A Good Oldie For You!

Encyclopedia of Crochet

This is the updated and revised 2012 edition of Donna Kooler’s classic reference book that is in the hands of many crocheters. I just ran across this at my public library and decided to share my review of it with you.

Encyclopedia for Crochet

This book is a real find. I especially like the part of the book covering the history of our beloved craft, complete with numerous photos of antique pieces. This section covers 10 pages of the book and gathers many threads of the history of crochet into this one place. After this section is a fantastic review of the various fibers used to create yarn and the variety of crochet hooks available now and in the past.

Next, Kooler uses numerous illustrations/drawings to demonstrate basic stitches and techniques followed up with projects using those stitches. Easier projects for the more basic stitches and more intricate projects later when more complex stitches are presented. Later, Kooler presents a crochet stitch pattern gallery, clearly demonstrating how we combine simple and complex stitches to create the huge array of pattern variations many of us use. Each stitch pattern is accompanied with a written pattern as well as a chart, making following each one quite easy.

Techniques covered in this book in addition to the ‘basic’ crochet is bead, wire, tunisian, tapestry, thread, lace, and medallions. In the 240 pages of this oversized paperback, Kooler has compiled a wonderful reference for any crocheter. Should you want to choose a book to give a first time or inexperienced crocheter, this would be the one for you. More experienced crocheters will enjoy having it in their crochet libraries also.

Book Specs:

Published by Leisure Arts in 2012

240 pages with many photos, illustrations, and drawings, 9X11 inch softcover

ISBN: 9781609003937

$24.99 USD

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.

Have you read?