Title: Thread Bookmarks
Author: Wanda Stevens

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

I was in need of a quick gift and found Thread Bookmarks by Wanda Stevens. I love crocheting these delicate items because they make quick, yet meaningful gifts. Ms. Stevens gives you the patterns for 10 different bookmarks using size 10 crochet thread. Some designs even add ribbon accents. If you like to make small thread projects like I do, then this book would be a great addition to your library.

My favorite design is Beautiful Butterfly Bookmark. It features a unique motif folded in half to create an exquisite butterfly. The bookmark is then accented with ribbons and a small button. Another design that I love is Pressed Flowers which is made from six circular motifs.

Which one did I make? For my gift, I ended up making Birdhouse Border in shades of purple and pastel green. It was gorgeous and my mother loved it.

This book also includes two different cross designs that would look amazing in anyone's Bible.

One thing I really love about Thread Bookmarks is that each design also includes a chart. As usual, the book also contains a General Instructions section with information such as abbreviations and symbols, steel hook sizes, and gauge. I also like that the book is a portable 5.5” by 8.5” size.

Thread Bookmarks by Wanda Stevens is an excellent resource if you enjoy reading, crocheting with thread, and making quick crocheted gifts. 

(Leisure Arts, 2013, 48 Pages, $5.99, ISBN 13:978-1-4647-1195-4)

Full disclosure: A free review copy of  Thread Bookmarks was provided by Leisure Arts. 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: Learn to Crochet Ripple Afghans

Title: Learn to Crochet Ripple Afghans

Designers: Tammy Kreimeyer, Carole Rutter Tippett, Renee D. Chapman, Roseanna E. Beck, C.A. Riley, Becky Stevens

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

Ahhhh, the ripple afghan; what stitcher doesn’t enjoy working this crochet standard? In this booklet from Leisure Arts, eight rippled lovelies tempt the ripple crochet afficianado.

But these are not all plain old run-of-the-mill ripples; each design is unique in its own right, making this collection a satisfying variety of throws. From the closely stitched “American Sailor”, (no toes going through this blanket!) to the lacy “Malibu Ripple”, there are enough designs to please any stitcher. My personal favorite is the “Budding Beauty”, which features cute little flowers that are cleverly crocheted into the row as you go.

There is one project in size 6 yarn, three in size 3 and the balance are worked in size 4 yarn. The best thing about working a ripple is that the repeats are typically easy to memorize and the results are always stunning, and this booklet provides the ripple crocheter with eight great choices.

 (Leisure Arts, 2013; 48 pages, $5.99, ISBN: 978-1-4647-1207-4)

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Learn to Crochet Ripple Afghans was provided by Leisure Arts. 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: Complete Guide to Symbol Crochet

Title: Complete Guide to Symbol Crochet

Authors: Rita Weiss and Susan Lowman

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

Have you ever attempted to crochet a project from a chart and found it difficult? Have you coveted the Japanese stitch dictionaries that have become so popular, but didn’t feel that you could interpret them?

Weiss and Lowman break down how to successfully work from symbol crochet charts. Each stitch symbol is well-defined and line drawings take the reader through the formation of each stitch, making this not only a good guide for the experienced crocheter wanting to learn symbol crochet, but also a great reference for new stitchers who are looking to expand their stitch repertoire.

Forty-seven symbols are represented and explained; but Weiss and Lowman don’t stop there. In the back of the book are nine small projects, designed for the stitcher to grow his or her skills as they learn to work from symbol crochet, including a hat, snowflake earrings, a scarf and several small home décor items.

For those making the transition from written instructions to symbol crochet, both sets of instruction are provided side by side for ease of translation. By the time you work through the projects, you will be an expert at crocheting from symbols!

The booklet is digest-size, which is perfect to keep in your work bag in the future, should you happen to need a little help when you see a symbol in which you're unfamiliar. Grab your own copy of the Complete Guide to Symbol Crochet and set your stitching free!

(Leisure Arts, 2013; 97 pages, $9.99, ISBN: 978-1-4647-1208-1)

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Complete Guide to Symbol Crochet was provided by Leisure Arts. 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: Elegant Beaded Bags

Title: Elegant Beaded Bags

Author: Sonja Hood

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

If you have ever wanted to experiment with wire crochet, this book gives some excellent pointers. The project count is twelve. All of the bags are small and crocheted with 30-gauge paddle (floral) wire. 

The author is quick to point out that crocheting with wire is hard on one’s hands, so she suggests using a pair of cloth garden gloves when crocheting. 

The projects incorporate sequins, beads and ribbons to create lovely little purses, suitable for a night out on the town or for a little girl’s play purse. There is a section on creating linings for all of the bags, as well as tips on how to finish wire ends so that they don’t work loose or poke out. 

The suggested hook for all projects is a size E (3.5mm). 

This is a great guide to beginning to crochet with wire and the bonus is that you will end up with a cute bag!

(Leisure Arts, 2013; 40 pages, $9.99, ISBN: 978-1-60900-334-0)

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Elegant Beaded Bags was provided by Leisure Arts. 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: Car Seat Blankets

Title: Car Seat Blankets

Author: Becky Stevens

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

Car Seat Blankets by Becky Stevens is a portable pattern booklet that includes eight small crocheted blankets, designed to fit around an infant or toddler in a car seat.  Each pattern includes a small version, usually measuring about 16 in (40.5 cm) x 21 in (53 cm) in light (#3) weight yarn and a larger version, generally measuring about 20 in (51 cm) x 28 in (71 cm) in medium (#4) weight yarn following the same pattern.

Each pattern is written with US crochet pattern abbreviations and detailed instructions for working a gauge swatch.  All eight patterns are rated easy.  One of the patterns is worked in the round, and the rest are crocheted flat in rows.  Three patterns include a variation on a chevron, but each one uses different stitch types to create that motif.  The small size of Car Seat Blankets makes it portable enough to bring with you to work on the go.  The booklet easily lays flat, so you can crochet while reading.

On the other hand, the booklet doesn’t include any international stitch symbols and there isn’t much variety in construction methods. If you enjoy crocheting small projects for babies and toddlers while on the go, and have advanced beginner skills, you may enjoy this booklet.  The retail price $5.99 for the booklet and $4.99 for the ebook.

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Car Seat Blankets was provided by Leisure Arts. 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: Boot Cuffs & Ear Warmers

Title: Boot Cuffs & Ear Warmers
Author: Deborah Molnar

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

I really enjoyed Boot Cuffs & Ear Warmers by Deborah Molnar. I have been seeing boot cuff patterns all over the internet and I was excited to have the opportunity to make myself a pair. I loved the idea of adding a matching ear warmer to the set to make a complete, fashionable look.

This simple booklet from Leisure Arts features five different pattern sets for trendy boot cuffs with matching ear warmers/headbands. All patterns are Easy in skill level and use medium weight yarns (CYC #4) that can be found at any local craft store. The booklet also includes a General Instructions section that includes abbreviations and terms, hook and yarn information, and detailed instructions for some of the specific stitches used in the patterns.

I would have to say that my favorite set is the Versatility Set. I love the simplicity of it, but was really impressed with the author's suggestions and modifications for three different options for this style. I was equally happy to see her hints for additional ways to wear the boot cuffs.

This is a great book for some adorable, quick crochets that will help you spruce up your wardrobe. You can be fashionable and chic with these great designs. I can't wait to finish my set.

(Leisure Arts, 2013, 48 Pages, $5.99, ISBN 13:978-1-4647-1205-0)

Full disclosure: A free review copy of  Boot Cuffs & Ear Warmers was provided by Leisure Arts. 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: Learn to Crochet NOW!

Title: Learn to Crochet NOW!

Author: Leisure Arts

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

This new basic instructional book on beginning crochet by the creative minds at Leisure Arts has a lot going for it. For starters, it includes mostly photographic pictures for BOTH right- and left-handed crocheters; as a leftie who initially had a hard time learning to crochet, this is huge! Also, Leisure Arts has included links for further online instructions to reinforce learning. That’s right…you can watch EACH TECHNIQUE ONLINE! The project count is four, with a spa cloth that teaches how to chain and work single, half double, double and treble crochet all in the same project. There is a lacy lap robe that takes things to a little higher level of difficulty, as well as two scarves. All of the projects are worked in worsted weight yarn and size H and larger sized hooks, which help to make learning the foundation of the craft much easier than learning with smaller hooks and yarn.

Leisure Arts has added a good basic title to the crochet world for those looking to either break into learning how to crochet or for those who already crochet, but want a resource to share with those they know who would like to learn how. This book, a skein of yarn and a size H hook are all one needs to learn how to crochet. The next time I teach someone to crochet, this is definitely a good basic resource that I will refer my pupils to.

(Leisure Arts, Inc., 2013; 36 pages, $9.99, ISBN: 978-1-4647-0654-7)

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Learn to Crochet NOW! was provided by Leisure Arts. 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: Make in a Weekend Shawls

Title: Make in a Weekend Shawls

Authors: Jean Leinhauser and Rita Weiss

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

Make in a Weekend Shawls is a pattern booklet that collects 12 shawl designs made with medium or bulky yarns that can be crocheted within a short time frame.  The booklet includes patterns by Cheri McEwen, Mary Ann Frits, Mary Jane Hall, Tammy Hildebrand, Margaret Hubert, Jean Leinhauser, Julee A. Reeves, and Shari White.  The designs are split equally between easy and intermediate level patterns.

Each pattern includes the difficulty level, size, a list of materials (written generically so substitution is easy, but also indicating which yarn was used in the sample), and special stitch patterns.  The appendix provides tips for pattern reading and gauge, along with information on yarn weights and hooks. 

Most of the patterns are designed for women, but there are three patterns for girls.  The designs include a variety of shapes.  As you might expect from the book’s title, the shawls use a combination of basic stitches and thicker yarns to work up quickly.  You won’t find intricate lace, or experimental contemporary designs in this booklet.  As a result, the patterns are great for gift giving and charity use, since they are all practical and easy to wear.  The booklet is thin enough to lay flat so you can crochet while reading.

The booklet doesn’t include international stitch symbols, so it is best suited for crocheters who prefer using US crochet abbreviations.  The booklet doesn’t include any patterns using lightweight yarns, so many of the designs may be too heavy for crocheters in warmer climates.  (There are a few lacy designs, like the Faroese Shawl, the Primrose Wrap, and the Five-Point Diamond Shawl, that could work in warmer weather.) 

If you enjoy crocheting shawls or wraps for gifts and charity and/or quick projects in medium and bulky weight yarns, this booklet would be a good one to pick up before the weekend begins! 

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Make in a Weekend Shawls was provided by Leisure Arts. 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: Add-On Crochet Cables

Title: Add-On Crochet Cables

Author: Frances Burks

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

Add-On Crochet Cables is an interesting new pattern booklet by Frances Burkes.  Frances uses a method of braiding strips of simple crochet stitches to form intricate cable panels which are then sewn to the rest of the project.

The booklet opens by introducing her method, with clear step-by-step instructions for forming the cables.  There are 20 cable stitch patterns, each including the required number of chains for cable panels and base strips of various lengths.  These patterns allow the reader to create their own designs or insert cable panels into existing projects.  The booklet also includes 5 project patterns, for two bags, a sweater, a cowl, and an open cardigan, that incorporate the cable panels.  Each stitch and project pattern includes assembly instructions.

The booklet is written with US crochet abbreviations and while the instructions for Frances’s method are fairly clear, it would have helped to have some step-by-step photos of the process for braiding/twisting the cables and attaching them to the rest of the project.  Some readers prefer international stitch symbols, which aren’t included.  The booklet does lay flat, which makes it easy to read the details of the cable assembly process while crocheting.

The Add-On Crochet Cables method is ideal for crocheters who like the look of cables but aren’t comfortable with post stitches or other techniques for crocheting cables directly into the fabric.  Because each project requires a fair amount of assembly, this method is best suited for those of us who prefer to work in small pieces and then assemble later (e.g., those of us who crochet while commuting or traveling).  Crocheters who are already proficient with other cable techniques, or those who dislike seaming/sewing parts together, may not find this book as helpful.  This booklet would also be a fun introduction for crocheters who are looking to experiment with new techniques or methods.

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Add On Crochet Cables was provided by Leisure Arts. 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: Headwraps

Title: Headwraps

Author: Sharlee Dayne

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

Dayne has created a sweet collection of this hot new fashion accessory. All of them are created with size 4 (worsted weight) yarn. There are a total of 10 projects, and all are rated as “easy”. All but one of the patterns is sized for both girls and teens. All instructions are written, without charts. The projects are created from a variety of stitch patterns, with different stylized flower embellishments. 

There is a super cute fascinator-type headwrap that any girl, grown-ups included, would like. In fact, I might have to make one for myself. 

These patterns would make great beginner projects, though this booklet is primarily a pattern booklet, only having a small section in the back of general instructions. Once a beginner knows the basics, however, any of these patterns would be achievable.

Whether created for a little girl, or a big girl, these would make not only great fashion accessories, but included in a “spa” package with a crocheted spa cloth and a lovely bottle of bath gel, would make a fabulous gift for special friends. 

(Leisure Arts, 2013; 48 pages, $5.95, ISBN: 978-1-4647-0737-7)

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Headwraps was provided by Leisure Arts. 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: Texting Mitts

Title: Texting Mitts

Author: Andee Graves

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

Andee Graves has been designing for some time now, but this is her debut book title, Texting Mitts. All of the projects are fingerless gloves that are created from sock weight yarn that will appeal to young and young-at-heart alike. There are a total of eight projects, in a variety of skill levels and a variety of techniques, from lace to very textured stitch patterns. Like many of the current Leisure Arts titles, there is an online link to step-by-step tutorials, for both left- and right-handed crocheters for each project. 

Ms. Graves has created a winner, with a nice variety of mitts that will keep your hands toasty warm and still allow you to use your wireless device. Any of these patterns would also make lovely bridal or prom accessories, as well as stage or re-enactment props, making them truly timeless. In fact, I have a stash of sock yarn that I may have to use to make a few pairs of these for gifts. 

I look forward to seeing what Graves creates next!

(Leisure Arts, 2013; 32 pages, 19.99, ISBN: 978-1-4647-0632-5)

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Texting Mitts was provided by Leisure Arts. 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: 50 Fabulous Crochet Bobbles, Popcorns and Puffs

Title: 50 Fabulous Crochet Bobbles, Popcorns and Puffs

Author: Jean Leinhauser

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

50 Fabulous Crochet Bobbles, Popcorns and Puffs by the late Jean Leinhauser of the Creative Partners is a pattern booklet featuring 55 textured stitch patterns.

Each pattern includes a large swatch photograph and clear written instructions using US pattern abbreviations. The book begins with a table of contents featuring thumbnails of each stitch, so it is easy to find patterns again. As a booklet, it can lay flat, making it easy to crochet and read at the same time. The booklet is also lightweight enough to be portable. The booklet doesn’t include any international stitch symbols. While there is diversity in the density of the different stitches – which create lacy to heavy weight fabrics – the patterns all emphasize dimensional/textured stitches and don’t include a variety of other stitch types.  There are no difficulty levels indicated, and the book assumes you already have basic to intermediate crochet skills.

I would recommend this booklet to crocheters who are beginning to explore stitch guides, crocheters who enjoy using textured stitches, and those who are budding designers. A stitch guide collector will probably find that several of the stitches are already represented in their other books. 

Retail price: $14.95

Full disclosure: A free review copy of 50 Fabulous Crochet Bobbles, Popcorns and Puffs was provided by Leisure Arts. 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: Tunisian Crochet Stitch Guide

Title: Tunisian Crochet Stitch Guide

Author: Kim Guzman

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

The Tunisian Crochet Stitch Guide by Kim Guzman is a pattern booklet featuring 61 Tunisian crochet stitch patterns.  

The booklet begins with an introduction to reading international stitch symbols and understanding “multiples” in stitch patterns.  This introduction is followed by 14 basic stitch patterns, including common names in US terminology.  The remaining stitches are organized into three sections: Typical Stitches (17 stitch patterns including classics like the moss stitch and column variations), Color Stitches (11 stitch patterns), and Lace Stitches (18 stitch patterns).  Each pattern includes a swatch photo and a large, clear pattern in stitch symbols.  The booklet ends with a pattern for a scarf, which is written in both pattern abbreviations and symbols, and a general instructions section that explains the basic Tunisian crochet stitches with descriptions and process photos.  

The Tunisian Crochet Stitch Guide is one of the new Leisure Arts booklets and is about the size of a piece of letter paper folded in half.  The small size makes the booklet more portable, but the downside is that some of the swatch pictures are not very large.  There are no difficulty levels indicated.  The book emphasizes international stitch symbols, so crocheters who prefer written patterns will have to adapt.  (On the plus side, learning to read these symbols opens up literally a world of new patterns!)  Although the booklet is limited to Tunisian crochet stitches, there is an interesting variety of fabric densities and styles. 

I would recommend this booklet to crocheters who are beginning to explore Tunisian crochet, experienced Tunisian crocheters who are looking for a definitive US stitch guide, and those who are budding designers.  Even crocheters with a substantial collection of Tunisian crochet stitch guides will find new stitch patterns in this booklet.  

Retail price: $9.99

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Tunisian Crochet Stitch Guide was provided by Leisure Arts. 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: Ultimate Guide to Thread Crochet

Title: Ultimate Guide to Thread Crochet

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

Many crocheters who have always worked with yarn and larger hooks are intimidated by thread and steel hooks.  The Ultimate Guide to Thread Crochet: Everything You Need to Know and 23 Projects You Will Love is a Leisure Arts booklet designed to transition a yarn crocheter into a thread crocheter.

The booklet opens with a five page introduction that shares the history of crochet lace, reviews the supplies needed (including thread, steel hooks, tapestry needles, and finishing materials), and provides tips for the care, cleaning, and storage of thread crochet projects.

The booklet then launches into projects, which are arranged in order of difficulty.  Within this section, prior to a filet crochet project, there is a two-page section providing instructions for filet crochet.  The filet project includes a graphed alphabet for customization.  Each pattern includes a pattern skill level, at least one picture of the finished project, and a pattern written in U.S. abbreviations.  The filet crochet pattern also includes a graph.

The booklet ends with a nine page appendix that includes illustrated and written explanations of basic crochet stitches and the special stitches used in patterns, and tips for joining, weaving in ends, changing colors, working with beads.

The booklet doesn’t include international stitch symbols for any patterns.  While it includes some instructions for basic stitches, it is really targeted at an existing yarn crocheter that is familiar with the stitches but unfamiliar with working with thread.  I would have liked to see more discussion about avoiding hand strain, since it is sometimes physically difficult for crocheters to make the transition to thread.  The title is a bit of a misnomer - it really is an ultimate beginner’s guide.  More experienced thread crocheters will probably find the patterns too simple.

Overall, this booklet is a helpful introduction to thread crochet.  The opening section is written in a conversational tone and is designed to put the reader at ease.  This booklet lays flat so you can read while crocheting.  I would recommend the book for any yarn crocheter hoping to transition to thread work, or even for crocheters who are having difficulty transitioning from bulky and medium weight yarns to sock or fingering weight yarns.

Project types: 9 home decor items, 5 women’s accessories, 5 edgings, 3 baby items, 1 toy

Skill levesl: 4 easy, 19 intermediate

Retail price: $12.99 (ebook: $9.99)

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Ultimate Guide to Thread Crochet was provided by Leisure Arts. 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: Tunisian Cables to Crochet

Title: Tunisian Cables to Crochet

Author: Kim Guzman

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

Many crocheters look upon knit cables with envy and now there’s a book that can help you to make stunning crocheted cable projects.

Tunisian Cables to Crochet by Kim Guzman explores the world of Tunisian crochet cables, which look more similar to knit cables than cables crocheted with post stitches.

The book starts off with a friendly introduction from Kim, and moves quickly into the Basic Stitches section. If you are new to Tunisian crochet or need a refresher, this section includes written directions along with process photos of the basic Tunisian crochet stitches used in this book. 

In Step-by-Step Tunisian Cables, Kim introduces her method for creating Tunisian cables, which is a different technique from what I’ve seen described in other books and, from what Kim tells me, this method is different than what she's used in the past as well--an all-new method of doing Tunisian cables. This section includes detailed instructions along with multiple process photos for both right- and left-leaning cables.

 

Kim then shares 11 intermediate level patterns featuring several types of Tunisian cables. The projects are made with heavier yarns (medium and bulky weight) so that the dimensionality of the cables is really emphasized.  Kim’s projects are in a range of sizes so you can practice your cable techniques on something small, like the Geneva Headband, or something large, like the Verona Ruana.  Several of the larger projects are created using a join-as-you-go method, so several smaller components form the final project and some projects allow you to use a regular crochet hook instead of the longer Tunisian (afghan) hook. The book finishes with appendices that include metric conversion and an illustrated stitch guide.

All of the patterns in this book are rated intermediate, but Kim includes detailed instructions of Tunisian crochet basics and her method for cables.  As a result, a (patient) advanced beginner could also dive into these projects.  The patterns are written with abbreviations and there are no stitch symbols used in this book.  For Tunisian crochet newbies, Kim references the relevant instruction pages when stitches or cables are first introduced in each pattern. 

Although there are 11 great projects in this book, it is really more of a “technique” book than a project book. (Ravelry members can see all of the projects from the book here.)  Even if the particular projects are not in your style, this is the most comprehensive book on Tunisian crochet cables available. Once the reader is comfortable with Kim’s method, he or she can easily adapt other Tunisian crochet cable patterns. 

For readers who need more support, there is an online companion class, Tunisian Cables and Lace, available for $24.95 through Annie’s Catalog. (CGOA members, remember to use your membership ID for your CGOA-discounted rate.)

I would recommend this book to crocheters interested in expanding their Tunisian crochet repertoire, and to crocheters who don’t knit but like the look of knit cables. Although Tunisian crochet cables can be tricky, this book provides a lot of detailed instruction that can help out a Tunisian crochet newbie.

Project types: 3 scarves, 3 wraps/ruanas, 2 hats, 2 mitts, 1 headband

Skill levels: Intermediate

Retail price: $9.95

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Tunisian Cables to Crochet was provided by Annie's Publishing. 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: Reversible Baby Afghans

Title: Reversible Baby Afghans

Author: Barbara Shaffer

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

When I saw the stunning blanket design on the cover of Barbara Shaffer's book, Reversible Baby Afghans, I immediately fell in love and knew I had to review this book. The impressive ripple design with the bold color accent, the fantastic textured stitches, and splendid photography shown on the cover intrigued me to see what more Ms. Shaffer had to offer. I wasn't disappointed.

Her book features 5 beautiful designs perfect for baby, or anyone else for that matter! I love how she incorporates post stitches to create surprising details, and how those details translate to the opposite side of the blanket. Sometimes it was hard for me to tell which side I liked better. All of the patterns in the book are of intermediate skill level and use light weight yarns. The directions are clearly written and I enjoyed the beautiful photography. In the back of the book you will find the general instructions along with some definitions.

Last night, my husband conveniently reminded me that a co-worker is soon to have a baby. So what did this crocheter do? Of course I grabbed some baby pink yarn and a hook and got right to work on the Building Blocks design featured in Barbara's book. I really am happy with how it is turning out. The pattern is not difficult, but looks stunning. It is easy to read and follow. I can't wait to see how the finished project turns out.

If you are looking for a unique blanket to make that will surely become a family heirloom, be sure to check out the designs in Reversible Baby Afghans by Barbara Shaffer. It will probably be my go-to baby blanket book for a while because I have absolutely fallen in love with the designs and can't wait to make each and every one of them!

(Leisure Arts, 2012, 146 Pages, $9.95, ISBN-13: 978-1-60900-145-2)

Full disclosure: A free review copy of  Reversible Baby Afghans was provided by Leisure Arts. 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.