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: It Girl Crochet

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 Red

Title: Crochet Red-Crocheting for Women's Heart Health
Author: Laura Zander

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

(Sixth & Spring Books, 2013; 144 pages, $17.95, ISBN: 978-1-936096-61-9)

"Stick it to heart disease!" That is the rallying cry that unifies this book. Following on the heels of the successful “Knit Red”, author Laura Zander gives crochet fans equal time with a volume chock full of beautiful crochet creations. The premise of the book is to not only raise awareness about the number one killer of women in the US, which is heart disease, but a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health in support of The Heart Truth®.

The list of designers contributing to Crochet Red is a Who’s Who of stitchers from the crochet universe. There are 30 fabulous designs as well as heart healthy tips on diet and exercise, including a few recipes. There is a good mix of wearable fashions, accessories and a few home décor items thrown in for good measure. My personal “must makes” from this book include Marly Bird’s Sweater with Cowl, which is a lacey pullover with a twisted and draped cowl front, Kathy Merrick’s Peplum Jacket (a feast of textured stitches on a classy fitted cardi) and Vicki Howell’s Yoga Bag.

Crochet Red is primarily a pattern book, but it does have a brief instructional section in the back for crochet basics, and the instructions are accompanied by photographs. The instructions are all written, no charts. Many of the smaller projects are within the scope of a beginner, but there is plenty here to keep the more experienced stitcher entertained as well. You can feel good about purchasing this book, knowing that part of your purchase goes to a worthy cause. 

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Crochet Red was provided by Sixth & Spring 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: 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.

Book Review: Cute & Easy Crochet with Flowers

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: Calamity-Free Crochet

Title: Calamity-Free Crochet
Authors: Katherine Hurst

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

(Harper Design, 2014; 192 pages, $19.99, ISBN: 978-0-06-228786-1)

Subtitled Troubleshooting Tips and Advice for the Savvy Needlecrafter, this book delivers on its promise. It would make an excellent teaching tool for a beginner. It’s slightly larger than digest size, so will still fit comfortably into a work bag for reference. 

There are no real project patterns, but there is a nice stitch directory, including some motifs. 

This volume includes the typical sections on hooks and yarns, but goes further still, with discussion on International vs US terminology, color theory, yarn substitution and a hook conversion chart. There is a section on techniques, including making buttonholes and set-in pockets. All instructions are written, minus charts. However, the instructions are accompanied by clear line drawings to assist the crocheter in figuring out how the stitches are formed.

I recommend Calamity-Free Crochet as a great reference tool in the beginning crocheter’s library.

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Calamity-Free Crochet was provided by Harper Design. 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: 500 Crochet Blocks

Title: 500 Crochet Blocks
Authors: Hannah Elgie and Kathie Webber

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

(Quintet Publishing Limited, 2013; 288 pages, $18.95, ISBN: 978-0-85762-227-3)

This book promises to be “the only compendium of crochet blocks you’ll ever need”.  This little chunky book is packed full of motifs; squares, triangles, circles, flowers and more. Instructions are presented as both written as well as charted, making this book suitable for all stitchers.  The size of the book is perfect for tucking into a work bag. 

500 Crochet Blocks is a great resource for the beginning crocheter as well as for the more experienced stitcher. It may not be the only book you’ll ever need for crochet blocks, but it will keep you entertained for awhile.

Full disclosure: A free review copy of 500 Crochet Blocks was provided by Quintet 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: 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: 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: Crochet for the Kitchen

Title: Crochet for the Kitchen

Author: Tove Fevang

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

Originally published in Norway last year, this title now comes to America. Crochet for the Kitchen is packed with 45 kitchen worthy accessories. 

Potholders abound, with modern designs as well as cute retro-inspired hot pads. There are also placemats, a dish cloth and a hand towel. 

The yarns represented in the book are not all easily obtainable in the U.S. CYCA numbers are given for the yarns, but if one is substituting yarns, it might be prudent to look up the yarn in the book online, as all of the yarns are listed in the book as CYCA #1 or #2, but one example given is Rowan Hand Knit Cotton, which is actually a worsted weight. If the stitcher is alert to the size hook used and looks up the yarn, it should just be a simple matter of finding a suitable substitute to recreate the author’s projects. 

As an added bonus, Fevang’s projects include Tunisian crochet items as well, which wear very well in the kitchen.

If you like making potholders, this is the book for you!

(Trafalgar Square Books, 2013; 119 pages, $22.95, ISBN: 978-1-57076-606-0)

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Crochet for the Kitchen was provided by Trafalgar Square 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: 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: 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: 100 Lace Flowers to Crochet

Title: 100 Lace Flowers to Crochet

Author: Caitlin Sainio

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

Sainio, also the author of 100 Snowflakes to Crochet, brings us a second volume of beautiful thread crochet. Along with the self-described lace flowers, there are also directions for several lace leaves, a dragonfly, a caterpillar and a couple of butterflies. This volume includes both written and charted patterns for each individual motif. But Sainio doesn’t stop there. She also gives several ideas for different applications for the flowers, leaves and insects, including using them as stand-alone projects, such as napkin rings, corsages and a cute garland, as well as using them as embellishment on ready-made items, such as clothing and home décor items, such as pillows. Really, one is only limited by their own imagination. I am picturing jewelry, hair accessories, glass cozies, wine glass markers…the list is endless! One could even explore making the motifs in heavier yarn and larger hooks for afghans or freeform applications.

While this book may not be appropriate for a brand new crocheter, there is a nice crochet refresher course at the front of the book, which includes instructions on how to read symbol crochet.  The reader is also treated to several eye-pleasing “Floral Collection” photos at the front of the book that will entice you to grab a hook and some thread. Several varieties of flowers are represented here and there are no doubt a large enough variety of blooms to satisfy any flower-loving crocheter. Get your copy and crochet your own flower garden! 

(St. Martin’s Griffin, June 2013; 128 pages, $21.99, ISBN: 978-1-250-01903-5)

Full disclosure: A free review copy of 100 Lace Flowers to Crochet was provided by St. Martin's Griffin. 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: Convertible Crochet

Title: Convertible Crochet

Author: Doris Chan

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

Doris Chan has done it again! The origin of the customizable designs in Chan’s latest offering begins with an original doily titled, “Entropy”. From here, Chan takes us on a journey, during which she incorporates elements of “Entropy” to create varied and multi-sided motifs. From there, she demonstrates how to incorporate the motifs into convertible garments, such as a poncho/skirt, shawl/throw and a long rectangular wrap that is styled four ways. 

In Chan’s trademark “exploded lace”, there are projects fit for every level of experience.  There is a project count of 20, plus add-on flutter sleeves for the tops. Chan gives a breakdown of her design process as well, and encourages the reader to experiment with the motifs to form his or her own unique designs. 

Convertible Crochet deserves a place on every crocheter’s bookshelf. And since everything in this book is lace, all of the designs are great take-along warm weather projects.

(Potter Craft, 2013; 144 pages, $21.99, ISBN: 978-0-307-96570-7)

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Convertible Crochet was provided by Potter Craft. 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.