Crochet on the Edge and Single Crochet from A to Z

Crochet on the Edge and Single Crochet from A to Z

Crochet on thge Edge is an amazing resource of ideas with potential far beyond edgings. Bendy is among the most prolific, knowledgeable and gifted crochet designers working today. There are over 140 edgings shown, organized around these headings: Lace, Floral, Ribs, Beads, Sculpture, Fringe, Points and Ruffles. These are not the edgings one has seen in many a collection, but rather a terrific array of Bendy’s original notions.

The floral section includes flowers of applique, tacked down loops, post stitches, and embroidery. The ribbing section is rich in dimensional effects, including a variety of cables. 3-D crochet is taken even further in the sculpture section, with such items as Chevron Weave, Woven Spike Stitch, Hollow Coils, and a granny square look achieved entirely with surface crochet. Each of these takes a traditional technique and develops it into something unique and decorative. The fertility of this woman’s imagination is impressive. There are also several full-scale projects in the book.

Bendy has also given us a volume called Single Crochet from A to Z, a book of blocks, each featuring a different technique. I have to admit that I am not a lover of single crochet stitches, but this book is changing my mind. With blocks of Intarsia, Jacquard, loop stitches, slip stitch crochet, spike stitches, and more, it’s another virtuosic display of creativity and technique.

These books teach much more than how to do the specific technique shown. They show a mindset that approaches crochet as a tool for making fiber do whatever you want it to.