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Friday, September 20, 2013

Book Review: Baby Crochet


Title: Baby Crochet
Author: Sandy Powers

Book Review by Marie Segares (www.undergroundcrafter.com)


Baby Crochet: 20 Hand-Crocheted Designs for Babies Newborn-24 Months by Sandy Powers is a colorful book filled with cute projects for newborns and toddlers. Sandy, a well-established Etsy seller of crochet patterns, brings together fun projects with great photography and layout in this book.

Baby Crochet assumes you already know the basic stitches and it dives right into the patterns, which are organized into four sections: Hats, Body Suits, Cocoons, Afghans, and Other Crochet Bits. Like many designers who are primarily self-published, Sandy has her own style of writing patterns (using U.S. crochet terminology) which is slightly different from what you might be familiar with from magazines. Her style is clear and consistent, though, and she also includes detailed progress photos for stitches or techniques (like post stitches, surface crochet, and adding fringe) that may be more challenging for a beginner.

The book features over 150 brightly colored photographs, including progress photos and several pictures of each design on doll models and/or children. Sandy notes in the beginning that “The saying ‘never work with children or animals’ is so true,” but Tara Renaud’s adorable photographs would lead you to believe that all went well on the set.

The patterns do not include a difficulty rating, but most of the projects use methods within reach of an advanced beginner. More experienced crocheters who are looking for ideas for baby projects may also like this book. Most of the patterns are only available in one size, but a few have directions for multiple sizes.
This book would appeal to beginner crocheters looking for small projects to make when trying out new techniques, as well as more experienced crocheters who make a lot of baby gifts and charity projects. The book is really bright and fun to look at, and will definitely encourage you to pick up your hook and get stitching.

Project types: 9 hats, 4 cocoons, 3 diaper covers, 2 blankets, 2 booties, and 1 each bunting, onesie, cardigan, and legwarmers patterns.

Skill levels: Not listed. 

Retail price: $18.95

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Baby Crochet was provided by Sellers 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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