Title: Boho Crochet: 30 Hip and
Happy Projects
Contributing Editor: Marinke Slump
Boho Crochet is a collection of 30 crochet patterns by 10 popular crochet
designers (including Etsy shop owners and bloggers) from the Netherlands, the
UK, Ireland, and the US. These designers are known for their embrace of
bohemian-style projects influenced by 1960s and 1970s crochet as well as their
use of vibrant, contemporary colors. 
The book opens with an introduction from Marinke Slump, who brought
the collection together, and bios of each of the 10 contributing designers.
Next, there is a Project Selector, which is a graphic table of contents with a
thumbnail of each pattern along with the pattern name and designer name. (This
is the only place in the book where the designer name is linked to the
pattern.)
The first section, Crochet for the Home, includes 19 patterns for
blankets, pillows, and decorations, including 4 “one star” (beginner) patterns,
11 “two star” (intermediate) patterns, 3 “three star” (accomplished) patterns,
and 1 “four star” (advanced) pattern.
The next section, Crochet Fashion, includes 2 “one star” patterns,
8 “two star” patterns, and 2 “three star” patterns for women’s accessories such
as neckwear, a shawl, a hat, fingerless mitts, and bags.
Each pattern page includes an introduction, a pattern skill rating,
and a supply list that lists the yarn by weight and fiber type, but not brand.
About half the patterns indicate gauge is not important. Most patterns include
several full color pictures.
The final section is Crochet Techniques. Tools and Materials shares
some general tips about yarn, hooks, and notions. Getting Started includes
multi-step photo tutorials of basic stitches and techniques. There are also
photo tutorials for increasing, decreasing, crocheting in the round, changing
colors, joining and seaming, and finishing, and a written explanation of common
pattern reading challenges. The book ends with a listing of the yarns used in
each project and an index.
The bright colors and inviting pictures are definitely inspiring,
and the detailed tutorials in the back make this book ideal for an adventurous
beginner crocheter who is hoping to take their skills to the next level. All of
the patterns have been previously published, and quite a few are available for
free online. The book has also been “translated” from a UK version, and all of
the patterns use US crochet abbreviations. However, some of the formatting has
not made the transition, so US crocheters who are accustomed to reading patterns
from traditional publishers will need to adjust to the lack of spacing (e.g.,
ch55 instead of ch 55).
The book is beautifully presented and would make a wonderful gift.
Crocheters who spend a lot of time online may have already accessed some of
these designs for free or by purchasing them on Etsy or Ravelry, but others
would view the book with fresh eyes. As with any pattern book, your enjoyment
will be increased if you love the patterns. Unfortunately, there is no Ravelry
source page set up for the book, but you can see several photographs on the
official Martingale page for the book here.
Full disclosure: A free electronic review copy
of Boho
Crochet was provided by Martingale. 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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