Author: Kim Guzman
Book Review by Marie Segares (www.undergroundcrafter.com)
Many crocheters look upon knit cables with envy and now
there’s a book that can help you to make stunning crocheted cable
projects.
Tunisian Cables to Crochet by Kim Guzman
explores the world of Tunisian crochet cables, which look more similar to knit
cables than cables crocheted with post stitches.
The book starts off with a friendly introduction from Kim,
and moves quickly into the Basic Stitches section. If you are new to Tunisian crochet or need a
refresher, this section includes written directions along with process photos
of the basic Tunisian crochet stitches used in this book.
In Step-by-Step Tunisian Cables, Kim introduces her method
for creating Tunisian cables, which is a different technique from what I’ve
seen described in other books and, from what Kim tells me, this method is different than what she's used in the past as well--an all-new method of doing Tunisian cables. This
section includes detailed instructions along with multiple process photos for
both right- and left-leaning cables.
Kim then shares 11 intermediate level patterns featuring
several types of Tunisian cables. The
projects are made with heavier yarns (medium and bulky weight) so that the
dimensionality of the cables is really emphasized. Kim’s projects are in a range of sizes so you
can practice your cable techniques on something small, like the Geneva Headband,
or something large, like the Verona Ruana. Several of the larger projects are created
using a join-as-you-go method, so several smaller components form the final
project and some projects allow you to use a regular crochet hook instead of the longer Tunisian (afghan) hook. The book finishes
with appendices that include metric conversion and an illustrated stitch guide.
All of the patterns in this book are rated intermediate, but
Kim includes detailed instructions of Tunisian crochet basics and her method
for cables. As a result, a (patient)
advanced beginner could also dive into these projects. The patterns are written with abbreviations
and there are no stitch symbols used in this book. For Tunisian crochet newbies, Kim references
the relevant instruction pages when stitches or cables are first introduced in each
pattern.
Although there are 11 great projects in this book, it is
really more of a “technique” book than a project book. (Ravelry
members can see all of the projects from the book here.) Even if the particular projects are not in
your style, this is the most comprehensive book on Tunisian crochet cables available. Once the reader is comfortable with Kim’s
method, he or she can easily adapt other Tunisian crochet cable patterns.
For readers who need more support, there
is an online companion class, Tunisian
Cables and Lace, available for $24.95 through Annie’s Catalog. (CGOA members, remember to use your membership ID for your CGOA-discounted rate.)
I would recommend this book to crocheters interested in
expanding their Tunisian crochet repertoire, and to crocheters who don’t knit
but like the look of knit cables. Although
Tunisian crochet cables can be tricky, this book provides a lot of detailed
instruction that can help out a Tunisian crochet newbie.
Project types: 3 scarves, 3
wraps/ruanas, 2 hats, 2 mitts, 1 headband
Skill levels: Intermediate
Retail price: $9.95
Full disclosure: A free review copy of Tunisian Cables to Crochet was provided by Annie's Publishing. 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.
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