Title: Crochet at Home
Editor: Brett Bara
Book Review by Marie Segares (www.undergroundcrafter.com)
Crochet at Home: 25 Clever Projects for Colorful Living is a collection of contemporary home decor projects edited by Brett Bara. If you were a fan of Crochet Today! when Brett was the editor-in-chief, you will find the types of projects and colors you might have seen in the magazine in this book.
The book is organized into three chapters, Bright and Modern Living Room, Tranquil Bedroom, and Colorful Kitschy Kitchen. The names accurately describe the types of projects you can find in each chapter.
In the back, you can find pattern abbreviations, a techniques section using the standard line illustrated instructions you may be familiar with from other Interweave publications, a resources section with yarn company contact information, and an index.
The book includes a range of pattern types:
(You may notice that I list 31 patterns, though the book’s subtitle mentions 25. Some of the patterns include multiple variations, which is why the counts are different.)
All of the patterns are written with US pattern abbreviations, and most also include international stitch symbol charts. The patterns don’t include difficulty levels, but most can be accomplished by an advanced beginner with a little patience. Each pattern includes multiple, well-lit photos showing the projects in use in a residential setting and is made with yarn in contemporary colors.
My favorite patterns are the Stitchy Nesting Dolls by Amy Gaines, the Sleepy Kitty Doorstop by Brenda K.B. Anderson, the Overstuffed Seat Cushions by Ellen Gormley, the Flowering Trivets by Regina Rioux, and Berry Pie, a cake plate cozy by Ana Paula Rimoli.
If you enjoy crocheting for the home and are able to crochet beyond the basics, this book could be a great addition to your collection. Like all pattern books, the decision about whether or not to buy this book will be largely dependent on personal taste. You can try out the nesting dolls patterns for free here on the Petals to Picots blog, and Ravelry members can see all of the book’s patterns on its source page. If you have an extensive crochet pattern collection, you may already own similar, classic designs, but the contemporary colors and the styling suggestions may be worth the retail price of $22.95 for the softcover (or $17.95 for the ebook).
The book is organized into three chapters, Bright and Modern Living Room, Tranquil Bedroom, and Colorful Kitschy Kitchen. The names accurately describe the types of projects you can find in each chapter.
In the back, you can find pattern abbreviations, a techniques section using the standard line illustrated instructions you may be familiar with from other Interweave publications, a resources section with yarn company contact information, and an index.
The book includes a range of pattern types:
- 4 blankets,
- 3 potholders/pan handle covers,
- a set of 3 nesting dolls,
- 3 bowls,
- 3 cozies (for a tissue box, a teapot, and a cake plate),
- 2 pillow covers,
- 2 wreaths,
- 2 buntings,
- and an ottoman, a doorstop, a rug, a trivet. a scrubbie for pots, a dishcloth, coasters, a table runner, and a seat cushion.
(You may notice that I list 31 patterns, though the book’s subtitle mentions 25. Some of the patterns include multiple variations, which is why the counts are different.)
All of the patterns are written with US pattern abbreviations, and most also include international stitch symbol charts. The patterns don’t include difficulty levels, but most can be accomplished by an advanced beginner with a little patience. Each pattern includes multiple, well-lit photos showing the projects in use in a residential setting and is made with yarn in contemporary colors.
My favorite patterns are the Stitchy Nesting Dolls by Amy Gaines, the Sleepy Kitty Doorstop by Brenda K.B. Anderson, the Overstuffed Seat Cushions by Ellen Gormley, the Flowering Trivets by Regina Rioux, and Berry Pie, a cake plate cozy by Ana Paula Rimoli.
If you enjoy crocheting for the home and are able to crochet beyond the basics, this book could be a great addition to your collection. Like all pattern books, the decision about whether or not to buy this book will be largely dependent on personal taste. You can try out the nesting dolls patterns for free here on the Petals to Picots blog, and Ravelry members can see all of the book’s patterns on its source page. If you have an extensive crochet pattern collection, you may already own similar, classic designs, but the contemporary colors and the styling suggestions may be worth the retail price of $22.95 for the softcover (or $17.95 for the ebook).
Full disclosure: A free review copy of Crochet at Home was provided by Interweave. 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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