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: 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.