Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

A Gift For Me!

by

 

 

A friend recently gave me this book.  She doesn’t crochet (or knit) and has little knowledge of other needlearts, but she’s quite good at choosing books!  This one is a keeper.  It’s small enough to tuck in a bag and fun enough to experiment with a variety of stitches.  Not only is each stitch pattern in the book accompanied with a written description and a chart, but there are some patterns in this book I’ve never seen before.

One of my favorites, based only on the picture and pattern in the book, is one called ‘alternating wedges’.  There is an entire section in this book on wedge patterns.  There is also a section on Wings.  Have you ever seen that?  Curved and more traditional looking wings.  I can think of some good uses for these patterns.

Another section entitled ‘Simple Textures’ includes the usual front loop only and back loop only – but also middle loop only – something I’ve never seen elsewhere, although I think I’ve done it a few times by accident!

There’s a lot in this little book.  I do wish that some of the more intricate patterns were accompanied with larger pictures so I could have a clearer idea of how the pattern would appear in a garment or as part of an afghan.

I was fortunate enough to receive this book as a gift.  I recommend it to you as a wonderful addition to your crochet library – or to give as a gift to an advanced beginner or more experienced crocheter.

Book Specs:

Textured Crochet

St Martin’s Griffin Press, 2007

Paper over board cover with spiral binding (wonderful!)

96 pages with numerous color photos

ISBN:  9780312373757

List Price $16.95 USD

Comments

  1. Well, that book just went on my wish list. You are lucky to have such a good friend who knows you well. By the way HAPPY THANKSGIVING, a bit late. sorry

  3. I can’t believe I had a book that you didn’t have. 🙂 I looked that up and the only problem I have is figuring out what they are calling the middle loop. lol I sure do with it have pics showing what they did.

Have you read?

Crochet Baby Beanie – A Sweet Beginner-Friendly Hat Pattern for Baby Showers and Handmade Gifts

This Crochet Baby Beanie is one of those simple little patterns that makes a really lovely handmade gift. It uses soft Bernat Softee Baby yarn for the hat, a fluffy Pipsqueak edging, and an optional crochet flower on the side, giving it that cute baby-shower-ready finish.

What makes this one appealing is that the shape is worked in easy rounds, starting with a magic circle and increasing up to 48 stitches before moving into the textured post-stitch section. The fluffy edging softens the whole look, and the added flower gives it a sweet decorative touch without making the project feel too fussy.

I also like that it feels like a pattern you could easily customize. You could skip the flower for a simpler baby beanie, change the colors for a more modern look, or keep the pink-and-white version for a classic handmade baby gift. It has that practical “quick weekend project” feel, which is always handy when a baby shower sneaks up on you.

If you’re looking for an easy crochet baby hat pattern with a soft, cozy finish, this one is definitely worth a look. It’s cute, giftable, and the fluffy trim gives it a little extra charm.