Reviews

Crochet Tips & Tricks

Lily Chin's new book, Crochet Tips & Tricks is chock full of information that any crocheter will find useful.  Lily is not only an expert designer, her teaching experience is so extensive that she knows just what issues are on the crocheter's  mind.  In this book Lily addresses everything from basic stuff about hooks, fibers and how to hold yarn while working, to nagging issues like dropped, joining, blocking, matching up edges for seaming, and much more.  The advice is always practical and specific, leaving nothing to chance, with good illustrations, and Lily's sense of humor comes through on every page.

There are excellent pages on finishing and seaming techniques, and extensive material on how to correct mistakes, even how to do major surgery on a piece.  Lily has some innovative solutions to problems, for example, how to end off a spiral with no bump.  One or two places in the book appear to be pasted in from a knitting book (where needles are referred to instead of hooks) and I did find some tricky things not answered.  For example, there is a page about finding the center of a ball of yarn, something we've all struggled with.  It describes exactly how to put your fingers into the ball and search for the end, and then says, "you should be able to pull out just a pinch of yarn."  Yeah, right -- shoulda woulda coulda.  What about all the times when you get a big glob of yarn instead of a pinch -- what then?  Come on Lily, don't hold out on me!

Of course, if Lily hasn't answered the question there probably is no good answer.  That's how confident I feel about Lily's advice, and therefore I strongly recommend this book for anyone who wants the definitive book on crochet technique. Though I feel my crochet knowledge is pretty solid, I always learn something new from Lily.

Crocheted Gifts

by Deborah Burger

Who do we crochet for?  Ourselves? Our friends and family?  Many or most of us probably make a majority of our projects especially to give as gifts.  The new book, Crocheted Gifts: Irresistible Projects to Make & Give, by Kim Werker aims to help us with that goal. Like all the Interweave Press books, this one is layed-out well and formatted in a readable type, with clear photographs and excellent written directions and stitch diagrams. It’s also a handy size and shape for flipping through, or for laying out flat while working the patterns.  

The collection of projects includes work by a stellar line-up of some of my favorite designers, from Doris Chan’s afghan on the cover, through wristies by Myra Wood, socks by Robyn Chachula, and elegant wraps by Kristin Omdahl and Annie Modesitt, just to name a few.  The variety of projects represents all skill levels, and ranges from very cute (Berry Baby Hat and Booties, p. 30) to absolutely elegant.  There are projects aimed at children, men, babies, girlfriends/sisters/moms, and more than a few that each crocheter may want to make as gifts for herself. (I will certainly be making myself a gift of Annie Modesitt’s Trinity Lace Shrug, p. 42)   Some of the projects introduce or explore “cutting edge” techniques in crochet, such as using hairpin lace with wire instead of yarn to create baskets! (p. 24, a design by Donna Hulka).  And whether you need a “quickie” project to make a gift in a hurry, or have plenty of time to prepare for that wedding, graduation or birthday, you will find possibilities abounding here. The yarns listed in the projects cover a wide range of prices and availability, and in every case all necessary information is given for successful substitution.  

All that said, I was a little disappointed in the organization of the book… which appears to just be lacking!  As a catalog of “gift ideas and projects”, I think it would serve readers better if divided into sections or chapters, each containing gifts geared for a particular audience; for instance, grouping all the baby gifts together, and all the menswear or housewarming items together with others of their type.  When I’m looking for a gift project for a particular person or occasion, it’s easier for me to find the correct section and look there, than to randomly flip through the whole book, hoping some project will jump up and volunteer to be the right one for the person I’m wanting to create for.  On the other hand, if you are by nature more of a “window shopper”, you will probably really enjoy using this book to browse your way through your gift list for the next year or so!     

Crochet Adorned

Review by Deborah Burger

No matter how you look at it, Crochet Adorned by Linda Permann is a beautiful book.  If you are a casual observer, your eye will be caught by the vibrant colors, not only of the cover photo, but of all the large, clear photos filling the pages.  If you are mildly interested in crochet, you will find appealing projects at all levels with which to experiment, develop your skills, and express yourself.  If you are an experienced crochet artist, you will find inspiration and ideas, delightfully presented, to inform and elevate your art.

At first glance, the whimsical floral cover project invites further exploration.  Easy-read type faces and titles and clear organization make the Table of Contents a useful tool, instead of mere space filler.  Reading Linda’s Introduction is like meeting a new friend—she lets us know where her ideas come from, and invites us to join her in an adventure of painless exploration and experimentation.  The projects she will present are all “embellishments” that can be used to decorate and enhance, to customize purchased items we own or buy for the purpose.  She states a reason for this approach… a reason that invites everyone from beginners to designers to join: 

… if you start with something that fits, you won’t have the typical worries that come with crocheting a garment….start with a garment you want to refashion, then look through the book for the perfect embellishment.  Remember, you don’t always have to use the same blank I did—a trim shown on a jacket here could be just as pretty on your skirt.

So, if you’ve never crocheted a garment, because of fears about your skill with shaping and fitting, you are included in the group who can have fun with this book, and make GREAT looking clothes and accessories.  On the other hand, if you are an expert stitcher and not thrilled with following the dictates of patterns and directions, you, too are included, and invited to re-design, re-position, and express your own artistic and fashion sense with these projects.

There is enough basic instructional information that this book could be successfully used by a beginning crocheter (all basic stitches are discussed and illustrated, as well as tools, materials, blocking and other finishing techniques), and also a particularly well-illustrated dictionary of stitch patterns at the back.  Sandwiched between them is a buffet of “delicious” project choices in Fashion, Accessories and items for the Home.  Each project has a beautiful photograph, clear (boxed) information on material requirements, suggested yarns, sizes and gauge, and excellent schematics wherever they apply.  An added bonus is that both the stitch diagrams and the written directions for each project are easy to read.  If you’re used to using one form of pattern, and wanting to learn the other without pain and frustration, this book is an excellent resource.

Careful attention has been paid to all the details, from the vibrant color and excellent photography, through clear diagrams accompanying the text directions, even to the built-in page markers to help you keep your place in two projects at once, or a project and a reference page.  Because of its wide appeal, this book would make an excellent gift to any crocheter, regardless of skill level.

After drooling my way through the whole book, I made a dozen or so of the flowers and leaves from the cover project… although I used different colors, different yarn, and used them to embellish a shell I had just finished crocheting.  I was happy with my results, and delighted with the way the book met my need of the moment.

Linda’s Introduction concludes with her toast to her readers:  “HERE’S TO CREATIVE CROCHETING!”  Certainly she has provided the inspiration and expertise to help us all achieve that aim! 

Pop Goes Crochet by Vicki Howell

by Andrea Truitt

 In Pop Goes Crochet, Vicki Howell,  allows the reader to literally play dress-up with projects inspired by a wide range of pop icons. Each designer has translated a pop icon and his or her characteristics into a project, sometimes more literally, sometimes using the icon merely as a starting point.  This is a book geared to younger crafters and touches on the concerns and goals found in the current craft resurgence: personal empowerment, ethical production practices, and sustainability. The projects are delightfully diverse.

The book’s layout echos Howell’s goal of gathering inspiration from the multitudinous elements of vernacular culture. Pages have a scrapbook/collage effect, with layered photos of the projects in various contexts and photo backdrops, the celebrities who inspired them, and the photo shoot for the book, all intermingled with text. 

Most notable for its cool, sophisticated look was the Marc Jacobs men’s sweater, designed by John Brinegar.  The Jacobs name evokes a clean yet sharp alternative style, and Brinegar lives up to it.  Another standout is the Clint Eastwood poncho, where Nikol Lohr has created a crocheted piece that, through felting, imitates a woven item.  She also uses felting for a larger-scale project, something one hardly ever sees.  The decoration at the neck and bottom edges captures the essence of Southwestern style and Clint Eastwood’s badass spaghetti western characters.  For women, Jeanette Sherritze’s Paris Hilton cover-up, with its meshwork and motifs, shines as a glamorous piece.  I’m also taken with the asymmetry and bobbles of Mary Jane Hall’s Heidi Blum scarf, which is bold and surprisingly versatile, to be worn with many outfits.   

However celebrity-inspired these projects may be, the book contains a variety of looks, sizes, and accessories, plus men’s and children’s clothing along with the requisite women’s fashions.  Old Hollywood, new Hollywood, high fashion, and funky fashion, this book has it all, in a very wearable way.  

Finishing Techniques for Crochet

The respected author/teacher Pauline Turner has created a valuable resource for the serious crocheter.  Turner and her publisher assume readers with intelligence and high standards -- a refreshingly enlightened attitude that would be welcome in more publications.  Pauline's knowledge is vast and deep, and there are many tips you won't find elsewhere.  For example, novel ways of increasing and decreasing on tall stitches to eliminate unsightly holes, a variety of ways to invisibly join yarns in the middle of the row, joining and seaming techniques for tricky items, short row darts, invisible color changes, pockets, and button-making. Doesn't that list make you want to run out and buy the book?  The instructions are very thorough for each topic, with good illustrative photos. Be sure to take classes with Pauline when she comes to the CGOA conference this summer, if you can. Her book will stay in a readily accessible spot on my bookshelf, and I plan to refer to it regularly. 

Uncommon Crochet

by Vashti Braha http://designingvashti.blogspot.com/

I welcomed writing a review of Uncommon Crochet because the book and I happen to be a good fit. I’ll tell you why up front so that you know where I’m coming from before I put on my more objective book reviewer’s hat.  The author and I seem to have had similar crochet beginnings—we had fiberliciously experimental childhoods in the early ‘70’s, for example. “Uncommon crochet” is precisely what I seek—fresh ways of seeing, designing, and using crochet. Also, I loved the years that I lived in Seattle, and Uncommon Crochet exudes Pacific Northwest style. I feel like I’m right there in front of Pike Place Market seeing the author carry her crocheted sisal market tote of fresh produce. 

Putting on my reviewer’s hat now and setting aside that very personal response, I discovered a thoroughly well-written and well-designed book.  It’s tastefully designed with a modern, earthy chic. The feel of the book is wholesome, clean, reassuringly confident; the pages are of high-quality heavy stock. Even the text is printed in earth tones that are soothing to the eye and do not sacrifice readability. Nearly all of the 25 projects are usable and decorative containers of every type (baskets, vases, totes, etc.), so the book has primarily a home décor focus (even the bags and totes are stylish room accents). 

Home décor project books are interesting to me on more than one level if they convey a compelling style vision, and this one does so with finesse. Values conveyed are an organic, straightforward approach, a life of richly textured simplicity, and an appreciation for low-tech craft as art.

Most crochet books follow a formula in which 30 or so pages explain the basics of crochet. Ms. Holetz displays an expertise in this section that obviously comes from real teaching experience. I’m sure it is also informed by her work as a professional technical editor of crochet books.

That’s two chapters out of six. The rest of the chapters “think outside of the box”. One focuses on crocheting with the uncommon materials used in the book, which are hemp, jute, sisal, leather, raffia, fabric strips, wire, non-craft string, and recycled materials. These are satisfyingly uncommon enough to find all in one book. All are natural materials and are fairly easy to locate; the Resources section at the end of the book is very helpful.  The final three chapters organize the projects according to design complexity. Chapter Four focuses on using the simplest crochet stitches and shapes to spotlight the rich textures of the materials. Standouts for me include the dramatic juxtaposition of a chunky jute mesh with a rich fabric lining, and the Patchwork Handbag that combines patches of stylish Japanese print fabric with hemp squares.

Chapter Five is a wonderful introduction to the designing process. This chapter alone caused me to wish that I had this book as a younger crocheter. There are too many memorable designs from this chapter to go into here but I must mention the glossy red leather containers!

In Chapter Six, “Experiment,” the author explains, “The projects in this chapter …were conceptualized, designed, and mastered through random experimentation. I include my advice here so you don’t have to learn the hard way like I did.” After having experimented myself with wire crochet, I can heartily recommend the “Playing With Wire” section. Also provided is refreshing advice for embellishing with beads, felting, and creating with crocheted mesh.

The scope of Uncommon Crochet is uncommonly vast, and Julie Armstrong Holetz accomplishes it masterfully. 

Tunisian Crochet: The Look of Knitting with the Ease of Crocheting

A wonderful addition to the meager list of books on this technique.  Tunisian crochet produces a very different fabric from regular crochet and many people don't realize how superior it can be for getting fabulous drape in wearables, especially when done with a large hook.  Sharon Silverman's book should do a lot to change the perception. The explanations of stitches are detailed and include much better than usual closeups showing how to execute various stitches. That's crucial when it comes to Tunisian, where a small change in hook placement results in an entirely different stitch. The sixteen projects include two vests, a duster, a baby dress, a felted purse, and pillows and throws.  Every project is a winner -- good-looking and well designed. The author uses several variegated yarns and shows how attractive they are in Tunisian. There are both closed and open work projects, and some that are reversible using complex stitches like Tunisian basketweave.  This book is a great resource for those who already love Tunisian crochet, and it will surely win some converts to the cause-- thanks Sharon!   (review by Dora Ohrenstein)

Afghans and Throws

Publisher Trafalgar Square has provided an outstanding hard cover book. On every level, it 's artfully done. The book design is superb, beautiful on every page, with great graphics and wonderful stitch details.  Paper quality, binding, and photographs, are all first class. The book is rich in content too. Roberts covers an exhaustive list of subjects. She writes very economically, imparting great quantities of quality information. For example, two pages on color work are brimming with color samples to stir invention, plus instructions on how to make cool little color tools to bring when yarn shopping.

Roberts' real agenda in this book is to teach how to design blocks.  In turn, the designing of blocks becomes a vehicle for looking at a great range of techniques:  applique, knitted and crochet lace, motifs, cables, cross stitch charts, mitred corners, filet lace, embroidery, chart-reading.  Finishing details too are included in great detail, covering decorative seams, working around corners, edgings, tassels, and beads. There also stitch dictionaries for knit and crochet, and more and more. It's overwhelming in the most pleasant way.

The book is aimed at knitters and crocheters, with rare equal emphasis on both. What I love so much is what it has to say about the reader it's aimed at.  That person is intelligent, with discerning taste and an appetite for beauty, yet is a voracious learner who wants lots more than pretty pictures. The somewhat techno style of the layout implies the reader is computer savvy, probably young.  A young tech savvy afghan maker, hmm.  Well, I'm none of the above but I'm grooving on it.  "Afghans & Throws" (the title may be the only weakness),  shows how concept and design come together in a really fine book.  (review by Dora Ohrenstein)

Crochet Bouquet

Suzann Thompson's book is an excellent contribution to the crochet flower genre, with some fifty different floral designs.  The colors are dazzling and lots of different yarns -- textured, fuzzy, variegated -- are used to great effect.  The book has a whimsical layout that contributes to a sense of fun.  Among the more unusual flowers are a sunflower, a calyx, a poppy, an orchid, mumsy, daffodil and columbine. The author's design savvy and creative ingenuity, are evident in all the patterns, as is her love for flowers. It's particularly nice to see several unusual designs for leaves, where generally there are limited choices.  Suzann is an accomplished fiber artist, who puts these lovely floral designs to great use adorning jeans, curtains, pillows and hats.  Inspiration galore can be found in these pages. (review by Dora Ohrenstein)

DON'T MISS SUZANN'S TUTORIAL ON MAKING FLORAL FABRIC - FREE -- IN THIS ISSUE. 

Crochet Techniques

Kirkpatrick, a well-known teacher in her Australian homeland, has created an outstanding learning tool filled with terrific projects.  The tone of the book is friendly and direct, it's very well organized, and the projects are creative ways to learn great chunks of crochet technique.  Each project is a sampler, with thirty or more different blocks in a specific technique, so that by the time you're done with the project you've taken an in-depth course. Anyone who wants to up their skill levels can benefit from any single project in this book, and if you do several, you're well on your way to expertise.  The projects are: Classic 36-Stitch Sampler, Hexagon Sampler, Jacquard 30-Motif Sampler, Tunisian Sampler Rug, and Crochenit Sampler Rug. They are all very handsome. There are great closeups of what seems like thousands of stitches, very clear diagrams and open, highly readable layout.  Every LYS should order this one and use it as a curriculum for stimulating crochet classes.  If every student buys the book, they'll have a whole new level of expertise among crochet clientele, wanting more and better yarn.