Crochet

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Book Review- AROUND THE CORNER CROCHET BORDERS by Edie Eckman

by

Around the Corner Crochet Borders by Edit Eckman

I had heard some buzz about this book but wanted to check it out for myself.  Fearing it couldn’t live up to its newly minted ‘hype’, I was a bit hesitant to disappoint anyone with a lackluster review.  Oh, well.  No disappointment here!  This book is YUMMY!

First, it’s packed with great color photos clearly depicting every edging.  Second, each design has both a written AND charted pattern, prefaced with a good description of any ‘special’ stitch(es) used – like a TR2tog.  In addition, many designs are accompanied with an inset ‘tip’ box to give a fuller understanding of the stitches or pattern or an alternate way to use the design.

Every multi-layered design is shown with each row crocheted in a different color.  I find this extremely helpful.  Further, the charted pattern contain highlighted areas and brackets which make it much easier to define each cluster or motif.

There area a total of 150 edgings in this book.  Each gets its own full description so there’s no flipping back and forth, trying to figure out what to do next.

What makes this edging book UNIQUE is its emphasis on describing HOW to go around the corners – inside and outside corners.  The book’s Introduction pays special attention to defining this technique, showing in simple terms how to make the math and stitches work out.

The Introduction also addresses potential problem areas and the impact of color on a design.  There are several glossaries, one for Punctuation (all those brackets and asterisks), several pages of Terms and Abbreviations, and a very clear Chart Stitch Key.  There’s also a handy Index.

That’s quite a lot crammed into these 320 pages!  I’ve seen some of these edgings (or near matches) but many of them are spectacular additions to anyone’s collection.  My favorites include #63, #92 and #93 which remind me of antique picture frames, #118, and the splendid and complicated (and graceful) looking #131.  Also note that #100 (which I really think I invented – minus the picots LOL) and #123 with its ribbons (for Breast Cancer Awareness or in different colors for other causes).

All the edgings are tempting.  Some make me laugh as I don’t anticipate ever needing them.  Yet, who knows?  But, for tonight, I’ll be using #21 to edge a babyghan I’ve got to finish quickly for a shower.  Thanks, Edie, for this great book!

BOOK STATS:

Crochet Borders

Storey Publishing, 2010

320 Pages

ISBN 9781603425384

$16.95 USD

PS – stay tuned for more on Edie Eckman

Comments

  1. Can we please have books like these published in “english’ terminology as well.

  2. I don’t know how to crochet-YET! I would love to learn how to do this and then put them on everything that stands still-framed photos, lamp shades, pillow cases, scrapbook pages, cards…

  3. I would like to receive the 150 colorful Creative crocheted endings with charts and instructions for turning the corner perfectly every time.(Around the corner Crochet Borders)
    Understand that the price is aroud the $ 17.00
    US dollars.

  4. Norma,
    I don’t sell the books from this site. I suggest you contact amazon.com or another online vendor if you don’t have a bookstore near you that carries the book.
    jd

Have you read?

Red Melt The Ice Slouch Beanie Crochet Pattern Review

Some crochet projects are made simply because we need a warm hat. Some are made because we need a quick gift, a stash-busting project, or something easy to work on while watching television. And then there are crochet projects that carry a message.

This Red Slouch Beanie Crochet Pattern PDF sits firmly in that last category.

Inspired by the Melt the ICE craftivism movement, this red crochet beanie is more than just a wearable winter accessory. It is a handmade political statement — soft, practical, visible, and rooted in the long tradition of protest through craft.

You can find the Red Slouch Beanie Crochet Pattern PDF here.

Crochet as Protest

Crafters have always had a way of saying things with their hands. Quilts have carried coded messages, embroidery has documented women’s lives, banners have marched through the streets, and yarn crafts have wrapped public spaces in colour and defiance.

This beanie belongs to that same creative lineage.

The phrase Melt the ICE gives this pattern its political edge. It connects the humble red crochet hat to conversations around immigration enforcement, detention, family separation, human rights, community care, and the role ordinary people can play in public protest.

And that is what makes this pattern interesting. It is not loud in the way a placard is loud, but it is visible. A red handmade hat catches the eye. It invites questions. It gives the maker a way to wear their values without needing to shout over anyone.

Sometimes craftivism works because it is disarming. People expect political protest to be hard-edged, but handmade work brings something different to the conversation. It says, “I cared enough to make this stitch by stitch.”

About the Pattern

The pattern itself is beginner-friendly and refreshingly straightforward. The hat is worked flat in rows, then seamed and gathered to create a relaxed slouch beanie shape. That makes it especially approachable for crocheters who are still building confidence with wearable projects.

Instead of needing to work in the round or fuss with crown shaping from the start, you are essentially making a rectangle and turning it into a hat. I love that kind of construction because it gives beginners a real sense of achievement. You are not just practising stitches — you end up with something wearable and meaningful.

The design uses a textured crochet fabric, giving the finished beanie a cozy, slightly chunky look. The slouchy shape keeps it casual and modern, while the bold red colour gives it that unmistakable activist feel.

Why Red Matters

The red yarn is not just a colour choice here. It is part of the visual language of the project.

Red is urgent. Red is warm. Red is visible in a crowd. It can suggest anger, love, warning, solidarity, courage, and care all at once. For a political crochet project, that matters.

A red slouch beanie can be worn to rallies, community events, mutual aid gatherings, craftivism meet-ups, or simply out in everyday life as a quiet statement of support. It is one of those pieces that can be as bold or as subtle as the wearer wants it to be.

Of course, you could make the pattern in any colour, but for the Melt the ICE inspiration, red feels intentional. It gives the hat its message before a single word is spoken.