Title: It Girl Crochet: 23 Must-Have Accessories
Author: Sharon Zientara

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

(Interweave, 2014; 135 pages, $22.99, ISBN: 978-1-62033-096-8)

True to its title, this book is chock-full of wonderful accessories that any crocheter would love to make, and anyone would love to receive as a gift. 

Have you ever bought a book for just one or two patterns that you liked? You will buy this book because you like every project. 

The eye-catching designs include the Bon Vivant Stockings and the Gypsy Slouch hat. Yarns used in the projects range from laceweight to bulky. Techniques include lacework, color work, Tunisian, tapestry, adding beads, crochet I cord, and textured crochet. 

The patterns do not have a skill rating, but with both written as well as graphic instructions, even a crocheter with knowledge of the basic skills should be able to complete most of the projects. 

The back of the book has a section that reviews the basic stitches and a few finishing techniques. The projects in It Girl Crochet are guaranteed to make you the "It Girl" of your stitching group!

Full disclosure: A free review copy of It Girl Crochet 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.

Book Review: Crochet Stitch Dictionary: 200 Essential Stitches

Title: Crochet Stitch Dictionary: 200 Essential Stitches with Step-by-Step Photos

Author: Sarah Hazell

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

I know I’m not the only crocheter who considers herself a “stitch guide junkie.” I have several dozen crochet stitch dictionaries, in multiple languages, in my collection. Crochet Stitch Dictionary by Sarah Hazell breaks new ground by combining process photos with the standard information typically found in a good stitch guide.

The book opens with a Getting Started section that features information about hooks, yarn, and notions. Illustrations and text explain how to hold your yarn, start a foundation chain, and work in rows. The book goes beyond the basics of a stitch guide to include finishing instructions for weaving in ends, seaming, blocking, and caring for your projects. There is also a completely illustrated section with written explanations describing the basic stitches, variations on where to put the hook, and tips for forming specialty stitches such as bullions.

The rest of the book is devoted to a directory of stitches. The table of contents features a color thumbnail of each stitch, so they are easy to find. Each stitch features its own introduction, where Sarah shares alternate names, construction details, comparisons to other stitches in the guide, and project suggestions. Each stitch is shown in a large colorful picture against a white background. The stitch explanations are provided in international stitch symbols and “steps.” Each step is equivalent to a row, and includes the explanation in US pattern abbreviations and, usually, one process photo.  The book ends with a four-page guide to US pattern abbreviations and symbols and a thorough index.

Crochet Stitch Dictionary has a wonderful layout, with clear and inspiring photographs. It offers more details than a typical stitch dictionary, so it would be suited for both beginners and more advanced crocheters. The process photos add great detail, but beginners might appreciate more photographs. The photos typically show where the hook might be inserted, or how a stitch should look when finished, but they don’t show each action within a stitch since each “step” is the equivalent of a complete row. If you already own a collection of stitch guides, you will see duplicates, since this book covers many of the popular crochet stitch patterns used in the US.

I wish the font for the row instructions was slightly larger, especially since the layout made good use of white space so there seems to be more room available. However, the beautiful layout and the addition of photos make this a wonderful stitch guide overall. I would recommend it as a general reference book for a beginning crocheter, for a more advanced crocheter with a limited (or non-existent) stitch guide collection, or a crocheter who learns best through photographs.

The book is available in print for a retail price of $22.95, and as an ebook on several platforms including Kindle.

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Crochet Stitch Dictionary was provided by Interweave Press. 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: Mollie Makes Weddings

Title: Mollie Makes Weddings
Authors: the editors of Mollie Makes

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

(Interweave Press LLC, 2014; 96 pages, $12.99, ISBN: 978-1-62033-541-3)

From the editors of Mollie Makes comes a book dedicated to creating the perfect wedding. The projects are cute and modern. The list includes the wedding day flowers, a ring pillow, invitations, the table centerpiece and even a needle-felted cake topper. 

If you are planning your special day and need some cute and unique wedding day accessories for your DIY wedding, be sure to check out Mollie Makes Weddings.

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Mollie Makes Weddings was provided by Interweave Press LLC. 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: Beastly Crochet

Title: Beastly Crochet
Author: Brenda K.B. Anderson

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

(Interweave Press LLC, 2013; 167 pages, $22.95, ISBN: 978-1-59668-574-1)

In this unusual collection of scary crochet goodness, there are six chapters broken down as: 

• Classic Monsters
• Welcome to the Jungle
• Skulls Were People, Too
• Myths (and Other True Stories)
• Silly Monsters, and
• My Own Personal Robot

But these are not merely all stuffed toys. There are hats, pillows, bags, scarves, hair ornaments, slippers and sweaters.  

The last chapter, Special Topics, includes how to assure that your projects come out seriously cute, installing zippers and finishing techniques. 

All of the instructions are written, without charts. My favorite of all is the Tiki Head Bolster. I picture it looking quite beastly, sitting in my favorite armchair. 

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Beastly Crochet was provided by Interweave Press LLC. 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: Mollie Makes Crochet

Title: Mollie Makes Crochet
Authors: The Editors of Mollie Makes

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

(Interweave Press LLC, 2013; 144 pages, $19.95, ISBN: 978-1-62033-095-1)

The editors of Mollie Makes have compiled a collection of cuteness, including blankets, pillows and tech cozies. The crochet basics section includes reading patterns, abbreviations, gauge and working from charts. The projects include a set of Russian Matryoshka dolls as well as some super-cute monster gadget covers. 

The instructions are all written, without charts. There are line drawings which illustrate the basic techniques and stitches. There are also sections on surface crochet and embroidery as well as finishing. Mollie Makes Crochet is a sweet collection of crochet goodness. 

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Mollie Makes Crochet was provided by Interweave Press LLC. 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.

Interview: Laurinda Reddig

Title: Reversible Color Crochet

Author: Laurinda Reddig

Interview by Brenda Bourg

Today I have an interview with Laurinda Reddig on her brand new book Reversible Color Crochet! For those of you who haven't heard yet, Laurinda has come up with a very cool way to do reversible intarsia technique!

Brenda: Who taught you to crochet?

Laurinda: My Campfire Leader taught me to crochet when I was in junior high. Her house was halfway up the biggest hill on my nearly mile long walk home from the bus stop, so I stopped at her house nearly every day after school for a snack and often a craft. One day she was crocheting granny squares and I asked her to teach me. Because I am left-handed, she had me sit opposite her as she demonstrated how to work the stitches. I still have the Christmas tree skirt I eventually made from those first granny squares. Throughout high school and college, whenever I saw someone crocheting I would pick up new skills, including Tapestry/Colorwork at a church camp, Beading in the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism), and Lacework while driving through a little town in Mexico.

Brenda: Do you have a favorite fiber for working in intarsia?

Laurinda: Not really. I actually like trying different types of yarn to get different effects. For the projects in the book I stuck with washable yarns, mostly superwash wool blends and acrylics. Who wants an afghan that will felt up if it accidentally gets thrown in warm water? Yarns that are not too tightly spun tend to fill in the spaces between stitches better to create a more solid colorwork fabric. But lately I have been playing with finer weight, even lace weight yarns but on a larger hook to create colorwork patterns with a lacy look.

Brenda: What project would you suggest for a beginner?

Laurinda: The Learn To Crochet Sampler (on the cover) was designed to basically teach the entire technique, building skills as you progress through the squares, including half double and double crochet stitches. It is helpful if crocheters have a basic understanding of how to join a new color in crochet, but that is also included in the first couple of squares. Also, you can make all of the "picture" squares by just learning the half double crochet stitches (which are a little easier than the double crochets). Each group of Picture Squares appears in order from easiest to most difficult, so either Grampa Kit’s Garden or Tyler’s Space Adventure would ease less experienced crocheters into working in this technique.

Brenda: What hooks are your favorite for intarsia?

Laurinda: I actually prefer “fat bottomed” hooks, whether they are metal with handles that have been built up with fimo or other padding, or wooden hooks carved with wider handles. They rest more comfortably in my hand and I do not have to grip them as tightly while I am crocheting. When I realized that I had about 4 months to crochet the 10 afghans for the book, I got a whole set of Fimo handled hooks from a local friend who makes them. I alternate between those and several one-of-a-kind hand-carved wooden ones I have from another nearby friend (Craftwich Creations - https://www.etsy.com/shop/craftwich)

Brenda: What is your favorite design in the book?

Laurinda: Every time I show someone the book, I flip right to page 102, to show them my son’s pictures hanging on the wall behind Tyler’s Space Adventure blanket. Right below the Alien and Robot drawings on the wall, you can see my yarn version of his drawings. This was the last of the 10 blankets that I came up with, but has the best story. I designed the original version of this blanket, with the help of my son, for the son of a friend of mine. When he had to have brain surgery the week before Christmas (for the second time in as many months), I thought it would be nice to use intarsia to make squares of some of his favorite things, and enlisted the help of six other moms to make the solid squares (in his favorite color) that were stitched between the picture squares. Between my son’s drawings and the other crocheters it turned out to be a great community project to support a little boy we all knew and wanted to bring comfort.

Head on over to Interweave to order your copy today!

Book Review: Rustic Modern Crochet

Title: Rustic Modern Crochet
Author: Yumiko Alexander

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

Rustic Modern Crochet features 18 designs inspired by the beauty of nature.  Yumiko Alexander takes the splendor she sees in natural surroundings and landscapes and transforms that beauty into modern crochet design.  Whether it be sand or sea, every design in the book will remind you of Mother Nature and the endless beauty she encompasses.

Each one of the 18 patterns featured in Rustic Modern Crochet can be dressed up or down depending on what you pair with the finished piece.  Each design combines different stitch patterns to create interesting visual appeal.  The silhouettes of the designs are kept simple to showcase the stitches used in the overall design.

The sophisticated rustic look of these designs can be achieved by any beginner but certainly will not look like they were stitched by a novice.  Crocheters will feel proud of the garments they make using these upscale, urban designs.   I especially love the look of the Sea Flower, a wrap that is edged in visually appealing lacy flowers and Driftwood, a wrap that uses chains and fan lace to give an amazing drape to the finished piece. All the designs in this book would be a great addition to any wardrobe.

Rustic Modern Crochet is well-organized and easy to follow. No detail is left out.  With the introduction of the book, Yumiko describes how she began designing crochet and her inspiration for each design.  At the beginning of each pattern, you find the finished sizes, materials used, and gauge. There are notes that will help you create each piece, special instructions and stitches, as well as stitch diagrams to help you visualize the finished product.

The glossary at the end of the book contains symbol key, sources for yarn used in the featured designs, abbreviations and an index of the patterns.

Modern Rustic Crochet is published by Interweave Crochet, January 2014.  

Full disclosure: A free review copy of  Rustic Modern Crochet was provided by Interweave Press LLC. 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 Crocheter's Companion

Title: The Crocheter's Companion, Revised and Updated

Author: Nancy Brown

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

In this reprisal of a popular Interweave title, Brown makes the old standard Crocheter’s Companion even better, with even more information on tools, stitches and techniques, as well as expanded sections on Tunisian crochet and advanced crochet techniques like bead crochet, Aran crochet and Irish crochet.

This reference would make a great gift for a new crochet friend or your local crochet teacher.   The Crocheter’s Companion still comes in the handy spiral bound pocket size format to fit easily into your project bag, to make crochet on the go even better. 

(Interweave Press LLC, 2013; 131 pages, $19.95, ISBN: 978-1-59668-829-2)

Full disclosure: A free review copy of The Crocheter's Companion, Revised and Updated was provided by Interweave Press LLC. 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 at Home

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:

• 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.

Book Review: Unexpected Afghans

Title: Unexpected Afghans, Innovative Crochet Designs with Traditional Techniques

Author: Robyn Chachula

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

Robyn Chachula, along with a team of amazing crocheters, has captured my attention with her newest book, Unexpected Afghans. I immediately fell in love with all the beautiful designs featured in this book. Afghans are my favorite way to decorate my home because I love how just a little color or some striking lace or textures can turn my simple brown couch into something you'd find in a decorating magazine.

This book features 29 beautiful designs perfectly suited to fit your skill level and taste. Traditional granny squares, lots of colors, and even Tunisian crochet are all included in this book. Robyn begins each chapter with a stunning pillow design of her own as a great start to the techniques you will be using in the rest of the chapter. She writes wonderful introductions that make you feel like she is talking directly to you while sharing a cup of coffee.

The chapters in this book include Cables, Granny Motifs, Color, Lace, and Tunisian Crochet. Each chapter consists of one pillow design and 4 or 5 different blanket designs by other famous authors such as Drew Emborsky, Ellen Gormley, Carol Ventura, Marly Bird, and Kim Guzman. Also included in the introduction is Advice and Tips from each of the contributing designers. The standard Symbol Basics, Glossary, and Yarn Resources are also included. You'll find diagrams and charts that accompany the designs.

So, if you know me by now, you should know that I always try to make something from each of the books I review. This time is no exception. I happily whipped up a small version of Cabine de Dentelle Afghan by Annette Petavy. This is a lace design from the Granny Motif section. The full size afghan requires 16 motifs, but I made only 4 and turned them into a beautiful, and colorful, blanket for the newest addition to our family, a retired racing Greyhound we are calling Sheba. She is going to love snuggling up in this beauty!

If you like making afghans, than this is definitely a book you should add to your library. Robyn Chachula and her collection of designer friends have created another winner. Unexpected Afghans is an excellent book and wonderful resource.

(Interweave Press, 2012, 159 Pages, $22.95, ISBN-13: 978-59668-299-3)

Full disclosure: A free review copy of  Unexpected Afghans was provided by Interweave Press. 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 Beaded Edge 2

Title: The Beaded Edge 2: More Inspired Designs for Crocheted Edgings and Trims

Author: Midori Nishida/CRK Design

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

Following on the successful heels of The Beaded Edge: Inspired Designs for Crocheted Edgings and Trims, this second volume does not disappoint. As a professional craft artist, Nishida was inspired by an exhibit that she saw on Turkish embroideries and Oya. Oya are decorative edgings made of thread, knots and beads that are traditionally found on Turkish women’s headscarves. Nishida set out to create a crocheted technique inspired by what she saw.

This sequel has 26 different edgings and trims, and the author shows several different ways in which they can be used. From simply wearing the trims as necklaces to applying them to clothing and accessories (including shoes!), there are detailed instructions every step of the way. Instructions are presented in written form, stitch and bead placement diagrams and even photographic step-by-step instructions. Everything one needs to know is right here to produce delicate, sparkling and beautiful embellishments. There is a double page spread covering materials and tools, including the brand names. The copy I am reviewing stated, “the contact information for manufacturers is shown under the table of contents on page 3”; however, that information is missing, so hopefully that is something that will be edited. A quick internet search would likely reveal where to find the materials listed.

One of the best things about this book is that one can take an old garment, such as a T-shirt or skirt or even a purse or pair of shoes and elevate these items to something new again. With just a few beads, some thread and a crochet hook, something one might have thrown out can become a favorite item again! Not only is that “green”, it’s fun, too! One of these trims given as a gift would be appreciated by anyone as well.

I highly recommend that everyone have this volume on their shelves. I know I am adding it to mine!

(Interweave Press, 2012, 88 pages, $17.95, ISBN 978-1-59668-559-8)

Full disclosure: A free review copy of  The Beaded Edge 2: More Inspired Designs for Crocheted Edgings and Trims was provided by Interweave Press. 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.