A VERY USEFUL TOOL FOR CROCHETERS

While researching a completely unrelated topic, I ran across this (new to me) book site, Google Book Search. I am very impressed with the list of crochet books (699) and the previews that are available. Not all books are previewed and some have more extensive previews available than others. Since I have recently held Margaret Huber’s “Plus Sized Crochet” in my hands, I chose it to use as the way to judge the usefulness of this site.

Margaret is an inventive and reliable crochet designer. Her designs are always attractive, she has a wide variety of designs in print, and I know I can count on her to produce a good book. And, if you trust what you read on the internet, many people are looking for good plus sized crochet designs. Margaret’s book is a good addition to the crochet garment library.

The Google Book Search site has a great picture of the cover of this book and a tempting look at the inside of the book to get a good sense of what you’ll be buying. There are good pictures of finished garments, a good sampling of text, complete measurement charts to be sure you’ll fit in her sizes, and even a lengthy excerpt of a pattern to assure you’ll understand the manner in which her patterns are written. What a useful tool!

This site also has links to sites where the book is available for purchase, book prices, and a link to reviews.

I hope more books will be available for preview on this site. I have bookmarked the site and plan on using it routinely for more information about crochet books.

Some crochet garments look beautiful on the hanger but feel awkward to wear. This Lacy Crochet Tee from Lana Grossa is not one of those pieces. It’s light, breathable, and very much designed to be worn — the kind of handmade top that slips easily into your everyday wardrobe without feeling “too precious.”

What immediately stands out is the openness of the stitch pattern. It has that airy, lacy feel that works so well for warmer weather or for layering over a tank or dress. This isn’t a heavy, structured garment; it’s soft and fluid, with just enough texture to make it interesting while still letting the yarn shine.

From a making point of view, this tee is a really enjoyable project if you like crochet that feels calm and rhythmic. The lace pattern keeps your hands engaged without constant counting or frustration, which makes it perfect for evening crochet or quiet weekend sessions. It’s also very satisfying watching the fabric grow — those lacy stitches really show progress quickly.

Skill-wise, this one is best suited to confident beginners moving into intermediate crochet. You don’t need advanced shaping skills, but being comfortable with stitch patterns and keeping even tension will make the process much more enjoyable. If you’ve been wanting to dip your toe into wearable crochet without tackling a full sweater, this is a great place to start.

What I really appreciate about this pattern is how versatile it is. Change the colour and fibre and it can feel casual and beachy or clean and modern. It’s the kind of tee you’ll reach for again and again, especially when you want something handmade that still feels light and effortless.

If you enjoy crochet garments that are wearable, practical, and quietly stylish, this lacy tee is a lovely pattern to have in your collection.

Have you read?