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?

Shock Wave Free Crochet Lap Blanket Pattern

This Free Shock Wave Crochet Lap Blanket Pattern from Mary Maxim looks like one of those wonderfully satisfying projects that gives big cozy payoff without fiddly detail. Mary Maxim lists it as a free download, designed as a crochet afghan/lap blanket, with a finished size of 45 x 50 inches.

What immediately stands out is the yarn choice. The pattern is made with Bernat Blanket Extra Thick, using 5 skeins, and calls for a U.S. U/50 (25 mm) crochet hook. That is gloriously chunky territory, which usually means fast progress and lots of squishy texture. If you are in the mood for a project that feels substantial in your hands and grows quickly row by row, this one definitely has that appeal.

Mary Maxim describes the blanket as having a beautifully textured, plush, soft finish and suggests it as a project for home décor or gifting. Based on the materials and oversized hook alone, that sounds about right. This feels like the sort of blanket you make for curling up on the couch, draping over a chair, or giving as a practical handmade gift that will actually get used instead of folded away “for best.”

The pattern is marked Easy, and the listed stitch requirements are straightforward: chain, repeat, double crochet, single crochet, and slip stitch. That makes it sound approachable for confident beginners and very appealing for anyone who wants a relaxing crochet project without too much counting drama.

I also think the lap blanket size is a smart one. Not every crochet blanket needs to become a giant commitment that takes over the lounge room and your will to live. A 45 x 50 inch blanket is a useful, manageable size for gifting, for wheelchairs or reading nooks, or just for keeping on hand for chilly evenings. That practicality gives this pattern extra appeal. The usability point is my own take based on the finished dimensions Mary Maxim provides.

At the moment, the pattern page shows no reviews, so there is not much customer feedback to go on yet. Still, if you enjoy easy crochet blanket patterns, super chunky crochet throws, or quick lap blanket projects, this one looks like a solid freebie to save.

My overall take? This looks like a fast, cozy, beginner-friendly crochet blanket pattern with plenty of texture and instant-gratification energy. Very much the sort of project you start because it looks easy, then keep going because the yarn feels ridiculously soft.