Reviews

Filatura Di Crosa Tiffany

Filatura Di Crosa Tiffany: glamour and sparkle with a soft touch

Color shown: #05 Pink Diamond

Tiffany is a fancy glam yarn that will inspire you to make something special for a night on the town. It consists of several twisted plies that combine color variations with sparkle, punctuated by small slubs for textured interest. The yarn is soft so it drapes naturally. Because of the fancy look of Tiffany, simple stitches will capture its essence the best. The occasional nub/slub can cause a momentary pause in your work, so don’t expect to crochet with it at high-speed.

Upon first glance at the ball band, it appears to have been intended for knitted projects, as there is no crochet hook symbol or gauge given (however, a crochet hook size recommendation is included in the yarn company’s website). I first attempted working with it on a size G/6 (4.25 mm) hook but because of the slubs in the yarn I moved up to a size H/8 US (5 mm) hook to allow more room to maneuver. This worked well, and helped avoid some instances of the plies separating a tad as they were hooked.

The yarn itself does all the work, so an eye-catching fabric can be produced with the simplest of stitches. I found that it crocheted best with openwork chain stitches -- think fancy sleeve cuffs, lightweight scarves, or see-through chain link shawlettes. A basic single crochet fabric could lend itself to an attractive tank top, and with a bit of lining fabric Tiffany would be just the thing for evening bags or pouches to hold small essentials when heading out for dinner or dancing.

If you like a touch of glitz in your accessories, this luxe novelty yarn will make them seem as precious as jewelry – in fact, the strands themselves could serve as a necklace!

Rating: The word “Fancy” appears on the yarn ball band, thus recommended for special evening wear or dressy occasion pieces.

Content/Care: 44% cotton, 39% viscose, 13% polyamide, 1% polyester. 104 yds/95 m per 50 g ball. Suggested gauge: 5 sts and 8 rows = 1” on size 6 (4 mm) needles, size G/6 (4 mm) hook. Hand wash.

Kathy blogs at http://www.designsbykn.com/blog/

Berocco Boboli

Berroco Boboli: a Persian carpet in a skein of yarn Color shown: #5310 Crumpets

Boboli is a rich mélange of colors in a lightly twisted, somewhat thick & thin yarn style. It glides through the fingers softly and produces a visual feast for the eyes. Because of the richly varied color changes that occur in each stitch, simple and basic patterns will work best to showcase this gem. The yarn immediately appeals in its skeined state and continues to delight as you stitch with it. Visions of solid fabrics punctuated by ridges or bobbles led to the sample swatch stitch combo. My hunch was right. “Boboli” responded by working up easily in basic single crochet with textured ribbing and cluster stitches enriching the colorplay in the fabric. Upon first sight of this bundle of beauty, I thought it would be a yarn to work on a larger hook than size 8(H)US/5 mm, so it was a pleasant surprise to find that it crocheted perfectly with this recommendation.

Envision projects such as comfortable cozy cowls, scarves, hats, shrugs, arm or leg warmers in “Boboli.” It could work up into a stunning fall-into-winter shawl. The Persian carpet effect is evident no matter how this yarn is viewed: in the hank, on the swift, in the wound “cake”, and in the fabric created. Whatever project you choose, the end result is sure to be noticed!

Rating: Highly recommended for its rich color interest and stitching ease.

Content/Care: 42% wool, 35% acrylic, 23% viscose. 206 yds/190 m per 100 g ball. Suggested gauge: 3.75 single crochet = 1” on size 8(H)/5 mm hook. Hand wash in cool water.

Kathy blogs at http://www.designsbykn.com/blog/

Blue Sky Alpacas Techno

Blue
Sky Alpacas Techno: Cloud-Soft Wonder

Color
shown: 1977 Aquarius

The
tag on a hank of “Techno” reads: “Whipped up alpaca”.  You will know why the moment you hold it in
your hands. Cloud-soft and light as fluff, this yarn will have your fingers
itching to crochet it (or just pet it!) The tag does not include a crochet hook
symbol or gauge recommendation, but since it appears to be a lightweight bulky,
I set to work with a size K/10.5 (6.5 mm) hook to match the 10.5 US/6.5 mm
knitting gauge suggested. Perfect!

“Techno’s”
plain look yet sumptuous feel led to a variety of swatches: a lace motif “super-sized”,
a fan pattern fabric, and a textured ripple/single/double crochet combo. The
more I worked with “Techno” the more I wanted to crochet, so I would happily have
kept on going with other options just to see what would happen.

Visions
of “exploded lace” shawls, openwork shrugs, textured cuffs, sleeve trims, cowls
and fingerless mitts all come to mind as appropriate projects for
quick-stitching “Techno.” You will get warmth without weight with this yarn, so
I would say that in this case a little would go a long way in providing
comfort. Small accessories would be dreamy in “Techno”. Larger projects might
be best if crocheted in loose, openwork patterns, as the alpaca/merino/silk
blend will furnish warmth naturally. And as stated above, once you start
crocheting with it you won’t want to stop!

Rating:
Highly recommended for its softness, versatility and stitching ease.

Content/Care:
68% baby alpaca/10% extra fine merino/22% silk. 120 yds/109 m per 50 gm ball. Suggested
gauge: 3-5 sts/in. on size 10.5 US/6.5 mm needles. Hand wash or dry clean.

Kathy blogs at http://www.designsbykn.com/blog/

The Best of Interweave Crochet

by Linda Permann

 www.lindamade.com

This well rounded collection of designs is a must have for those who may have missed early issues of Interweave Crochet, which initially launched in 2004. The book features 23 designs from popular designers like Kristin Omdahl, Doris Chan, Robyn Chachula and Kim Guzman. Whether you like to crochet clothing, accessories, or décor, you'll find something to love inside. All of the classic favorites that come to mind when I think of Interweave Crochet are included here, such as Kathy Merrick's Babette Blanket and Boteh Scarf, Lily Chin's Lace Dress, and Julia Vaconsin's Northern Dreams Pullover.

The patterns are clear and concise, and those originally published with diagrams include them here as well. Patterns span a range of yarn weights and styles, with several offerings in lace and sock weight, on up to DK and worsted weight yarns. With design elements ranging from lace and cables to mock fair-isle stitches, Tunisian and tapestry crochet, each project offers its own challenge and skill-building opportunity for intermediate crocheters.

In addition to wonderful patterns, the book is peppered with articles and advice from well-known designers. "Back to Basics" pages elaborate on techniques most books gloss over, like how to change colors and weave in ends. Likewise, "Beyond the Basics" articles explore the more complex techniques of Foundation Stitches, Tunisian Crochet, Seaming, and more. Even seasoned crocheters will find useful advice within.

Interweave is known for pushing the crochet envelope, with designs that continue to inspire the exploration of what can be accomplished with a hook and string—and this book is no exception. The Best of Interweave Crochet is not just a collection of the magazine's favorite patterns, but a celebration of how far crochet has come in the last ten years.

Linda Permann

Author, Little Crochet and Crochet Adorned

Granny Square Love

by Dora Ohrenstein

What more can be done with the Granny Square than what's been done before?  Of course, in recent seasons, the fashion runway has been showing grannies in all their glory, from the muted tones of Christopher Kane to the traditional black and brights sported by Cate Blanchett.  

Sarah London's appealing new book Granny Square Love cleverly re-imagines the granny with an array of items for the home. She uses them in traditional ways, for afghans and pillow covers, and more inventively, to cover lampshades and ottomans, and as decorative appliques and borders. One important element that lets us see grannies anew is the size of the squares.  Check out the photo here, where none of the grannies are the typical size seen in afghans.  The squares on the wall hanging in the background are medium large, with two colors, the one in the throw on the bed are larger yet, with a multicolored border of uneven stripes, and the pillow is a giant square mysteriously inscribed by an X created by the two-color composition.  In another design, traditional sized Grannies cover a lamp, irresistably cute and perfect for a kids' room. Others float on a curtain, and yet others wrap themselves around a teapot with a curved spout.

What transports Sarah's designs to another level is her piquant, even daring, use of color; the vibrant combos put her work right over the top.  The book includes fun tips on how to work with color, and you can read more about Sarah's color ideas in our interview of her in this issue: http://crochetinsider.com/interview/sarah-londons-granny-square-love

Granny Square Love has playful, inviting graphics, with large stitch diagrams.  There are clear, well-illustrated sections on basic stitches and techniques -- making this book excellent for the beginning crocheter.  It would also be a fine source of inspiration for anyone with lots of colorful bits in their stash.

Luna yarn, by Elann

Luna by Elann is an elegant plant fiber yarn that provides a little glitz and a lot of stability to crochet designs. This yarn sits between a DK and a light-worsted weight and could be worked with hook sizes ranging from E-4(3.5mm) to J-8(5mm) and successfully yield a fabric with a lovely hand. Elann sources this yarn from Brazil. It consists of 55% rayon from plant fiber and 45% cotton. The yarn has several separate plies of either cotton or rayon singles that are spun together with a medium twist. This construction keeps the fabric airy, yet with smaller hook sizes you need to be watchful for splitting yarn when you draw loops through. I really like this yarn because the shininess is subtle, and yet surface textures really pop. This swatch is a new take on a basket-weave pattern that reminds me of those little square breakfast cereal pieces, but a sweater in this stitch pattern would be elegant and feminine as the wearer’s curves would accentuate the basket-weave eyelets and lines. This yarn is available from Elann’s online store (http://goo.gl/xdEoP) and it comes in 50 gram skeins of 106 yards (97m). There are 15 brilliant colours and neutrals to choose from. At the time of this review, the yarn is listed at $2.98 per skein.

Curvy Crochet: 8 Fashion is Sizes Large - 4X

Marly Bird is a terrific designer whose super positive energy has won her many fans in the industry.  As a luscious-sized gal herself, she knows how to design for the full figured woman.  Together with Jill Wright, she's created the best plus sized book I've yet seen in crochet! The designs are unfailingly flattering, with beautiful stitch patterns and body-conscious styling details.  Leisure Arts has outdone themselves by including schematics for every sweater, and allowing finer yarns to be used.  Getting away from worsteds is key for most garments, and especially for the plus-sized  woman, where bulk is a negative in a garment.  Marly and Jill understand that open necks and subtle shaping at the waist make for truly elegant fit. There is a beautiful pullover with a cowl neck, a peasant-style lace blouse, a motif bolero, a long vest and a long buttoned tunic, and another tunic that ties in back.  The sweaters are fully shaped, with set in or raglan sleeves.  In addition to 6 sweaters and vests, there is a pretty scarf and a felted bag. The model in all photos is lovely, and the garments are also shown on a dummy, a very helpful addition that allows readers to see the garment's shape on or off a body. Instructions are thorough and easy to read. If you've been waiting a long time for a really good-looking sweater book for the ample woman, this is it!

Knit, Swirl

Though it's not a crochet book, I'm reviewing Sandra McIver's book "Knit, Swirl!" because it is very special, and one of the best self-published books I've seen.

Why would an author decide to self-publish rather than have an established publisher do a book? Certainly in Sandra's case, the quality of the work would have landed such a contract if she'd wanted it. The knitted swirl is a very cool concept that many a publisher would jump on.

But working with a publisher is always, to some degree, a compromise:  they control not only the images and graphics, but also have substantial input on content. Though I am totally speculating here, I can imagine that Sandra went the self-publishing route because she had a very strong vision of something quite particular to accomplish, and wanted to approach it with single-mindedness and devotion. It's quite possible that a publisher would have gotten in her way, thinking the book was almost too focused.  To me, the in-depth quality of Sandra's work is very intriguing.

Sandra has worked out four different -- though similar -- shapes to use in the Swirl: Centered Circle, Off-Center Circle, Centered Oval, Off-Center Oval.  These are presented with great photos and detailed explanations at the beginning. Then comes a technique primer as you get ready to make a Swirl.  Then 18 stunning Swirls, each with detailed diagrams and stitch counts.

Not only are the swirl shapes similar, but the knit stitches used are similar on all the designs.  Sandra uses welts -- stitches that pop out of the fabric -- to create textured stripes. which are enhanced or muted in the various designs. The effect of these stripes brings out beautiful qualities in the yarns, and also adds lots of visual "swirliness" to the Swirl. In designs where it's combined with changing colors, the effect is highly dramatic. In fact, all the Swirls have that quality of "making a statement."  Great ingenuity is shown in the folding and clasping of Swirls to get a variety of collars, front closures and garment lengths.

This is a case where a designer "controlled" several variables -- the basic shape and the look  of the fabric -- so that they are similar throughout.  Within this framework, she is able to explore a single idea and technique in depth, showing how shaping details influence the fit and flow of a garment, and showcasing the qualities of different yarns, fibers and colors.  Given Sandra's very fine artistic sense and strong technical skills, the format allows her to hone in on and share her discoveries. It's a totally designer driven concept that a publisher might not sufficiently appreciate.  

As for publishing know-how, Sandra shows great panache here too -- the book is beautiful, clean and attractively laid out, with fine photos and graphics by Zoe Lonergan.

As a fellow designer, I feel liberated by a book like this. It shows me how worthwhile it is to give free reign to a creative impulse and mine it for all its nourishment.  The Swirls are gorgeous, tempting both in beauty and intelligence, would be fun to make, and divine to wear.  I think Swirls will find many fans.

Go Crochet! Afghan Design Workbook: 50 motifs, 10 projects, 1 of a kind results

Reviewed by Kathy North

The attractive cover on this enclosed spiral-bound volume provides an introductory hint of the interesting content inside. The focus of the book is creating “on the go” (portable) motifs in basic shapes (squares, rectangles, triangles, hexagons, octagons) to use as fundamental building blocks in larger projects, specifically afghans. There is enough design inspiration here to keep one enthused and occupied with hours of creative and stimulating crochet work.

The author, a popular, prolific and frequently published designer, possesses extensive expertise in the area of crochet afghan design. She conveys her knowledge in a matter-of-fact presentation that is enjoyable to read and easy to understand. Her friendly tone invites and encourages crocheters to try any or all of the 50 motif ideas (ranging in difficulty from beginner to advanced) in suggested color combinations, or to venture into the realm of “design-your-own.”

There is a logical progression to the order of the material presented. The author begins by providing excellent information about fiber choices, tools, and how to use the instructions in the book. Colorful photographs and precise stitch diagrams and illustrations support the written word with clarity. Along with some insight into how she goes about creating an original design, the author provides tips on color theory (the crocheted color wheel is a refreshing and novel visual aid), layout, assembly and edging choices for afghan-making. 

Following the educational introductory pages are patterns for 50 unique and original motifs. Each motif is given its own page which includes: skill level, finished measurement, a color photograph of the motif, a charted version of the motif, and “mix & match” suggestions for how each motif works with others. Design inspiration notes, a “getting started” materials list and written instructions are also included (the only negative about the presentation on the motif pattern pages is that the font size in the “getting started” materials list is very small and difficult to read compared to the clear print throughout the rest of the book.)

The author has created 10 stunning afghans incorporating the original motifs she has designed. There are lovely closeup shots of the finished afghans in various color combinations, attractively draped on furniture pieces. What catches the eye are the “flat” photos of the completed afghans: when viewed from this perspective they resemble intricate, vintage patchwork quilts!  The overall effect of complexity belies their ease of construction from small motifs made with just a few rounds of crochet.

One can tell that this book was truly a labor of love. I can’t imagine the hours that went in to creating 50 individual motif designs, not to mention the time spent in assembling 10 beautiful afghans which are destined to become heirlooms. My favorite motifs in each category are “Pick a Posie” (square), “Neapolitan” (rectangle), “Off Center” (triangle), “Brilliant” (hexagon), and “Rose Octagon” (octagon).

This book is highly recommended for any crocheter who enjoys colorplay, ease and portability of projects, or inspiration for stepping up to the next level of creativity. “Go Crochet! Afghan Design Workbook” provides choices: one can follow the patterns as written, in the color schemes suggested, or step out on one’s own, adapting the multitude of ideas to creating adventurous projects. The lay-flat spiral binding format makes it easy to concentrate on working the patterns without need to hold pages down while wrangling hook and yarn.

As stated on the back cover, after seeing this book stitchers will definitely want to “… choose your favorite motif, grab your hook and yarn, and Go Crochet!”

Review by Kathy North, Designs by KN

 www.designsbykn.com

On Ravelry: dbkn5

Addiclick Interchangeable Crochet Hooks with Cable

This beautiful Addiclick hook set is at the high end of equipment for crocheters looking for a little luxury.  It consists of 8 hooks ranging from 3-5 - 9 mm in size, and a flexible cable that allows you to use it them as Tunisian hooks.  Distributed by Skacelknitting,  the set is intended as an upgrade or "booster pack" to the existing Click knitting sets, interchangeable knitting needles.  In other words, they wanted the Addi Click sets to be complete, so they added this set of hooks.  As a crocheter, I appreciate that this company, making some of the best tools in the business, saw the advantages of including flexible hooks, especially with Tunisian Crochet catching on by leaps and bounds.  They are beautifully packaged in a black case that looks like a wallet.  The smaller hooks are aluminum, super light and smooth, and the two larger ones are clear plastic, decorated with gold sparkles.  My only complaint is that two of my favorite Tunisian hook sizes are missing from the group:  5.5 mm (I) and 6.5 mm (K). At the same time, I doubt that I would often use the E and F hooks in the collection.  Am I alone in wishing that the choice had gone the other way? To obtain nice drape in Tunisian, hook sizes at the the larger end are usually best. The cable extension is very thin, and about 30" long.  The stopper that goes at the end of the cable must be purchased separately - it's a little red heart and is called a Heart Stopper -- pretty dang cute!