Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Vintage Book Review- ADVENTURES IN CROCHETING – the third rerun

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This ‘Plain Jane’ book is a true gem! The copy I have from my library is bound in orange with white lettering on the spine. This is no indication of the wealth of information that is within the covers. While there are no color photographs and mostly just patterns for motifs, there is a lot of useful information here that I have not found in other books.

Here’s an example of the clear and concise graphics in the book:

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If you like crocheted flower lace, this is the book for you! My favorite of such patterns is on page 170 and is called ‘flower lace’. It’s a seemingly intricate hexagon pattern, with each hexagon containing a delicate 6 petalled flower. The pattern is actually quite simple, containing only chains and treble clusters, and would make a lovely babyghan or shawl. Along these same lines is the ‘troika pattern’ and several flower squares which appear both old fashioned and modern!

Here’s a tunic that could be from 1970 or 2007!

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Have you heard of Peruvian Filigeree? I never had. This pattern is slated as useful for mats, tablecloths, stoles, blouses, afghans, draperies, shopping bags, etc. Quite versatile indeed – and lovely too. Another beauty is the star filet. I have not seen this elsewhere – but I’m not a filet expert, so consider your source. Here’s something I plan to try – and I haven’t seen it elsewhere:

Two Colored Bows:

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Another goodie is the ‘Expanding Shells’ which would work perfectly for capelets and skirts and which I can see as an adornment for a lampshade.

One section of this versatile book encourages you to Design Your Own Items with Set-Together Motifs with squares and patterns for everything from pet coats to cosmetic bags, pillows, and upholstery fabric. One stop shopping.

But, my favorite section of this book is the section on gift package adornments. Had you considered crocheting poinsettias or chrysanthemums to enhance your gifts? Well, this book will make you want to get busy with your yarn scraps to work up special package adornments.

Here’s the poinsettia package decoration:

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The book is 244 pages and was published in 1972 by author Barbara Aytes. ISBN 0385084927. This book is available from online used book vendors for prices ranging from $9.99 to $143.00! I guess I’m not the only one who thinks this book is a gem!

Comments

  1. I knew who wrote it the moment I saw the two tone bow picture, it also features in her Adventures in Knitting, which I learned to knit with. I will now be looking to get this one also, since I have crocheted longer than I have knitted; loved her one book, am sure will love the other.
    Sandy

Have you read?

The Miffy Crochet Book Review: 16 Sweet Projects for Bunny Lovers

Some characters need elaborate outfits and a whole collection of accessories to be recognisable. Miffy manages it with two long ears and the simplest little face. There is something rather lovely about that, especially when you’re looking for crochet projects that feel sweet without being overly fussy.

The Miffy Crochet Book brings that familiar storybook charm to a collection of handmade toys, decorations and home accessories. If you have a Miffy fan in the family, or you’re rather fond of the little bunny yourself, this is a crochet book worth a closer look.

What appeals to me is the possibility of making several coordinating gifts from one collection. A bunny is lovely on its own, but a bunny with a matching blanket? That is how a small project quietly becomes an entire gift basket.

What Is The Miffy Crochet Book?

Created by crochet designer Kimberley Zwaans, with designs based on Dick Bruna’s illustrations, this official Miffy crochet book is published by Search Press.

The 128-page paperback contains 16 projects, with a mixture of smaller makes and larger pieces. You can find The Miffy Crochet Book at Knit Picks.

This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

More Than a Miffy Bunny Crochet Pattern

The collection includes Miffy and friends as amigurumi toys, alongside projects such as a blanket, motif cushion and moon-and-stars mobile.

There is also a birthday theme, with a crochet cake, placemats, bunting and a crown. That gives the book an appeal beyond toy making, particularly if you enjoy creating decorations that can come out again for family celebrations.

I like that mixture. Sometimes you want a small character project with a face to embroider. Other times, a larger piece of crochet is exactly what you want beside your chair for the evening.

The collection uses seven yarn shades, which gives it a cohesive feel. You will still need to check the quantities and requirements for each project before shopping. Seven colours does not necessarily mean seven balls, much as our yarn budgets might wish otherwise.

Is It Suitable for Beginners?

The publisher describes the book as beginner-friendly and says it includes illustrated guidance for the key stitches. There are also projects offering more challenge.

My practical advice is to choose your first make by the techniques involved, rather than simply picking the smallest item. Small amigurumi pieces can require quite a bit of counting, shaping and careful assembly.

If working in the round is still new territory, our magic ring crochet tutorials for beginners are useful preparation. You can also build confidence with these easy crochet projects that start with a magic loop.

Before starting, check the book’s stitch terminology, recommended yarn and hook size. Those details matter more than choosing a colour that happens to look lovely in the basket.

The Appeal, and What to Consider

For me, the strongest selling point is the coordinated theme. This would be particularly appealing for crocheters who love Miffy, enjoy character projects or want several related handmade gift ideas.

The narrower theme is also something to consider before buying. If you prefer a crochet book packed with different animals and styles, this collection may feel too specific. Its appeal depends on how much you enjoy Miffy’s simple, recognisable world.

Simple faces also deserve careful finishing. A tiny change in eye placement or the angle of an ear can alter a character’s expression, so I would allow time for pinning and checking before sewing everything permanently.

If you would like a separate bunny project to try first, our free kawaii bunny crochet pattern on CraftBits offers another option. It is a different pattern, rather than an extract from this book.

Who Would Enjoy This Book?

I would put The Miffy Crochet Book on the shortlist for a crocheter who enjoys nostalgic characters and likes the idea of making a coordinated collection.

The combination of toys, home accessories and celebration projects gives those 16 designs several different uses. You could choose one special make or gradually work towards a whole Miffy-themed gift.

That is the charm for me: familiar, cheerful designs with room to make something personal. Just decide which project you’re starting before buying the yarn. Otherwise, “one little bunny” has a habit of acquiring a blanket, bunting and its own birthday party.