Title: Cute & Easy Crochet with Flowers
Authors: Nicki Trench

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

(CICO Books, 2013; 128 pages, $21.95, ISBN: 978-1-78249-067-8)

The theme is floral; the projects, cute. Trench has written a book with 35 flowery projects, many home décor, along with some baby projects and fashion accessories. 

The book is conveniently divided into three sections based on the level of challenge. The introduction gives a nice overview of crochet technique and includes line drawings to reinforce the textual instruction.  

The “Starting Out” section in Chapter One includes 13 projects suitable for beginners. My personal favorite is the crocheted Bunting, because, well, who doesn't need a crocheted flower bunting? 

Chapter two, “Practice Makes Perfect”, has 14 projects, my favorite being the delicate Blossom Necklace. 

In Chapter three, we move on to “Confident Crocheting”, where we find the remaining 8 patterns, including the ethereal Floral Lace Scarf, worked in fine mohair and edged with colorful blossoms. 

All instructions are written only; no charts are included. If you love flowers and would like to include them in your craft, Cute & Easy Crochet with Flowers is for you.

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Cute & Easy Crochet with Flowers was provided by CICO Books. 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.

Book Review: Granny Square Crochet

Title: Granny Square Crochet: 35 Contemporary Projects Using Traditional Techniques

Author: Catherine Hirst

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

Granny squares have been making a fashion resurgence in the last few years. Old and new fans of this classic motif pattern will find a lot to like about Granny Square Crochet. The book was released by CICO Books and is written with UK pattern abbreviations and yarns that are commonly available in Britain. (If you’re not familiar with the differences between US and UK pattern abbreviations, you can find the translations on About.com.)

Catherine's patterns include the classic granny square, granny stripes, granny triangles, and several other motif variations. She uses bright, modern colors and a variety of yarn weights to achieve different looks. The book is organized by project type with a short Useful Information chapter at the end which includes written and illustrated instructions for all of the stitches and techniques included in the book.

Although Granny Square Crochet includes some tips for making grannies, it is primarily a pattern collection, not a technique book, so you’re most likely to enjoy it if you love the projects inside. This book would be a good fit for granny chic lovers, crocheters who are moving beyond the basics, and those who like to work with stash yarn and colorwork.  

Project types: 15 home décor, 11 accessories, and 9 for babies and children.

Skill levels: 11 Easy, 15 Intermediate, and 9 Advanced 

Retail price: $21.95

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Granny Square Crochet: 35 Contemporary Projects Using Traditional Techniques was provided by CICO Books. 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.