Fair Isle Tunisian Crochet by Brenda Bourg
Book Review by Jessie Rayot of Jessie At Home

I noticed this book on Amazon when it was still in pre-sales, and when I was asked to review it, I was super excited! I've never tried fair isle Tunisian crochet before, but it's been on my list of skills to learn for quite some time. Brenda's book was just right for me!

Brenda starts out with a great introduction about what this technique is, how it can be used, and how she learned and fell in love with Tunisian fair isle. She then continues on with a spectacular technical section. Brenda takes the time to explain the importance of things like floats, gauge, swatching, and blocking (with plenty of pins!). Then there are 15 pages of stitch explanations with step by step photos. This makes every stitch so easy to understand and master, even if you've never tried Tunisian crochet before.

Next Brenda takes the time to teach some skills, techniques, tips and trick, and to give pointers on notions needed and even color planning. By the time I got to the first pattern, I no longer had any questions about how to create Tunisian fair isle, or if I could. I had every tool I needed and was ready to go!

The book continues along in an intelligent pattern order, starting with smaller and easier projects. The first 2 patterns are boot cuffs, which are quite hot right now! The first boot cuff pattern has a simple chart with short floats. Though it may appear as though these (and many of the other patterns) are worked in the round, all the patterns in this book are worked flat and seamed together. No worries about seaming though, Brenda explained all that in the beginning of the book.

I love that there are 2 or 3 of most type of pattern in the book, such as the boot cuffs, ear warmers and neck warmers; but all with different charts. This allows the crocheter to become confident with the pattern while working on improving their fair isle technique.

Though there are plenty of easier patterns, Brenda does include some patterns to help the reader grow their skills even more. There are 2 patterns that use more than 2 colors, there are some blankets for those wanting a larger project, and there are even a couple sweaters.

Fair Isle Tunisian Crochet by Brenda Bourg is a great book for those looking to expand their crocheting skills into Tunisian fair isle, and for those who already know Tunisian fair isle but want to improve those skills or find more wonderful patterns and charts to use.

Fair Isle Tunisian Crochet by Brenda Bourg can be found HERE on Amazon and retails for $21.95. You can also find the Ravelry listing HERE.

Now for something extra special from Brenda and Stackpole - your chance to win a FREE copy of this awesome book!!

To enter the Fair Isle Tunisian Crochet book giveaway, you must be 18 years of age with a valid shipping address. Giveaway is open to USA residents only. Giveaway ends February 21st at end of day eastern time. One winner will be contacted by email for their shipping address, once the winner replies with a valid USA shipping address, the winner will be sent the book. Winner must reply to notification email with a valid shipping address within 1 week or a new winner will be chosen.

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Full disclosure: A free electronic review copy of Fair Isle Tunisian Crochet was provided by Stackpole. 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.