Crocheted mermaid and shark blankets have beeneverywhere the past couple years! Tails of the Sea blankets look perfect for you little one's bed.... Especially if they love sea creatures!

Tails of the Sea: Children's Crochet Blankets

Publisher: Annie's Craft Store

Author: Christine Naugle

Number of Pages: 56

Number of Projects: 4 kid’s blankets

Types of Projects: Blankets

Difficulty Ratings: All patterns are rated as easy

Yarn Used: #4 worsted weight yarn

First Impression: Such a fun & practical way to make a sea creature for the kids!

My Favorite Project Pick: One of my daughters wants to be a marine biologist and has this huge love for the octopus, so I’m picking the You Octopi My Heart as my favorite project pick.

Review 

These blankets that Christine designed are a more practical version of the sea life blankets, but I’m all about things that will get a lot of use, so these are great!

All the blankets are made with basic crochet stitches and have a skill level or easy. There are written instructions and graphs for each pattern. The booklet includes all your general pattern info (gauge, terms, abbreviations), a photo tutorial for the border, as well as a list of yarns that were used for each project. There are also a few photo tutorials in the back. 

Happy Crocheting!

Kristine
Ambassador Crochet

 *Disclaimer* - This book was provided to me for a review, but all opinions are strictly my own.

Book Review: Playtime Stackers

Title: Playtime Stackers
Author: Donna Collinsworth

Book Review by Renee' Rodgers (www.reneecrochet.com)

Cute, cute, cute! That’s how I would describe this new booklet from Annie’s and author Donna Collinsworth. 

A unique offering, Playtime Stackers has six playsets that include stacking rings with a doll that hides neatly inside. For crocheters who like to make toys, this is a perfect fit. 

Projects are suited for both boys and girls. Instructions are written, without diagrams; but if there are any difficulties, just visit StitchGuide.com for help. 

All of the toys in this book would make adorable baby shower gifts or birthday presents for the little ones. 

(Annie’s, 2014; pages, $8.99, ISBN: 978-1-57367-599-4)

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Playtime Stackers was provided by Annie's Crafts. 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: Crocodile Stitch Afghans

Title: Crocodile Stitch Afghans
Author: Joyce Lewis

Book Review by Renee' Rodgers (www.reneecrochet.com)

If you’re a crocheter, you would have to be living under a rock to not know about crocodile stitch. It has been a very popular stitch for several years now. 

Enter Crocodile Stitch Afghans, a collection of five new blankets. My personal favorite is the Water Lily Throw. 

All instructions are written in a clear and concise way. As an added bonus, if you need any extra help to complete the projects, a visit to StitchGuide.com will clear things up. 

If you need a new crocodile stitch project, this book has it!

(Annie’s, 2014; 24 pages, $8.99, ISBN: 978-1-57367-562-8)

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Crocodile Stitch Afghans was provided by Annie's Crafts. 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: Hooked on Crochet! Afghans

Title: Hooked on Crochet! Afghans

Book Review by Elena Hunt (www.beatriceryandesigns.com)

Annie’s has done it again!  Hooked on Crochet! Afghans is a fabulous crochet pattern book and a great addition to my crochet library!  There are six magnificent patterns by three great crochet artists. This 28 page pattern book has easy-to-read instructions, including written instructions and crochet graphs for each pattern.  If you have been looking for a unique afghan pattern, this book is for you.

The eye-catching Pretty Peacock Afghan (pg. 7) that graces the cover of this book is top on my list to make and has been one of my favorite afghans this year. Another favorite is the Bouquet of Daisies Afghan (pg.37); I would love to make this afghan for my own home, perfect for a summer throw.  There is also a Jewel Tones Tunisian Afghan (pg. 4) and a Baby Heirloom Afghan (pg. 12) for those of you who are looking for something in those styles! 

The patterns in this book vary in skill level from easy to intermediate, but the clear and easy to read instructions would make any of these patterns doable for an average crochet hobbyist.

If you love to crochet afghans like I do, I hope you will try one of the great patterns in this book and get Hooked on Crochet! Afghans into your crochet library too!

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Hooked on Crochet! Afghans was provided by Annie's Crafts. 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: Crochet with Love Knots

Title: Crochet with Love Knots
Author: Jenny King

Book Review by Jennifer Cirka (www.jaybirddesigns.com)

If you are interested in making lightweight summer accessories, do I have a book for you! Crochet with Love Knots by Jenny King has some beautiful and trendy designs in the famous love knot stitch. Plus, I have a confession to make. I never learned how to make a love knot. Trust me, I always wanted to, but I was intimidated by the complexity of how they looked. So, I decided to conquer my fear and learn a new stitch while reading this book to review.

This booklet from Annie's features eight different and fashionable patterns using the love knot stitch. All patterns are rated easy to intermediate in skill level and use different weight yarns. The booklet includes detailed instructions with photos that excellently describe how to make a love knot stitch, plus there is also a stitch guide and metric conversion chart. 

When I find a little more free time, I am looking forward to making the Sunset Circlet Wrap. I think it would be a great addition to my wardrobe for summer. Something simple to dress up jeans and a tank top while still looking professional. Right now, I'm not sure what color I would want to make it. 

When you are ready to learn a new stitch and make some amazing accessory items, Crochet with Love Knots will make a great addition to your library. 

(Annie's, 2014, 423 Pages, $9.99, ISBN 978-1-57367-539-0)

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Crochet with Love Knots was provided by Annie's Crafts. 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: Amamani Puzzle Balls

Title: Amamani Puzzle Balls
Author: Dedri Uys

Book Review by Lorene Eppolite (www.cre8tioncrochet.com)

Amamani Puzzle Balls by Dedri Uys features six adorable amigurumi animal puzzle balls. These loveable animals are based on traditional Amish puzzle balls.

Each puzzle ball comes apart in three pieces. Many of the puzzle ball pieces are interchangeable.

All of the creatures are super adorable and Dedri’s patterns are easy to understand and work up. The information section at the beginning of the book explains in great detail everything you’ll need to know to design you very own Amamani Puzzle Balls. The Basic Parts and Pieces section breaks it down even further.

Additionally, each creature has detailed illustrations and photos to really help you follow along without question. 

This is one of the best designed books I have ever had the pleasure of reviewing. The Stitch Guide at the end of the book along with the website provided will help any experienced crocheter or very determined beginner, be able to make these adorable little guys (and gals).

Amamani Puzzle Balls is available by Annies Crafts in either hardcopy or digital download for $10.99.

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Amamani Puzzle Balls was provided by Annie's Crafts. 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: The Go-To Book for Irish Crochet Motifs

Title: The Go-To Book for Irish Crochet Motifs

Author: Kathryn White

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

The Go-To Book for Irish Crochet Motifs is a booklet by Kathryn White that combines an introduction to the stitches and techniques common in Irish crochet with over 100 patterns for motifs, edgings, and insertions written in modern US pattern abbreviations.

If you’ve always looked longingly at Irish crochet but haven’t the faintest clue how to recreate one of those patterns, you will find this booklet very helpful. In the Introduction and first chapter, Stitches & Techniques, Kathryn provides an overview of the basics of Irish crochet. She also shares some tips for simplified, contemporary versions of different techniques or patterns.

After the basics are introduced, the book continues with seven chapters of patterns, including one each on Flowers, Leaves, Fill-in Motifs, Edgings & Insertions, Dangles, Overlays, and Fill-in Lace. The next chapter, Irish Crochet Sampler for Fill-In Lace, explains several different methods for assembling Irish lace. The final chapter, Squares & Motifs, includes several larger motifs that can be joined together.  At the end of the booklet, there is a one page illustrated stitch guide and charts with metric conversions and hook and needle size conversions.

Each chapter opens with a brief introduction and then continues into the patterns. Each pattern includes the skill level and a color photo, created in white cotton thread against a light colored background. I enjoyed having the option of keeping the project authentic or simplifying the methods. Kathryn did a good job of clearly explaining the methods.

I would have liked to see more process photos displaying visual techniques. In some cases, international stitch symbols would have been a helpful addition to the book, especially for the patterns that flow over a page. Nonetheless, The Go-To Book for Irish Crochet Motifs does a great job of clarifying the methods used to create traditional Irish crochet while also offering some simplifications for the modern crocheter.

This booklet would be most enjoyed by a crocheter who is interested in learning more about Irish crochet, or who enjoys lace. Although all the samples in the book are crocheted with thread, many of the patterns would translate well into yarn for a completely different look.

The booklet is available in print or as an electronic download for the retail price of $14.95.

Full disclosure: A free review copy of The Go-To Book for Irish Crochet Motifs was provided by Annie's. 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: Open Weave Fashions

Title: Open Weave Fashions: 6 Year-Round Designs

Author: Tammy Hildebrand

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

Open Weave Fashions is a pattern booklet featuring six openwork crochet patterns for women.
The booklet includes four women’s tops, a shawl and a hat. Most of the patterns are crocheted in some combination of panels/strips and motifs. The final projects, the Perfect Color Lace Pullover & Hat, are shown in both vibrant, four-color versions and subdued, off-white versions.

All of the patterns are written with US pattern abbreviations and are rated at the intermediate level. A patient beginner, comfortable working with chain spaces, could also complete these projects.  Most patterns include multiple, well-lit photos showing the projects from different angles on a model; the only exception is the Red Hot Tunic, which is only shown from the front.  All of the garments are available in 5-6 sizes. At the end of the booklet, there is a one-page illustrated stitch guide and charts with metric conversions and hook and needle size conversions.

This booklet would be most enjoyed by an intermediate or adventurous beginner crocheter who is interested in creating lacy garments with minimal shaping and seamed construction. Like all pattern booklets, the decision about whether or not to buy this book will be largely dependent on personal taste.

The booklet is available in print or as an electronic download for the retail price of $8.95.

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Open Weave Fashions was provided by Annie's. 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: Beautiful Baby Boutique II

Title: Beautiful Baby Boutique II

Author: Rebecca Leigh

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

Beautiful Baby Boutique II is a pattern booklet featuring 22 crochet patterns for babies by Rebecca Leigh. The booklet includes five layette sets – each including a set of three coordinated patterns for a dress, bloomers, bonnet, booties, a sweater, and/or hat – and four additional dress patterns.

All the patterns are written with US pattern abbreviations, and are rated at the easy level. The dresses and sweaters are all available in at least two sizes (in a three to six month range from 0-18 months). Most patterns are shown in multiple, large photos including one with an infant model. The color and styling suggests that the patterns would be most suited to baby girls.

Rebecca uses a range of popular stitch types, such as pineapples, ripples, post stitches, and puffs, to create heirloom-type garments and accessories for newborns and infants.  She also uses a range of yarn weights to create different looks, from lacy to highly textured. In addition to the patterns, there is also a one page illustrated stitch guide with a pattern abbreviation glossary in the back.

This booklet would be most enjoyed by a crocheter who enjoys making projects for newborn and infant girls, and who enjoys making garments for special occasions. Like all pattern booklets, the decision about whether or not to buy this booklet will be largely dependent on personal taste.  

The booklet is available in print or as an electronic download for the retail price of $9.95.

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Beautiful Baby Boutique II was provided by Annie's. 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.