back of the booklet for any terms you might not be familiar with.
These projects would be great for gifts, while the prayer shawls could also be used a lap blankets or wraps. Fans of the novels will love the quotes and plot hints that are revealed in the booklet (why is everyone knitting baby items, for instance).
Charity Knitting
Debbie Macomber is a member of the board of Warm Up America!, a charity that provides blankets to homeless people, victims of natural disaster, women at battered women's shelters and other people in need.
At the back of the booklet there is a pattern for a slip stitch box block that can easily be made of acrylic yarn and donated to the charity.
All of the proceeds for the Blossom Street patterns books goes to charity, which goes a long way toward making up for the $12.95 retail price. This time around, proceeds will go to Warm Up America, Project Linus and Guideposts Knit for Kids.
