Book Review: Crochet Textures for Home & Baby

Title: Crochet Textures for Home & Baby

Author: Sheryl Means

Book Review by Reneé Rodgers (www.crochetrenee.com)

As a debut publication for Sheryl Means, Crochet Textures for Home & Baby, is a wonderful start from a new designer. When asked to comment on her first publication, Means replied, “With Crochet Textures, I wanted to showcase the beauty of highly textured stitches. Crochet fabric is beautiful and deserves to be celebrated”.

There are 12 projects included. The breakdown is: one afghan, two pillows, two baby blankets, two baby toys, three dishcloths and a luncheon set with matching placemat and napkin ring. The Bohemian Chic Sampler Afghan features nine different stitch patterns. The bonus is that any of the featured stitch patterns would also make nice spa or dishcloths in their own right.  

Of the two baby blankets, one is pictured in more boyish colors while the other is created with very girly colors. Both designs, however, would lend themselves well to either gender with a change of color palette, as Means has avoided making either blanket overly frilly or too plain.

All of the projects are worked in medium (#4) weight yarn, with the exception of the Both Sides Now Pillow, which explores utilizing both medium and bulky (#5) weight yarn in the same project. With all projects rated “easy”, this book has a variety of projects that will appeal to both beginning crocheters as well as seasoned stitchers.

There is also a good explanation of how to do foundation single and double crochet in the “general instructions” section of the book, for those who have not yet learned these skills. Most of the patterns actually begin with these techniques, with the exception of the Pedal Pusher Stroller Blanket and the Star Bright Snuggle Toy.  

This is a good book with a nice variety of projects, suitable for stitchers of all levels. So join the author in celebrating the beauty of textured crochet!

(Leisure Arts, Inc, 2012, 40 pages, $9.95, ISBN 978-1-60900-352-4)

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Crochet Textures for Home & Baby was provided by Leisure Arts, Inc. Although I accept free products for review, I do not accept additional compensation, nor do I guarantee a positive review.  My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions.