Tag Archives: Joanna Johnson

Review: Sherlock Knits

Posted on January 29, 2017 by | Comments Off on Review: Sherlock Knits

Review: Sherlock Knits post image

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First, the facts:

Title: Sherlock Knits: Patterns Inspired by the World’s Most Famous Consulting Detective

Author: Joanna Johnson

Illustrator: Laurel Johnson

Published by: Slate Falls Press, 2016

Pages: 45

Type: Patterns

Chapters:

Patterns:
A Sweater for John
Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Cozy
Elementary in Pashmina
Speckled Band Shawl
Socks for Mary
Scotland Yard Vest
Mycroft & Moriarty Casebook Cozy
The Woman
Sherlock Hat
Copper Beeches Cowl

Sherlock Knits

The In-Depth Look:

Everyone who knows me knows that I love Sherlock Holmes. I love the original stories by Arthur Conan Doyle many time, have read any number of variations and pastiches, and seen so many filmed versions of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson … I’m something of a fan.

So it’s no surprise to learn that I was reasonably certain I’d like Joanna Johnson’s latest collection–ten patterns inspired by Sherlock Holmes.

Because of course I do.

This is a collection of ten patterns: a sweater, a vest and assorted accessories, including a cover for your Kindle or Tablet, for when you need to take a break from reading the stories. I love the classic coziness of the cardigan, and love the houndstooth in the knitted vest. There are several things to wear around your neck, a tea cozy, and, of course, a classic Deerstalker hat. (Because naturally Sherlock Holmes has to wear the hat!)

The photographs are definitely inspired by the Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman team from the BBC series Sherlock, though they are not limited to that 21st century duo. They are teamed up with quotes from the original stories and line drawings by Laurel Johnson.

This is such a nice collection. It’s not a huge book–it’s the same size as Joanna’s Anne of Green Gables collection.

Really, at this point I’m just wondering what other fandom I love she’ll be tackling next?

You can get your own copy from Amazon or directly from Slate Falls Press themselves–and don’t forget about Ravelry!.

Want to see bigger pictures? Click here.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/chappysmom/albums/72157677969561351

This review copy was kindly donated by the author. Thank you!

My Gush: A wonderful tribute to my favorite detective.

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Review: Henry’s Hat

Posted on February 18, 2016 by | Comments Off on Review: Henry’s Hat
henry_001

First, the facts:

Title: Henry’s Hat

Author: Eric and Joanna Johnson

Illustrator: Eric Johnson

Published by: Slate Falls Press, 2016

Pages: 46

Type: Children’s book

Chapters:

Adorable Story
Adorable Patterns

KS: Henry's Hat

The In-Depth Look:

They never fail to amaze me.

This is the fourth picture-slash-knitting book by this talented couple. Together they write the story, and then Joanna designs the knitwear and Eric does the illustrations … all before publishing the book themselves. Even if the book were terrible, it would be an impressive achievement.

But, of course, the book is anything but terrible–it’s wonderful, just as I expected when my review copy arrived.

The story, telling about chipmunk Henry’s favorite hat being lost, is sweet and gentle, the kind of story I loved as a child. Henry lives in a bustling family and the story thrums with that kind of chaotic energy a houseful of children and adults can create.

The illustrations aren’t just background to the story, either–they have their own energy, driven by detail and enthusiasm. I love Eric’s pictures, and they’ve blown me away in every book in this series. Not only is each different animal drawn with loving detail (and I do love how there is a mix of animals, here, with everyone mingling and getting along), but there are great little notes to catch your attention when you look–like the Norman Rockwell Thanksgiving print hanging on the wall, or the grasshopper (later seen outside in the cold like in the fable) playing the world’s smallest violin when Henry discovers the fate of his hat.

Last but not least are the knitting patterns, three in all. Henry’s Hat, Henry’s Letter Sweater, and a Henry-the-Chipmunk doll. They’re all good patterns–the hat is quick and stylish, warm with earflaps and suitable for boys or girls. The letter sweater is a traditional raglan with stripes and a bold initial. And the doll, of course–a 3D representation of Henry himself, complete with jeans and a sweater.

I love this series. I hope Joanna and Eric never stop.

You can find this book at the Slate Falls Press Etsy shop or at Amazon.com.

Want to see bigger pictures? Click here.

This review copy was kindly donated by Joanna Johnson. Thank you!

My Gush: Wonderful as always!

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Review: Henry’s Hat

Posted on February 18, 2016 by | Comments Off on Review: Henry’s Hat
henry_001

First, the facts:

Title: Henry’s Hat

Author: Eric and Joanna Johnson

Illustrator: Eric Johnson

Published by: Slate Falls Press, 2016

Pages: 46

Type: Children’s book

Chapters:

Adorable Story
Adorable Patterns

KS: Henry's Hat

The In-Depth Look:

They never fail to amaze me.

This is the fourth picture-slash-knitting book by this talented couple. Together they write the story, and then Joanna designs the knitwear and Eric does the illustrations … all before publishing the book themselves. Even if the book were terrible, it would be an impressive achievement.

But, of course, the book is anything but terrible–it’s wonderful, just as I expected when my review copy arrived.

The story, telling about chipmunk Henry’s favorite hat being lost, is sweet and gentle, the kind of story I loved as a child. Henry lives in a bustling family and the story thrums with that kind of chaotic energy a houseful of children and adults can create.

The illustrations aren’t just background to the story, either–they have their own energy, driven by detail and enthusiasm. I love Eric’s pictures, and they’ve blown me away in every book in this series. Not only is each different animal drawn with loving detail (and I do love how there is a mix of animals, here, with everyone mingling and getting along), but there are great little notes to catch your attention when you look–like the Norman Rockwell Thanksgiving print hanging on the wall, or the grasshopper (later seen outside in the cold like in the fable) playing the world’s smallest violin when Henry discovers the fate of his hat.

Last but not least are the knitting patterns, three in all. Henry’s Hat, Henry’s Letter Sweater, and a Henry-the-Chipmunk doll. They’re all good patterns–the hat is quick and stylish, warm with earflaps and suitable for boys or girls. The letter sweater is a traditional raglan with stripes and a bold initial. And the doll, of course–a 3D representation of Henry himself, complete with jeans and a sweater.

I love this series. I hope Joanna and Eric never stop.

You can find this book at the Slate Falls Press Etsy shop or at Amazon.com.

Want to see bigger pictures? Click here.

This review copy was kindly donated by Joanna Johnson. Thank you!

My Gush: Wonderful as always!

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Review: Green Gables Knits

Posted on December 4, 2013 by | Comments Off on Review: Green Gables Knits

Review: Green Gables Knits post image

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First, the facts:

Title: >Green Gables Knits: Patterns for Kindred Spirits

Author: Joanna Johnson

Published by: Slate Falls Press, 2013

Pages: 46

Type: Patterns

Chapters: No chapters, just patterns.

KS: Green Gables Knits

The In-Depth Look:

It no longer surprises me that just about everything that comes out of Joanna and Eric Johnsons’ Slate Falls Press is a treat to look at. The three previous books this husband-and-wife team have produced before this (links below) were wonderful children’s stories supplemented by knitwear and truly gorgeous illustrations, so the fact that this slim book is strictly knitting patterns is new for them.

But that’s all right. Even if the hand-painted characters of earlier books are missing, this collection of eight knitting patterns is still a treat for the eyes. This book is just beautiful to look at. It’s small–just 45 pages and conveniently sized to fit into your knitting bag without weighing you down–but you can tell it was put together with real affection, both for the patterns as well as for the inspiration.

Joanna obviously loved the Anne of Green Gables books as much as I did, because not only does each pattern perform an act of homage to the characters in the book, but the photos are beautifully atmospheric. The models are just enough in character that you can immediately identify them without their being too real (or fake), trying so hard to be authentic that they take away from the patterns. But, really, how often do you find photos in a knitting book so lovely that you’d want to frame them and hang them on the wall? Because, seriously, beautiful photos.

Which isn’t to take away from the patterns. There are eight of them: Anne’s Carpet Bag, Matthew’s Vest, Marilla’s Apron, Diana’s Hat, Rachel’s Table Runner, Miss Stacy’s Shawl, Anne’s Sweater, and Gilbert’s Scarf. I might quibble that Marilla wouldn’t have been likely to wear such a frivolous confection of a lacy apron, but this is a solid collection of patterns that fit. Nothing too fancy or too impractical for the practical inhabitants of Avonlea, but still beautiful enough to satisfy Anne’s craving for lovely things. (And I’m betting the handle of the carpet bag isn’t wonky enough to require a special knack for carrying it, either.)

To round it all out, there are also archival photos to help tie the new patterns to their inspirations–pictures of Lucy Maud Montgomery as a girl, the house she grew up in, and so on. Just enough to remind us of what Anne’s world might have looked like.

Really, for such a slim book, this is filled with a lot of charm. You can find your copy at Amazon.com or your local yarn shop.

Want to see bigger pictures? Click here.

This review copy was kindly donated by Slate Falls Press. Thank you!

My Gush: Lovely and now I want to re-read the books for the zillionth time.

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Review: Phoebe’s Birthday

Posted on July 5, 2012 by | Comments Off on Review: Phoebe’s Birthday

Post image for Review: Phoebe’s Birthday

phoebe2_009

First, the facts:

Title: Phoebe’s Birthday

Author: Joanna Johnson
Illustrator: Eric Johnson

Published by: Slate Falls Press, 2012

Pages: 45

Type: Picture book with patterns

KS: Phoebe's Birthday

The In-Depth Look:

Well, they’ve done it again.

Just like Phoebe’s Sweater and Freddie’s Blanket before, this husband and wife team have produced another little picture book of perfection.

It’s got three main elements that make it wonderful.

1. A sweet children’s story about little mouse Phoebe (returning from the first book) on vacation at the beach, learning to swim just in time for her sixth birthday. It’s simple and sweet and just charming.

2. Absolutely wonderful illustrations with so much detail. I’ve seriously sat and just poured over them, absorbing all the cute little touches–like the chess game going on at the top of the shelf at the yarn shop. They’re just as wonderful as the prior two books.

3. Patterns. Knitting patterns to duplicate Phoebe’s Sun Romper or Sun Tunic, the party dress her Grandmother knits for her, and her knitted headband. As well as a quilt pattern for her Spool quilt and a sewing pattern for her frankly adorable Mermouse doll.

Yes, you could say that I’m a fan. Each of the three books produced by Slate Falls Press (created solely by the authors so they can produce these books), has been unique and charming. Even with the knitting/sewing patterns at the back, the stories and illustrations are wonderful–but when you add them? You’ve got something special you can read with your kids and then make them something real and cozy to bring the story further to life. It’s not just a picture book and it’s not just a knitting book–it’s something special, and done really, really well.

You can get your copy at Amazon.com, in your local book or yarn shop, or you can get signed copies through the author’s site.

Want to see bigger pictures? Click here.

This review copy was kindly donated by the authors. Thank you!

My Gush: Just as endearing as the first two.

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