Crochetopedia review

The edition to hand was the UK edition as per the Dublin City Public Libraries edition.

Dublin City Public Libraries
Ravelry

The first thing that I really like about this book is that it's spiral bound, great for a reference book.  Starts with a history of Crochet.  It then moves onto a discussion of yarns and fibres, with a piece on yarn weights, equipment etc.  It even has a mention of where to measure a crochet hook.  Yarn labels are examined, yarn substitution and care are all covered, as are blocking and reading patterns.  The How-to even mentions left-handed crocheting (the advice of using a mirror is used), there is also a mention that this book is UK terminology and what the US terms are.  The descriptions of methods and stitches are detailed using drawings with supportive photographs.  There are almost 100 pages of introduction before any projects are discussed.  The words Worsted and Aran seem to be used interchangeably with some of the yarns.

The only way I think this book could be improved would be to have the page numbers associated with the skills alongside the skills list on the projects, and a bibliography.

Is it the only reference you will ever need? No. There is no one book that can offer everything, but it's a solid beginners book with a lot of jumping off points for a lot of techniques.  I would recommend it to beginners.

Projects are divided into Simple, Intermediate and advanced.  Each pattern comes with stitches and skills, yarn, measurement, notions and yarn alternatives.

The simple projects are

Square Pot Holder - could be done in a single colour but two colour allows you to hearn how to work with multiple colours.  Made in an Aran medium weight yarn.

Beanie Hat with Pom-pom - again some minor colourwork (I would use some of the alternative colour in the pom-pom myself.  This is pretty simple and easy enough, uses a worsted weight yarn.

Bow Headband - quite simple but can give a sense of pride, made in a worsted-weight yarn

Fingerless Gloves - made from side to side these have texture and are made in worsted/Aran yarn

Phone Cosy - made in worsted yarn, it's a chance to practice stripe colourwork.

Bobble Scarf - a chance to try texture, aran yarn

Baby Booties - this is a make a square and seam it for the shape, the original is in a DK yarn.

Motif decoration - another project that could be in any yarn, dependent on hook.  Original is in Worsted.

Arm Warmers - with the fashion for 3/4 length sleeves these are a useful bridge between bottom of sleeve and wrist made in a worsted weight yarn.
 

Flower Brooch - a felted project in a worsted weight wool

Amigurumi Russian Dolls - not nested dolls but like the nested dolls, enhanced with embroidery. Made in Sport-weight yarn these would be a good introduction to amigurumi.

Intermediate

Sampler Baby Blanket - Play with practice swatches using some of the patterns from the book or other books, make squares, join them together, use a single yarn to join, this is a good project to use up practice squares or spare yarn.  It uses worsted weight yarn but any yarn would do.  With some squares you might have to work it a few times to get the proper tension but with only about 20-22 stitches per square this isn't too hard.  The only thing not noted is to ensure that you don't mix yarn types, like pure wool and pure acrylic for ease of washing.

Chevron Rug - looks impressive, made in super bulky yarn and it does suggest using a hardwearing yarn, contrasting stripes.

Intarsia Cushion - a good learning tool to working in Intarsia, and pretty quick in a worsted weight yarn. Very Mondrian.

Lacy Beret - this one hits a bit of a button, it isn't very lacy, it starts with a small lacy motif and then works down in a solid pattern, which reduces the usefulness of the hat.  It's worked in a DK yarn.

Lace Scarf - worked to the middle and seamed, so both ends match, uses sportweight yarn

Starry Night place mat Plain worked mat with surface crochet on top. Uses worsted yarn.  While pretty I sometimes question the practicality of non-flat place mats.

Slippers - worked in worsted yarn, I would add a tip to research non-slip grips for painting or sewing on.

Felted Tote Bag - I am a big bag person, but this one is quite big. Also features no zip or closing mechanism, I'd be inclined to make the half-granny into a full granny and use half as a flap.

Honey Cat - worsted weight stuffed toy.

Little Hen - DK weight stuffed toy

Advanced Projects

Broomstick Lace Clutch - worsted weight, this is lined.

Beaded Earrings - with a bead this is a delicate piece and rather fun

Hairpin lace mobius wrap - made in a light or medium weight yarn this will expand the hairpin lace skills.

Lacy Cardigan - simple repeated clusters for this v-necked light cardigan.  Uses DK yarn.

Shell Top - small amount of shaping for this DK weight sleevless t-shirt.

Toe-up lacy socks - done in sock yarn.

Swirl thread bowl - spray starch is used to make this with 3ply yarn, you will also need a bowl form to finish.

Filet thread runner - has several elements of filet crochet in 3-ply yarn.

Tunisian Neck Warmer - two button to fasten bulky weight yarn using the Tunisian diagonal stitch.

Child's Unisex sweater - in the main quite basic but the contrast stripe features cable stitches to learn the technique.  Made in DK yarn.

The book closes out with a stitch directory, which isn't exhaustive but a good set of begining stitches.  It also has some motifs. 

They do mention Ravelry in the resources.  Many of the mentioned yarns are US brands.

Crochet with Flowers review

Cute and Easy Crochet with Flowers

Dublin City Public Libraries
Ravelry

This is an interesting idea, using floral motifs to create projects.

The book starts with section on how to crochet, which doesn't have a section on left-handedness and also appears to neglect to mention the difference between US and UK terminology.  It's divided in three sections: Starting out; Practice makes Perfect and Confident Crocheting.  There are basically two types of use of Floral motifs, applique and as part of the stitch.

Chapter 1: Starting Out.
Poppy Purse - a purse with a poppy motif in Aran yarn.

Kindle Cover - crocheted flat, seamed and lined with flower appliques, in sportweight yarn

Tote Bag - made in pieces, seamed and with appliqued flowers.  Aran weight yarn.

Rose Headband - this has been in and out of fashion and it's an Aran Weight, with an applied Rose.

Baby Beanie Hat - Another pattern with applied flowers in a 4 ply yarn.

Ear Flap Hat - small earflaps on this aran-weight hat with applied flowers and a contrast trim, this one is quite pretty.

Fingerless Gloves - fingerless gloves with a small trim of flowers in a contrast colour around the wrist.  Worked in Aran-weight yarn.

Bunting - triangular bunting in a DK yarn with a floral centre and linked by flowers.

Egg Cosies - again with applied flowers. worked in DK weight yarn.

Floral-edged Jam Pot Covers worked in DK yarn this is quite ornamental and would be suitable for gifts.

Pin Cushions nested flowers stuffed in DK yarn.

Hexagon Flower Throw work multiple hexagons in DK yarn this could be a good use of leftovers.

Pansy and Kittens - Cat toys with flowers applied.


Chapter 2: Practice Makes Perfect
Butterfly and Blossom Key Ring- worked in Cotton Glace this is a set of key-ring charms.

Blossom Necklace a fine necklace worked in DK yarn that is reminiscent of Daisy chains.

Flower Garland - a series of flowers on a chain in DK

Shelf Edging - a shelf edging with flowers along it in a 4-ply yarn.

Floral Shell Stitch Cushion Cover - fairly simple cushion with bouquet of flowers in the centre in Aran yarns.

Tablecloth - flowers are used as weights in each corner, DK yarn.

Lido Swimming Cap Tea Cosy Aran weight yarn used double for the body and then decorated with multicoloured Flowers, just like an old-fashioned swimming cap.

Crown-edged Cushion Cover it's like a granny square but with multicoloured centre and plain around until the edging which is in a crown-like edging.

Place Mats - using a heavy cotton yarn these circular mats have applied flowers in a finer yarn.

Oven Cloths - floral centres on these lined oven cloths.

Buggy Blanket squares created and then connected together, done in dk weight yarn.

Chevron and Daisy Scarf - Rows of colour interrupted with a few rows of a contrast and then embellished with flowers, made in an Aran weight yarn.

Beaded Craft Kit Roll - Catherine Wheel stitch in two colours with beading in a DK weight yarn.

Baby Blanket a shell stitch blanket in a dk weight yarn with an edging embellished with flowers.

Chapter 3: Confidence Crocheting

Brooch - a flower made into a brooch made in a dk yarn.

Floral Bag - multiple flowers make up this bag that's then lined.  Made in DK yarn.  The flowers are each created separately before, making it easy to connect them.

Daisy Scarf - worked in squares in a sportweight yarn and then joined.

Floral Lace Scarf - a flower edged shawl worked in a fine mohair yarn.  Edged with flowers in a variety of sizes.

Vintage-style Vase Coaster - doileys worked in dk weight yarn. in multiple colours.

Round Rose Cushion - multiple roses worked in Aran-weight yarn and then attached to a croceted backing.

Gypsy Queen Throw - DK weight yarn in multiple colours, worked in squares and crocheted together with a loop edging.

Wash Cloths - floral centered wash cloths in DK cotton yarn. There are three, a Blossom Burst Cloth; Flower Square Cloth (with a 3-d flower); and a Petal edged circle, which is both centered with a flower and edged with a petal like edging.

It's a good book of designs which aren't too complex but do have a good result, many of them involve a lot of finishing. Many of them are too flouncy for my taste but they're quite nicely done if that's your taste and you're happy with a fair amount of sewing.

As usual this was borrowed from Dublin City Public Libraries who offer no inducement to write these others than supply plus my wage.

Scanned Crochet books

From 1911 Irish Crochet Lace by Sara Hadley

Priscilla Irish Crochet Book ed. by Eliza A Taylor from 1912.

I may update this post from time to time with more Irish Crochet books that are available online.

Hook, Yarn and Crochet review

Hook Yarn and Crochet

Dublin City Public Libraries

Ravelry

This book starts with a description of how-to crochet, UK terms, I didn't see a US conversion list. There was also nothing I could see about left-handed crochet (which is how I roll)

The patterns are divided in three sections: Accessories; Homewares and Gifts and Decorations  

Accessories
The patterns start with Boot Toppers in a DK weight yarn.
Pompom Hat is next in Chunky yarn
A Shells Collar in 4-ply yarn.
Covered Bangles in a 4-ply yarn.
More 4-ply yarn in the Wavy Scarf, a good use for three shades of a 4-ply yarn
Wrist warmers in a worsted yarn have a contrast edging.
A chunky yarn Tablet case is relatively simple and would be a good padded cover and would be easily adapted for size.
The Jute shopper is a useful hand-held bag, I prefer my shopping bags to have longer handles but this looks useful. A cotton edging on the handle might be useful to protect hands.

Homewares
Clock - crocheted in rounds in two shades of 4-ply yarn
Pot Stand - in Jute twine
Drum Lampshade - in a DK cotton yarn
Storage Basket in a super-chunky yarn
Granny Throw in 4-ply yarn using multiple shades work 4 rows each with the final row in black sewn together and then edged in black.
Tea-light cuffs worked in 4-ply cotton yarn covers for tea-light holders
Pebbles - covers on pebbles worked in 4-ply as decorations.

Gifts and Decorations
Daisy Chain a decorative, very spring-like garland worked in 4-ply yarn
Bunny Toy 4ply yarn makes a bunny
Star Garland more 4-ply makes an 8pointed star garland, could be very Christmassy
Snowflakes 4 ply yarn again, good as gifts and as decorations.
Love heart a stuffed heart.

an interesting set of patterns that would be quite good for a beginner as many of them aren't really dependent on tension so would be useful practice.

As usual, I got this book in Dublin City Public Libraries who offer me no inducement to write these other than providing me with books and a salary.

Review of Crochet Unravelled

Book Depository Link; Ravelry Link; Dublin City Public Libraries

Claire Bojczuk

This is a very good, ambidexterous guide to Crocheting.  The instructions are clearly done for both left and right handed crocheters, side by side, down to a clearly illustrated granny square done by both left and right-handed crocheters.  A breath of fresh air for those of us who need instructions for left-handed use (now if she'd only shown crab stitch, trying to work that out left-handed was a head-wrecker.

The book is divided into two parts, the instructions and the projects, and the projects are simple and good starter pieces.  Usefully, right beside the illustrations of the projects in the centre of the book you have instructions for reading charts on one side and UK/USA terminology and hook size with suggested yarn weight alongside.

Projects include a Bracelet, (illustrated inside the cover) simply made with a plaited edge, the instructions are both written and charted.

Hair Scrunchie (also illustrated inside the cover)- again written and charted instructions

Bottle Bag (also illustrated inside the cover)- another one charted and written

A Daisy Facecloth is a modification to a granny square with a picot edging, charted except the centre, also written.

Love Heart Soap Sachet - charted and written

Traditional booties - charted and written

Cobweb Cover is a blanket and is written and charted.

Flower Cushion  - motifs sewn together to create a cushion.  Could be made in two sets of colours for variety. - charted and written

Chevron Scarf - is a pretty scarf that would lend itself well to all sorts of yarn - charted and written

Skullcap, a hat that starts from the centre and works down so would be adaptable for a variety of yarns and adaptable to make it bigger if necessary.  Again charted and written.

Tee-shirt edgings uses beeds and is edging that could be used anywhere.

It's a good basic starter book and also would be useful as a reference for more experienced crocheters, a worthwhile book for most crocheters libraries.

I got this copy from Dublin City Public Libraries where I work, who don't offer me any inducement other than access to the titles and my wages.

Tunisian Crochet book review

Book Depository; Ravelry Link

This is quite a good book on the topic of Tunisian Crochet with clear photographs about the methods and a lot of projects, it is one that I will seriously consider buying for myself.

It starts out with a basic crochet skills section and then a very clear section on the techniques of Tunisian Crochet with very clear photographs, there possibly should be a few very simple dishcloth patterns in here to gell the techniques but the projects following are quite interesting.

The first project is Chain Mail Scarf   using two strands of yarn held together and tunisian purl stitch throughout.

Wild and Woolly Wrap uses a thick and thin yarn and a bias style to create a wrap, an interesting blend of pattern and yarn

Honeycomb Skirt uses a cotton/viiscose yarn in a multicolour blend to create an interesting skirt.

Shimmer Shawl blends tunisian crochet and other techniques to create an interesting shawl that has open and more closed spaces.

Ivory Shell is a simple sleeveless top with a waist tie and a textured stitch

Ladders and Lattice Duster is an open cardigan with more open sleeves, the sleeves are worked from the top down.  It's an interesting piece

Felted clutch introduces felting to the mix.

Warmhearted vest is what folks this part of the pond would call a tank top, with a simple v-neck this looks knitted

Hug-a-licious Jumper is a girls overdress, gym slip style, sleeveless. Meant for small girls.

Big Sister Sweater is a jumper done in Tunisian Net Stitch, which looks very interesting.

Toben's Pillow is a simple tunisian simple stitch cushion

Sweet Dreams Baby Blanket is an interesting textured blanket

Frosted Stitch Afghan is another interesting use of stitches to create an interesting pattern

Have it both ways pillow is a cushion with two sides which are slightly different

Foam Follows Function Ottoman Cover uses a super bulky yarn used three strands at a time and a 22mm needle!

Mardi Gras Placemats uses different stitch patterns and colourwork to create a variety of mats, from simple to complicated.  Interesting work.

The book finishes up with the Yarn standards sizing and yarn weights guidelines and some resource information.

Overall a good book for people wanting to explore Tunisian Crochet more.  I would be tempted to buy it.

This book was obtained from South Dublin Public Libraries via Borrowbooks into Dublin City Public Libraries where I work.  Dublin City Public Libraries pay my wages but offer me no inducements to write these reviews.

Review: Cool Stuff: Teach me to Crochet

Book Depository, Dublin City Public Libraries, Ravelry

Cool Stuff: Teach me to Crochet by Leisure Arts Originally published in 2002 and aimed at the Teen/Children audience.

The book opens with some very clear photographs of how to proceed with left-handed instructions.
They start with some Daisies after learning how to do chains and suggest some uses.  This is a fairly simple, nicely done.

 Next project is a loopy hair scrunchy. Simple and straightforward.

 Spiral coaster comes next which shows how to count stitches and using a stitch marker/

 Expanding from the Spiral coaster there's a soft drink cozy, all of these are worked with single crochet.

 Half double crochet is introduced and a Round Pillow project.

A Ruffled Hair Scrunchie helps to introduce double crochet.

A curlicue key chain helps expand skills.

 A striped scarf uses only the chain and single crochet and hides the ends with a fringe.

 A floppy hat is the next project, this introduces the importance of gauge.

 A dog's toy ball is next up, in different sizes.

A Cat's Toy fish is up next

 A cotton dishcloth starts small and increases.

 A CD Holder or small bag is next.

 A Ripple Lap Warmer is the last project

 There are some pages at the back with US vs UK terms and US hook sizes vs Metric. There are also some reminders about the stitches with some very clear photographs, again with clear left-handed instructions. The back cover of the book also features a ruler.

For a beginning kid this isn't a bad book at all, in fact it's not a bad book for many ages. Teens may find it a bit kiddish but overall it's a good gentle introduction to crochet.

 Obtained from Dublin City Public Libraries who pay me my wages but offer no inducement to write these.

Rowan Crochet Workbook review

Crochet Workshop - Rowan (Book Depository Link)
Ravelry Link
Dublin City Public Libraries have copies which is where I picked up my copy

Text links are to the patterns on Ravelry.
The presentation of this book is quite good, spiral bound makes it easier for beginners, however it's not a book for left-handed crocheters.  Right-handedness is assumed and there's no real mention of using a mirror or that it's possible to crochet left-handed.

The edition I read is the one on the Amazon.co.uk site and it was in UK crochet terms with a note about the US terms and conversion notes.

Workshop one takes you through some stitches like slip-stitch, double, half-treble, trebles and double trebles you then have a four-stitch coaster practice piece.

Workshop 2 - Stripes are explained next followed by a mixed-yarn striped scarf

Edgings are explored, with some simple patterns, a discussion of edging other fabrics with crochet.

Seaming comes up next, with a patchwork cushion cover to practice crochet seams.

Workshop 3 brings in shaping and working in the round, and some simple flowers. Project four is a Cloche hat with a flower.

Afghan Squares are explored with a couple of different types, often referred to as Granny Squares.  Project five is a Wagon wheel throw, with 188 motifs needing sewing up afterwards.

Workshop 4 takes you through creating textures, lace and some colourwork.  Project six is a crochet belt, covered in crocheted flowers.  Colourwork is used in some variety for the felted pots.

Workshop 5 is about garments and finishing. Project eight is a Baby Matinee Jacket, project 9 is a baby dress. After a piece about finishing with crochet button techniques and pocket techniques there's a woman's cardigan in a very simple stitch.  Short sleeved and made in pieces.

Workshop 6 is about embelishing crochet. Beads, felting and embroidering.  Project 11 is a crocheted necklace with beads. Project 12 is a felted bag with corsage, sewn after felting.

Most of the yarns used in the projects are dk or lighter.

Apart from the caveat about left-handed crocheters it's not a bad book, if you were looking to get into crochet it would be a good lead-in and after doing the projects you would have a good idea of what you were doing with a hook.  The photographs are clear but I don't think that they use enough of how Crochet can be done three-dimensionally, seams are ever-present where perhaps they aren't absolutely necessary.

Lucky Finds

I collect knitting and crochet books and sometimes I find things that surprise me.  One day I was in an Oxfam and I found a book that kinda interested me, so I flicked through it.

Interesting but perhaps not completely my thing, wondering was there anything on Irish Lace I opened it up...

wondering how the heck the loose crochet, and it's terribly fine crochet, stayed in.  I kept going, there were a few things as bookmarks including this, I suspect handkerchief holder with some very fine crochet edging.



I was also reminded me of a lucky find in a Society of St Vincent de Paul shop in Phibsboro.

Looking at it, I was curious.
The side says 1 euro each.... 

I think I gave them more than they quoted me.
These are the non-ball items.  I suspect that the blue crochet hook is early plastic, and is cut according to my husband rather than moulded as you tend to get today, and there's a very fine but very pitted hook among the items (size 4 Cross Fox Brand), it almost looks like it has been made by a blacksmith.  The Aero Stitch holder suggests that this fine crocheter was also a knitter.
 
I'm going to have to reverse engineer the motifs, or see if they're in one of my crochet books and try to finish what this crocheter started, or possibly just fasten them off and have them mounted in some way but I suspect they were going to be something and that would be more what the artist would have liked.

These aren't my only charity shop finds but the two of them have a special place in my heart.

Gentle Art of Knitting Review

Book Depository Link: Ravelry Link

Impressions: Apparently her blog Yarnstorm (the posts about yarn/knitting) is quite popular, it now appears to be more about photography and food than knitting.  Her philosophy of Gentle knitting is mostly mindless knitting, the kind of knitting that you can put your brain in idle for.  And sometimes that's perfect knitting.  It's the knitting you do when your brain is working overtime and needs to focus on what it's thinking of rather than knitting but the knitting helps keep you distracted.  On the other hand, it's also an easy place to stay and not stretch your wings occasionally.  She talks about unfinished objects sitting in black plastic bags in her attic that are wrong, this can happen and I've sometimes thought in despair about never knitting another garment but if you don't learn from your mistakes then they're wasted energy, learning is what's important.

This is a 102 book, or maybe a 201 book (101 being basic starter stuff); some of these patterns would be some challenge for a beginner but many of them are pretty basic.  The bibliography, though is quite good.  It's scattered throughout the book and often related to the text.  Also note that measurments throughout are in cm.

Types of patterns: mostly accessories

Colour/Black & White: Colour photographs, colour charts, no charting for anything else.

Schematics: no

Target Audience: Intermediate to almost intermediate knitters

How to knit guide: No

Experimental/Classical/Modern: Fairly classical.

Comments on patterns:

Red Wine and port socks are socks with cables running down the leg and along the top of the foot, the heel is a plain knit heel.  They're not bad socks.  Knit in Madeline Tosh "Tosh Sock" on 2.75mm needles

Plaited Bread Cables - 3 pieces a Blanket knit in a chunky yarn with blanket stitch edging this is a nice piece and fairly fun.  Knit in Blue Sky Alpacas Bulky with a contrast edging, with 15mm needles.  A Rug knit in Cascade Magnum with a 15mm needle and lastly a cushion, knit in Cascade Magnum too with 12mm needles.

Big Woolly Jumper is a ragland shaped jumper  knit in pieces with a reverse stocking stitch bottom edge and cuffs and a floppy neck.  Knit in Debbie Bliss Donegal Luxury Tweed Chunky and not worn in the book.  I'm not sure about the Collar, I'd knit it in the round, actually I'd knit the whole thing in the round, possibly from the top down.  Seams? Who needs them for this sort of thing.  This has a lot of ease.  A friend pointed out that in fact this isn't designed by her, it's designed by an unnamed friend.

Simple Squishy slouchy hats two hats, knit flat with seams, one with a single reverse stocking stitch detail the other with 10 rows each of stocking stich and reverse stocking stitch.  Both in Blue Sky Alpacas Melange with 3.75mm needles.

Literary Hotties  Inspired by vintage Penguin Paperbacks these are hot-water bottle covers. Knit in Aran (Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran) with 6mm needles.

Buttercup and mustardseed fluted rib scarves  The scarves are basically the same scarf but with a minor variation, using a small amount of contrast yarn to edge and then a double sided pattern one with 35 stitches and another with 43 stitches.  Knit with 5mm  or 6mm needles.

Simple, plain dishcloth - a garter stitch dishcloth started and finished with a contrast yarn.  DK cotton yarn with 4mm needles.

Soft facecloths - 5mm needles and garter stitch with stripes make this up, originals knit in Blue Sky ALpacas Worsted Cotton in two colours.

Natural Linen Aprons:Striped Apron Checked Apron  Using linen yarn for the striped apron (Euroflax Linen) with 3.25mm needles with a moss stitch border for stability, this is pretty nice.  The Checked Apron is in Rowan Cotton Glace in 3.25mm with a broken checkered stripe.  Could be adapted. I'd make sure it's in washable yarn.

Toothpaste and toothbrush washbag with Blusher and Mascara Bag.  Small bags for holding whatever, knit in DK Cotton (Debbie Bliss Cotton DK) with 3.75mm needles in a variety of sizes, seamed along the side.

Floral Tea Cosy and Tea Cosy hat - The Tea cosy is knit in Aran-weight yarn, with 4.5mm needles. The hat is a Brioche Stitch hat that almost looks like a tea cosy but is knit with only one seam to be fully closed.  I would be inclined to knit the hat in the round.

Five stripy Tea Cosies the traditional style of the three-d ribbed style with dark contrast, the smaller ones are done with just a garter stitch stripe.

Faberge Egg Cosies - decorated with beads, this is a ribbed cosy, and could be used for the Innocent Smoothies! DK or 4ply weight yarn with 3.25 or 4mm needles.

Green and blue finger gloves - the only real difference is the decoration.  Knit with Cashmerino with 3mm and 3.25mm needles.

Wheel of colour cushion - using short rows to create wedges and with a contrast yarn between each wedge this is a DK yarn and knit with 3.25 and 3.75mm needles.  You could use a variety of yarns to make it.

Covered clothes hangers - two diferent covers, one in garter stitch  and another with a fancier pattern that would be nice with lingerie.  Knit in DK yarn with 4mm needles.

Bunting pennants made and connected with a ric-rac ribbon.  Dk yarn with 4mm needles.

Stripy socks Using self-striped yarn, back of heel knitted plain, top down, with tapered toe and three-needle bind-off.  Knit in sock weight yarn with 2.5mm needles. To be honest this isn't really colourwork, this is using already coloured yarn in a plain pattern, nothing wrong with this, but nothing earthshaking and readily available online.

Sea Glass Chevron scarf (she has another Sea Glass Scarf on Ravelry that isn't this pattern) - knit a chevron pattern with DK yarn with 4 rows of a neutral yarn and 2 of a different colour, the original is in shades of blue for the stripes and cream background.

Planets cushion uses hand-painted yarn against a contrasting yarn to create splashes of colour, based on her earlier jelly-bean cushion pattern.  This is knit in DK yarn with 4mm needles.

Crochet starburst flower square Crochet squares with a variety of colours, aran weight yarn and a 5mm hook, you could probably use left-overs and build it over time, provided you got a lot of the edge colour

School colours scarf and blanket, by knitting scarves, you would eventually knit enough of them to knit a blanket worth.  Knit in Double Moss Stitch in Aran weight or DK weight with 4.5 or 4mm needles. Has a bobble edging.

Art deco crochet blanket - chevron patterned, aran weight with 4.5mm needles. You could make it with different widths but you could vary this depending on your yarn.

String of purls cushion using ususual pattern to create some unusual patterning without having any yarn carrying over.  Buttoned in the back.

Life on the open wave scarves using an openwork pattern to create an interesting pattern.  Drapy yarns suggested.  Using a 4.5mm needle or 5mm needle depending on the yarn used, original yarns were Habu Lamb/Linen or Tilli Thomas Disco Lights.

Moss stitch scarf a moss stitch and stripes biased scarf. in Aran Weight yarn with 5mm needles or DK with 4mm

Chanel-Style Bag a moss stich aran (used double) or chunky yarn used together with Kidsilk Haze with 6.5mm needles and a moss sitch pattern.  Small bag using plastic needles

Buy/Borrow: It's a particular aesthetic, and not a bad book for beginners or intermediate knitters, nothing is all that complicated but I have other books that have pretty much the same patterns, so it wouldn't be a useful addition to my library, your mileage may vary.

I've been talking about it with some friends, there are a few issues that I didn't really think about when I was reviewing it.  Thinking back part of my "not for me" was her lifestyle assumptions.  Needled's review struck a nerve and I have to say that yes, sometimes reading books like this make me break out in a feeling of being not quite female/womanly/domestic/content enough.  

I suppose it's an attitude of mind that leads to this.  I'm an advocate of sometimes allowing yourself to read/knit/cook where your brain is mostly in idle.  But sometimes you also need to break yourself out of the comfort zone and try something that makes you twitch, swear and break complacency.  You should be asking yourself why your knitted garments don't fit instead of allowing yourself to ignore it as a problem.

Where found: Dublin City Public Libraries has copies.

I have updated this post, please see the bold and italicised text as updated text today 27th November 2011.

Review of Crocheted Wraps & Throws

Ravelry Link

Published in the UK as Crocheted Throws and Wraps and the US as Crocheted Afghans

Impressions: Meh overall.  Some of the pieces aren't bad but they're really not making me want to crochet them.  Soem of them look rather insubstantial and wouldn't appeal to me for throws or shawls.  Overall it didn't speak to me.  I think part of the problem may have been the photography and settings.

Types of patterns: Piecework in crochet.

Number of Patterns: 25

Colour/Black & White: Colour

Schematics: no

Target Audience: it all looks like pretty basic stuff, the advantage with this sort of thing is that once you get the single blocks or the length roughly correct you can just make it bigger or smaller to suit.

How to crochet guide: yes, but the difference between UK and US terms isn't explained

Experimental/Classical/Modern: Pretty classical pieces

Comments on patterns: The first chapter is Vintage Style and they start with a Cream Comforter, pictured on a table, not what I'd use for a table is a piece with raised pieces.  Made in Debbie Bliss Rialto DK (11 balls).

The Pale Green Textured Blanket is pretty simple, crocheted in one piece, with puff stitches, made in Debbie Bliss Como (22 balls).

The Circular Coverlet is first show as a shawl on a model, inspired by a vintage Doily.  Made in Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran (19 balls).

The Shetland-Style Shawl uses the shetland idea and makes a shawl with it in crochet.  You could probably knit the center and crochet the outside, it's an interesting take on the Shetland blanket style.  Knit in Baby Alpaca or Pure Wool DK (7x50g)

Puffs Baby Blanket - many, many puffs joined to make a blanket, the baby blanket requires 35g of colour A; 60g of colour B & C; 45g of colour D, E & F and 50g of G in 4ply.  It notes that for every 10 puffs you will need 20g of yarn.

Argyll Afghan - worked initially like a parge colourwork granny square style affair from side to side with applied overchecks.  This needs 9x 50g balls of Sirdar balmoral in 4 colours.

Gingham Blanket - a dense baby blanket worked in three colours and then edged, 8 x50g balls of Sublime Extra Fine Merino DK

Chapter 2: American Dream

Shaker-Style Throw - now the yarn isn't identified but it's a Silk Mohair and Wool Mix Aran weight in Random Shaded Grey (7x50g balls) and my mind is suggesting Noro.  While this is an interesting homespun look, it doesn't say quaker to me, it isn't dense or practical enough.  Also the squares aren't joined as you go but joined at the end.

Navajo Blanket center star and radiating saw-tooth borders.  Inspired by Navajo design this one needs 18 balls of pure aran wool weight yarn in 6 different colours, done in pieces that are fastened together.


Seminole-Style Blanket - two strips that are then joined together; needs 14 balls of pure wool dk.

Sunshine & Shadow Throw, working in alternative squares of bright dark and light colours in a diamond pattern and then a plain border this usess dk yarn (wool rich); 270g of a, 65g of b, h; 50g c, e, g; 100g d, f; 200g I it would be aproximate though you could work with scraps of yarn depending on how much you had and work with filling in with approximate colours.

Log Cabin Coverlet - an interesting lesson in colour use and how to change colours in a round uses DK cotton yarn, 100g of A; 30g of B & C; 40g in D & E; 50g in F&G

Crazy Patchwork throw. Flowers are made square - about 170g of dk yarn in a mix of colours, this one could use up a lot of leftovers.


Chapter 3: Outside Inside
Rainbow Baby Blanket - strips joined and then with a rainbow sequence edging. - dk yarn 60g of A&B (red & Orange); 40g of (C, D, F) Yellow; Green & Violet; 90g in shades of blue (E) and 100g in Navy which is used as the edging.

Flower Garden Throw - Aran yarn made in hexagonal flowers and then joined - 11 x 50g balls in a variety of colours

Wild Flower Throw - flowers made from triangles and then set into squares and then worked together. Done in DK weight yarn with a single background colour and could be used to use up almost matching reds and pinks.

Roses and Daisies Throw - this one could be used to use up scraps with a solid background. 400g of a mix of dk yarn and 8x50g of background yarn.

Seascape Wall Hanging - this is a brown and blue hanging that echoes a seascape, as it's a hanging you could use any sort of yarn for this.

Landscape Play Blanket - a patchwork blanket
 making fields, hills and sky for children to play with animals with.  Done in a variety of dk greens with some yellow and blue scattered in.

Chapter 4 is Around the World
Tartan Blanket - bands of colour with grids of holes to weave contrast colours through.  Done in DK yarn with 11 balls of dk yarn this could be one to for those who follow their clan tartan

African Beads Circular throw - inspired by tribal circular beadwork patterns.  USing a contrast background to highlight the pseudo-beads, done in aran weight yarn, you would need 10 balls of yarn for this.

Scandinavian Sampler Throw - a red and white throw is cross stitched with red; 7 balls of 50g dk yarn

Aran-style throw - all in cream this is actually done in Aran Weight yarn - you will need 7x100g balls.  There is a mock fringing which is quite effective.

Kelim Carpet runner - this makes me think more of New Mexican designs rather than more Turkish designs but we have here eight pointed stars in octagons joined in a strip. Aran yarn and you would need 7x100g balls for this, split over 5 colours

Indigo Ikat Throw - diamonds in the centre with chevrons coming off them in strips. a variety of blues, whites and creams dk weights

Buy/Borrow: I was a little underwhelmed; but this would be a great stashbusting book.  Several of the designs look more ornamental than warming to me, I'd borrow to see what you think.

Where found: Dublin City Public Libraries has copies.

Crocheting for Dummies (2nd Edition)

Ravelry Link (actually for the first edition but the patterns look the same); Book Depository Link

Impressions: While it uses US terms it does note the difference between US and UK terms.  This book concentrates on the basics, there aren't very many garments here but there are a lot of other patterns, the basics and this is where this book is quite good.  The diagrams are clear and I would think that this would be a valuable basic knowledge book for Crochet.  There's a guide to crochet stitch diagrams as well, that takes you through simple to more complicated.

Types of patterns: hats, bags, scarves, dishcloths, jumpers, amigurumi, cushions, blankets, towel and accessories to name a few.  It has several basic patterns that would lend themselves to experimentation.  Sadly while it does list a few variations on crochet it lacks a bibliography that would allow you to move on.  The back lists ravelry, Crochetme and Crochetville and lists Crochet! magazine and Interweave Crochet and the Crochet Guild of America but lists very few non-US sources.

Colour/Black & White: mostly black and white with a colour insert with most of the patterns.

Schematics: yes for the garments

Target Audience: beginners and I could also see it being a useful as a reference work.  I have several others that would do the same job but I was starting out again this would be high on my to buy list.

How to Crochet guide: yes

Experimental/Classical/Modern: mostly classical stuff.

Comments on patterns: The book teaches you some basics and then offers up some projects, like dishcloths, that would be pretty easy as starters and then works it's way up to garments, which are worked in one piece

Buy/Borrow: It would be a useful reference work for most folks, particularly if you plan to design for the US market.  It's pretty basic though, so if you already have a work that fills this gap, I'd borrow first before buying.  It's biased towards the US so don't rely on it for Yarn sources, magazines or associations.

Where found:  Dublin City Public libraries has a few copies.

Needlecraft Book Review

Bookdepository Link

Types of patterns: Guide to rather than pattern book

Colour/Black & White: Colour throughout


Target Audience: Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced/mixed: more towards beginner but some guides to other methods

How to knit guide: yes, and how to crochet too. (as well as Embroidery, Needlepoint, Patchwork, Applique and Quilting)

Experimental/Classical/Modern: Pretty classical stuff

Comment: this is a manual book rather than a pattern book, it starts with a section on Knitting and then Crochet and then the other mentioned techniques (which it covers pretty much the same as the knitting and crochet, this is a knitting blog so I'm skipping the other three sections). Both sections start with tools and materials, and some of the details are almost identical. The photographs are large and clear. This is written in UK english with UK terms (i.e. stocking stitch for Stockingette, there may be differences in the US edition). After showing a few ways to cast on, it shows a few plain stitch patterns and then more complex. All are clearly photographed in a low-fuzz yarn and very clear. Then it has a few flower patterns, then cables and twists (twists it works without a cable needle) Then they give some cable stitch examples. Next up is lace with some examples of yarns for lace and some samples, both written out and charted. Then colourwork, with colourwork slip stitch patterns, and some examples. Then there's advice on following patterns and hoow to read them. Embelishment is next, embroidery, bead knitting and edging. Then circular knitting. There's a chapter on knitting toys with a knitted monkey, which is worked in the round. Felting is the next chapter and then knitting with unusual yarns.

The section on crochet is largely the same, this book is in UK terms and it's not until you're into the stitch techniques portion of the section that you find this out and find the difference! There are some minor differences in the chapters, Wire crochet is included.

The end of the book has a chapter on needlework care, the patterns for the knitted monkey and crocheted dog are included on pages 388-389 at the back of the book, while I understand why this is I think it would have been better to include the patterns nearer the projects. Ravelry and some other useful sites are included as well under useful websites.

Sally Harding provides the text for the Knitting and Crochet chapters.

Buy/Borrow: for me I have everything in it but it would be a good book for someone looking to get into various needlework, the pictures are clear and well done.

Where found: Dublin City Public Libraries has several copies.

Wrapped in Crochet Review

Book Depository Link Ravelry Link


Types of patterns: Scarves, Wraps & Shawls

Number of Patterns: 18: Scarf: 6; Wrap: 4; Ruana: 1; Shawls: 7

Split of patterns: Women

Size Range: One size pretty much fits all for most of these; 30-42" for the garments that need sizing, though they don't require much sizing.

Colour/Black & White: Colour, diagrams enhanced with colour for clarity

Schematics: Yes for those that require it, several patterns also have extra diagrams for clarity of construction

Target Audience: Intermediate to advanced. You'd need to have some idea of following crochet diagrams but there's nothing terribly complicated.

How to Crochet guide: The standard guide as usually provided in Interweave Crochet Magazine

Experimental/Classical/Modern: It's not all that experimental some are fairly classic.

Comments: I did want to like this book. Some of the ideas intrigued me and made me want to try things out but it seems to fall a bit flat. Don't get me wrong, there were several patterns that made me pause but nothing really begged me to reach for my crochet hook. The photographs don't always show the items in enough detail to make an educated guess about how they would look (I read a review online that suggested looking at Ravelry for better photographs, while I would do that as a matter of course, that's not the point, the photographs are not good enough). Sometimes the finishing isn't quite what I'd expect from a professional publication.

All pattern links below are to Ravelry
It's divided into three sections, Scarves, Wraps and Shawls.

Scarves
Labyrinth opens the book, a scarf, this kinda bugged me, it didn't look quite finished, it's a log cabin motif one and sewn together.


Blaze is a row of corkscrews linked together at intervals to keep it stable. Includes notes on variations to make it larger.

Heidi - a woven and braided scarf - this is interesting, cables formed by weaving crocheted ribbons in two contrast colours into a mesh of a background colour. You could create all sorts of knotwork with this.

Starlet - Boa Scarf - large yarn, large hook, loops.

Ivy - Standard chevron pattern, nice yarn, repeat until you have several feet of it.

Tressa is an interesting hairpin lace scarf. Three strips linked in chevrons this is one of the few that attracted me as I have some beautiful ribbon yarn looking for a pattern.

Wraps

Gali - infinity motif wrap - case in point about photographs, in no picture do you get to see the infinity motif in it's full glory, it sounded interesting but it let me down

Zeena - Tunisian Ruana - looks interesting - one of the few I looked at with interest and thought about doing, I do plan to learn Tunisian Crochet at some stage and this would be a piece I would seriously attempt.

Ayla - Circular Wrap with sleeves - a sprial wraps it's way around the back and then it's finished off with a hem, bell sleeves and a collar, lots of extra yarn flaring around your waist would need the right person to pull this off, and I'm not the right person for this.

Prima Ballerina - Lacy Cardi Wrap - again I'm let down by the pictures, I would never wear something with a knot tied in front and there is a suggestion of wearing it open but apart from some pictures with the model clutching at it from the front and a side picture, there's nothing to show how it would look or drape.

Geisha - Wrap with tiered edging - openwork mesh with tiers of edging at the ends.

Shawls

Guinevere - broomstitch lace centres this piece and then it's edged with regular openwork. The only photograph of the back is a half-shot that doesn't really show how it looks, the broomstitch is supposed to be the pivot of this piece.

Maya - Medallion Triangular Shawl - plain shawl with medalions edging it, not a bad piece but it looks like it could do with some sort of patterning occasionally to break up the double/treble crochet.

Stella Circular Shawl - circular motif edged with mesh - this resembles an enlarged doily and while quite interesting just didn't grab me.

He Loves me He loves me not - Shawl with flower petal tiers- crochet a fairly basic shawl, add in fru-fru edging every few rows, not my style.

Farrah - Lacy Shawl with fringe - spiderweb shawl in a bamboo tape yarn it's fairly standard fare

Mother Nature - Triangle Square Shawl - it's pretty much a Granny square shawl, with triangles instead of squares joined togher with a black yarn into something that looks like it came from the 70's. Vastly underwhelmed by it, the finishing didn't impress either, it looked like it needed severe blocking and even then I don't think some of it's problems would have been solved.

Hypnotize - Spiral Shawl - again this didn't really impress, it starts out as a spiral and then splits at the bottom so it can be wrapped, it's not a bad piece, it just doesn't make me reach for a crochet hook, the pattern jars instead of flowing and it just didn't appeal.

Now I'm not completely unimpressed with the book, just underwhelmed, I expected better and more from the designer and the book failed to provide. Designers are under a lot of pressure to provide better than free on the web and I don't think that this book does that.

Buy/Borrow: Borrow it first to see if you want to crochet them, use Ravelry to see how they work with other crocheters but this isn't going on my wishlist. This is the second time through my hands, in many ways I wanted it to be better but it just didn't do anything for me.

Where found: Dublin City Public Libraries has a few copies in stock.

Adorable Knits for Tiny Tots

Book Depository Link Ravelry Link


Types of patterns: Garments and accessories for babies and toddlers

Number of Patterns: 25

Split of patterns: Babies & Toddlers

Size Range:6 months to 6 years, not all patterns cover all age ranges

Colour/Black & White: cute colour photos, colour charts,

Schematics: No

Target Audience: Some pieces are aimed at beginners, but with no schematics you'd need to have some ideas of how garments should look

How to knit guide: No, but there are some good finishing notes and notes on resizing

Experimental/Classical/Modern: Modern colouring but much of it is pretty plain.

Comments: Zoe Mellor is well known for her colourwork and this shows. Theres a lot of colour, much of it in stripes. Several pieces though are textured rather than coloured.

Daisy Dress - flower-motif dress knit in cotton, no sleeves, cute stuff. Very plain look needs the flower-motif to take it from bland. Could be faked with some edging or bought motifs

Little Star Sweater: Pretty unisex jumper with a large five-pointed star centred on it and contrast trim on the cuffs, rib and neck.

Lacy Sweater - knit in one colour with lacework on the sleeves and a lacy edge and a flower motif worked in lace and bobblework this is a girly top. Cute without being overcute

Little Blossom Cardigan - Zoe Mellor's signature blossoms. Done in three colours this could be made less pink and still be fairly cute.

Fair Isle Cardigan - Hearts make this rather cute, probably a good introduction to fair Isle.

Dots and Stripes Blanket - mixes blues, pinks, green and cream to create a fairly unisex blanket that could be made more gendered or less gendered if you wished

Funky Tank Top - tank top with stripes, unisex, shoulders could be made a little narrower for a slightly better look

Sundress - button fastening on the top sundress, striped.

Pirate Sweater - Skull & crossbones Jumper, skull has a bit of a smile. Could be very entertaining if done in very subtly contrasting yarns. Also cool in the original blues, reds and whites. She manages to make the skull cute and smile!

Strawberries & Cream Sweater - Jumper in an off-white with strawberries as an edging.

Heart-motif cardigan - frilled edging with hearts in a variety of colours and sizes

Fairy Dress - knitted bodice and sewn skirt.

Ship Ahoy! Sweater - fish and a boat decorate this jumper with contrast trim on the sleeves, cuffs and rib

Ballerina Wrap - Wrap top

Chunky Cable Sweater - contrast edging and an aran-style jumper

Multicolour bobble cardigan - Bobbles edge this cardigan, the cardigan itself is pretty basic with moss stitch edging, other ornamentation could be used.

Zip-up Jacket - Zipped Moss stitch cardigan with pockets, pretty unisex

Robin Hood Jacket - this is a rather cool cabled jacket which I would regard as pretty unisex, tassled hood and toggles enhance it and the cable around the edge of the hood is cool.

Hearts and Stars Blanket - All one colour the hearts and stars are done in moss stitch as relief. Rather cute.

Fair Isle Tassled Hat - Square hat with tassles at the ends. Knit flat

Striped Hat & Scarf Set - Stripes in five colours, hat has earflaps and is knit in the flat

Cabled hat with earflaps - it has a bobble and reeks cute. Knit flat.

Bold banded Mittens - with a string to keep them from getting lost. Knit in the flat

Polka Dot bootees & Hat - Slippers would be good practice for the hat, both knit flat.

Baby Slippers - Moss stitch slippers with mother of pearl buttons and cross stitch embroidery look like mary-janes but extremely cute.

The cute is strong with this one, I'd possibly eliminate many of the seams, particularly in the cardigans but still they're nice pieces, fairly classic stuff and amenable to change. Colour fashions change but the basics here are good and the shapes have some added interest to keep you going. Many of them would be workable for a beginner without some of the fru-fru and possibly enhanced after sewing up. This would be an ideal book for someone looking into playing with colourwork or lacy pieces without investing too much money or work to the item.

Buy/Borrow: I'd borrow first and see if it appeals. If I was knitting for kids I think it would be part of my library

Where found: Dublin City Public Libraries has copies.