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Vintage Book Review- ADVENTURES IN CROCHETING – the third rerun

September 4, 2007 by jd wolfe

aytes-tunic.JPG

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:

aytes-graphics.JPG
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!

aytes-tunic.JPG
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:

aytes-bows.JPG
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:

aytes-poinsettia.JPG
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!

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Comments

  1. Sandra Perez says

    September 4, 2007 at 8:58 pm

    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

  2. craftyfox05 says

    September 26, 2007 at 2:37 pm

    Looks like a good find, I’ll do a search.
    I’ve forgotten how to do motifs…

Have you read?

How to Crochet the Suzette Stitch: An Easy Textured Crochet Stitch for Beginners

Learning a crochet stitch is much more satisfying when you have an actual project waiting at the end of it. The Suzette stitch is especially versatile because its dense, softly textured fabric works for everything from practical cotton washcloths to cosy scarves, hats and blankets.

Here are some Suzette stitch crochet patterns worth adding to your project list.

Suzette Stitch Baby Blanket

The free Suzette Stitch Baby Blanket pattern from Premier Yarns uses the stitch to create a softly textured crochet blanket with a subtle tweed-like appearance.

This would make a lovely handmade baby shower gift, particularly when worked in a washable baby yarn. The stitch creates more visual interest than plain single crochet without introducing large holes that may catch tiny fingers.

Easy Suzette Stitch Blanket

The Suzette Stitch Blanket pattern by Stitching Together is another approachable blanket project for crocheters who enjoy a relaxing stitch repeat.

This is the sort of project you can keep beside the sofa and work on a few rows at a time. Just keep an eye on those skipped stitches—television crochet is wonderful until an extra stitch quietly sneaks in three episodes earlier.

Casey Suzette Stitch Scarf

The free Casey Scarf crochet pattern uses the Suzette stitch through most of the design, producing a cosy scarf with a softly scalloped, zigzag-like texture.

It is a good first wearable project for beginners because scarves do not require complicated shaping. You can also adjust the length fairly easily or use a self-striping yarn and let the colour changes do the decorative work for you.

Quick Suzette Crochet Scarf

For another scarf option, try this free Suzette Stitch Scarf pattern from Hooked by Robin.

The designer includes written instructions and a video tutorial, making it helpful for visual learners who prefer watching the stitch placement before beginning. It is designed as a quick project and would make a practical last-minute handmade gift.

Suzette Colour Block Scarf

The free Suzette Colour Block Scarf pattern is a cheerful option for using several coordinating yarn colours.

Colour blocking also makes this a handy stash-busting crochet project. You can use leftover yarn from other makes, although it is worth choosing yarns of the same weight and similar fibre content so the sections behave themselves after washing.

Chunky Suzette Stitch Beanie

The free Chunky Suzette Stitch Beanie crochet pattern turns the textured stitch into a warm winter hat.

Chunky yarn helps the pattern work up quickly and makes the raised texture especially noticeable. This would be a useful project for craft stalls, charity donations or quick handmade Christmas gifts.

Hazel Textured Crochet Beanie

The free Hazel Beanie crochet pattern combines simple ribbing with the Suzette stitch.

The ribbed brim gives the hat a neat, finished appearance while the Suzette stitch adds texture to the main body. It looks more complicated than a basic crochet beanie but is still built from familiar beginner stitches.

Suzette Stitch Washcloth

For a small practice project, try the free Suzette Stitch Wash Cloth pattern from The Purple Poncho.

A washcloth is one of the best ways to practise a new crochet stitch because it is small, useful and not terribly demanding. Even if the first one is slightly wonky, it will still wash perfectly well.

Use a smooth cotton yarn so the cloth is absorbent and the stitch texture remains clearly visible.

Suzette Ridge Crochet Washcloth

The free Suzette Ridge Crochet Washcloth pattern adds another layer of texture to this familiar stitch combination.

Make several in coordinating colours and pair them with handmade soap for an easy spa-style gift. They are also useful little projects for testing unfamiliar cotton yarn before committing to a larger set.

Corner-to-Corner Suzette Stitch Washcloth

The free C2C Suzette Stitch Washcloth pattern gives the stitch a slightly different construction by working it from corner to corner.

This is a good next project after you have mastered ordinary flat rows. It lets you explore increasing and decreasing while still using the familiar Suzette stitch combination.

Suzette Stitch Afghan Square

The Suzette Stitch Afghan Square pattern turns the textured stitch into a smaller crochet block.

Afghan squares are useful for charity blankets, sampler blankets and portable crochet projects. You can make the squares individually, use up leftover yarn and join everything together once you have enough—although “enough” has been known to become a surprisingly flexible number in my craft room.

More Suzette Stitch Crochet Pattern Ideas

Once you are comfortable with the basic stitch, you can also use it to make:

  • Crochet mug cosies
  • Ear warmers and headbands
  • Fingerless gloves
  • Cushion covers
  • Tote bags
  • Baby rompers
  • Crochet cardigans
  • Lap blankets
  • Double-thick potholders

You can browse additional Suzette stitch crochet patterns on Etsy, including sweaters, baby blankets, beanies, mug cosies and accessories from independent crochet designers.

When choosing a pattern, check whether it uses US or UK crochet terminology. Also check whether it uses the traditional Suzette stitch—one single crochet and one double crochet worked into the same stitch—or a designer’s variation of it. That quick check can prevent a great deal of confused unraveling later.

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