First, the facts:
Title: The Crocheter’s Companion: Revised and Updated
Author: Nancy Brown
Published by: Interweave Press, 2013
Pages: 131
Type: How To
Chapters:
1. Tools, Yarns, and Gauges
2. How to Read Crochet Instructions
3. Basic Crochet Stitches
4. Basic Crochet Techniques
5. Familiar Stitches and Favorites
6. Advanced Crochet Techniques
7. Motifs and Medallions
8. Tunisian Crochet
9. Decorative Finishings
10 Finishing Techniques
11 Helpful Hints and Troubleshooting
The In-Depth Look:
I love Interweave Press’s “companion” series of books–small-scale, spiral bound books filled with lots of detailed information about the basics of a craft. Great illustrations, basic (and advanced) techniques, and generally a great resource to stick in your bag to carry along wherever you go.
In this case, the book is the newly revised Crochet Companion. It’s hard-covered on the outside to protect it from travel woes as you cart it about, but spiral-bound on the inside, so it stays open to the page you need as you try to figure out a new technique. (Bonus points, too, for the spiral being inside the cover so that it doesn’t pose a tangle threat to any yarn in your bag.) Now, as to what about this makes it “revised and updated?” Without having one of the older copies, I can’t say for sure, but it’s filled with great detail about crocheting techniques, easy to use line-art for illustrations, and just generally well worth adding to your crochet library.
This review copy was kindly donated by Interweave Knits. Thank you!
First, the facts:
Title: Blueprint Crochet Sweaters: Techniques for Custom Construction
Author: Robyn Chacula
Published by: Interweave Press, 2013
Pages: 165
Type: Patterns
Chapters:
1. Classic Construction
2. Top-Down and In-the-Round Construction
3. Granny Motif Construction
4. Unique Construction
The In-Depth Look:
The author begins by saying that she wrote this book, “to take the mystery out of stitching sweaters and give you the confidence to create your beautiful sweaters.
The book is split into four, basic construction techniques and filled with an assortment of sweaters ranging from classic to innovative. I admit to having a pro-knitting bias where sweaters are concerned, so not all of these are sweaters I would be interested in making, but the creativity is a pleasure to see, and some of the designs are truly lovely.
This review copy was kindly donated by Interweave Knits. Thank you!
First, the facts:
Title: Crochet at Home: 25 Clever Projects for Colorful Living
Edited by: Brett Bara
Published by: Interweave Press, 2013
Pages: 143
Type: Patterns
Chapters:
1. Bright and Modern Living Room
2. Tranquil Bedroom
3. Colorful Kitschy Kitchen
The In-Depth Look:
Because every home needs hand-made accents, and why not make them fun? This book is filled with patterns for afghans, pillows, and more. There’s a ruffled teapot cozy, a sweet doorstop, fun buntings, covers for ottomans or footstools, rugs … pretty much everything you could think of that you might actually WANT in your home, but made fun and cheerful.
This review copy was kindly donated by Interweave Knits. Thank you!
First, the facts:
Title: Beastly Crochet: 23 Critters to Wear and Love
Author by: Brenda K. B. Anderson
Published by: Interweave Press, 2013
Pages: 167
Type: Patterns
Chapters:
1. Classic Monsters
2. Welcome to the Jungle
3. Skulls Were People Too
4. Myths(And Other True Stories)
5. Silly Monsters
6. My Own Personal Robot
The In-Depth Look:
Because who doesn’t love having a group of adorable fuzzy little monsters to make and play with?
This review copy was kindly donated by Interweave Knits. Thank you!
First, the facts:
Title: Crochet Stitch Dictionary: 200 Essential Stitches with Step-by-Step Photos
Author: Sarah Hazell
Published by: Interweave Press, 2013
Pages: 191
Type: Stitch Dictionary
Chapters:
1. Basic Stitches
2. Fans and Shells
3. Clusters, Puffs and Bobbles
4. Spikes
5. Relief Stitches
6. Mesh, Filet, and Trellis
7. Crossed and Interlocking Stitches
8. Waves and Crochet
9. Decorative Stitches
The In-Depth Look:
I love stitch dictionaries and this one is no exception. 200 stitches, clear photos, nicely organized … a good collection.
This review copy was kindly donated by Interweave Knits. Thank you!
